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://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters.

Note: Staff-led mobile office hours are closed to press. Recording devices of any kind are not allowed. These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of our constituents.

Milwaukee County Office Hours

Tuesday, January 2

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Washington Park Senior Center

4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53208

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-passing-of-senator-herb-kohl,Senator Baldwin Statement on Passing of Senator Herb Kohl,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the passing of former Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl.

“Herb was my role model. Herb was a true public servant, leading with compassion and humility, and uncompromising in putting Wisconsin first. It didn’t matter how powerful the opposing forces were or how long the fight was, Herb was willing to take on any challenge if it meant a brighter future for Wisconsin. Herb was as generous as they come – with his resources, his knowledge, his time, and his heart. Wisconsin is lucky to have had Herb Kohl in our corner and we are undoubtedly a better, more just place because of his service. He truly was nobody’s senator but ours. My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and the entire Badger State as we mourn the loss of a Wisconsin giant.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-year-in-review-senator-baldwin-crisscrossed-wisconsin,A Year in Review: Senator Baldwin Crisscrossed Wisconsin,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – In 2023, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) attended or hosted nearly 150 community events and meetings with constituents spanning 44 counties across Wisconsin. While crisscrossing the state, Senator Baldwin heard from constituents and celebrated her work to lower costs for families, support veterans, grow the Made in Wisconsin economy, rebuild crumbling infrastructure, and more.

“Traveling across the state and listening to Wisconsinites is what informs my work in Washington, and I’m so grateful to the families, businesses, local leaders, and all the Wisconsinites who take the time to share their experiences with me and are working to solve our state’s toughest challenges,” said Senator Baldwin. “Traveling the state is also a time to celebrate the progress we’ve made. I was proud to deliver real results for Wisconsin families – lowering costs, curbing the opioid and fentanyl crisis, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, and growing our Made in Wisconsin economy. I know we have more work to do, but I am so proud that we are following our state’s motto and moving Forward.”

Below are some highlights from Senator Baldwin’s year crisscrossing Wisconsin:

Addressing Public Safety and Opioid Epidemic

Ladysmith: At a roundtable, Senator Baldwin was joined by public health experts, law enforcement, and local officials to discuss her FEND Off Fentanyl Act and how to better protect our communities against the devastating impacts of opioids and fentanyl.

Wausau: While touring the Wausau Fire Station, Senator Baldwin heard about the impact the $3 million SAFER Grant she helped secure will allow for the hiring of nine new firefighters, helping them meet increasing demand and responsibilities.

Prairie du Chien: Joining first responders, Senator Baldwin celebrated the nearly $5 million of federal funding she helped deliver for the new Prairie du Chien Public Safety Center that will help first responders meet challenges, keep communities safe, and attract and retain talent.

Keshena: Senator Baldwin visited the Menominee Tribal Clinic in Keshena to see how a $1.3 million federal investment is helping the Menominee Tribe build a new tribal clinic to expand access to affordable health care, including mental health services and substance use disorder treatment.

Building a Made in America Economy

Milwaukee: At Rockwell Automation, Senator Baldwin touted her work to bring home a Tech Hub and discussed with consortium partners their work to spur personal medicine innovation, grow our economy, and create jobs in this cutting-edge industry.

Superior: Senator Baldwin met with AFL-CIO Wisconsin leaders at their Annual Meeting in Superior to discuss her efforts to support organized labor and good-paying jobs, grow the economy, and ensure American families have the economic security they need to sleep well at night.

Pleasant Prairie: Senator Baldwin visited Sanmina to celebrate Nokia bringing up to 200 manufacturing jobs to Wisconsin to produce key components for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Eau Claire: While hosting a roundtable at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Senator Baldwin heard about Chippewa Valley Tech College’s program for health career job training. Senator Baldwin helped secure nearly $5 million for this program that will train the healthcare workforce we need in our small towns and rural areas and help ensure traditionally underserved communities are not left behind in today’s economy.

Cambridge: While visiting Cobrahead, a small family business that makes gardening, horticulture, and agriculture equipment, Senator Baldwin highlighted her COOL Online Act, legislation that ensures all goods sold online list their country-of-origin and promotes American-made goods for online shoppers.

Cutting Prescription Drug Prices and Expanding Access to Mental Health Care

Waukesha: Senator Baldwin toured the Waukesha Free Clinic and joined local seniors and stakeholders to discuss the impact of cutting prescription drug prices. Senator Baldwin has long advocated for lowering prescription drug prices and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which gives Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, caps the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month, and caps Medicare beneficiaries out of pocket costs at $2,000 per year.

Green Bay: Senator Baldwin and Governor Evers toured the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center and hosted a roundtable with local leaders and metal health providers. Senator Baldwin successfully secured $3 million in this year’s budget to support implementation of the hotline.

Onalaska: Senator Baldwin visited Gunderson Pharmacy with seniors and health officials to learn about the impact of her Inflation Reduction Act’s provisions to cap the cost of insulin and cut prescription drug costs.

Delivering for Wisconsin Infrastructure

Superior: Senator Baldwin, Governor Evers, and local officials visited the Blatnik Bridge to continue to urge the Biden Administration to replace the aging bridge.

Casco: Senator Baldwin stopped in Casco to highlight the broadband expansion the Village of Casco has undertaken to connect 291 distinct addresses to high-speed internet through a grant from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin using state and federal funds.

Milwaukee: Senator Baldwin saw firsthand the block-by-block lead service line replacement work being done and highlighted investments from the Baldwin-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead pipes in Milwaukee.

Wausau: Senator Baldwin joined officials from Wausau and Rib Mountain to tour the new Wausau Water Treatment Plant and highlight the over $3.3 million in federal funding Senator Baldwin secured for PFAS remediation for the city of Wausau and the Rib Mountain Sanitary District.

Standing Up for Wisconsin Veterans and Servicemembers

New Richmond, Wausau, Green Bay, Racine: In May, Senator Baldwin hosted a series of roundtable discussions on her efforts to increase health care and disability benefits for Wisconsin veterans who have been harmed by toxic exposure while serving in the military. Veterans are now eligible for these benefits because of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 that Senator Baldwin helped pass into law.

Prairie du Sac: Senator Baldwin presented a Purple Heart Award to Rebecca Litscher, to provide long overdue recognition for her service and sacrifice.

Fort McCoy: Senator Baldwin toured the existing barracks at Fort McCoy that serve the thousands of reservists who come from across the country to train each year. Senator Baldwin secured the funds for Fort McCoy in the 2022 and 2023 government funding bills, to help construct permanent barracks that can house nearly 1,000 enlisted soldiers and officers during annual training and mobilization.

Supporting Our Farmers and Rural Communities

Greenleaf: Senator Baldwin toured Brickstead Farms, a fifth-generation family-run dairy farm, to discuss her work securing investments to help Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and growers mitigate the impact of climate change and build sustainable agriculture operations.

Columbus: Senator Baldwin toured Gurn-Z Meadow Farm in Columbus and met with Dairy Business Innovation Initiative recipients to hear how they are using the funding to diversify their business products and launch new processing ventures.

Stratford: Senator Baldwin visited Marshfield Agricultural Research Center for a tour and to hear how the $6 million in federal funding she secured will better support researchers and the Wisconsin agricultural community.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-for-the-washington-examiner-rushed-secret-negotiations-are-not-the-way-to-address-the-border-crisis,"Sen. Johnson for the Washington Examiner: Rushed, Secret Negotiations are Not the Way to Address the Border Crisis",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, the Washington Examiner published an op-ed written by U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), where he emphasized that rushed and secret backroom negotiations by Senate leadership with President Biden are not the way to address the Democrat-caused crisis at the southern border. The senator stated that this effort should be about actually securing the border — not broader immigration reform.

The full op-ed can be found here and excerpts are below.

“Over the weekend, I joined 14 Republican Senate colleagues in releasing a letter calling for a meeting of the Senate Republican Conference to discuss the negotiations with the White House and Senate Democrats regarding securing our border. The letter appears to have succeeded in letting Senate leadership know that a large group of senators does not want to be jammed with legislation addressing the catastrophe at our border without a thorough review by us and the public.

…

“The crisis at the southwest border is unlike anything we’ve experienced in history. The massive flood of illegal migration is an order of magnitude larger than the ‘humanitarian crisis’ former President Barack Obama sparked when he abused prosecutorial discretion and granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants in 2012. In 2019, Obama’s Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, stated that 1,000 apprehensions per day ‘overwhelm[ed] the system.’ We recently experienced more than 14,000 encounters in a single day, and it has become common for encounters to exceed 10,000 per day.

…

“Unfortunately, Biden and his Democratic allies in Congress want an open border. Biden came into office with the border largely secured and then immediately reversed all the policies that had successfully stemmed the flow of illegal immigrants. The fact that Biden and congressional Democrats are the root cause of the crisis is a major problem in conducting good-faith negotiations with them.

“Indeed, because Biden has not faithfully executed existing law, repeatedly lied to the public, ignored and violated Supreme Court rulings, and failed to engage in meaningful negotiations on securing the border until only recently, it is impossible for Republicans to trust him to comply with whatever he agrees to. That’s a real challenge for Republican negotiators.

…

“Moreover, conducting rushed and secret backroom negotiations is not the way to address the unprecedented border crisis. That’s the kind of business as usual process Washington leadership has relied upon to mortgage our children’s future and weaken our country. Whatever negotiators produce will need to be fully vetted, discussed, and understood — by members and the general public. That will take weeks, not hours or days.

…

“But this effort should be about securing the border — not broader immigration reform. Addressing DACA recipients is politically impossible until the border is secure, and now, with Biden expanding the population of undocumented immigrants by more than 6 million people, he has made the problem significantly worse.

“The essential ingredient will be how to enforce any agreement reached. I have suggested making Ukraine funding contingent on benchmarks being met on a monthly basis. I am open to other foolproof enforcement ideas, but negotiators must realize enforcement is the key to any agreement that can pass the House and Senate.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-the-ongoing-israel-hamas-war,Senator Baldwin Statement on the Ongoing Israel-Hamas War,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war:

“Hamas’s October 7th terrorist massacre has led to unbearable suffering in Israel, Gaza, and around the world. As I have said before, I support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, bring hostages back home, and end the terrorist organization’s threat – but it does not have the right to go to war against innocent Palestinian people. Eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and protecting civilians are not mutually exclusive aims.

“Unfortunately, the Netanyahu government’s indiscriminate bombing and military approach has led to unacceptable bloodshed in Gaza and does not appear to be moving us closer to our ultimate goals of removing Hamas from power and achieving a lasting peace in the region through a two-state solution. Preservation of innocent lives and civilian infrastructure is not just morally right, but also necessary to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region moving forward.

“I support the resumption of a humanitarian ceasefire, in order to accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid, protect innocent civilians and civilian sites, and negotiate the release of the hostages taken on October 7th. This is only possible if both Hamas and the Israeli government cooperate. As we look ahead, the United States needs to continue to do more to urge Israel to protect Palestinian civilians, facilitate humanitarian efforts, and play a more active role in helping create a two-state solution – something I have long supported – to ensure that both the Palestinian and Israeli people have the right to self-determination, safety, and security.”

In response to ongoing war and the growing humanitarian crisis, Senator Baldwin supports the following actions:

An immediate humanitarian ceasefire that ensures the unconditional release of all hostages and full humanitarian access to Gaza, agreed to by both Israel and Hamas.

Adherence to International Humanitarian Law by all parties and the protection of all civilians and civilian sites.

Increased humanitarian aid access to prevent starvation and an even more severe public health crisis, including maintaining the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and any other steps needed to allow the sustained delivery of the basic essentials in quantities sufficient to meet the current need.

The United States to provide immediate humanitarian aid to help those in Gaza.

Access to prompt medical attention for sick and wounded civilians, both within Gaza as well as the option to evacuate to a neighboring country for medical care.

Hamas to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have access to the hostages while the United States and Israel work to secure their release.

Ensure no Palestinians are forcibly removed from Gaza.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-announces-milwaukee-selected-as-finalist-in-new-economic-development-program-opens-door-to-up-to-50-million-investment,Baldwin Announces Milwaukee Selected as Finalist in New Economic Development Program; Opens Door to Up to $50 Million Investment,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that Grow Milwaukee Recompete Plan has been selected as a finalist for a new economic development initiative, the Recompete Pilot Program. The Recompete Pilot Program was created under the Baldwin-supported CHIPS and Science Act to do targeted economic development in distressed communities and create and connect people to good jobs.

Out of 560 applicants nationwide, Grow Milwaukee was one of only 22 organizations selected to move forward in the process, allowing them to compete for up to a $50 million economic development investment. Grow Milwaukee will also receive a $500,000 Strategy Development Grant to further develop their plan. Grow Milwaukee's focus will be centered on the 30th Street Industrial Corridor, an area with a history of segregation and business exodus that has stunted economic prosperity in the surrounding area.

“I voted for the CHIPS and Science Act to bring home manufacturing jobs and open the door to economic opportunity for Wisconsin families,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am thrilled that Milwaukee has been selected for this program, putting us on the path to connect more people with good-paying jobs, grow our Made in Wisconsin economy, and ensure that no community is left behind.”

Grow Milwaukee is a consortium of Milwaukee organizations including Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, the Milwaukee Bucks, Rockwell Automation, Jonco Industries, WRTP Big Step, City of Milwaukee, and Milwaukee County that is aiming to support business growth, revitalize vacant and underutilized sites, expand small businesses, and create workforce pathways to quality jobs, including union, trades, and advanced manufacturing positions. Senator Baldwin advocated to the Biden administration for Grow Milwaukee’s application earlier this year.

The Strategy Development Grant for $500,000 can be used to hire experts, build and strengthen partnerships, conduct studies, pilot strategies, and more. This Recompete Pilot Program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average, with the goal to close this gap through large, flexible investments. More information on the Recompete Pilot Program can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-brings-home-over-15-million-for-rhinelander-oneida-county-airport-upgrades,Baldwin Brings Home Over $1.5 Million for Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport Upgrades,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced that the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport is receiving over $1.5 million through the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make necessary upgrades to improve safety and increase efficiency for travelers.

“Wisconsin relies on our regional airports to connect travelers, commuters, and businesses to destinations around the world,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud that my Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making this investment to help keep our Made in Wisconsin economy moving forward and travelers in Northern Wisconsin safe for years to come.”

The investment comes through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, which is making a $15 billion investment over five years nationwide to upgrade runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects. In just the first three years of the program, Wisconsin airports have received over $117 million in AIG grants.

The $1.5 million grant for the County of Oneida and City of Rhinelander will be used to improve 15,000 square feet of the airport's existing runway to address drainage issues, install new lighting on runways, and upgrade existing signage and navigation aids that provide pilots with critical airfield information, including an airport beacon that has reached the end of its useful life.

“On behalf of the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport Commission and its regional sponsors, we extend our gratitude to Senator Baldwin for her continued support of our facility. Funding for this comprehensive project will go toward supplanting much of our airport’s 45-year-old physical infrastructure,” said Matthew J. Leitner, Airport Director at Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport. “This will enhance our airport’s operational capabilities and further increase the economic contribution it makes to our region, which is already over $40,000,000 annually.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-delivers-27-million-to-help-grow-wisconsins-agricultural-businesses,Baldwin Delivers $27 Million to Help Grow Wisconsin’s Agricultural Businesses,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced a new partnership between Wisconsin and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen the Badger State’s food supply through the Baldwin-backed American Rescue Plan. Through this agreement, USDA and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will offer $27 million in grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the food supply chain.

“Our farmers and producers feed the world and are the economic engines that drive many of our rural economies – but many face roadblocks to increasing capacity and getting their products to consumers. Whether it's lowering processing costs or improving access to local grocery stores, this partnership will help our farmers tackle these problems, strengthen our food supply chains, and create economic opportunity for our farmers,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to bring home this investment for Wisconsin to ensure our farmers have the tools they need to grow their businesses and reach new markets.”

“Wisconsin’s agricultural industry is core to our culture, heritage, and economy, and thanks to Senator Baldwin’s advocacy at the federal level, we’ve been able to direct more than $100 million in federal funds to support farmers across the state and invest in bolstering our food processors so they can increase capacity and get more of their product to market,” said Governor Evers. “The announcement of this new cooperative agreement between USDA and DATCP will only build upon those efforts, strengthening our local food supply chains, supporting our rural communities, and keeping food on our grocery store shelves and our tables.”

The partnership will fund projects that expand processing capacities, increase food storage space, reduce energy use, increase commercial kitchen space, improve aggregation and distribution, improve marketing and branding, and increase access to value-added markets for small farms. This will ultimately create more diverse local and regional market options and create additional economic opportunities for communities, allowing them to retain more of the value chain dollar. The state’s priorities are informed by stakeholder engagement and outreach to underserved producers to better understand their needs.

In May 2023, USDA announced the availability of up to $420 million through Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program grants to strengthen local and regional food systems. Through this program, the Agricultural Marketing Service has entered into cooperative agreements with state agencies, commissions, or departments responsible for agriculture, commercial food processing, seafood, or food system and distribution activities or commerce activities in states or U.S. territories.

Wisconsin is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through March 6, 2024, and applicants should apply through DATCP. AMS encourages applications that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and underserved communities.

For more information, visit the AMS Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwins-law-to-support-made-in-america-freight-railcars-on-track-to-implementation,Senator Baldwin’s Law to Support Made in America Freight Railcars on Track to Implementation,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that her bipartisan legislation to support Made in America freight railcars is going into effect, safeguarding our national security against state-owned companies in countries like China. Senator Baldwin introduced Stopping America’s Foreign Enemies Through Rail and Infrastructure National Security Act (SAFE TRAINS Act) with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and successfully added it as an amendment to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.

“Investing in American manufacturing has always been a win-win for American taxpayers, businesses, and workers, but when it comes to freight rail, ensuring our railcars are not manufactured in China is also a national security imperative. Our economy depends on freight rail to transport goods and get products to market, and it’s critical the U.S. does not rely on China for this crucial mode of transportation,” said Senator Baldwin. ""I’m proud my bipartisan legislation to safeguard our rail supply chains is going into effect, supporting American manufacturing, and helping ensure Made in Wisconsin businesses have safe, reliable rail service for years to come.”

The SAFE TRAINS Act of 2021 prohibits railroad freight cars from operating on the U.S. freight railroad interchange system if the cars are manufactured in or use sensitive technologies from a country of concern or an affiliated state-owned enterprise. Countries of concern include nonmarket economies, those that inadequately protect intellectual property rights, and violators of certain foreign trade practices and agreements.

Last week, the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) took the first steps to implement Senator Baldwin’s legislation, proposing a rule to place restrictions on newly built freight cars placed into service in the United States.

""The Railway Supply Institute strongly supports protecting the freight rolling stock supply chain from bad actors and unfair competition. We applaud the FRA for its work to ensure our freight rail network is secure and are encouraged by our initial review of the proposed rule. We are hopeful that the final rule will mirror congressional intent of the SAFE TRAINS provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Patty Long, President, Railway Supply Institute.

“Protecting our nation’s freight rail rolling stock from foreign adversaries like China is not optional. We are grateful for the leadership of Sens. Baldwin and Cornyn for prioritizing the SAFE TRAINS Act as part of the 2021 infrastructure law and thank the Federal Railroad Administration for their work. The national and economic security of the U.S. rail interchange system depends on being free from unfair competition and the incursion of state-owned enterprises from adversarial countries,” said Erik Olson, Executive Director, Rail Security Alliance.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-demands-swift-response-to-inquiry-into-sexual-assault-harassment-at-the-coast-guard-academy,Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Demands Swift Response to Inquiry into Sexual Assault & Harassment at the Coast Guard Academy,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chairman Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent a letter to Admiral Linda Fagan, United States Coast Guard Academy Commandant, demanding the Coast Guard immediately provide all records responsive to PSI’s probe into sexual assault and harassment at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. This followsPSI’s hearing last week with current and former Coast Guard Academy cadets, who experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or retaliation at the Academy and in the Coast Guard.

“It is clear from this testimony, and the Subcommittee’s inquiry to date, that the Coast Guard’s culture of cover-up has allowed sexual assault and sexual harassment to persist for decades, both at the Academy and in the Coast Guard,”wrote Sens. Johnson and Blumenthal in a letter to Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan. “It is equally apparent that accountability and systematic change at both the Coast Guard and the Academy are necessary to address past failures and to ensure that future cadets are protected. Full compliance with the Subcommittee’s inquiry is a necessary component of these actions.”

“You have expressed a commitment to investigate reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment, hold perpetrators accountable, support victims, and be fully transparent with Congress and the American people. It is imperative that you live up to that commitment and ensure that the Coast Guard provides all requested documents and information to the Subcommittee without further delay,”the senators continued. “Should the Coast Guard continue to withhold or redact requested records, PSI will have no choice but to utilize other means to ensure compliance with congressional oversight.”

In September 2023, PSI opened a bipartisan inquiry into the Coast Guard Academy’s mishandling of sexual assault investigations and its failure to disclose the results of its sexual assault investigation to Congress or the public.

The full text of today’s letter can be foundhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-continues-to-push-for-federal-funding-to-rebuild-the-blatnik-bridge,Baldwin Continues to Push for Federal Funding to Rebuild the Blatnik Bridge,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) are urging Transportation Secretary Buttigieg to support Wisconsin and Minnesota’s application for federal funding to rebuild the Blatnik Bridge.

“We write to reiterate our strong support of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Department of Transportations’ application for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” wrote the lawmakers. “By replacing the Blatnik Bridge, the project would exemplify the type of critical infrastructure project that was envisioned by Congress.”

“As noted in our previous letter to President Biden in September 2023, the Blatnik Bridge, located over St. Louis Bay on Lake Superior, is one of two bridges that connects the cities of Duluth, Minnesota with Superior, Wisconsin,” the lawmakers continued. “It is an essential economic engine in the region and a key link in the global supply chain.”

Earlier this month, Senator Baldwin called on the Biden Administration to support the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)’s application for federal funding to rebuild the critical bridge. In September, Senator Baldwin and a bipartisan group of eight Minnesota and Wisconsin legislators sent a letter to President Biden urging him to fund this project.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Buttigieg:

We write to reiterate our strong support of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation’s application for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This federal funding will improve the condition of major bridges across the country. By replacing the Blatnik Bridge, the project would exemplify the type of critical infrastructure project that was envisioned by Congress.

As noted in our letter to President Biden in September 2023, the Blatnik Bridge, located over St. Louis Bay on Lake Superior, is one of two bridges that connects the cities of Duluth, Minnesota with Superior, Wisconsin. The Bridge carries Interstate Highway 535 and over 33,000 vehicles per day. It is an essential economic engine in the region and a key link in the global supply chain. Each year, 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods pass over the bridge. Many businesses and industries in the region also rely on the bridge to reach the Port of Duluth-Superior, the largest U.S. port on the Great Lakes and North America’s farthest-inland freshwater seaport.

However, the bridge is over sixty years old and has reached the end of its useful service life. It is in poor condition with significant structural deterioration, creating serious capacity, mobility, and safety concerns. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would be used to replace the Blatnik Bridge. Specifically, the project would replace all structural elements of the bridge, address safety concerns at bridge interchanges, and restore the bridge to its original operational condition. These improvements to the bridge would significantly enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of this key regional connection. Completing this project would support the needs of Minnesotans and Wisconsinites by improving and modernizing the regional transportation network in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

Thank you again for your attention to the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation’s application for funding.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-joins-colleagues-in-calling-for-a-meeting-of-the-conference-to-discuss-border-security-negotiations,Sen. Johnson Joins Colleagues in Calling for a Meeting of the Conference to Discuss Border Security Negotiations,2023-12-17,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined 14 of his Senate GOP colleagues in sending a letter to Conference Chair John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.) requesting a meeting of the Conference the week of January 8, 2024 to discuss the negotiations with President Biden and Senate Democrats regarding border security.

Sen. Johnson was joined on this letter by Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

December 17, 2023

The Honorable John Barrasso

Chairman

Senate Republican Conference

Dear Senator Barrasso:

We write to request that you call a meeting of the Conference to discuss Senate negotiations on securing the border. Rushed and secret negotiations with Democrats who want an open border and who caused the current crisis will not secure the border. The American public deserves an open and transparent process which cannot occur until the House returns the week of January 8, 2024. Accordingly, we request this Conference be held the week of January 8th, but not before.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-releases-statement-on-letter-calling-for-gop-conference-meeting-to-discuss-border-security-negotiations,Sen. Johnson Releases Statement on Letter Calling for GOP Conference Meeting to Discuss Border Security Negotiations,2023-12-17,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) released the following statement on the letter sent today by 15 Senate Republicans to Conference Chair John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.) requesting a meeting of the Conference the week of January 8, 2024 to discuss the negotiations with President Biden and Senate Democrats regarding border security.

“Earlier today, I joined 14 Republican Senate colleagues in releasing our letter calling for a meeting of the Senate Republican Conference to discuss the negotiations with the White House and Senate Democrats regarding securing our border.

“The crisis at the southwest border is unlike anything we’ve experienced in American history. The massive flood of illegal migration is an order of magnitude larger than the ‘humanitarian crisis’ President Obama sparked when he abused ‘prosecutorial discretion’ and granted Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants in 2012. In 2019, Obama’s Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, stated that 1,000 apprehensions per day ‘overwhelm[ed] the system.’ We recently experienced over 12,000 ‘encounters’ in a single day, and it has become common for encounters to exceed 10,000 per day.

“Of the more than 6 million migrants who have entered and stayed since President Biden took office and opened the border, approximately 1.7 million have been what CBP calls ‘known gotaways.’ That’s a misnomer, because we have no idea who these people are or where they went — we just detected them illegally crossing our porous border. With FBI Director Wray confirming that terror threats to our nation are at an all-time high, particularly from Foreign Terrorist Organizations, Biden’s open border represents a clear and present danger to America.

“Unfortunately, President Biden and his Democrat allies in Congress WANT an open border. Biden came into office with the border largely secured, and then immediately reversed all the policies that had successfully stemmed the flow of illegal migrants. The fact that President Biden and congressional Democrats ARE the root cause of the current crisis is a major problem in conducting good-faith negotiations with them.

“Because President Biden has not faithfully executed existing law, lied repeatedly to the public, ignored and violated Supreme Court rulings, and failed to engage in meaningful negotiations on securing the border until only recently, it is impossible for Republicans to trust him to comply with whatever he agrees to. That’s a real challenge for Republican negotiators.

“I appreciate Senator Lankford’s knowledge and tenacity in negotiating the types of policies and legislative language that would provide a president who actually wants to secure the border with the authorities to do so. The essential ingredient will be how to enforce any agreement reached. I have suggested making Ukraine funding contingent on benchmarks being met on a monthly basis. I am open to other foolproof enforcement ideas.

""Conducting rushed and secret backroom negotiations is not the way to address the unprecedented border crisis. That’s the kind of business as usual process that Washington leadership has relied upon to mortgage our children’s future and weaken our country. Whatever negotiators produce will need to be fully vetted, discussed, and understood — by members and the general public. That will take weeks — not hours or days. I look forward to our conference meeting the week of January 8th, where we can begin that vetting and discussion.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-and-colleagues-demand-va-step-up-and-protect-veterans-from-prescription-drug-abuse,Baldwin and Colleagues Demand VA Step Up and Protect Veterans from Prescription Drug Abuse,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined five of her colleagues in pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take swift action to protect veterans seeking opioid prescriptions following concerning reports that found some providers of veterans’ health care are not meeting VA prescription opioids safety standards.

“We write today to discuss our concerns with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ oversight of non-VA providers who prescribe opioids to veterans,” the Senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “In Fiscal Year 2022, the Department spent more than $27 billion in the community for health care services for veterans. VA must ensure the dollars it spends result in high-quality, safe care for veterans.”

In 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services declared opioid deaths a public health emergency. At the time, studies indicated veterans were twice as likely to die from accidental opioid overdoses. To combat this, Congress included a provision in the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to ensure non-VA providers were informed of VA best practices and evidence-based guidelines when prescribing opioids under VA’s Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI). Congress also required third-party administrators responsible for contracting with VA community care providers to check their states prescription drug monitoring program to mitigate prescription drug abuse and overdose by veterans using VA community care.

However, a recent report from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) found the third-party administrators failed to provide adequate oversight of whether Veterans Community Care Network health care providers were completing and certifying VA’s OSI training module. The OIG also found that approximately 14,700 of 18,200 non-VA providers in the Community Care Network who prescribed opioids to veterans in fiscal year 2021 had not completed VA’s OSI training module and did not certify their mandated review of VA’s guidelines. An additional VA OIG report found a similar lapse in oversight resulted in patients being overprescribed opioids from both VA and Community Care Network providers—increasing veterans’ risk of sedation and overdose.

The Senators continued, “It is clear VA and its contracted third-party administrators failed to do their due diligence in ensuring the health and safety of the veterans in their care…As stated many times before, we feel if there is an issue at one location, it will likely occur elsewhere. The Department must work not only to address the shortcomings outlined in these OIG reports but also to ensure lessons learned are implemented system-wide.”

Continuing their efforts to protect veterans and ensure they are being provided high-quality care, the Senators urged VA to provide an update on their implementation of recommendations from the OIG reports. These recommendations include issuing formal guidance to VA pharmacy staff regarding best practices related to prescription drug monitoring programs after receiving controlled substance prescriptions from community providers, and strengthening its own monitoring controls over third-party administrators. The lawmakers concluded their letter by urging VA to move swiftly to address their concerns and protect veterans.

“It is the responsibility of VA to ensure the veterans in its care, or that of its community partners, are being provided high-quality care,” concluded the Senators. “We urge VA to act to ensure our nation’s veterans are not put at risk when seeking care in the community…VA can outsource the work – but it cannot outsource the responsibility for taking care of our veterans.”

The letter was led by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and co-signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-MA), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

A full version of this letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-warren-lead-group-of-38-senators-in-introducing-resolution-affirming-support-for-medication-abortion,"Baldwin, Warren Lead Group of 38 Senators in Introducing Resolution Affirming Support for Medication Abortion",2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) led 38 other Senators in introducing a resolution in support of access to the widely used, safe medication abortion. This action comes as Americans continue to grapple with the reversal of Roe v. Wade, and follows this week’s announcement that the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to medication abortion access.

“In Wisconsin and across the country, the right to comprehensive health care is under attack,” said Senator Baldwin. “We need to fight on all fronts to restore and protect the freedom of every American to make their own health care decisions, and that includes protecting access to medication abortion. Mifepristone is a safe, effective, and sometimes lifesaving medication, and it’s high time politicians and judges leave women alone and allow Americans to make their own decisions about their health, families, and future.”

The resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the scientific judgment of the FDA that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and that law and policy governing access to life-saving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable and based on science. The resolution affirms that mifepristone is safe and effective, while acknowledging the significant harm that would be posed to both health care providers and patients across the nation if mifepristone were sharply curtailed.

Senator Baldwin is a steadfast advocate for women’s reproductive freedom, and is the lead sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023, federal legislation to guarantee access to abortion, everywhere across the country and restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans.

The resolution was also co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-WY), John Fetterman (D-PA), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tom Carper (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The resolution has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Power to Decide, National Council of Jewish Women, The Century Foundation’s Health Equity and Reform Team, National Partnership for Women and Families, Guttmacher Institute, Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, and the EMAA Project.

Resolution text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-helps-advance-bipartisan-bill-to-address-opioid-and-fentanyl-crisis,Baldwin Helps Advance Bipartisan Bill to Address Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin helped pass major legislation out of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis by investing in prevention, treatment recovery, and law enforcement efforts. The bipartisan Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023, or SUPPORT Act included key provisions Senator Baldwin authored to train first responders to prevent overdoses, combat opioid-related infectious diseases, and improve the health of expecting mothers and their children, among other things.

“Too many families know the pain of losing a loved one too soon to a drug overdose or poisoning,"" said Senator Baldwin. “As we continue to see the sharp rise in poisonings and overdoses caused by synthetic drugs like fentanyl, we need to fight this epidemic on all fronts – making sure that these drugs cannot come into our country, our law enforcement have the resources they need, and our communities have access to life-saving overdose reversal drugs. I am happy to have worked with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to advance this needed legislation, help fight this growing crisis, and save lives.”

In response to the opioid epidemic, Congress originally passed the SUPPORT Act in 2018 – legislation that focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery services for opioid misuse, including fentanyl. Now, Congress is working to reauthorize many of the provisions and add to their efforts to combat the opioid and substance use disorder crisis.

The SUPPORT Act incorporates a number of Senator Baldwin’s bipartisan bills, including:

Safe Response Act -Bipartisan legislation to ensure that first responders and other essential community members have access to training on how to use life-saving reversal drugs, like naloxone.

Bruce’s Law – Bipartisan legislation to bolster federal prevention and education efforts surrounding fentanyl.

Eliminating Opioid-Related Infectious Disease Act – Bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) ongoing initiative to eliminate the risk of infectious disease caused by substance use disorder to continue through 2028.

FASD Respect Act – Bipartisan legislation to collect data collection on prenatal smoking, alcohol, and other substance misuse, in addition to the outcomes associated with such activities on children’s health.

PACE Act – Bipartisan legislation that codifies a program to support State, territories, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, and local governments in carrying out public health activities to prevent or reduce adverse childhood experiences.

EFFECTIVE Act – Bipartisan legislation to allow the FDA to deny a new drug application for an opioid analgesic drug on the basis of the drug not being clinically superior to other commercially available drugs.

The SUPPORT Act also includes a key provision that Senator Baldwin advocated for that would reauthorize and improve the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action program to ensure that communities who receive grants as part of the program are able to use funding for emerging substances of concern, such as xylazine.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwins-bill-to-increase-access-to-lifesaving-cancer-screenings-advances-in-senate,Senator Baldwin’s Bill to Increase Access to Lifesaving Cancer Screenings Advances in Senate,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) advanced bipartisan legislation in the Senate this week to expand access to lifesaving cancer screenings. The Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act reauthorizes a lifesaving program that provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services for women who are low-income, uninsured, or underinsured and who do not qualify for Medicaid. On Tuesday, the bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) with unanimous support, teeing it up for a full vote in the Senate.

Senators Baldwin and Collins introduced the SCREENS for Cancer Act earlier this year to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which since 1991 has served more than 6.1 million women, detecting nearly 77,000 breast cancers and over 24,000 premalignant breast lesions.

“Preventative screenings can be the difference between life and death for Americans battling cancer. The NBCCEDP provides these lifesaving screenings to millions of women who would otherwise not have access to this critical care,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to have worked with Republicans and Democrats to advance our bill so we can help ensure no American is locked out of lifesaving cancer screenings because of cost.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Wisconsin, accounting for nearly one-third of all cancer diagnosed among women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2017 to 2021, the NBCCEDP has helped at least 10,000 women in Wisconsin receive a total of 9,908 preventative breast screening tests, and 3,564 cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. This preventative screening helped detect 204 breast cancers and 110 cervical cancers or pre-cancerous cervical lesions.

The SCREENS for Cancer Act would reauthorize NBCCEDP through 2028. The program, which is a partnership between the CDC and state health departments, provides public education, outreach, patient navigation and care coordination to increase breast and cervical cancer screening rates and reach underserved, vulnerable populations. Without access to early detection programs, many people who are uninsured are forced to delay or forgo screenings, which can lead to late-stage cancer diagnoses. This delay can mean that a person may not seek care until the cancer has spread, making it more dangerous, more expensive, and harder to treat.

The bill would also increase flexibility to NBCCEDP grantees, allowing for a greater emphasis on implementing innovative evidence-based interventions and aggressive outreach to underserved communities through media, peer educators, and patient navigators. At current funding levels, NBCCEDP serves fewer than 15 percent of the estimated number of eligible women for breast cancer services. The SCREENS for Cancer Act provides additional funding to better support the program and ensure that more women are able to access services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-joins-bipartisan-push-to-stop-surge-in-mexican-steel-imports-and-support-us-workers,Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Push to Stop Surge in Mexican Steel Imports and Support U.S. Workers,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in pushing the Biden Administration to take action to stop an unsustainable increase in Mexican steel imports. In a letter to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the senators demanded the Administration set a clear deadline for Mexico to enforce its 2019 agreement with the U.S., and urged the Administration to take reciprocal action to counter the increase in Mexican steel imports if the country refuses to comply.

Earlier this year, the senators voiced their deep concerns with the surge in Mexican steel imports and urged the Administration to act. Today, the Mexican government is still refusing to comply with the 2019 agreement, and the delay in action by the administration is costing American steel jobs.

“We write to you regarding the surge of Mexican steel imports into the U.S. market in violation of the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum. This breach, and the resulting surge, threatens our manufacturing base and American national security, and demands immediate action from the administration,” wrote the senators.

The senators continued: “The administration must do more to protect America’s steel industry and prevent the further loss of good-paying American jobs. Failure to conclude an export monitoring agreement due to the unwillingness or inability of the Mexican government is unacceptable. We urge the administration to set a clear deadline for the implementation of an export monitoring agreement. If Mexico fails to meet this deadline or proves unable or unwilling to effectively enforce the 2019 Joint Agreement, we respectfully urge the administration to take aggressive action to counter the increase of Mexican steel imports.”

In August, Mexico’s Grupo Simek announced plans to close Republic Steel plants in Canton, Ohio, and Lackawanna, New York, while moving significant quantities of that production to Mexico. These closures will mean the loss of over 500 good-paying, union jobs. Grupo Simek’s decision not to invest in their U.S.-based assets and to shift production to Mexico further highlights the lack of seriousness by the Mexican Government in adhering to the 2019 agreement.

The letter was led by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) and also signed by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Bob Casey (D-PA).

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear Mr. Sullivan,

We write to you regarding the surge of Mexican steel imports into the U.S. market in violation of the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum. This breach, and the resulting surge, threatens our manufacturing base and American national security, and demands immediate action from the administration. We request additional information on the administration’s plans to address this continued surge and urge you to take immediate action to safeguard U.S. jobs and domestic steel manufacturing.

Data from 2022 shows that annual iron and steel imports from Mexico have increased by approximately 73 percent over the pre-Section 232 2015-2017 baseline.[1] During the same period, semi-finished steel and long product imports increased 120 percent and steel conduit imports rose 577 percent.[2]

This steel surge has already resulted in at least one plant closure, the loss of over a thousand new and existing jobs, and the deferment of hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment.

We are deeply concerned by Mexico’s continued failure to comply with the 2019 Joint Agreement, along with ongoing attempts by Mexican steel companies to further increase their market share in the United States. Wire and rebar producer Deacero, for example, just opened a new Laredo, Texas distribution center to “get a bigger share of the US market.”[3] Grupo Simek bought Republic Steel and is now closing plants in Ohio and New York to move production to a facility east of Mexico City.[4] A Mexican electric conduit producer, Quality Tube S.A., is expanding its distribution enormously in Laredo to further penetrate the U.S. market.

We commend Ambassador Tai for securing a commitment on September 23, 2023, from Mexican Economic Minister Buenrostro to reinstate export monitoring to guarantee future compliance with the 2019 Joint Agreement. However, we are concerned that the Mexican government is willfully delaying finalization of this agreement and is negotiating in bad faith.

Furthermore, we are concerned that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has drastically reduced the staff of Mexico’s Economy Ministry by at least a third, putting into question whether Mexico can even enforce an export monitoring agreement. The administration must do more to protect America’s steel industry and prevent the further loss of good-paying American jobs.

Failure to conclude an export monitoring agreement due to the unwillingness or inability of the Mexican government is unacceptable. We urge the administration to set a clear deadline for the implementation of an export monitoring agreement. If Mexico fails to meet this deadline or proves unable or unwilling to effectively enforce the 2019 Joint Agreement, we respectfully urge the administration to take aggressive action to counter the increase of Mexican steel imports.

We ask for an update from your office by December 31, 2023 on the administration’s next steps in driving these post-breach negotiations to conclusion. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-votes-to-strengthen-national-security-support-service-members-and-stand-up-to-china,"Senator Baldwin Votes to Strengthen National Security, Support Service Members, and Stand Up to China",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which passed the Senate 87-13. The annual defense bill includes a pay increase for service members, key investments for Wisconsin military installations, protections against our adversaries, and updates to strengthen Buy America policies for defense spending.

“At a time when tensions are rising globally, Democrats and Republicans came together to make a down payment on our national security: supporting our service members, standing up against our adversaries, and making important investments in our Made in America supply chains. This bipartisan legislation delivers a well-deserved pay raise for our military and their families and additional resources so our service members can get the housing and healthcare they deserve,” said Senator Baldwin. “I was also proud this legislation included a provision that strengthens our Made in America economy – better ensuring taxpayer dollars used for our nation’s defense support American workers and businesses, while housing more critical supply chains in America.”

Investing in Made in America – NDAA includes an amendment that would increase domestic content percentages for major defense acquisition programs from 55% to 75% by January 1, 2029. Senator Baldwin supported this measure in the Senate version of NDAA and pushed to include strong Buy America provisions in the final legislation passed today.

Supporting Service Members

Pay Increase for Service Members: The bill authorizes a 5.2% pay increase, the largest raise for service members in 20 years.

Affordable Housing: It also modifies the calculation for the basic allowance for housing rates for junior enlisted members living in areas with limited housing inventory, a change that would support junior service members stationed at locations such as Fort McCoy and some Coast Guard locations.

Parental Leave: Expands parental leave for certain members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.

Investing in Military Infrastructure

Wisconsin’s Military Installations: The legislation includes $18.2 million for an Army National Guard Readiness Center in Viroqua and $5.2 million for an Air Force National Guard F-35 maintenance facility at Truax Airfield.

PFAS Remediation: Senator Baldwin has been working to ensure Wisconsin military installations have the resources they need to remediate PFAS. The 2024 NDAA requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the pace, thoroughness, and cost-effectiveness of the Defense Department’s PFAS remediation efforts.

Standing up to Adversaries

Barring Logistics Systems from China: Prevents the Department of Defense and its contractors from using logistics systems owned or operated by the People’s Republic of China.

Barring Aerial Systems from China: Prevents, except in certain circumstances, Executive Branch agencies from purchasing or operating unmanned aerial systems manufactured in the People’s Republic of China.

Additional details on the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-to-hold-press-conference-on-impact-of-crime-in-wisconsin-due-to-biden-s-open-border-policies,Sen. Johnson to Hold Press Conference on Impact of Crime in Wisconsin Due to Biden’s Open Border Policies,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"OSHKOSH – On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) will attend a closed-door meeting with Winnebago County, City of Oshkosh, and neighboring area law enforcement officials highlighting the impact of the illegal drug trade, sex trafficking, and cartel-related activities in numerous Wisconsin communities—all in part due to the disastrous situation at the southern border. Following this, the senator will hold a press conference.

WHAT: Meeting,Press Conference

WHO: Senator Ron Johnson, Members of Law Enforcement

WHEN: December 15, 2023

MEETING:1:30 p.m. CT (closed to media)

PRESS CONFERENCE:2:15 p.m. CT

WHERE: Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office

4311 Jackson St

Oshkosh, WI 54901

RSVP: Please RSVP byFriday, December 15 at 1:00 PM CT with name, outlet, email and phone number topress@ronjohnson.senate.gov.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-grassley-ernst-team-up-to-lower-fertilizer-cost-for-farmers,"Baldwin, Grassley, Ernst Team Up to Lower Fertilizer Cost for Farmers",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in leading a bipartisan push to help lower the cost of fertilizer by shedding light on market factors driving the cost of fertilizer, a major expense for farmers. The Midwest senators’ Fertilizer Research Act would require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on competition and trends in the fertilizer market to determine their subsequent impacts on price.

“Wisconsin’s farmers work long hours year-round to provide food for our families, but in recent years, they have faced tough economic headwinds, including the high cost of fertilizer. This hurts their bottom lines, our rural communities, and American consumers, and we need to do more to address rising input costs for our agricultural industry. I’m proud to work with Senator Grassley to improve the fertilizer market so our farmers can afford to continue feeding America,” Baldwin said.

“Farmers’ bottom lines thin as the price of fertilizer rises. With fertilizer being one of the ag industry’s highest input costs, its problematic farmers have such a limited window into market fluctuations. Our bill will provide farmers in Iowa and across the Heartland with needed transparency and certainty as they navigate production costs,” Grassley said.

“Bidenomics has been tough on all Iowans, especially our farmers and rural communities. On top of rising prices for everyday goods, Iowa’s ag community is facing all-time high fertilizer costs,” Ernst said. “Senator Chuck Grassley and I are teaming up to force Biden’s USDA to create more transparency around why fertilizer costs are so high and how we can work to bring them down.”

The Fertilizer Research Act is endorsed by the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association.

Within one year of the bill’s passage, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Economic Research Council, would be required to issue a report on USDA’s website regarding the U.S. fertilizer industry. Specifically, the report should include:

A description of impacts on the fertilizer market that influence price;

Market trends in the past 25 years;

A description of the imported fertilizer and market impacts;

Impacts of anti-dumping and countervailing duties;

A study of fertilizer industry concentration;

A study of emerging fertilizer technologies; and

A description of whether current public price reporting is sufficient for market transparency.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/icymi-sen-johnson-unravels-biden-family-foreign-business-entanglements-and-addresses-danger-of-biden-s-open-border,ICYMI: Sen. Johnson Unravels Biden Family Foreign Business Entanglements and Addresses Danger of Biden’s Open Border,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Larry Kudlow on Kudlow and Sean Hannity on Hannity to address the scandal of the Biden crime family corruption, and the need for Senate Republicans to make any Ukraine funding contingent on achieving benchmarks that actually secure the southern border. On Saturday, the senator joined Fox and Friends’ Rachel Campos-Duffy, Will Cain, and Pete Hegseth where he also discussed solutions to record-high drug shortages and the liberties and freedoms that unite Americans.

On Hannity, Sen. Johnson discussed how he and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) attempted to warn the American public about how Joe Biden was compromised through the corrupt and illicit activities of his family’s business dealings leading up to 2020.

Watch the full interview with Sean Hannity here.

On how President Biden is compromised by his family receiving millions from our adversaries

“I think Chairman Comer, Chairman Smith, Chairman Jordan have done an excellent job of building on the record that Senator Grassley and I developed before the election. And now you've got Hunter Biden out there doing podcasts, you know, whining about being persecuted. I've said repeatedly I took no joy in uncovering the Biden crime family corruption. But Senator Grassley and I, we were trying to warn the American public before an election, before Joe Biden became president, before he was compromised. We tried to warn the American public that this man and his family had received millions of dollars from countries that were adversaries of ours. That if he were elected, that he would be compromised and our national security would be compromised. That's why we did this.”

On how no one should feel sorry for Hunter Biden given his vile and criminal actions

“This has nothing to do with some vendetta against poor Hunter Biden. Who, by the way, $872,000 on women and adult entertainment. Now, those women, and we knew this and reported on this, these women were probably trafficked through an international sex trafficking ring. We're supposed to feel sorry for a man in his late forties to early fifties who spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on women who were sex trafficked. I'm sorry, I have no sympathy for the man whatsoever.”

Watch the full interview with Larry Kudlow here.

On Kudlow, Sen. Johnson slammed Joe Biden’s open border, calling it a “clear and present danger” to the country. He emphasized that any funding for Ukraine must be tied to benchmarks that secure our border.

On the senator’s plan to reduce the flow of illegal migrants and close Biden’s open border through hard metrics tied to Ukraine aid

“The open border, Biden and the Democrats’ open border, is a clear and present danger to this country. It should be our number one national security and homeland security priority, and we have to use whatever leverage we have. Biden wants money for Ukraine, regardless of how you view funding for Ukraine, we must use that as leverage. And so we just wrote an op-ed, Senator Scott and I did for Fox News, that says that ‘any money going to Ukraine must be contingent on actually securing the border.’ We need to establish benchmarks, just like any kind of incentive you would have in business, benchmarks must be established, and they must be met, before money flows on a monthly basis to Ukraine. It's common sense. They're looking for $60 billion. You know, President Trump, under current law, secured the border in about 12 months. He went from peak to trough in 12 months with remain in Mexico and safe third countries. So, listen, I want the language that Senator Lankford is trying to negotiate for. Democrats are not negotiating in good faith. But regardless of what language we get passed, we cannot count on this president to faithfully execute those laws. This is a lawless administration. This is a president that wants an open border.”

Watch the full interview with Fox and Friends here.

On Fox and Friends, the senator broke down the vast financial foreign entanglements implicating President Biden and his son and addressed solutions to drug shortages exacerbated by federal government involvement in the healthcare market.

On the mountain of incriminating evidence against Joe Biden and his family

“Over a four year time period, where he decided not to pay $1.4 million in tax, he spent $4.9 million. Rachel, that's $23,500 a week, and he spent $872,000 on women and adult entertainment. That's $4,000 a week, about $600 a day. And these women were trafficked through an international sex trafficking ring. So, no, I don't feel sorry for Hunter Biden. He's a criminal. He has done vile, vile things. And now he's out there, you know, claiming persecution. Don't buy it. Nobody should feel sorry for Hunter Biden…

“Well, Senator Grassley and I proved that Joe Biden was lying. The evidence continues to mount. Now, we know that Joe Biden had transferred into his account $40,000. You know these were supposedly loan repayments. But, you know, show us the loan documents, show us the interest payments. So no, I really appreciate the work that Chairmens Comer, and Smith, and Jordan are doing, they're filling in the pieces of the puzzle here, but the evidence is very incriminating and there's no way that Joe Biden can really evade his responsibility here. His family, he is corrupt, and he is compromised as president. He never should have been elected president, but because of the corrupt and complicit mainstream media that cover it up for him, and they continue to cover up for him, now, we're in this awful position here in America.”

On how drug shortages can be alleviated through free market competition

“So, what we have here, is we have a broken marketplace. Generally, when you have very low prices and shortages, it means that there are too few buyers. There are a lot of consumers, but there's just too much buying power concentrated in, for example, the government's hands, in a few insurance companies’ hands. That's what needs to be broken up. We need to bring consumerism, the benefits of free market competition back into the drug market. Now, generic drugs might increase in price a little bit. That'll stabilize it, that’ll alleviate those shortages. Don't look for a solution out of Washington, D.C. The federal government involved in healthcare has already screwed up the market. We need to let the market actually work.”

On embracing the things that unite us as Americans: freedom and family

“Well, Americans are good people. I mean, we're concerned about each other, we want the best for our fellow citizens, we want the best for people all around the world. So Americans are good people, but we are being very ill-served by government. And one of my missions is to try and wean as many Americans off the federal government as possible. Understand, the federal government doesn't solve problems. It exacerbates problems. So defend your individual liberty and freedom and recognize we're not a naturally divided people. These are individuals, people like Joe Biden, people like the radical left that are purposely dividing us, which right now I would say our division is probably the greatest threat to this country, so resist it. Embrace the things that we all agree on: and that's freedom, that's raising our family, that’s safety and security. Concentrate on those things.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-delivers-over-11-million-to-keep-wisconsinites-safe-on-the-road,Baldwin Delivers Over $11 Million to Keep Wisconsinites Safe on the Road,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced eight Wisconsin communities are receiving a total of over $11 million in funding to improve safety on roadways through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, funded by the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to keep Wisconsinites safe while traveling, create good paying jobs, and put Wisconsinites to work rebuilding our infrastructure,” said Senator Baldwin. “This funding will help communities across the state reduce the amount of roadway incidents and make our streets safer for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers.”

The SS4A program supports the development of a comprehensive safety action plan that identifies the most significant roadway safety concerns in a community, as well as the implementation of projects and strategies to address roadway safety issues. The awarded Planning and Demonstration Grants will provide funds to develop, complete, or supplement a comprehensive safety action plan. Planning and Demonstration Grants also fund supplemental planning and/or demonstration activities that inform the development of a new or existing Action Plan.

The following Wisconsin communities received SS4A grants:

City of Madison - $6,267,668 to make multiple safety improvements across 14 different projects to implement the Vision Zero Madison plan. Project components which include improving pedestrian, bicycle, and transit rider safety and accessibility with sidewalks, ADA ramps, median and pedestrian refuge islands, protected bike lanes, and traffic calming. With the majority of crashes occurring at intersections, the project focuses on making safety improvements on intersections along the City’s transit network and shared use paths located in their HIN using low-cost, high-impact strategies. Other improvements include rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs), accessible pedestrian push buttons and pedestrian signal upgrades.

City of Milwaukee - $4,000,000 to update its Citywide Mobility Plan to meet SS4A Action Plan requirements; develop a Communications Plan to identify effective public engagement strategies; and conduct demonstration activities including street design corrections, neighborhood-scale traffic calming, innovative bike infrastructure, and transit improvements using temporary materials such as jersey barriers, modular bus boarding islands, rubber speed humps, and planters. Senator Baldwin submitted a letter of support for the project, which can be found here.

City of Sheboygan - $200,000 to develop a comprehensive safety action plan, conduct a study of heavily traveled corridors, conduct stakeholder engagement to inform the development of a new Complete Streets policy for the City.

Portage County - $200,000 to develop a comprehensive safety action plan; conduct supplemental planning activities to update the County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; and pilot demonstration activities at concerning locations/corridors. Senator Baldwin submitted a letter of support for the project, which can be found here.

City of River Falls - $200,000 to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.

County of Chippewa - $200,000 to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.

City of West Bend - $197,600 to conduct supplemental planning activities including updating the City’s Safety Action Plan, and conducting speed studies, comprehensive traffic counts, road safety audits, additional stakeholder outreach, and proactive traffic control warrants.

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin - $54,990 to conduct demonstration activities to test strategies in response to excessive speeding, such as speed bumps and visual signage.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-delivers-upgraded-national-park-service-designation-additional-funding-opportunities-to-ice-age-trail,"Baldwin Delivers Upgraded National Park Service Designation, Additional Funding Opportunities to Ice Age Trail",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced a boost for Wisconsin’s Ice Age and North Country scenic trails, providing them improved management and access to additional funding. Since 2014, Senator Baldwin has called for this change, designating Wisconsin’s trails unit status under the National Park Service, to deliver additional federal resources to maintain and preserve these critical resources for Wisconsin.

“The Ice Age Trail touches countless communities in the Badger State, charting a path from the St. Croix River, through the heart of Wisconsin, and all the way back up to Door County. Along those hundreds of miles, local businesses, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and communities reap the benefits as visitors from all over come to enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors,” said Senator Baldwin. “I was proud to lead the charge to support both the Ice Age and the North Country scenic trails new designations, unlocking additional federal resources to ensure generations to come can better enjoy Wisconsin’s wilderness.”

Since 2014, Senator Baldwin has introduced the National Scenic Trails Parity Act, bipartisan legislation to grant unit status to three National Scenic Trails that are part of the National Park System (NPS), including the Ice Age and North Country National Scenic Trails, to improve management, establish administrative clarity, and grant access to additional federal resources.

Wisconsin’s newly designated trails have joined the ranks of existing parks along with the New England scenic trail, bringing the total number of NPS units from 425 to 428. The Ice Age, New England, and North Country national scenic trails, all previously established by Congress and administered by the National Park Service as part of?the National Trails System, are now also recognized as units of the National Park System. Joining this system will raise public awareness about Wisconsin’s national scenic trails and allow them to access more funding and programmatic resources of the agency that are limited to NPS units.

“This is truly momentous for the Ice Age Trail and its thousands of supporters and volunteers,” said Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “Unit status gives the Trail, and its volunteers, the recognition it duly deserves. Make no mistake: the Ice Age Trail is world-class and the number of hours Alliance volunteers devote to it consistently rank among the top in all the National Park Service.”

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail?in Wisconsin is nearly 1,200 miles long. Its landscape of lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills, and ridges?are reminders that just 15,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, much of North America lay under a huge glacier. The North Country National Scenic Trail?is expected to be a 4,600-mile continuous path when completed, crossing through Wisconsin in Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron counties.

Senator Baldwin made the announcement Thursday with NPS Director Chuck Sams and Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. A full recording of that announcement is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-pushes-to-provide-milwaukee-residents-tools-to-compete-against-wealthy-out-of-state-investors-in-housing-market,Baldwin Pushes to Provide Milwaukee Residents Tools to Compete Against Wealthy Out-of-State Investors in Housing Market,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Chicago to continue working with her office and Milwaukee affordable housing nonprofits to expand opportunities for Milwaukee residents to compete with wealthy, out-of-state investors for homes in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Senator Baldwin is asking the FHLB of Chicago to work with lenders in Milwaukee to provide unique and innovative financial products to first-time homebuyers or mission-oriented organizations that seek to compete with out-of-state investors for properties in their communities.

""Too many Wisconsinites struggle to find quality, affordable housing in their neighborhoods because wealthy out-of-state investors are buying up houses and locking out hard working families from home ownership,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I’m working with community partners to set up more Wisconsinites to buy homes, build generational wealth, and live in the neighborhoods they love.”

In November, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees the FHLB System, concluded a year-long review of the System by releasing a report identifying that the Banks should be more active in addressing the affordable housing crisis. Senator Baldwin saw an opportunity for a new, innovative partnership between the FHLB of Chicago and affordable housing advocates, like Acts Housing and the Community Development Alliance, two organizations working to create a loan product for graduates of their homebuyer counseling programs to be able to compete with wealthy investors. By forging this partnership and creating a mortgage product for graduates of these community partners’ homebuyer counseling programs, more Wisconsinites can have a path towards homeownership.

As of last year, out-of-state landlords owned over 7,000 single family homes in Milwaukee, up 50 percent since 2017 and 476 percent since 2005. Typically, out-of-state investors rent their properties for well above what a homeowner would pay in monthly costs. According to an analysis by Marquette University and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, out-of-state investors have almost exclusively targeted majority-Black neighborhoods in Milwaukee.

“Out-of-state investors are paying cash to buy dozens of Milwaukee homes at a time, putting affordable housing options for Milwaukee residents out of reach,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “I am grateful to Senator Baldwin for her leadership to address this problem by working with Milwaukee housing advocates and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and I join her in encouraging the Bank to continue its work with the goal of developing innovative financial products to meet this challenge.”

“We know that racial inequities in homeownership rates and lack of access to affordable housing are challenges in Milwaukee County,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Rather than wealthy, out-of-state investors buying up homes just to make a profit, we must work to put Milwaukee’s housing stock back into the hands of Milwaukeeans. I am grateful for the leadership and partnership of Senator Tammy Baldwin in working with our community to expand affordable housing options, boost homeownership rates among our communities of color, and help us advance racial and health equity in Milwaukee County.”

""Institutional purchases of single-family homes in Milwaukee coupled with mortgage rates that are at 20+ year highs have made homeownership increasingly out of reach for far too many families,” said Michael Gosman, President & CEO, Acts Housing. “This year Acts Housing has supported more than 300 families with low-to-moderate income to become first-time homebuyers, but our community compels us to do more. We are eager to work with all potential partners, including public and private sector stakeholders, to make sure exponentially more families in our region have a path towards sustainable homeownership. We are profoundly grateful to Senator Baldwin for elevating these issues for the benefit of hardworking families.""

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Mr. Ericson,

I write to you out of concern for the affordable housing crisis across the nation and in Wisconsin. Over the last year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has conducted a review of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) System. On November 7, 2023, the FHFA released a report sharing its findings, FHLBank System at 100—Focusing on the Future. Over the coming months, as you work with the FHFA to implement the recommendations of the report, I encourage you to continue leading the way among the 11 regional Banks in offering innovative programs to address the affordable housing crisis facing so many areas of Wisconsin today. I am encouraged by the progress you have made working with my staff and housing leaders in Milwaukee to develop financial products to serve first time homebuyers who face barriers to accessing credit in markets increasingly dominated by large, out-of-state investors. I am hopeful that your efforts will bear fruit next year.

In the nearly one hundred years the Banks have been in existence, much has changed in mortgage markets. As a result, the FHLBs’ connection to the housing markets they were designed to serve has become less direct. The recent review conducted by the FHFA—intended to clarify the mission of the FHLBs—included solicitations of written input from the public as well as multiple listening sessions throughout the country. A frequent request from participants in the roundtable discussions was for the FHLB System to play a more active role in addressing the acute affordable housing crisis facing many parts of the country.

In Milwaukee, the affordable housing crisis has been exacerbated by out-of-state investors buying up single family homes. These investors are particularly attracted to urban centers hollowed out by the decline in manufacturing jobs, which provides buyers with ready access to cash the opportunity to buy many properties cheaply. As of last year, out-of-state landlords owned over 7,000 single family homes in Milwaukee, up 50 percent since 2017 and 476 percent since 2005. Out-of-state investors typically rent their properties for well above what a homeowner would pay in monthly costs. According to an analysis by Marquette University and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, out-of-state investors have almost exclusively targeted majority-Black neighborhoods in Milwaukee.

While rental homes are an important part of meeting affordable housing needs, they should not come at the expense of first-time homebuyers looking to provide for their families, root themselves in a community, and build wealth. Unfortunately, the phenomenon in Milwaukee pits deep-pocketed and sophisticated investors against middle- and low-income families seeking homeownership. Homeownership is the most common way families build assets and wealth, yet homeownership rates have not recovered from the Great Recession, according to the 2020 Census. Black homeownership rates nationally are below the rate in 1968 when housing discrimination was first made illegal with the Fair Housing Act. In Wisconsin, Black homeownership rates have declined to 23 percent, the third-lowest in the nation.

As you work to implement the recommendations in FHFA’s report, I believe that the FHLB of Chicago has an opportunity to expand its role by working with lenders in Wisconsin to provide unique and innovative financial products to first-time homebuyers or mission-oriented organizations that seek to compete with out-of-state investors for properties in their communities.

The Community Development Alliance and Acts Housing are two organizations working to create a loan product for graduates of their homebuyer counseling programs, which are approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These are prospective borrowers who—for any number of reasons—may not be eligible for traditional mortgage financing. The loans would be originated and serviced by Acts, which maintains the relationship with the borrower, but would be sold to banks in the region seeking credit from their regulators for lending within their communities under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

The recently finalized Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule will increase the demand for exactly the kinds of loans that Acts and others in Milwaukee are looking to do. The rule will evaluate banks on their lending to low- and moderate-income borrowers, with special emphasis on smaller loans. Currently, Acts and other lenders are limited by their scale and the lack of access to a reliable secondary market, but with help from FHLB Chicago and its members, they could increase their scale to a level that could turn the tide in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.

The FHFA report noted that the agency will soon begin “requiring the FHLBanks to establish mission-oriented collateral programs that could improve their support of safe, sustainable housing finance and community development products that lack a reliable secondary market outlet” (emphasis added). While the timeline for this requirement could be over a year away, I am encouraged that it so closely mirrors your efforts with my office and Acts Housing. I hope that you will take the FHFA’s proposed requirement as encouragement and not let an impending rule delay your efforts to spearhead the development of an innovative mortgage product and a reliable secondary market for its loans.

While I am greatly encouraged that you are working with FHFA to implement the recommendations of the report, I also recognize that solutions are needed now in Wisconsin. The lack of affordable housing is getting worse as interest rates are kept stubbornly high, pushing traditional mortgages out of reach for so many in our region. In closing, I want to offer my office as a resource to work with you, the FHFA, and the many mission-oriented lenders and affordable housing advocates in Wisconsin towards our shared goal. Together I believe we can increase access to affordable housing that would allow low- and moderate-income families to buy homes and begin living their American Dream.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-announces-big-step-towards-expanding-rail-in-wisconsin,Baldwin Announces Big Step Towards Expanding Rail in Wisconsin,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced that five new routes in Wisconsin have been selected as priorities for passenger rail expansion and will be receiving $500,000 each in planning and development grants for a total of $2.5 million statewide. The funding for these projects comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program, funded by the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Passenger rail helps people get to work and school safely, boosts tourism and recreation, and grows our local economies, and I am proud to deliver funding to help expand it in Wisconsin,” said Senator Baldwin. “I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to move our economy forward and get Wisconsinites where they need to go efficiently and safely, and I am excited to see these plans for passenger rail move forward.”

The Corridor ID Program is a comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development program that will help guide intercity passenger rail development throughout the country and create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation. Each selected Corridor will be granted $500,000 for eligible activities related to the initiation of a grantee’s Corridor development efforts including the development of a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing a service development plan.

Through the Corridor ID Program, the following projects will receive funding:

Milwaukee to Green Bay: The proposed Corridor would connect the existing Hiawatha service between Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI with an extension to Green Bay, WI. Senator Baldwin submitted a letter of support for the project, which can be found here.

Milwaukee to Chicago: The proposed Corridor would provide improvements to the existing Hiawatha service between Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL by adding new frequencies. Senator Baldwin submitted a letter of support for the project, which can be found here.

Milwaukee to Madison to Eau Claire: The proposed Corridor would connect Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN through Madison, WI and Eau Claire, WI. The proposed Corridor would provide new service on an existing alignment. Senator Baldwin submitted a letter of support for the project, which can be found here.

Eau Claire to Twin Cities: The proposed Corridor would connect St. Paul, MN to Eau Claire, WI. The proposed Corridor would provide a new service on an existing alignment.

Chicago via La Crosse to St. Paul: The proposed Corridor would initiate a new daily round-trip between Chicago, IL and St. Paul, MN to complement the existing Amtrak long-distance Empire Builder, with an extension to Minneapolis, MN. Senator Baldwin submitted a letter of support for the project, which can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-communities-hurt-by-chinese-trade-cheating,"Baldwin, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Communities Hurt by Chinese Trade Cheating",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced bipartisan legislation that will support communities that have been negatively impacted by foreign, often Chinese companies that skirt trade laws. The legislation directs the millions of dollars collected in penalties for trade violations back to the communities impacted by unfair practices. Over the last three decades, American communities have lost millions of jobs after being exposed to the harms of cheaper, dumped, or illegally subsidized products imported into the U.S. from China.

The Resilient Communities Act would direct antidumping and countervailing duty revenue collected by Customs and Border Protection to a fund at the Commerce Department to support communities that have been injured by trade, including where there are companies facing layoffs, declining sales, or reduced shifts as a result of import competition.

“When countries like China cheat the trade system and flood the market with cheap goods, American companies, workers, and communities pay the price,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to lead this bill with my Republican colleague to invest in the places that are experiencing layoffs or closures because Chinese companies aren’t playing by the rules.”

“Louisiana shrimpers have a great story to tell. Their shrimp is fresher, cleaner, and tastes better,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is an important step towards protecting the families that rely on Louisiana’s seafood industry and ensuring that their communities prosper no matter how much China and India try to dump into U.S. markets.”

Dumping is a predatory trade practice wherein a manufacturer sells their product in the United States for a price below the producer’s sale price in their country of origin or cost of production in an effort to devalue their competitor’s products. Countervailing duties, or anti-subsidy duties, are imposed to offset the lower prices of goods entering a country because of subsidies from foreign governments.

While collections vary annually, antidumping and countervailing duty revenues collected by Customs and Border Protection have ranged from roughly $100 million to $300 million each year. Antidumping and countervailing duty laws are designed to raise the price of unfairly dumped and subsidized products to their fair market level, but filing a case is a costly and time-consuming process that too often comes too late for communities impacted by devalued goods flooding the market.

Under the Resilient Communities Act, the Secretary of Commerce would award these funds to communities that have been injured by trade, with priority given to communities where a domestic producer would be most likely to increase production and employment with the benefit of a grant. Additional eligible uses are for economic development, including: building public infrastructure, improving workforce development services, improving access to health and social services, and complying with Federal environmental standards.

This legislation is supported by the United Steelworkers and the Alliance for American Manufacturing.

A one-pager of this legislation is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-emergency-national-security-funding-calls-for-border-deal,Senator Baldwin Statement on Emergency National Security Funding; Calls for Border Deal,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after voting to advance legislation that would provide support for our allies, including Israel and Ukraine, deliver humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians, and strengthen our Southern border:

“This emergency funding package is necessary to keep Americans safe at home and support our allies abroad, and I was proud to vote to advance it. This legislation makes key investments in our Southern border, helps our allies like Israel and Ukraine defend themselves in brutal wars against terrorists and war criminals, and delivers needed humanitarian aid to the innocent people caught in the crosshairs of these conflicts, like those in Gaza.

“This bill would make long overdue investments in security for our Southern border and help stop the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl from coming into our country – but the truth is, it's not enough. I was encouraged by my colleagues’ talks to draft a bipartisan deal that will help address our broken immigration system and strengthen our Southern border, and we must come back to the table to continue those negotiations. We owe it to the American people to find a compromise that helps secure our border and stop the flow of fentanyl coming into our communities – and I am committed to being part of the solution.”

Details of the supplemental package can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sens-johnson-and-scott-for-fox-news-before-biden-gives-one-more-dime-to-ukraine-he-must-first-secure-our-border,"Sens. Johnson and Scott for FOX News: Before Biden Gives One More Dime to Ukraine, He Must First Secure Our Border",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, FOX News published an op-ed by U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) that addressed the “clear and present danger” of the open border under the Biden administration and called on Senate Republicans to deny cloture on any Ukraine support bill that does not include border metrics that dramatically reduce the number of illegal migrants being dispersed into the U.S.

The full op-ed can be found here and excerpts are below.

“President Biden’s open border policy is a clear and present danger to America. We believe a U.S. president’s primary responsibility is to defend the country's citizens and our Constitution. When it comes to border security, he is doing neither. Rather than address and alleviate this clear and present danger, President Biden and his Democrat allies in Congress are the root cause.

…

“When the Biden administration took over, the border was largely secure. Once in office, the Biden administration claimed President Trump’s policies that had secured the border were ‘inhumane,’ and they abruptly reversed course. The very unfortunate result is that Biden’s open border policy is now facilitating the multi-billion dollar business model of some of the most evil people on the planet—sex, drug, and human traffickers. The depredations caused by this trafficking occur in the shadows and go largely unreported. Overdose deaths, largely from fentanyl coming through the southwest border topped 100,000 annually. There is nothing humane about Biden’s policies.

“In addition to its inhumanity, the open border represents a huge national and homeland security threat. Of the 6 million migrants who got in, 1.7 million were detected crossing the border and accounted for as ‘known gotaways.’ We obviously don’t ‘know’ who these people are, or where they currently reside.

…

“In a recent hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, of which we are both members, FBI Director Christopher Wray stated in response to questioning by Senator Scott:

""’What has now increased is the greater possibility of one of these Foreign Terrorist Organizations directing an attack in the United States… It is time to be concerned. We are in a dangerous period… The terror threats have elevated…’ since Joe Biden took office.

“With an open border, it’s obvious how and where foreign terrorists organizations would insert their fighters into our country. President Biden’s failure to secure the border means it’s up to Republicans to use any leverage we can—including his administration’s desire to provide foreign aid to Ukraine—to secure it once and for all. Regardless of how anyone feels regarding support for Ukraine, and we are skeptical, we believe securing America’s border and protecting our citizens should take precedence.

…

“A recent column stated that support for Ukraine combined with ‘modest immigration reform’ would be a ‘win/win.’ With a president who actually wanted to secure the border and could be counted on to faithfully execute the laws Congress passes, that might be true. But we have a lawless administration and a president who wants an open border…

“As a result, the strongest border security legislation probably won’t work under Biden. Republicans must insist not only on strong legislative language, but also making any Ukraine funding contingent on achieving benchmarks proving the border is being secured.

“The metric should be the number of migrants dispersed in America each month which would include, but not be limited to, migrants encountered, processed, and released (regardless of the waiver or program used), plus the detected gotaways. Each month the administration would be forced to significantly reduce the number of migrants getting into America, and its ability to disperse U.S. taxpayer money to aid for Ukraine would be tied to achieving those monthly goals.

“Under existing law, President Trump went from peak to trough of illegal immigration in 12 months using ‘Remain in Mexico’ and safe third country agreements in Central America. Using that precedent, releasing aid to Ukraine only as we ramp down to a secure border over a twelve-month period is a reasonable expectation. House Republicans should not consider, and Senate Republicans should deny cloture on, any Ukraine funding bill that falls short of this requirement.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-joins-38-gop-senators-in-demanding-changes-to-biden-administration-rule-endangering-safety-and-wellbeing-of-unaccompanied-alien-children,Sen. Johnson Joins 38 GOP Senators in Demanding Changes to Biden Administration Rule Endangering Safety and Wellbeing of Unaccompanied Alien Children,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), joined U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and 38 of their Senate GOP colleagues in a letter calling on the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to overhaul its harmful and deficient policies governing the agency’s treatment of unaccompanied alien children in the United States. ORR’s Proposed Rule—parts of which the agency is already enforcing—allows ORR to place vulnerable children in the custody of poorly vetted, andpotentially criminal, sponsors and obstructs whistleblowers from reporting abuse in the program to Congress. This letter comes one year after Sen. Johnson first wrote to HHS Secretary Xavior Becerra about the disturbing whistleblower account of HHS employee Tara Lee Rodas regarding the department’s handling of the Unaccompanied Children Program.

“This Proposed Rule ignores nearly seven years of oversight conducted by Congress and the Office of Inspector General and reveals chronic foot-dragging—if not total reluctance—when it comes to protecting vulnerable children,” the senators wrote. “It provides ample protections to government bureaucrats at the expense of children. Even more concerning, ‘the requirements being [adopted] in this proposed rule are already enforced by [the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)].’”

“…ORR does not even consider a sponsor’s criminal record, current illegal drug use, history of abuse or neglect, or other child welfare concerns ‘necessarily disqualifying to potential sponsorship.’… In effect, ORR accepts a sponsor’s representations almost entirely on face value,” the senators continued.

“ORR’s Proposed Rule abdicates the agency’s responsibility for protecting the vulnerable children in its custody from harmful behavior by poorly vetted, potential criminals. For these services, the taxpayer paid ORR $5.5 billion in FY2022. The Proposed Rule is wholly unworkable and ORR should discard it and its current practices. If not, Congress will have no choice but to introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act,” the senators concluded.

Sens. Johnson and Grassley are joined in this letter by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.).

Read more about the senators’ December 4, 2023 letter to the Office of Refugee Resettlement in the Washington Examiner.

Full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-joins-letter-urging-biden-administration-to-enforce-iran-steel-sanctions,Sen. Johnson Joins Letter Urging Biden Administration to Enforce Iran Steel Sanctions,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and 29 of their Senate GOP colleagues, in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging the Administration to enforce existing sanctions on Iranian steel.

In the letter, the senators express the importance of “proactively and continuously” enforcing sanctions and the detrimental consequences of ineffective—or willfully negligent—enforcement. Iran is one of the largest steel producing countries in the world, with the industry generating significant export revenue.

“In 2020, the United States sanctioned Iran’s metals industries and steel producers, massively impacting their exports in 2021. The enforcement of these sanctions decreased Iranian steel exports from 9 million metric tons in 2020 to 4.2 million tons in 2021,” wrote the senators. “However, Iranian steel exports rebounded to 10 million tons in 2022. This correlates to the United States reengaging with Iran to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), along with a decrease in enforcement of existing sanctions by the Treasury Department.”

The senators warned relaxed sanctions enforcement only fuels the ability of Iranian-backed proxies to continue to fund and carry out terrorist attacks that further destabilize the region.

“In this instance, relaxing sanctions enforcement resulted in economic enrichment for the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism,” the senators continued. “We urge your Administration to enforce all Iran-related sanctions at your disposal, to include secondary sanctions on other countries who seek economic engagement with Iran. We owe it to the innocent children, women, and men who were savagely beaten, raped, tortured, and killed on October 7, 2023.”

Sens. Johnson and Britt were joined on this letter by Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.), Senate Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Senators John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Read more about the senators’ December 4, 2023 letter to the President and Secs. Blinken and Yellen in Politico.

Full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-backs-wisconsins-application-for-federal-funding-to-replace-the-blatnik-bridge,Senator Baldwin Backs Wisconsin’s Application for Federal Funding to Replace the Blatnik Bridge,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) continues to call on the Biden Administration to replace the John A. Blatnik Bridge and announced her support for Wisconsin and Minnesota’s latest application for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to rebuild the critical bridge connecting Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota.

“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring federal funding home to Wisconsin to repair our roads and replace outdated bridges—like the Blatnik Bridge,” said Senator Baldwin. “The bridge is a crucial link between Minnesota and Wisconsin, supporting our supply chain, commuters, and visitors. I am proud to support Wisconsin’s application for funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge and invest in our economy, safety, and future.”

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) applied for more than $1 billion in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Bridge Investment Program (BIP) to replace the deteriorating bridge. The Baldwin-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made over $12.5 billion available through the USDOT’s BIP. President Biden visited the Blatnik Bridge in 2022, and touted that the $12.5 billion investment will help fix the most economically significant bridges in the country, like the Blatnik Bridge.

This is the second federal grant jointly sought by the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota to replace this critical Midwest transportation structure. Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin voiced her support for Wisconsin’s federal grant application for more than $1 billion through the USDOT’s Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) program, also funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Since the MPDG grant submission in August, Senator Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of eight Minnesota and Wisconsin legislators urging President Biden to support Minnesota and Wisconsin’s application for federal funding to rebuild the Blatnik Bridge.

The Blatnik Bridge is a vital connection between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, with over 33,000 vehicles passing through daily and 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods annually. After more than 60 years of heavy usage, the bridge has suffered from significant structural deterioration, leading to capacity, mobility, and safety concerns.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-brings-home-over-18-million-to-support-coastal-communities-in-wisconsin,Senator Baldwin Brings Home Over $1.8 Million to Support Coastal Communities in Wisconsin,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – U.S. Senator Baldwin announced over $1.8 million in funding to support coastal communities in building resilient infrastructure and reducing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather.

""In Wisconsin, our fresh coasts are critical to our way of life, and with the increase in extreme weather events and climate change, we need to make sure our coastal communities have the tools and resources to protect themselves and adapt,"" said Senator Baldwin. ""I am proud to bring home funding so our coastal communities can prepare and build resilience to our changing environment – helping keep our harbors open, waters clean, and communities open for business.”

The funding for these projects comes from the National Coastal Resilience Fund, a program funded by the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. The National Coastal Resilience Fund is jointly administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The following projects in Wisconsin will be funded under this announcement:

The City of Port Washington was awarded $915,000 to identify nature-based solutions to mitigate Valley Creek’s unstable condition, while building ecosystem and community resiliency within an important Lake Michigan coastal tributary. Project will develop 60 percent designs for 1.8 miles of urban stream restoration, two culvert upgrades, daylighting of the 550-foot box culvert, and restoration of the estuary and floodplain wetland.

The City of Green Bay was awarded $741,200 to develop a premium engineering design based on site evaluation, wave analysis, survey activities and other assessments to build resiliency along Renard Island, Fox River and Lower Green Bay. Project will result in 60 percent design to reduce flood risk and expand habitats, while allowing for waterfront public access and recreation.

The Nature Conservancy was awarded $199,800 to support community-engaged, data driven planning to identify and prioritize nature-based projects, enhance coordination of the East River Resilience Collaborative, and support on the ground technical assistance to implement demonstration projects in the East River watershed. The project will develop a flood resilience implementation plan outlining priority nature-based solutions that will reduce flood risk and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-to-department-of-defense-sec-austin-the-overall-lack-of-transparency-from-you-and-your-colleagues-on-covid-19-vaccine-safety-and-efficacy-is-appalling,Sen. Johnson to Department of Defense Sec. Austin: “The Overall Lack of Transparency From You and Your Colleagues on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Efficacy Is Appalling.”,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding the Army’srecent letter to previously discharged service members who were involuntarily separated after refusing to comply with the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination order, allowing them to request a correction of their records and potentially apply to return to service.

Sen. Johnson wrote, “Allowing service members torequestto correct their records or potentially apply to return to service falls well short of providing those brave men and women any kind of compensation resulting from their involuntary separation and a profound apology for upending their lives.”

“If DOD wants to restore its credibility and trust among current and prospective service members, it needs to show that it is willing to be transparent and forthcoming regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines,”Sen. Johnson continued.

Sen. Johnson has previously described DOD’s credibility issues in hismultiple letters on data integrity issues in theDefense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED). His office continues to receive reports from DOD whistleblowers indicating that adverse medical events are alarmingly persistent in DMED.

For over two years, DOD has stonewalled the senator’s oversight work that could provide service members and their families much much-needed information about the health consequences of the vaccines.

Last month, DOD admitted to Sen. Johnson that it had “identified an increased incidence of very rare conditions – myo/pericarditis – during COVID-19 vaccine introduction in 2021.” However, DOD attempted to downplay the significance of this by stating: “It is difficult to report precise numbers of adverse events following immunization since establishing a causal relationship between vaccination and a clinical diagnosis can be challenging. Nonetheless, the military has identified 80-90 cases of myo/pericarditis in Service members following administration of more than 4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in this population.”

“Over the last two years I have sent over 60 public letters to federal agencies, including DOD, on various aspects of the pandemic. The overall lack of transparency from you and your colleagues on COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy is appalling,”Sen. Johnson stated.

The senator is still waiting to receive complete answers to questions his staff sent DOD following the publication of anews article that reported on new information from a DOD whistleblower on more increases in medical diagnoses in DMED. The senator also reiteratedrequests for Tricare data that he made to DOD nearly one year ago. DOD has failed to provide any response to that letter.

“Inquiries and requests for information concerning the health and well-being of service members should never be ignored, particularly when those questions are from members of Congress and their staff,”the senator concluded.

He is requesting a response to his inquiries by no later than December 15, 2023.

Read more about the senator’s December 1, 2023 letter to Sec. Austin in theEpoch Times.

Full text of the letter can be foundhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-delivers-over-38-million-to-improve-airports-in-wisconsin,Senator Baldwin Delivers Over $38 Million to Improve Airports in Wisconsin,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced airports across Wisconsin will receive over $38 million in federal funding for infrastructure upgrades – including investments in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, terminal upgrades, airport-transit connections, and roadway projects. The funding for these projects comes from Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Grants (AIG), a program funded by the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Our Wisconsin airports are vital to our economy and way of life, connecting our communities, empowering tourism, and driving our local economies,” said Senator Baldwin. “Aging infrastructure can cause delays, jeopardize passenger safety, and negatively impact our economy and that is why I am thrilled to deliver this federal funding. These resources will help our airports across the state increase efficiency, improve safety, and ensure our airports can welcome new passengers for years to come.”

In September, Senator Baldwin announced a similar investment of over $23.5 million in federal funding from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) awarded to Appleton International, Dane County Regional, and Rhinelander-Oneida County airports, as well as the Wisconsin State Block Grant Program.

Through AIG, the following airports will receive funding:

Northern Region: $5.5 Million

Langlade County Airport, Antigo, $144,000

John F Kennedy Memorial Airport, Ashland, $144,000

Cable Union Airport, Cable, $113,000

Crandon/Steve Conway Municipal Airport, Crandon, $113,000

Eagle River Union Airport, Eagle River, $144,000

Sawyer County Airport, Hayward, $144,000

Major Gilbert Field Airport, La Pointe, $113,000

Rusk County Airport, Ladysmith, $144,000

Kings Land O' Lakes Airport, Land O'Lakes, $113,000

Manitowish Waters Airport, Manitowish Waters, $144,000

Marshfield Municipal Airport, Marshfield, $113,000

Taylor County Airport, Medford, $113,000

Merrill Municipal Airport, Merrill, $144,000

Lakeland/Noble F Lee Memorial Field Airport, Minocqua?Woodruff, $144,000

Central Wisconsin Airport, Mosinee, $1,567,153

Park Falls Municipal Airport, Park Falls, $113,000

Price County Airport, Phillips, $113,000

Rhinelander/Oneida County Airport, Rhinelander, $1,014,266

Stevens Point Municipal Airport, Stevens Point, $294,000

Tomahawk Regional Airport, Tomahawk, $113,000

Wausau Downtown Airport, Wausau, $294,000

Alexander Field South Wood County Airport, Wisconsin Rapids, $144,000

Northeastern Region: $8.2 Million

Appleton International Airport, Appleton, $3,273,549

Clintonville Municipal Airport, Clintonville, $144,000

Ephraim/Gibraltar Airport, Ephraim, $144,000

Fond du Lac County Airport, Fond du Lac, $144,000

Green Bay/Austin Straubel International Airport, Green Bay, $2,791,263

Manitowoc County Airport, Manitowoc, $144,000

New Holstein Municipal Airport, New Holstein, $144,000

Oconto/J Douglas Bake Municipal Airport, Oconto, $144,000

Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, $294,000

Shawano Municipal Airport, Shawano, $144,000

Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, Sheboygan, $294,000

Door County Cherryland Airport, Sturgeon Bay, $144,000

Washington Island Airport, Washington Island, $113,000

Waupaca Municipal Airport, Waupaca, $144,000

Wautoma Municipal Airport, Wautoma, $144,000

Western Region: $4.4 Million

Amery Municipal Airport, Amery, $144,000

Black River Falls Area Airport, Black River Falls, $144,000

Boyceville Municipal Airport, Boyceville, $144,000

Cumberland Municipal Airport, Cumberland, $144,000

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, Eau Claire, $1,011,827

Grantsburg Municipal Airport, Grantsburg, $113,000

La Crosse Regional Airport, La Crosse, $1,340,873

Neillsville Municipal Airport, Neillsville, $144,000

New Richmond Regional Airport, New Richmond, $294,000

L O Simenstad Municipal Airport, Osceola, $144,000

Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field Airport, Rice Lake, $144,000

Shell Lake Municipal Airport, Shell Lake, $113,000

Burnett County Airport, Siren, $144,000

Solon Springs Municipal Airport, Solon Springs, $113,000

Sparta/Fort McCoy Airport, Sparta, $144,000

Richard I Bong Airport, Superior, $144,000

Southern Region: $8.1Million

Baraboo/Wisconsin Dells Regional Airport, Baraboo, $294,000

Boscobel Airport, Boscobel, $144,000

Adams County Legion Field Airport, Friendship (Adams), $113,000

Hartford Municipal Airport, Hartford, $144,000

Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Janesville, $851,000

Dodge County Airport, Juneau, $144,000

Tri County Regional Airport, Lone Rock, $144,000

Dane County Regional/Truax Field Airport, Madison, $4,890,551

Middleton Municipal/Morey Field Airport, Middleton, $294,000

Iowa County Airport, Mineral Point, $144,000

Monroe Municipal Airport, Monroe, $144,000

Mauston/New Lisbon Union Airport, New Lisbon, $144,000

Platteville Municipal Airport, Platteville, $144,000

Portage Municipal Airport, Portage, $144,000

Prairie Du Chien Municipal Airport, Prairie du Chien, $113,000

Reedsburg Municipal Airport, Reedsburg, $144,000

Viroqua Municipal Airport, Viroqua, $144,000

Southeastern Region: $12.1 Million

Capitol Drive Airport, Brookfield, $294,000

Burlington Municipal Airport, Burlington, $294,000

East Troy Municipal Airport, East Troy, $144,000

Fort Atkinson Municipal Airport, Fort Atkinson, $144,000

Kenosha Regional Airport, Kenosha, $851,000

Lancaster Municipal Airport, Lancaster, $113,000

General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, $8,572,780

Lawrence J Timmerman Airport, Milwaukee, $294,000

Palmyra Municipal Airport, Palmyra, $144,000

Watertown Municipal Airport, Watertown, $144,000

Waukesha County Airport, Waukesha, $851,000

West Bend Municipal Airport, West Bend, $294,000

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-murray-collins-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-opioid-fentanyl-and-substance-use-disorder-for-pregnant-and-postpartum-women,"Senators Baldwin, Murray, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Opioid, Fentanyl, and Substance Use Disorder for Pregnant and Postpartum Women",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Patty Murray (D-WA) to introduce a bipartisan bill to reauthorize critical research and prevention efforts for expectant and new mothers battling substance use disorder. The bipartisan legislation, the Promoting Maternal and Child Health Through Substance Use Prevention Act, was initially established in 2018 as part of the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act, a comprehensive package to help address the root causes and ripple effects of the opioid crisis.

“The fentanyl and opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the country and sadly, expectant mothers and their newborn babies are not spared. We can and must do more to ensure that every American struggling with substance use disorder has access to the treatment and resources they need to get better, and that is especially true for pregnant women and new mothers,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to help identify the root causes of this crisis, better prevent substance use in prenatal and postpartum women, and ensure that every baby can get the strong start they deserve.”

The legislation the Senators introduced today would extend for five years the portion of the SUPPORT Act that authorizes programs carried out by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research and prevent substance use disorder among pregnant and postpartum women. These CDC programs support data collection on prenatal substance abuse and misuse, research on prenatal and postnatal substance use prevention, evaluation of treatment and cessation efforts, and public outreach and education efforts.

Senator Baldwin has led the charge to deliver more resources for Wisconsinites struggling with substance use disorder. Her FEND Off Fentanyl Act was included in the Senate-passed FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, bipartisan legislation that would combat our country’s fentanyl crisis by targeting the illicit fentanyl supply chain, including chemical suppliers in China and cartels that traffic the drugs from Mexico. As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Senator Baldwin also advanced bipartisan funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2024 that includes $5 billion for opioid treatment and prevention, a more than $125 million increase over fiscal year 2023.

Full text of this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-delivers-13-million-for-wisconsin-farmers-distillers-and-processors-to-grow-their-businesses,"Senator Baldwin Delivers $1.3 Million for Wisconsin Farmers, Distillers, and Processors to Grow their Businesses",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that six Wisconsin rural businesses are receiving a total of nearly $1.3 million in funding to reach new customers and add value to their businesses through The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. As then-chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees rural development, Senator Baldwin helped secure this funding through last year’s government funding process.

“Wisconsin’s agricultural businesses are the beating heart of rural communities, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to grow for the future,” said Senator Baldwin. “These grants will help businesses all over the state create new products, get the word out about their businesses, and attract new customers so they can continue to grow, hire more workers, and invest in their communities.”

The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. VAPG funds can be used for activities and expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of how these funds can be used include conducting feasibility studies, developing business plans for processing and marketing the proposed value-added product, processing costs, or marketing and advertising expenses.

The following Wisconsin businesses received USDA Value-Added Producer Grants:

Northeastern Wisconsin

LEDGEROCK DISTILLERY

Fond du Lac County – $250,000 to process corn and wheat into high-end craft spirits including bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Funds will also be used for marketing. This project is estimated to increase their customer base by over 6,000 customers and increase revenue by more than $1.3 million.

MAY HILL FARM

Fond du Lac County –$49,960 to provide working capital to May Hill Farm LLC, a beginning farming operation, to process hogs into whole/half hogs, individual cuts, pork sausage products, pork subscription boxes, and high end cut sales to restaurants and retailers. Funds will also be used for marketing. This project will increase their customer base by about 194 customers and increase revenue by $150,000.

LAKESHORE FOREST PRODUCTS

Manitowoc County – $250,000 to provide working capital to process hardwood logs into kiln-dried hardwood lumber. Funds will also be used for marketing. This project is estimated to increase revenue by more than $4 million.

Western and Central Wisconsin

CHATEAU SAINT CROIX

Polk County – $250,000 to provide working capital to Chateau Saint Croix, a small winery in northern Wisconsin, to increase direct-to consumer sales of its locally grown and produced wines. The project will increase their customer base by over 1,600 customers and is projected to increase sales by approximately $346,000.

RED DOOR FAMILY FARM

Marathon County –$250,000 to provide working capital to Red Door Family Farm LLC, a certified organic farming operation in Athens, Wisconsin, to increase sales of its produce to new customers. The project will increase their customer base by more than 600 customers and is projected to increase sales by nearly $420,000.

Southeastern Wisconsin

THREE BROTHERS FARM, LLC

Waukesha County – $249,962 to provide working capital to Three Brothers Farm LLC, a small farming operation in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to increase sales of certified organic, pasture-raised eggs to new customers. The project is estimated to increase their customer base by nearly 800 customers and is projected to increase sales by $725,000.

More information about USDA’s Value-Added Grant Program is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-introduces-bill-to-ensure-billionaires-pay-their-fair-share-in-taxes,Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Ensure Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share in Taxes,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a group of her colleagues in introducing the Billionaires Income Tax Act, legislation to close loopholes in the tax code that let the wealthiest Americans avoid paying their fair share in taxes.

""Plain and simple, the system is rigged to benefit the ultra-rich and it’s time we level the playing field,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to finally make sure that billionaires at the top pay their fair share and bring some fairness to our tax system.”

The Billionaires Income Tax Act would, for the first time, end one of the most prominent, legal ways that billionaires avoid paying taxes known as “buy, borrow, die.” Buy, borrow, die works as follows:

Buy: A billionaire uses their wealth to buy assets that appreciate in value (real estate, stocks, artwork, collectibles).

Borrow: The individual then borrows against that asset’s growing, untaxed value to fund their extravagant lifestyle, purchasing yachts, luxurious vacations, expensive art deals, and more. All the while, the assets continue to go up in value without paying a dime in tax.

Die: When the individual dies, their assets are passed to their children or other beneficiaries, often entirely tax-free, and the cycle continues.

The proposal would only apply to taxpayers with more than $1 billion in assets, or more than $100 million in income for three consecutive years.

The legislation was led by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and also co-sponsored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ed Markey (D-MA).

A one-pager of the legislation is available here and a section-by-section summary of the legislation is available here.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/icymi-sen-johnson-joins-gop-lawmakers-in-press-conference-calling-for-any-ukraine-support-bill-to-be-contingent-on-securing-the-southern-border,ICYMI: Sen. Johnson Joins GOP Lawmakers in Press Conference Calling for Any Ukraine Support Bill to be Contingent on Securing the Southern Border,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"“We need to make any funds that go to Ukraine contingent on the administration actually reducing the number of migrants that are being dispersed in America”

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Senate GOP colleagues, and members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) in a joint press conference calling for Ukraine funding to be contingent on actually securing the southern border. Sen. Johnson emphasized the clear and present danger that President Biden’s open border poses to America, and he urged Senate Republicans to deny cloture to any spending bill that does not include hard metrics for dramatically reducing the flow of illegal migrants.

“Biden’s open border is a clear and present danger to America,” said Sen. Johnson. “And no matter what we pass legislatively, we can’t trust the president and his administration, to faithfully execute that law. So we have one leverage point here. The administration wants funding for Ukraine. We need to use that leverage point.”

Watch the senator’s full remarks here.

On the significance of House and Senate conservatives working together on spending issues

“I want to thank all of our conservative House colleagues for trekking over here to the Senate. Not only today, but consistently over the last year, meeting with conservatives in the Senate, trying to resolve and fix some of these issues. I’ll point out, it’s those meetings that resulted in, for example, us getting through the whole debt ceiling crisis. You’ll remember it was the House Freedom Caucus that proposed a piece of legislation, and then compromised with the House colleagues and offered the Senate a pretty commonsense piece of legislation that again, got us past that. So, again, we’re trying to lead in this instance as well. Just real quick on this chart, before I put up the border chart, I keep playing with the numbers, I’m an accountant, and I thought this was pretty simple, pretty interesting. When you take a look at what we passed in terms of budget authority over the last four years, it was $5.6 trillion, but we outlayed $6.6 trillion… It is completely out-of-control.”

On the clear and present danger at the southern border

“It is unfortunate, and I completely agree with what the House has passed in terms of, H.R. 2, that type of language, in the hands of a president that actually wanted to secure the border, in the hands of an administration that would faithfully execute the laws passed by Congress, H.R. 2 would work, but we don’t have that with this administration. Our open border, Biden’s open border, is a clear and present danger to America, and no matter what we pass legislatively, we can’t trust the president and his administration to faithfully execute that law.

“…Now, since this administration has started, there’s been about over 6 million people, at least 6 million, 1.7 million of that are detected gotaways. We have no idea who these people are or where they are located. We really don’t know where the other 5.3 million people are,the ones who were encountered, processed, and dispersed. This is completely out-of-control. You have Hamas now calling for days of rage. Do you think in that 1.7 million or the overall 6 million, there may be a bad person or two? It’s a clear and present danger.”

On the need for hard metrics that reduce the number of illegal migrants dispersed in America

“So we have one leverage point here. The administration wants funding for Ukraine. We need to use that leverage point, and we need to make any funds that go to Ukraine contingent on the administration actually reducing the number of migrants that are being dispersed in America.

“…So, what the Senate must insist on is if they take up a supplemental, if they’re looking at funding for Ukraine, Republicans in the Senate must hold firm and deny cloture on any bill that doesn’t include benchmarks, hard metrics, and again, the metric needs to be number of migrants dispersed into America, whether, again, they’re encountered, processed, and dispersed, or detectable gotaways, or any other category. And we need to deny cloture on any bill that doesn’t include that hard metric. And just as an example, and you see in this chart, President Trump had to deal with the effect of DACA, the lawless actions of the Obama administration, which really sparked this multi-year border crisis, but just through sheer willpower with the current laws in place, President Trump basically secured the border in a 12-month time period. And so that’s what the bill I’m working on, in terms of providing metrics, again, where the Ukraine funding would be contingent on those metrics being met and certified, you would ramp that down to pretty much a secure border over 12 months.”

On not allowing Biden’s open border policies to continue

“There is going to be one of two things that happen by next November. We’re either going to secure the border or we’re not going to secure it, and the Biden open border policy is going to continue. I think what we’re saying is, we don’t want, and we will not allow, to the best of our ability, any Republican fingerprints on anything that’s going to keep the border open. We want to be part of the solution, and by the way that would be a huge favor to Democrats and Biden. We’re not playing politics here. This would be actually detrimental politically to us. If we help Biden and force him to actually secure the border, that would fix one of the problems that the American people don’t like his administration for. So we are about actually securing the border and nothing less than that.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:33:57Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-joins-colleagues-in-demanding-transparency-related-to-taxpayer-funded-voter-mobilization-plans,Sen. Johnson Joins Colleagues in Demanding Transparency Related To Taxpayer-Funded Voter-Mobilization Plans,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and 21 of their Senate GOP colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden reiterating concerns over the White House’s refusal to respond to the senators’ previous demands for transparency regarding Biden’s Executive Order 14019—which instructs federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization and submit to the White House a plan for doing so—and its potential violation of federal law prohibiting agencies from expending federal funds without congressional authorization.

“We are concerned by your failure to respond to our previous inquiry on May 10, 2023, regarding Executive Order 14019 on ‘Promoting Access to Voting,'” the senators wrote. “This policy directive merits congressional oversight both as a general matter and under the Antideficiency Act. Accordingly, we write to reiterate our request for information regarding the implementation of this executive order, including copies of the plans submitted to the White House.”

“Federal agencies should be focused on their defined missions in a nonpartisan manner, not using taxpayer funds for voter mobilization efforts with potentially partisan impacts,” the senators continued. “In other words, it’s not the job of the federal government to drive voter turnout.”

In order to determine the voter mobilization and electioneering activities for which the Biden Administration is using taxpayer dollars, the senators once again request that the Biden administration provide the American people the following basic information:

1. Copies of all federal agency “strategic plans” required under the Order and a list of which agencies have not yet submitted a strategic plan;

2. The strategic plan required by the General Services Administration under the Order;

3. The recommendations provided by the Office of Personnel Management under the Order; and

4. All procedures established by the Attorney General under the Order.

Sens. Johnson and Hagerty are joined on this letter by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.).

Read more about the senators’ November 28, 2023 letter to the president in FOX News.

Full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:33:57Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-sullivan-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-response-to-harmful-algal-blooms,"Baldwin, Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Response to Harmful Algal Blooms",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Dan Sullivan (R-AL) introduced the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act (HABHRCA) of 2023, a bipartisan bill to improve our response to harmful algal blooms that have the potential to threaten aquatic ecosystems, hurt local economies, and endanger public health. The legislation would reauthorize the HABHRCA of 1998 and improve monitoring, forecasting, prevention, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia by requiring better coordination among task force agencies, and state and local entities, including Indian tribes.

“Our Great Lakes and abundant fresh waters are among Wisconsin’s most valuable resources, supporting wildlife, our economy, and our way of life. I am proud to be a partner in protecting these critical ecosystems from harmful algal blooms that have the potential to endanger our Made in Wisconsin economy and public health,” said Senator Baldwin. “The critical support provided by this bipartisan legislation ensures that we can monitor algal bloom and hypoxia growth in our fresh waters, while preventing and mitigating their spread. I am proud to lead this legislation with Senator Sullivan to ensure generations to come can enjoy and benefit from the Great Lakes and Wisconsin’s inland waters.”

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have long been an issue across the Badger State, often caused by an overabundance of nutrients from fertilizer and stormwater runoff, but climate change is contributing to the acceleration of algae growth in Wisconsin and across the country. Warming waters and strong storms have created ideal conditions for toxic algal blooms as far north as Lake Superior, threatening outdoor recreation and hurting local economies. Additionally, HABs can reduce oxygen levels in the water in events called hypoxia, harming coastal ecosystems and posing health risks for coastal communities. HABs occur in all 50 states, in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

The original HABHRCA was passed in 1998 and established an interagency task force to assess the distribution of harmful algal blooms and their impacts on coastal waters and human health. HABHRCA has since been reauthorized three times and is currently due for reauthorization. This bill reauthorizes the original 1998 HABHRCA, and improves coordination among state and local entities, as well as Indian tribes, to improve monitoring, forecasting, prevention, and mitigation of HABs and hypoxia.

As Chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing, Senator Baldwin has been a fierce advocate for the protection and preservation of Wisconsin’s waters. Earlier this year, she helped secure $2.5 million to help protect the Great Lakes against extreme weather events and climate change. She also successfully called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prioritize investments from the Baldwin-supported Inflation Reduction Act funding in programs that support Great Lakes resiliency.

Companion legislation in the House of Representatives is led by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) and Dave Joyce (R-OH-14).

Full text of this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours/6bb404f7-1a6c-4d38-af60-aacebd00ee0b,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters.

Note: Staff-led mobile office hours are closed to press. Recording devices of any kind are not allowed. These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of our constituents.

Vilas County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Eagle River City Hall

525 E. Maple St., Eagle River, WI 54521

Oneida County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Rhinelander City Hall

135 S. Stevens St., Rhinelander, WI 54501

Lincoln County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Merrill City Hall

1004 E. 1st St., Merrill, WI 54452

Marathon County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Maine Village Hall

6111 N. 44th Ave., Wausau, WI 54401

Outagamie County Office Hours

Wednesday, December 6

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Kimberly Public Library

515 W. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI 54136

Calumet County Office Hours

Wednesday, December 6

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Harrison Village Hall

W5298 State Rd. 114, Harrison, WI 54952

Vernon County Office Hours

Wednesday, December 6

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Readstown Village Office

116 N. 4th St., Readstown, WI 54652

Lafayette County Office Hours

Thursday, December 7

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Belmont Village Office

222 S. Mound Ave., Belmont, WI 53510

Iowa County Office Hours

Thursday, December 7

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Highland Village Office

530 Main St., Highland, WI 53543

Crawford County Office Hours

Friday, December 8

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Prairie du Chien City Hall

214 E. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-blasts-decision-to-allow-canadas-unfair-dairy-trade-practices-to-stand-hurting-wisconsin-farmers,"Baldwin Blasts Decision to Allow Canada’s Unfair Dairy Trade Practices to Stand, Hurting Wisconsin Farmers",2023-11-27,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after a trade dispute panel established under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ruled in Canada’s favor and against Wisconsin dairy farmers and producers. The ruling delivered late last week rejected a complaint that Canada has overly restricted U.S. dairy imports and violated USMCA obligations.

“Wisconsin dairy farmers work hard every day to bring world class products to market, and they deserve a level playing field with their global competitors. This decision flies in the face of the agreement our country made with Canada and puts our Made in Wisconsin dairy products at a disadvantage,” said Senator Baldwin. “This decision should have resulted in necessary improvements for market access for American dairy products in Canada, but instead sets a disturbing precedent that weakens the ability to use USMCA to push back against trade violations moving forward.”

The dispute settlement mechanism included in USMCA is intended to bring resolutions to trade disputes quickly and fairly. Last year, a dispute settlement panel brought under USMCA found that Canada was reserving its dairy tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for the exclusive use of Canadian processors, in violation of commitments to dairy market access under USMCA. Despite the ruling, Canada did not make the necessary reforms to its TRQ procedures.

In January, Senator Baldwin called for a second dispute settlement panel on the subject of Canada’s failed implementation of the changes required by the first ruling. A second panel was launched and found late last week that Canada’s measures do not breach the USMCA commitments.

Since the USMCA went into effect, Senator Baldwin has pushed both then-President Trump and President Biden to enforce USMCA dairy provisions.

The United States is a global leader in dairy production and safeguarding access to international markets is paramount in maintaining such status. The dairy industry in Wisconsin alone supports over 150,000 jobs and contributes $45.6 billion to the state’s economy.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours/cb5ae11b-c8bd-478f-a767-af987a6dbdec,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2023-11-22,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters.

Note: Staff-led mobile office hours are closed to press. Recording devices of any kind are not allowed. These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of our constituents.

Taylor County Office Hours

Thursday, November 30

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Stetsonville Community Room

105 N. Gershwin St., Stetsonville, WI 54480

Price County Office Hours

Thursday, November 30

1: 00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Park Falls City Hall

400 4th Ave. S., Park Falls, WI 54552

Iron County Office Hours

Thursday, November 30

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Iron County Courthouse, County Board Room

300 Taconite St., Hurley, WI 54534

Vilas County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Eagle River City Hall

525 E. Maple St., Eagle River, WI 54521

Oneida County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Rhinelander City Hall

135 S. Stevens St., Rhinelander, WI 54501

Lincoln County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Merrill City Hall

1004 E. 1st St., Merrill, WI 54452

Marathon County Office Hours

Friday, December 1

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Maine Village Hall

6111 N. 44th Ave., Wausau, WI 54401

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-pushes-to-crack-down-on-big-oil-mergers-and-prevent-price-hikes-at-pump-for-wisconsinites,Baldwin Pushes to Crack Down on Big Oil Mergers and Prevent Price Hikes at Pump for Wisconsinites,2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Thanksgiving and increased travel, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in pushing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and crack down on Big Oil mergers that greatly reduce competition and drive up gas prices at the pump for Wisconsin families.

The letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan urges the FTC to closely review two newly-proposed mergers by the two largest oil companies in the United States. ExxonMobil’s proposed $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron’s proposed $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation are two of the largest petroleum deals in American history.

“Exxon’s and Chevron’s operations downstream would enable them to redirect Pioneer’s and Hess’s crude supply to themselves, away from (and possibly to the detriment of) their midstream competitors,” wrote the Senators. “These new market dynamics could result in price hikes for midstream customers, and such added costs are often passed downstream to retail customers, including drivers at gas stations.”

Americans have felt the negative effects of unchecked Big Oil mergers for decades. A wave of nearly 3,000 mergers in the 1990s caused the number of major American energy companies to plummet, creating a Big Oil oligopoly in which oil companies have continued to see increasing profits, and consumers are left with higher gas prices.

“By 2005, due to the wave of mergers, the top five controlled 55 percent of the market, and the largest ten had 81.4 percent. This increase in concentration enabled the largest players to manipulate the industry by withholding supply in order to drive up prices, and since most of the firms were also vertically integrated, they benefited from higher prices at the retail level, as well,” the senators continued.

Senator Baldwin has pushed to hold Big Oil accountable and keep prices at the pump down for Wisconsin families. Earlier this year, she introduced legislation to crack down on Big Oil price gouging by clawing back windfall profits from the five biggest producers to deliver relief for consumers in the form of rebates.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Chair Khan:

We write regarding our concerns about two blockbuster oil-and-gas deals announced in October: ExxonMobil’s (Exxon) proposed $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources (Pioneer) and Chevron’s proposed $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation (Hess) – two of the largest oil-and-gas deals of the 21st century. By allowing Exxon and Chevron to further integrate their extensive operations into important oil-and-gas fields, these deals are likely to harm competition, risking increased consumer prices and reduced output throughout the United States. At the regional level, the deals threaten to harm small operators and suppress wages. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must carefully consider all of the possible anticompetitive harms that these acquisitions present. Should the FTC determine that these mergers would violate antitrust law, we urge you to oppose them.

This Industry Is Already Too Concentrated, and Americans Are Already Paying the Price.

In the 1990s, over 2,600 mergers occurred throughout all segments of the U.S. petroleum industry. Between 1990 and 2001, the number of major U.S. energy companies plunged by more than half, dropping from 19 to 9, due to merger activity. Most notably, Exxon merged with Mobil in 1999; Chevron merged with Texaco in 2001 (after Chevron had already acquired Gulf Oil and Texaco had already bought Getty Oil in the 1980s). Such consolidation enabled anticompetitive coordination in the industry, and the remaining firms were well aware that they were members of an oligopoly with a “small number of companies involved, all of whom share[d] a motivation to recoup costs and not undermine the market.” For example, according to internal Mobil and BP documents, the majors understood that “[f]looding the market and depressing margins on the base volume” they marketed was unprofitable. Likewise, they knew that directing their individual supplies into, or away from, particular regions of the country enabled them to achieve “price uplift scenarios” and to “leverage up” prices. The Government Accountability Office found that five specific mergers from that time period – Marathon-Ashland, Shell-Texaco I (Equilon), BP-Amoco, MAP-UDS, and Exxon-Mobil – led to wholesale gasoline price increases ranging from 0.39 to 5.00 cents per gallon. Of those five, the price increase due to the Exxon-Mobil merger was the greatest.

After these huge mergers took place, the majors’ upstream operations were skewed to the detriment of consumers. Studies at the time demonstrated that spending on drilling for new oil supplies by the merged giants fell significantly compared to the drilling budgets before their mergers. Strangely enough, the majors cut back on upstream production at a time when crude prices were sky high and exploration costs had fallen by more than half, “one of the biggest potential disconnects between supply and demand in the 150-year history of the oil business.” These anticompetitive tactics resulted in a fragile supply for the nation where isolated mishaps at refineries or broken pipelines caused enormous price spikes for consumers (as took place in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005) – all of which financially benefited the oligopolists, providing them no incentive to stabilize national supply.

Consolidation in midstream operations hurt Americans consumers, as well. In 1993, the largest five oil refiners had a collective share of about one-third of the American market, and the largest ten controlled 55.6 percent. By 2005, due to the wave of mergers, the top five controlled 55 percent of the market, and the largest ten had 81.4 percent. This increase in concentration enabled the largest players to manipulate the industry by withholding supply in order to drive up prices, and since most of the firms were also vertically integrated, they benefited from higher prices at the retail level, as well.

Similar market dynamics exist today. The oil-and-gas industry is still dominated by a handful of corporate giants, led by the top-two players Exxon and Chevron. Any further consolidation could harm American consumers. This is especially true given the inelastic demand for gas products; those who drive to work rarely have substitutes for gas, so as prices rise, people do not purchase less gas. In April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, retail gasoline prices averaged $1.84. Prices steadily rose for two years, hitting a historic height of $4.93 in June 2022, and remain relatively high today at $3.84. Meanwhile, Exxon and Chevron posted their own historic heights in 2022: $56 billion in profits for Exxon and $36.5 billion for Chevron. They were not alone; Big Oil corporations collectively earned an industry high of nearly $200 billion last year. President Biden rightfully called for the FTC to investigate the oil industry for price gouging since such surges cannot be explained away by increased production costs from the pandemic or inflation, especially in light of these firms’ astronomical profits.

The Deals Could Harm Competition and Lead to Even Higher Prices for Americans.

Exxon is the largest oil-and-gas corporation in the United States, operating up and down the supply chain and across the entire industry. Its acquisition target, Pioneer, is an upstream petroleum operator drilling in Texas’s Permian Basin. Pioneer owns more drilling acreage than any other producer in the Permian where Exxon is also a top producer. A merged Exxon-Pioneer could produce a staggering 1.2 million barrels per day – more than twice the amount of the next competitor. Accordingly, this deal would enable the new Exxon to dominate the Permian – the most prolific oil-and-gas field in the world and America’s most important.

Chevron is America’s 2nd largest oil-and-gas firm with integrated operations rivaling Exxon’s. Hess is one of the largest producers in North Dakota’s Bakken Shale, the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and offshore Guyana.

Supporters of the deals have argued that the global market for oil and gas is so enormous that dominant firms in the relevant basins would not have enough supply to restrict capacity or raise prices in any meaningful way. Focusing only on the global market is improper. Even if these energy firms represent a small fraction of the global petroleum market, the question before the FTC is whether these proposed transactions may substantially lessen competition in any line of commerce. Thus, the FTC must consider how Exxon’s or Chevron’s vertically integrated operations may harm American competition in any national or regional market. For example, Exxon owns extensive midstream operations in the Permian Basin, meaning Exxon controls storage, refining, and transportation for a significant amount of capacity in the region where it will acquire Pioneer’s drilling operations. Exxon has an extensive pipeline system that transfers crude supply from the Permian to the Texas Gulf Coast. Recently, Exxon expanded its refinery operations on the Texas Gulf Coast by an additional capacity of 250,000 barrels per day and announced plans to ramp up its exporting operations on the Texas Gulf Coast, suggesting that Exxon-Pioneer intends to move significantly more oil and gas out of the United States than the two companies exported separately. Exxon’s CEO Darren Woods put it more bluntly in 2020: “These projects are export machines, generating products that high-growth nations need to support larger populations with higher standards of living. Those overseas markets are the motivation behind our investments. The supply is here; the demand is there. We want to keep connecting those dots.” This export strategy – in the nation’s most important oil-and-gas field, no less – could reduce the amount of their capacity ultimately available to American consumers and thereby increase prices throughout the energy supply chain, including at the gas pump. Furthermore, as we described above, the major energy firms already have a history of artificially reducing supply and increasing prices following rounds of consolidation.

If this “consolidation trend in the US” continues accelerating, competing exploration-and-production companies will find it increasingly difficult to operate without Exxon’s and Chevron’s networks, which creates new abilities and incentives for Exxon and Chevron to engage in anticompetitive tactics. Exxon’s and Chevron’s operations downstream would enable them to redirect Pioneer’s and Hess’s crude supply to themselves, away from (and possibly to the detriment of) their midstream competitors. These new market dynamics could result in price hikes for midstream customers, and such added costs are often passed downstream to retail customers, including drivers at gas stations.

We also urge you to investigate how an Exxon-Pioneer merger might impact local operators in the Permian as well as oilfield employees such as geologists and engineers. Potential anticompetitive harms at any level of the supply chain and in any market merit consideration by the FTC.

The FTC Must Protect Americans from Big Oil. These deals also demonstrate how corporate consolidation can frustrate self-governing democracy. At a time when Americans overwhelmingly support governmental efforts to clean up the environment and protect our nation from climate disasters, Exxon and Chevron are doubling down on fossil-fuel production. The proposed transactions would augment these corporations’ outsized political power, further enabling them to spend millions on lobbyists to thwart climate legislation, litigation to slash environmental rules, and a coordinated campaign to mislead consumers and discredit climate science – all to protect their billions in profits. By taking actions to promote competition, the FTC would also prevent the fossil-fuel industry from further subverting our democratic processes.

Under President Biden, the FTC has been willing to stand up to Big Oil. Just last year, the FTC required an energy private-equity fund to divest its entire crude-oil business in Utah before allowing a similar transaction to close, expressing concerns that the deal would lead to higher prices for refiners and consumers at the pump.

The fight against Big Oil is not new. When the Justice Department took on Standard Oil in the early twentieth century, the Supreme Court protected competition by breaking up Standard Oil into 43 different firms. Eventually, the global industry reorganized into seven dominant global players, including five prominent American companies – three of which (Standard Oil of California, Gulf Oil, and Texaco) combined into today’s Chevron, and two of which were Standard Oil of New Jersey (now known as Exxon) and Standard Oil of New York (now known as Mobil). In our view, the FTC should not have approved the ExxonMobil merger in 1999, which created the largest corporate successor of Standard Oil’s original illegal monopoly, or the merger between Chevron and Texaco in 2001. Lax enforcement during that period resulted in market manipulation, unstable supply, and price hikes for Americans. We must avoid similar mistakes going forward. It is incumbent upon the FTC to closely review the Exxon-Pioneer and Chevron-Hess acquisitions and take appropriate action should such reviews uncover any possible anticompetitive effects enabled by the acquisitions.

If anything, the FTC should be investigating the past anticompetitive mergers of Big Oil conglomerates like ExxonMobil and Chevron to determine whether these energy giants should be broken up once again.

We appreciate your attention to these serious matters.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-kaine-van-hollen-lead-colleagues-in-calling-for-immediate-steps-to-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-and-protect-civilians,"Baldwin, Kaine, Van Hollen Lead Colleagues in Calling for Immediate Steps to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza and Protect Civilians",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led their colleagues in urging President Biden to work with Israel and international partners to implement a plan that will protect innocent civilian life in Gaza, deliver sustained humanitarian aid, and work toward the long term goals of ending Hamas’s threat, bringing hostages home, and achieving sustainable peace in the region through a two-state solution. In the letter to President Biden, the senators call for the protection of civilians and civilian sites, the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and access to prompt medical attention for civilians injured to help address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“As you and your administration work with Israel and international partners to secure the release of hostages and respond to the terror attack on Israel, we join you in your urgent call for humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We encourage you to work with international partners to achieve expeditious implementation of a plan for sustained humanitarian aid in Gaza. We hope you’ll join us in encouraging our ally Israel to take immediate steps to help provide critical humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians in Gaza, including re-opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow life-saving water, food, and fuel to reach vulnerable civilians,” the senators wrote.

The senators continued, “We are concerned that increased and prolonged suffering in Gaza is not only intolerable for Palestinian civilians there but will also negatively impact the security of Israeli civilians by exacerbating existing tensions and eroding regional alliances.

The senators concluded, “This conflict will not be solved by force alone. Preservation of and respect for innocent life is both morally right and the best hope for a long-term strategy to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region.”

In addition to Senators Baldwin, Kaine, and Van Hollen, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) also signed the letter.

The full letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President,

As you and your administration work with Israel and international partners to secure the release of hostages and respond to the terror attack on Israel, we join you in your urgent call for humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We encourage you to work with international partners to achieve expeditious implementation of a plan for sustained humanitarian aid in Gaza. We hope you’ll join us in encouraging our ally Israel to take immediate steps to help provide critical humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians in Gaza, including re-opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow life-saving water, food, and fuel to reach vulnerable civilians.

Hamas’s October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel were nothing short of horrific. Israel has the right and the obligation to defend its people against these unspeakable horrors, to seek the release of hundreds of innocent hostages, and to ensure Hamas can never carry out a massacre like this again. We also believe that while Israel works to defeat Hamas, Israel must employ all possible measures to protect innocent civilians in Gaza. It is important for Israel to take every step possible to make clear it is defending Israelis against Hamas, not waging war on Palestinians. Eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and protecting civilians are not mutually exclusive aims. Indeed, International Humanitarian Law requires that civilians be protected during armed conflict.

It is hard to overstate the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The United Nations estimates 1.6 million Palestinians are internally displaced within the Gaza Strip, a land area comparable to twice the size of the District of Columbia. It is estimated that half of the displaced civilians are in make-shift United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) shelters. It is largely unknown where the remaining displaced civilians are seeking shelter. The United States must urge Israel to work with international relief agencies to facilitate safe and adequate accommodations for displaced individuals, and the United States must make clear that no non-combatant individuals should be compelled to leave Gaza.

This humanitarian crisis will precipitate a significant, and preventable loss of human life if not addressed immediately. More than half of Gaza’s hospitals have shut down, desalination plants are struggling to remain operational, and the last operative flour mill has been shut down due to a lack of fuel.

We recognize the urgent need to fulfill your emergency supplemental request for necessary security assistance to help Israel defend itself and humanitarian assistance to civilians impacted by the war. As we work to secure the needed humanitarian funds in bipartisan legislation, we also expect our international partners to share the responsibility to improve the conditions of life in Gaza.

Moreover, the conflict cannot leave Gaza so destroyed and devastated that there is no possibility for Palestinians to return to their communities and rebuild. We are concerned that increased and prolonged suffering in Gaza is not only intolerable for Palestinian civilians there but will also negatively impact the security of Israeli civilians by exacerbating existing tensions and eroding regional alliances. Professional militaries have a dual responsibility throughout their campaigns to minimize civilian casualties during tactical operations and to sustain living conditions for civilians.

We therefore urge you to communicate to the Israeli government and other relevant parties that the ongoing military operations must provide for:

The protection of civilians and civilian sites, in coordination with the relevant United Nations organizations.

The sustained delivery of the basic essentials of life (including water, food, medical and hygiene supplies and fuel for transportation of such essentials) in quantities sufficient to meet the current need. To do so, the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza, the main access point for supplies before October 7, must reopen to facilitate the proper inspection and delivery of larger quantities of aid and the reopening of this crossing must become part of the humanitarian support plan.

Access to prompt medical attention for sick and wounded civilians, both within Gaza as well as the option to evacuate to a neighboring country.

Through United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and UN vetting and oversight processes, the U.S. must help ensure that the humanitarian aid and protections afforded civilians are not used or exploited by Hamas or other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza.

Lastly, there must be hope for the future. We worry the current trajectory of the conflict moves us further away from our shared goals of ending Hamas’s threat and removing them from power in Gaza, bringing hostages home, and achieving sustainable peace in the region through a two-state solution. Mr. President, it is in our national interest that you clearly articulate that vision. To these ends, we urge you to define a U.S. vision for the future of Israel and Palestine as well as the role our country will play in encouraging a peaceful resolution and rebuilding. Part of this vision must not only include two sovereign states for Israelis and Palestinians, but an expectation of equal treatment under law, including a serious effort to address violence committed by a minority of Israeli settlers against Palestinian residents of the West Bank.

This conflict will not be solved by force alone. Preservation of and respect for innocent life is both morally right and the best hope for a long-term strategy to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-calls-on-biden-to-address-fentanyl-trafficking-at-the-border-during-meeting-with-president-of-mexico,Baldwin Calls on Biden to Address Fentanyl Trafficking at the Border During Meeting with President of Mexico,2023-11-17,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C – Ahead of President Biden’s meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on President Biden to address the flow of fentanyl being trafficked into the United States through the Southwest border and highlight the deadly impact it is having in the United States. Between 2019 and 2021, fentanyl overdose deaths in Wisconsin grew by 97%, and in 2022, nearly 1,400 Badger State families lost a loved one to opioid overdose or poisoning.

“To save lives in Wisconsin, we must stop illicit fentanyl at its source. While cartels appear to be feeling the pressure of U.S. sanctions and law enforcement, Wisconsin families and law enforcement should not be forced to shoulder the burden of Mexico’s failure to prevent illicit fentanyl production and trafficking within its own borders,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to President Biden.

Senator Baldwin has long worked to both increase opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts and disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the country and communities. Senator Baldwin’s FEND Off Fentanyl Act was included in the Senate-passed FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, bipartisan legislation that would combat our country’s fentanyl crisis by targeting the illicit fentanyl supply chain, including chemical suppliers in China and cartels that traffic the drugs from Mexico. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin is working to fulfill the Administration’s domestic and national security supplemental requests that include necessary investments to both disrupt fentanyl trafficking and help those struggling with substance use disorder. As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Senator Baldwin also advanced funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2024 that includes an additional $20 million for State Opioid Response grants to help communities with prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

“While these measures and investments will strengthen our nation’s ability to fight against the flow of fentanyl in the future, we cannot afford to wait. The United States and Mexico share a nearly 2,000 mile border and, along with it, a shared responsibility to ensure that the criminal production and trafficking of fentanyl in Mexico does not harm Americans and American interests. I urge you to impress upon President López Obrador his nation’s obligation to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States and to secure commitments for additional defense and law enforcement cooperation,” concluded Senator Baldwin.

The full letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. President:

I am encouraged that you will use the occasion of the APEC Economic Leaders’ forum to meet with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. I hope that the discussion will enhance our bilateral relationship, including managing migration at our shared border and spurring additional hemispheric cooperation to address the international factors contributing to unprecedented growth of migration. I urge you to use this opportunity to ensure President López Obrador understands the deadly impact of international fentanyl trafficking on Wisconsin and the role that his country must play in saving American lives.

Between fiscal years 2021-2023, fentanyl seizures at our Southwest border increased by more than 150%. The flood of fentanyl into our country from Mexico has had devastating consequences for communities across Wisconsin. Between 2019 and 2021, fentanyl overdose deaths in Wisconsin grew by 97%, and in 2022, nearly 1,400 families lost a loved one to opioid overdose or poisoning. To save lives in Wisconsin, we must stop illicit fentanyl at its source. While cartels appear to be feeling the pressure of U.S. sanctions and law enforcement, Wisconsin families and law enforcement should not be forced to shoulder the burden of Mexico’s failure to prevent illicit fentanyl production and trafficking within its own borders.

That is why I am proud that the FEND Off Fentanyl Act was included in the Senate-passed FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The FEND Off Fentanyl Act would declare a national emergency regarding the international trafficking of fentanyl and combat our country’s fentanyl crisis by targeting the illicit fentanyl supply chain, including chemical suppliers in China and cartels that traffic the drugs from Mexico. By strengthening current law and directing the Treasury Department to target, sanction, and block the financial assets of transnational criminal organizations, the FEND Off Fentanyl Act aims to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl into our country by choking off the income source of those who traffic in synthetic opioids. I am also glad that the FY24 NDAA acknowledges that transnational criminal organizations have established effective control over significant areas of Mexico, thereby enabling the development of fentanyl production and trafficking infrastructure, and directs the Secretary of Defense to enhance cooperation with defense officials in Mexico to target, disrupt, and degrade transnational criminal organizations within Mexico that traffic fentanyl.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am working to fulfill the Administration’s domestic and national security supplemental requests in bipartisan legislation that includes necessary investments in programs to both disrupt fentanyl trafficking and help those struggling with substance use disorder. I support the national security supplemental’s request for $1.2 billion to crack down on the trafficking of dangerous and lethal illicit drugs, including hiring an additional 1,300 border agents and deploying new detection equipment will disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the country, and the domestic supplemental request for $1.55 billion for HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration State Opioid Response grants to provide treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services in all States and territories.

While these measures and investments will strengthen our nation’s ability to fight against the flow of fentanyl in the future, we cannot afford to wait. The United States and Mexico share a nearly 2,000 mile border and, along with it, a shared responsibility to ensure that the criminal production and trafficking of fentanyl in Mexico does not harm Americans and American interests. I urge you to impress upon President López Obrador his nation’s obligation to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States and to secure commitments for additional defense and law enforcement cooperation.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2023-11-17,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters.

Note: Staff-led mobile office hours are closed to press. Recording devices of any kind are not allowed. These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of our constituents.

Kewaunee County Office Hours

Wednesday, November 22

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Algoma City Hall

416 Fremont St., Algoma, WI 54201

Door County Office Hours

Wednesday, November 22

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Egg Harbor Village Hall

7860 WI-42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209

Eau Claire County Office Hours

Monday, November 27

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Eau Claire County Highway Department

5061 US 53, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Chippewa County Office Hours

Monday, November 27

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Chippewa Falls Public Library, Wissota Meeting Room

105 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Dunn County Office Hours

Monday, November 27

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Menomonie Public Library

600 Wolske Bay Rd., Menomonie, WI 54751

St. Croix County Office Hours

Monday, November 27

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Star Prairie Community Center

207 Bridge Ave., Star Praire, WI 54026

Brown County Office Hours

Thursday, November 30

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wrightstown Village Hall

352 High St., Wrightstown, WI 54180

Manitowoc County Office Hours

Thursday, November 30

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Two Rivers City Hall

1717 E Park St., Two Rivers, WI 54241

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-joins-45-senators-to-demand-answers-over-biden-administration-s-unprecedented-pause-of-firearms-export-licenses,Sen. Johnson Joins 45 Senators to Demand Answers Over Biden Administration’s Unprecedented Pause of Firearms Export Licenses,2023-11-17,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and 44 of their Republican Senate colleagues in a letter to Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary, Gina Raimondo, raising questions over last month’s decision by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to impose a 90-day pause on the issuance of export licenses for firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories to most overseas markets. This unprecedented move is the latest chapter in the Biden administration’s hostility towards America’s firearms industry.

The letter notes the impact this pause could have on U.S. commercial and economic interests, which, according to the firearms and ammunition industry, would directly cost at least $89 million for the 90-day pause and at least $238 million annually should the pause become permanent.

The senators are demanding a response to their inquiry by no later than November 30.

Joining Sens. Johnson and Budd are Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), and Senators John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Ind.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), John Kennedy (R-La.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rand Paul, M.D. (R-Ky.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-bill-to-connect-veterans-with-earned-benefits-passes-the-senate-with-unanimous-bipartisan-support,Baldwin Bill to Connect Veterans with Earned Benefits Passes the Senate with Unanimous Bipartisan Support,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday evening, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Dan Sullivan’s (R-AK) Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. Baldwin’s bipartisan legislation would expand and support Tribal Veterans Service Officers and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO), the community-based employees who work directly with veterans to inform them of eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services, file pension and compensation claims, and help them enroll in job, housing, disability, and education benefits. CVSOs play an outsized role in helping veterans in rural, native, and other hard to reach communities connect with VA services.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to serve their country and we owe it to them to make it as easy as possible to access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud my bipartisan legislation to help our veterans access their hard-earned benefits is moving forward so we can do right by those who served us.”

“Less than half of Alaska’s more than 75,000 veterans are currently enrolled in the VA system, meaning a majority are not accessing the benefits and health care services that they have earned, including those struggling with mental illness,” said Senator Sullivan. “That is unacceptable. Alaska’s vast size and sparse population certainly contribute to this challenge, but local partners and veteran service officers present an opportunity to reach these off-the-grid veterans. I’m grateful that the Senate passed the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, introduced by Senator Baldwin and me. This legislation will reinforce the VA’s mission to expand its reach and ensure veterans who live in rural, frontier states—like Alaska—do not get left behind.”

Out of the estimated 19 million veterans in the United States, only a small fraction utilizes the care and benefits they are entitled to.

While CVSOs work tirelessly to connect veterans with their federal benefits, they currently receive zero funding from the federal government. Specifically, the legislation would create a grant program to improve outreach to veterans and increase the number of county and tribal veterans service officers. By increasing the number of CVSOs, states will also be better able to leverage their local and federal resources to serve our veterans.

In Wisconsin, several CVSOs helped sound the alarm about a doctor at the Tomah VA who was misdiagnosing veterans who were suffering from traumatic brain injury. In part because CVSOs identified a troubling pattern, Senator Baldwin and impacted patients successfully got the VA to identify, reexamine, and in appropriate cases, deliver those misdiagnosed their earned benefits.

Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin traveled around Wisconsin on her “Delivering for Our Veterans Tour,” meeting with veterans and advocates in New Richmond, Wausau, Green Bay, and Racine to discuss the need to pass the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act and highlight new benefits for veterans harmed by toxic exposure. Click here to hear how CVSOs help veterans connect with the benefits and services they are owed.

“I would strongly encourage your support and passage of this 'first of its kind' legislation to expand and continue to provide CVSO services to those who have served our great country,” said Joseph Aulik, Brown County CVSO Veterans Service Office Director.

“CVSOs are the ‘boots on the ground’ for veterans and returning service members. They serve as local, responsive advocates connecting those in need with services. Every additional dollar CVSOs nationwide would receive could assist in outreach and claim submission, and improve access to VA mental health, homeless services and healthcare our nation’s veterans richly deserve. Furthermore, local CVSO offices would be able to hire additional staff to keep up with rising demand. I am very hopeful the CVSO Act will be passed by Congress to assist our returning heroes in obtaining the benefits to which they are entitled,” said Phillip Landgraf, St. Croix County Director of Veterans Affairs.

The Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act is supported by the National Association of Counties, the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, the Wisconsin and Alaska Departments of Veterans Affairs, the Wisconsin State Association of County Veterans Service Commissions and Committees, the Wisconsin Association of Counties, and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-supports-bipartisan-bill-to-cut-insulin-costs-for-millions-more-americans,Senator Baldwin Supports Bipartisan Bill to Cut Insulin Costs for Millions More Americans,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in supporting legislation to comprehensively address the skyrocketing costs of insulin and lower prices for Wisconsinites. The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act of 2023 would remove barriers to care, limit out of pocket costs for patients, and make insulin more accessible for millions of Americans.

“Americans should not have to choose between putting food on the table and the lifesaving medications they need to stay healthy. This bill builds on the historic gains we’ve made in capping the cost of insulin for seniors by lowering the out-of-pocket costs for all Wisconsinites living with diabetes,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to lower the price of insulin and give families some much needed relief.”

A new report from the American Diabetes Association that shows the cost of diabetes in America, including the cost of insulin, continues to skyrocket for patients and the federal government. More than 37 million Americans live with diabetes, including over 400,000 Wisconsinites. The disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming over 100,000 lives in 2021. It is also the most expensive chronic condition in the nation, costing Americans a combined total of $412.9 billion per year. The rising cost of insulin presents a barrier to care for a growing number of Americans living with diabetes; 1 in 4 individuals report reducing insulin use due to cost.

The INSULIN Act would directly address the root problems in the insulin market causing high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition, and broadening access to needed insulin products. Specifically, the INSULIN Act of 2023 would:

Limit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans must waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 or 25% of list price per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) would be prohibited from placing utilization management tools – prior authorization, step therapy, etc. – on products with capped out-of-pocket costs.

Mandate PBMs pass through 100% of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices and helping patients in the form of reduced premiums.

Promote generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs to patients by:

Creating a new expedited FDA approval pathway for biologic drugs lacking biosimilar competition, similar to FDA’s current Competitive Generic Therapies pathway;

This will improve the timeliness of resolving regulatory barriers slowing down market entry of lower cost products;

Ensuring adequate oversight of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) citizen petition process, easing approval of generic and biosimilar drugs;

Allowing Medicare Part D plans to place biosimilar drugs on formulary immediately after entering the market, identical to other generic drugs; and,

Requiring the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and FDA, to issue a report to Congress on issues and market dynamics delaying or restricting biosimilar insulin competition.

The legislation was led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), and also co-sponsored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jon Tester (D-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

Senator Baldwin has long advocated for holding big drug companies accountable and expanding access to affordable health care for Wisconsinites. Last year, she helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which for the first time allows Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and caps the cost of insulin at $35-a-month for Medicare recipients. Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin’s bipartisan legislation requiring pharmaceutical companies to be transparent with their customers and explain to the public why they are raising drug prices on working families passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.

A full text of this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-to-hhs-sec-becerra-and-inspector-general-grimm-niaid-official-s-actions-may-have-directly-obstructed-my-oversight-efforts,Sen. Johnson to HHS Sec. Becerra and Inspector General Grimm: NIAID Official’s Actions May Have Directly Obstructed My Oversight Efforts,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent letters to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Sec. Xavier Becerra and HHS Inspector General Christi Grimm revealing a recently obtained email apparently showing a concerted effort led by Dr. David Morens, a senior scientific advisor at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), to circumvent federal record keeping laws and avoid producing responsive documents to congressional requests including the senator’s own request from June 2021.

In the letters, the senator included the text of Dr. Morens’ June 17, 2021 email that he sent from his Gmail account to ten individuals he referred to as his American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (ASTMH) “colleagues.” In that email with the subject line, “CONFIDENTIAL WITHIN OUR SMALL GROUP, PLEASE,” Dr. Morens attached a June 11, 2021 letter Sen. Johnson and four other senators sent to Sec. Becerra and then-National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins requesting documents related to the origins of COVID-19.

Dr. Morens, who at the time reported to Dr. Anthony Fauci, summarized the requests relating to COVID-19 origins, and then informed his colleagues he has retained “very few” records on “these matters” and reiterated his preference that “correspondence on sensitive issues be sent to [him] at [his] gmail [sic] address[.]” Dr. Morens’ complete email is copied below:

Sen. Johnson wrote, “it appears that Dr. Morens may have intentionally deleted or destroyed records relating to the origins of COVID-19 given his admission that he has ‘retained very few emails or documents on these matters.’ Further, Dr. Morens’ stated preference to receive correspondence on ‘sensitive issues’ through Gmail shows an apparent evasion of federal record keeping requirements and a complete disregard for transparency.”

The senator added, “Dr. Morens’ apparent actions may have directly obstructed my oversight efforts. . . . [I]n light of the information I recently obtained regarding Dr. Morens’ efforts to hinder HHS’s response to my June 11, 2021 letter, I am deeply concerned that HHS officials may have intentionally removed or destroyed responsive records on the origins of COVID-19 or on other aspects of the pandemic.”

Sen. Johnson requested Dr. Morens appear before his Subcommittee staff for an interview and also called on Sec. Becerra to immediately provide complete responses to his June 11, 2021 letter and the March 31, 2023 follow-up letter by December 6, 2023.

Additionally, Sen. Johnson reiterated his August 14, 2023 request to HHS Inspector General Grimm to investigate Dr. Morens’ apparent violations of federal record keeping requirements and potential obstruction of congressional requests.

Read more about the senator’s November 15, 2023 letters to Sec. Becerra and Inspector General Grimm in the New York Post.

The full letter to HHS can be found here and the letter to the Office of the Inspector General can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-backed-infrastructure-law-delivers-over-56-billion-for-wisconsin-in-first-two-years,Baldwin-Backed Infrastructure Law Delivers Over $5.6 Billion for Wisconsin In First Two Years,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement celebrating the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which has delivered over $5.6 billion in funding for Wisconsin roads, bridges, broadband, water infrastructure, and more.

“Two years ago, Republicans and Democrats came together to make an investment in Wisconsin and our nation’s future. Whether it be replacing lead pipes to keep kids healthy, repaving roads and replacing crumbling bridges to keep our economy moving forward, or connecting more Wisconsinites to high-speed internet, it is clear that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for Wisconsin families and businesses,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to see my strong Buy America provisions ensuring that this investment in America’s infrastructure is also investing in American businesses and workers. In just the first two years, communities from Bayfield to Beloit are reaping the benefits of these investments, and I remain committed to ensuring the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to work for Wisconsin and puts Wisconsinites to work.”

Senator Baldwin championed strong Buy America provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, requiring that key manufactured products for materials used in roads, bridges, broadband, and water infrastructure, be manufactured in the United States, supporting American jobs, businesses, and workers. In August, Senator Baldwin helped announce that Sanmina in Kenosha County is bringing up to 200 manufacturing jobs to Wisconsin to produce key components that expand access to broadband, in part because of the Buy America standards in the BIL.

The $5.6 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Wisconsin that Senator Baldwin helped secure is headed to over 327 specific projects. In the coming years, Wisconsin can expect to see additional investments. Information on and examples of investments in Wisconsin’s roads, bridges, broadband, and water infrastructure can be found below:

Safe Roads and Bridges

Senator Baldwin secured $3.4 billion for Wisconsin roads, bridges, roadway safety, and major projects, including:

$3.1 billion in highway formula funding and $135 million in dedicated formula funding for bridges.

$66.2 million through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program and $80 million through the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program.

John Nolen Drive Bridges: Over $15 million in BIL funding will replace six off-system bridges along the John Nolen Drive causeway, a major artery into downtown Madison, across Lake Monona. The six two-lane bridges (three north-bound, three southbound) on the corridor have reached the end of their service lives. This project will also include a separated bike and pedestrian path, traffic signals and street lighting, smart technologies to manage traffic, and associated green infrastructure.

City of Beloit: Over $13 million in BIL along with annual budget funding will make safety improvements including a new bridge on Willowbrook Road, reconstruction of Willowbrook Road, reconstruction of Colley Road, multilane roundabouts at three intersections, and railroad crossing improvements.

City of Milwaukee: Over $14 million through the RAISE program to make street improvements on approximately 1.5 miles of West Villard Avenue from North Sherman Boulevard to the Oak Leaf Trail and 20th Street Powerline Trail at N 20th Street. Improvements include raised bike lanes, raised intersections, curb extensions, bus bulbs, lighting and signal improvements, a pedestrian plaza, and other streetscaping enhancements.

Columbia County: $80 million in BIL funding to replace the existing I-39/90/94 Wisconsin River Bridge with two new bridge spans dedicated to serve traffic in opposite directions. Two overcrossing bridges for county roads (CTH U and CTH V), will also be replaced.

Eau Claire County: Over $49 million through the National Highway Freight Program and National Highway Performance Program for I-94 from the I-94/US 53 interchange to Mallard Road for construction and pavement replacement.

Bayfield County: $4.9 million through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program to replace existing concrete pavement on WIS 13 (Bayfield Street) which has deteriorated.

Increasing Access to Affordable High-Speed Internet

Senator Baldwin successfully delivered Wisconsin more than $1 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) to expand access to high-speed internet. Wisconsin also received $14.9 million in funding to expand middle-mile infrastructure in the state. In addition, about 413,000 households in Wisconsin have saved on the cost of internet from the Affordable Connectivity Program, a program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program: Over $35 million for Wisconsin from the program made possible by the Baldwin-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual funding legislation, to support Tribal government efforts to bring high-speed Internet to Tribal lands, including telehealth, distance learning, and affordability initiatives. Along with projects for the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Stockbridge-Munsee Community, and Oneida Nation, this includes:

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians: Over $25 million to install fiber directly connecting 2,300 unserved Native American households, plus 25 businesses, the Tribal Government, and 19 community anchor institutions with qualifying broadband service at speeds up to 100 Mbps symmetrical.

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: Over $8 million to install fiber to directly connect 705 unserved Native American households, 18 unserved Native American businesses, and 4 Native American community anchor institutions with fiber-to-the-home 940 Mbps/30 Mbps service.

Dairyland Power Cooperative (Western Wisconsin): Nearly $15 million to Dairyland Power Cooperative to implement its Tri-State Fiber Deployment Project (TSFDP), which will?retrofit 240.23 miles of fiber optic communications network using mostly optical ground wire (OPGW) on DPCs transmission lines in 3 years. Through the TSFDP, last mile providers in Barron, Polk, Burnett, and Washburn Counties will have enhanced capacity to reach unserved and underserved residents at affordable rates and help bridge the nations digital divide.?

Delivering Clean and Safe Water

Senator Baldwin brought home $369 million to Wisconsin to provide clean and safe water across the state and improve water infrastructure. This includes $336 million available to date to provide clean and safe water across the state through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Of this funding, $129.5 million is dedicated to lead pipe and service line replacement, with another $66.7 million for safe drinking water investments that can also support lead pipe replacement.

Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Accelerators: Wisconsin was selected as one of four states designated as an LSLR Accelerator. The EPA program will provide hands-on support to guide communities through the process of lead service line removals from start to finish. In August, Senator Baldwin visited a lead pipe removal site in Milwaukee to see how infrastructure dollars are accelerating LSLR.

Improving Public Transit

Senator Baldwin secured $237.1 million to improve Wisconsin’s public transportation options and $25.8 million for Wisconsin through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program. In addition, communities in Wisconsin were awarded $42.4 million for clean transit buses and improved bus service through DOT’s Low-and No-Emission Bus and Bus Facilities Program.

City of Madison: Over $37 million for their Electrify Madison initiative, which will be used to buy battery-electric buses to replace older diesel buses and install charging equipment and solar panels to modernize its bus maintenance facility, as well as develop a workforce training program.

Clean Buses: Several Wisconsin school districts are benefiting from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, which provides funding to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) models, including the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District which received a $2.3 million rebate, Granton Area School District which received $1.8 million, Mondovi School District which received $1.9 million, Lumira School District which received $1.5 million, and the Augusta School District which received $1.1 million.

Clean Energy and Power

Senator Baldwin helped deliver approximately $173.1 million to Wisconsin for clean energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and power generation. This includes:

$95 million for weatherization.

$7.9 million through the State Energy Program.

$6.5 million through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

$14.2 million to prevent outages and make the power grid more resilient.

$45.1 million to build out a network of EV chargers across the state.

Creating Safer, More Efficient Airports

Senator Baldwin ensured Wisconsin received approximately $87.3 million for airports. This money will support investments in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal improvement projects.

General Mitchell International Airport?Project: $5.1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Terminal Program to replace flat roof areas on airport buildings that have reached the end of their useful life – making the buildings more resilient to weather and energy efficient.

Dane County Regional Airport Project: $2.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Terminal Program to resurface pavement, install 400 energy efficient street lights, improve public bus access and safety, and improve signage and guidance.

Investing in Ports, Resiliency, and Waterways

Senator Baldwin brought $32.1 million to Wisconsin for ports and waterways. BIL also invests $111.6 million in Wisconsin’s infrastructure resilience, including $13.2 million through the Army Corps of Engineers for flood mitigation.

Port of Milwaukee: Over $9 million in BIL and annual budget funding will help construct two grain storage silos, purchase additional grain handling equipment, purchase rolling equipment including a locomotive, excavators, and skid steers to move products between storage and vessels.

Port of Green Bay: Over $10.1 million in BIL and annual budget funding through Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants to redevelop the decommissioned Pulliam power plant site into a state-of-the-art port facility. The project will include brownfield clean-up, filling in an old boat slip, dredging, resurfacing, and construction of a new dock wall, crane pad, asphalt pads, and rail lines.

Algoma Harbor: An over $19 million BIL investment from the Corps of Engineers to help rebuild the South Pier, which has not been updated since it was built over 100 years ago. The project will stabilize the North Pier and South Breakwater Pier so that they can sustain rising water levels.

Cleaning Up Legacy Pollution

Senator Baldwin delivered BIL funding to address legacy pollution and conserve ecosystems, including the Great Lakes and former industrial sites across Wisconsin.

Brownfields: Wisconsin received approximately $15.4 million to clean up brownfield sites, or land that is abandoned or underutilized because of pollution from industrial use. Senator Baldwin joined EPA Administrator Regan in Milwaukee in May to celebrate funding announced for Milwaukee, Calumet County, Green Bay, Sheboygan County, Eau Claire and more to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites.

Great Lakes Areas of Concern: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a $1 billion investment in the Great Lakes to clean up and restore severely degraded sites, known as “Areas of Concern” or AOCs. Wisconsin has four AOC’s near the St. Louis River, Fox River, Milwaukee Estuary, and Sheboygan. In October, Senator Baldwin joined EPA Administrator Regan to announce $275 million in BIL funding would go to cleaning up the Milwaukee Estuary.

A full list of federal investments heading to Wisconsin under BIL can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-votes-to-keep-government-open-avoid-devastating-impacts-for-wisconsin-families-and-economy,"Senator Baldwin Votes to Keep Government Open, Avoid Devastating Impacts for Wisconsin Families and Economy",2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement after voting to avoid a government shutdown:

“Today, we passed a bipartisan package to fund the government into next year, avoiding an unnecessary shutdown which would have threatened our economy and Americans’ safety. Playing politics and shutting down the government would have had devastating impacts for Wisconsin, cutting off critical support for our troops and law enforcement, pausing funding for nutrition programs that children and families rely on, and hurting our small businesses just before Thanksgiving. This compromise also extends critical programs that help power our agricultural communities and support Wisconsin dairy farmers, agricultural research, and biofuel producers. As we work to fund the government for the coming year, I remain committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to deliver support for Wisconsin families, farmers, and businesses, while also keeping up the fight to deliver additional aid to our allies abroad like Israel and Ukraine, humanitarian aid to those in need, resources to strengthen our border, and funding to address the child care crisis and fentanyl epidemic.”

In addition to continuing to fund the government into early 2024, the legislation also extended Farm Bill programs until September 30, 2024, giving Congress additional time to continue negotiating a new long-term Farm Bill.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/icymi-sen-johnson-joins-house-of-representatives-panel-on-injuries-caused-by-covid-19-vaccines,ICYMI: Sen. Johnson Joins House of Representatives Panel on Injuries Caused by COVID-19 Vaccines,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), and seven of her House GOP colleagues, in a hearing titled Injuries Caused by COVID-19 Vaccines which explored potential links between COVID-19 vaccination and adverse events including myocarditis, pericarditis, blood clots, neurological damage, cardiac arrest, miscarriages, fertility issues, and more. The panel heard witness testimony on vaccine adverse events from medical experts Dr. Robert Malone and Dr. Kimberly Biss and also heard from attorney Thomas Renz who represented Department of Defense (DOD) whistleblowers who revealed increases in medical diagnoses among service members registered in a DOD database.

The senator discussed how U.S. public health agencies, including DOD, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lack transparency regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and have failed to provide complete responses to many of the 60 public oversight letters the senator has sent. The senator also displayed his censored drug adverse event comparison chart showing the worldwide totals of about 1.6 million adverse events and 36,501 deaths associated with the COVID-19 vaccines. Sen. Johnson has held four roundtable (May 6, 2020, January 24, 2022, August 3, 2022, and December 7, 2022) events on COVID-19 early treatment and vaccine safety with world-renowned doctors and medical experts since May 2020.

Sen. Johnson’s panel remarks can be found here. Excerpts can be found below:

Opening remarks on federal health agency oversight and COVID-19 vaccine adverse events

Sen. Johnson: “I put on our first event in June of 2021 in Milwaukee to just allow five vaccine-injured individuals to tell their story. My hope was that the media would show some ounce of sympathy for their plight. That didn't happen. I've held a number of other public events like you're doing here today and always the focus has been on the vaccine injured because they deserve to be seen and heard and believed because they deserve treatment. No matter what percent of doses result in an injury, we can't ignore the plight of the vaccine injury. So, again, I really appreciate you doing this. I do have a chart that's been censored a number of times. I don’t know if they can get up behind me. This is CDC and FDA's own numbers. And yet, you know, through all the social media censorship directed by, unconstitutionally directed by, the Biden administration, people just don't want to see this. But these are the true numbers. The first five drugs that are listed here, this is over 28 years of reporting on the VAERS system and the FAERS system, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, you can see ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine are pretty safe drugs as is dexamethasone, the two drugs below—this is since the COVID pandemic—remdesivir and the COVID vaccines. Now, I don't know how anybody can take a look at our response to COVID and not claim it was anything but a miserable failure; we’re 4% of the world's population we experienced supposedly 16% of the deaths. The VAERS system on the COVID vaccines alone: 1.6 million adverse events, 36,501 deaths. Now, these are worldwide figures which are a little bit different than what you're showing in terms of U.S. figures. These are worldwide deaths. It's important to point out, though, of those, of that 36,501 deaths, 8,923 deaths occurred either on the day of vaccination or within day one or two. Now, there's always two complaints about the VAERS system. One, it doesn't prove causality, which is true, but when you have that correlation of 24.4% of the deaths occurring day zero, one, or two, it certainly is a correlation I would be concerned about, and I'm just not quite sure why the FDA, CDC, NIH are not concerned about or the general medical community. I do want to just quickly, and I'll do this quickly, talk about the oversight letters I've written trying to get this information during most of my public events, I always invited the heads of the representatives of the federal health agencies or Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson to come and discuss this with people like Dr. Malone, Peter McCullough, and the other experts I've had in my panels. They've never shown up. We had Dr. Peter Hotez, a real vaccine proponent, turned down, I think it's up to $2.6 million donation, to his charity just to debate a lawyer about medical, you know, RFK Jr.; he won't do it. That tells you something. But what also is pretty revealing is in the 60 oversight letters I've written to the FDA, the CDC, the Department of Defense, the NIH, some aspect of COVID, I've virtually gotten no response. I just want to talk about three general efforts. The first I want to talk about is the standard operating procedure that the FDA, CDC issued on how they were going to analyze their safety surveillance systems. So I first wrote a letter in June of 2022 because the CDC was nonresponsive to a Freedom of Information Act asking for those documents, the proportional reporting ratios that the analysis they're going to do, and then eventually the empirical Bayesian analysis. They didn't respond. Then we found out that, again, they weren't going to be doing PRR, they were going to be doing a Bayesian analysis, that was the FDA was going to do that, not the CDC. So its bottom line, cut to the chase here. It's been over a year and a half since I first tried to get that analysis of their own safety surveillance system, and they won't show it to us. You have to ask the question ‘why?’ Again, this is information the American public has a right to know. These are public servants, but they are so arrogant that they believe that they're not accountable to the American people, that they don't have to respond to congressional oversight. The other effort was regarding hot lots. This was pointed out by a fellow named Craig Paardekooper and Jessica Rose. There was 1 lot of Moderna had 5,297 adverse events reported to the VAERS system. This goes back to December 3rd, 2021. So the first year 1 lot had 5,297 adverse events reported. The worst flu vaccine lot ever reported had 137. There were 256 different lots of the vaccines in total, they had more than 500 adverse events reported and yet the response I get from the CDC or the FDA is even though you show them the data they write back, say ‘FDA’s analysis of counts of serious adverse events reported by COVID 19 vaccine lot numbers showed no unusual concentration reports of a single lot or small group of lots.’ So again, they are just willfully blind. With impunity they just say ‘we see nothing here, so quit asking questions.’ The last attempt was my 60th oversight letter, and this had to do with an FDA-funded, and now I found out it's an FDA-conducted study, that concluded, the study found statistically significant signals for myocarditis and pericarditis, but also in the primary analysis, seizures, convulsions, met the statistical threshold for a signal in children age two to four years following Pfizer vaccination, all three databases and in children age two to five following Moderna vaccination. Now, the reason I'm pointing this out is this is, again, not only funded but conducted by senior FDA officials. The results were, they concluded the data collection in April of 2023. They issued on, September 12th, 2023 after an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. They advise that every American six months and up get these vaccines, even though they conduct a study, the data being collected ended in April that it has signals for myocarditis, pericarditis, and seizures. They didn't publish a report until a month after the committee recommended the immunization. What is going on here? So again, when you cannot get information that the American public deserves, when people don't show up for events like this and just be willing to engage in discussion or debate with eminently qualified doctors and vaccine experts, all they do instead is. they denigrate they vilify, they try and destroy their careers. Something's not right. Something smells to high heaven.”

Sen. Johnson questions Dr. Robert Malone on COVID-19 vaccine toxicity

Sen. Johnson: “You know, those few members who did show up, you're not going to get a lot of accolades for doing this. It's pretty lonely in the Senate. Pretty lonely in the House to, to be asking these questions, which I think is its own travesty. Dr. Malone, in our event about 12 months ago, on December 7th, that was billed as ‘What is in the vaccine? How does it work? How it would cause injury?’ I still don't think we got nailed down, that nailed down asmuch as I wanted to. It's certainly been described to me in layman's terms that you've got this lipid nanoparticle, bio-distributes all over the body. It injects this modified mRNA that lasts a lot longer in the body than it was supposed to. Now, you said something earlier that is slightly different from what I've heard. I've heard is it gets injected into the cell, it juices the mitochondria to produce the energy, to produce and express the spike protein, andthen the body attacks the spike protein, because it's a foreign body, it's toxic, and that creates inflammation, that's what myocarditis is. So that's my layman term of what happened. Can you accurately describe – again, we don't we don't exactly know what's in these, you know, this gene therapy, but how is, how does it operate and how could itcause these injuries?”

Dr. Robert Malone: “So the injuries are so widespread and many of them can be…”

Sen. Johnson: “Let me just add, we're hearing this, these turbo cancers.”

Dr. Robert Malone: “Yes.”

Sen. Johnson: “Again, if, if all of a sudden you're juicing the mitochondria of a cancer cell, again, as a layman, that would be concerning. So take it away.”

Dr. Robert Malone: “I think you're conflating two trains of research, the activation of mitochondrial metabolism and – which is the mitochondria are these energy sources that are within our cells. You can think of them as the Tesla battery for your cells. They are impacted in some way that's not clear by the nature of the composition of the material, and that, that's what's observed that as you administer the material to cells, you observe this alteration in mitochondrial function. The part that – mitochondria are not directly involved in producing protein, those areribosomes, and functionally what happens here is that this large molecule, I call it a string of pearls, the modified messenger RNA moves into the white part of the egg, the cytoplasm of the cell, and gets loaded on to these protein manufacturing machines that we call ribosomes. They do consume energy in order to make proteins, but it's those ribosomes that do the business. In terms of what could be causing the turbo cancers, certainly the modification of metabolism, which is what you're talking about, the energy generating part of the cell can contribute to that becausecancer cells are already kind of predisposed and off-the-rails in terms of their regular control. However, what we have learned recently, and this is literally just recently now, there's over a dozen labs that have confirmed it, and it's beenconfirmed by, as I mentioned, the European Medicines Agency, Health Canada, and the FDA is that we have these short DNA fragments. Now, science in the real world is a situation where we have constantly evolving understanding of a complex system, and in that evolving understanding, we often have situations where we find that things are caused by many phenomena, all acting at the same time. It is well established that DNA fragments will cause what's called insertional mutagenesis. They will stick themselves into the DNA of those cells that receive them. Short DNAfragments are particularly prone to this. It has been a topic of great concern by the FDA historically. They have basically parked those concerns and not done the types of studies that they would normally have done in the past for similar systems, but this type of insertion of genetic material into your chromosomes, and, by the way, this because asthe doctor will, I think, concur these particles are also shown to cross the placenta and so there's germ cells there in the fetus. There's germ cells throughout your body, like in your bone marrow, and then there's cells that are not stem cells – I should say stem cells, not germ cells. There are stem cells throughout your body, but many cell types thataren't. If you have integration or or DNA disruption of your regular cells in your body, that can lead to cancer, but if you have disruption in particularly many of these stem cell types, that is even more prone to cancers, including bloodcancers, which is among--among the profile of tumors that we're observing that are caused, that are associated with this turbo cancer. We have leukemias and lymphomas. So I think that it – I speculate that what we may find is that the incidence, the cancer risk here may be partially attributed to these DNA contaminations that would be consistent with the peer-reviewed literature. And by the way, these DNA fragments may also be shown to contribute to geneticanomalies in fetus, which is one of the most prominent causes of premature abortion. Do we agree on that? So I think that this question you've asked is touching on an evolving understanding or area of investigation that should havebeen well known, and previously, under FDA policy, would have been well investigated. We call this genotoxicity andinsertion of mutagenesis studies that were not performed.”

Sen. Johnson: “So I probably made a mistake concentrating on turbo. I really wanted to know, the harm to the lining ofthe arteries, the, you know, what's doing neurologically – so many of the women have neurological – myocarditis, what’s causing that?”

Dr. Robert Malone: “Okay, so we – what I can say definitively is that every aspect of these particles has a toxicity. The modified messenger RNA is intrinsically immunosuppressive. That's why it's been modified. It's been modified to be immunosuppressive. So the mRNA has intrinsic toxicity associated with it. This is what Karikó and Weissman got the Nobel Prize for was making it less toxic by making it anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive. The lipidic components, the particles themselves are intrinsically toxic. This has long been known. It is the reason why I abandoned the technology. They're highly inflammatory. They destroy cells. When you use this in experimentation, you have to carefully monitor the dose that you administer and you basically administer up to a toxic dose in which you're still killing a large number of cells because it is membrane active, it disrupts membrane integrity. When youlose membrane integrity, cells die. Okay, so the RNA component is toxic. The formulations themselves are toxic. That's well documented. And then the payload, the thing that they are producing, the spike protein, this is, as I mentioned, one of the things that I was ridiculed for saying so long ago, but in fact the spike protein is a toxin that is now well established in the scientific literature, and I think there's wide consensus on that. The cardiovascular effects that you're talking about may also include a component of autoimmune disease that is elicited by the complex themselves,potentially binding to other proteins there. This is, the immunotoxicity is one explanation that many use for the cardiotoxicity. This autoimmune problem is a known complication, for instance, of the smallpox vaccines. The DOD dealt with that for decades, but the problem with that theory is that you observe the cardiotoxicity within hours to days. So you can observe the release of enzymes that are specific for damaged heart cells starting within hours ofwhen the injections are provided, and data suggests that it may be up to half of people that are receiving these have some degree of cardiac damage based on these enzyme releases. So there's direct toxicity, there's indirect toxicity,there is autoimmune disease, there is toxicity from the particles, there's toxicity from the proteins, there's toxicity from the mRNA. It's all a big mess.”

Sen. Johnson: “So, there is independent research looking into these things, but it's not coming out of it's not beingdirected by the CDC, the FDA and the NIH, by and large, correct?”

Dr. Robert Malone: “By and large, and I've provided to Ms. Greene and her aides a library of thousands of peer-reviewed references with or without the abstract that I've requested they put into the record for this meeting that anyone can search now, peer-reviewed, published references of thousands of papers covering these adverse events. So, it's coming in from all over the world, and I’ve attempted to aggregate them for purposes of this committee.”

Closing remarks

Sen. Johnson: “So, my final comment, I really do appreciate you allowing me to be a part of this. Earlier on I said there are two problems with VAERS complaints: doesn't prove causality, it generally, dramatically understates by only 1%, 10% we don't really know. It dramatically understates the number of adverse events. So, again, I really can't thank you enough for holding this. Thank you for, you know, exposing yourselves to public scrutiny and vilification, because that's basically what you're going to get. We've got to get to the bottom of this. So thank you.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-joins-sen-peters-in-bipartisan-legislation-recognizing-the-service-of-hmong-veterans-during-vietnam-war,Sen. Johnson Joins Sen. Peters in Bipartisan Legislation Recognizing the Service of Hmong Veterans During Vietnam War,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) in introducing bipartisan legislation—the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act—to recognize the distinguished service of the Hmong veterans who served alongside American troops in the Vietnam War by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal.

As the Vietnam War spread south and west into Laos, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited and trained Hmong men to help American troops fight back against the communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao. At great risk to the safety of themselves and their families, Hmong soldiers fought the ground war, flew combat missions, gathered intelligence on North Vietnamese troop movements, interrupted the Ho-Chi-Min Supply Trail, and rescued American pilots downed behind enemy lines. The Hmong people suffered heavy casualties, and their soldiers died at a rate ten times as high as that of American soldiers in Vietnam.

“I’m happy to lead with Senator Peters to ensure the Hmong people get the recognition they deserve for their dedication to the fight against communism,” Sen. Johnson said. “Wisconsin is proud to be home to so many brave individuals who are dedicated to liberty and freedom and opposed to government tyranny.”

Following the war, many Hmong were displaced from their villages as they were either bombed or burned down by the North Vietnamese and over 150,000 Hmong fled Laos when the nation fell to communist forces in 1975. Due to their ties with the American military, many Hmong came to the United States as refugees to start a new life. Over the ensuing decades, Hmong populations and their traditions have become engrained in communities in Wisconsin and across the United States. Currently, there are over 327,000 Hmong living in the United States, including approximately 58,000 in Wisconsin.

Sens. Johnson and Peters are joined on this legislation by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-urge-inclusion-of-full-humanitarian-assistance-in-supplemental-funding-package,"Baldwin, Colleagues Urge Inclusion of Full Humanitarian Assistance in Supplemental Funding Package",2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined more than two dozen of her colleagues in urging Republican and Democratic Senate and Appropriations Committee leadership to include the full $10 billion in humanitarian assistance requested by the President in the national security supplemental.

“Beyond the moral significance of continuing our country’s tradition as the world’s leader in delivering life-saving humanitarian aid, this assistance promotes global stability and security by helping manage and provide for displaced populations, preventing recruitment to extremism, and mitigating economic pressure on partner governments,” wrote the Senators.

The letter highlights the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and the devastating impacts these global crises have on millions of innocent civilians caught in the middle. The Senators urge U.S. leadership in ensuring aid reaches sick, wounded, and displaced civilians.

“Without these funds, global efforts led by the United States to address ongoing and expanded crises in Sudan, Nagorno-Karabakh, Burma, Syria, and other humanitarian responses will suffer reductions in support. This would directly threaten U.S. national security and the security of our partners,” the letter continues.

The letter was led by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and was co-signed by 21 senators.

Full text of the letter can be found here and follows below:

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Chair Murray, and Vice Chair Collins:

We urge you to ensure that the final package for the national security supplemental includes the full $10 billion in humanitarian assistance requested by the President, including for refugee and emergency food aid. This funding would roughly match U.S. emergency spending on humanitarian assistance appropriated since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and would come at a time when global needs are only rising. Beyond the moral significance of continuing our country’s tradition as the world’s leader in delivering life-saving humanitarian aid, this assistance promotes global stability and security by helping manage and provide for displaced populations, preventing recruitment to extremism, and mitigating economic pressure on partner governments.

Without these funds, global efforts led by the United States to address ongoing and expanded crises in Sudan, Nagorno-Karabakh, Burma, Syria, and other humanitarian responses will suffer reductions in support. This would directly threaten U.S. national security and the security of our partners.

If these funds are not included, U.S. assistance for displaced Ukrainians could be reduced by as much as 75 percent. As you know, Ukrainians have valiantly fought against Vladimir Putin’s unjust and unprovoked invasion of their country. To sustain their heroic struggle, Ukrainians not only need weapons and ammunition, but also basic humanitarian support for the families and communities they are fighting to defend. An estimated 16 million people in Ukraine and more than 6.3 million Ukrainian refugees in the region rely on humanitarian assistance. While other donors have provided the majority of total humanitarian and economic assistance that has been delivered to Ukraine (roughly double U.S. support), U.S. leadership has been critical in this effort. We must continue to lead the way in ensuring aid reaches sick, wounded, and displaced Ukrainians suffering as a result of Putin’s brutality.

As supporters of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, we believe Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas – a terrorist organization whose horrific attacks on October 7 and long history of violence against Israelis and Palestinians make clear its total disregard for innocent human life. We also know from our country’s own experiences that protecting civilians and ensuring access to desperately needed food, water, medical care, and shelter for innocent civilians caught in the middle of conflict is critical for strategic success. Preventing Hamas from ever again threatening Israeli lives does not depend solely on Israel’s ability to degrade Hamas militarily. It also requires giving Palestinians hope for a better future, starting with making sure that humanitarian aid continuously reaches vulnerable civilians in Gaza. This is why the United States and our implementing partners, working closely with the Israeli government, undertake extensive oversight procedures so that U.S. assistance flows only to its intended recipients.

The ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have impacts beyond their borders. The proliferation of global crises is putting pressure on millions of innocent civilians who are bearing the brunt of the fighting, and key U.S. partners, including in Europe and the Middle East, continue to grapple with how to manage the outbreak of violence in their regions. These realities underscore the importance of the United States maintaining its indispensable leadership role in support of assistance that effectively responds to dire humanitarian needs and prevents further instability.

We thank you for your consideration of this important request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-baldwin-pens-op-ed-in-la-crosse-tribune-to-honor-veterans-day,ICYMI: Senator Baldwin Pens Op-ed in La Crosse Tribune to Honor Veterans Day,2023-11-11,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the La Crosse Tribune published an op-ed penned by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) honoring Veterans Day.

La Crosse Tribune: US Sen. Tammy Baldwin: Despite successes for veterans health care, more work to be done

Veterans Day is a time for us to reflect and honor the sacrifice that our servicemembers have made in defense of our country.

Servicemembers missed holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays with loved ones; they’ve sustained injuries, both visible and invisible, and, they’ve devoted years of their lives to serving our nation.

In Wisconsin, service to others is in our DNA. Wisconsinites have stepped up to defend our values, freedom and way of life.

And when our servicemembers return home and hang up their boots for a final time, we have a sacred commitment to do right by those who served us. But, sadly for some veterans, we have come up short on our end of the bargain.

Two years ago, I heard from a veteran whose traumatic brain injury was improperly diagnosed at the Tomah Veterans Health Administration facility and subsequently did not receive the benefits they deserved.

While inquiring with the Department of Veterans Affairs about how to help this veteran get reexamined, I heard from another veteran with a similar experience. And another. And another.

It was a disturbing pattern of a particular doctor misdiagnosing these heroes and robbing them of the compensation they earned. Alongside some brave Wisconsin veterans, I took these devastating stories up the entire chain of the VA, eventually speaking with the VA Secretary Denis McDonough about this pattern of misdiagnosis and asking that he investigate and make amends.

We successfully got the VA to open an investigation into the doctor, get hundreds of potentially impacted veterans’ new exams, and, just last week, the VA announced that those impacted will be eligible for years of backdated benefits.

Nothing can undo the compounded harm done to these veterans by getting told their condition was not real and then denied care and benefits, but I am so proud that after years of advocacy, we held the VA accountable and pushed them to right this wrong.

This is not the only case in which our country left some of our veterans shortchanged. For too long, generations of toxic-exposed veterans, many of whom were exposed to open-air burn pits that contained garbage, jet fuel and other materials, were denied health care for conditions related to this exposure. That’s why I was proud to join Democrats and Republicans in passing the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics of 2022 (PACT Act), to finally deliver these toxic-exposed veterans their earned health care and benefits.

As a senator, I take my obligation to care for those who served us seriously. I am honored to be an advocate and voice for the hundreds of thousands of veterans who call Wisconsin home.

To all those who have served our nation, their families, and loved ones, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

I am committed to following through on these words of support each and every day and delivering for our veteran community. Happy Veterans Day, Wisconsin.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-celebrates-veterans-day-in-la-crosse,Senator Baldwin Celebrates Veterans Day in La Crosse,2023-11-10,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"LA CROSSE, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin honored veterans and current servicemembers at Viterbo University’s Annual Veterans Day Program. After the program, she had lunch with Abby Siakpere, a local veteran who was one of the many Wisconsin veterans misdiagnosed by a doctor at the Tomah VA Medical Center, depriving her of the benefits and compensation she deserved.

“Veterans Day is a time for us to reflect and honor the sacrifice that our servicemembers have made in defense of our country,” said Senator Baldwin. “From the tens of thousands of Wisconsinites who served dating back to World War I, to the thousands currently enlisted – Wisconsin has a long and proud tradition of service. Wisconsinites have stepped up to defend our values, freedom, and way of life, and it is our duty to ensure that they receive the high-quality benefits they earned and deserve.”

At Viterbo University, Senator Baldwin joined veterans, current servicemembers and their families, faculty, students, and La Crosse community members to honor veterans and current servicemembers. Senator Baldwin gave remarks during the program and joined in the raising of the POW/MIA flag.

At lunch, Senator Baldwin was joined by Abby Siakpere, a La Crosse area veteran who served for fourteen years, including a deployment to Iraq in 2007. In 2017, Abby received a medical discharge from service and later reported a misdiagnosis by Dr. Lanska at the Tomah VA Medical Center to Senator Baldwin. After years of working with impacted Wisconsin veterans, like Abby, Senator Baldwin announced last week that nearly 650 potentially impacted veterans’ will get new exams and those impacted will be eligible for years of benefits backdated.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-push-president-biden-for-more-information-around-strategy-to-defeat-hamas-protect-civilians-in-gaza,"Baldwin, Colleagues Push President Biden for More Information Around Strategy to Defeat Hamas, Protect Civilians in Gaza",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined the majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus in condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking more information from President Biden on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza.

“The attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States’ own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by the laws of war, including the protection of civilians. Doing so also offers Israel the very best chance of success against Hamas in the days and weeks ahead. These steps are also necessary to create the conditions for a lasting peace, including two states for two peoples,” the Senators wrote.

“We believe the United States should immediately provide Israel with the funding it needs to replenish its defensive systems, including Iron Dome and other air defense capabilities. But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel’s operations inside Gaza, we respectfully ask your team to provide us with information relative to these two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza,” the Senators continued.

In their letter, the Senators press for answers on how assistance will advance our efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

“We must not only do our part to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza, but also insist that Israel take all necessary measures to help us facilitate such relief to the two million civilians living there, half of them children,” the Senators wrote. “That includes fully restoring water, electricity, and communication services, expediting fuel deliveries through already well-established systems for avoiding diversion to Hamas, and opening the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel to increase urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza. Aid workers and civilian sites like schools, hospitals, and UN facilities must be protected.

“We support additional assistance to Israel that: 1) aligns with an Israeli strategy that you believe will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas; 2) prioritizes the release of hostages; 3) advances a viable and achievable military plan that supports a long-term vision for peace, security and Palestinian self-determination in the form of a two-state solution; 4) abides by U.S. and international law, including the protection of civilians; and 5) advances efforts to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The information requested in this letter will help us assure that U.S support for Israel’s operations inside Gaza achieves these objectives,” the Senators concluded.

In addition to Senator Baldwin, the letter was co-signed by more than two dozen Senators. The letter was led by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden:

We have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America’s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour.

The attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States’ own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by the laws of war, including the protection of civilians. Doing so also offers Israel the very best chance of success against Hamas in the days and weeks ahead. These steps are also necessary to create the conditions for a lasting peace, including two states for two peoples.

We believe the United States should immediately provide Israel with the funding it needs to replenish its defensive systems, including Iron Dome and other air defense capabilities. But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel’s operations inside Gaza, we respectfully ask your team to provide us with information relative to these two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza.

First, it is in America’s interest to ensure that any military plans to fight Hamas do not produce the same strategic mistakes as many U.S. military operations over the past few decades. As we review the Administration’s supplemental request for military assistance to Israel, we respectfully ask that you share with us your assessment of the viability of Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, and whether it prioritizes the release of hostages. We would also like to better understand whether there is an achievable plan for governing Gaza when the Israeli military operation ends. We further seek to understand if Israel supports the conditions necessary to ultimately achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Second, we ask you to inform us about what specific mechanisms you are putting in place to ensure that Israeli military operations conducted inside Gaza are carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law and to ensure that any U.S.-provided equipment is used in a manner consistent with U.S. law. Relatedly, we would like to know your assessment of whether Israel’s military rules of engagement, particularly regarding mitigation of civilian casualties, align with U.S. policy and practice. In addition, to prevent another front from opening in the West Bank, we ask that you obtain public assurances from Prime Minister Netanyahu that his coalition government will immediately stop the escalating extremist settler violence directed against unprotected Palestinians there, as well as assurances from President Abbas that his government take steps to quell any violence against Israelis.

Finally, we request information on how our assistance will advance our efforts to engage with Israel, Egypt, and the broader international community to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. As we consider additional military assistance to Israel, we must not only do our part to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza, but also insist that Israel take all necessary measures to help us facilitate such relief to the two million civilians living there, half of them children. That includes fully restoring water, electricity, and communication services, expediting fuel deliveries through already well-established systems for avoiding diversion to Hamas, and opening the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Israel to increase urgently needed humanitarian relief to Gaza. Aid workers and civilian sites like schools, hospitals, and UN facilities must be protected.

We support additional assistance to Israel that: 1) aligns with an Israeli strategy that you believe will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas; 2) prioritizes the release of hostages; 3) advances a viable and achievable military plan that supports a long-term vision for peace, security and Palestinian self-determination in the form of a two-state solution; 4) abides by U.S. and international law, including the protection of civilians; and 5) advances efforts to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The information requested in this letter will help us assure that U.S support for Israel’s operations inside Gaza achieves these objectives.

Mr. President, your leadership at this time of crisis has been vital. We appreciate your attention to these urgent matters.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-questions-biden-administration-officials-on-efforts-to-stop-fentanyl-at-the-border-and-address-the-child-care-crisis,Senator Baldwin Questions Biden Administration Officials on Efforts to Stop Fentanyl at the Border and Address the Child Care Crisis,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra on the Biden Administration’s requests for additional funding to address the child care crisis and to combat the opioid crisis by disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into the country. A full video of Senator Baldwin’s questions is available here.

In 2022, accidental drug overdoses were the largest cause of death for people under 40. More than 1,400 Wisconsinites died from overdoses in 2022, and between 2019 and 2021, fentanyl overdose deaths in Wisconsin grew by 97%. To address the opioid and fentanyl epidemics, the Biden Administration’s supplemental requests include:

Disrupting the Flow of Fentanyl: The national security supplemental request includes $1.2 billion to crack down on the trafficking of dangerous and lethal illicit drugs like fentanyl, including hiring an additional 1,300 border agents and deploying new cutting-edge detection equipment to disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the country.

Boosting State Opioid Response: The emergency domestic supplemental request includes $1.55 billion for HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to provide treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services in all States and territories. Since 2018, the SOR grant program has provided treatment services to over 1.2 million people.

Senator Baldwin has long worked to both increase resources for individuals struggling with substance use disorder, disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the country, and keep dangerous and illicit drugs out of our communities. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Senator Baldwin also advanced funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2024 that includes $1.5 billion for the State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to help communities with prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

In October, Senator Baldwin sent a letter pushing President Biden to prioritize additional resources to strengthen the security at the southwest border to stop the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl through ports of entry along the border. Senator Baldwin also co-sponsors the FEND OFF Fentanyl Act to target the illicit fentanyl supply chain and transnational criminal organizations, which was included in the Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act of 2024.

Senator Baldwin also questioned the Biden Administration officials on their efforts to address the child care crisis, which is impacting Wisconsin child care providers, families, and employers. The President’s domestic supplemental funding request includes $16 billion for HHS to provide an additional year of child care stabilization funding to help keep child care providers afloat, mitigating the likelihood that providers will close or raise costs for families.

According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute, approximately 4 out of 5 Wisconsin employers say the state economy is impacted by parent’s access to affordable, high-quality childcare. In Wisconsin, Child Care Counts, which received funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, supported nearly 5,000 child care providers across the state. An analysis found that if Congress does not provide additional funding for the nation’s child care sector, more than 70,000 child care programs—one-third of those supported by ARPA stabilization funding—could close nationwide, causing approximately 3.2 million children to lose their child care spots.

A full video of Senator Baldwin’s questions is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-helps-wisconsin-communities-upgrade-water-infrastructure,Senator Baldwin Helps Communities in Rural Wisconsin Upgrade Water Infrastructure,2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today shared that five Wisconsin villages will receive U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants to upgrade and replace aging water and waste water infrastructure. The villages of Wilton, La Valle, Edgar, Wonewoc, and Eleva will receive a combination of low-interest loans and grants to complete water projects, protecting their natural resources, providing clean drinking water, and reducing the cost of these necessary upgrades for rate payers.

“Every community across Wisconsin deserves to live in an environment free from dangerous toxins and have confidence that safe water is coming out of the faucet. But, across the state, I hear about how the cost of aging water infrastructure keeps small communities from making this possible.” said Senator Baldwin. “I was proud to support this additional funding to help our communities get these projects over the finish line, while keeping rates down for residents and ensuring that every Wisconsinite’s drinking water is clean and safe from contaminants.”

The USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. The following communities will receive funding:

Village of Wilton received a loan of $300,000.00 and a grant of $824,000.00 to upgrade their waste water treatment facility (WWTF). This project includes upgrading the WWTF to address equipment, lagoon, and process deficiencies to meet current and future permit requirements. The existing WWTF system was constructed in 1980 and has historically struggled to meet current discharge limits. The existing lagoons have a number of items needing to be brought into compliance within WDNR requirements. Most processes and equipment are original to the plant construction and are reaching the end of their useful life and need replacement or upgrading.

Village of La Valle received a loan of $300,000.00 and a grant of $1,145,000.00 to upgrade and expand the village's water system. The village has benzene contaminants in well # 1, their only water source, and will be using the funds to pay for temporary treatment of water until a suitable well site is found. Funds will also be used for well site investigation, testing, and the construction of new well #2 and well house. The higher-than-normal levels of benzene the village is experiencing is resulting in a health and sanitary issue for the community water system.

Village of Edgar received a loan of $4,335,000.00 and a grant of $1,000,000.00 to improve their WWTF. The existing WWTF, originally constructed in the 1930's, and upgraded in 1968, needs improvements to keep the system running efficiently and within requirements. This project includes improvements that will recondition several of the treatment processes, replace a major portion of the electrical system, and will include the conversion of the blower/generator room to a lab/office. These improvements will allow the WWTF to remove phosphorus both chemically and biologically to achieve the phosphorus waste load allocation imposed by the Wisconsin River total maximum daily load.

Village of Wonewoc received a loan of $900,000.00 and a grant of $2,634,000.00 to upgrade and expand their WWTF. The WWTF, last updated in 1979, is located in the floodway and has experienced extreme flooding events. The collection system also has significant inflow and infiltration issues and in turn, is not able to handle the peak flows during heavy rain events. In 2018, the WWTF exceeded the design flow capacity five out of 12 months and experienced a treatment facility overflow. Upgrades and expansion include an extension of the aeration activated sludge system to a new site, and the conversion of existing wet well to a new floodproofed pump station at the existing WWTF to pump the waste water to the new WWTF in the new location.

Village of Eleva received a loan of $641,000.00 and a grant of $124,000.00 to upgrade the water system. The existing system is not functioning as the village needs, and the water supply currently exceeds the allowable levels of iron and manganese due to a deficient sand filter. The water treatment plant is more than 70 years old, outdated, and has surpassed its useful life. Well #1 is providing sufficient water to the system currently, but the village has had to reduce the flow rate through the filter, reducing the fill rate of the water tower and is not ideal for the long term. Because well #1 is the only source of water in the community, there is a risk of well failure that would result in no water supply to the community. This project will include a new water treatment plant and water main connecting well #2 and the new water treatment plant, updates to the well #1 well house, and a centralization of the office and equipment storage into one location for the water treatment plant.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-helps-bring-home-nearly-6-million-for-wisconsin-farmers-and-rural-businesses-to-cut-energy-costs,Baldwin Helps Bring Home Nearly $6 Million for Wisconsin Farmers and Rural Businesses to Cut Energy Costs,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced she helped deliver nearly $6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for more than 50 Wisconsin farmers, ranchers, and businesses to invest in renewable energy, upgrade to energy efficient equipment, and cut their energy costs. The grants, from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), help agricultural producers and rural small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resiliency of their operations.

“Investing in renewable energy for Wisconsin is a win-win for our farmers, businesses, and environment. By installing more energy efficient equipment and renewable energy like solar panels, Wisconsinites can see their energy bills go down, helping them re-invest more dollars back into their businesses and workers,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to support these investments which pay for themselves, saving Wisconsinites money and combatting the impacts of climate change like extreme weather, flooding, and drought.”

The REAP program – which received a $2 billion boost through the Baldwin-backed Inflation Reduction Act – is helping farms and small businesses invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operations. Over 50 farms and businesses in Wisconsin were awarded REAP grants earlier this month, including:

Kinnard Farms in Casco – $403,507 to help Kinnard Farms Inc., a dairy farming operation in Casco, Wisconsin, install a new feed handling system. This project is expected to save $163,059 per year. It will replace 1,186,313 kilowatt hours (kWh) (45 percent of the company's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 109 homes.

Lemere Farms in Oconto – $92,404.00 to help LeMere Farms LLC, a farming operation in Oconto, Wisconsin, install a grain drying system. This project is expected to save $11,664 per year. It will replace 164,830 kilowatt hours (kWh) (90 percent of the company s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 15 homes.

I-K-I Manufacturing in Edgerton – $371,700 to install a 497 kilowatt (kW) roof mounted solar array. I-K-I Manufacturing Co. Inc. is an aerosol can manufacturing company in Edgerton, Wisconsin, This project is expected to save $74,474 per year. It will replace 600,600 kilowatt hours (kWh) (73 percent of the company's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 55 homes.

Nidus Hospitality in Wausau – $157,500 to help Nidus Hospitality LLC, a hotel operation in Wausau, Wisconsin, make energy efficiency improvements to the hotel's elevator system. This project is expected to save $55,675 year. It will replace 482,038 kilowatt hours (kWh) (82 percent of the energy used by the elevator system) per year, which is enough energy to power 44 homes.

Tomahawk Terminal Company in Tomahawk – $106,183 to help Tomahawk Terminals Company install a small solar electric array. This rural small business operates in Tomahawk, Wisconsin and the project is expected to save $5,998 per year. It will replace 103,225 kilowatt hours (kW) (100 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power nine homes.

Tom Saffert & Sons in Rice Lake – $145,440 to install a more energy efficient grain dryer. Tom Saffert & Sons SCG is a farming operation in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. This project is expected to save $7,422 per year. It will save 103,561 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (63 percent of the farm's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power nine homes.

CVG in Eau Claire – $58,400.00 to help CVG LLC install a small solar electric array. This farming operation is based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and the project is expected to save $6,364 per year. It will replace 62,041 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (87 percent of the farm's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.

COMWAS in Ettrick – $100,160.00 to install a small solar electric array. COMWAS Inc. is a rural small business in Ettrick, Wisconsin. This project is expected to save $19,990 per year. It will replace 177,802 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (100 percent of the business's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 16 homes.

A full list of REAP award winners announced earlier this month can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-statement-regarding-humanitarian-aid-to-civilians-in-gaza,"Baldwin, Colleagues Statement Regarding Humanitarian Aid to Civilians in Gaza",2023-11-04,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined over a dozen of her colleagues in releasing the following statement:

“The tragic war in Gaza, initiated by Hamas terrorist attacks on innocent civilians on October 7, is causing heartbreaking suffering among Israelis, Palestinians and citizens of other nations living in the region.

“Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas, whose leadership continues to state clearly that their goal is the complete annihilation of Israel. Israel also has the obligation, pursuant to international law, to conduct that defense in such a way as to minimize harm to civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those who are suffering. We acknowledge the increased burden that this necessarily places on Israel to accomplish these obligations.

“Hamas’s horrific actions cannot be ascribed to all Palestinians. Indeed, Palestinian residents of Gaza have often been victimized by Hamas.

“As Senators, we have been closely monitoring the war in Gaza and believe that much more must be done to protect civilian life. We have been in ongoing dialogue with government officials in the United States, Israel and other nations in the region. We have communicated extensively with international aid officials doing work in Gaza, including those working together with the U.S. Agency for International Development. And we have talked at length with our own constituents who have family and friends in the region.

“The failure to adequately protect non-combatant civilians risks dramatic escalation of the conflict in the region and imposes severe damage on prospects for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. Based on the consensus opinion of U.S. and international aid officials, it is nearly impossible to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid to protect civilian life under current conditions.

“Thus, we join President Biden in his call for a short-term cessation of hostilities that pose high-risk to civilians, aid workers or humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, in order to accomplish three goals:

Successful delivery of needed humanitarian aid to civilians under strict and necessary oversight

Increased focus on the release of all hostages kidnapped on October 7

Opportunity for broader discussion amongst Israeli and Palestinian leadership, together with regional and global partners, about long-term strategies to reduce decades-long conflict in the region.”

Senator Baldwin released the statement in support of additional humanitarian aid to Gaza with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-ernst-lead-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-access-to-internet-in-rural-america,"Baldwin, Ernst Lead Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Internet in Rural America",2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand access to broadband in rural areas and ease the burden of regulatory costs for smaller broadband providers that rural communities rely on. The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Krysten Sinema (I-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

“Wisconsinites in rural communities rely on high-speed internet to start a business, manage their farms, work remotely, and attend school online, and I’m committed to ensuring families in every corner of the state have the internet access they need to participate fully in our economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to ease burdensome regulations for small broadband providers and help expand reliable, affordable broadband to more Wisconsinites.”

“Due to red tape, many Iowans in rural areas still lack access to the high-speed internet and quality broadband services they need for school and work,” said Senator Ernst. “As baseless bureaucracy continues to make it more difficult to expand broadband access, I will keep pushing to cut regulations and unleash our local telecom companies on behalf of rural communities everywhere.”

The Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports (ACCESS) Rural America Act would provide regulatory relief to rural telecommunications service providers by allowing them to submit streamlined financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These small companies—many of which are the sole service providers in their region—could be put out of business by looming regulatory costs. Specifically, this bipartisan legislation would increase the number of investors that triggers SEC public reporting requirements for rural telecommunications companies. This will save these small companies from costly SEC reporting requirements that were never intended for them.

“Lakeland Communications is a rural local community-based provider in northwest Wisconsin and our communities are thrilled to see Senator Baldwin introduce a ACCESS bill that will help us and other community based Broadband providers across the nation to be freed up to deploy more fiber optic networks in Wisconsin. Just in time to utilize the federal BEAD program that is providing 42.4 billion dollars in funding that is needed in our high capital Intensive industry to construct and maintain state of the art fiber optic networks,” said John Klatt, President and CEO of Lakeland Communications in Milltown, WI. “The nation needs us more, now than ever, to fulfil the need to build out and with this long-awaited relief it will relieve small providers like us from costly and burdensome unintended restrictions of 2002 SOX SEC regulations that were intended for large corporations with SOX safeguards. This bill and its passage will enable us to get back to doing more network building and supporting the business of the good people of rural Wisconsin and less monies spent on SEC regulation compliance. We are hopeful that this bill will be successful in our bicameral possesses and become law as soon as possible. Thank you, Senator Baldwin!”

“Federal Securities and Exchange Commission registration and reporting requirements intended for larger, publicly-traded firms pose significant challenges for, and can impose substantial burdens on, smaller, locally-owned companies with limited resources. NTCA therefore greatly appreciates the leadership of Senator Tammy Baldwin in introducing the ACCESS Rural America Act, which will help relieve these burdens and enable small providers to focus more on their core mission of deploying and operating advanced broadband networks in rural areas,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.

Full text of this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-delivers-additional-93-million-for-port-milwaukee,Senator Baldwin Delivers Additional $9.3 Million for Port Milwaukee,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced she helped deliver $9.3 million in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds to expand Port Milwaukee’s newly opened Agriculture Maritime Export Facility (AMEF). The funding will support Phase 2 of the AMEF project, constructing two grain storage silos, purchasing additional grain handling equipment, and acquiring new equipment to move products between storage and vessels. In April, Senator Baldwin called on DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg to fund this project.

“Port Milwaukee plays a critical role in connecting our Wisconsin farmers and businesses to markets across the world,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to help deliver this next investment to strengthen our maritime commerce, create jobs in Milwaukee, and grow Made in Wisconsin economy.”

“Today’s announcement of a more than $9mil Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Grant from the US Department of Transportation will allow Port Milwaukee to construct Phase 2 of the Agriculture Maritime Export Facility,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “This grant further cements Port Milwaukee as a vital hub for international agricultural commerce, which benefits not only the City of Milwaukee but the entire State of Wisconsin. Once again, Sen. Baldwin has been the City of Milwaukee’s champion on bringing more federal dollars to support essential projects in Milwaukee. I am very grateful for the support of President Biden, Sec. Buttigieg, and Sen. Baldwin on the awarding of this PIDP Grant for Port Milwaukee.”

“Port Milwaukee is grateful for the continued support of both Senator Baldwin and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation – Maritime Administration (MARAD), and this second Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant award for the Agricultural Maritime Export Facility (AMEF) Phase 2 project. This expansion project, in partnership with the DeLong Company, Inc., will increase capacity and allow for the simultaneous handling of multiple agricultural commodities, providing access for growers and producers from Wisconsin and surrounding states to efficiently move their products to international markets,” Jackie Q. Carter, Port Milwaukee Director said.

Senator Baldwin has long supported the AMEF, helping secure $15.9 million to establish the facility in 2020 to help Port Milwaukee complete Phase 1 of the project, which established the Agricultural Maritime Export Facility on the west side of Jones Island to improve transportation infrastructure at the Port, expand Wisconsin’s agribusiness access to international markets, and create new jobs in Milwaukee.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-push-biden-administration-to-correct-inflation-reduction-act-guidelines-that-undercut-us-manufacturers,"Baldwin, Colleagues Push Biden Administration to Correct Inflation Reduction Act Guidelines that Undercut U.S. Manufacturers",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Tina Smith (D-MN) called on the Biden Administration to correct the Department of the Treasury’s guidance on an Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) program that would undercut American manufactures and workers. The Senators are calling on the Treasury to reexamine their guidance for the IRA’s Domestic Content Bonus Credit to ensure that steel and iron in solar electricity generation projects is produced in the United States. Correcting current guidance will ensure that the IRA champions American products and American workers and does not unwittingly benefit China and other countries.

In the letter to Department of the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Danny Werfel, the Senators outlined specific concerns with the placement of structural steel components of photovoltaic trackers, which are mounting structures, in the Manufactured Product Category instead of the Steel and Iron category. As reported in The Wall Street Journal, the guidance currently in place “would let firms use steel from abroad and still qualify for the 10%.”

“Correcting this error in the Guidance will help ensure that the steel and iron in solar electricity generation projects is produced in the United States. It also ensures that the IRA does not unwittingly benefit China and other countries that have a history of dumping their excess steel capacity in the U.S. market, to the detriment of U.S. workers and industry,” the Senators concluded.

“Earlier this year, America’s largest domestic steel producers, the United Steelworkers, and organizations representing the industry and its workers warned that the current Guidance would significantly damage U.S. domestic steel producers and the millions of Americans workers who depend on the domestic steel industry,” said Michael Stumo, CEO of the Coalition for a Prosperous America. “The legislative intent of the Inflation Reduction Act was clearly to require the structural steel components of new solar projects eligible for the domestic content bonus credit requirements to be manufactured with steel and iron that are produced entirely in the United States. Fixing this error in the Guidance is consistent with the clear intent of Congress and it ensures that the Guidance does not unwittingly benefit China and other countries that have a history of using predatory, illegal trade tactics to target the U.S. steel industry.”

Earlier this year, before the Administration released guidance on the Domestic Content Bonus Credit, Senator Baldwin sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Treasury and IRS to prioritize American manufacturing and workers in the implementation of the clean energy tax credits passed in the IRA. In the letter, Senator Baldwin noted that tax credits will give American workers a competitive advantage against Chinese manufacturers that are racing to own the clean energy manufacturing market.

The full letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Werfel:

We are writing in response to Domestic Content Bonus Credit Guidance (“Guidance”) published by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service describing rules for implementing the domestic content bonus credit requirements for solar and other renewable energy electricity generation projects under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Specifically, we are writing to request that you address a provision of the Guidance which we believe is contrary to Congressional intent.

In enacting the renewable energy credits of the IRA, Congress sought to incentivize the development of the U.S. renewable energy sector. With the domestic content bonus credit, the intention of Congress was more specifically to incentivize the development of U.S. clean energy supply chains. Toward that end, Congress provided a domestic content bonus credit for projects that meet two requirements:

that all the steel or iron in a project must be produced in the United States (herein, the “steel or iron requirement”), and

that an increasing percentage of the manufactured products in a project must be produced in the United States (herein, the “manufactured product requirement”).

In the Guidance, Treasury and IRS apply the steel or iron requirement to components that are structural in function. In general, we believe this decision is in line with Congressional intent.

However, the Guidance departs from this principal in the table included in the “safe harbor” provisions, where Treasury and IRS include in the manufactured products category components that are clearly structural in nature.

We are specifically concerned with the categorization of “photovoltaic tracker” as a manufactured product. A photovoltaic tracker is merely a mounting structure that has the capability to follow, or “track,” the position of the sun, as described in the Department of Energy’s supply chain report on solar photovoltaics in response to Executive Order 14017. The steel structural components of tracking systems, including torque tubes, foundations, and rails, therefore, must be included in the “steel and iron” category, as they are in fixed-tilt ground-mount systems. Torque tubes, while not appearing in fixed-tilt systems, are structural in nature, in that they bear the load of the solar panels, to which they are attached via rails and purlins. The fact that they rotate does not change their structural nature. We do believe that the non-structural components of tracking systems, including bearings, drive train components, and shock absorbers, are properly categorized as manufactured products.

Recognizing the structural nature of tracking systems with this Guidance has great importance, because mounting structures are where the steel and iron in a solar project are concentrated. To include tracking systems in the manufactured products category has the effect of removing as much as 50 percent of the steel and iron used in a project from the “steel and iron” category, where it would be required to be of U.S. origin.

Instead, categorization of tracking systems as manufactured products would permit many of the structural steel components of new solar projects in the U.S. to be imported from China and other countries, so long as the overall project met the percentage domestic content requirement. This was certainly not Congress’s intent.

To avoid this result, we ask that the Guidance, specifically the safe harbor table, be amended to distinguish between the structural steel components and the other components of tracking systems. This can be done by including in the Steel/Iron category, and excluding from the Manufactured Product category, “steel or iron in module rails, support columns, torque tubes, and any other elements that are structural in function.” This change would be consistent overall with the Guidance, which, as we have noted, states, “The Steel or Iron Requirement applies to Applicable Project Components that are construction materials made primarily of steel or iron and are structural in function.”

Correcting this error in the Guidance will help ensure that the steel and iron in solar electricity generation projects is produced in the United States. It also ensures that the IRA does not unwittingly benefit China and other countries that have a history of dumping their excess steel capacity in the U.S. market, to the detriment of U.S. workers and industry.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-legislation-to-help-protect-americans-from-flu,Baldwin Leads Legislation to Help Protect Americans from Flu,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced legislation to better protect Americans from getting sick and to end deaths from the flu by supporting our nation’s preparedness and response. The Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2023, or Influenza Act, will invest in vaccine development, promote new technology to detect and prevent illness, and increase access to influenza vaccines, treatment, and testing for all Americans.

“Millions of Americans get sick from the flu every year, stopping people from working, kids from going to school, and too often, leading to hospitalizations and deaths, devastating families in Wisconsin and across the country,” said Senator Baldwin. “Investing in proven methods to prevent, detect, and respond to the flu will keep Americans healthy and save lives.”

The flu occurs seasonally each year, and throughout history has caused devastating pandemics. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates as many as 640,000 flu hospitalizations and 57,000 flu deaths occurred between October 1, 2022 and April 29, 2023 – more than the number of Americans who died in motor vehicle accidents.

To stop deaths and illness from the seasonal flu, the U.S. can and should do more to invest in pandemic response. The Influenza Act builds on the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy, taking steps to:

Strengthen and diversify influenza vaccine development, manufacturing, and supply chains – Speeds up vaccine development and requires a plan to achieve a universal influenza vaccine; implements the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy; and strengthens the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) pandemic influenza medical countermeasures program.

Promote innovative approaches and use of new technologies to detect, prevent, and respond to influenza – Supports interoperable immunization information systems; authorizes the development of novel sequencing modalities, point-of-care and self-testing diagnostics, novel preventive approaches, and improved therapeutics; and strengthens the diagnostics supply chain.

Increase influenza vaccine, therapeutics, and testing access and coverage across all populations – Addresses vaccine confidence and mis- and dis-information; incorporates health equity across federal influenza planning and response programs; creates a test-to-treat demonstration program for influenza; incentivizes pathways for pharmacy personnel to administer influenza vaccines; requires dynamic management and diversification of influenza products in the Strategic National Stockpile; and requires HHS to monitor antiviral supplies and create a strategy for distributing products in areas of urgent need.

Authorize sustainable funding for the federal influenza ecosystem – Funds programs at the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, CDC, Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), National Institutes of Health, and BARDA.

The Influenza Act is co-sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) introduced this legislation in the House earlier this year.

A full version of this legislation is available here. A one-pager on this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-successfully-pushes-va-to-pay-earned-benefits-to-up-to-650-veterans-after-doctor-misdiagnosed-conditions,Baldwin Successfully Pushes VA to Pay Earned Benefits to Up to 650 Veterans After Doctor Misdiagnosed Conditions,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – After working for years with veterans whose neurological conditions were misdiagnosed by a doctor at the Tomah VA Medical Center and subsequently denied compensation and benefits, Senator Tammy Baldwin successfully pushed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide these impacted veterans their earned benefits. Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin announced that she successfully got the VA to identify and reexamine veterans who could have been misdiagnosed by Dr. Mary Jo Lanska, MD. The VA is using these exams to readjudicate the original claims filed by these Veterans, meaning that they will not have to file a new claim and they could be eligible for years of benefits backdated to their original effective date. Additionally, for Veterans who have passed away since the original exam, the VA will contact their survivors to initiate the readjudication process and provide benefits accordingly.

Since the June announcement, the VA reviewed 941 Veterans’ exams performed by Dr. Lanska and found that 649 Veterans may have been negatively impacted by Dr. Lanska’s exams, making them eligible for a new exam and benefits.

“Our veterans and their families have made great sacrifices to serve us, and it is our responsibility to take care of them when they come back home. Sadly, we came up short on our end of the deal and many Wisconsin veterans were denied the care and benefits that they earned serving us. But today, we helped right that wrong. After years of working alongside our veterans, hundreds of Wisconsinites who have been wronged by the VA will now be able to get the benefits that they have long been owed,” said Senator Baldwin.

Since 2021, Senator Baldwin has been working with multiple Wisconsin veterans who reported that their traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other conditions were misdiagnosed by Dr. Lanska. Senator Baldwin had been calling on the VA to investigate the pattern of misdiagnoses, ensure misdiagnosed veterans get a new exam, and get the veterans the proper compensation and benefits they deserve.

In May 2023, Dr. Mary Jo Lanska, MD, was terminated from the Tomah VA.

In a March meeting, Senator Baldwin pressed VA Secretary Denis McDonough to investigate the pattern of misdiagnosis and shared the Wisconsin veterans’ concerns. In August 2022, Senators Baldwin and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) sent a letter to Secretary McDonough highlighting their concerns about TBI misdiagnosis at the Tomah VA and pushing for answers about the process for veterans who may have been improperly diagnosed and not receiving the benefits they deserve. After hearing from additional veterans, in September 2022, Senator Baldwin called on the VA to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the practices of this doctor to determine whether there is a broader pattern of her misdiagnosing patients’ neurological disorders that are preventing veterans from receiving care or benefits they earned.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-and-finance-committee-republicans-new-medicaid-rule-risks-disrupting-patient-care,Sen. Johnson and Finance Committee Republicans: New Medicaid Rule Risks Disrupting Patient Care,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.) and nine other Senate Finance Committee Republicans in sending a letter regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule to change Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) operations in ways that offer no material benefit for patients. In the letter to Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the senators urged the Administration to withdraw problematic components of the proposed rule and to work with Congress to develop improvements to the Medicaid program so patients have access to cutting-edge, life-saving prescription drugs.

The senators note, “While we share some of the agency’s objectives, including preventing certain problematic practices within the prescription drug supply chain, many of the [rule’s] proposed changes defy longstanding statutory understanding and impose costly new mandates, creating fiscal uncertainty for states and risking patient access to the most innovative therapies and cures.”

They identify several problems with the proposal, including “stacking” to compute the “Best Price” benchmark, which would create technical complications and risk undercutting the policy’s core objectives by disincetivizing larger price concessions.

The senators also highlight the lack of a patient-oriented justification for the proposal’s price verification survey, noting that the proposed rule seeks to establish a survey process for certain “high cost” covered outpatient drugs, like cell and gene therapies, instead of addressing the access barriers identified by states, patients, and providers.

They end the letter, “We urge CMS to preserve the MDRP’s statutory balance consistent with Congress’s intent by withdrawing the misguided proposals that risk disrupting patient care. We would welcome the opportunity to work with you to improve the Medicaid program so that patients have access to cutting-edge, live-changing prescription drugs.”

Sens. Johnson and Crapo were joined on the letter by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).

Full text of the letter can be foundhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-kennedy-push-for-strong-buy-america-policies-in-ndaa,"Baldwin, Kennedy Push for Strong Buy America Policies in NDAA",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Kennedy (R-LA) called on House and Senate Armed Services leadership to retain Buy America provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as the House and Senate come together to finalize the legislation. Each chamber has passed a version of the must-pass defense bill, and now, as they conference to reconcile the differences, the bipartisan duo is pushing to keep strong Buy America provisions in the legislation. Senator Baldwin championed a provision in the Senate NDAA to bolster Made in America shipbuilding, boosting national security, supporting American manufacturers and workers, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

“Enhanced domestic content requirements have a history of bipartisan, bicameral support and this year is no different. Once again, Members of both Chambers successfully advocated for inclusion of provisions that increase domestic content requirements for defense acquisition programs. We urge conference adoption of these provisions, all of which contain appropriate waiver processes in keeping with the interests of National Security,” wrote the Senators.

The full letter is available here and below.

Dear Chairs and Ranking Members:

As you prepare for conference on the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we respectfully request that you retain provisions that are critical to sustaining a healthy domestic defense industrial base. We make this request out of concern for the state of our domestic supply base and, by extension, the future of U.S. defense industrial capacity.

The country’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic along with the lessons learned from the ongoing war in Ukraine demonstrate the importance of secure supply chains and the urgent need to proactively examine all facets of our defense industrial base for vulnerabilities. The need to strengthen our domestic defense industrial base has become even clearer as weaknesses in reliance on foreign supply chains and cybersecurity threats came to light over the last several years.

The Department of Defense has repeatedly noted serious concerns regarding the decline in suppliers participating in the domestic defense industrial base. Without a healthy supplier base, there is no defense industrial base.

Of note, the shipbuilding supply chain is particularly vulnerable. Even prior to the pandemic, the shipbuilding industry was listed by the Department of Defense’s FY19 Industrial Capabilities Report to Congress as one of the hardest hit industries over the last 20 years. The report notes that the country has lost an astonishing 25,000 suppliers during that time. Federal policies can help recover the industry from this decline. President Biden’s 100-day review of supply chain resilience recommends use of federal procurement to strengthen supply chains, and specifically lists the “Made in America” process as an important strategy for identifying stable sources of critical components. Implementation of increased domestic content for the shipbuilding industry will pay economic dividends right here at home. A robust shipbuilding supply base is squarely in the Navy’s best interest and in America’s.

For years, Congress and the Navy have identified national security risks associated with sole-source suppliers of critical parts across acquisition programs, including problems related to cost, schedule, and quality control. We must support the Department in efforts to immediately address weaknesses within the supply chain by qualifying new suppliers and demonstrating a demand for

domestic procurement. Made in America policies support bringing suppliers into the defense market and retaining them by providing predictability.

Further, domestic content reduces risk to our servicemembers and our operations. Grounding platforms is costly and added risk to the very lives of our servicemembers is unacceptable.

A kinetic conflict with China – whether direct or through proxies – will put a far greater strain on defense supply chains than we experienced throughout the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. We must urgently and proactively address this shortcoming before paying the immense cost of scrambling to identify alternate sources while in the midst of a conflict. We must decide to pay the cost of high-quality components up front, rather than pay unknown costs in the future.

Enhanced domestic content requirements have a history of bipartisan, bicameral support and this year is no different. Once again, Members of both Chambers successfully advocated for inclusion of provisions that increase domestic content requirements for defense acquisition programs. We urge conference adoption of these provisions, all of which contain appropriate waiver processes in keeping with the interests of National Security.

Thank you for your steadfast support of our servicemembers; I have full confidence in your commitment to growing and sustaining a strong National Defense posture. Thank you for your consideration of this important request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-votes-to-support-veterans-wisconsin-farmers-and-rural-communities-and-affordable-housing,"Senator Baldwin Votes to Support Veterans, Wisconsin Farmers and Rural Communities, and Affordable Housing",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority of her colleagues to pass a package of three funding bills that support veterans, invest in agriculture and rural communities, and expand access to affordable housing. By a vote of 82-15, the U.S. Senate voted to advance the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills for Fiscal Year 2024.

“I’m proud to have worked with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to meet the needs of Wisconsin families, veterans, and farmers. By working in a bipartisan fashion, the Senate came together to advance legislation that will help grow our economy, lower costs for working families, and address some of our toughest challenges, all while abiding by the budget deal that the Senate, House, and White House agreed on,” said Senator Baldwin. “I was proud to champion provisions in this package that deliver for our farming and rural communities – investing in Wisconsin’s dairy industry, providing mental health resources for those struggling, and scrutinizing foreign investments in our agricultural land. I also fought hard to include more resources for veterans – creating a Veterans Crisis Lifeline to help our heroes grappling with mental health challenges, supporting county veterans service officers, and investing in VA facilities. Our bipartisan bill will help expand access to affordable housing and make critical investments in our infrastructure to ensure families can travel safely and support Wisconsin businesses get their products to market.”

Included in the legislation is:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Farmland Security Act: The legislation includes $1 million to support the Senator’s legislation that increases scrutiny over foreign investments in American agricultural land. The funding will support a new data system that will help provide the American people and Congress with information on the impacts foreign investments have on family farms, rural communities, and the domestic food supply.

Dairy Business Innovation Initiative: The bill includes continued investment in the program that Senator Baldwin created in 2018 that provides technical assistance and grants to dairy farmers and businesses across Wisconsin, supporting them with business plan development, marketing, and branding, as well as increasing access to innovative production and processing techniques to support the development of value-added products.

Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network: Senator Baldwin secured increased funding for the program that she helped create to address the mental health epidemic in rural America and expand access to critical mental health support and resources for our nation’s agricultural communities. Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin led her colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Appropriations Committee seeking robust funding for the program.

Institute for Rural Partnerships (IRP): The bill includes continued investment for IRP, of which Wisconsin is a direct recipient through the work of the University of Wisconsin Rural Partnerships Institute in addressing challenges unique to rural communities. Most recently, the Institute announced a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in a weather station network that will provide real-time Wisconsin weather data. The project is vital for communities across the state impacted by increasingly common severe weather events, in particular, Wisconsin’s robust agriculture community.

Rural Development: The bill provides $1.6 billion for rental assistance to ensure rural Americans have access to safe and affordable housing. It would also decouple rental assistance from Multifamily Direct Loans, which will prevent thousands of low-income families from losing rental assistance.

Nutrition: The bill delivers critical new funding to ensure women, infants, and children can get the nutrition they need, and it protects vital nutrition assistance programs for families across the country with tight budgets.

WIC: The bill includes $6.3 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—a $615 million increase over FY 2023 that meets the President’s budget request. These new resources will ensure over 6 million women, infants, and children can get the nutrition they need.

SNAP: The bill fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to serve an estimated 42 million people per month—and does not include any new restrictions on eligibility.

Child Nutrition: The bill fully funds Child Nutrition Programs to ensure schools can continue to serve healthy meals. In 2024, this funding will help serve an estimated 5 billion lunches and 2.6 billion breakfasts to kids across the country.

Agriculture Research: Agricultural research plays a vital role in supporting farmers and ranchers, particularly as they continue to respond to a changing climate. The bill provides $1.792 billion—a $48.6 million increase—for the Agricultural Research Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) premiere in-house research agency.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The bill provides a $20 million increase in funding for the FDA to carry out its critical mission to keep families healthy and safe. More specifically, it provides an additional $7 million to conduct oversight of cosmetics for the first time ever, $3.75 million to strengthen FDA’s food safety programs, $3.75 million to address device shortages and supply chain issues, $3 million to advance neuroscience research, and $2.5 million for ALS research.

Food Safety: The bill provides $1.205 billion for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), an increase of $46.7 million. This funding will help ensure FSIS can continue its vital work protecting America’s food supply without being forced to reduce its staffing levels, which would jeopardize food safety and exacerbate supply chain delays.

International Food Aid: The bill provides $1.8 billion in funding for the Food for Peace program and $248.3 million for the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program. As the world experiences an unprecedented hunger crisis, this funding will continue to combat hunger abroad—and save lives.

Conservation: The bill protects funding for Conservation Technical Assistance, which supports voluntary conservation practices on private land.

The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Act fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill provides the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and related agencies $135.3 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, as well as $161.7 billion in mandatory funding, to fulfill our nation’s obligations to our veterans. The bill further provides advance appropriations for our veterans in fiscal year 2025, including $112.6 billion for veterans’ medical care and $193 billion for veterans’ benefits. The bill also includes $19.1 billion in defense spending for military construction and family housing this year—an increase of $70 million over fiscal year 2023—to upgrade and modernize critical infrastructure and support military families.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Act

Support for Veterans: The package that passed the Senate fully funds veterans’ medical care and benefits, including:

Mental Health, 988 and Crisis Intervention: The Senate package includes Senator Baldwin’s request of $300.5 million for the Veterans Crisis Line in support of the program’s suicide prevention and crisis intervention services. In total, the funding package includes a $2.3 billion increase in funding over the previous year to get veterans the mental health care they deserve.

Support to County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers: The legislation includes Senator Baldwin’s request for report language directing the VA to develop a plan for facilitating collaboration between county, state, and Tribal Veterans Service Officers, VHA facilities and VBA offices to improve services to all veterans and proactively identify barriers to care or indications that care is substandard.

Veteran Caregiving, Women’s Health, and Childcare: Provides $557 million more to strengthen VA’s caregiver program and reach more families, $439 million more to support women veterans’ health care, and $23 million to expand the Child Care Pilot Program to eliminate barriers for veterans in need of child care while attending medical appointments.

VA Facilities: Boosts investments in VA facilities to deliver better care for veterans across the country.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Invests $938 million in VA Medical and Prosthetic Research to advance efforts related to Traumatic Brain Injury, PFAS exposure, and more.

Strengthens National Security: The Senate-passed legislation provides a historic funding level to modernize critical military infrastructure and build our presence in key regions around the world, including:

Infrastructure Improvements: Boosts funding to support critical maintenance projects, upgrade our shipyards, and improve the resiliency of our bases and military infrastructure, particularly in the face climate-driven threats.

Deterring Adversaries: Provides more than $1.8 billion in funding for projects in the Indo-Pacific Command to support the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, delivering $300 million for projects to support the European Deterrence Initiative, and fully funding the U.S. commitment to support the NATO Security Investment Program.

Delivers for Servicemembers and Military Families:

Housing: Delivers new resources to construct new family housing, maintain and upgrade existing units, and strengthen oversight of privatized housing.

Child Care: Increases funding for child development centers to expand access to child care for military families.

PFAS and Toxic Clean Up: In accordance with a request from Senator Baldwin, the legislation provides additional funding to address the threat posed by PFAS and to support environmental remediation at Base Realignment and Closure installations.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Increasing Affordable Housing and Addressing Homelessness

Increasing Affordable Housing: Increasing the supply of affordable housing nationwide with funding to build 10,000 new rental and homebuyer units.

Lower Housing Costs: Extending funding for the “Yes In My Back Yard” grant program to support efforts to increase our nation’s housing supply and lower housing costs through state and local zoning changes.

Addressing Homelessness: Delivering $275 million in new funding for Homeless Assistance Grants to help address homelessness in communities across the country and providing new resources to better connect people experiencing homelessness with health care services.

Transportation

FAA: Providing $1.255 billion in new resources for the FAA to address the shortage of air traffic controllers, improve safety, reduce flight delays, and increase efficiency.

Improving Reliable Rail Service: Addressing rail safety deficiencies after recent derailments, disasters, and close calls with $32 million in new funding for the Federal Railroad Administration to improve safety and operations nationwide. This also bill includes around $47.5 million for the Surface Transportation Board’s operations, an increase of $6 million above FY23, which regulates and decides disputes involving railroad rates.

Helping Communities Respond to Extreme Weather: The PROTECT Program provides funding to ensure surface transportation resilience to natural hazards including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Senator Baldwin fought to include $450 million for the PROTECT competitive grant program and over $1.4 billion for formula funding that goes directly to states.

Improving Port Infrastructure: Maintains funding for the MARAD Port Infrastructure Development Grants program at $212 million, grants awarded on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-moran-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-recognize-role-of-southeast-asian-diasporas-contribution-in-vietnam-war,"Senators Baldwin, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Recognize Role of Southeast Asian Diasporas’ Contribution in Vietnam War",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to recognize the contributions of the many communities and Diasporas from Southeast Asia who supported and defended the United States Armed Forces during the war in Vietnam. The Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Removal Act also authorizes funding for the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXO) and victim support programs for those injured by landmines and other legacies of war.

“Hmong-Americans and other Southeast Asian Diaspora made tremendous sacrifices for the United States during the Vietnam War, and Americans owe them a debt of gratitude for the critical assistance they provided and American lives they undoubtedly saved,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with my Republican colleague to introduce this bill to not only recognize and honor that service, but also take action to help the communities that are still grappling with the deadly consequences of war.”

“The impact of war decades ago in southeast Asia is still being felt to this day,” said Senator Moran. “This bill recognizes the assistance provided to the American military by people of the region and helps remove the dangerous remnants of war, such as unexploded ordnances, left in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos that continue to prevent farmers from cultivating fields and parents from allowing their children to play outside without fear.”

The legislation recognizes the Hmong, Cham, Cambodian, Lu-Mien, Khmu, Lao, Montagnard, and Vietnamese American communities who supported the U.S. during the war in Vietnam. Members of those communities saved thousands of lives by evacuating allied refugees and rescuing United States pilots shot down in enemy-controlled territory. Additionally, they gathered and provided intelligence to the U.S. Armed Forces about enemy troop positions, movement, strength and provided food, shelter, and support.

More than 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War, UXOs dropped over Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam during the Vietnam War continue to cause injuries and casualties. In Laos, much of the country’s land remains littered with tens of millions of small UXOs that have led to the injury or death of more than 50,000 civilians since 1964. In Vietnam, an estimated 800,000 tons of UXOs are left over from the War and have caused more than 38,000 civilian deaths. Cambodia has one of the highest rates of landmine and UXO casualties in the world, with nearly 65,000 Cambodians losing their life or suffering an injury since 1979. This bill authorizes important funding for demining operations and the removal of these landmines and UXOs in Southeast Asia. The funding goes towards working with vetted demining organizations operating in the countries with the host government’s approval.

Wisconsin has the third-highest Hmong population in the country, with the city of Wausau having one of the highest Hmong populations per capita in the United States. Many of the families fled during the Vietnam War and were never able to return.

The legislation is supported by Legacies of War (LoW), The HALO Trust (USA), and Mines Advisory Group (MAG) America, Inc.

Full text of this legislation is available here. A one-pager on this bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/icymi-sen-johnson-grills-fbi-director-wray-and-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-in-emerging-threats-to-the-homeland-hearing,ICYMI: Sen. Johnson Grills FBI Director Wray and DHS Secretary Mayorkas in Emerging Threats to the Homeland Hearing,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, participated in an annual hearing titled, Threats to the Homeland, where he sought answers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director Christine Abizaid about the Biden administration’s disastrous open border policies and mounting evidence that the FBI shut down the investigation into Joe Biden, James Biden, and Hunter Biden.

Sen. Johnson pointed out how failures by Sec. Mayorkas and the Biden administration’s open border policies are the greatest threat to America’s homeland. The senator emphasized the out-of-control number of illegal border crossings, the dispersion of millions of illegal aliens into the U.S., the horrors of human and fentanyl trafficking networks, and the spike in apprehensions of individuals on the terrorist watch list.

Watch the highlights here. Excerpts can be found below:

On the alarming number of illegal border crossings under the Biden administration — which Secretary Mayorkas refused to answer

Sen. Johnson: “…It seems like your solution to the self-inflicted wound to America is we've just gotten more efficient at processing. I can't, quite honestly, think of a greater threat to America than what is represented by this chart. And this chart represents this administration's open border policy. It's a travesty. Director Wray, you said in your testimony the threats they're not getting any easier to deal with. Would having a secure border, would that make your job easier?”

Director Wray: “Well, I will let Secretary Mayorkas speak for border security. But I will tell you that the threats that we have to contend with that are attributed to the border; cartel violence, distribution of fentanyl, etc are…”

Sen. Johnson: “The answer is yes. Your job would be a whole lot easier if you don't have to deal with over 70,000 special interest aliens coming from countries that are of concern to us. Your job would be a whole lot easier if this year we hadn't encountered actually encountered 169 people on the terror watch list. Secretary Mayorkas, I've asked you this in the past. What numbers are represented here? How many people has this administration let in by encountering, processing, dispersing, or that have come in as a known or unknown got-away? What approximately? I don't need an exact number. So what do we got?”

Sec. Mayorkas: “Senator, let me say…”

Sen. Johnson: “I need numbers. Again, don’t filibuster me. How many people has this administration let into the country?

Sec. Mayorkas: “Let me say at the outset that our job would be a lot easier if the broken immigration system was fixed…”

Sen. Johnson: “Mr. Secretary, I want a number. How many people have you let into this country?”

Sec. Mayorkas: “I should also comment…”

Sen. Johnson: “Okay. I'll give you the number. It's about 6 million. About 1.7 million as known got-aways. Now again, we don't know who these people are. We just know that they've come to this country and they're residing somewhere. Where are all these people residing? Where did the 6 million people go?”

On potential terror threats coming into the country

Sen. Johnson: “We know we've got about 100,000 in New York. And New York Mayor Adams says it will destroy New York. That's, by the way, less than 2% of the 6 million people. So less than 2%, 100,000, is going to destroy New York. What's happening around the country? I'm not going to get answers from Secretary Mayorkas. Director Wray, what are you doing to track these people and investigate the potential threat?

Director Wray: “So we are tackling it through a variety of means. There are some categories I would put kind of in the terrorist watch list category, and there are our joint terrorism task forces that are working with partners throughout the law enforcement community to try to identify…”

Sen. Johnson: “So how many agents, how many agents do you have tasked to investigate potential terror threats coming into this country in those 6 million people, and particularly the 1.7 million got-aways? How many agents are on investigating that flow of illegal immigrants?”

Director Wray: “Well, I don't know that I can give you the exact number.”

Sen. Johnson: “Give, do a ballpark. Try to ballpark.”

Director Wray: “Let me try it this way.”

Sen. Johnson: “Is it 100? Is it a couple hundred? Is it? I mean, just a ballpark?”

Director Wray: “Well, I would say we have several hundred agents who are tackling the threats that come from the border, both from a national security side, a counterterrorism side, and from an organized crime or violent crime side.”

Sen. Johnson: “How does that compare to the number of agents you had on, for example, investigating the January 6 protesters? How many agents at the height of that investigation, how many FBI agents were assigned to that task force?”

Director Wray: “I don't have exact numbers, but what I would tell you is that I feel relatively confident that the number of agents workings on threats that are attributable to the border far exceeds the number of people working on the January 6 investigation.”

Sen. Johnson: “Again, a ballpark. A ballpark.”

Director Wray: “I feel relatively confident that the number of agents working on threats that are attributable to the border far exceeds the number of people working on the January 6 investigation.”

Sen. Johnson: “What about the height of the January 6 investigations?”

Director Wray: “Same answer.”

On the horrors of human trafficking at the southern border

Sen. Johnson: “Mr. Secretary Mayorkas, what is the average or the range of trafficking fees? I mean, because, by the way, we have a 100% secure border on the Mexican side, right. Very few people are crossing into this country without going through human traffickers. So they have to pay a trafficking fee. What is that range of trafficking fees?

Sec. Mayorkas: “When you speak of trafficking Senator, you mean smugglers?”

Sen. Johnson: “Well, I'm talking about the human traffickers. You know, the people, the people coming across here are paying what, a $7,000 fee? A 10,000? A fifty-or what is that range?”

Sec. Mayorkas: “Several thousand dollars per person.”

Sen. Johnson: “So how do they pay that off? How does a young woman pay off 10 to $15,000 human trafficking fee?”

Sec. Mayorkas: “Tragically, Senator, they often spend their entire life savings to pay a smuggler.”

Sen. Johnson: “Well, they also tragically get put into the human sex trade, correct?”

Sec. Mayorkas: “There are all sorts.”

Sen. Johnson: “Director Wray, are you investigating that? Are we busting up some, you know, we saw the Sound of Freedom. That movie. What investigations are you doing in terms of the sex trade that is going on because of the Biden administration's open border policy?”

Director Wray: “We have a number of task forces that are focused on human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, all across the country. And last year, we rounded up, I think, maybe 1,000 or so predators of that sort. And so that's probably the main vehicle through which we're tackling this, which is a significant, significant problem.”

Sen. Johnson: “Of the 73,000 special interest aliens coming from these countries that are of concern to ours, how many of those people are you keeping track of? What happens to them? Are we detaining them? Are we deporting them or are we granting them asylum?”

Director Wray: “Well, as to deportation and asylum, I would leave that to the agencies that handle that.”

Sen. Johnson: “You’re aware of the 73,000 special interest aliens, correct?”

Director Wray: “But I'm aware of special interest aliens. I don't have the numbers.”

Sen. Johnson: “What are you doing to track them?”

Director Wray: “So if we have a fully predicated appropriately predicated investigation, then those people are squarely within scope of those investigations.”

Sen. Johnson: “How many active investigations do you have on 73,000 special interest aliens?”

Director Wray: “I don't have that number here. I can see if that's something we can get for you and follow up.”

Sen. Johnson: “You can expect a QFR on that one. Thanks.”

On evidence mounting that the FBI implemented a scheme to label any derogatory information on the Bidens as “foreign disinformation”

Sen. Johnson: “Now Director Wray, I'm assuming you've seen and read the letter the Senator Grassley wrote to you and Attorney General Garland, on October 24th?”

Director Wray: “I'm generally aware of it.”

Sen. Johnson: “Oh, you ought to read it. Let me read some segments to you. The FBI maintained over 40 confidential human sources thatprovided criminal information related to Joe Biden, James Biden, and Hunter Biden. An essential question that must be answered in this: did the FBI investigate the information or shut it down? Certainly, there is a host of reasons to conclude that they attempted to shut it down. It goes on. It has been alleged that the basis for shutting down the investigative activity – shutting it down was an August 2020 assessmentcreated by FBI supervisory intelligence analyst Brian Auten. That assessment was used by FBI headquarters team to improperly discredit negative Hunter Biden information as disinformation, causing investigative activity to cease. It goes on. Analyst Brian Auten opened the aforementioned assessment, which was used by the Foreign Influence Task Force to seek out CHS holdings in FBI field offices across the country related to the Biden family and falsely discredit them as foreign disinformation. My staff calls that “catch and kill.” And by the way, it was that same task force that gave Senator Grassley and I our unsolicited briefing that was later leaked to the media to smear me and impactmy 2022 election. Senator Grassley concludes there appears to be an effort within the Justice Department and FBI to shut down investigative activity relating to the Biden family. Such decisions point to significant political bias, infecting the decision-making of not onlythe attorney general and FBI director, but also line agents and prosecutors. Our republic cannot survive such a political infection, and you have an obligation to this country to clear the air. Let me ask you another. And by the way, I'd ask unanimous consent that this letter be entered into the record and also this column that appeared in The Wall Street Journal published yesterday. Have you read this one? ‘More on the stifled Hunter Biden probe.’”

Director Wray: “I have seen that.”

Sen. Johnson: “Okay. Well enter that into the record. Again, this is column is written based on the October 23rd Judiciary Committee interview with former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady. Who was tapped by Attorney General Barr to vet information related to Ukrainian corporate corruption and pass on credible material to officers with ongoing investigations. I'll get some highlights here. The FBI office in Pittsburgh couldn't takeany steps without the review and approval of FBI headquarters. Mr. Brady describes a reluctance on the part of the FBI to really do any tasking related to allegations of Ukrainian corruption broadly and then specifically anything that intersected with Hunter Biden in his role in Burisma. FBI headquarters had to sign off on every assignment, no matter how small or routine. And that this, sometimes required 17different people, mostly at the headquarter level. And Mr. Brady said he'd never in his DOJ career seen anything like it. Mr. Brady says his office was informed by members of the Pittsburgh FBI team that they'd been instructed by headquarters not to affirmatively share information with the Brady team. He said he was surprised to learn that the FBI possessed the Hunter Biden laptop since 2019. He heard that through public reports. Senator Grassley's letter concludes that he has obtained names from his whistleblower, 25 Department of Justice, FBI personnel to interview at a future date. And he is also requesting a bunch of information. Will you provide those FBI personnel for interviews with hisoffice and mine and will you provide that those documents?”

Director Wray: “Well, I'll have to review the specific requests, and we'll see how we can be helpful.”

Sen. Johnson: “Okay. Well, I'll hand you this letter. Final point I want to make. I was briefed a couple of weeks ago by members of the FBI on what Senator Blumenthal is doing to try and unredact a lot of the information on the 9/11 event. Okay. Now, the briefers seem to be people ofintegrity, like I think the vast majority of the men and women that work in the FBI, the 30,000 field agents. So, again, they, they’re people ofintegrity. The problem is that they gave me three different examples of redacted and then unredacted to explain it. And the redactions made sense of those three examples. But I had to make the point. The problem I have is I simply cannot trust what the FBI is providing me, and I don't see that with any joy in my heart. I think that's a travesty. The American people want to believe and have trust in the FBI. We want credibility, integrity restored to the institution. But, Director Wray, you have not done that since assuming office. And I can go through a long laundry list of the reasons why that trust has been violated. I don't have it right now. I'm happy to sit down and meet with you and go over these things in detail. But I would say – because ask me, what can we do to restore our trust? Start being transparent. My final point is, and this is actually a question, why is it this makes no sense. I am an elected U.S. Senator. I have the highest security clearance. Why is it that unelected members of the FBI can see the documents unredacted? But I can't even in a secure briefing room? That makes no sense whatsoever. But that's exactly how federal law enforcement, Department of Justice, the FBI, who are the law, remain above the law, remain above scrutiny and completely scorn our constitutional responsibility and authority to provide oversight. We just can't do it, as the Chairman was talking about earlier, about how you've basically ignored his requests for credit for the requests for the record.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/10/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters.

Note: Staff-led mobile office hours are closed to press. Recording devices of any kind are not allowed. These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of our constituents.

Washington County Office Hours

Thursday, November 2

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Slinger Village Hall

300 Slinger Rd., Slinger, WI 53086

Washington County Office Hours

Thursday, November 2

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Germantown Village Hall

N112 W17001 Mequon Rd., Germantown, WI 53022

Pepin County Office Hours

Thursday, November 9

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Pepin Village Hall

508 2nd St., Pepin, WI 54759

Pierce County Office Hours

Thursday, November 9

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Prescott City Hall

800 N. Borner St., Prescott, WI 54021

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-call-to-expand-access-lower-cost-of-over-the-counter-birth-control,"Baldwin Leads Call to Expand Access, Lower Cost of Over-the-Counter Birth Control",2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a group of colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to require federally and state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill—the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill, which will become available in early 2024—with no copays or out of pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement.

“We urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products—including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Over 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.”

“The availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA’s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage,” the senators continued.

“To expand access to affordable contraception, we urge the tri-departments to issue new guidance that reflects current HRSA guidelines and clarifies that federally and state-regulated private health plans must cover OTC contraceptive products without cost-sharing, including when purchased without a prescription… Given the increased need for access to contraception in the wake of the Dobbs decision, this issue is incredibly timely and important,” the senators wrote.

As women’s reproductive rights are under attack in Wisconsin and across the country, Senator Baldwin has pushed for measures to break down barriers to safe, effective contraception. In July, Senator Baldwin introduced the Convenient Contraception Act, legislation that would improve access to contraceptive products, including over-the-counter contraceptives.

The letter was also led by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and also signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Becerra, Secretary Yellen, and Acting Secretary Su:

We urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products—including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage. Over 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.

In recent months, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken several major steps toward this goal. First, on June 23, President Biden issued an executive order on “Strengthening Access to Affordable, High-Quality Contraception and Family Planning Services,” which directed each of your departments to take steps to improve access to contraception. Second, on July 13, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-ever OTC birth control pill for sale in the United States, a groundbreaking advancement in contraceptive access. Most recently, on September 29, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Internal Revenue Service, and the Employee Benefit Services Administration (EBSA) issued a Request of Information regarding the application of the preventive services requirements under section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act to OTC preventive services, including OTC contraceptive products.

We applaud these efforts and ask that you undertake additional actions to ensure coverage for OTC contraceptive products—including the new OTC birth control pill once it becomes available in 2024—without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription in all federally and state-regulated private health plans and federally and state-regulated and run coverage programs.

The availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA’s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage. Even prior to the FDA’s approval of Opill, several states have expanded access to OTC contraceptives and other lifesaving ACA preventive services to ensure that patients continue to receive quality care. Additional training and billing guidance for pharmacists and other health care providers would support state efforts to expand access to covered ACA preventive services like OTC contraceptives.

Currently, existing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guidance on the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) contraceptive coverage requirement from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury (“tri-departments”) allows federally and state-regulated private health plans to require a prescription for OTC contraceptives as a condition of coverage without cost sharing. This significantly reduces the advantages to consumers of an OTC product. To expand access to affordable contraception, we urge the tri-departments to issue new guidance that reflects current HRSA guidelines and clarifies that federally and state-regulated private health plans must cover OTC contraceptive products without cost-sharing, including when purchased without a prescription. We request that you do this as soon as possible and encourage the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to adopt parallel changes for the next plan year.

In addition to new guidance, your departments may need to take one or more discrete steps as soon as possible to:

Cover the new OTC birth control pill and other OTC contraceptives by adding it to an existing coverage requirement and/or formulary;

Eliminate any otherwise-required cost-sharing and prior authorization for OTC contraceptives;

Eliminate any prescription requirement for OTC contraceptive coverage;

Work with providers, pharmacy chains, health plans, and other stakeholders to make coverage for OTC contraceptives function as smoothly as possible at pharmacies and via mail order;

Provide notice to beneficiaries, providers, and other stakeholders about any changes to coverage, as well as information about how to navigate and facilitate coverage of OTC contraceptives without a prescription;

Provide guidance to encourage state Medicaid programs to cover OTC contraceptives without a prescription for Medicaid beneficiaries; and

Provide guidance to pharmacies, health care providers, and insurers to improve claims processing and reimbursement for OTC contraceptives.

These steps would be in line with the goals and directives of the June 2023 executive order, including its directive to “promote increased access to affordable over-the-counter contraception, including emergency contraception.”

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to these goals for improving coverage of and access to the full range of contraceptives, including OTC contraception, and look forward to continuing to work together to achieve them. Given the increased need for access to contraception in the wake of the Dobbs decision, this issue is incredibly timely and important. Thank you in advance for considering this request.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/10/icymi-sen-johnson-exposes-deep-state-corruption-slams-destructive-biden-policies,"ICYMI: Sen. Johnson Exposes Deep State Corruption, Slams Destructive Biden Policies",2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Neil Cavuto on Cavuto’s World to discuss the war in Israel and the threats posed by Iran and Hamas terrorists. On Wednesday, the senator joined Harris Faulkner on The Faulkner Focus and Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria to expose the corruption of the FBI and their mishandling of the investigation into the Biden Crime Family as well as the worsening crisis at the southern border.

On The Faulkner Focus, Sen. Johnson discussed how the FBI undermined the investigation into the Biden family. He also brought attention to the national security threat posed by the Biden administration’s open border policies.

Sen. Johnson criticized the FBI turning a blind eye to the Biden Crime Family: “Unfortunately, we can't trust top officials in the FBI anymore. Their credibility is shattered. You take a look at how they tormented President Trump when they knew that, for example, the Steele dossier was sourced by somebody they were investigating as a Russian spy. And then they have 40 human sources saying that there's potential criminal activity within the Biden Crime Family.”

The senator blasted Democrat open border policies that threaten our national security: “Democrat supporters in Congress, care more about Ukraine's border than our own southern border. So, there's going to be a legitimate attempt to tie any funding for Ukraine to real border security where we actually stop the flow of illegal immigration, not allow 270,000 people come in one month through our southwest border. This is beyond a crisis. And it's also a huge national security threat. When you have Hamas calling for days of rage,probably periods of rage. You think in the 1.7 million known got-aways … there might be a terrorist or two in that cohort? So, we are highly concerned about the national security aspects and we need to secure border.”

Watch the full interview with Harris Faulkner here.

On Mornings with Maria, Sen. Johnson shed light on U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) recent letter that revealed the FBI sidelined and discredited over 40 confidential human sources despite providing criminal information related to Joe Biden, James Biden, and Hunter Biden.

Sen. Johnson revealed the pervasive corruption at the highest levels of the FBI: “Well first of all, I’d recommend that everybody read Senator Grassley’s seven-page letter. God bless the whistleblowers that are coming forward to his office. He’s the perfect person. He’s a champion of whistleblowers. But what this is showing is just, you know, just pervasive corruption at the highest levels of the FBI and not just in the Biden administration. This obstruction of justice, this obstruction of these investigations were occurring under the Trump administration, under Attorney General Bill Barr. Again, I don’t know whether, you know, Attorney General Bill Barr was aware of it, but his underlings were certainly frustrating, and of course, what they were doing is they were they actually had a scheme to downplay, not only downplay, but to denigrate any derogatory information on Hunter Biden calling it Russian disinformation. Senator Grassley and I were both actually, you know, targets of that operation to dissuade us off our investigation on Hunter Biden, as well. So this is corruption that runs deep inside some of the top offices of the FBI and people ought to read that letter, and we need those witnesses coming forward. We need more whistleblowers. But these individuals that Senator Grassley lays out, they need to be interviewed by Senator Grassley. Hopefully my office can be involved as well. And certainly the house.”

Watch the full interview with Maria Bartiromo here.

On Cavuto’s World, Sen. Johnson argued that any aid package to Israel be kept separate from Ukraine funding. The senator also emphasized the importance of U.S. strength on the world stage, remarking that the United States must stop appeasing the world’s largest state-sponsor of terror, Iran.

Watch the full interview with Neil Cavuto here.

The senator slammed both the Biden and Obama administrations for appeasement of Iran, saying, “You know, the fact of the matter is the Obama administration and now the Biden administration have funneled tens, hundreds of billions of dollars into the largest state sponsor of terror, hoping to appease them. Hoping to buy better behavior from them. All it has done is embolden Iran. And so the first thing we need to do is cut off that funding. We need to recognize Iran for the malign force that is in the world and stop funding them.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/10/sen-johnson-presses-hhs-fda-cdc-and-nih-for-information-on-covid-19-vaccine-adverse-events,"Sen. Johnson Presses HHS, FDA, CDC, and NIH for Information on COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events",2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to the top U.S. health officials at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) calling for transparency and complete responses to the senator’s numerous requests on the COVID-19 vaccines and other aspects of the pandemic. This correspondence marks the senator’s 60th public letter to U.S. government agencies on the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, CDC Director Mandy Cohen, and NIH Acting Director Lawrence Tabak, the senator wrote, “As the top U.S. health officials, and for some of you, medical doctors who have sworn to uphold the Hippocratic Oath, you and your colleagues also bear the absolute responsibility of providing patients and the American public the benefit of informed consent.”

Sen. Johnson added, “You and your colleagues have a duty to provide the American people with complete and transparent data regarding the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 ‘vaccines.’ It is completely unacceptable that public health agencies have ignored requests for detailed information about ‘vaccine’ lots that are associated with higher rates of adverse events and have failed to provide CDC’s and FDA’s complete data analyses (Proportional Reporting Ratio tables and empirical Bayesian data mining – if they exist) on ‘vaccine’ adverse events. The fact that the vast majority of my questions and information requests remain unanswered or outstanding only heightens my level of suspicion.”

The senator emphasized the health agencies’ lack of transparency by highlighting his numerous oversight requests to various government agencies that remain unanswered.

Sen. Johnson noted, “Individuals who willingly or reluctantly received the COVID-19 ‘vaccines’ deserve to know the full truth about the adverse health outcomes they or their loved ones may face following ‘vaccination.’ However, your agencies continue to obstruct my efforts to provide the public with the truth about the COVID-19 ‘vaccines.’

This letter also raised questions regarding a recently released, FDA-funded preprint study which found multiple adverse health outcomes, including seizures, associated with the COVID-19 vaccines among vaccinated children.

“The results of this FDA-funded study reaffirm previous concerns about the safety of the COVID-19 ‘vaccines’—particularly for children—and underscore the need for federal health agencies to be transparent with the American people and responsive to Congress,” the senator wrote.

In addition to reiterating the outstanding requests that health agencies have failed to address, the senator asked for new information and materials following the results of the FDA-funded study.

“It is well past time for U.S public health agencies to be transparent,” he concluded.

Read more about the senator’s October 25, 2023 letter to HHS, FDA, CDC, and NIH in the Epoch Times.

The full letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-pushes-doj-to-help-address-steep-decline-for-crime-victims-fund,Baldwin Pushes DOJ to Help Address Steep Decline for Crime Victims Fund,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on the U.S. Department of Justice to help address steep cuts to a critical fund that assists victims of crime. The Crime Victims Fund (CVF) is used to provide services to victims of crime in Wisconsin and across the country, but the Wisconsin Department of Justice estimates that its CVF victim assistance funding will be cut by 41% in Fiscal Year 24, nearly $10 million less than the year prior.

“Organizations across Wisconsin rely on this funding to provide support to victims of crime, including victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Sadly, Wisconsin continues to suffer from an epidemic of domestic violence, and these funds are vital to assist the adults and children harmed by these crimes,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland. “The Department must do everything in its power to ensure that these organizations and the victims they serve have the resources they need.”

In Wisconsin, the CVF provides funding for victim compensation and assistance, including grants to organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime like safety planning, community service referrals, counseling, crisis intervention, and legal advocacy. The CVF, created under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), is financed by fines and penalties paid by persons convicted in federal cases, as well as gifts, donations, and bequests by private parties. However, due to a steep reduction in incoming funds to the CVF, state and Tribal victim assistance programs that rely on these resources are facing major budget shortfalls in Fiscal Year 24 and may be unable to meet the needs of victims of crime.

Senator Baldwin successfully included her legislation to help provide more resources to the CVF as part of the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act, which passed in 2021. Senator Baldwin’s measure identified the “deposit fix” to redirect monetary penalties stemming from agreements to delay or forego prosecution into the CVF. While Senator Baldwin’s work was a historic effort to stabilize the fund, adding an additional $1 billion to the CVF between 2021 and 2023, more is needed to meet the basic needs of Wisconsin victims.

The decrease in funding comes as Wisconsin is experiencing the largest increase in domestic violence deaths in two decades, setting a new record in 2022. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has projected that its Fiscal Year 2024 victim assistance CVF award will be nearly $10 million less than its Fiscal Year 2023 award, a 41% reduction in funding that will harm organizations, communities, and families across the state.

Additionally, because of the unpredictability of criminal penalties and private donations, state and Tribal victim assistance programs that rely on CVF funding to help victims cannot plan for the size of the awards they will receive. Senator Baldwin also called on the DOJ to provide more visibility regarding deposits into the fund, including implementing a system to track payments from successfully concluded cases that may result in deposits into the CVF.

“I urge the Department to work with me and others in Congress to identify other long-term solutions to direct additional funds into the CVF. Successful prosecutions can both hold wrongdoers accountable and result in deposits to the CVF,” concluded Senator Baldwin. “I urge the Department to keep the important implications of its work in mind and partner with Congress to identify sustainable funding sources to support victims of crime.”

“VOCA funding is vital to ensuring that services are available to victims of crime,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Unless a sustainable funding solution is put in place soon, there will be potentially devastating cutbacks to victim services, leaving some crime victims without sufficient support and our communities less safe.”

“Children’s Wisconsin appreciates Senator Baldwin’s long-standing leadership and commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the Crime Victims Fund. This funding is critically important to programs that provide care and services to children impacted by abuse, neglect and violence across the state. Crime Victims Fund dollars help to support medical assessments, crisis intervention, and connection to other resources, including mental health and other victim services that promote safety and healing for kids and families. We are deeply concerned about the projected decline in funding and the impact it will have on access to services for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable children,” said Karen Timberlake, Senior Vice President and President of Child Well-Being of Children’s Wisconsin.

“Sojourner is grateful for Senator Baldwin’s leadership in addressing the needs of domestic violence survivors in Wisconsin. Crime Victim Funds allow Sojourner and partners to address the housing, food and support needs of thousands of survivors in Wisconsin. We believe that the projected cuts in Crime Victim funds will have a devastating impact on survivors across the nation. This reduction in funding will erode the safety net of services desperately needed by survivors, ultimately leaving people less safe, more at risk and in lethal situations without access to resources,” said Carmen Pitre, President & CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center.

“People experiencing domestic violence are killed needlessly every year in Wisconsin, with alarming frequency, and we know how to prevent it. No survivor of violence should have to take the courageous step of leaving an abusive relationship without the safety & support offered by domestic violence advocates & programs. Without this critical funding, that is precisely what is and will continue to happen,” said Jenna Gormal, Public Policy Director at End Domestic Abuse WI.

A full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Attorney General Garland:

I write to express my concern regarding the steep decline in Victims of Crime Act funding that the State of Wisconsin is expected to experience in fiscal year 2024 and to ask for your assistance in identifying additional, sustainable sources of revenue for the Crime Victims Fund (CVF). Organizations across Wisconsin rely on this funding to provide support to victims of crime, including victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Sadly, Wisconsin continues to suffer from an epidemic of domestic violence, and these funds are vital to assist the adults and children harmed by these crimes. The Department must do everything in its power to ensure that these organizations and the victims they serve have the resources they need.

In 2022, Wisconsin experienced the largest increase in domestic violence deaths in two decades – setting a disturbing new record for the state. The tragic toll of this crime coincides with a deeply concerning reduction in funding from the CVF to states. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has projected that its Fiscal Year 2024 victim assistance CVF award will be nearly $10 million less than its Fiscal Year 2023 award, a 41% reduction in funding that will harm organizations, communities, and families across the state. The End Domestic Violence Wisconsin’s Homicide Report 2022 states plainly this stark reality: “there is not enough funding to meet the basic needs of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Wisconsin,” and the same is true of all adult and child victims of crime across the state.

While I am proud that the “deposits fix,” enacted as part of the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 and first identified in my Edith Shorougian Senior Victims of Fraud Compensation Act, has directed an additional $1 billion in revenue to the CVF between 2021-2023, more is needed to ensure that the fund can meet the needs of Wisconsin crime victims. To that end, I request your assistance to further stabilize the fund and identify additional sources of revenue that could appropriately help to grow its balance.

I urge the Department to continuing advising its litigators of the availability of the CVF as a repository for fines, fees, and other penalties to ensure that the Department understands how its work affects the CVF. I additionally urge the Department to provide more visibility regarding deposits into the fund. The lack of predictability relating to proceeds makes it difficult for Congress and states to plan without greater insight into potential future revenue to the CVF. To create more transparency, the Department should implement a system to track payments from successfully concluded cases that may result in deposits into the CVF. Lastly, I urge the Department to work with me and others in Congress to identify other long-term solutions to direct additional funds into the CVF. Successful prosecutions can both hold wrongdoers accountable and result in deposits to the CVF. I urge the Department to keep the important implications of its work in mind and partner with Congress to identify sustainable funding sources to support victims of crime.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-introduces-bill-to-support-organic-dairy-farmers,Baldwin Introduces Bill to Support Organic Dairy Farmers,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced legislation to support organic dairy farmers and help them address economic challenges like feed shortages and increased costs. The Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields (O DAIRY) Act of 2023 will increase investments in the organic dairy industry to ensure resiliency and longevity and works to improve data collection for organic milk production to enhance price accuracy and transparency.

“Wisconsin is one of the nation’s top organic dairy producing states, driving our local economies, feeding families from coast to coast, and keeping our state’s heritage of America’s Dairyland alive and strong,” said Senator Baldwin. “In the face of recent headwinds, I’m committed to delivering the support our dairies need to keep their operations open for generations to come.”

The O DAIRY Act would:

Extend emergency assistance to organic dairy farmers facing losses, including any time a farm’s net income decreases by over 10% in any given year;

Invest $25 million annually in dairy infrastructure investments, research and innovation;

Call for increased industry organic data collection that will be shared with farmers so they can plan better; and

Direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the viability of an organic safety net program, which would get aid to farmers faster when disasters hit in the future.

The bill is led by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and also co-sponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The O DAIRY Act of 2023 has the broad support of farms, dairy cooperatives, producers, and associations across the country, including the Organic Farmers Association, Organic Valley, the National Organic Coalition, and the Center for Food Safety.

A one-pager on this legislation can be found here. Full text of this legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-statement-on-emergency-funding-to-address-child-care-crisis-curb-opioid-and-fentanyl-epidemic,"Baldwin Statement on Emergency Funding to Address Child Care Crisis, Curb Opioid and Fentanyl Epidemic",2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, released the following statement in response to the President's emergency funding request that includes resources to address the child care crisis and the opioid epidemic:

“When I travel the state, I hear time and again from families who want to ensure their kids get a strong start, their loved ones are safe and sound, and they can live a stable middle-class lifestyle. And I am committed to delivering the results to help them do that.

“I’ve heard from countless families that are struggling to find affordable child care, with parents paying thousands every month or dropping out of the workforce to care for their kids. I’ve heard from Wisconsin businesses who cannot find workers or have lost good employees who cannot afford child care, while hardworking child care providers struggle to stay afloat and pay their workers fairly without gouging parents. We must meet the moment and invest in child care to give our kids the strong start they deserve, lower costs for working families, and grow our economy.

“I also hear from too many Wisconsin families who have lost a loved one too soon to opioid and fentanyl overdoses and poisonings. We need to do everything we can, from stopping these drugs from coming across the border, to ensuring Wisconsinites have access to prevention, treatment, and overdose reversal drugs. I’m committed to ensuring Wisconsin has the resources we need to help those suffering, keep these deadly drugs out of our communities, and prevent needless heartache.

“The emergency funding package that the President announced today will help us address these crises head on, lowering costs for working families, growing our economy, and saving lives. Now, Congress must act to deliver for the American people.”

The funding to address the child care crisis and fentanyl and opioid epidemics comes as part of an emergency funding request that also includes critical resources to help communities impacted by natural disasters, strengthen our national security, connect more Americans to affordable internet, and reduce energy costs for low income Americans. The emergency request includes:

Addressing the Child Care Crisis – $16 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for an additional year of child care stabilization funding to help keep child care providers afloat, mitigating the likelihood that providers will close or raise costs for families.

Countering Fentanyl – In addition to critical resources to crack down on the illicit flow of fentanyl that were included in a package President Biden announced last week, the emergency funding request invests in opioid use disorder treatment, evidence-based harm reduction services, overdose prevention measures like naloxone, and recovery support services. The proposed funding includes:

$1.55 billion for HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to provide treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services in all States and territories. Since 2018, the SOR grant program has provided treatment services to over 1.2 million people.

$1.2 billion, included in a package announced last week, to crack down on the trafficking of dangerous and lethal illicit drugs like fentanyl, including hiring an additional 1,300 border agents and deploying new cutting-edge detection equipment to disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the country.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-announces-over-101-million-to-lower-energy-costs-for-wisconsin-families,Baldwin Announces Over $101 Million to Lower Energy Costs for Wisconsin Families,2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), announced Wisconsin was awarded over $101.2 million to lower Wisconsin families’ home energy costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding comes through the 2024 federal government funding legislation with additional support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, both of which Senator Baldwin supported.

“Anyone who’s spent a winter in Wisconsin understands that the cold and snow can be dangerous. As the weather turns cold, no Wisconsin family should have to worry about if they will be able to keep their homes and families warm,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to help lower costs for working families and better ensure no Wisconsinite goes cold this winter.”

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills by providing payment and energy crisis assistance to pay for gas, electric, and other methods customers use to heat their homes. LIHEAP funding can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient, and during disasters and extreme weather to mitigate energy emergencies. In Fiscal Year 2022, LIHEAP provided heat billing assistance to over 136,000 households across Wisconsin, with the average LIHEAP benefit covering $432 in winter home heating costs for Wisconsinites.

As LHHS Chair, Senator Baldwin successfully included increased funding for the LIHEAP program in the Senate’s funding legislation for the Department of Health and Human Services. The legislation successfully passed the Appropriations Committee with near-unanimous bipartisan support and now the Senator is working to pass the legislation on the floor of the Senate.

A one pager on this announcement is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-introduces-resolution-calling-for-end-to-religious-and-political-persecution-in-india,Baldwin Introduces Resolution Calling for End to Religious and Political Persecution in India,2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced a resolution in the Senate urging the U.S. government to engage with India to reverse policies that discriminate on the basis of religion and push for an end to violence against peaceful civilian protesters in India.

“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and when any country infringes on it, the United States must stand up and speak out,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am calling on the United States to continue pushing the government of India to reverse course on the systematic religious and political persecution that is endangering and disenfranchising innocent civilians.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure has been marked by a troubling increase in violence, hate crimes, incendiary rhetoric by politicians, and an overall decline in religious freedom typically seen in healthy democracies. The Senate resolution introduced by Senator Baldwin urges the U.S. government to engage with the government of India to end the persecution of, and violence against, religious minorities and human rights defenders in India, and work to reverse government policies that discriminate against Muslims and Christians on the basis of faiths.

“India is a key partner of the United States and that makes it doubly important that the Indian government observe, practice and implement civil and political liberties as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Rising social conflict and democratic backslide in India will weaken and not strengthen India’s relevance as a global bulwark against anti-democratic forces. We applaud Senator Baldwin for introducing this significant resolution and we encourage the US Senate to pass it to send a clear and unequivocal message to both the Biden Administration and the Indian government,” said Rasheed Ahmed, Executive Director of Indian American Muslim Council.

“As a proud Indian-born American, I strongly believe in India’s Constitution as written, and if faithfully followed, would ensure that India remains the world’s largest secular democracy, as a role model for other countries,” said Masood Akhtar, a Wisconsin entrepreneur and activist.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-wisconsin-leaders-praise-baldwins-work-to-bring-home-a-tech-hub,What They Are Saying: Wisconsin Leaders Praise Baldwin’s Work to Bring Home a Tech Hub,2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced that Wisconsin has been designated by the Biden Administration as a Regional Technology (Tech Hub), an initiative created by the Baldwin-supported CHIPS and Science Act. The designation clears the way for Wisconsin to compete for up to $75 million in funding to enable stakeholders to scale up operations to a global level, align and scale the supply chain and manufacturing sector, improve access to capital to start and grow businesses, and increase lab space and expand opportunities for worker housing and transportation. Additionally, Wisconsin is receiving a $350,000 planning grant to execute its Biohealth Tech Hub strategy.

Public and private partners praised Senator Baldwin’s announcement. Here’s what they’re saying:

“Wisconsin’s designation as a Regional Tech Hub is a testament to the strength of our state’s biohealth and personalized medicine industry,” said Governor Evers. “As this sector continues to grow, it will mean more high-paying jobs and economic growth for our state, as well as innovations that will transform the future of medical care for people in Wisconsin and around the world.”

“There was no surprise that Wisconsin was chosen as an inaugural Tech Hub,” said Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02). “Madison is a world-class city, home to some of the best research institutions, a robust entrepreneurial and manufacturing ecosystem, and a highly skilled workforce. Thank you to the Biden-Harris administration for recognizing Wisconsin and thank you to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her leadership in helping bring this vital tech hub to Wisconsin.”

“This effort is a real win for Wisconsin, expanding economic opportunities for Wisconsin workers and businesses,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04). “Thanks to Senator Baldwin, Wisconsin will continue cultivating a growing, innovative bio health industry. This tech hub brings our state on the cusp of exciting opportunities, including high-paying jobs of the future.”

“Companies like Harley Davidson and Allen-Bradley (now Rockwell Automation) put Wisconsin on the map as a manufacturing powerhouse a hundred years ago. The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub will nurture the companies that will be recognized a century from now for curing disease and creating innovative new industries,” said Aaron Olver, Chairman, Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Consortium Steering Committee.

“Today’s announcement by the Biden-Harris administration confirms the competitiveness of Wisconsin’s biohealth assets,” said Jim Paetsch, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Milwaukee 7 Regional Partnership. “Personalized medicine is changing the way in which disease is detected and treated. Our institutional and corporate assets uniquely position the Milwaukee-Madison region to be a global leader in this dynamic and emerging space, which holds great potential for improving human health.”

“We achieved a major milestone and we’re just getting started. Together with other members of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub consortium, our focus is now on preparing a compelling application to achieve Phase 2 designation which will place our region on a transformative trajectory, securing our future as trailblazers, paving the path to personalized medicine. It’s a path that will be marked by greater educational opportunities, economic growth, amplified collaboration, and a bright future for our state,” said Anjon Audhya, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

“The tech hub designation and initial grant is a wonderful recognition of Wisconsin’s contribution to growth and innovation in medical and biotechnology. As a leading global designer, developer, manufacturer and servicer of Healthcare/Life Science products with its headquarters and key talent located in Wisconsin, we are excited to partner with the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub as we look to fulfill our vision to help create the products that build a better world,” said Michael Tendick, Plexus Corp.’s Market Sector Vice President – Healthcare/Life Sciences.

""MATC is ready to serve as a partner to this effort by providing instructional leadership to our students in degree and diploma programs so they will be prepared to work in the state’s burgeoning biohealth industry,” said MATC President Vicki J. Martin, Ph.D.

""Exact Sciences' longstanding commitment to Wisconsin spans over two decades, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between our company and the state's unwavering dedication to workforce development and the advancement of biotechnology,” said Ana Hooker, Chief Laboratory Officer for Exact Sciences. “Wisconsin's relentless pursuit of upskilling its workforce has positioned it as a leader in nurturing talent and fostering innovation. Our collaboration with Senator Baldwin and the community coalition exemplifies Wisconsin's leadership in bringing cutting-edge technology hubs to the heart of our communities, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and creating valuable opportunities for the workforce.""

“We are excited to see Wisconsin receive both the U.S. Economic Development Association Phase 1 Tech Hub designation and a Strategy Grant to support the build out of a regional strategy and implementation plan to grow Wisconsin’s Tech Hub,” said Jay Hill, Vice President, Advanced Technology, GE HealthCare, former BioForward Board Chair (2021). “GE HealthCare has had a presence in Wisconsin since 1947 and we are proud to be part of the public and private consortium organized by BioForward Wisconsin, and to play a leading role in strengthening the state’s biohealth ecosystem. This recognition is a testament to Wisconsin's leadership in the biohealth industry, highlighting our capabilities for future growth and innovation. We are excited by the potential of personalized medicine and proud to be part of defining that future.”

“Rockwell Automation is thrilled that Wisconsin has received both the Phase 1 Tech Hub designation and a Strategy Grant. As a member of the consortia, we are proud to share our expertise in automation and precision manufacturing with the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. This recognition and funding will help showcase how the public and private sectors can come together in Wisconsin to drive medical innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace, and create good paying jobs while doing it,” said Michael Cook, Director, Global Academic Engagement.

“This investment in Wisconsin will assist us in creating sustainable career pathways for everyone and help focus our efforts on ensuring our talent pipeline is safe, skilled and diverse and has access to pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship opportunities that have family-sustaining wages,” said Lindsay Blumer, President & CEO at WRTP | BIG STEP and member of the Biohealth Tech Hub Steering Committee.

“The new Regional Tech Hub designation recognizes Wisconsin’s leadership in innovation and biotechnology and brings with it the promise of high skill jobs. At Madison College, we’re looking forward to working with our fellow consortium members to identify workforce needs, and we stand ready to meet these emerging training needs in program areas that will support Wisconsin’s growth as a Regional Tech Hub. This includes developing targeted credentials as well as technical degrees and diplomas that lead directly to employability in Wisconsin’s biohealth workforce,” said Dr. Jack E. Daniels III, President, Madison College.

“Wisconsin’s designation as a Biohealth Tech Hub and receipt of the Strategy Grant recognizes the significant role the Universities of Wisconsin play in helping create a statewide biohealth network. Our universities will provide access to education and research that will help drive growth and innovation in this dynamic field. We are proud to play a critical role in helping Wisconsin win this designation and strategy grant. The Universities of Wisconsin look forward to working with our consortium partners in the public and private sectors to advance the fields of personalized medicine, biohealth technology, precision manufacturing, and automation as we develop talent for companies all across Wisconsin,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman.

“Wisconsin’s Tech Hub designation is another step forward embracing our status as a premier location for personalized medicine technology and growth. As the leading USA-based manufacturer of radiation therapy solutions, Accuray is proud to establish our headquarters in Madison and call Wisconsin home, innovating, manufacturing, and exporting around the world, building on our Wisconsin legacy, said Daniel Biank, Vice President Regulatory & Government Affairs, Accuray.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-announces-wisconsin-selected-as-a-tech-hub,Baldwin Announces Wisconsin Selected as a Tech Hub,2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that Wisconsin has been designated by the Biden Administration as a Regional Technology Hub (Tech Hub), an initiative created by the Baldwin-supported CHIPS and Science Act. Additionally, Wisconsin is receiving a $350,000 planning grant to execute its Biohealth Tech Hub strategy. Working with stakeholders across the state, Senator Baldwin has advocated to bring a Tech Hub to Wisconsin, supporting Wisconsin’s application to invest in the Badger State’s growing personalized medicine and biohealth technology industry.

“Wisconsin has a long and proud tradition of innovation, and bringing a Tech Hub to Wisconsin will help us continue that legacy into the future. With world class research institutions, a strong pipeline of talent, and cutting-edge Made in Wisconsin manufacturing, our state is well positioned to drive innovation in biohealth and personalized medicine, pioneering technologies that have the potential to improve access to affordable care, better diagnose and treat patients, and save lives,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to have helped create and support the Tech Hub program and know that bringing one to Wisconsin will create more opportunities for our businesses and workers. I am committed to continuing to work with our consortium partners to make this reality, strengthening Wisconsin’s competitive edge in an industry that will only grow in the future.”

In September, BioForward Wisconsin, along with a consortium of 15 public and private partners organized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), submitted Wisconsin’s application for a Tech Hub to bolster the state as a leader in personalized medicine and biohealth technology. The Tech Hub designation and $350,000 planning grant announced today validate Wisconsin’s potential for rapid technology-led economic growth in biohealth. Planning grant funding will be utilized to build upon the consortium’s comprehensive regional strategy to grow Wisconsin’s Tech Hub, helping to create a corresponding implementation plan and a workforce strategy informed by global experts, best practices, and regional stakeholders.

Out of hundreds of applications, the U.S. Economic Development Association (EDA) today announced 31 designees across the country, including Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub. Additionally, BioForward Wisconsin was awarded a strategy development grant to accelerate the development of its proposal. Following the designee announcement, EDA will also offer an additional grant application to make at least 5 implementation awards ranging from $20 million to $70 million to designated EDA Tech Hubs.

Senator Baldwin voted to create the Tech Hubs program in the CHIPS and Science Act, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she worked to secure $500 million in funding to initiate the program in the FY2023 budget. In September, she penned a letter of support for Wisconsin’s application for a Tech Hub focused on biohealth. Senator Baldwin also gathered consortium partners in August to rally support for Wisconsin’s application, hosting events in Madison and Milwaukee this August to highlight Wisconsin’s strong biohealth industry and Tech Hub application.

“The Regional Tech Hub designation confirms what we already know about Wisconsin: when it comes to bringing together the best in research and development, cutting-edge manufacturing, highly skilled and educated workers, and a commitment to relentless improvement, no state is better prepared to lead the way,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “This is a huge win in creating an economy for all, where everyone has the opportunity to live healthy, prosperous lives.”

""Today's Tech Hub designation for Wisconsin is not just a recognition of our state's strengths in personalized medicine, biohealth technology, precision manufacturing, and automation; it's an acknowledgment of our potential for exponential growth and innovation,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin. “We are extremely thankful to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her unwavering support. Her dedication to the legislation that created the Tech Hub program and her advocacy for Wisconsin have been instrumental in making this achievement possible. Together, we will propel our region onto the national and international stage, fostering collaboration, attracting new talent and companies, and driving innovations that will benefit not only Wisconsin but all of humankind.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-senate-resolution-recognizing-national-marine-sanctuary-day,Baldwin Leads Senate Resolution Recognizing National Marine Sanctuary Day,2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) recognized the importance of national marine sanctuaries with a resolution designating October 23, 2023 as National Marine Sanctuary Day. The resolution highlights the role of national marine sanctuaries in increasing access to nature, protecting biodiversity, and boosting economic activity for coastal communities.

“In Wisconsin, the Great Lakes are essential to our way of life. Last year, I was proud to help establish the first national marine sanctuary in the Badger State to ensure that Wisconsinites can enjoy our pristine natural waters for generations to come,"" said Senator Baldwin. “This resolution will honor the critical role that marine sanctuaries play in preserving our abundant fresh waters, supporting local economies, and driving tourism for coastal communities.”

Senator Baldwin has fought to support national marine sanctuaries, successfully leading the charge to bring a National Marine Sanctuary to Wisconsin in 2021. In October 2013, Senator Baldwin urged NOAA to re-open the public nomination process for marine sanctuaries for the first time in 20 years. After the Administration announced in June 2014 that Americans would be given the opportunity to nominate nationally significant marine and Great Lakes areas as national marine sanctuaries, Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan proposal was submitted and Senator Baldwin called on NOAA to support their efforts. The Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary was officially designated in 2021.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has continued to advocate for Wisconsin’s Great Lakes by supporting robust funding for the National Marine Sanctuaries Program and by requesting federal funding for the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

The resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and is supported by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

""For over 50 years, national marine sanctuaries have engaged with local partners across the country to conserve and protect some of our nation's most spectacular marine habitats, wildlife, archaeological wonders, and cultural seascapes. Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary embodies the idea that conserving special places in the ocean and Great Lakes can unite communities and sustain local economies by providing opportunities for people to discover, recreate, and form lifelong connections with these special places,"" said Russ Green, Superintendent of Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary. ""As the second sanctuary in the Great Lakes, and with more on the horizon, we are grateful for today's recognition and remain firmly committed to a vision of a locally-led, inclusive effort to be better stewards of the waters upon which we all depend.""

""Our national marine sanctuaries are partnerships of people, and sources of solutions to the greatest challenges facing our ocean. From the Pacific to the East Coast, the Great Lakes to the Gulf, sanctuaries illuminate history, protect biodiversity, and fight climate change. I thank Senator Baldwin and the co-sponsors for their support of National Marine Sanctuary Day and protecting our waters,"" said National Marine Sanctuary Foundation President and CEO Joel R. Johnson.

Full text of the Senate Resolution is available here and below:

Designating October 23, 2023, as ‘‘National Marine Sanctuary Day’’.

Whereas, on October 23, 1972, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) became law and ushered in a new era of ocean conservation;

Whereas the National Marine Sanctuary System is a nationwide network that conserves spectacular oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes;

Whereas communities across the United States can nominate their most treasured marine and Great Lakes waters for consideration as national marine sanctuaries;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries protect biodiversity, safeguard extraordinary seascapes, historic shipwrecks, and sacred cultural places, and provide abundant recreational opportunities;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries seek opportunities to partner with indigenous governments and communities to achieve shared conservation goals and to support the care-taking of ecological resources and cultural sites of indigenous peoples;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries protect vital habitats for countless species of fish and wildlife, including many species that are listed as threatened or endangered;

Whereas the conservation of marine ecosystems is vital for healthy oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, for addressing climate change, and for sustaining productive coastal economies;

Whereas the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and its partners work to protect and nurture the growth of the National Marine Sanctuary System;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries increase access to nature for all, support coastal communities, and generate billions of dollars annually in local communities by providing jobs in the United States, supporting commercial, Tribal, and recreational fisheries, bolstering tourism and recreation, engaging businesses in stewardship, and driving the growth of the blue economy;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries connect people and communities through science, education, United States history, recreation, and stewardship and inspire community-based solutions that help individuals understand and protect the spectacular underwater habitats, wildlife, archaeological resources, and cultural seascapes of the United States;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries are living laboratories that enable cooperative science and research that improves resource management and advances innovative public-private partnerships;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries can help make oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes more resilient by protecting ecosystems that sequester carbon, by safeguarding coastal communities from flooding and storms, and by protecting biodiversity;

Whereas the United States is a historic maritime Nation, and oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes are central to the way of life of the people of the United States;

Whereas engaging communities as stewards of these protected waters makes national marine sanctuaries unique and provides a comprehensive, ecosystem-based, highly participatory approach to managing and conserving marine and Great Lakes environments for current and future generations; and

Whereas October 23, 2023, is recognized as ‘‘National Marine Sanctuary Day’’ to increase awareness about the importance of the National Marine Sanctuary System and healthy oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes and to celebrate the many recreational opportunities available for the enjoyment of this network of protected waters: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates October 23, 2023, as ‘‘National Marine Sanctuary Day’’;

(2) encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national marine sanctuaries of the United States;

(3) acknowledges the importance of national marine sanctuaries in supporting community resilience, protecting biodiversity, and increasing access to nature;

(4) recognizes the importance of national marine sanctuaries for their recreational opportunities and contributions to local and national economies across the United States;

(5) celebrates the ability of the National Marine Sanctuary System to protect nationally significant places in oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes;

(6) calls on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to partner with communities and to complete designations of new national marine sanctuaries; and

(7) encourages Federal agencies to balance priorities and work together to support the priorities of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-presses-biden-administration-to-get-patients-providers-answers-on-covid-test-fraud,"Baldwin Presses Biden Administration to Get Patients, Providers Answers on COVID Test Fraud",2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to continue looking into reports that Medicare beneficiaries are being billed for COVID-19 tests that they did not order or receive. The letter to CMS comes after Senator Baldwin heard from multiple constituents who have seen unfamiliar charges appear on their Medicare bills. Senator Baldwin also pushed CMS to communicate with Medicare recipients who have reported fraudulent charges on their bills to ensure Wisconsinites have faith that their benefits are safe.

“I write to express my serious concerns regarding the experiences of Wisconsin retirees who have reported numerous unrequested and unreceived COVID-19 test kits on their Medicare statements, or have been solicited for fake COVID-19 tests,” wrote Senator Baldwin. “I recognize that the agency is working with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and investigating fraud and waste pertaining to the distribution of COVID-19 tests, however, seniors in Wisconsin are concerned that their health information has been compromised. I respectfully request that CMS be as transparent and communicative as possible with providers and beneficiaries to bolster public awareness and make clear that CMS is doing its job.”

In April 2021, CMS launched a program that covered and paid for up to eight COVID-19 tests for people with Medicare Part B from eligible participating providers at no cost to beneficiaries, ending in conjunction with the Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. In total, the program distributed millions of tests directly to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. However, following the termination of this program, Americans have reported unsolicited COVID-19 tests or noticed additional charges on their bills for tests they never requested.

“When a Medicare beneficiary sees a charge that they do not recognize, they have the right to be concerned. It is CMS’s duty to provide them with information and to ensure that their benefits and health information are protected,” wrote Senator Baldwin. “I am committed to protecting the strength of the Medicare program by rooting out fraud and abuse. I believe it is critical that the agency provides clarity and information regarding both situations so that providers and beneficiaries can make informed decisions going forward.”

A full version of this letter is available here and below.

The Honorable Chiquita Brooks La-Sure

Administrator

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

7500 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21244

Dear Administrator Brooks La-Sure:

Thank you for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and your work to protect Wisconsin’s seniors. I write to express my serious concerns regarding the experiences of Wisconsin retirees who have reported numerous unrequested and unreceived COVID-19 test kits on their Medicare statements, or have been solicited for fake COVID-19 tests. I recognize that the agency is working with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and investigating fraud and waste pertaining to the distribution of COVID-19 tests, however, seniors in Wisconsin are concerned that their health information has been compromised. I respectfully request that CMS be as transparent and communicative as possible with providers and beneficiaries to bolster public awareness and make clear that CMS is doing its job.

In April 2021, CMS launched a demonstration program that covered and paid for up to eight over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests for people with Medicare Part B. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries could get these OTC tests at no cost from eligible participating providers, including physicians, hospitals, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Furthermore, the cost of these OTC tests did not apply to their annual deductible, coinsurance, and copayments. The OTC COVID-19 test demonstration ended in conjunction with the Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. In total, the program distributed millions of tests directly to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.

Unfortunately, since the suspension of the OTC program, I have heard from several constituents who have either received unsolicited COVID-19 tests or noticed additional charges on their bills for tests they never requested. In July of 2023, The Los Angeles Times reported on a physician illegally stealing Medicare ID numbers to order unwanted COVID-19 tests, leading to “$8.4 million in fraudulent Medicare Claims” across the country. The investigation revealed that hundreds of thousands of unwanted tests were sent out to seniors in at least 10 different states. CMS must continue to protect the integrity of Medicare by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse like these scams.

At the same time, it is my understanding that a delayed provider billing issue is occurring alongside instances of fraud and may be contributing to inflated reports of Medicare scams. While there may be two separate issues occurring here, I am concerned by the lack of information being shared with beneficiaries, who closely monitor their bills and statements, and their providers. When a Medicare beneficiary sees a charge that they do not recognize, they have the right to be concerned. It is CMS’s duty to provide them with information and to ensure that their benefits and health information are protected. I urge CMS to take this issue seriously, given the significant uptick in the amount of fraud being investigated and wide potential for seniors to be taken advantage of. I am committed to protecting the strength of the Medicare program by rooting out fraud and abuse. I believe it is critical that the agency provides clarity and information regarding both situations so that providers and beneficiaries can make informed decisions going forward.

I specifically request CMS respond with information on how the agency is making clear the distinction of issues to beneficiary and providers, and what steps will be taken to prevent ongoing issues of fraud in the distribution of COVID-19 tests.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-pushes-for-increased-border-security-to-stop-flow-of-fentanyl-into-us,Baldwin Pushes for Increased Border Security to Stop Flow of Fentanyl into U.S.,2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined 7 of her colleagues in pushing President Biden to prioritize additional resources to strengthen the security at the southwest border to stop the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl through ports of entry along the border. As overdose deaths have skyrocketed in recent years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data shows drugs are overwhelmingly being smuggled through U.S. ports of entry, particularly in Arizona and California. In response to CBP agents reporting finding pills in seat cushions, car batteries, metal walkers, and bicycle frames, the Senators are pushing for increased funding for security and surveillance for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“We have long supported increasing funding for comprehensive measures to enhance border enforcement, management, and security,” the Senators wrote. “The situation at our border is complex, and it will take continued leadership and funding to stem the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl, smuggling, and transnational criminal organizations that operate along our border.”

Additionally, as Chair of the LHHS Subcommittee, Senator Baldwin remains supportive of the Biden Administration’s request for supplemental funding to support fentanyl treatment and prevention. Overdose deaths, particularly among young people, are increasing across the United States. In total, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 112,000 people died from a drug overdose between May 2022 and May 2023, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids causing the vast majority of overdoses.

In their letter, the Senators urged President Biden to request additional supplemental funding for the border. Specifically, the Senators pushed for additional CBP agents to increase processing and screening capacity at ports of entry, as well as acquiring non-invasive inspection technology to stop drug smugglers before their fentanyl hits American fentanyl.

The letter was led by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and signed by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

October 19, 2023

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Biden:

As you consider the critical funding needs of our Nation, we urge you to prioritize additional funding, resources, and innovative strategies to strengthen the security of our southwest border and address the multiple, overlapping challenges there. We have long supported increasing funding for comprehensive measures to enhance border enforcement, management, and security. The situation at our border is complex, and it will take continued leadership and funding to stem the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl, smuggling, and transnational criminal organizations that operate along our border.

Overdose deaths, particularly among young people, are increasing across our Nation. In total, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 112,000 people died from a drug overdose between May 2022 and May 2023, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids causing the vast majority of overdoses.[1] Furthermore, according to a new analysis reported in September 2023, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, and Virginia were among the 37 states in which accidental drug overdoses were the largest cause of death for people under 40-years-old in 2022.[2] In Montana, accidental overdoses of young people under 40 increased by 121% from 2018 to 2022.[3]

The increasing rates of overdose deaths are clearly being driven, in part, by fentanyl trafficking across our border. From FY 2019 to FY 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizures of fentanyl nearly tripled. So far in FY 2023, CBP has already seized over 25,000 pounds of fentanyl.[4] In March, it was reported that CBP seized more than 21 million fentanyl tablets in the Nogales, AZ port of entry over the prior five months—more than the number of tablets seized during the entire previous year.[5]Highlighting the complex situation that CBP must navigate when seizing fentanyl, officials have indicated that individuals are smuggling pills inside seat cushions, car batteries, metal walkers, and even hollowed-out bicycle frames.[6] Furthermore, CBP data has shown that drugs are overwhelmingly being smuggled through U.S. ports of entry—particularly in Arizona and California[7]—and we must do more to ensure that our CBP Officers have the funding, tools, and technology necessary to be able to stop this surge of fentanyl into our country.

Strengthening our southwest border is not only vital to our national security, but also our public health. To achieve this, we must prioritize additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security for its critical border security operations, including funding construction and infrastructure improvements at our ports of entry. We also urge you to invest funding to hire additional CBP Officers, increase processing and screening capacity at ports of entry along the border, engage in a wide range of counter-drug activities, and acquire additional non-intrusive inspection technology to substantially increase the number of passenger cars and cargo that are scanned at the border. This border security technology will provide CBP Officers with more tools to support their mission and more frequently interdict fentanyl and other illicit drugs. These types of technology and resources will provide CBP with enhanced capabilities to detect the transport of illicit drugs, contraband, invasive species, and other dangers in inbound and outbound cargo at parts of entry.

For years, we have voted to enact additional funding to address the complex challenges at our southwest border by focusing on smart security measures and enhanced technology. We continue to support strong investments in border security measures that will keep our Nation safer and increase the capacity, personnel, and technology that are available to enhance the security of our border. Thank you for your attention to our request and these critical funding needs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/10/sen-johnson-joins-gop-colleagues-in-demanding-aid-package-to-israel-be-kept-separate-from-ukraine-funding,Sen. Johnson Joins GOP Colleagues in Demanding Aid Package to Israel be Kept Separate from Ukraine Funding,2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and seven of their Senate GOP colleagues in a letter to Senate Leadership requesting any federal assistance to Israel not be leveraged for more Ukraine funding. It has beenreported that President Biden plans to pair tens of billions of dollars to Ukraine with any new request for federal assistance for Israel.

In the letter, the senators highlighted that these are two separate and unrelated conflicts that cannot be considered as a “package deal.” Any attempt to give additional money to Ukraine risks complicating the process and prolonging the time it will take to get aid to our ally Israel.

“We write today in the wake of over 1,400 Israeli civilians and at least 30 American citizens having been killed over the last week after brutal Hamas terrorists invaded Israel,”the senators wrote.

“In response to these developments, it is critical we give prompt consideration to any request for financial aid or other material support requested by Israel. Based on the breadth of responses from members of Congress, there is a shared urgency to consider such a request,”the letter continues.

“That being said, we know there will no doubt be efforts to attach any funding to Israel to more aid to Ukraine, in excess of the already $113 billion Congress has provided to Ukraine,”the senators continued. “These are two separate and unrelated conflicts and it would be wrong to leverage support of aid to Israel in attempt to get additional aid for Ukraine across the finish line.”

“Furthermore, it would be irresponsible and we should not risk a government shutdown by bundling these priorities together and thus complicating the process and lessening the likelihood of a funding package,”the senators wrote.

“We urge you to keep separate attempts to provide military aid to Israel from additional funds to Ukraine or other matters,” the letter concludes.

Sens. Johnson and Marshall were joined on this letter by Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).

Read more about the senators’ letter in theNew York Post.

Full text of the letter can be foundhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-and-33-senators-call-for-humanitarian-aid-to-address-emergency-needs-in-gaza,Baldwin and 33 Senators Call for Humanitarian Aid to Address Emergency Needs in Gaza,2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and 33 of her colleagues are calling on the Biden administration to deliver humanitarian aid, like food, water, and shelter, to the innocent civilians and help address the emergency needs in Gaza and the West Bank as a result of Hamas’ terrorist attacks. The Senators call on the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza. The funds would be provided to the United Nations who distributes aid directly to those in need through vetted professional staff on the ground.

“As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza prompted by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks, more than 1.2 million people are in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. More than one million people have fled the violence, stretching the already strained ability of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground to provide the food, medical treatment, and shelter they need to survive,” the senators wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

The senators continued, “We support Israel’s right to defend its people against the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas. Hamas knew that the Israeli government would have to respond to the unconscionable murder and hostage-taking of its citizens and thus bears the blame for initiating this conflict. We also know there are many innocent Palestinians in Gaza who do not support Hamas and urgently need help as they seek to flee the fighting.”

“We therefore urge you to join the international community in answering the call from the United Nations by contributing toward this lifesaving $294 million appeal, and ask that you work with the UN and its partners to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended recipients without diversion or delay,” the senators concluded.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Blinken,

As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza prompted by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks, more than 1.2 million people are in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. More than one million people have fled the violence, stretching the already strained ability of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground to provide the food, medical treatment, and shelter they need to survive. In this context, the UN has released an emergency appeal for $294 million to address these humanitarian needs, help protect displaced people and save countless lives. We urge you to uphold our country’s proud tradition of leading the international community in providing lifesaving relief by contributing funding for international humanitarian assistance toward this UN appeal.

We support Israel’s right to defend its people against the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas. Hamas knew that the Israeli government would have to respond to the unconscionable murder and hostage-taking of its citizens and thus bears the blame for initiating this conflict. We also know there are many innocent Palestinians in Gaza who do not support Hamas and urgently need help as they seek to flee the fighting. More than one million people in Gaza have fled their homes in search of safety, with nearly half of those taking shelter in UN facilities. The United Nations estimates that Gaza will run out of food and water within days. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, running desperately short on supplies and impacted by the lack of electricity. The humanitarian needs on the ground have dramatically increased over the past week, and conditions will likely continue to deteriorate in the days and weeks ahead.

Displaced people around the world depend on lifesaving humanitarian assistance from the UN and its partners to feed their families, receive medical treatment, and secure shelter. The United States should continue its steadfast support for Israel while also doing our part to help the UN assist innocent civilians as they flee the violence. We therefore urge you to join the international community in answering the call from the United Nations by contributing toward this lifesaving $294 million appeal, and ask that you work with the UN and its partners to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended recipients without diversion or delay.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-fernandez-scott-dean-introduce-legislation-to-lower-cost-of-community-and-tech-college,"Baldwin, Fernández, Scott, Dean Introduce Legislation to Lower Cost of Community and Tech College",2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced bicameral legislation with Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-03) to make two-year technical and community college accessible to more Americans by waiving tuition for eligible students.

“America’s technical and community colleges give students the education and skills they need to land good-paying jobs in high-demand industries and grow our economy. But for too many students, the cost of a two-year degree is holding them back, hamstringing businesses who need skilled workers and preventing them from providing for their families,” said Senator Baldwin. “America’s College Promise will break down those barriers for students who want to pursue a technical education, training tomorrow’s workforce without saddling young people with debt that prevents them from buying a house, starting a family, and contributing to our economy.”

“New Mexico knows how free community college unlocks opportunities for students - from the recent high school graduate to the experienced worker who wants to go back to school. Students are going to school at higher rates in New Mexico than most states,” said Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03). “The America’s College Promise Act builds on New Mexico’s example to make sure that students across the country can attend community college without the burden of tuition and fees. This bill will provide funds for services to help students successfully complete their degrees. To unlock the door for a brighter future, it also reduces the financial burden for low-income students to attend TCUs, HBCUs, and MSIs.”

“Community colleges play a unique and vital role in providing students access a quality postsecondary degree. Regrettably, the chronic underfunding of community colleges is jeopardizing their ability to support their students and communities. The America’s College Promise Act is a major investment in expanding opportunities for students and building back a better economy. This bill is one critical piece of our comprehensive plan to make quality higher education more affordable for students and families and developing a competitive 21st century workforce,” said Representative Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03).

“Higher education should promise a bright future, yet the cost of college inhibits that opportunity for many and burdens many more with immense debt — we must change this for future generations,” said Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA-03). “As a professor, it was a profound joy to witness students claim their education and carve out their own future — and I want to ensure that for more young adults and those looking to make a career change. The America’s College Promise Act will help make that a reality, from providing tuition-free community college courses to expanding funding for HBCUs and trade schools. I look forward to this important legislation being brought to the House floor.”

The America’s College Promise Act of 2023 will make the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in our economy more accessible to all students by creating a new federal-state partnership to provide two years of tuition-free community or technical college. Specifically, the America’s College Promise Act of 2023:

Creates a partnership between the federal government and states to waive tuition and fees for two years of community and technical college programs for eligible students, while promoting key reforms to accelerate student success;

Creates a sliding scale for federal share beginning at 100% for the first year and ending at 80% for the fifth and subsequent years;

Ensures that programs offer academic credits that are transferable to four-year institutions in their state, or occupational training that leads to recognized credentials;

Maintains and encourages state funding for higher education;

Establishes a student success fund to improve enrollment, retention, transfer, or completion rates and labor market outcomes for underserved student populations, including students of color and low-income and fist generation college students, who attend community and technical colleges at disproportionate rates;

Waives two years of tuition and fees for eligible students at tribal colleges and universities; and

Establishes a new grant program to provide pathways to success at historically black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions by covering a significant portion of tuition and fees for the first two years of attendance for low-income students.

To meet the growing demand for skilled workers, Senator Baldwin has long supported expanding access to affordable two-year technical and community college, introducing similar legislation in years past. The America’s College Promise Act of 2023 makes critical improvements to this effort, including giving states a more generous federal match, eliminating tribal match requirements, and supporting state and local investment in higher education.

The America’s College Promise Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), in addition to seven co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bicameral legislation is supported by the American Federation of Teachers; AFL-CIO; Association of Community College Trustees; The Education Trust; The Hope Center at Temple University; The National Education Association; The Century Foundation Higher Education Team; Higher Learning Advocates; the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars, American Association of Community Colleges, Young Invincibles, and Jobs for the Future.

A one-pager on this legislation is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-helps-deliver-more-than-450k-to-support-child-care-at-uw-eau-claire,Baldwin Helps Deliver More Than $450K to Support Child Care at UW-Eau Claire,2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced she helped deliver more than $450,000 for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to expand access to child care for student parents. The funding, from the 2023 annual funding legislation, which Senator Baldwin supported, will support or establish high-quality, campus-based child care programs to meet the needs of student parents enrolled on their campus.

“When Wisconsin families cannot find child care, it prevents parents from entering the workforce and going back to school,” said Senator Baldwin. “An investment in child care at our higher education institutions will help more Wisconsinites get the skills they need to participate fully in our economy and meet the growing demand Made in Wisconsin businesses have for workers. I am proud to support this investment for Blugold students and parents in Western Wisconsin that will strengthen the pipeline of new talent entering our workforce.”

Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grants are provided to institutions of higher education by the federal government to support or establish campus-based child care services that primarily serve the needs of low-income students. More than one in five students are parents and 42% of all student parents attend community colleges. High-quality child care provides benefits to children, their parents, and the economy at large.

With the grant, fees for child care services will be significantly reduced for student parents, in addition to reducing students’ day care bills and hiring the family service specialist, grant funds will be used for training and development, first-year expansion costs and hiring teachers, especially in younger age groups.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-and-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-stand-with-united-auto-workers-on-strike,Baldwin and Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Stand with United Auto Workers on Strike,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a bipartisan group of colleagues introduced a resolution today in solidarity with 150,000 members of United Auto Workers (UAW) bargaining for a fair contract, with 34,000 currently on strike. Last week, Senator Baldwin stood in solidarity and joined the picket line with striking United Auto Workers Local 75 members at the Stellantis Mopar plant in Milwaukee.

One of the largest U.S. strikes in the past three decades, autoworkers workers voted to go on strike in September – calling for a fair share of the record-breaking profits their labor produces as well as cost-of-living adjustments, an end to a two-tier wage system, and restoration of pension benefits. Since then, the strike has expanded to 44 locations across 22 states, including 180 auto workers in Milwaukee and Hudson, Wisconsin.

""As these big auto companies rake in record profits and their CEOs take home millions, it is high time the dedicated workers who make it all happen get their fair share and are treated with dignity and respect,"" said Senator Baldwin. ""I stand in solidarity with the striking workers as they bargain for fair pay and benefits, and call on the Big Three to negotiate in good faith.""

U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) led the resolution and other signers include Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT.), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

Read the full resolution here and below.

RESOLUTION

Whereas the United Auto Workers (referred to in this pre- amble as ‘‘UAW’’) are on strike for better wages, bene- fits, and working conditions at the Big Three automakers (General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford);

Whereas the Big Three automakers have made $21,000,000,000 in profits over the first 6 months of 2023, an increase of 80 percent from the same time period last year;

Whereas the Big Three automakers have made $250,000,000,000 in profits over the past decade in North America;

Whereas the Big Three automakers are providing their Chief Executive Officers with exorbitant compensation pack- ages, while autoworkers continue to fall further and further behind;

Whereas the average wage for an autoworker has decreased by 30 percent over the past 20 years, after adjusting for inflation;

Whereas the Big Three spent $9,000,000,000 last year on stock buybacks and dividends, while the average starting wage at these companies is just $17 an hour;

Whereas many UAW members today cannot afford to buy the cars they make and struggle to afford the basic necessities of life, including groceries, housing, child care, and prescription drugs;

Whereas UAW members are fighting against corporate greed and to finally receive a fair share of the record-breaking profits that their labor has produced, including for cost- of-living adjustments, an end to the 2-tier wage system, and the restoration of pension benefits; and

Whereas, since the passage of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) in 1935, it is the clear policy of the United States to encourage collective bargaining and protect the fundamental right of workers to seek better working conditions: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the Senate—

1 (1) stands with the United Auto Workers in

2 their fight against corporate greed;

3 (2) supports every worker’s fundamental right 4 to organize and collectively bargain for better wages,

5 benefits, and working conditions; and

6 (3) calls on the Big Three automakers—Gen

7 eral Motors, Stellantis, and Ford—to negotiate in

8 good faith and offer their workers a fair contract.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-announces-25-million-to-support-wisconsin-agricultural-innovation,Baldwin Announces $2.5 Million to Support Wisconsin Agricultural Innovation,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced that Dairy Dreams LLC in Casco, Wisconsin, will receive more than $2.5 million to help launch the production of organic fertilizers. The investment comes as the low supply and increased expense of fertilizer across the world is contributing to rising food prices and increased hunger. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Product Expansion Program.

“Wisconsin’s agriculture community helps feed the world, and as many of them innovate and scale up operations to meet the global demand, I am proud to deliver the resources they need to grow their business and drive our Wisconsin agriculture economy forward,"" said Senator Baldwin.

Dairy Dreams will use the funding to offset equipment costs and building improvements associated with launching the production of organic fertilizers, including constructing a nutrient concentration system and a pelleting system on a dairy farm to convert manure to domestically manufactured fertilizer, making it easier for farmers to access organic liquid and pellet fertilizers. The technology will also convert one-third of manure inputs into clean, dischargeable water and is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the hauling and disposal of manure.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-joins-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-urging-president-biden-to-continue-working-to-rescue-american-hostages,Senator Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Urging President Biden to Continue Working to Rescue American Hostages,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues led by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in urging President Biden to continue working to free American hostages that were taken by Hamas during the terrorist organization’s October 7th attacks on Israel and supporting Israel’s efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas. According to Israeli authorities, up to 199 total hostages, including Americans, are being held in Gaza by Hamas.

In the letter, the Senators wrote, “We appreciate that you have sent the U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs to Israel to assist in the recovery of the hostages, and we urge you to do everything in your power to secure their safe release. Hamas has already killed 30 Americans and likely injured many more…The terrorists responsible for these atrocities hide behind human shields while they threaten to livestream the execution of hostages.

“Hamas has also reportedly demanded the mass release of prisoners in exchange for freeing its hostages and could use the hostages to push for a ceasefire. With several U.S. citizens still missing in the aftermath of the terror group’s brutal attack, we urge you to continue putting your full attention on the freeing of American hostages. Every day must be treated with a sense of urgency.

“As a result, we urge the United States to continue supporting Israel’s urgent efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas, provide the necessary resources for Israel’s defense, and continue offering whatever support necessary to immediately and safely rescue kidnapped Americans, with particular attention to those who require urgent medical care.

“We urge you to encourage our allies and partners in the region to place pressure on Hamas to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have access to the hostages while the United States and Israel work to secure their release.”

Full text of this letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/10/sen-johnson-joins-letter-to-biden-administration-on-improper-placement-of-acting-sec-of-labor-julie-su-in-presidential-succession,Sen. Johnson Joins Letter to Biden Administration on Improper Placement of Acting Sec. of Labor Julie Su in Presidential Succession,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and 28 of their Republican Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden demanding clarification regarding the Biden Administration’s apparent decision to improperly place Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, into the presidential line of succession. The letter calls on the President to withdraw Su’s nomination and put forward a nominee who can garner enough support to be confirmed to the position of Secretary of Labor.

Although Ms. Su has failed to receive Senate confirmation and has bipartisan opposition to her nomination, the Biden Administration is choosing to keep her in place as Acting Secretary of Labor indefinitely and is listing her on the White House website as a member of the Cabinet “in order of succession to the presidency.”

The letter expresses that, pursuant to Article II of the Constitution, Congress has the authority to set the presidential line of succession beyond the Vice President – a power that it exercised with passage of the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. This Act further states that a Cabinet member is eligible to assume the presidency only if they are an officer “appointed, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.”

Sens. Johnson and Britt are joined in this letter by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and Senators John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Full text of the letter can be found here.

Read more about the senators’ October 18, 2023 letter in FOX News.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/10/sen-johnson-joins-colleagues-in-resolution-supporting-israel,Sen. Johnson Joins Colleagues in Resolution Supporting Israel,2023-10-17,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, (R-Wis.) joined a bipartisan resolution, led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho.) and Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.), condemning Hamas and reinforcing the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security. The resolution secured the support of nearly all members of the U.S. Senate.

Sens. Johnson, Risch, and Cardin are joined on the resolution by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ben Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-calls-for-replenishment-of-iron-dome-and-us-to-stand-ready-to-provide-additional-munitions-to-israel,Baldwin Calls for Replenishment of Iron Dome and U.S. to Stand Ready to Provide Additional Munitions to Israel,2023-10-16,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a group of colleagues called on President Biden to take quick action to ensure Israel has the munitions it needs, including Iron Dome interceptors. The senators noted that the conflict could expand and that Israel may need additional munitions. The senators urged the Department of Defense to assess its stockpiles of munitions; to stand ready to coordinate ammunitions transfers to Israel; and to submit to Congress requests for any necessary supplemental assistance packages.

“We are grateful your Administration has already granted all of Israel’s requests for military hardware and that you authorized additional intelligence sharing with the Israeli military,” wrote the senators. “However, as Israel braces for a longer conflict, one that could expand to additional fronts, we urge the Administration to continue to cooperate with Israel on its military, intelligence, and humanitarian needs. Thus far, Israel has requested munitions and Iron Dome interceptors. It may soon need additional types of munitions, personal protective equipment, assistance to rebuild communities, and/or intelligence regarding Iranian cooperation with Hamas and its regional proxies.”

“We ask that the Department of Defense holistically assess its stockpiles of these defense articles—especially Iron Dome interceptors-- so that it can quickly transfer these munitions to Israel, upon request. We further urge the Department of Defense to coordinate ammunition transfers with allies, especially those that have joined American calls of support for Israel. Finally, we urge the Administration to quickly evaluate these stockpiles, allied commitments, and near-term Israeli needs and submit to Congress any necessary supplemental assistance packages so that Congress may act quickly to get Israel the support it needs during this crisis,” the senators continued.

The letter was led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and co-signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden,

Thank you for your commitment to Israel as it responds to Hamas’ October 7 invasion. We are grateful that you have updated the Department of Defense’s force posture in the region to deter action from Iran or its proxies. We join your condemnation of Hamas’ detestable attacks and hostage taking, and urge quick action to ensure Israel has the munitions and supplies it needs to defend itself and protect civilians.

Israel is countering Hamas, dismantling its command structure, and recovering hostages. Israel is successfully expelling Hamas terrorists that infiltrated parts of southern Israel. Israel has displayed remarkable resilience and ability in responding to thousands of Hamas’ rockets and its initial assault. We are grateful your Administration has already granted all of Israel’s requests for military hardware and that you authorized additional intelligence sharing with the Israeli military.

However, as Israel braces for a longer conflict, one that could expand to additional fronts, we urge the Administration to continue to cooperate with Israel on its military, intelligence, and humanitarian needs. Thus far, Israel has requested munitions and Iron Dome interceptors. It may soon need additional types of munitions, personal protective equipment, assistance to rebuild communities, and/or intelligence regarding Iranian cooperation with Hamas and its regional proxies.

We ask that the Department of Defense holistically assess its stockpiles of these defense articles — especially Iron Dome interceptors — so that it can quickly transfer these munitions to Israel, upon request. We further urge the Department of Defense to coordinate ammunition transfers with allies, especially those that have joined American calls of support for Israel. Finally, we urge the Administration to quickly evaluate these stockpiles, allied commitments, and near-term Israeli needs and submit to Congress any necessary supplemental assistance packages so that Congress may act quickly to get Israel the support it needs during this crisis.

Thank you for your consideration of these requests and for your steadfast support of Israel.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-and-bipartisan-group-of-senators-pushing-biden-administration-to-officially-freeze-iranian-assets,Baldwin and Bipartisan Group of Senators Pushing Biden Administration to Officially Freeze Iranian Assets,2023-10-13,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a bipartisan group of senators are urging Secretary of State Blinken to make it the official policy of the United States to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets in the wake of Hamas’s deadly terrorist attacks on Israel. In September of this year, the State Department announced its intention to release these assets to Iran as part of a deal that led to the release of imprisoned Americans. However, given Iran’s long-standing material and financial support for Hamas, the senators are pushing the Administration to officially freeze these assets.

“Given Iran’s history of supporting acts of terrorism through Hamas, the United States must do everything in its power in the wake of this brutal attack to ensure that Iran is not in a position to continue funding Hamas’ terrorist activities in Israel and throughout the Middle East,” wrote the senators. “As you know, the State Department’s 2021 Country Report on Terrorism found that Hamas received weapons systems and other direct support from Iran, allowing the group to carry out deadly attacks against Israel. In 2022, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, stated publicly that the terrorist organization had received $70 million in assistance from Iran that year, and that it used the money to build rockets.”

“While the U.S. intelligence community continues to assess Iran’s role in the October 7 terrorist attacks, it is clear that Iran’s support for Hamas has sustained the terrorist group, ensuring that Hamas had the means to carry out their abhorrent attack on Israel.” the senators continued. “We therefore strongly urge you to make it official U.S. policy to freeze the $6 billion in Iranian assets currently held in Qatar, and continue to hold Iran accountable for its violent and destabilizing actions, including direct support of Hamas.”

Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) led the effort and other signers included Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), James Lankford (R-OK), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Todd Young (R-IN), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Blinken,

We write to you in light of Hamas’ violent and horrific terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7 which killed over a thousand innocent civilians, including American citizens. Given Iran’s history of supporting acts of terrorism through Hamas, the United States must do everything in its power in the wake of this brutal attack to ensure that Iran is not in a position to continue funding Hamas’ terrorist activities in Israel and throughout the Middle East. While we understand that there are reports of an agreement with Qatar to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets, we urge you to make this decision official U.S. policy and continue your efforts to limit Iran’s ability to provide support to Hamas.

Iran, which is the leading state sponsor of terrorism and has been designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism since 1984, has provided material and financial support to Hamas and is a strong supporter of its violent activities in the region. As you know, the State Department’s 2021 Country Report on Terrorism found that Hamas received weapons systems and other direct support from Iran, allowing the group to carry out deadly attacks against Israel. In 2022, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, stated publicly that the terrorist organization had received $70 million in assistance from Iran that year, and that it used the money to build rockets.

While the U.S. intelligence community continues to assess Iran’s role in the October 7 terrorist attacks, it is clear that Iran’s support for Hamas has sustained the terrorist group, ensuring that Hamas had the means to carry out their abhorrent attack on Israel. Iran has been unrelenting in its backing of terrorist groups in an effort to expand its malign influence in the Middle East.

We therefore strongly urge you to make it official U.S. policy to freeze the $6 billion in Iranian assets currently held in Qatar, and continue to hold Iran accountable for its violent and destabilizing actions, including direct support of Hamas. We look forward to working with you to assist Israel in its time of need and ensure it has the resources and tools needed to defend itself against Iranian-sponsored terrorism. Thank you for your consideration.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-highlights-expanding-access-to-child-care-in-platteville-stands-with-workers-in-fenimore,"Senator Baldwin Highlights Expanding Access to Child Care in Platteville, Stands with Workers in Fenimore",2023-10-13,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) visited with local stakeholders in Platteville to highlight the $2.5 million she secured for Southwest Health to construct a new childcare center. Senator Baldwin also met with Energizer employees in Fenimore who will be impacted by the closure of the local Energizer plant. The closure comes after a 2018 Energizer-Spectrum Brands merger, which Senator Baldwin has heavily scrutinized.

“I hear from families across Wisconsin who are struggling to find affordable childcare options in their area, keeping them from joining the workforce, stopping kids from getting a strong start, and holding businesses back who need workers,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I was proud to secure resources to expand access to childcare in southwest Wisconsin, get more parents back to work, and support our Wisconsin economy.”

The resources Senator Baldwin secured will help Southwest Health build its new facility that plans to accommodate 120 children. Over half of Wisconsin is in a childcare desert, meaning for every open childcare slot available in a community, three or more children need it. Wisconsin’s economy loses an estimated $1.1 billion annually from infant-toddler childcare challenges.

Senator Baldwin also visited with Energizer Employees and members of the Teamsters Local 695 to hear about the impact of Energizer closing its Fennimore plant. Senator Baldwin has scrutinized Energizer’s 2018 acquisition of Rayovac, which led to price hikes for consumers and put hundreds of Wisconsin jobs at risk.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z