url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1208,Gwen Moore Calls for Justice Department Review of Milwaukee Police Procedures,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By MCJStaff    The Young Democrats of America released the following statement after learning of President Nelson Mandela’s death yesterday.   “Today, the Young Democrats of America pause to remember a leader whose message of freedom and equality transcends race, age or national borders,” said Atima Omara, president of the Young Democrats of America. “We are greatly saddened by his passing but he lived a tremendous life to the benefit of others and to the great sacrifice of himself. But he continued to fight with the belief that a nation stands at its greatest height when it stands for equality, fairness, justice and opportunity for all.”     Omara is a first generation African immigrant and the first African American president of the Young Democrats of America.   “Mandela began his political activism as a young man and stands as an example for all that one person, regardless of age or status can do to change the arc of history,” added Omara.   –   James Lewis    Issue Advocacy Director   The Young Democrats of America       As we mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela and celebrate his life, Race Forward President Rinku Sen writes: “Nelson Mandela’s death constitutes the enormous loss of a great man who deserves his rest. We were lucky to have him on this earth at this time, and his lessons of struggle, confrontation and love will never leave us.”   Rinku is available for interview, and is publishing an article this afternoon for Colorlines which will be available for reprint. Colorlines coverage of Mandela’s Legacy is available here: http://colorlines.com/mandelas-legacy/       Jon Richards statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela     MILWAUKEE – Representative Jon Richards released the following statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela.   “Nelson Mandela’s legacy lives on in all public servants who try to emulate his courage, leadership, and compassion. He inspired generations of people to work together to achieve solutions to problems people thought were unsolvable only a short time ago. I pray for him and offer my sincerest condolences to his family and those who had the privilege of knowing him.”   STATEMENT FROM REV. AL SHARPTON ON THE PASSING OF NELSON MANDELA       “I am honored to have encountered Nelson Mandela on several occasions. He changed human history and taught activists around the world that in order to legitimately further what is noble, you must actually be a noble person. Nelson Mandela personified someone that non-violently changed the course of world history with the democratization of South Africa. Everything humanly possible that could be done to someone other than killing them was done to him, yet he maintained his dignity and his determination. It is almost unthinkable what he endured and yet forgave. He taught us that you have to keep your eye on the prize, and that nothing you suffer is as important as the goals that you are fighting for. He showed us that you can change the course of human history without lowering yourself to human depravity.”       “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela   The Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) celebrates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a true warrior and freedom fighter for the liberation of African people. His commitment to change was unwavering.   BAEO will strive to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela by fighting harder to enable our children to engage in the practice of freedom. As we think about Nelson Mandela’s life, we reaffirm that we have no right NOT to fight harder every day for our children!   On this day and forever more, we honor the unyielding and never compromising Nelson Mandela.       AFT’s Weingarten and Johnson on the Passing of Nelson Mandela     WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten and Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson on the passing of Nelson Mandela.    “The lesson of Nelson Mandela’s life is that we do not have to accept the world as it is—we can remake it as it should be. We stand in awe of his long walk to freedom and the liberation struggle he led even from the Robben Island cell where he spent 18 of the 27 years he was imprisoned. The grand change in the history of his nation and the world that came when he vanquished apartheid has benefited millions of his fellow South Africans and others around the globe. His insistence on reconciliation rather than recrimination stands as an enduring gift of grace and courage to us all.     “Nelson Mandela’s life and historic achievements continue to instruct us in today’s struggles for equity, civil rights and opportunity for all. His moral compass still provides direction to those efforts and will guide us for as long as we honor his memory and celebrate his legacy.    “The American Federation of Teachers has a long and special connection with South Africa and its path to freedom and democracy. These range from AFT President Albert Shanker’s efforts to assist that nation’s multiracial teachers’ unions, to our HIV/AIDS programs in South African schools, to Share My Lesson’s partnership with The Weinstein Company in promoting lessons associated with the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”       Conyers Honors the Life of Nelson Mandela, Champion of Peace & Equality       (WASHINGTON) – Today, following news of the passing of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) delivered the following message to his family:   “With the passing of Nelson Mandela, we have lost an individual who not only freed his home of South Africa from racial hatred, but inspired the world to peacefully resist injustice and intolerance. We will forever remember Nelson Mandela as the wonderful man and courageous leader who ended apartheid at home and changed the course of human history for all. Unbowed by racial animosity and decades behind bars, Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary force for nonviolence and justice,” said Conyers.   “I still remember the humble man that visited Detroit, just months following his release from prison, to organize for his political movement in South Africa and speak with Rosa Parks. And I will always treasure the memories I have, just four short years later, of the voyage I made with President Clinton and Harry Belafonte to attend Nelson Mandela’s installation as President of South Africa.   “While we mourn his passage, we know that Madiba’s legacy of fighting for freedom and independence will live on.”       Rep. Mandela Barnes’ statement passing of Nelson Mandela        MADISON—Representative Barnes released the following statement today in recognition of the passing of Nelson Mandela:   “Today the world lost a hero, and a champion for equality and justice. His message of peace has not only forever changed South Africa, but enhanced world diplomacy, and been an inspiration for millions around the planet, including myself.   “I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mandela’s family, friends, and to the entire South African community. Though we’ve known for some time that his health was fragile, nothing could have prepared us for the enormous loss the world has suffered today. The spirit of Nelson Mandela will live throughout the world for an eternity.   “It wasn’t until I was a young adult that I truly realized the significance of the namesake that my parents had given me. To this day, a particular quote of Mandela’s continues gives me inspiration; ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’”       Gwen Moore Mourns Nelson Mandela       Washington, DC (LINK) – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released this statement after learning that Nelson Mandela had passed.   “Today we have lost a visionary leader and hero for human rights. Nelson Mandela broke the chains of oppression in South Africa and opened the hearts and minds of millions. His life’s journey serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to create a more just world. He reaffirmed to all that hope and a steadfast dream of freedom will prevail over hatred and fear.         “His courage and strength freed a nation and reshaped our history. In 2005, I had the honor and blessing of meeting this remarkable man. It was a powerful moment that left an indelible mark.   “Though no words can wholly console those who mourn, my thoughts and prayers go out to every person touched by his kind spirit and resolve. May his legacy live on today and always.”       Congresswoman Lee on Nelson Mandela’s Passing   Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the passing of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela:    “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nelson Mandela, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family, and the people of South Africa. His legacy will live on forever in how we live our lives and fight for freedom and justice in a multi-racial society. We must pause and remember Madiba in his greatness; he used his life not for himself, but for the good of his country and the good of the world, and his spirit will live on.    “Even throughout his 27 years of incarceration and brutal treatment, his spirit was never broken and this stands as a testament to the power of reconciliation. Not only is Nelson Mandela the father of the liberation movement in South Africa, but he also laid the framework for modern liberation movements throughout the world. With a dignified defiance, Nelson Mandela never compromised his political principles or the mission of the anti-apartheid movement, fighting the global AIDS pandemic, ending poverty and preserving human rights.     “During Mr. Mandela’s trip to the United States in 1990, it was a great honor to be a member of the host committee that welcomed him to my district of Oakland, California.  One of my proudest moments as a member of Congress was when I led the effort to remove Mr. Mandela and the ANC from the U.S. Terrorist Watch list in time for his 90th birthday.  I served as an official election observer for the 1994 South African elections when President Mandela was first elected, and it was a magnificent reminder that perhaps one day my own country would elect an African American president.   “Mr. Mandela exuded a larger-than-life presence and a humble spirit that was remarkable; he is my hero and an inspiration to us all. While this earth will miss the physical presence of Nelson Mandela, his indomitable nature, his gentle spirit, and overwhelming smile will remain with us all. My heart is heavy as we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of this great warrior.”          NAACP Statement on Nelson Mandela’s Passing       (Baltimore, MD) – The NAACP released the following statements following the death of Nelson Mandela:   Roslyn Brock, Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors:   “The Honorable Nelson Mandela embodied the hopes, dreams, aspirations and values of all who seek justice against tremendous odds. He responded to unfathomable violence with peace and courage, and in doing so he forever changed the world.”       Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the NAACP Board of Directors:   “Nelson Mandela’s legacy remains an inspiration for the work of the NAACP. In Mandela’s name we must continue to bring attention to all aspects of global apartheid characterized by poverty, inequality, discrimination, and prejudice of all kind.”       Bill Lucy, member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and labor leader:   “The world has lost one of the great statesmen of our time – a man who spent 27 years in prison because he believed in the cause of equality. His loss should set an example for political leaders still here, that there is a need to lead and govern in a manner that is equitable to all people.”       Lorraine Miller, Interim NAACP President and CEO:   “President Mandela was humanity’s greatest living hero. His unwavering sense of justice and peace transformed a nation and inspired the world.”       Loss of Nelson Mandela felt in Milwaukee, worldwide       Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.   December 5, 2013       As Honorary Consul to the Republic of South Africa from the State of Wisconsin, I am deeply saddened to hear of President Nelson Mandela’s passing today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and I send my deepest regrets to the people of South Africa, who today lost their greatest leader.   President Mandela was a man whose convictions were tested beyond the bounds of comprehension, and he emerged from his trials more resolute where lesser men—many men—would have given up hope. He was a shining example to us all, not only as an inspiring beacon of courage, but as a lesson in forgiveness as well. His like will not be seen again for some time, and he will be sorely missed.    Rest in peace, Madiba.         By Donna Brazile, DNC Vice Chair   Today, as we mourn the loss of of one of history’s most transformational leaders, let us also pay tribute to his life and legacy. Let us dedicate ourselves to remembering his lessons and continue his efforts to spread Democracy, freedom and equality across the globe.     Nelson Mandela was a civil rights activist, teacher, freedom fighter, “Father of the Nation,” political prisoner, father, husband and an inspiration to the entire global community. He fought for Democracy, not only in his own home of South Africa, but across the world. He explained: “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”    Years after organizing against Apartheid in front of the South African Embassy in Washington, I first had the honor of meeting Mr. Mandela in 1993 when I escorted him to President Clinton’s Inaugural event at the D.C. Armory. A year later, I went to South Africa to help train election workers and had the privilege of meeting him again.     Like so many others fighting for progress, I have drawn inspiration from Nelson Mandela. He showed us that it was possible to create lasting change, peace and stability even in the most formidable circumstances. He was an advocate for the downtrodden and believed that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”    President Obama and the First Lady said it best, “Nelson Mandela’s personal story is one of unbreakable will, unwavering integrity and abiding humility.” He has, “changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent and the world.”    Madiba, today and forever, we will remember you — and your legacy will live on.        Hoyer Statement on the Passing of  Former President Nelson Mandela   WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa:   “Throughout his life, Nelson Rolihlahla  Mandela met the purveyors of injustice, intolerance, and racism with an unyielding determination to forge a better and fairer future for his beloved nation.  From joining the anti-apartheid movement, the African National Congress, and serving 27 years behind the bars of Robben Island as a political prisoner to his groundbreaking tenure in office and later advocacy on behalf of victims of HIV/AIDS, President Mandela stood ever firm for the principles of justice, democracy, equal rights, and peaceful co-existence.  Embracing a strategy of non-violent mass resistance, he helped ushered South Africa out from the shadows of apartheid into a new day of freedom, democracy, and hope.    “He will be missed not only by the people of South Africa, with whom I join in mourning their beloved Madiba, but by Americans of every color and faith, including the many who worked tirelessly from afar to call attention to the injustice and brutality of apartheid, to protest his unjust imprisonment, and to boycott the evil system he struggled to overturn.  President Mandela’s legacy will be not only one of toppling apartheid but ensuring that it was replaced not by bitterness and division but by reconciliation and a shared commitment to the rights of all South Africans.  Our world will surely be a lesser one without President Mandela walking among us, but our future has been made ever greater by the legacy he leaves indelibly printed in our hearts.”        To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2041,Gwen Moore Calls for Justice Department Review of Milwaukee Police Procedures,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"A thorough investigation of the Milwaukee Police Department would serve justice by ensuring that public faith is restored. I continue to speak to my constituents who are fearful and distrustful of the police and the criminal justice system following local, high profile cases, like the death of Derek Williams and the use of body cavity searches by Milwaukee police officers. Unfortunately, Milwaukee continues to see these incidents, which, along with national trends and incidents, are feeding the collective distrust between officers and citizens in Milwaukee. The implementation of policing best practices in Milwaukee would better protect both police and citizens. share: f t Washington, DC In response to concerns over Milwaukee Police procedures in the wake of the officer-involved shooting that claimed the life of Dontre Hamilton, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent the following letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division: The Honorable James Santelle United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin U.S. Attorney's Office 530 Federal Building, 517 East Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202-4500 Re: U.S. Justice Department Review of Milwaukee Police Procedures Dear Mr. Santelle, I write to thank you for your decision to conduct an investigation of the officer-involved shooting death of Dontre Hamilton to determine if violations of federal civil rights law occurred. I would also urge the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to simultaneously conduct a pattern and practice investigation of the Milwaukee Police Department. A thorough investigation of the Milwaukee Police Department would serve justice by ensuring that public faith is restored. I continue to speak to my constituents who are fearful and distrustful of the police and the criminal justice system following local, high profile cases, like the death of Derek Williams and the use of body cavity searches by Milwaukee police officers. Unfortunately, Milwaukee continues to see these incidents, which, along with national trends and incidents, are feeding the collective distrust between officers and citizens in Milwaukee. The implementation of policing best practices in Milwaukee would better protect both police and citizens. Police have a difficult responsibility, and I think that they deserve the best, most modern training. It is my hope that a review would help the process of community healing, so that citizens and police can build a constructive relationship going forward to address crime collectively. Thank you again for your assistance in this matter, and I look forward to working with you going forward. Sincerely, Gwen S. Moore (WI-4) MEMBER OF CONGRESS",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/madeinwi-gift-guide,#MadeInWI Gift Guide,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 23, 2014 #MadeInWI Gift Guide Our #MadeInWI economy is home to small businesses that are creating jobs, driving growth and making some great gifts for this holiday season. Check out the highlights of some great #MadeInWI gift ideas to spread holiday cheer and drive our economy forward. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1207,Gwen Moore on Decision to Not File Charges in Dontre Hamilton Shooting,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Chuck Quirmbach   African-American leaders in Wisconsin are lamenting the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela.   Rep. Gwen Moore, Wisconsin's only African-American member of Congress, met Nelson Mandela in 2005. Rep. Moore says Mandela reaffirmed to all that hope and a steadfast dream of freedom will prevail over hatred and fear. She says the world has lost a visionary leader and hero for human rights.   Milwaukee Alderman Joe Davis is an honorary consul to the Republic of South Africa. Davis says Mandela emerged from a political prison more resolute where lesser men — many men — would have given up hope.   State Rep. Mandela Barnes, whose father named him after the late South African leader, also says Mandela's attitude coming out of prison was inspiring. “Had he come out with anger and reacted in a different way, he wouldn't be the world-renowned figure he came to be.”   Barnes says he's also been inspired by Mandela's commitment to human rights and social justice.     To view this article and listen to the broadcast online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2022,Gwen Moore on Decision to Not File Charges in Dontre Hamilton Shooting,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Gwen Moore on Decision to Not File Charges in Dontre Hamilton Shooting f t # e Washington, DC, December 22, 2014 I am deeply disappointed in District Attorney John Chisholm's decision to not press charges against Officer Christopher Manney in the shooting death of Dontre Hamilton. This decision is just one of many in recent weeks that continue to perpetuate a disheartening notion that there is a significant lapse in accountability for reckless officers and the behavior they employ in our communities. share: f t Washington, DC In response to Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm's decision to not file charges in the shooting death of Dontre Hamilton, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement: I am deeply disappointed in District Attorney John Chisholm's decision to not press charges against Officer Christopher Manney in the shooting death of Dontre Hamilton. This decision is just one of many in recent weeks that continue to perpetuate a disheartening notion that there is a significant lapse in accountability for reckless officers and the behavior they employ in our communities. ""For those who see this decision as a miscarriage of justice, I assure you that our efforts to pursue a fair and equitable outcome for the Hamilton family are far from over. In the coming days, I will be asking the Department of Justice to conduct their own investigation into this matter to ensure that Dontre's death will not be in vain. ""It is paramount that we channel our collective grief and frustration in a constructive manner. We must rigorously pursue justice, including changes to police procedure and training regarding the appropriate use of force. This, not violence, will honor Dontre's memory. As a mother and grandmother, I can't imagine the anguish and disappointment the Hamilton family must be feeling right now. My heart goes out to them during this painful time.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1206,Presidential Task Force on 21st Century Policing to Strengthen Public Trust,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wisconsinites are joining the rest of the world in mourning the death of Nelson Mandela.  The South African president who brought an end to racial apartheid in his home country died yesterday at age 95.  UW-Milwaukee provost and vice-chancellor Johannes Britz is a native of South Africa, and said Mandela's legacy will go far beyond his vision and political agenda.  Britz said the moral compass he gave his people, and the imperative to forgive and reconcile, was nothing short of a miracle.  Wisconsin United Methodist Church Bishop Hee-Soo Jung said his fellow bishops were in ""awe"" when they met Mandela at a meeting in Mozambique in 2006.  Jung called Mandela a servant leader who led an ""extraordinary life.""  Jung said the entire world would miss his powerful presence and solidarity of spirit.  U.S. House Democrat Gwen Moore of Milwaukee said the world has lost a visionary leader, and a hero for human rights.  Milwaukee Alderman Joe Davis serves as a Wisconsin honorary consul to South Africa.  He called Mandela ""a shining example to us all.""  Davis said Mandela's convictions quote, ""were tested beyond the bounds of comprehension, and he emerged from his trials more resolute where lesser men -- many men -- would have given up hope.""       To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-requests-federal-review-of-wisconsin-s-parental-choice-voucher,Pocan Requests Federal Review of Wisconsins Parental Choice Voucher Program,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) has asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for a review of Wisconsin’s Parental Choice voucher program, specifically examining how this program has lacked accountability standards and transparency. A GAO review will provide a thorough examination and shed light on the program’s shortcomings. This non-partisan review will help to better inform the national discussion on the importance of supporting public schools.  Full text of the letter is available here.  “Every child in Wisconsin and across the United States deserves the right to a high-quality education,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “Before Governor Walker tries to expand the state’s voucher program, Wisconsin taxpayers deserve to know more about the widespread reports of discrimination against students with disabilities and the insufficient academic accountability of choice schools.” “We owe it to every student to ensure publicly funded schools – including voucher schools – provide high-quality education and protect the rights of students with disabilities,” continued Rep. Pocan. “I look forward to the GAO’s thorough non-partisan review of Wisconsin’s voucher program and clear answers to the questions we have raised.” Wisconsin’s voucher program is central to an emerging national debate over the privatization of public education.  Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and many in the Republican Party have pushed the idea of expanding voucher schools nationwide – using Wisconsin as the model – without safeguarding the needs of students with disabilities and ensuring schools meet high standards of academic achievement.  Advocates for people with disabilities, including the ACLU and Disability Rights Wisconsin, have raised concerns that Wisconsin’s school choice program, either tacitly or explicitly, allows participating choice schools to discriminate against students with disabilities in their admission policies. After numerous complaints, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an ongoing investigation into Wisconsin’s School Choice program, and sent a letter in 2013 urging the Wisconsin Department of Instruction do more to “enforce the federal statutory and regulatory requirements” under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A recent study by the Wisconsin State Journal revealed Wisconsin has spent $139 million on school vouchers to private schools that were eventually disqualified from the state’s program. Eleven schools participating in the program were removed within a year of opening due to poor educational standards, which costs taxpayers $4.1 million dollars.  Students with disabilities are underrepresented at Wisconsin voucher schools. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, of the approximately 21,000 students who attend private schools using state-subsidized vouchers, 1.6% are identified as having special education plans. This contrasts sharply with the nearly 20% of the approximately 81,000 students enrolled in Milwaukee Public Schools who have special education plans in place. Notably, in the Racine Unified School District, choice schools reported only 1 student with a disability attending their schools, out of the 165 special needs students in the entire school district.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2043,Presidential Task Force on 21st Century Policing to Strengthen Public Trust,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"We need to use every resource at our disposal, both at the local and federal level, to ensure that we are effectively targeting crime reduction without compromising the civil rights of our citizens. Without a strong relationship based on trust and understanding, local law enforcement and the communities that they protect will be unable to work together to improve the public safety of our neighborhoods. share: f t Washington, DC President Obama recently signed an Executive Order creating the Task Force on 21st Century Policing, an effort to involve local and federal stakeholders in providing a transparent process to engage with the public. In response to this Executive Order, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: Substantive grievances and questions regarding the quality of policing in communities across America have gone unanswered for far too long. President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing is a timely and welcomed move forward in addressing these concerns and repairing the fractured and untenable relationship between young, black men and local law enforcement in our country. Advancements in technology have created new opportunities for us to enhance accountability and transparency in modern day law enforcement. I look forward to learning how the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing can utilize such technology to promote community policing and foster confidence in local communities. We need to use every resource at our disposal, both at the local and federal level, to ensure that we are effectively targeting crime reduction without compromising the civil rights of our citizens. Without a strong relationship based on trust and understanding, local law enforcement and the communities that they protect will be unable to work together to improve the public safety of our neighborhoods. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1205,Gwen Moore Welcomes New Diplomatic Approach to Cuba,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WSAU-Wheeler News)  Wisconsinites are joining the rest of the world in mourning the death of Nelson Mandela. The South African president who brought an end to racial apartheid in his home country died yesterday at age 95.   U-W Milwaukee provost and vice-chancellor Johannes Britz is a native of South Africa, and said Mandela's legacy will go far beyond his vision and political agenda. Britz said the moral compass he gave his people, and the imperative to forgive and reconcile, was nothing short of a miracle.   Wisconsin United Methodist Church Bishop Hee-Soo Jung said his fellow bishops were in ""awe"" when they met Mandela at a meeting in Mozambique in 2006. Jung called Mandela a servant leader who led an ""extraordinary life."" Jung said the entire world would miss his powerful presence and solidarity of spirit.   U-S House Democrat Gwen Moore of Milwaukee said the world has lost a visionary leader, and a hero for human rights. Milwaukee Alderman Joe Davis serves as a Wisconsin honorary consul to South Africa. He called Mandela ""a shining example to us all."" Davis said Mandela's convictions quote, ""were tested beyond the bounds of comprehension, and he emerged from his trials more resolute where lesser men -- many men -- would have given up hope.""     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2343,Gwen Moore Welcomes New Diplomatic Approach to Cuba,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"With this move comes a renewed leadership in the Americas and a valuable opportunity for improved human rights conditions and democratic reforms throughout the region. This landmark shift in policy proves that although change never comes easy or swiftly, at the end of the day, it does come. Now is the time to support the difficult work ahead to ensure that this historic opportunity is not wasted. share: f t Washington, DC In response to recent actions by the White House to reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement: After decades of an embargo-first and embargo-only strategy of pursuing our foreign policy interests, I enthusiastically welcome the White House's new approach to Cuba. This historic move to break the deadlock shifts America away from the days of the 1960s and has the potential to unlock a mutually beneficial future between the U.S. and the Cuban people. With this move comes a renewed leadership in the Americas and a valuable opportunity for improved human rights conditions and democratic reforms throughout the region. This landmark shift in policy proves that although change never comes easy or swiftly, at the end of the day, it does come. Now is the time to support the difficult work ahead to ensure that this historic opportunity is not wasted. As we celebrate the end of generations of isolation and a new era in U.S.-Cuban relations, let us also rejoice in knowledge that soon, American contractor Alan Gross will be reunited with his family after suffering from five years of imprisonment. His release signifies another critical step toward normalization and increased engagement between our countries. There is no doubt that this will be an unforgettable Hanukkah for the Gross family. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-calls-congress-end-embargo-cuba,Rep. Ron Kind Calls on Congress to End Embargo on Cuba,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) released the following statement after President Obama announced plans to normalize relations with Cuba: I support normalizing relations with Cuba that will ease restrictions between our countries and put an end to 50 years of failed policy. It doesn't make sense to have economic relations with a Communist nation like China, yet stay closed off to a nation just 90 miles off our coast. Now, Congress needs to act to end the embargo altogether and fully open up this new market to U.S exports. For years, farmers in Wisconsin have wanted to lift economic sanctions on Cuba and with today's news we can look forward to new economic growth and job creation in agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors of our economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1204,Gwen Moore: Drop the Frivolous Lawsuit Against Immigration Executive Action,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Michael Bischoff     MILWAUKEE – Local politicians reacted to the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela on Thursday.   Congresswoman Gwen Moore spent time with Mandela at the congressional black caucus in 2005.   “We've lost him as a person, but he has left a legacy of courage,” Moore said.   Thursday night, Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett also reflected on the loss of Mandela.   “I think what he has demonstrated is that it is possible to be someone with firm conviction, who will sacrifice the bulk of their life for something that they believe in, that they will pay that price for something that they so passionately believe in,"" said Barrett.   Mandela, 95, was South Africa’s first post-apartheid president.      To view this article and the video online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2337,Gwen Moore: Drop the Frivolous Lawsuit Against Immigration Executive Action,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"While it is clear that the President's actions are well within his authority, you have instead decided to involve the state of Wisconsin in a political and frivolous lawsuit against the President. A bipartisan group of Attorneys General from 18 other states sent a letter last Friday to congressional leadership urging Congress to come together and fix our broken immigration system, particularly in light of the temporary nature of President Obama's actions. Rather than joining these efforts to break through dysfunction and gridlock in Congress, you have decided that the State of Wisconsin will side with those who seek political points at the expense of the progress that our country desperately needs. share: f t Washington, DC In response to the recent decision to include Wisconsin in a Republican-led lawsuit against President Obama's executive actions on immigration, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent the following letter to Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen: The Honorable J.B. Van Hollen Attorney General, State of Wisconsin Room 114 East, State Capitol Madison, Wisconsin, 53707 Attorney General Van Hollen: I write this letter to express my sincere disappointment in your decision to involve Wisconsin in a federal lawsuit against the President's recent immigration actions. I believe that this lawsuit is not only likely to fail, but that it is politically motivated and a waste of resources that could be used for other far more pressing issues facing Wisconsin. As you may know, prominent legal scholars and attorneys have concluded that the President's actions are well within his executive authority. For example, a recent letter written by a consortium of law professors from Yale, University of Chicago, Columbia, New York University, Duke, and Harvard, came to the conclusion that, [these actions] are consistent with governing law and with the policies that Congress has expressed in the statutes that it has enacted. In a separate letter on November 25, 2014, 135 law professors stated that [the President's actions] are within the legal authority of the executive branch of the government of the United States. In addition, the Office of Legal Counsel within the Department of Justice issued a lengthy Memorandum Opinion to the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security articulating the extensive legal authority for the actions taken by the President. While it is clear that the President's actions are well within his authority, you have instead decided to involve the state of Wisconsin in a political and frivolous lawsuit against the President. A bipartisan group of Attorneys General from 18 other states sent a letter last Friday to congressional leadership urging Congress to come together and fix our broken immigration system, particularly in light of the temporary nature of President Obama's actions. Rather than joining these efforts to break through dysfunction and gridlock in Congress, you have decided that the State of Wisconsin will side with those who seek political points at the expense of the progress that our country desperately needs. While attacking an estimated 5 million immigrant parents and children who pose no threat to this country may be expedient for the short-term political goals of your party, it does nothing to protect the people of Wisconsin. I urge you to consider the many benefits of President Obama's immigration action. The President's actions will protect public safety in Wisconsin by reinforcing community policing and cooperation among local law enforcement and immigrant communities and directing scarce federal enforcement resources against those few immigrants who pose a threat to the nation and the people of Wisconsin. Granting protection and work authorization to low priority immigrants will also contribute to our economy. According to one estimate, these actions will contribute billions of dollars in payroll taxes nationwide in the first year alone. It will also lead to $19 million in additional state and local tax revenues over 5 years. Undoing protections that will help to keep American families together is simply inhumane and against our nation's core values. Rather than focusing on such frivolous and fiscally counterproductive actions, I urge your office to focus its attention on other more pressing matters currently facing the citizens of Wisconsin. Sincerely, Gwen Moore MEMBER OF CONGRESS ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-bipartisan-omnibus-appropriations-bill,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Bill,2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Bill Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015: “This is not the time for another government shutdown. The American people have had enough of Washington’s dysfunction. They want us to do our job and work together to get the job done. Since the Budget Committee, on which I serve, crafted a bipartisan agreement that ended last year’s government shutdown and paved the way for a cease-fire on recent budget wars, the economy has gained an average of 240,000 jobs per month.  In Wisconsin, our economy continues to lag behind, so we need to build on this progress and strengthen the economic security of families and businesses that are working hard to move our economy forward. “This bipartisan appropriations bill will help do that by increasing the Child Care and Development Block Grant funding by $75 million; increasing the maximum Pell grant award; providing a cost of living pay raise for our men and women in the Armed Forces; increasing funding for science and research at the National Institutes of Health by $150 million; providing  grants to states for job training and assistance to dislocated workers; extending Trade Adjustments Assistance for workers who lose their jobs due to international trade; and moving bipartisan Manufacturing Hubs legislation forward that I support to keep our country on the leading edge of advanced manufacturing. “I also fought to include in this legislation a number of provisions that will help us build a stronger Made in Wisconsin economy, including support for our shipbuilding industry and transportation infrastructure. “With all of these benefits, I am the first to admit that this bill is far from perfect. But we have a divided government and I recognize that I can’t get everything I want in this bill, just as my colleagues across the aisle can’t get everything they want in this bill. This bill is a compromise. “Let me be very clear here: Republicans’ insistence on including a Wall Street give away is extremely objectionable to me.  I also strongly oppose a provision that weakens of our already loose campaign laws and the changes made to multiemployer pensions deserved a full debate in the Senate, as separate legislation, not tucked into an appropriations bill by the House of Representatives at the last minute.  I agree with my colleagues who have said these provisions represent the very worst of creating an uneven playing field for those hard working Americans who ask for nothing more than a voice in Washington and fair shot at getting ahead. I would also add that these provisions in particular are a direct assault on our proud progressive traditions in Wisconsin. “But what would have happened if we did not pass this bill now?  I can tell you what will happen because we saw the path the Republican controlled House of Representatives wanted to take.  Republicans tried to add more than 30 additional harmful policy provisions--from more Wall Street giveaways to rolling back workers’ rights to eroding environmental policy—but Senate Democrats were able to use their current leverage as the majority party in the Senate to keep them out.  If this bill did not pass now, Republicans would have had the power to add more objectionable provisions when they will hold majorities in both the House and Senate next year. “I supported this bipartisan compromise because I believe it is our job to deliver progress for American people, not an endless drift from one crisis to the next or a government shutdown.” Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-on-final-nlrb-rule-on-union-election-process,Pocan Statement on Final NLRB Rule on Union Election Process,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today issued the following statement today in support of the National Labor Relation Board’s (NLRB) final rule to update and streamline union election procedures: “I am pleased the NLRB took this necessary step to give workers a fairer opportunity to decide on union representation and modernize union elections,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “The current process allows employers to threaten and intimidate workers seeking to organize in the workplace. This new rule ensures workers have the opportunity to have fair and timely elections by reducing procedural delays to scheduling union elections and streamlining the appeal process.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/pentagon-plan-good-news-for-marinette-shipbuilding,Pentagon plan good news for Marinette shipbuilding,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.14 Pentagon plan good news for Marinette shipbuilding The news that Marinette has been bracing for came late Thursday afternoon as outgoing Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that the Navy will upgrade, rather than totally abandon, its Littoral Combat Ship program. The result will be a new, larger, more versatile ship but still based on littoral ship upgrades, rather than being a whole new design. That, according to legislative representatives, makes it good news for Wisconsin shipbuilding. ""This is great news for Wisconsin's shipbuilding industry because there will be no production break and this action will prevent disruption to the Marinette Marine-Lockheed Martin workforce,"" said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison. ""I fought hard to sustain the original production plan for a 52 ship class, and I applaud Secretary Hagel's announcement to do just that."" Rep. Reid Ribble, R-Sherwood, said Hagel's announcement is good on both the short term and long term for Marinette Marine, one of two facilities in the country producing the Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy. Marinette Marine, which employs about 2,000 people, has six littoral ships under production now and will continue to produce them through 2019 even as the new Small Surface Combatant (SSC) ship is introduced. ""Clearly, the Secretary of the Navy would like to see the new combatant built on the LCS platform, which puts Marinette Marine in kind of a lead competitive spot to get the contract for these new, larger ships,"" Ribble said. ""They'll have the inside track. They will still have to be competitive … but surely because they're involved in production of the LCSs, they should be in a good position to be very competitive"" when it comes time to seek contracts for the new SSC, Ribble said. Hagel said he directed the Navy to buy 52 Littoral and SSC ships, with the final number and mix dependent on future fleet requirements, final costs and overall Navy resources. The new ship will be based on upgraded variants of the littoral combat ship, under Hagel's directive. He wants the production of the SSC ships to begin no later than fiscal 2019, and with no gap between the production of the last LCS and first SSC ship. He called for the Navy to come up with an acquisition strategy on the new design by May and to continue to identify ways of enhancing the new ship's features. Also by May, the Navy must provide a detailed assessment of the cost of back-fitting some of the new ship features onto LCS's already under contract. The decision followed consultations with the Department of Defense's senior leadership and careful review of Navy recommendations, which included 192 design concepts. In late November, a Marinette Marine-produced vessel, the USS Fort Worth, left port in California for a 16-month deployment in the Far East. The USS Freedom, also built at Marinette, completed a similar deployment in 2013. By:  Paul Srubas Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-on-department-of-labor-100-million-apprenticeship-training-grants,Pocan on Department of Labor $100 Million Apprenticeship Training Grants,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee today issued the following statement on the announcement of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Training Program $100 million grants, which reflects the primary goals of the Promoting Apprenticeships for Credentials and Employment Act (PACE Act), introduced by Rep. Pocan and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA): ""I'm pleased to see the Administration take action today to expand apprenticeship programs, which incorporates the primary goals of the PACE Act. Much like the Administration’s initiative, this legislation would expand apprenticeships in the most in-demand, high-skilled industries and occupations. “We have long known America has no shortage of smart, willing workers just waiting for their chance to pursue a fulfilling career and I am hopeful we can build on the President’s initiative through passage of the PACE Act.” Rep. Pocan, along with Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member George Miller (D-CA), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the PACE Act on September 18. The bill would better integrate apprenticeships into postsecondary education programs and expand apprenticeship opportunities to new, growing fields. The PACE Act would also provide permanent annual funding for these training programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-on-government-funding-bill,Pocan Statement on Government Funding Bill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today issued the following statement after the House passed a $1.1 trillion government package to partially fund the government through September of next year: “I am disappointed the House passed a government funding package riddled with special interest giveaways,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “Most egregious is the inclusion of a provision that loosened consumer protection regulations in the Dodd-Frank reform law and allows Wall Street to engage in many of the same risky practices that crashed the global economy in 2008. The bill also weakens campaign finance limits clearing the way for more corporate money into politics. Sneaking these changes through in a 1600 page funding bill hours before a government shutdown and adjourning for the rest of the year is not the way the American people expect us to govern. We can do better.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-applauds-pentagon-decision-to-support-wisconsin-shipbuilding-economy,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Applauds Pentagon Decision to Support Wisconsin Shipbuilding Economy,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Applauds Pentagon Decision to Support Wisconsin Shipbuilding Economy Secretary Hagel Announces Plan to Sustain Original Production Plan for a 52 Ship Class Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin applauded Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s announcement that the Pentagon has decided to select a modified Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as the Navy’s next small surface combatant (SSC). “I fought hard to sustain the original production plan for a 52 ship class and I applaud Secretary Hagel’s announcement to do just that,” Senator Baldwin said. “This is great news for Wisconsin’s shipbuilding industry because there will be no production break and this action will prevent disruption to the Marinette Marine – Lockheed Martin workforce.” The LCS program was previously truncated to 32 ships, down from the originally planned 52 ship class. The Navy now plans to acquire 20 new SSCs, sustaining the original production plan for a 52 ship class of SSCs. Importantly, according to Navy acquisition plans, there will be no production break between the last LCS and the first new SSC. This will prevent disruptions to the Marinette Marine-Lockheed Martin workforce. “Selecting a modified LCS as the follow-on small surface combatant – thereby leveraging lessons learned and investments made – is the best option for meeting the Navy’s requirements in a timely and affordable matter.  Furthermore, just as the Marinette – Lockheed team builds a quality and affordable ship in the LCS, I am confident that they will do the same with a modified LCS, including incorporating new offensive and defensive capabilities,” Baldwin said. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-the-nomination-of-antonio-weiss-to-treasury,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on the Nomination of Antonio Weiss to Treasury,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on the Nomination of Antonio Weiss to Treasury Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement today announcing her opposition to the nomination of Antonio Weiss for U.S. Department of the Treasury Under Secretary for Domestic Finance: “I do not believe Mr. Weiss is the right nominee to push for strong oversight of Wall Street and protect the interests of Main Street as Under Secretary for Domestic Finance. Based on his record and qualifications as a Wall Street investment banker I don’t have confidence that he will work to even the playing field for middle class families and small businesses who need a fair shot to get ahead. With Wall Street lobbyists and Republicans working harder than ever to gut the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, working families need public servants who are committed to remembering the hard lessons of the financial crisis. In addition, Wisconsin’s small businesses and homebuyers – as well as the community banks and credit unions that serve them – need a stronger voice in financial policymaking to provide services that work for Main Street, not Wall Street. Regrettably, I do not believe Mr. Weiss is the right choice for this position and I will oppose his nomination.” Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-applauds-higher-standards-crude-oil-stabilization,Rep. Ron Kind Applauds Higher Standards for Crude Oil Stabilization,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) welcomed the news that North Dakota regulators moved to strengthen the stability standards for Bakken crude oil beyond the standards enforced at the federal level. Rep. Kind has been a strong advocate for oil stabilization prior to shipment by rail. This improved safety standard is a step in the right direction. Now, the Department of Transportation needs to increase federal standards to ensure that the crude oil being shipped through our communities is as safe as possible, said Rep. Kind. In light of recent rail accidents in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the nation, there is real urgency to improve the way we transport crude oil. Moving forward, we need to enhance track inspections, upgrade our train tracks, and get community-wide transparency regarding the contents of these trains so everyone knows exactly what is passing through their neighborhoods. North Dakota's Industrial Commission moved to require all Bakken crude oil producers to remove the most volatile components from the oil before it is shipped, making it even safer than current federal regulations call for. Stabilizing the oil reduces the vapor pressure within the tanks, making the oil less combustible. Rep. Kind has been a vocal advocate for improved rail safety in Wisconsin and nationally. This summer, Rep. Kind sent a letter to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx asking that his agency explore stabilizing crude oil before it is shipped. A copy of that letter can be read here. He followed up with a September letter to the DOT and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration with several suggestions for improving the safety of oil transportation, including improved tank car standards, reduced train speeds, increased transparency about tank car contents, and oil stabilization. That letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-calls-for-action-to-prevent-international-violence-and-discrimination-against-women,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Action to Prevent International Violence and Discrimination Against Women,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Action to Prevent International Violence and Discrimination Against Women Highlights discriminatory national laws in Iran and the recent spate of heinous acid attacks against Iranian women Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to call for action to help prevent international violence and discrimination against women and girls. Sent during the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” the letter expresses deep concerns for the continued violation of the fundamental human rights of women and girls around the world and urges Secretary Kerry to prioritize a country's treatment of women and girls in our diplomatic relationships. Today, December 10, 2014 is Human Rights Day. “This year's 16 Days of Activism provides an excellent opportunity to remember that a country's success is directly related to how it treats women and girls. That is why it is critical that American foreign policy continues to focus on eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination, including through the effective implementation of existing relevant initiatives. I look forward to working with you toward this goal,” Senator Baldwin wrote to Secretary Kerry. According to the United Nations (UN), up to seventy percent of women experience violence in their lifetime, harming families, communities, and entire countries by severely limiting the ability of women to fully participate in public life. In the letter, Senator Baldwin highlighted discriminatory national laws in Iran and the recent spate of heinous acid attacks against Iranian women, as well as forced and early marriage of girls in multiple African countries. In Iran, where adultery is still punishable by death, and women cannot be in public without hijab, recent events like the execution of Reyhaneh Jabbari and serial acid attacks against women have reinforced the critical linkage between discriminatory national laws and the safety of women and girls. The recent spate of heinous acid attacks against Iranian women followed a parliamentary bill that encouraged private citizens to enforce Iranian ""morality"" laws. These ""morality"" laws represent a wide range of legal restrictions designed to prevent women from fully engaging in public life, and they have long served as state-sanctioned oppression against women. According to the UN, 66 percent of Iranian women have reportedly experienced domestic violence. Forced and early marriage of girls is another critical human rights issue that could be positively impacted by improving national laws. This is especially true in Africa, where 15 of the 20 countries with the highest rate of child marriage are located. Senator Baldwin also applauded the Obama Administration's efforts to combat gender-based violence and called for further progress on the matter. An online version of the letter can be found here. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-statement-cia-torture-report,Rep. Ron Kind: Statement on CIA Torture Report,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) made the following statement regarding the report released today about the use of torture (a.k.a. enhanced interrogation techniques) by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): This report found that the use of torture was much more pervasive than the previous Administration had led us to believe. This is the kind of behavior our enemies engage in, behavior that we as a nation can never accept. We have a responsibility to promote human rights and civil liberties across the globe, and for us to have any credibility, we need to come to grips with our past and take ownership of our mistakes. This is what great nations and a great democracy like ours must do from time to time airing our dirty laundry no matter how uneasy and uncomfortable it makes us. We cannot simply sweep the past under the rug. In numerous classified briefings, I asked for more information on the use of enhanced interrogation, only to be stonewalled by intelligence leaders. Then, in 2012, I visited Afghanistan and spent time with our special forces who worked in interrogation centers. I asked them about the effectiveness of enhanced interrogation, and they all agreed that these methods are unreliable, that they yield no useful information, and that there are better ways to extract information from prisoners. This report should be used to shine light on our mistakes and lead us to better national security policies. Our intelligence officials play a vital role in keeping America safe let's give them the tools they need to protect us while adhering to the values upon which our nation was founded.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/senators-demand-obama-get-permission-for-war-against-isis,Senators Demand Obama Get Permission For War Against ISIS,2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.14 Senators Demand Obama Get Permission For War Against ISIS Two progressive senators declared Friday that President Barack Obama lacks authority for his growing war on the Islamic State, and are demanding that he immediately present Congress with a plan and a request seeking that authority. Many members of Congress have been seeking a debate and vote on the president's military actions in Iraq and Syria, but a new letter being sent Friday by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) marks the strongest demand yet from the left that Obama request explicit authority for the fight. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has called repeatedly on Obama to make such a request, but has rebuffed members of his own caucus, as well as Democrats who think Congress should take matters into its own hands rather than let the White House proceed as it wishes. Baldwin and Schatz agree with most members of Congress and the administration that the Islamic State threatens U.S. interests, but argue that Obama should stop dithering. ""While we must take action to combat the threat posed by ISIL, we do not believe that you possess sufficient authority to undertake the current U.S. military campaign against ISIL,"" the write in their letter, using one of the acronyms for the Islamic State, which is more commonly known as ISIS. ""In addition, we are extremely concerned that the current operation lacks measurable goals, benchmarks of success and a clear scope,"" they write. ""Therefore, we are writing to request that you immediately submit for Congressional consideration a proposed Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) specific to the war against ISIL."" The administration has argued that it can use the AUMF passed in 2001 authorizing the U.S. to target the perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks, as well as the 2002 AUMF authorizing the military to topple Saddam Hussein. But Baldwin and Schatz disagree, noting that Hussein and Osama Bin Laden have nothing to do with ISIS. ""We also believe you have the responsibility to make a case to the American people for war, and a vital step in this process is the submission of a formal AUMF to Congress,"" they write, warning that the nation is running a risk of slipping into a new, open-ended war with no end in sight. ""The Administration has not clearly articulated its long-term strategy nor the scope and duration of military actions required to support it,"" they write. Read the whole letter here. The White House did not comment directly on the senators' request, pointing instead to comments by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, who said Thursday that Obama does have authority, because although ISIS did not exist in 2001, it has links to parts of al Qaeda, and it has similar goals. ""There is clear legal authority for the President to take the actions that he’s already taken,"" Earnest said, retreating to the position of asking Congress to go first. ""What he has sought from Congress is an authorization to use military force that could be modernized and right-sized to reflect the current threat that we face from ISIL."" Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Angus King (I-Maine) have also been vocal critics of the war on ISIS, and Kaine has offered a bill that would grant Obama limited authority to conduct it. Democrats and some Republicans tried to attach a similar measure to the National Defense Authorization Act that passed the House Thursday, but where blocked. The $585 billion bill sets the parameters for America's military spending and programs. The Senate is taking up that bill next week. Whether or not a new AUMF is debated and voted on as part of that bill remains to be seen, but Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) won a promise from Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to have the debate. By:  Michael McAuliff Source: Huffington Post Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/leading-members-of-congress-call-for-real-and-meaningful-labor,Leading Members of Congress Call for Real and Meaningful Labor Protections in TPP,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Four leading members of Congress today called on United States Trade Representative Michael Froman to ensure “real, meaningfully enforceable labor protections” are included in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Democratic Representatives Rosa DeLauro, George Miller, Loretta Sanchez and Mark Pocan also requested a status update from Ambassador Froman so they can better understand what measures and assurances are being discussed as part of the TPP negotiations, which have been conducted largely in secret. “Free trade agreements with nations that violate international child labor and forced labor standards not only undermine our moral authority, but they also capitalize on the lack of oversight and regulation in developing nations,” the representatives wrote to Ambassador Froman. “Here in this country, we have fought hard to protect our workers, yet, our free trade policy undermines those protections by sending American jobs to countries that do not play by the rules…The opportunity to get an education and a good paying job are not only American dreams, but global dreams. We have a responsibility to ensure that under no circumstances is it acceptable for children to work in sweatshops to produce the goods we consume. We can and must do better.” This past Monday the Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs released their annual List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor report. Vietnam, Mexico, Peru, and Malaysia, one-third of the nations included in the TPP, were all cited for labor abuses in the report. Vietnam was also one of only four countries in the world cited for using both forced and child labor in their apparel sector. Representatives of the TPP countries will meet in Washington, DC next week to hold the latest round of negotiations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-baldwins-apostle-island-measure-moves-forward,Senator Baldwin’s Apostle Island Measure Moves Forward,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.04.14 Senator Baldwin’s Apostle Island Measure Moves Forward Preserves the history of the iconic Ashland harbor Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin applauded the inclusion of a measure to preserve the history of the iconic Ashland harbor in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015. The measure, introduced by Senator Baldwin in bipartisan legislation earlier this year, transfers the Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light from the Coast Guard to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. “Maintaining our public lands, including our National Parks, is not only important to preserving our history, but is crucial for economic development, outdoor recreation and education in our communities,” said Senator Baldwin. “The Ashland Light is a public treasure and distinctive marker of Ashland’s role in the region. I’m proud to help preserve the lighthouse so that visitors can continue to experience all of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.” The U.S. Coast Guard has been looking for an organization to take over management of the Ashland Breakwater Light, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service, the only public or private entity to express interest in obtaining and maintaining the Ashland Light, is not able to accept a transfer of the property without legislation to provide a boundary adjustment. Baldwin’s measure included in the NDAA allows for the transfer of the lighthouse from the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard to the National Park Service, which already manages eight light stations on six of the Apostle Islands. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the NDAA this week and the U.S. Senate will take up the measure next week. Baldwin serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee which has jurisdiction over the National Park Service. In August of 2013, Baldwin toured the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and met with National Park Service staff to discuss the impact of sequestration on the park, management of the land, historic preservation and tourism. Background on the Ashland Light and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore The Ashland Light was built in 1915 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. All of the other (six) light stations within the boundaries of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) were transferred to the NPS from the  US Coast Guard (USCG) in 1986 as a result of PL 99-497.  All six light stations, which include eight standing light towers, are listed on the National Register. The Ashland Light was not included in the 1986 transfer because it was not inside the park boundary, the USCG was actively maintaining it, and its future was not at issue at the time. The APIS lights, including the Ashland Light, were historically managed by the US Lighthouse Service, then the USCG, as a group.  Renowned lighthouse historian F. Ross Holland, Jr.  described the lights within the national lakeshore as “the largest and finest single collection of lighthouses in the country.”  (Great American Lighthouses, 1994) In the 2011 APIS General Management Plan, the NPS identified seven significance statements for the park which describe the park’s distinctiveness and importance to the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. One of these echoed Holland:  “The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has the largest and finest collection of lighthouses in the country.” The exteriors of all of the historic lights within APIS are publically accessible, and many are open for public educational tours during the visitor season.  The NPS provides abundant personal, printed, and electronic information on all aspects of the historic lights and their importance to the nation as part of the park’s public education / visitor enjoyment mission. APIS is the premier place in the National Park System for lighthouse historic preservation and education. Incorporating the Ashland Light within APIS would enhance the park’s significance because it would then include all of the nationally-significant historic lights in the region. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1187,House Passes Critical Housing Assistance for Native Americans,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Arnold Peltz     As the U.S. Congress wrapped up work before the August recess, the House of Representatives voted to approve the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act (H.R. 850). The bill passed by a bi-partisan majority of 400-20, with every member of Wisconsin’s delegation voting in favor.   Wisconsin, and the rest of Congress, sent a strong message to the Islamic Republic of Iran by authorizing the toughest sanctions yet, a critical step to cripple that country’s nuclear program.   Milwaukee Rep. Gwen Moore (D) deserves credit for voting in favor of this bill, a demonstration of her steadfast commitment to preventing a nuclear-capable Iran and the likely proliferation of nuclear weapons development that would follow across the entire Middle East, which is not the most stable region in the world.   The bill — authored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) — would, among other things, tighten sanctions on foreign entities that continue trading with Iran and would pressure other countries to further reduce their imports of oil from Iran.   In addition to targeting Iran’s nuclear program, the legislation also aims to punish Iranian officials responsible for serious human rights abuses.   Although the window may be closing, as Iran enriches more and more uranium and installs more advanced centrifuges, we may still have a chance to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.   The Nuclear Iran Prevention Act will continue the U.S. policy of working towards negotiations while increasing pressure of sanctions and political isolation until change occurs. Moore and the entire Wisconsin delegation understood the imperative of this bill, and we thank them for their vote.     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-announces-national-endowment-for-the-arts-grants-for-madison-and,Pocan Announces National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Madison and Reedsburg,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today announced that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded grants to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Reedsburg’s Wormfarm Institute Inc. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art received $25,000 to support the exhibition and residency ""Eric and Heather ChanSchatz: In Process.” Wormfarm Institute Inc. received $40,000 to support their Farm/Art DTour, a 50-mile self-guided drive through art installations in the working farmlands of Sauk County. “South central Wisconsin has a great art scene and these grants only further validate our community as a destination for the creative arts,” said Representative Pocan. “I am thrilled to see these two institutions recognized on a national level for their outstanding contributions to the arts and to our greater community. In its first fiscal year 2015 announcement, the NEA will award $29.13 million in 1,118 grants in three categories: Art Works, Challenge America, and NEA Literature Fellowships in Creative Writing. The NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $5 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-nominates-south-central-wisconsin-students-for-united-states,Pocan Nominates South Central Wisconsin Students for United States Service Academies,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today announced the nomination of outstanding students from Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District to the Class of 2019 at the United States Service Academies. “It is an honor to nominate these exceptional students to attend our nation’s service academies and become the future leaders in our military,” said Rep. Pocan. “Our nation’s service academies offer top tier academics and an experience unlike any other college. All the nominees are bright and dedicated students who have demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement and their commitment to serving our country. I wish each of them the best of luck in their pursuit of an appointment and in all of their future endeavors.” Rep. Pocan assembled a board of volunteers comprised of community leaders as well as active and retired service members from south central Wisconsin to assist with the evaluation of the applicants from the 2nd Congressional District. After the completion of the application process, the nomination board recommended the following students, who were then nominated by Rep. Pocan. Nominations to the service academy classes of 2019 are as follows: United States Air Force Academy Taylor Boegel – Stoughton High School Kainoa Chun-Moy – Sun Prairie High School Matthew Jensen – Deerfield High School Maverick Wilhite – Madison Lafollette High School United States Naval Academy Maxwell Cardwell – Madison West High School Colin Cassidy – Edgewood High School Colin Dean – Culver Academy Joseph Duff – Middleton High School Grant Karlsson Ellifson – Madison Lafollette High School Matthew Marsland – St. Ambrose Academy Rory Slattery – Middleton High School United States Military Academy at West Point James Pontius – Sun Prairie High School Noah Roberts – Verona High School Thomas Schuette – Sun Prairie High School   *Nomination does not guarantee acceptance. The academies make final decisions on appointments of admission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2034,House Passes Critical Housing Assistance for Native Americans,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"The passage of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act Reauthorization of 2014 (NAHASDA) is a victory for our proud Native American brothers and sisters and for those committed to making America a more prosperous and equitable place to call home. I am proud of my Democratic and Republican colleagues for uniting behind our shared goal of strengthening Native American communities through tribal housing. share: f t Washington, DC In response to the bipartisan passage of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act Reauthorization of 2014 (NAHASDA), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: ""The passage of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act Reauthorization of 2014 (NAHASDA) is a victory for our proud Native American brothers and sisters and for those committed to making America a more prosperous and equitable place to call home. I am proud of my Democratic and Republican colleagues for uniting behind our shared goal of strengthening Native American communities through tribal housing. ""This piece of critical legislation will help expand access to affordable housing and includes several vital reforms that will reinforce Native American sovereignty and provide the platform necessary to thrive on tribal land. Now, we can finally help tribal communities across the nation focus less on administrative requirements and bureaucratic red tape and more on innovation and expanding employment opportunities for generations to come. ""Today's successful reauthorization is a refreshing example of what is possible when Democrats and Republicans are willing to set aside their differences and find common ground. I urge those in the Senate to follow in our footsteps and swiftly adopt this legislation."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kind-announces-99032-grant-provide-locally-grown-meals-sparta-tomah,"Rep. Kind Announces $99,032 Grant to Provide Locally Grown Meals to Sparta, Tomah, and Norwalk_Ontario_Wilton School District Students",2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) announced today that Wisconsin is getting $294,596 in Farm to School grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including $99,032 for the Sparta Area School District. The grants will be used to increase access to fresh produce for students, providing an economic boost for local family farms. It's hard to develop a healthy mind without a healthy body, so helping schools provide fresh, nutritious meals will encourage good eating habits and keep our students healthy during these critical formative years, said Rep. Kind. Connecting school cafeterias to local farms will bring communities together by boosting local economies and giving young people an appreciation for our agricultural heritage. The Sparta Area School District project will expand access to fresh produce and bolster healthy eating for schools in the Sparta, Tomah, and Norwalk?Ontario?Wilton school districts. Specifically, the grant helps develop a plan to serve more locally and regionally harvested meats, produce and grains, equip school kitchens with the tools they need to prepare fresh produce, and educate students about their local and regional food options. The Healthy Hunger?Free Kids Act of 2010 authorized and funded the USDA to establish the Farm to School program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-calls-for-postal-service-to-postpone-closings,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Postal Service to Postpone Closings,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls for Postal Service to Postpone Closings Bipartisan Group of Senators Demand Delay of Mail Processing Facilities Consolidation WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and a bipartisan group of her colleagues today demanded a delay in the planned consolidation of up to 82 U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail processing facilities after the USPS Inspector General found the Postal Service failed to fulfill its obligations to adequately study the impact of the consolidations, and failed to inform the public of those impacts. “We strongly urge the USPS to delay implementation of any mail processing consolidations until feasibility studies are completed and there has been adequate time for public comment and consideration of those comments,” the Senators wrote. “Completed feasibility studies should include service standard impacts worksheets based on the revised service standards expected to be published on January 5, 2015. There is no reason that the USPS cannot delay its consolidations to provide time for the public to see and comment on the service standard worksheets. It is only fair to allow the process to unfold in this way, and the USPS gains little by deciding to continue the consolidation process on its current, arbitrary timeline.” The letter was drafted and circulated by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and signed by Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Carl Levin (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Al Franken (D-MN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND),  Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Mark Pryor (D-AK), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Walsh (D-MT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). In August, Senator Baldwin led a letter signed by a bipartisan group of 51 senators that called for a one-year moratorium on U.S. Postal Service plans to close mail processing plants and slow down first-class mail delivery. The letter urged leaders of a key Senate committee to include a one-year ban on mail delivery cuts as part of must-pass legislation to keep the government running into the new fiscal year that began in October of 2014. The letter to the Postmaster General can be found online here. Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205204857/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-stands-up-for-military-families-and-backs-dod-plan-for-better-protection-from-abusive-financial-practices,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Stands up for Military Families and Backs DOD Plan for Better Protection from Abusive Financial Practices,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Stands up for Military Families and Backs DOD Plan for Better Protection from Abusive Financial Practices Tuesday, November 25, 2014 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today joined a group of 40 Senate colleagues in supporting the Department of Defense’s (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. The letter, sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, expresses strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families. “As our service members are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders,” the Senators wrote.  “We strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for service members and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.” Following a 2006 Pentagon report that found that “predatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force,” Congress passed the MLA.  This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to service members and their dependents at 36% while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered.  The DOD’s 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: (1) payday loans: closed-end loans with terms of 91 days or fewer, for $2,000 or less; (2) auto title loans: closed-end loans with terms of 181 days or fewer; and (3) refund anticipation loans: closed-end credit. In the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule.  Today’s letter voices strong support for the proposed rule, arguing that the changes strike a better balance between protecting service members and their families while maintaining access to good credit.  The letter was led by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and was joined by U.S. Senators Mark Udall (D-CO), Carl Levin (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Jon Tester (D-MT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The signatories include every Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The comment period for the proposed rule was recently extended and ends on December 26, 2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-the-iran-nuclear-negotiations,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on the Iran Nuclear Negotiations,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.25.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on the Iran Nuclear Negotiations Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement today on Iran Nuclear Negotiations: “It is in America’s national security interest to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capabilities.  I continue to believe the diplomatic path—backed by tough international sanctions and a robust compliance regime—is the best option available to achieve that outcome.  The negotiations, which now have been extended, will continue to be governed by an agreement that secures from Iran concessions that amount to the first meaningful limits on its nuclear program in nearly a decade.  Progress was made during this negotiating period, so I believe it’s better for our national security to continue working for an agreement and keeping the pressure on Iran, than to walk away. While I recognize there are complex challenges to reach a long-term solution, I remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached that verifiably prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities.” Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1186,Frustration Justified in Ferguson Grand Jury Decision,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Ginger Gibson   House Democrats have a plan to advance a gay rights bill that Speaker John Boehner has already declared dead: shaming Republicans.   It’s a strategy that has worked well for Democrats in the past. A campaign to pressure Republicans into reauthorizing an expanded version of the Violence Against Women Act forced the leadership to put the bill on the floor in February and allow it to pass with mostly Democratic votes.   Democrats hope to use the same playbook to push the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a bill that bans workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.   VAWA “was about shaming people into voting for what was the right thing to do,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.). “It’s a strategy that works.”   House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi still gloats about the VAWA strategy, telling MSNBC recently that her party “made that bill too hot for the Republicans to handle.”   ENDA would ban workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. It passed the Senate last week with the help of 10 Republicans.   But the bill faces a tougher fight in the GOP House, where lawmakers have raised concerns about the legislation sparking lawsuits and hurting religious institutions. A senior House Republican aide dismissed the idea that ENDA could be a sequel to VAWA.   “There is no comparison,” the aide said. “The House had already passed a VAWA bill, and the differences with the Senate bill — while important — were relatively small. Also, the underlying issue had far broader public support.”   It’s true that ENDA faces a far different political landscape than VAWA. Boehner has already said he opposes ENDA and aides have said a vote is unlikely — a more defined statement than during the VAWA debate. In fact, the push to reauthorize VAWA — initially signed into law in 1994 — already enjoyed widespread support among House Republicans, something that can’t be said for ENDA.   The trouble for VAWA only began once Senate Democrats expanded the law to include protections for LGBT and Native American women.   But Democrats were able to overcome that by tapping into post-election GOP anxiety about losing female voters. It’s harder for Democrats to exploit concerns among Republicans about losing GOP voters.   When it comes to ENDA, conservative opponents find fault with what they see as a path to legalizing gay marriage, something they staunchly oppose.   “These differences, unlike VAWA, are ideological,” said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), who can’t vote on the legislation but supported both bills.   Some Democrats are acknowledging the challenges, noting that VAWA has an impact on a far broader swath of voters than ENDA.   “In terms of numbers, with Violence Against Women Act, we’re talking about slightly more than half of America,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). “This is a smaller subset of the American population but it’s a principle that is equally important.”   But Norton said the LGBT population’s smaller size isn’t necessarily a disadvantage.   “[The LGBT community] used all of the hooks of democracy and those hooks do not involve them being the majority of the population, but they know how to lobby, they know how to give money, they know how to bring people out,” Norton said.   And supporters of the legislation point out that while LGBT individuals might constitute a smaller group, ENDA’s backers have made an effort to build a broad coalition that includes young people, the business community and civil rights groups.   “The ENDA supporters have worked tirelessly, shored up support,” DeLauro said.   Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore, who led the Democratic effort to pass VAWA in the House, said it was vital to win the support of at least some Republicans to move that legislation. She worked closely with Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), who she said applied heavy pressure on Republican leadership to allow a vote.   While ENDA has Republican backers, it still lacks the same kind of heavy support from a veteran Republican.   “In the House of Representatives, we really, on the Republican side, need that same kind of internal pressure,” Moore said.   This is to say nothing of perhaps the biggest hurdle for ENDA in the House: the calendar.   The VAWA debate culminated in a vote just a month after the new Congress convened — virtually as far away from the next election as possible. But ENDA is slowly creeping into 2014, when getting anything passed ahead of an election becomes more difficult.   But Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) argues that once House members get clear of the possibility of primary challengers in the spring, it could make getting a vote on the bill easier.   “I think there is going to be less of the fear of a constant challenge of a tea party challenge in a primary that I think has frozen some people from making some good decisions,” he said.   Others are taking the long view. DeLauro points out that some bills require repeated attempts.   “Sometimes it takes years to pass legislation,” she said.   CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report incorrectly reported that Speaker John Boehner has said he won’t allow a vote on ENDA. Boehner has said he opposes ENDA, and aides have said a vote is unlikely.     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/federal-and-county-officials-promote-affordable-care-act-open-enrollment,Federal and County Officials Promote Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Region V HHS Director Kathleen Falk encouraged Wisconsinites to sign-up for new, affordable health care plans or renew their existing plans during the Affordable Care Act’s open enrollment period. Open enrollment for 2015 began on November 15 and runs through February 15, but individuals who want their coverage to begin on January 1 must sign up by December 15. More information on Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment and local resources are available here. “The Affordable Care Act is working. It is expanding access to health care, lowering the cost of health insurance plans, and improving quality of care for Wisconsinites.” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “This year, there are many new, affordable options in the Health Insurance Marketplace for Wisconsin. If you already have coverage from the Marketplace, make sure you are getting the best deal, by going to www.healthcare.gov and checking out the new options. With more plans to choose from this year, you may find a new plan that saves you more money through tax credits, offers more services, or includes more doctors.” “The Affordable Care Act is working for Wisconsin thanks to the reforms we put in place four years ago. Nearly 140,000 Wisconsinites signed up for private health insurance coverage through the marketplace as of May. The first year of enrollment exceeded expectations and more people in Wisconsin now have health insurance coverage because of the Affordable Care Act. We now have an opportunity to build on that success,” U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin said. “We know that some politicians will carry on their calls for repealing the Affordable Care Act because they want the health care law to fail. But we aren’t going to repeal health insurance for 140,000 Wisconsinites and we are not going back to the days when insurance companies could drop your coverage because you get sick, get older, or have a baby. We aren’t going back to the days when insurance companies were charging whatever they want when you get sick and jacking up premiums and deductibles because of a preexisting condition. We are going to move heath care reform forward because the American people deserve to know their coverage will be there when they need it most.” “My goal is that all Dane County residents – without exception -- have quality, affordable health care,” Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said. “I am grateful to our staff and volunteers who are helping people sign up for health insurance coverage at locations throughout Dane County, including our Dane County Job Center. I urge our community to help spread the word that now is the time to sign up for health insurance during open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act.” ”Great Progress that about 10 million more people have insurance now than a year ago,” said Region V HHS Director Kathleen Falk. “But there are still many uninsured in the Dane County area. Surveys show a majority of the uninsured do not know there is this important opportunity for them to obtain affordable, quality health care from now until February 15 – with the need to purchase by December 15 for coverage to start January 1. And we encourage people who enrolled last year to shop again this year because there are even more insurers to choose from in Wisconsin.” “The Affordable Care Act has greatly improved my life. My best health care insurance option used to be almost twice what my premium is now,” said Oma Vic McMurray, a Madison resident and child care provider. “The problem was that I could not afford to see a doctor using my previous health care plan because my deductible was so high. Basically, I was betting I might need catastrophic health care someday more than I needed to see a doctor when I was sick. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, I now have a health care plan that is truly affordable. With my current plan, not only do I get to see a doctor when I need to, but my prescriptions are affordable too. I also get a reimbursement from my health care provider as a benefit for participating in a ‘Wellness program’.”  “The Affordable Care Act is not just improving my access to health care, it has made my life much more humane,” continued Oma Vic McMurray. “Feeling well does bring a greater sense of joy in my life, which is important in the work I do with children. I am so grateful for the Affordable Care Act for what it has given to me, my family and my whole community.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1976,Frustration Justified in Ferguson Grand Jury Decision,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Frustration Justified in Ferguson Grand Jury Decision f t # e Washington, DC, November 24, 2014 The grief and frustration of the American people is justified and understandable, especially as we struggle to address the highly polarized relationship between law enforcement and young black men. The unnecessary loss of Michael Brown's young life should urge all Americans to recommit to reconciliation during this dark time. As we reflect on the grand jury's decision, let us move toward honoring the dignity and value of Michael's life. The Brown family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. share: f t Washington, DC In response to the decision of the Ferguson Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: ""The grief and frustration of the American people is justified and understandable, especially as we struggle to address the highly polarized relationship between law enforcement and young black men. The unnecessary loss of Michael Brown's young life should urge all Americans to recommit to reconciliation during this dark time. As we reflect on the grand jury's decision, let us move toward honoring the dignity and value of Michael's life. The Brown family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205202721/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-applauds-usda-action-to-support-wisconsin-cranberry-growers-,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Applauds USDA Action to Support Wisconsin Cranberry Growers,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Applauds USDA Action to Support Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Co-Chair of Congressional Cranberry Caucus Led Bipartisan Effort Calling for a USDA Cranberry Purchase Monday, November 24, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a strong supporter of Wisconsin’s agriculture economy and co-chair of the Congressional Cranberry Caucus, today applauded U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement of a purchase of up to 68 million pounds, or 680,000 barrels, of cranberries. The announcement comes after Senator Baldwin led a bipartisan letter advocating for cranberry growers in Wisconsin and across the country. “Wisconsin produces more cranberries than any other state. In a state that depends on agriculture to support hundreds of thousands of jobs and communities small and large, it’s essential that we provide our growers with the tools and resources they need to continue to succeed,” said Senator Baldwin. “The USDA’s cranberry purchase will support cranberry growers at a time when the markets are especially tough. I will continue to advocate for efforts that strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture industry and grow our rural economies.”  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service announced that Secretary Tom Vilsack has approved a purchase of up to $55 million worth of cranberry products.  The authorization could cover up to 68 million pounds, or 680,000 barrels, of cranberries. In the next few months, the agency will put out procurement notices for specific products they want to purchase. The bipartisan letter to Secretary Vilsack asked the USDA to consider a purchase of cranberries to mitigate the impact of a cranberry oversupply on growers at no cost to the taxpayer. The program is funded through customs receipts and the products purchased are provided to food pantries, which distribute the products to families in need. In addition, the cranberry industry has also worked with agency staff the Foreign Agriculture Service to expand export markets for cranberries and at the Food and Nutrition Service to expand the availability of cranberry products in school food programs through the addition of sweetened, dried cranberries to the Foods Available List. “The cranberry industry is facing an oversupply of berries and since Wisconsin growers produce the majority of the United States' cranberry crop, this is a top concern in our state,” said Tom Lochner, Executive Director of Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. “We are grateful to Senator Baldwin and the rest of the cranberry caucus for their efforts to support the cranberry industry in Wisconsin and nationwide.” “Cranberry products play an important role helping Americans meet their recommended daily fruit intake and this purchase will directly support family farms,” said Randy Papadellis, CEO of Ocean Spray. “We are very appreciative of Senator Baldwin’s efforts along with the entire Cranberry Caucus in helping our government understand the significance of these purchases to our industry.” Wisconsin’s cranberry industry is an important part of Wisconsin’s agricultural sector and overall economy. According to a 2014 report from the University of California – Davis, the cranberry industry in Wisconsin provides $936 million in economic impact to the state each year, and nearly 4,000 jobs in Wisconsin.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205204921/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-baldwin-leads-bipartisan-support-for-wisconsin-cranberry-growers-,Senator Baldwin Leads Bipartisan Support for Wisconsin Cranberry Growers,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senator Baldwin Leads Bipartisan Support for Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Co-Chair of Congressional Cranberry Caucus Calls on USDA to Support Wisconsin Industry Friday, November 21, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a strong supporter of Wisconsin’s agriculture economy and co-chair of the Congressional Cranberry Caucus, this week led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, advocating for Wisconsin cranberry growers. “Wisconsin produces more cranberries than any other state. In a state that depends on agriculture to support hundreds of thousands of jobs and communities small and large, it’s essential that we provide our growers with the tools and resources they need to continue to succeed,” said Baldwin. “And that means supporting them when the markets are tough. I will continue to advocate for efforts that strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture industry and grow our rural economies.” The letter asks USDA to consider a purchase of cranberries to mitigate the impact of a cranberry oversupply on growers at no cost to the taxpayer. The program is funded through customs receipts and the products purchased are provided to food pantries, which distribute the products to families in need. In addition, the cranberry industry has also worked with agency staff the Foreign Agriculture Service to expand export markets for cranberries and at the Food and Nutrition Service to expand the availability of cranberry products in school food programs through the addition of sweetened, dried cranberries to the Foods Available List. The letter can be found online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1185,Executive Action on Immigration is Vital,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Matt Pommer     Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mary Burke said she would accept federal funding for expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin — something that puts her at odds with Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s approach to implementation of the Affordable Care Act.   Walker’s approach, approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature, removes 92,000 people from Wisconsin’s version of Medicaid, the federal and state program of health care for the poor and disabled.   Those losing their coverage are eligible to buy individual health insurance through the marketplace under Obamacare. That act provides for total federal payment of expanded Medicaid costs for three years and 90 percent in following years.   Walker said he had doubts the federal government would pay for that approach in future years. He also expressed concern about citizens becoming dependent on such programs.   Walker rejected a state-government-operated market place, leaving implementation to the federal government. That, too, could become an issue in the gubernatorial race.   Late last month Citizen Action of Wisconsin, a liberal group, said there are “vast differences” between the individual market place rates in Wisconsin and those in Minnesota, where state government is operating the program.   The group said Wisconsin marketplace premiums for single coverage will average 79 to 99 percent higher than premiums in Minnesota before federal tax subsidies are applied. Compared to Minnesota, the rates are 136 percent higher in La Crosse, 116 percent higher in Eau Claire and 112 percent higher in Milwaukee.   U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, said Minnesota and Wisconsin have long had similar health care systems and costs. She said the report questions whether Walker’s approach is best for Wisconsin.   “I encourage the governor to rethink his strategy and begin to work in the best interests of those he represents,” said Moore.   Walker’s rejection of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid has interesting political twists. Americans for Prosperity, a political operation associated with billionaires Charles and David Koch, is opposed to expansion of Medicaid programs across the country.   Americans for Prosperity could be an important group in Walker’s apparent national political ambitions.   Wisconsin historically has lagged behind most states in obtaining federal money, but that was largely due to the lack of large military bases in the state. As election days have approached, there usually has been criticism that the party in power hasn’t done enough to get federal money for Wisconsin.   The complaints seem to have had little impact, perhaps because the so-called failure has had little clear evidence. But Walker’s rejection of federal dollars for Medicaid is clearly visible. Early in his administration, Walker rejected federal money for high-speed rail improvements from Milwaukee to Madison and in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.   The national media is focusing on the implementation difficulties of the Affordable Care Act. That’s likely to continue into the new year. Reporters in Wisconsin will be examining how the 92,000 people removed from Wisconsin’s Medicaid program have fared with Walker’s approach.   In the interim, the State Republican Party is encouraging reporters to ask Burke about Walker’s union-busting efforts in 2011, and whether she would seek to overturn the law. Republicans seem to think it’s a better topic than federal money for Wisconsin.   Matt Pommer, a retired reporter for The Capital Times, writes a column distributed by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-on-president-obama-s-immigration-executive-order,Pocan Statement on President Obamas Immigration Executive Order,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) tonight issued the following statement on the President’s executive actions to protect nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States:   “I am proud the President has followed through on his promise to address our nation’s broken immigration system,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “However, I would have preferred Congress debate and pass the Senate’s bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill.“    “The President is using his constitutional authority to make much needed progress on this important issue while House Republicans continue to allow our broken immigration system to fester,” Rep. Pocan said. “Congress still needs to act to permanently fix our nation’s immigration laws. Speaker Boehner and Congressional Republicans must come to the negotiation table to reach a comprehensive and long-lasting solution.“    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2341,Executive Action on Immigration is Vital,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Executive Action on Immigration is Vital f t # e Washington, DC, November 20, 2014 As we move ahead, I look forward to working with President Obama and my congressional colleagues in pursing a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will finally fix this outdated system. Democrats are up to the task. I look to my Republican counterparts to set aside the rhetoric and join us. share: f t Washington, D.C. In response to President Obama's national address regardingexecutive action on immigration, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: ""I fully support President Obama in his pursuit to address our painfully dysfunctional immigration system. Such efforts demonstrate the President's unwavering commitment in cultivating a more compassionate and just society. ""While Republicans continue to suggest government shutdowns and impeachment hearings, I would like to remind them that the President is acting well within his legal executive authority, the same authority employed by every President since Eisenhower, including five Republican Presidents. Despite partisan attempts to instill panic and anger into this critical debate, I have faith that the American public will see past these fear tactics and appreciate the commonsense approach outlined by the President. As we move ahead, I look forward to working with President Obama and my congressional colleagues in pursing a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will finally fix this outdated system. Democrats are up to the task. I look to my Republican counterparts to set aside the rhetoric and join us."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205204932/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senators-baldwin-and-portman-introduce-bipartisan_critical-care-assessment-and-improvement-act-of-2014,U.S. Senators Baldwin and Portman Introduce Bipartisan Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2014,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Baldwin and Portman Introduce Bipartisan Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2014 Legislation Will Help Drive Future Preparedness and Improved Health Care for the Critically Ill Thursday, November 20, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today introduced bipartisan legislation, the Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2014, which calls for a comprehensive evaluation of America’s critical care system with the goal of driving policies that will maximize current federal resources to improve health outcomes for patients in our nation’s intensive care units and to ensure we are prepared for future health emergencies. According to the Society of Critical Care Medicine, each year, five million Americans are admitted into medical, surgical, pediatric or neo-natal intensive care units (ICUs), with the majority of these ICUs operating at or near capacity to take care of these patients every day. The care provided in the ICU is highly specialized and complex due to the extreme severity of illness of the patients, often involving multiple disease processes in different organ systems at the same time. Moreover, providers of critical care require specialized training because the care delivered in the ICU is technology-intensive and the outcomes have life or death consequences. Nearly 80 percent of all Americans will experience a critical care injury or illness in their lifetime, either as a patient, family member, or friend of a patient. Care in our nation’s ICUs represents 17 percent of all hospital costs, or approximately $121 billion annually. “With an aging America and the need to be better prepared for health threats and emergencies, now more than ever it is essential that we address the challenges to our critical care system to ensure that America has a robust critical care infrastructure to appropriately care for these patients in the future,” Senator Baldwin said, “The federal government lacks a national critical care strategy, resulting in uncoordinated efforts that may jeopardize the nation’s ability to effectively and efficiently care for the growing elderly population, the seriously ill, or patients with infectious disease.” “Lack of coordination on a national critical care strategy may jeopardize the nation’s ability to effectively and efficiently care for the growing elderly population or the seriously ill,” Portman stated. “I’m pleased to introduce this commonsense legislation that will help ensure our health system is ready to treat those patients who are in need of extraordinary care.” Despite the significant role critical care medicine plays in providing high quality health care and its impact on health care costs, there is currently an absence of federal policy addressing critical care issues especially in the areas of infrastructure and workforce, research, delivery of care and preparedness. The bipartisan Baldwin-Portman legislation would assess the state of critical care in the United States; create a research agenda at the National Institutes of Health; assess the critical care workforce capacity; and improve the quality and efficiency of critical care delivery. “This bill recognizes the unique challenges to critically ill patients and their providers. It also sets the stage for policymakers to engage federal stakeholders in a collaborative effort to better support and organize  critical care research, facilitate the development of new treatments to improve outcomes for critically ill patients, and address dangerous shortages of trained critical care personnel, said Dr. Jeffrey Grossman, Chairman Emeritus, The Roundtable on Critical Care Policy; Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, “This legislation would address many of the concerns about today’s critical care system, and would ultimately enhance the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care to these patients.” Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2014 Assessing the State of Critical Care in the United States The bipartisan Baldwin-Portman legislation would authorize the Institute of Medicine (IOM), to conduct an analysis of the current state of critical care health services in the United States and to develop recommendations to bolster critical care capabilities to meet future demand.  This provision is modeled after a previous IOM project that examined the Future of Emergency Care, which resulted in a series of consensus policy recommendations to strengthen the emergency and trauma care system—many of which have subsequently been enacted into law. The bill would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and update the Health Resources and Services Administration’s 2006 study on critical care workforce shortages and expand the analysis to include other critical care providers, such as nurses, who play a key role in the delivery of ICU care. As Congress seeks to address health workforce challenges, it is vital that they have the most up-to-date data on the critical care workforce. Creating a Research Agenda at the National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leader in supporting and disseminating critical care research. Yet, as a country, there is disproportionally little research in critical care medicine. This may be due to the multidisciplinary nature of the field, therefore resulting in the scattering of critical care-related projects throughout the 27 Institutes and across the federal government, ultimately limiting the progress of research. The Baldwin-Portman legislation creates a Critical Care Coordinating Working Group within NIH that would coordinate the collection and analysis of critical care research and identify gaps in such research, as well as strengthen partnerships within NIH and between NIH and other public and private entities to expand collaborative, cross cutting research. Members of the Working Group will include representatives from throughout the NIH and the Departments of Health and Human Services whose missions include critical care medicine, including the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Nursing Research, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Institute of Minority Health.  The NIH recently demonstrated the importance and efficiencies that come from increased coordination by establishing an Office of Emergency Care Research, which will serve as hub for basic, clinical and translational emergency care research and training across NIH.  The Working Group would be modeled after this office. Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Critical Care The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) was created to facilitate health system improvements to ensure better health care, better health and reduced costs for beneficiaries. Despite the prevalence and impact of critical care on the health care system, CMMI has supported few projects aimed at improving the delivery of critical care.  In fact, between 2010 and 2012 CMMI distributed approximately $3.667 billion in demonstration funding, less than 1% of which went to critical care or ICU focused projects. The Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to authorize a CMMI demonstration program that aims to improve the quality and efficiency of care provided to the critically ill and injured patients receiving treatment in ICUs or other areas of acute care hospitals. The Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act is supported by a number of organizations in Wisconsin, Ohio and around the country, including: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Gundersen Health System, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Case Management Society of America (CMSA), Children's National Health System, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Healthcare Leadership Council, Ikaria, Inc., Institute of Social Medicine & Community Health, The Leapfrog Group, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, The Roundtable on Critical Care Policy, Trauma Center Association of America, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Center for Healthy Security. A letter of support from these groups is available online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205204939/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/wisconsin-senators-applaud-confirmation-of-judge-pam-pepper-to-the-eastern-district-of-wisconsin,Wisconsin Senators Applaud Confirmation of Judge Pam Pepper to the Eastern District of Wisconsin,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Wisconsin Senators Applaud Confirmation of Judge Pam Pepper to the Eastern District of Wisconsin Thursday, November 20, 2014 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin made the following statements on the U.S. Senate vote to confirm Pamela Pepper to the Eastern District of Wisconsin: Sen. Johnson said, “I appreciate all the hard work of those serving on our federal nominating commission, and I thank my colleague, Sen. Baldwin, for working with me on creating a successful bipartisan process that has now resulted in two new, well-qualified jurists in Wisconsin. Pamela Pepper’s intellectual curiosity, compassion and faithful adherence to the rule of law will serve the nation and the people of Wisconsin’s eastern district well.” “Addressing vacant federal judgeships in Wisconsin has been a top priority for me since I was sworn in to the Senate,” said U.S. Senator Baldwin.  “I am proud to have worked with Senator Johnson to put in place a nonpartisan Federal Nominating Commission and a process for moving judicial nominations forward because the people of Wisconsin deserve to have experienced and qualified judges working for them. Pamela Pepper has had a distinguished career as a judge, federal prosecutor, public defender and attorney in private practice. She will be an outstanding U.S. Federal District Judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.” Judge Pepper’s Senate confirmation comes after James D. Peterson was confirmed by the Senate in May to a federal judgeship in the Western District of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Federal Nominating Commission, established by Senators Johnson and Baldwin, is currently reviewing applications for a vacancy on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit that resulted from Judge Terrance T. Evans taking senior status in 2010; Judge Evans passed away in 2011.  The six-person Commission, charged with making recommendations for vacancies in federal judgeships and U.S. attorney positions in Wisconsin, was established by the Senators on April 17, 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205204951/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/editorial-dont-reduce-funding-for-rural-hospitals,Editorial: Don't Reduce Funding for Rural Hospitals,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Editorial: Don't Reduce Funding for Rural Hospitals By:  Press-Gazette Editorial Board Thursday, November 20, 2014 A group of 27 U.S. senators has written to President Barack Obama urging him to keep in mind the valuable role of the Critical Access Hospital program as he prepares his fiscal year 2016 budget. In particular, the senators, including Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, are worried about reducing payment to these facilities and removing from the program some that are within a certain distance of other hospitals. ""Proposals to reduce Medicare reimbursements for CAHs and to arbitrarily rescind CAH designation for some hospitals would be detrimental to the access and delivery of high quality care in rural America,"" the wrote. We agree with the senators' sentiment because we believe these rural hospitals play an important role in their communities, both medically and economically. If this sounds familiar, it's because it is. Just over a year ago we urged Congress to defeat a similar proposal. There are 58 critical access hospitals in Wisconsin. Each one has 25 or fewer beds and serves a rural community. In Northeastern Wisconsin, these facilities include St. Clare Memorial Hospital (formerly Community Memorial Hospital) in Oconto Falls and Bellin Health Oconto Hospital and Clinic in Oconto. Each faces challenges in accessibility, lack of health care providers, and a growing number of underinsured residents, according to the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. These hospitals rely on federal aid, as it accounts for 60 percent of their revenue. Meanwhile, the money saved by changing the Critical Access Hospital designation would be a pittance — ""about 100th of 1 percent of 10-year Medicare spending,"" according to the senator's letter. We're all for saving money in Medicare, but not at the expense of health care for those who live outside of urban areas. Closing a rural hospital would force patients to travel farther for care. These rural hospitals, though small, focus on primary care and treating chronic diseases. They can handle 80 percent of the health care needs of their patients, said Steven Brenton, president of the Wisconsin Hospital Association. But funding cutbacks would result in the closure of about a third of the state's rural hospitals, he said. Not only do the hospitals provide needed care, but they are an important part of their communities, often providing the best jobs in town. Each critical access hospital contributes 265 jobs to the local economy, the WHA says. Today is National Rural Health Day and it should serve as a reminder of the funding threat these valuable facilities face with each budget. More importantly, though, it should serve as a reminder to the valuable service they provide. Let's hope the president and Congress get the message. National Rural Health Day CAH PROGRAM The Critical Access Hospital program was enacted by Congress in 1997 to prevent the closure of hundreds of rural hospitals across the country, which, due to their small size and care for disproportionately older, sicker and poorer patients, couldn't not financially survive under Medicare's traditional payment system. — Wisconsin Hospital Association On the Net • National Rural Health Day: celebratepowerofrural.org • Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative: www.rwhc.com",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205205000/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-votes-to-move-bipartisan-usa-freedom-act-forward,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Votes to Move Bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act Forward,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Votes to Move Bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act Forward Legislation to Rein In Warrantless Surveillance of Americans Blocked in the Senate Thursday, November 20, 2014 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin this week voted to move to debate on S. 2685, the USA FREEDOM Act, legislation that would place important limits on intelligence agencies and better protect Americans’ privacy rights. On Tuesday, Republicans in the Senate voted to block the legislation from advancing, by a vote of 58-42.     “The version of the USA FREEDOM Act before the Senate this week would have made important progress in reining in abuses by intelligence agencies and protecting Americans’ privacy rights. I also believe that legislation could have been strengthened further, and I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues prevented us from even debating it. More than a decade ago, I opposed the USA PATRIOT Act because I believed it would open the door to government overreach. Since then, we have seen that secret, domestic surveillance programs at the National Security Agency have crossed the line. While it does not address every issue, the USA FREEDOM Act is a bipartisan solution – supported by the Administration, civil rights and civil liberties groups, and Internet companies – which would both strengthen our counterterrorism efforts and respect the civil liberties and freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.” The USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 ends the bulk collection of Americans’ private records, provides intelligence agencies authority to collect phone records in a targeted manner, and requires greater transparency regarding surveillance activities. The bipartisan legislation revised the version of the USA FREEDOM Act approved by the House of Representatives in May, by closing numerous loopholes that would allow continued abuses. Senator Baldwin is a cosponsor of the original Senate version of the USA FREEDOM Act, S. 1599.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-elected-progressive-caucus-1st-vice-chair,Pocan Elected Progressive Caucus 1st Vice Chair,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today was elected, by his colleagues, as the 1st Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). The 1st Vice Chair responsibilities include new member recruitment to expand the Caucus and taking a lead on crafting the progressive message for 2015.  In addition to serving on the CPC Executive Committee, the 1st Vice Chair will also lead CPC meetings in the absence of the Co-Chairs.  “I am humbled and honored to be selected by my colleagues in the CPC for this leadership position,” said Representative Mark Pocan. “I particularly want to thank Co-Chairs Reps. Keith Ellison and Raul Grijalva for their support and confidence in my leadership abilities. As a small business owner, union member and lifelong advocate for progressive causes I look forward to bringing my unique experience from both the private and public sector to ensure the CPC continues to be a bold voice for progressive values.” “What is clear is the American people want their elected representatives to have an open and honest conversation about the problems facing this country,” continued Representative Mark Pocan. “With this opportunity I want to help the CPC set a clear and united progressive agenda to get Washington talking about the issues our constituents are talking about.” In his first term in Congress Rep. Pocan took an active role in the Congressional Progressive Caucus, including leading the CPC’s weekly special order hour, acting as a liason between outside groups and the Caucus through meet-and-greet breakfasts, and representing the CPC in rallies and events across the nation. Additionally, Pocan was named the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ 2013 “Newcomer of the Year.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205205009/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-leads-bipartisan-support-for-rural-hospitals,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Leads Bipartisan Support For Rural Hospitals,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Leads Bipartisan Support For Rural Hospitals 27 Senators Send Letter to Obama Administration to Oppose Proposal that Weakens Critical Access Hospitals Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today led a bipartisan group of 27 Senators, with Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), in support of rural hospitals and the value they provide to communities across the country. In a letter to President Obama, Senator Baldwin and 26 other Senators express their opposition to provisions that the President has included in previous budget requests that propose to cut Medicare reimbursement levels for and reduce access to rural hospitals. The letter urges the President to exclude these harmful proposals and to protect rural hospitals in his Fiscal Year 2016 budget. The President’s FY 2015 budget proposes reducing Medicare reimbursement levels for “Critical Access Hospital’s” (CAH) and removes the “critical access” designation for any hospital within 10 miles of another hospital. “I am deeply concerned by this proposal from the Obama Administration. If enacted, these policies would compromise access to health care and weaken rural economies in Wisconsin and across the country. I fear that these proposals could even force many rural Wisconsin hospitals to shut their doors—causing a ripple effect on our economy and leaving many without access to care,” Baldwin said. “Critical Access Hospitals play a vital role providing access to medical services, as well as economic security and jobs to rural communities. That is why I am leading a bipartisan effort to stand up for rural hospitals, their patients, and the local economies they help support.” In the letter, the bipartisan group writes, “Critical Access Hospitals play a vital role in rural communities across the nation by providing access to primary health, emergency and acute care services as well as economic security to employees by offering quality jobs. Proposals to reduce Medicare reimbursement for CAHs and to arbitrarily rescind CAH designation for some hospitals would be detrimental to the access and delivery of high quality care in rural America.” “The Wisconsin Hospital Association greatly appreciates Senator Baldwin’s efforts on behalf of rural Wisconsin hospitals,” said Steve Brenton, President, Wisconsin Hospital Association. “Rural and Critical Access Hospitals provide essential access to care across much of our state and the nation. We are grateful for those in Congress who continue to stand up for our rural providers against ill-advised policy proposals.”  ""Rural Wisconsin hospitals are very appreciative of the Senators for their efforts in opposing unnecessary and arbitrary efforts by the Administration that would jeopardize rural access to critical health services,” said Tim Size, Executive Director of the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative. “Wisconsin has a number of Critical Access Hospitals that would likely be affected be the Administration's plans. These hospitals are critical in the services they provide to their communities and deserve our county's support."" U.S. Senators representing 19 states joined Baldwin in signing the letter. They include: Mike Crapo (R-ID), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Patty Murray (D-WA), James Inhofe (R-OK), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), John Isakson (R-GA), David Vitter (R-LA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), James Risch (R-ID), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Al Franken (D-MN), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Boozman (R-AR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI). An online version of the full, signed letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205205017/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-group-of-women-senators-call-on-federal-health-leaders-to-prioritize-combating-womens-heart-disease,Bipartisan Group of Women Senators Call on Federal Health Leaders to Prioritize Combating Women’s Heart Disease,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Group of Women Senators Call on Federal Health Leaders to Prioritize Combating Women’s Heart Disease In letters to HHS, CDC and NIH leaders, Senators call for greater focus combating heart disease as number one killer of women Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) today joined U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and a bipartisan group of Senate women including U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) in announcing that they have called on federal health leaders to prioritize combating heart disease, which is the number one killer of women in America. “Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined and, since 1984, more women than men have died from heart disease. Yet, for the last 50 years, women’s heart treatment has largely been based on medical research on men – often to negative results,” the Senators wrote. “Every minute, a woman dies from heart disease. We cannot let another year pass with 400,000 more women dying because these disparities are not addressed. While not enough is being done to recognize the differences and appropriately treat heart disease in women, we believe that your leadership could have a huge impact on combating women’s cardiovascular disease.” In a letter (available here) to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Sylvia Burwell, Senators Mikulski, Stabenow, Feinstein, Boxer, Murray, Landrieu, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Baldwin and Hirono call on the agency to examine existing HHS programs in an effort to determine if more resources can be directed toward women’s cardiovascular disease. Joined by Senator Ayotte in letters (available here and here) to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Thomas Frieden and Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Francis Collins, the Senators called on these agencies to ensure women’s heart health is a greater focus in health education, science, and research. “Fighting for women’s health has been one of my life-long priorities. For far too long, women did not believe heart disease was their disease,” said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “When I first came to the Senate, women’s health wasn’t a national priority. We’ve changed that paradigm but we’re not done yet. I continue to fight for women to get the preventive care and treatment they need to live healthy lives. We must raise awareness, raise consciousness, and raise hell so that women are not left behind when it comes to their health.” “Unfortunately, a majority of women and even some doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms, diagnoses, and dangers of heart disease in women,” said Senator Stabenow. “When we help educate women and their doctors, create more opportunities for women to get screenings, and get more money for research, we can fight this disease and save lives.” “It is past time to level the playing field when it comes to treatments for women’s health and to fill the gaps in scientific research about diseases that affect women, like heart disease,” Senator Baldwin said. “We must continue to prioritize women’s health studies, prevention and education efforts to ensure that all women have what they need to live a healthy life.” The Senate women’s outreach coincides with the launch of Fight the Ladykiller, a campaign to raise awareness, encourage action and drive new research to fight women’s heart disease. The campaign is an effort of the newly formed Women’s Heart Alliance, founded by Barbra Streisand and Ronald O. Perelman and two of America’s leading medical institutions – the Barbara Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “At a time when 1 in 3 women in the U.S. dies from heart disease, it is critical that we prioritize funding for screening, treatment, and research that will raise awareness and save lives,” said Senator Patty Murray. “The warning signs for cardiovascular diseases are often different for women than for men, and we must ensure women across the country have the information they need on prevention and treatment.” “Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in America. And it especially affects women in my home state. I always encourage women in Louisiana and across our country to get regular check-ups and to make heart healthy choices,” said Senator Landrieu. “Our health leaders must engage in vigorous research of heart disease in women. I am proud to be joined by women on both sides of the aisle to advocate for a renewed focus on this issue to help save the lives of women across our country.” “We have a responsibility to do everything we can to fight a disease that claims more lives of women in America than any other cause,” Senator Gillibrand said. “We owe it to women in America to make sure they have access to the screenings and the care they need. I urge HHS to analyze their current programs to make sure doctors, clinics and researchers are sufficiently armed with the resources they need to reach out and treat more women, and save lives.” “Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S., but we still don’t know enough about how certain risk factors can impact women differently than men nor how symptoms unique to women can help assist with early detection,” said Senator Ayotte. “By calling on the NIH and CDC to prioritize women’s heart health, including placing a focus on more representative research, we can encourage greater awareness of women’s cardiovascular health and promote more screenings that can help save women’s lives.” “Heart disease manifests itself differently in men and women but is the number one leading cause of death for both, nationally and in Hawaii. Not enough research and education has been done on how to diagnose and treat women. Change must occur to ensure that our mothers, friends, daughters, and sisters have a fighting chance against this deadly disease,” said Senator Hirono.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-house-passes-rep-ron-kinds-duck-stamp-legislation-protect-american,U.S. House Passes Rep. Ron Kind's Duck Stamp Legislation to Protect American Wetlands,2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014, a bipartisan bill authored by Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI) and John Fleming (R-LA). The bill will increase funding for wetland conservation by adjusting the cost of duck stamps purchased by hunters nationwide. Hunters, collectors and outdoor enthusiasts who purchase duck stamps play a vital role in protecting our wetlands here in Wisconsin and across the country said Rep. Kind. By updating the program to better meet our conservation needs, we are sharing in this investment so that future generations can continue to enjoy this vital habitat. The sale and distribution of federal duck stamps help fund the conservation of waterfowl habitat across the country. But the cost of a duck stamp has not been changed since 1991, while the need to protect wildlife habitat continues to increase. This legislation adjusts the cost of a duck stamp to $25. Approximately 98 cents out of every dollar raised by ducks stamps are spent on wetland conservation. Since 1934, more than 120 million federal duck stamps have been sold nationwide. With the sale of these stamps, more than $800 million has been collected and deposited into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. This funding has been used to purchase or lease over 5.3 million acres of vital wetlands and essential waterfowl habitat that have been incorporated within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Federal Duck Stamp Act is supported by numerous conservation organizations including Ducks Unlimited and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205210707/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-stands-up-for-working-families-supports-child-care-and-development-block-grant-ccbdg-act-that-benefits-34000-wisconsin-kids-every-month,"Baldwin Stands up for Working Families, Supports Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCBDG) Act that Benefits 34,000 Wisconsin Kids Every Month",2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Baldwin Stands up for Working Families, Supports Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCBDG) Act that Benefits 34,000 Wisconsin Kids Every Month Monday, November 17, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today voted to support reauthorization of the Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCBDG) Act, a federal grant program that provides child care subsidies for low-income and working families. This reauthorization was approved by the Senate HELP Committee, on which Baldwin sits, in September 2013. The bill passed the U.S. Senate today 88-1 and will now go to the President to be signed into law. “In America, we know that a quality education and a fair shot at work is the strongest path to the middle class and economic security. I’m proud that today, we took an important bipartisan action to help create that path,” said Senator Baldwin. “For many families in this country, quality, affordable child care is a challenge that they struggle with every morning. Reauthorization of the Child Care & Development Block Grant Act provides support to working families across Wisconsin and America.” The bipartisan CCDBG was first signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 to assist working families with the cost of child care. It is the primary federal grant program providing child care assistance for low-income families and supporting child care quality initiatives. States use the grants to help low-income families gain access to child care and after school programs. Today, many parents are in the workforce – including over 70 percent of mothers. Access to quality and affordable child care is essential in order for working families to secure and retain employment, particularly for low-income families. In Wisconsin, the cost of child care for an infant is approximately 40 percent of a single mother’s median income. Two-parent families can expect to spend more than 10 percent of their income on child care. Further, in Wisconsin, nearly a third of children receiving CCDBG funding are under the age of three, making this a sound investment in those crucial early years of a child’s life. Currently, CCDBG benefits more than 34,000 Wisconsin children every month. The bipartisan CCDBG Act of 2014 would reauthorize, reform, and revitalize the CCDBG program by placing a greater emphasis on quality child care programs and strengthen federal safety standards. Specifically, the legislation modifies existing law for several key areas including: Requiring comprehensive background checks. Strengthening health and safety standards. Inspecting child care programs before issuing licenses. Increasing awareness and transparency for families. Promoting continuity and stability of care for children and their families. Improving program quality through emphasis of prioritizing access to high quality care. For more information on the Child Care & Development Block Grant Act of 2014, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141113190816/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-joins-bipartisan-effort-to-help-with-development-of-ebola-treatments,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Effort to Help with Development of Ebola Treatments,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Effort to Help with Development of Ebola Treatments Thursday, November 13, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee has joined several of her HELP Committee colleagues in introducing legislation to incentivize the development of treatments and vaccines for Ebola by adding the disease to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) priority review voucher program, an initiative designed to help speed the development of new drugs for neglected tropical diseases. Currently Ebola is not listed as a qualifying tropical disease. The bill, introduced by HELP Chairman Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Lamar Alexander (R-TN) would add Ebola as a qualifying disease under the FDA priority review voucher program. “I’m proud to support bipartisan legislation to strengthen our response to Ebola and help researchers develop new treatments and vaccines for those who need them,” said Senator Baldwin.  “This is an important step as we continue to fight this deadly epidemic in West Africa and keep America safe from a larger public health threat.” The bill would add Ebola to FDA’s priority review voucher program, which Congress first authorized in 2007 to promote the development of new treatments and vaccines for neglected tropical diseases. Under the program, a developer of a treatment for a qualifying tropical disease receives a voucher for FDA priority review to be used with a second product of its choice, or this voucher can be sold.  However, because Ebola is not considered a qualifying disease under current law, developers of Ebola treatments and vaccines currently do not qualify for the program. This bill would change that and immediately add Ebola to the program – a step that would add another tool to help fight Ebola. The bill also makes changes to improve the functioning of the program and allow FDA to respond more efficiently to infectious disease ‎threats in the future. In addition to Senators Harkin, Alexander and Baldwin, cosponsors of the bill include Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Al Franken (D-MN), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tim Scott (R-SC), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-veterans-day,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Veterans Day,2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.11.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Veterans Day Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement today on Veterans Day: “This Veterans Day, let us join together as a community to pay tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed to protect and defend the American freedoms that we all cherish. Our Veterans across our state and country have lived the values we pay tribute to on Veterans Day - duty, honor, and service. It is that sense of service - both as soldiers and as members of our community - that inspires us today. Service that defines the humble Wisconsin values we share, service that defines our proud American values. “Wisconsin is home to nearly 400,000 veterans. These brave men and women in uniform have made great sacrifices on our behalf. I believe we have a shared responsibility to ensure that when they return home, they have access to the care they need and the benefits they’ve earned and deserve. Now more than ever, with troops having recently returned home from two long wars, we must never forget that every soldier makes a sacrifice that they bring home as a veteran. “Our veterans have done more for our country than anyone could ever expect so they need to know that their service is an inspiration every citizen in Wisconsin. And they need to know that we are standing with them, always. So this Veterans Day, and every day, let us remember we have a shared responsibility to keep our promise to our veterans, wounded warriors, and our military families.  We all have a role to play. So let us commit ourselves to ensuring that no veteran or military family is left alone to deal with the sacrifice, struggle and challenges they face. Let us all do our part to serve those who have served us and the great nation we are blessed to call home.” Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1184,Gwen Moore on the Passing of Annette Polly Williams,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Matt Pommer     Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mary Burke said she would accept federal funding for expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin — something that puts her at odds with Republican Gov. Scott Walker's approach to implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act.   Walker's approach, approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature, removes 92,000 people from Wisconsin's version of Medicaid — the federal/state program of health care for the poor and disabled.   Those losing their coverage are eligible to buy individual health insurance through the marketplace under Obamacare. That act provides for total federal payment of expanded Medicaid costs for three years and 90 percent in following years.   Walker said he had doubts the federal government would pay for that approach in future years. He also expressed concern about citizens becoming dependent on such programs.   Walker rejected a state-government-operated market place, leaving implementation to the federal government. That, too, could become an issue in the gubernatorial race.   Late last month Citizen Action of Wisconsin, a liberal group, said there are ""vast differences"" between the individual market place rates in Wisconsin and those in Minnesota (where state government is operating the program).   The group said Wisconsin marketplace premiums for single coverage will average 79 to 99 percent higher than premiums in Minnesota before federal tax subsidies are applied. Compared to Minnesota, the rates are 136 percent higher in LaCrosse, 116 percent higher in Eau Claire and 112 percent higher in Milwaukee.   U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, said Minnesota and Wisconsin have long had similar health-care systems and costs. She said the report questions whether Walker's approach is best for Wisconsin.   ""I encourage the governor to rethink his strategy and begin to work in the best interests of those he represents,"" said Moore.   Walker's rejection of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid aid has interesting political twists. Americans for Prosperity, a political operation associated with billionaires Charles and David Koch, is opposed to expansion of Medicaid programs across the country.   Americans for Prosperity could be an important group in Walker's apparent national political ambitions.   Wisconsin historically has lagged behind most states in obtaining federal money, but that was largely due to the lack of large military bases in the state. As election days have approached, there usually has been criticism that the party in power hasn't done enough to get federal money for Wisconsin.   The complaints seem to have had little impact, perhaps because the so-called failure has had little clear evidence. But Walker's rejection of federal dollars for Medicaid is clearly visible. Early in his administration Walker rejected federal money for high-speed rail improvements from Milwaukee to Madison and in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.   The national media is focusing on the implementation difficulties of the Affordable Health Care Act. That's likely to continue into the new year. Reporters in Wisconsin will be examining how the 92,000 persons removed from Wisconsin's Medicaid program have fared with Walker's approach.   In the interim, the State Republican Party is encouraging reporters to ask Burke about Walker's union-busting efforts in 2011 and whether she would seek to overturn the law. Republicans seem to think it's a better topic than federal money for Wisconsin.     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2127,Gwen Moore on the Passing of Annette Polly Williams,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"I knew Polly not only as a colleague and mentor, but as a cherished friend. Polly, however powerful, perfected the servant leader' model. She inspired me and other legislators across Wisconsin, demonstrating honest leadership through service. As an example, she prepared meals for bereaved families stricken by tragedy and provided her entire community for the annual free holiday feast. She was an example not only to those who wished to serve, but also to all who shared her eagerness to make a difference in their community. share: f t Washington, DC -- In recognition of the passing of Annette Polly Williams, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: ""Annette Polly Williams was a political powerhouse in Wisconsin and in the nation, leaving behind a proud, historic legacy of public service. She was fiercely independent, a free thinker whose determination was only matched by her compassion and concern for her constituents. I knew Polly not only as a colleague and mentor, but as a cherished friend. Polly, however powerful, perfected the servant leader' model. She inspired me and other legislators across Wisconsin, demonstrating honest leadership through service. As an example, she prepared meals for bereaved families stricken by tragedy and provided her entire community for the annual free holiday feast. She was an example not only to those who wished to serve, but also to all who shared her eagerness to make a difference in their community. Thank you, our beloved Polly,' for leaving us with your eternal flame of service that will continue to ignite us as we work with renewed fervor to serve the people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141111190102/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/tammy-urges-president-obama-to-level-playing-field-for-wisconsin-manufacturing-in-international-trade-agreements,Tammy Urges President Obama to Level Playing Field for Wisconsin Manufacturing in International Trade Agreements,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, November 10, 2014 Tammy Urges President Obama to Level Playing Field for Wisconsin Manufacturing in International Trade Agreements Tammy sent a letter to President Obama prior to his trip to China this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. She advocated for Wisconsin manufacturing and promoted a level playing field for American businesses and workers, highlighting four policy priorities: addressing currency manipulation, protecting intellectual property, preserving ‘Buy American’ requirements in trade agreements and supporting enforcement on unfair trade practices. A copy of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/sen-baldwin-wants-emergency-plan-for-propane-shortages,Sen. Baldwin Wants Emergency Plan for Propane Shortages,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.14 Sen. Baldwin Wants Emergency Plan for Propane Shortages U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is asking the administration to make a better plan in case of another propane crisis. Baldwin, along with Minnesota’s Senator Al Franken, has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy, saying emergency protocols need to be in place should propane supplies get squeezed like they did last year. “We want to make sure that there’s a plan of action, were a propane shortage or crisis to occur again.  And it really has to do with developing clear actions that need to be taken by various federal agencies, in response to news of a shortage.”  Baldwin says some steps have already been taken, like improving data collection that keeps tabs on propane supplies. But she says more should be done, like outlining what criteria will signal a crisis, and what steps different agencies will take. “We just want to make sure that what happened last year – that was so frightening to the quarter million Wisconsites that heat their homes with propane, and the many small businesses that do the same –we want peace of mind that there’s an action plan at the ready.” Last year prices skyrocketed as high as six dollars a gallon, leaving many customers unable to fill their tanks. Propane supplies are expected to be more stable this year, with a new propane terminal opening up in west-central Wisconsin, and many customers buying fuel earlier.  By:  Natalie Jablonski Source: WXPR Northwoods Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-net-neutrality,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Net Neutrality,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Net Neutrality Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement today on President Obama’s announcement regarding net neutrality. “Net neutrality is a principle that is at the heart of an open, accessible and free Internet. We cannot allow Internet service providers to create an uneven playing field in the online marketplace for services and ideas. We also must ensure that the Internet does not become a two-tiered system, with fast lanes for some and slow lanes for others. That is why I support President Obama’s call for the FCC to implement strong and sustainable open internet rules that protect net neutrality using Title II authority with appropriate forbearance.” Print Email Tweet Next Press Release Previous Press Release",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-ron-kind-and-jim-sensenbrenner-join-president-white-house-ceremony,Reps. Ron Kind and Jim Sensenbrenner Join President at White House Ceremony Awarding Lt. Alonzo Cushing the Medal of Honor,2014-11-06,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) released the following statements after joining President Obama at a White House ceremony today, where Wisconsin native Lt. Alonzo Cushing was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Battle of Gettysburg. Also attending the event was Margaret Zerwekh of Delafield, WI, a leader in the effort to honor Lt. Cushing. It's never too late to do the right thing, and it's been a great honor to be a part of Lt. Alonzo Cushing's story, said Rep. Kind. Making today's ceremony particularly special was the presence of Wisconsin's own Margaret Zerwekh, Lt. Cushing's first advocate who reached out to my old boss, Senator William Proxmire, to begin the process that brought us to the White House today. As the President said, this would not have been possible without her. Without Margaret's persistence, Lt. Alonzo Cushing would not have been honored today for his heroics during the Civil War, said Rep. Sensenbrenner. I commend her for her tireless determination and have enjoyed working with her to ensure Lt. Cushing is properly recognized. It was a privilege to join Margaret at the White House ceremony. Full video of the ceremony can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141107104919/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-franken-urge-administration-to-implement-response-plan-to-mitigate-future-propane-supply-shortages,"Baldwin, Franken Urge Administration to Implement Response Plan to Mitigate Future Propane Supply Shortages",2014-11-06,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Baldwin, Franken Urge Administration to Implement Response Plan to Mitigate Future Propane Supply Shortages Last Winter’s Shortage Left Rural Midwest Consumers with Sky-High Prices, Limited Supplies Thursday, November 6, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) have sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Earnest Moniz urging the Administration to do more to prevent another propane crisis this year. The Administration has taken some steps recommended by Baldwin and Franken to avoid a repeat of last year’s propane crisis, including the collection of more data to better determine supply levels, but more can be done to implement a new emergency response system for heating fuel supply shortages. The Senators write, “We understand that the Department of Energy is in the process of developing a coordinated emergency response plan with the Department of Agriculture, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Health and Human Services.  While we are encouraged that this planning is underway, additional steps are needed to establish a comprehensive response mechanism and we strongly urge you to complete this plan before winter begins.  As you continue developing this plan, we request that you: •Establish clear criteria that would trigger federal emergency response actions during—and prior to—a propane supply crisis, and •Develop a list of actions that could be taken by each federal department and agency in response to a crisis, and •Provide guidance and information to state and local governments regarding available federal resources, including distributing the list of actions that each federal department and agency can take.” A copy of the letter can be found here. In July, Baldwin and Franken joined Senator Rob Portman (R-OR) to introduce the Propane Supply and Security Act, which will prevent shortages by improving propane supply and price information, coordinating responses to shortages, studying the need for regional propane reserves, and helping farmers purchase propane storage tanks. You can read a summary of the Propane Supply and Security Act here. Last winter, Baldwin led the charge to alleviate the propane shortage. She urged the Administration to investigate the crisis, pressed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to use emergency authority to prioritize propane shipments to the Midwest to provide relief for families and businesses impacted by the shortage, and joined Senator Franken to cosponsor legislation to extend the hours-of-service exemption, making it easier for suppliers to transport propane to Wisconsin. Baldwin also helped Wisconsin families struggling to heat their homes receive much-needed heating assistance. In May, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, on which Baldwin and Franken sit, held a hearing to probe the factors that led to the tight propane supplies this past winter and to ensure that steps are taken to prevent similar shortages in the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1183,Domestic Violence Awareness Month,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Alexa Ardis      With the end of funding from the 2009 stimulus bill, a new report revealed 47 million Americans using food stamps will have less money per month to buy meals.   Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps, gives assistance in buying groceries for low-income individuals and families throughout the United States, according to the United States Department of Agriculture website.   “The upcoming cuts to SNAP benefits will be significant and have far-reaching impacts on low-income individuals and families,” the report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said. “They will likely increase hardship for the more than 47 million Americans who rely upon SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs.”   The report adds Congress is “unlikely” to pass legislation to blunt the effects of the cut, but the existing levels of benefits are considered to be inadequate by some experts.   However, Regan Hopper, acting director of public affairs at the DOA’s Food and Nutrition Service, said SNAP benefits are not ending, and in fact, this change is not as drastic as many think.   “SNAP benefits are reducing,” Hopper said, “but they’re basically just being restored back to the original level of benefits before the ARRA bill took place.”   The ARRA, also known as the stimulus bill of 2009, was a temporary set of measures intended to stimulate the economy that has reached its expiration date, Hopper said.   Hopper added the Food and Nutrition Service has and will continue to provide resources such as recipes, guides to buying on a budget and other helpful links to SNAP participants.   Regardless, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, expressed concern about the effects of the cut, as well as more potential SNAP reductions in the future.   “Right here in Wisconsin, this reduction will impact over 800,000 individuals who receive FoodShare,” Moore said. “A caseload that includes mostly children, the elderly and those with disabilities.”   This loss of benefits is essentially taking away 21 meals per month for a family of four, Moore said. She added food pantries may face an increase in clientele because of the large number of families affected by the reduction.   Moore added any additional cuts, like those anticipated during the finishing of the new farm bill, would cause even more problems.   U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, addressed the issue in a statement Friday.   “These types of cuts, just like the $40 billion food stamp cuts proposed by my House Republican colleagues, make millions of Americans more hungry while hurting our economy and further slowing our recovery,” Pocan said in the statement. “I urge my colleagues to join our efforts to preserve food assistance funding for those who need it most.”   Both Moore and Pocan signed on as co-sponsors on the “Extend Not Cut SNAP Benefits Act,” aiming to delay the end of increased benefits. The bill was referred to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee last week.   Tamarine Cornelius, a research analyst at the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, addressed the council’s efforts concerning the SNAP benefit reductions.   “The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would result in some additional, very drastic cuts, about $40 billion over the next ten years,” Cornelius said. “So the effort has been mostly on not piggybacking those additional cuts on what’s already happening.”     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2026,Domestic Violence Awareness Month,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Every week this month, our office has posted resources, links, and stories about the struggle faced by those whose lives have been effected by this reprehensible practice. We've highlighted the complexities in our legal justice system, underscored the shocking statistics of intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community, and promoted the noble work of our local businesses in raising money for critical domestic violence education programs. Washington, D.C. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: ""Domestic Violence Awareness Month is time for all Americans to unite in support of those who have been victimized through partner abuse, exploitation, and aggression. Domestic violence doesn't discriminate; it impacts the lives of every American, regardless of party affiliation, economic, or social distinctions. ""Every week this month, our office has posted resources, links, and stories about the struggle faced by those whose lives have been effected by this reprehensible practice. We've highlighted the complexities in our legal justice system, underscored the shocking statistics of intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community, and promoted the noble work of our local businesses in raising money for critical domestic violence education programs. ""As we conclude Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to educate and mobilize our communities in putting an end to this affront to human rights."" If you or a loved one is in crisis, please use the resources provided below: Asha Family Services, Inc. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-875-1511 crisis 414-671-6140 After hrs. Women's Crisis Line 414-875-1511 business http://www.ashafamilyservices.org Latina Resource Center - UMOS Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-389-6510 www.umos.org Daystar, Inc Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-385-0334 www.daystarinc.org Hmong American Women's Association Milwaukee, Wisconsin 877-740-4292 toll-free crisis 414-342-0858 business Milwaukee LGBT Community Center Antiviolence Project Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-271-2656 www.mkelgbt.org/anti-violence-program Milwaukee Women's Center/Community Advocates, Inc. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-671-6140 crisis 414-449-4777 business 414.671.1440 TTY www.mwcinc.org South East Asian Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - HAFA Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-322-9522 crisis 888-345-5898 toll-free 414-344-6575 business www.hmongamer.org ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-ron-kind-and-jim-sensenbrenner-attend-white-house-ceremony-honoring,Reps. Ron Kind and Jim Sensenbrenner to Attend White House Ceremony Honoring Wisconsin Native Lt. Alonzo Cushing for Civil War Heroism,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), leaders of the Congressional effort to award Lt. Alonzo Cushing with a posthumous Medal of Honor, will attend a White House ceremony on November 6th to pay tribute to this Wisconsin-born Civil War hero. Lt. Cushing played a key role in securing a victory for the Union in the Battle of Gettysburg. It's been a long and challenging journey to get Lt. Cushing the recognition he deserves, but as I always say,it's never too late to do the right thing for our war heroes, said Rep. Kind. It will be a tremendous honor to join with the President, military leaders, and some of Lt. Cushing's descendants to witness this occasion 151 years after Lt. Cushing bravely gave his life at the Battle of Gettysburg. Before going off to fight, Lt. Cushing reportedly told a cousin that, while he knew he was unlikely to return, he would make a name for himself in the war. One-hundred and fifty-one years after he stared down General Pickett's charge, I am thrilled to join Lt. Cushing's family and esteemed guests at the White House to honor the sacrifice that secured his place in history, said Rep. Sensenbrenner. This award culminates tireless efforts by constituents who recognized Lt. Cushing's bravery and more than two decades of bipartisan work in Congress. A native of Delafield, WI, Alonzo Cushing's actions on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg helped turn the tide during Pickett's Charge. Three days into the battle on July 3, 1863, Cushing and the 110 men under his command received the full force of Confederate artillery and Pickett's Charge of 13,000 infantry. Over the course of just a few hours, all of his officers had been killed and Cushing himself was badly injured. Continuing to fight, he sustained two more wounds before succumbing to his wounds on the field of battle. The legislation passed by Congress made it possible to waive the requirement that recommendations for the Medal of Honor be made within two years of the heroic action, and awarded within three years. Lt. Cushing's medal can now be awarded, having received the recommendation of the Department of Defense and the approval of the President. Earlier this year, Reps. Sensenbrenner and Kind sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagelrequesting his prompt attention to Lt. Cushing's record.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/tammy-stands-up-for-wisconsin-paper-company,Tammy Stands Up for Wisconsin Paper Company,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, October 30, 2014 Tammy Stands Up for Wisconsin Paper Company Tammy delivered testimony this morning at a hearing of the International Trade Commission (ITC) on behalf of a Wisconsin paper company, Appvion of Appleton. The purpose of her attendance at the hearing was to highlight the importance of the paper industry in Wisconsin and to address an important trade matter that impacts Appvion, a pulp and paper mill that manufactures and sells coated paper products world-wide and employs 1,644 employees in Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania. ""Senator Baldwin was among the first to support our fight for a level playing field on which to compete when we began the process in 2007. We appreciate the Senator's strong and ongoing efforts to protect Wisconsin manufacturing jobs by ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace,"" said Mark Richards, CEO Appvion. The Appleton-based paper company was a petitioner in a 2008 antidumping investigation on imports of lightweight thermal paper from China and Germany. As a result of the investigation, antidumping duties were imposed on imports from Germany and China and countervailing duties were imposed on imports from China. Antidumping duties are put in place for five years.  After the initial five-year period, the Department of Commerce and the ITC review the duties and determine if revoking them would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping, and to what extent the domestic marketplace would be harmed.  In February, the U.S. Department of Commerce found that dumping by German and Chinese thermal paper producers would likely continue if the duties were revoked. Today, the ITC heard testimony about how the domestic marketplace is impacted by dumped imports.  “In Wisconsin, we have one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, supporting a large share of our workforce and exporting goods all over America and the world. Wisconsinites work hard and play by the rules. Whether it’s making paper products, diesel engines or navy ships, when Wisconsin manufacturers compete on a level playing field, more often than not, they win,” Tammy said, “Appvion and their employees have played by the rules of international trade and have done quite well. However, they are under constant threat from foreign companies that play by a different set of rules and quite frankly, companies that cheat” Tammy’s testimony from this morning’s hearing can be found here.   In May, Tammy testified before the International Trade Commission on behalf of Wisconsin stainless pipe manufacturer, Felker Brothers of Marshfield, in a pending anti-dumping investigation.   Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-testifies-before-international-trade-commission-on-behalf-of-wisconsin-manufacturer,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Testifies Before International Trade Commission on Behalf of Wisconsin Manufacturer,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.30.14 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Testifies Before International Trade Commission on Behalf of Wisconsin Manufacturer Baldwin Works to Even the Playing Field for Appleton Paper Company Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin delivered testimony this morning at a hearing of the International Trade Commission (ITC) on behalf of a Wisconsin paper company, Appvion of Appleton. The purpose of Baldwin’s attendance at the hearing was to highlight the importance of the paper industry in Wisconsin and to address an important trade matter that impacts Appvion, a pulp and paper mill that manufactures and sells coated paper products world-wide and employs 1,644 employees in Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania. ""Senator Baldwin was among the first to support our fight for a level playing field on which to compete when we began the process in 2007. We appreciate the Senator's strong and ongoing efforts to protect Wisconsin manufacturing jobs by ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace,"" said Mark Richards, CEO Appvion. The Appleton-based paper company was a petitioner in a 2008 antidumping investigation on imports of lightweight thermal paper from China and Germany. As a result of the investigation, antidumping duties were imposed on imports from Germany and China and countervailing duties were imposed on imports from China. Antidumping duties are put in place for five years.  After the initial five-year period, the Department of Commerce and the ITC review the duties and determine if revoking them would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping, and to what extent the domestic marketplace would be harmed.  In February, the U.S. Department of Commerce found that dumping by German and Chinese thermal paper producers would likely continue if the duties were revoked. Today, the ITC heard testimony about how the domestic marketplace is impacted by dumped imports.  “In Wisconsin, we have one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, supporting a large share of our workforce and exporting goods all over America and the world. Wisconsinites work hard and play by the rules. Whether it’s making paper products, diesel engines or navy ships, when Wisconsin manufacturers compete on a level playing field, more often than not, they win,” Senator Baldwin said, “Appvion and their employees have played by the rules of international trade and have done quite well. However, they are under constant threat from foreign companies that play by a different set of rules and quite frankly, companies that cheat” In May, Baldwin testified before the International Trade Commission on behalf of Wisconsin stainless pipe manufacturer, Felker Brothers of Marshfield, in a pending anti-dumping investigation.   Senator Baldwin’s testimony from today’s ITC hearing is included below. Good morning.  Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Commission on a matter of great importance to Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, we have one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, supporting a large share of our workforce and exporting goods all over America and the world.  Wisconsinites work hard and play by the rules. Whether it’s making paper products, diesel engines or navy ships, when Wisconsin manufacturers compete on a level playing field, more often than not, they win. As you no doubt know, paper making is part of Wisconsin’s manufacturing backbone and has a long and cherished tradition in my home state.  Appleton, Wisconsin, where Appvion, the petitioner in this case, is headquartered, has long been at the center of this industry.  Appvion is a great American company, and is employee owned.  Appvion is strongly represented and well served by its United Steel Worker employees. In fact, one of these union members will be here later today to testify and many more across Wisconsin and the United States are following these proceedings. These workers are very concerned about this decision and so am I.  Appvion and their employees have played by the rules of international trade and have done quite well. However, they are under constant threat from foreign companies that play by a different set of rules and quite frankly, companies that cheat. I am here today to ask that the antidumping orders on Lightweight Thermal Paper from China and Germany, and the countervailing duty order on Lightweight Thermal Paper from China, be allowed to continue.  The underlying issues in this case have been blurred by a persistent pattern of fraud engaged in by one of the respondents, Koehler, based in Germany.  I understand that this is not a mere allegation, but that there have been two findings of fraud by the United States government in final determinations.  Allowing foreign suppliers unrestricted access to our open market, while they are knowingly defrauding the U.S. government by dumping undervalued products in our markets, is unconscionable.  In doing so, not only have they lied to gain a competitive advantage in our open market, but they have done so at the expense of American manufacturers and workers.  This kind of conduct cannot be permitted and must be taken into account in your considerations.  It shows to what lengths Koehler will go to continue to illegally dump in the United States. The United States paper industry has suffered financial losses and lost thousands of jobs as a result of persistent patterns of unfair trade across all segments of the industry. Appvion in particular had to fight an uphill battle to keep their prices competitive when Chinese and German companies began to sell their paper in the Unites States at subsidized prices. As we all know, consumers typically shop for the best bargains, so Appvion’s sales and revenue were threatened when Koehler dumped their products on the market.  Appvion is a key employer and economic contributor in Wisconsin, supporting thousands of jobs. Yet if foreign producers can cheat and sell in our market through fraud, deception and unfair trade, its future and the future of its workers will be in great jeopardy. As Mark Richards, the CEO of Appvion, said in his testimony before this panel in 2008, “This unfair competition has deprived all domestic producers of lightweight thermal paper of sales revenue and driven down prices…The unfair trade practices of foreign manufacturers have negatively impacted the U.S. lightweight thermal paper market outlook and damaged our business.” We cannot allow these conditions to return to this vital part of the Wisconsin and the American economy.         You have the ability to make a real difference for American workers and producers in this case. There can be no reason to allow unfair trade to take a further toll on this industry. I strongly urge you to keep the orders on the books and request that you keep me informed as these proceedings move forward.   Thank you for your time and for your careful consideration of this case.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1181,Lawmakers to DOJ: Stop Voter Confusion and Vigilantism,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Mike Lowe   MILWAUKEE (WITI) — On Capitol Hill on Wednesday, October 30th, amid the uproar over health care, Milwaukee Congresswoman Gwen Moore wanted to return the focus to gun control — and the brother of one of the victims in the Azana Salon & Spa shooting was on hand.   “Keep the heat on Congress to do something. I can tell you we’ve got to do it at the federal level, because our patchwork of state laws fail to keep the country safe as a whole. If common sense were common, we’d have passed this background check legislation. I have legislation that we have finalized and I am ready to drop, too,” Rep. Moore said.   Rep. Moore is introducing a bill that would provide a way for law enforcement to take guns away from domestic violence threats once a restraining order is in place.   “Zina’s perpetrator was prohibited from having a gun and he got a gun through a loophole.  There are other loopholes. What if you already own a gun?  There’s no sheriff collecting that gun immediately, and temporarily until that domestic violence order is lifted — taking that gun from you,” Rep. Moore said.   In the audience Wednesday was Elvin Daniel — the brother of Zina Daniel, one of three killed by Radcliffe Haughton in a shooting at the Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield last October.   “(Haughton) couldn’t pass a background check. Couldn’t get a gun. So, he went on Armslist.com with an urgent message: ‘gotta have a gun, gotta have a gun right now.’ People say that ‘common sense legislation’ is just to have a background check, so we close loopholes,” Rep. Moore said.   “We need sensible gun laws in place,” Daniel said.   Daniel is a gun owner and NRA member pushing for background checks and supporting Rep. Moore’s proposal.   “There’s loopholes that allow people who shouldn’t own guns to go on the internet and different web sites and gun shows and purchase guns without even showing an ID — much less going through a background check.  I think those loopholes need to be closed,” Daniel said.   Gun control faces an uphill battle in Congress. U.S. Senator Ron Johnson spoke out against it in January.   “The fact is when you look at the history of gun control, it hasn’t worked. From my standpoint freedom comes first,” Sen. Johnson said.   “I keep saying, Zina’s not here to speak for herself, so we’re going to speak for her for as long as I can until we pass sensible gun laws to save other lives — to prevent other families from going through what I’m going through,” Daniel said.   According to top federal crime statistics, on average, 46 women are shot to death every month in acts of domestic violence.     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1999,Lawmakers to DOJ: Stop Voter Confusion and Vigilantism,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"As you know, there have been several major changes in the past month regarding Wisconsin's voter ID law (Act 23). Many election officials and voters have expressed confusion about the state of the voter ID requirements, and we are extremely concerned that Wisconsinites may be unfairly denied the right to cast their ballots. We write this letter to request election monitors and any other resources the Department of Justice can provide to oversee the elections in Wisconsin, especially in light of calls for individuals to challenge eligible voters at the polls. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to concerns over voter confusion and potential vigilantism in the upcoming Wisconsin election, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03) wrote the following letter to the Department of Justice requesting resources and election monitors: Dear Attorney General Holder and Acting Assistant Attorney General Gupta, As you know, there have been several major changes in the past month regarding Wisconsin's voter ID law (Act 23). Many election officials and voters have expressed confusion about the state of the voter ID requirements, and we are extremely concerned that Wisconsinites may be unfairly denied the right to cast their ballots. We write this letter to request election monitors and any other resources the Department of Justice can provide to oversee the elections in Wisconsin, especially in light of calls for individuals to challenge eligible voters at the polls. In April of this year, Judge Adelman, a U.S. District Court judge, enjoined Act 23, finding that 300,000 Wisconsinites likely lacked the proper form of identification needed and that the law disproportionately burdened African Americans and Latinos. Despite these concerning findings, the United States Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit recklessly lifted Judge Adelman's injunction on September 12th. Subsequently, the Government Accountability Board (GAB) announced that Act 23 would be enforced for the first time since March of 2012, with a little over a month and a half before the elections. The United States Supreme Court has since granted an emergency request to stay the Seventh Circuit's decision, effectively eliminating the voter ID requirements for the November 4th election. While we are pleased the Court decided to temporarily block this onerous law, we are concerned that widespread confusion regarding the law prevails. The decision to block this law came after a critical period where the Government Accountability Board (GAB) and others within the state informed voters of the new requirements. Immediately following the Seventh Circuit's ruling to lift the injunction on the voter ID law, the Government Accountability Board revealed that over 11,000 absentee voters had already received absentee ballots without voter ID instructions, and that extraordinary efforts would be undertaken to inform these voters of a new requirement that a photocopy of identification would be required before their ballot was counted. Throughout this string of federal court actions, many of these voters and other Wisconsinites have likely received conflicting information about the election requirements. Going forward, it is imperative that the Department of Justice help to ensure that clear and accurate information is disseminated from now until Election Day. Additionally, we are deeply concerned about a news report that Milwaukee County Election Commissioner Rick Baas recently urged a crowd of volunteers to exercise vigilantism for voter fraud and challenge voters who are suspected of improperly voting. As you know, there is scant evidence that in-person voter fraud exists in Wisconsin or throughout the country. Such in-person challenges are likely to be used improperly, and they would dissuade voters from exercising their right to vote. Simply stated, intimidation at our polls is unacceptable and we must do everything in our power to ensure unfettered access to the polls. We ask that the Department of Justice monitor and document any such cases and take any necessary actions. Thank you for your commitment to voting rights in the state of Wisconsin, and I hope we can work together to ensure a fair and transparent election. Sincerely, Gwen Moore MEMBER OF CONGRESS Tammy Baldwin UNITED STATES SENATOR Mark Pocan MEMBER OF CONGRESS Ron Kind MEMBER OF CONGRESS CC: Chris Herren, Chief, Voting Section, Civil Rights Division, US Department of Justice ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024002114/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/national-breast-cancer-awareness-month-its-time-to-take-control-of-your-health,National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: It's Time to Take Control of Your Health,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Today at 4:12 PM National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: It's Time to Take Control of Your Health To raise awareness for breast cancer, Tammy is encouraging women to empower themselves with the knowledge to make health care decisions that work for them and their families -  and take advantage of the free preventive health care and cancer screenings available to them. To see the blog she wrote for Women’s Health, click here. This October, as we join together to raise awareness for breast cancer, it’s important that we take the time to celebrate the progress we have made on women’s health. Because of the Affordable Care Act, American women are now empowered with more choices and stronger health coverage. And thanks to the health law’s new protections, women are realizing the benefits of health security for the first time, and they are no longer discriminated against by insurance companies simply because they are a woman. Today, someone’s mother can get a lifesaving mammogram without the fear of high medical bills. And, someone’s sister can take advantage of a cervical cancer screening without worrying how to pay for it. This is important because we know early detection and prompt treatment of cancer is vital to saving lives and increasing survivorship rates. Women who couldn’t afford to buy birth control now have a guaranteed benefit available with no out-of-pocket cost. This part of the law has already saved women an estimated $483.3 million in out-of-pocket costs in 2013 alone. Also, women now have guaranteed maternity coverage, a benefit that many individual health plans did not include before this historic law was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. While some politicians continue their calls for repeal of these critical reforms, it is important that we work together to protect these gains for women and their families.  We also need to do more to strengthen the health security of women. That is why I am working to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This bipartisan program provides cancer screenings to low-income, uninsured, and under-insured women across America by making investments in states to partner with non-profit groups and local health clinics that coordinate and deliver life-saving screenings to women in need. These screenings include clinical breast exams, mammograms, pap tests, HPV tests, pelvic exams, and referrals for treatment. Since its inception in 1991, this program has provided nearly 11 million screening exams for breast and cervical cancer—including five million mammograms—to underserved women. All women should have access to the most current breast and cervical cancer detection services. That’s why I’ll continue my work in the U.S. Senate to make sure women have access to the critical care they need to maintain their health. But we all have a role to play to engage, educate, and empower our friends, family, and neighbors. We can all do or part to raise awareness about breast cancer and advance women’s health. Not just this month, but every day. Know the facts, and empower yourself with the knowledge to make the health-care decisions that work for you and your family. Early detection tests for breast and cervical cancer save thousands of lives each year—but many more lives could be saved if more women took full advantage of these tests. Share this information with your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, and the other women in your life. And take advantage of the free preventive cancer screenings that are so essential to your health. Let us join together as one community and renew our commitment to healthy women—because healthy women lead to healthy families, and healthy families lead to healthy communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024002022/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/senator-tammy-baldwin-visits-bad-river-and-red-cliff-reservations,Senator Tammy Baldwin visits Bad River and Red Cliff Reservations,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senator Tammy Baldwin visits Bad River and Red Cliff Reservations Economic and education issues on agenda in visits By:  Rick Olivo Wednesday, October 22, 2014 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin made stops in Ashland and Bayfield County Tuesday, visiting the Bad River and Red Cliff Indian Reservations. In Bad River, Baldwin visited the tribal head start operation and the human services offices before meeting with Bad River Tribal Chairman Mike Wiggins and members of the Tribal Council. In Red Cliff, she met with Chairwoman Rose Soulier and participated in a driving tour of the reservation, which included a tour of the Red Cliff Community Health Clinic. In his presentation to Baldwin, Wiggins spoke against the development of the Gogebic Taconite (GTAC) iron mine in Ashland and Iron County. He charged that Gogebic Taconite owner Chris Cline has a pattern of mine development at the expense of local communities. “They say that company knowingly reintroduced arsenic-laden tailings into the aquifer of Seville,” he said, asserting that the current president of GTAC has been indicted in Spain. He identified Cline with the legend of the Wendigo, a malevolent, demonic half-beast of Native American legend. He also spoke against the development of a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFOS) proposed for Bayfield County, which he said was a part of a class of development that could “leave Main Streets and towns just devastated, and we don’t want that.” He contrasted those proposals with food expansions involving Memorial Medical Center, Northland College and the Chequamegon Food Cooperative. “They have committed to 30 percent buying local,” he said, noting that the Alliance for Sustainability has asserted that the area was actually 189 growers short. “The spirit that is driving that local movement is not apples to apples with those CAFOs,” he said. “The people do not want that.” Baldwin said her visit to Bad River and Red Cliff was “a wonderful opportunity” for her. “I regret previously that I’ve just driven through U.S. Highway 2,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to speak with the chairman on a couple of occasions, but this was a really great opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of tribal services, their focus on early childhood education, future generations, thinking forward.” Baldwin said the real goal of the visits was to build relationships with tribal officials. “I hope to be in my role for a long time, and I hope that Chairman Wiggins will also be in his role for a long time,” she said. “As a sovereign nation within the State of Wisconsin, I hope that we can build a long and complementary relationship.” Baldwin said she viewed one of the key interactions in her job involving Wiggins’ concerns involved the Environmental Protection Agency. “We don’t have an application from any companies yet,” she said of the Penokee Hills mine. “But everyone predicts there will be one forthcoming and I have tried to impress upon the EPA that they need to deepen their knowledge of the Lake Superior basin watershed in particular, because we really need that knowledge to advocate for its protection.” Baldwin observed that to date, the questions concerning the Gogebic Taconite issue have been largely state issues. “One of the things that I have taken great note of in recent months has been that in many ways the state’s rewriting of their mining laws to give short shrift to some of the very vital issues being studied has in a way backfired on them,” she said. “The Army Corps of Engineers has said that typically in states they like to work hand-in-hand with the State DNR, but because they have so shortened the review, they are going to have to start their activities when they are done. So in a way, the state legislature may have elongated the process when they were trying to shorten it.” Baldwin noted that there were a number of federal angles to the GTAC mining plans, including the Army Corps, EPA and agencies involved in wildlife habitat protections, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “They have an obligation to protect treaty rights and tribal traditions and culture,” she said. Baldwin said she was concerned about an issue of economic development raised by Wiggins, that of broadband connectivity. “In the Congress recently, we reauthorized the farm bill, and in it there are provisions that allow for greater support of connectivity,” she said. “We would like to see those grants deployed quickly and fairly. I understand the chairman’s strong points about what happens to a community that isn’t connected. They are behind in terms of opportunity for economic development but also for building community and opportunity.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024002117/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/if-you-lost-badgercare-plus-sign-up-for-special-enrollment-health-care-coverage-by-november-2,"If you Lost BadgerCare Plus, Sign up for Special Enrollment Health Care Coverage by November 2",2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Wednesday, October 22, 2014 If you Lost BadgerCare Plus, Sign up for Special Enrollment Health Care Coverage by November 2 Did you or did someone you know lose BadgerCare Plus coverage? If so, you could be eligible to enroll in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace and receive the coverage you need. If you were kicked out of the BadgerCare program by Governor Walker and don’t have health care coverage, you still have time to enroll in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace for coverage this year. The last day for special enrollment is November 2nd. Call the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 or TTY 1-855-889-4325 to enroll before November 2nd. Governor Walker’s decision to kick approximately 63,000 Wisconsinites out of BadgerCare has resulted in a gap in coverage for many our friends and neighbors. But this special enrollment period will provide Wisconsinites the health insurance they need and deserve. Help get the word out. Call the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 or TTY 1-855-889-4325 to enroll for health insurance before the November 2nd deadline.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/walker-fails-to-apply-for-federal-education-grant,Walker Fails to Apply for Federal Education Grant,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"MADISON— Last week, Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) sent a letter, with Reps. Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Ron Kind (WI-03), urging Governor Walker to apply for a Preschool Development Expansion Grant. Unfortunately, Governor Scott Walker failed to submit an application before Wednesday’s deadline depriving Wisconsin of up to $60 million for preschool programs. Since taking office in 2010, Governor Walker has turned down or ignored federal grant opportunities to expand Medicaid for 87,000 Wisconsinites, to expand high speed internet service for schools, to build a high speed rail system between Madison and Milwaukee, and refused to increase the amount of heating assistance given to people in poverty resulting in cuts to Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  “I’m very disappointed Scott Walker has put Tea Party politics ahead of doing his job as Governor,” Rep. Pocan said. “Playing political games with these federal grant opportunities, while neglecting our infrastructure, ignoring our most vulnerable citizens and running up a projected $1.9 billion deficit is inexcusable. Too many people from Wisconsin are being left behind as Walker prioritizes his higher ambitions.” Gov. Walker has failed to take advantage of the following federal grant opportunities:  Preschool Development Expansion Grant Wisconsin was one of 36 states invited to apply for a share of $250 million in grants directed to help states develop and expand high-quality preschool programs for children from low- and moderate-income levels. Governor Walker missed the deadline of October 15 to apply for this grant. The Preschool Development Expansion Grant will award selected states with up to 15 million dollars a year for a period of 4 years. Medicaid Expansion In February of 2013, Walker turned down federal money to expand Medicaid in the state of Wisconsin. The expansion would apply to those who earn up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or $15,282. Broadband Expansion Walker returned $23 million to the federal government in 2011. This money could have been used to expand high-speed internet service in schools, libraries, and government agencies. High-speed Rail Project In 2010, governor-elect Walker turned away $810 million in federal stimulus money aimed at creating a high-speed train system between Milwaukee and Madison. It’s estimated that ending the project cost the state as many as 13,719 jobs. Food-stamp Increase Recently, Wisconsin ended a program that allowed residents access to increased food assistance paid for by the federal government through ""heat-and-eat"" programs. As a result of the states’ decision not to increase the amount of heating assistance given to people in poverty, Wisconsin will see cuts in federal Supplemental Nutrition  Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) benefits. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141019194826/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov:80/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-us-response-to-ebola,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on U.S. Response to Ebola,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on U.S. Response to Ebola Friday, October 17, 2014 “The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa demands a global response and while America is providing strong leadership abroad the international community needs to do more to fight this health crisis. “I support continuing strong and enhanced screening at our US International airports to prevent the virus from being carried into the country. “The confirmed cases in the United States have created a great deal of public anxiety which is why we need a more robust and coordinated response to effectively contain and eliminate the risk of this becoming a larger threat. “I have confidence in the CDC’s ability to respond to the virus in the United States but at this time it’s clear that we need to take additional steps to protect Americans here at home. The CDC needs to be working with every hospital in the U.S. to implement Ebola emergency preparedness plans and making sure that our front line health care workers have the education, training, equipment and resources they need to adequately respond to and treat patients with Ebola symptoms. For future cases, we should deploy rapid response teams to work with local hospitals, consider treating patients at our specialized hospitals and biocontainment facilities, and increase our treatment capacity at these national facilities.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024002031/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-holds-roundtable-with-us-forest-service-chief-tom-tidwell-and-northeast-wisconsin-forestry-stakeholders,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Holds Roundtable with U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Northeast Wisconsin Forestry Stakeholders,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Holds Roundtable with U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Northeast Wisconsin Forestry Stakeholders Baldwin and Tidwell Discuss Challenges Facing Wisconsin’s Timber Economy, Tour Public and Private Lands in Northeast Wisconsin Friday, October 17, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin brought U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell to Wisconsin this week for a discussion with local stakeholders in Rhinelander regarding the challenges facing Wisconsin’s timber economy and how to improve management of Wisconsin’s forests. Following the roundtable discussion, Senator Baldwin and Chief Tidwell toured public and private forest lands in Forest County. “Our forests and the timber industry in central and northern Wisconsin are facing a number of challenges. I have listened to their concerns and this is a good opportunity for me to help give them a voice with the head of our U.S. Forest Service,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m pleased that U.S. Forest Service Chief Tidwell accepted my invitation to join me in meeting with Wisconsin stakeholders today and discuss ways for the National Forest Service and local industry to collaborate and manage Wisconsin’s forests more effectively.” Baldwin and Tidwell began the day in Wausau where they met with Paul Strong, Supervisor of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Kathleen Atkinson, Regional Forester for Region 9. Senator Baldwin and Chief Tidwell then visited Rhinelander for a roundtable with forest industry and business representatives, environmental groups, educators and state and county forest officials. At the roundtable, participants shared an update of the current state of Wisconsin’s forest products industry and highlighted opportunities for Wisconsin’s timber industry to collaborate with the National Forest Service to meet shared goals of improving forest management. Participants also highlighted the importance of tools provided through the Farm Bill to meet their forest management objectives. Baldwin fought to include in the Farm Bill tools to help the Forest Service meet its management goals and partner more effectively with states and local stakeholders. These innovative contracting resources can increase the pace and timeliness of timber harvesting while also investing in habitat and forest restoration. At the roundtable, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tidwell announced a new tool for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to help advance the work many stakeholders have put into developing a forest management collaborative. The U.S. Forest Service will send a Collaboration Cadre, a group of experts who will train local agency staff and work with stakeholders to show how collaborative management efforts have increased the effectiveness of forest management and sped up contracting efforts elsewhere in the country. This tool can help reduce delays that slow down work on the national forest. Following the roundtable discussion, Baldwin and Tidwell toured both public and privately managed forests and an active timber site in Forest County. Gordon Connor of Nicolet Hardwoods led the tour of his family-owned, privately managed forest site in Laona, near Nicolet Hardwoods.  At both the national forest and recently-harvested active timber stops, U.S. Forest Service guides discussed management of and plans for the sites. Throughout the tour, Gary Zimmer of the Ruffed Grouse Society discussed sustainable forest management methods for conservation and DJ Aderman of FutureWood provided insight on private and public land management. Following the roundtable discussion, Baldwin and Tidwell toured both public and privately managed forests in Forest County. Gordon Connor of Nicolet Hardwoods led the tour of his family-owned, privately managed forest site in Laona, near Nicolet Hardwoods. At the stop to view national forest lands, U.S. Forest Service guides discussed the factors contributing to management delays. These include lawsuits that have delayed sustainable timber harvesting, and which could be prevented in the future through collaborative forest management. Throughout the tour, Gary Zimmer of the Ruffed Grouse Society discussed sustainable forest management methods for conservation and DJ Aderman of FutureWood provided insight on how the company works with the Forest Service to complete logging and stewardship projects.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017002106/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/baldwin-tidwell-talk-forest-management-in-northwoods,"Baldwin, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tidwell Talk Forest Management in Northwoods",2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Baldwin, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tidwell Talk Forest Management in Northwoods By:  Ken Krall Thursday, October 16, 2014 Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin brought U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell to Rhinelander and Forest county to see if a bridge could be built regarding harvesting trees in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Baldwin and Tidwell listened to a group of northern Wisconsin business representatives, environmental groups, tribal foresters,  hunters, educators, state and county forestry officials. The message was clear from several stakeholders: they need to cut more wood in the Chequamengon-Nicolet National Forest to keep the health of the forest and resurrect a dying economy. Henry Schienebeck from the Rhinelander-based industry group Great Lakes Timber Professionals says loggers costs have gone up, saying access to wood in the national forest is hurting the local economy.. ""....and there has to be a balance there. Quite frankly, with the timber supply that's out there we're afraid of losing the industry out there in this region..."" Wood industry spokespersons say they would like the Chequamegon-Nicolet to allow harvest to its planned goal. Chief Tidwell says a problem is a reduced budget has strained their resources for forest management, especially as there have been large fires to deal with in the west. But more money has been authorized... ""....but it also frees up some space in our budget constraint so we would have some additional resources to be more pro-active around management to improve forest health...."" Many of the stakeholders say they are already working together on a  local collaborative initiative that would find a solution to allow more cutting without damaging sensitive environmental areas.. Senator Baldwin says the idea of better cooperation between all the parties is key... "".....(northern Wisconsin) is still one of the forested areas that has a robust timber products industry adjacent to the forest. Believe it or not, that is not the case in forest across the country. That is why I hope there will be additional emphasis on better management...."" After the meeting at the National Forest headquarters in Rhinelander, Baldwin, Tidwell and the group toured public and private lands, starting at Nicolet Hardwoods in Laona.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1180,Moore Exposes Flaws in Ebola Travel Ban Proposal,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Why the south needs more shelters for LGBT youth.     By Joanne Spataro   I first stepped into my local LGBT youth assistance agency, Time Out Youth, in the fall of 2012. At the time, the non-profit organization had seen a 419 percent increase in homeless LGBT young people in need of temporary shelter in Charlotte, N.C.  I was there to write a story about why this was happening.   I talked with one 23-year-old, partially deaf, transgender man who told me how a staff member found him sleeping in his car and helped him find a place to stay through their host home program. He had to temporarily stay at the Vanlandingham Estate near the TOY office because there is no emergency shelter equipped to fairly accomodate LGBT people in Charlotte.   It’s not even just a problem in my hometown. There are barely any emergency LGBT shelter options in the entire Bible Belt. Per CenterLink, an online database of LGBT centers across the United States, only North Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee provide some kind of emergency services for LGBT youth, even if it is not in the form of a stand-alone shelter. Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky do not even have LGBT centers.   There are no local statistics about the number of homeless LGBT youth in the Carolinas. Typically, surveyors do not ask the sexual orientation of homeless populations in North Carolina. Homeless LGBT youth, which makes up 20-40 percent of the general homeless population in the United States, are still an invisible population in my state. If you consider that San Francisco just started collecting demographic information about the sexual orientation of homeless people for the first time this year, who knows when North Carolina will start compiling that data?   There are a handful of options and partnerships in Charlotte for the LGBT youth who need help, although they are not always ideal. TOY offers temporary home services in the form of a host home program for young people over 18. Volunteers can host a young person based on a set criteria the youth must meet to enter and stay in the program. If there is no shelter space available, those between the ages of 11 and 20, can go to The Relatives, a shelter for all homeless youth with strong ties to TOY. If that is not available, local 24-hour French Bakery Amelie’s buys the youth a coffee, drops them off at 9 p.m., and picks them up at 8 a.m. the next morning to go back to the TOY offices to figure out the next step.   Some youth congregate at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. TOY executive director Rodney Tucker says LGBT youth band together there to avoid physical and verbal harassment in the shelter. For transgender individuals of color, particularly those whose legal gender markers are male but present as female, the Men’s Shelter is one of the few emergency housing options. The National Transgender Discrimination Survey, put together by the National Black Justice Coalition and National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, found that black transgender people, especially those whose gender marker is male when they present as female, have difficult experiences at emergency shelters. From the homeless individuals that tried to access the shelters, 40 percent were denied access altogether, 61 percent experienced harassment and 32 percent were physical assaulted at the shelter.   In the end, wouldn't it be better if there were more stand-alone shelters to help the LGBT young people who simply need to feel welcomed and safe?   One of the rare stand-alone shelters for homeless LGBT people in the South is Lost-n-Found. Rick Westbrook founded it two years ago. To put it in context, a 2012 report estimated there were 900 LGBT homeless youth in Atlanta, but since the shelter's opening, he's helped 253 LGBT young people.   Westbrook's community-funded  shelter houses six LGBT young people at one time. He says 50 percent of the LGBT people who come through the doors are lesbians and lesbian couples. Sixty percent of the homeless LGBT people he serves are African-American. He attributes the high number of African-American LGBT youth to the pressure in conservative churches to remain closeted.   A pending federal bill, if enacted, could add LGBT protections to the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act. Representatives Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore, Wisconsin Democrats, introduced this bill to Congress on August 1. It would require all shelters that receive federal grants to obtain competency skills on how to serve LGBT youth and for the federal government to gather data about homeless LGBT youth. The bill has been waiting for consideration by a House committee since September. While it’s a great stride, it would not help Lost-n-Found and Time Out Youth, and other LGBT emergency shelter services or housing programs, that don't receive federal funding.   I deeply support the addition of more emergency LGBT shelter services in the Bible Belt. I now volunteer at TOY, where I teach creative writing classes to the youth. I want to be there for them in any way I can until the day we get better emergency services in our state and surrounding area. I was lucky to be born to open-minded, loving parents who accepted me. They fed, clothed and housed me so I could graduate from college and start a career. I want the same human dignity for every young member of our community.     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2159,Moore Exposes Flaws in Ebola Travel Ban Proposal,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Understandably, many Americans have grown increasingly worried about the recent confirmed cases of Ebola within our country's borders. This response is certainly reasonable, and I share my constituent's concern, but it is important to ensure that our alarm about this virus doesn't lead to unreasonable and dangerous actions. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to criticism regarding the handling of Ebola cases by local and federal officials within the United States, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement: Understandably, many Americans have grown increasingly worried about the recent confirmed cases of Ebola within our country's borders. This response is certainly reasonable, and I share my constituent's concern, but it is important to ensure that our alarm about this virus doesn't lead to unreasonable and dangerous actions. Dr. Tom Frieden and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are working tirelessly to continue educating the public about transmission risks, safety protocols, and the on-the-ground federal response in a calm, constructive fashion. Unfortunately, many of my congressional colleagues have let their anxiety about this crisis dictate a panicked and perilous tone during a time when we need a cautious yet vigilant discussion. Those like Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) have suggested instituting a travel ban to and from West Africa. This idea may seem like a quick fix but in reality, isolating West Africa will only exacerbate the epidemic in the region. Aside from being impractical, this reactionary strategy will force Ebola patients underground making it nearly impossible to track their movements, hinder the capacity for international healthcare workers to transport and administer critical aid, and erode the continent's fragile economy. If Senator Johnson and his colleagues are looking for a silver bullet to address Ebola, they will be sorely disappointed to learn that such a thing doesn't exist. Those calling for travel bans need to remember that it is paramount for us as elected officials to inform, not inflame. We need to continue to support the CDC in their efforts to quell this threat in a sensible and reasoned manner. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017002111/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-announces-nearly-93-million-in-winter-heat-aid-to-wisconsin,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Nearly $93 Million in Winter Heat Aid to Wisconsin,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Nearly $93 Million in Winter Heat Aid to Wisconsin Wednesday, October 15, 2014 Washington, D.C – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced that Wisconsin has received $92.9 million in heating and home energy assistance funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help those who struggle to heat their homes during the winter months. In 2013, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds were provided to  214,531 Wisconsin households. “As winter approaches in Wisconsin, it’s more important than ever that we do everything we can to keep those in need warm and safe. No one should have to decide between heating their home and putting food on the table or gas in the car,” Baldwin said. “I’m pleased to see that Wisconsin will receive this critical funding to help eligible households in our state afford their energy bills.” Earlier this month, Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of 46 Senators calling on the Obama Administration to release federal heating aid funds in an effort to help millions of Americans who are struggling with their energy bills. The bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell urging her to release LIHEAP funds as quickly and at as high a level as possible. An online version of the letter can be found here. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pocan-to-speak-at-seiu-s-raise-the-wage-rally,Rep. Pocan to Speak at SEIUs Raise the Wage Rally,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"MADISON – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) will speak this evening at SEIU’s Raise the Wage Rally on the State Capitol steps at 5:30 p.m. Rep. Pocan will join with hard-working Wisconsinites to demand Governor Scott Walker raise the minimum wage from $7.25. “The minimum wage is woefully inadequate to help keep hard-working Wisconsinites out of poverty,” said Representative Mark Pocan. “That’s why I’m joining with workers to demand Gov. Walker give them a raise. Raising the minimum wage for 500,000 Wisconsinites would generate $500 million in increased economic activity in our state alone. This is commonsense economic policy, and as a small business owner, I also know it’s good business policy.” On October 6, Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) responded to 100 minimum wage complaints Wisconsin Jobs Now (WJN) delivered on September 24. Despite affidavits from workers across Wisconsin demonstrating it is impossible to live on one job that pays Wisconsin’s $7.25 an hour minimum wage, the DWD “found no reasonable cause to believe that the wages paid to the complainants are not a living wage.” The current minimum wage of $7.25 pays only $14,500 per year. A majority of minimum wage workers are women and the average worker who would get this raise is 35 years old. In 1968, the minimum wage, adjusted for inflation, was the equivalent of $10.74, more than $3 above today’s minimum wage of $7.25. Meanwhile, the top 1% in America has seen their incomes grow by 31% since 2009. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-calls-governor-walker-raise-minimum-wage-wisconsin,Rep. Ron Kind Calls on Governor Walker to Raise the Minimum Wage in Wisconsin,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) is calling on Governor Scott Walker to use the power granted to his office to raise the minimum wage in Wisconsin. Following the formal receipt of petitions from Wisconsinites affected by the low minimum wage, the deadline for the Governor to act is today. People who work full time shouldn't have to live in poverty, said Rep. Kind. And we're not just talking about entry-level jobs or jobs for students. Too many Wisconsin families are struggling to get by on the current minimum wage, and Gov. Walker has the ability to immediately step in and give these working families a hand. He's waited long enough the time for action is now. Wisconsin's governor, unlike those in many other states, has the ability to raise the minimum wage according to state statute. Gov. Walker has received petitions from Wisconsin residents who have been struggling to make ends meet while earning the minimum wage, giving him the ability to take immediate action on their behalf. The law is clear: every worker in our state should earn a living wage. The current minimum wage clearly falls short of that, and every day that Gov. Walker refuses to act puts working families further behind, concluded Rep. Kind. A worker making $7.25 an hour (the federal minimum wage since 2009) earns $15,080 annually. Nationally,the average minimum wage worker is 35 years old and responsible for half of their family's total income. Fully 75% of minimum wage earners are adults trying to make ends meet. Earlier this year, Rep. Kind petitioned Speaker Boehner to allow a vote on increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 over the next two years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017002113/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/in-the-news/baldwin-franken-urge-action-to-force-rail-competition,"Baldwin, Franken Urge Action to Force Rail Competition",2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Baldwin, Franken Urge Action to Force Rail Competition By:  Chris Hubbuch Tuesday, October 14, 2014 In the wake of shipping backlogs that have stranded grain in northern Minnesota and choked coal supplies at Midwestern power plants, U.S. senators from Minnesota and Wisconsin are calling on federal regulators to foster more competition among railroads. Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Al Franken, D-Minn., joined this week with David Vitter, a Republican from Louisiana, in urging the Surface Transportation Board to initiate a rule-making process on a practice known as “competitive switching,” which they said would give shippers more options and better service. Projected record grain and soybean harvests have set the stage for unprecedented disruptions this fall, the senators wrote, which could mean farmers would lose hundreds of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, utilities are entering the winter without adequate coal stores. “Businesses and consumers throughout our economy’s supply chain stand to be negatively affected by these disruptions,” the senators wrote. “Our states’ shippers desperately need this injection of competition into the market to increase the quality of their rail service.” While current law is supposed to allow for competitive switching, Baldwin and Franken say no shippers have been able to take advantage of it, suggesting the current rules need tweaking. Here’s how it would work: If a shipper is served by only one railroad, as is the case in many parts of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, and there is another class 1 railroad with a junction within a “reasonable distance,” the STB could order a rail carrier to switch a customer’s freight to a competitor’s line. This would force competition, said Bruce Carlton, president of the National Industrial Transportation League, a trade group representing freight shippers. “Captive rail shippers are paying a very big premium … because of the lack of competition,” Carlton said. “The railroads — god love them, and we do, because they move a lot of stuff quickly and safely — say we price to the market. What they don’t say is that the market is frequently a monopoly or a duopoly.” The Association of American Railroads opposes the rule change, saying it would increase costs and reduce efficiency, which in turn would lead to postponed maintenance and upgrades. “This proposal is a solution looking for a problem,” President Edward R. Hamberger said in a news release. “Railroads already voluntarily switch traffic when it makes economic sense for all parties.” The question is whether it would benefit Midwestern utilities like Xcel Energy and La Crosse-based Dairyland Power Cooperative, which have struggled this year to get adequate shipments of coal from Wyoming. Dairyland spokeswoman Katie Thomson said that while shipments to its Genoa plant have improved, the coal pile remains below its target level, and shipments to its Alma plant are inadequate to meet a sustained high demand. As a result, Thomson said, Dairyland is considering scheduled shutdowns to ensure it has enough coal for the winter. While Dairyland has not been involved in the competitive switching issue, “we do support in general actions which could result in decreased rail shipment delays,” she said. Xcel earlier this year said the shipping backlog threatened to shutter its 2,500-megawatt Sherco plant, which produces about a quarter of the electricity Xcel delivers in the upper Midwest. Spokesman Brian Elwood said the utility is working with carrier BNSF to improve delivery to Sherco, but supports efforts to raise awareness of this issue. The proposal isn’t going to help anyone this season, as the rule-making process could take up to five years, according to Carlson. “It won’t improve everybody’s situation,” he said, but it has the potential to help. “We see it as potentially beneficial at both ends of the transaction. And the railroads get paid. We don’t see it as a loss.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-on-wisconsin-voter-id-law,Pocan Statement on Wisconsin Voter ID Law,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Madison, WI — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) issued the following statement after the United States Supreme Court blocked Wisconsin’s voter ID law pending an appeal: “I am relieved the Supreme Court has recognized the damage Wisconsin’s Voter ID law could have on our democracy,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “Poorly implementing a bad law would have been the worst possible outcome for Wisconsin voters.  Implementing Voter ID in such a short amount of time would have disenfranchised voters across the state and could have brought the 2014 election results into question.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2042,Moore Hails Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Voter ID Law,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"This decision by the Supreme Court is one that should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of political affiliation. This is truly a victory for the good people of Wisconsin and our shared democratic ideals. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to block implementation of Wisconsin's discriminatory voter ID law, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement: I welcome this Supreme Court ruling and the strong message it sends to all who think they can manipulate our voting laws just because they disagree with what we have to say. Those who trample on our civil liberties with impunity in pursuit of political supremacy forget that this nation was built on the principle that we all are created equal.' These unjust laws have nothing to do with stopping the manufactured threat of voter fraud and everything to do with making it harder for more eligible voters to register and vote. Equal participation in our democracy is vital to our civilized way of life. Politicians and elected officials who are passing these discriminatory laws are focused on defeating their opponents, not voter fraud. This decision by the Supreme Court is one that should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of political affiliation. This is truly a victory for the good people of Wisconsin and our shared democratic ideals. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010000257/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-franken-and-vitter-call-for-surface-transportation-board-to-increase-freight-rail-competitiveness-and-improve-service-,"Baldwin, Franken and Vitter Call for Surface Transportation Board to Increase Freight Rail Competitiveness and Improve Service",2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Baldwin, Franken and Vitter Call for Surface Transportation Board to Increase Freight Rail Competitiveness and Improve Service Action would Address Challenges Faced by Local Shippers in Getting Goods to Market, Increase Efficiency and Reliability of Rail Shipping Thursday, October 9, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), together with her colleagues Al Franken (D-MN) and David Vitter (R-LA) have sent a bipartisan letter to Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman, Daniel Elliott III, calling for reforms that would increase competition and responsiveness from the railroad industry.  The bipartisan group of Senators gave voice to the concern and frustration of a broad coalition of freight rail shippers in their states that are facing serious service problems due to the inconsistency and lack of options to ship goods by freight rail. The service challenges faced by these shippers are impeding the ability for farmers to get their goods to market and energy suppliers – including propane suppliers – to get sufficient fuel to the state to prevent another shortage this winter. The Senators write, “While railroad service issues are not new, recent projections of record grain and soybean harvests could set the stage for unprecedented disruptions this fall. The losses for farmers left without means to move their goods to market could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Power companies are facing fuel supply shortages that could result in plants shutting down and increased energy prices this winter. Businesses and consumers throughout our economy’s supply chain stand to be negatively affected by these disruptions.” Current federal rules impede freight rail shippers’ ability to use different rail lines - a practice called “competitive switching” – which reduces competition and ultimately increases shipping costs for businesses. The STB has been compiling information to improve competitive switching federal regulations since 2011. In their letter, the Senators urge the STB to move forward on the competitive switching rulemaking process as swiftly as possible so that freight rail shippers have more options and improved rail service.      ""Alliant Energy applauds Senator Baldwin for leading this important, bipartisan effort to help foster real competition in our national freight rail system,” said Scott Reigstad, spokesperson for Alliant Energy. “With coal supply disruptions due to congestion on the nation’s freight rail system continuing on a large scale, Alliant regularly experiences disruptions of delivery to our generation facilities and we continue to work with the railroads on a permanent solution. Therefore, we encourage the STB to move expeditiously with a strong competitive switching rule to ensure that our customers have sufficient power supplies to not only keep warm this winter, but well into the future.” “Rail companies and farmers need flexibility when shipping their products. Many rural areas face captive shipping situations when there is only one rail option,” said Karen Gefvert, Director of Governmental Relations, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. “Greater marketplace competition and rail infrastructure is essential to move increased oil, coal, fertilizer and grain supplies. Reevaluating the rules for competitive switching of rail lines would provide farmers with new shipping options.” “The railroads are failing to deliver sufficient amounts of coal to fuel our state’s power plants, leading to higher electricity costs for Wisconsin consumers as our utilities are forced to use more costly fuel sources or implement coal conservation measures. The federal government needs to hold the railroads’ accountable for their poor service, and implement reforms to promote more competition in the freight rail industry. We thank Senator Baldwin for her leadership on this issue and look forward to continuing to work with her to help ensure fair competition in the rail industry and stable energy costs for consumers,” said Matt Bromley, Executive Director, Customers First! Coalition (A coalition of WI energy consumers, power providers and utility workers). “The rail debacle has affected Manitowoc Grey Iron Foundry on many fronts. Suppliers are unable to provide needed raw materials, utility cost skyrocketing because a coal delivery issues, transportation surcharges due to the lack of available cars to move raw materials,” said Robert Peaslee, President, Manitowoc Grey Iron Foundry.  “Even our customers are being affected. Both John Deere and CNH sales are down because the farmers are unable to move their products to market due to a lack of available rail cars.  We have also been forced to stockpile certain raw material that we know will be difficult to get in the event of another harsh winter.” “National Industrial Transportation League members greatly appreciate that Senators Baldwin, Franken and Vitter have urged the STB to move forward now on our proposal for a new rule to govern competitive switching.  The absence of normal market competition dramatically raises the cost of shipping by rail for many companies, making their products more expensive and less competitive,” said Bruce Carlton, President and CEO of the National Industrial Transportation League. “Captive rail shippers aren’t looking for a free lunch; they simply want the opportunity to obtain a competitive bid for rail service where it is physically possible for another railroad to provide it.  It really is time to start the rulemaking process.” “We thank Senator Baldwin, Senator Franken, and Senator Vitter for their leadership and for urging the STB to expeditiously adopt competitive switching reforms,” said Cal Dooley, President & CEO of the American Chemistry Council. “Significant resources are being diverted from research and development, operations, investment, expansion and hiring to pay extremely high rail shipping rates. We believe it is now time to pursue reforms at the STB that would help unleash market forces and reduce the need to adjudicate rail disputes. Adopting sensible reforms like competitive switching would increase access to competitive and reliable freight rail service.” The letter is supported by Badger CURE (Wisconsin Consumers United for Rail Equity) a coalition that includes: Alliant Energy, Checker Logistics, Inc., Chippewa Valley Bean Co., Citizens Utility Board, Cooperative Network, Customers First! Coalition, Dairyland Power Cooperative, Domtar Industries, ERCOWorldwide (USA) Inc., Georgia Pacific, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Assoc., Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Green Bay Packaging, IBEW Local 2150, Lake States Lumber Assoc., Leicht Transfer & Storage, Louisiana-Pacific, Madison Gas & Electric, Manitowoc Grey Iron Foundry, Manitowoc Public Utilities, Menasha Utilities, Midwest Food Processors Assoc., Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, Neenah Foundry, NewPage, Ort Lumber, Packaging Corporation of America, Procter & Gamble, Sadoff Iron & Metal Company, Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce, Wausau Paper, We Energies, WI Agri-Service Association, WI Cast Metals Association, WI Corn Growers Association, WI Farm Bureau Federation, WI Farmers Union, WI Crop Production Assoc., WI Industrial Energy Group, WI Manufacturers & Commerce, WI Paper Council, WI Public Service Corp., WI Utilities Association, WPPI Energy, Wolf River Lumber, Inc. An online version of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010000331/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/tammy-on-the-militarization-of-police-in-america,Tammy on Police Militarization in America,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Today at 2:13 PM Tammy on Police Militarization in America In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Tammy joined Senators Robert Casey (D-PA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Christopher Murphy (D-CT) in calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to track all federal aid and equipment provided to state and local public safety organizations to better understand how the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security can best assist local law enforcement. Tammy passionately believes in the importance of effective policing and has noted how recent events have highlighted a growing trend of American local law enforcement using military equipment. The Senators write, “Following meetings we have held in our respective states, we believe that there is a clear need for a more robust federal role in tracking and evaluating public safety equipment transfers nationwide… When Congress, the President, or the American people ask whether military aid to law enforcement is serving its stated purpose, DOJ should have what it needs to offer an informed response.” Prior to the letter to Attorney General Holder, Tammy participated in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Oversight of Federal Programs for Equipping State and Local Law Enforcement. Tammy questioned the panelists about the process of equipping police officers with military equipment and discussed the best practices for supporting our state and local police departments. You can watch Tammy’s portion of the hearing here: An online copy of the letter to Attorney General Holder is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010000336/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/lose-badgercare-plus-learn-how-to-enroll-for-health-care-coverage,Lose BadgerCare Plus? Learn How to Enroll for Health Care Coverage,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Today at 12:03 PM Lose BadgerCare Plus? Learn How to Enroll for Health Care Coverage Approximately 63,000 Wisconsinites lost their BadgerCare Plus coverage on April 1, 2014 as a result of Governor Scott Walker’s plan and decision to reject a federal investment in the BadgerCare program. Of the 63,000 Wisconsinites who lost their BadgerCare, nearly 27,000 people are stuck in a coverage gap and likely still uninsured. If you are one of the Wisconsinites who lost BadgerCare Plus coverage and have not yet purchased health insurance, you are eligible for 2014 coverage in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Following action taken by Tammy to help those who lost their BadgerCare gain health care coverage, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services opened up a special enrollment period in the Affordable Care Act’s federal Health Insurance Marketplace for these people to enroll. Call the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 or TTY 1-855-889-4325 to enroll during the special enrollment period. The special enrollment period for the individuals removed from BadgerCare Plus began September 4th and runs for 60 days until November 2nd, 2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115210208/http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1179,Moore Hails Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Voter ID Law,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to block implementation of Wisconsin’s discriminatory voter ID law, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement:   “I welcome this Supreme Court ruling and the strong message it sends to all who think they can manipulate our voting laws just because they disagree with what we have to say. Those who trample on our civil liberties with impunity in pursuit of political supremacy forget that this nation was built on the principle that we all are ‘created equal.’   “These unjust laws have nothing to do with stopping the manufactured threat of voter fraud and everything to do with making it harder for more eligible voters to register and vote. Equal participation in our democracy is vital to our civilized way of life. Politicians and elected officials who are passing these discriminatory laws are focused on defeating their opponents, not voter fraud.   “This decision by the Supreme Court is one that should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of political affiliation. This is truly a victory for the good people of Wisconsin and our shared democratic ideals.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/wisconsin-democrats-call-on-governor-walker-to-apply-for-new-preschool,Wisconsin Democrats Call on Governor Walker to Apply for New Preschool Grants,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ron Kind (WI-03), and Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent a letter today to Governor Scott Walker urging him to apply for the Preschool Development Expansion Grant.  Wisconsin is one of 36 states invited to apply for a share of $250 million in grants directed to help states develop and expand high-quality preschool programs for children from low- and moderate-income levels. The Governor’s Office missed the September 11 deadline to notify the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services of Wisconsin’s intention to apply. With one week left until the application deadline, the Governor’s Office has still not indicated that it will apply for the grant – potentially leaving millions of dollars for pre-K education on the table. They write, “We strongly urge your administration to apply for this grant funding opportunity and allow our state the chance to compete for funding which could strengthen preschool programs for millions of children across our state.” Wisconsin is eligible for up to $15 million dollars a year in funding for a period of four years. The funding would allow some districts to expand 4-year-old kindergarten to full-day kindergarten and improve the quality of instruction for children across Wisconsin.  Currently, most districts have 4-year-old kindergarten, but the state funding only pays for an average of only 2.5 hours per day. The letter continues, “In light of reports indicating that the achievement gap among students of color and their white peers is growing in Wisconsin, it is critical that our state exercise every option when it comes to accessing grant funding to support early education initiatives.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below.   The Honorable Scott WalkerGovernor of Wisconsin 115 E. Capitol Madison, WI 53703 Dear Governor Walker:   On August 18, 2014 the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services notified the state of Wisconsin of its eligibility to apply for federal funding through the Preschool Development Expansion Grants. We are pleased that Wisconsin was identified as one of 36 states eligible for this grant, which was based on the state’s current program and the existing need to expand critical preschool services to more children in Wisconsin. The Preschool Development Expansion Grant will award selected states with up to 15 million dollars a year for a period of 4 years. Preschool Development Expansion Grants were created to support State and local efforts to strengthen programs in states that have been awarded with a Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant. According to the Department of Education, the Preschool Development and Expansion Grants will be awarded to states which have successfully implemented and sustained High-Quality Preschool Programs that reach and service vulnerable children in high needs communities. The deadline to notify the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services of a state’s intention to apply was September 11, 2014. We were deeply concerned to learn that our state did not notify the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services of its intention to apply for this grant which could bring millions of dollars’ worth of funding to our preschool programs. The final deadline to apply for the grant is October 15, 2014. We strongly urge your administration to apply for this grant funding opportunity and allow our state the chance to compete for funding which could strengthen preschool programs for millions of children across our state. While the deadline for this grant is quickly approaching and capacity may be an issue, we would also urge your administration to ensure that adequate staff is in place in order to respond to such opportunities in the future. Wisconsin has long been a leader in early learning and we must not miss any chance to expand opportunities for our children.   In light of reports indicating that the achievement gap among students of color and their white peers is growing in Wisconsin, it is critical that our state exercise every option when it comes to accessing grant funding to support early education initiatives. Providing children with high-quality preschool and early learning opportunities is imperative to ensuring that children, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, are able to enter the classroom on a more level playing field. Sincerely,   Mark Pocan                              Ron Kind                               Gwen Moore                                                                                   Member of Congress              Member of Congress           Member of Congress                                                                      ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wisconsin-democrats-call-governor-walker-apply-new-preschool-grants,Wisconsin Democrats Call on Governor Walker to Apply for New Preschool Grants,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (WI-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent a letter today to Governor Scott Walker urging him to apply for the Preschool Development Expansion Grant. Wisconsin is one of 36 states invited to apply for a share of $250 million in grants directed to help states develop and expand high-quality preschool programs for children from low- and moderate-income levels. The Governor's Office missed the September 11 deadline to notify the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services of Wisconsin's intention to apply. With one week left until the application deadline, the Governor's Office has still not indicated that it will apply for the grant potentially leaving millions of dollars for pre-K education on the table. They write, We strongly urge your administration to apply for this grant funding opportunity and allow our state the chance to compete for funding which could strengthen preschool programs for millions of children across our state. Wisconsin is eligible for up to $15 million dollars a year in funding for a period of four years. The funding would allow some districts to expand 4-year-old kindergarten to full-day kindergarten and improve the quality of instruction for children across Wisconsin. Currently, most districts have 4-year-old kindergarten, but the state funding only pays for an average of only 2.5 hours per day. The letter continues, In light of reports indicating that the achievement gap among students of color and their white peers is growing in Wisconsin, it is critical that our state exercise every option when it comes to accessing grant funding to support early education initiatives. The full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010000306/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-encourages-governor-walker-to-apply-for-federal-investments-in-wisconsin-early-childhood-education,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Encourages Governor Walker to Apply for Federal Investments in Wisconsin Early Childhood Education,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Encourages Governor Walker to Apply for Federal Investments in Wisconsin Early Childhood Education Wednesday, October 8, 2014 Washington, D.C. - U.S. Tammy Baldwin today sent a letter Governor Scott Walker encouraging him to apply for federal, early childhood education investments in Wisconsin schools. Wisconsin is one of 36 states that has been invited by the Obama Administration to apply for a share of $250 million in Preschool Development Expansion Grants directed to help states develop and expand high-quality preschool programs for low- and moderate-income children. The Badger State is eligible for up to $15 million dollars a year in funding for a period of four years. However, on September 11th the Walker Administration missed a deadline to notify the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of Wisconsin’s intention to apply for a federal grant.  The federal funding would allow some Wisconsin school districts to expand 4-year-old kindergarten to full-day kindergarten and reduce the costs to local school district budgets. The full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1178,Moore Applauds Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Jim Myers   Washington — Wisconsin's congressional delegation split mostly along party lines Wednesday on a bipartisan deal to reopen the government, extend the debt limit and turn over negotiations on a long-term budget agreement to a committee expected to be co-chaired by Republican Rep. Paul Ryan of Janesville, who voted against the proposal.   Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin voted yes, while Republican Sen. Ron Johnson voted no.   In the House, Ryan joined fellow Republican Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner, Tom Petri and Sean Duffy in opposing the bill; Republican Rep. Reid Ribble voted yes.   Democratic Reps. Gwen Moore, Mark Pocan and Ron Kind supported the measure.   Ryan described the bill as a missed opportunity.   ""To pay our bills today, and to make sure we can pay our bills tomorrow, we must make a down payment on the debt,"" he said.   ""Today's legislation won't help us reduce our fast-growing debt. In fact, it could extend the debt ceiling well into next year, further delaying any action.""   Instead of a breakthrough, Ryan said, Congress just kicked the can down the road.   ""That said, I hope both sides will work together in the months ahead to pay down the debt, provide relief for families, and grow the economy,"" he said.   On Thursday, Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, is scheduled to meet with the panel's top Democrat, Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, and Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), the panel's ranking member.   Ribble issued an unusually lengthy statement after the House vote, saying he cast his vote after listening to ""concerns and input of thousands of citizens in the district.""   ""While there were parts of the bill I opposed, I have chosen to give the Congress a 90-day opportunity to actually work within a framework to budget and appropriate funds in regular order and end the nonsense of continuing resolutions,"" he said.   Johnson repeatedly has said he did not want to play brinkmanship with the nation's economy.   ""We are getting zero fiscal discipline,"" the senator said, adding he needed to see something on long-term debt and changes to entitlement spending. ""That's a pretty easy call for me.""   He described it as immoral for any agreement to fail to address the nation's long-term debt issue, saying kicking the budget can down the road leaves that burden for future generations.   Johnson said he has no confidence such issues will be tackled by the upcoming budget talks because Democrats, especially President Barack Obama, refuse to address them. The senator said he is willing to take the political risk linked to such action and challenged Obama to seize a historic moment.   The first termer said he wanted to stress one point to Wisconsinites back home: ""This place really is as dysfunctional as it appears.""   'Adults' retake control   Baldwin said the bipartisan agreement will provide the economy with the stability and certainty it desperately needs, expressing hope that it will break a destructive pattern in Washington of drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next.   ""Now is the time for both parties to work together to pass a responsible budget that invests in the middle class, strengthens our economy and reduces the deficit without shortchanging our future,"" she said.   In the House, Moore said lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers put politics aside and voted in the best interests of the country.   ""Once President Obama signs the legislation into law, the government shutdown will end and a global economic disaster will be averted,"" she said.   ""Although I am pleased that the impasse has finally ended after 16 days of partisan action, we must remember that this dysfunction should have never occurred.""   Pocan and Kind expressed deep frustration at the damage already done.   ""The adults in Congress have finally taken our government back, but not before we have done needless damage to our economy and the public's faith in the democratic process,"" Pocan said. ""While I am pleased we have come to a pragmatic and bipartisan solution, we cannot continue to lurch from one manufactured crisis to another and wait until the last minute to act.""   Kind called for an end to ""self-inflicted crisis"" on the U.S. and world economy, calling the government shutdown and threatened default a ""terrible wound"" on the nation's global prestige.   ""It's time to reopen our government and get it working for the American people again,"" Kind said. ""We have to pay our bills.""   Petri said he wanted the showdown to produce a concrete plan for reducing the deficit and a serious way to get the nation's finances in order.   ""Unfortunately, I don't see that in this deal...,"" Petri said. ""If history is any indication, I'd say we'll be facing these same issues again next year.""   Duffy said raising the debt ceiling does not solve the fundamental problem that the federal government spends more money than it takes in.   ""That is why I conditioned my vote to raise the debt ceiling on the inclusion of reforms to address our spending, specifically our ballooning entitlement spending, including the latest entitlement — Obamacare,"" Duffy said.       To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-statement-on-end-of-same-sex-marriage-ban-in-wisconsin,Pocan Statement on End of Same-Sex Marriage Ban in Wisconsin,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Governor Scott Walker and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s appeal after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban: “Full equality is here to stay in Wisconsin,” Rep. Pocan said. “The Supreme Court’s rejection of Attorney General Van Hollen’s appeal puts an end to a dark chapter in Wisconsin’s history where many are treated as second-class citizens simply based on who they choose to love. Today’s ruling reaffirms we are all equal under the law.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2038,Moore Applauds Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Moore Applauds Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage f t # e Washington, DC, October 6, 2014 For the people of the great state of Wisconsin, our diversity is a source of strength. My constituents have stood by my side as we fought together against intolerance and discrimination. We have worked tirelessly to make Milwaukee a community of inclusion and respect for all. I am proud of our collective efforts and even more proud to report that Milwaukee clerks will soon begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision to deny review of circuit court rulings in favor of marriage equality in Wisconsin, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement: ""I was elated to learn that our LGBT brothers and sisters will soon be able to legally marry the ones they love. The U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of appeals from Wisconsin and four other states seeking to prohibit gay marriage is truly a historic victory for love and equality. ""For the people of the great state of Wisconsin, our diversity is a source of strength. My constituents have stood by my side as we fought together against intolerance and discrimination. We have worked tirelessly to make Milwaukee a community of inclusion and respect for all. I am proud of our collective efforts and even more proud to report that Milwaukee clerks will soon begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010000309/http://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-statement-on-supreme-court-action-on-marriage-equality-in-wisconsin,U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Supreme Court Action on Marriage Equality in Wisconsin,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Supreme Court Action on Marriage Equality in Wisconsin Monday, October 6, 2014 Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin made the below statement following the U.S. Supreme Court's action regarding marriage equality in Wisconsin. “Today’s action by the U.S. Supreme Court is a huge victory for freedom and equality both in Wisconsin and in states across America. And now we can proudly say that marriage equality is the law of the land in Wisconsin. “Love is love, family is family, and discriminating against anyone’s love, against anyone’s family, is not only wrong, it’s unconstitutional. This is a huge step forward for our entire country being a place where every family’s love and commitment can be recognized and respected under the law.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1177,"Moore to Government Accountability Board: Don't Forget 11,000 Absentee Voters",2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Tom Kertscher      U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) said Thursday, in the wake of a deal to end a government shutdown, that the Republican Party ""was a victim of their own success.""   ""What did it feel like (for Congress) to be stuck?"" she was asked on WUWM-FM (89.7) in Milwaukee.   Moore replied:   ""I have felt stuck at times because I realized that the Republican Party was sort of stuck. They were victims of their own success during the last redistricting, where they won supermajorities in many districts and they elected people who were true believers that, not only should they have limited government, but there should be little or no government. And they really came to Washington, D.C., with a goal of bringing the government down.""   Meanwhile Thursday, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Janesville), chairman of the House Budget Committee, helped kick off a long-delayed federal budget process.       To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2045,"Moore to Government Accountability Board: Don't Forget 11,000 Absentee Voters",2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"From a lack of access to dependable transportation and matters of convenience to those with serious physical limitations, voters who choose to vote absentee, often do this for a number of different reasons. As a result, we know it will be more difficult, and in some cases impossible, for many of these absentee voters to come into compliance with the requirements of Act 23. That is why I am skeptical of the GAB's current plan to write letters to the 11,000 voters who have already been issued absentee ballots to request that they provide photocopied photo identification with their returned absentee ballot. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to concerns about the Government Accountability Board (GAB)'s plan to require photocopied IDs from over 11,000 voters who were mailed absentee ballots without voter ID instructions, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent the following letter to Kevin J. Kennedy of the GAB: October 1, 2014 Kevin J. Kennedy Director and General Counsel State of Wisconsin Government Accountability Board I am writing to express my concern with the Government Accountability Board (GAB)'s plan to require photocopied identifications from over 11,000 voters who were mailed absentee ballots prior to the recent court decision that allowed for the implementation of Act 23 in this election. I fear that the GAB guidance on this matter is inadequate and will result in thousands of Wisconsin voters being disenfranchised. From a lack of access to dependable transportation and matters of convenience to those with serious physical limitations, voters who choose to vote absentee, often do this for a number of different reasons. As a result, we know it will be more difficult, and in some cases impossible, for many of these absentee voters to come into compliance with the requirements of Act 23. That is why I am skeptical of the GAB's current plan to write letters to the 11,000 voters who have already been issued absentee ballots to request that they provide photocopied photo identification with their returned absentee ballot. Even if these letters reach all 11,000 voters, these voters now have received contradictory information from the GAB on how to cast their ballot. Given how important it is that every vote is counted, will there any follow-up communication with these absentee voters to ensure they received the new instructions for proper absentee ballot submission? Will the GAB consider being flexible with this photo ID requirement with those voters they cannot reach and how rigorous will these outreach efforts be on your part? Additionally, I have read news accounts claiming that the GAB will invalidate absentee ballots that have already been submitted that do not include a photocopy of an ID. Will the GAB notify those voters that their ballots will not be counted? I would appreciate a prompt written response to each of my questions. The right to vote is paramount, and I believe that the burden is on the GAB to ensure that such an abrupt and burdensome electoral law change reflected in Act 23 is done in proper way to ensure that not one Wisconsin citizen is inadvertently denied their basic right to vote. Sincerely, Gwen Moore MEMBER OF CONGRESS CC: Judge Thomas Barland, Chair, State of Wisconsin Government Accountability",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kind.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ron-kind-slams-brazil-cotton-deal-costing-taxpayers-300-million,Rep. Ron Kind Slams Brazil Cotton Deal Costing Taxpayers $300 Million,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Ron Kind,K000188,kind.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) harshly criticized the deal reached between the United States and Brazil regarding World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance in the cotton industry. The end result is a $300 million payout made to Brazilian cotton farmers. This outrageous waste of taxpayer dollars continues. Our annual payoffs to Brazilian cotton farmers should have been eliminated long ago, but we're sending them a $300 million payment instead, said Rep. Kind. I pushed to resolve this mess when Congress was debating the last Farm Bill, but Congress didn't act and now we are left with a bad deal that's paid for by American taxpayers. The terms of the deal include a one-time payment of $300 million to the Brazilian cotton industry, a requirement that Brazil consult with the U.S. before moving to the WTO in the future, and a promise of no further WTO litigation through 2018 (when the current Farm Bill expires). But the agreement is only operational for the duration of the current Farm Bill, and leaves the U.S. open to claims made from outside the cotton industry. Payments to the Brazilian cotton industry have been occurring for years. In 2008, Brazil successfully argued to the WTO that U.S. agriculture subsidies to cotton producers violated WTO agreements.Following the WTO's ruling, instead of reforming the cotton program when facing retaliatory tariffs and sanctions from Brazil, Congress and the Administration agreed to pay the Brazilian cotton industry $147.3 million a year the amount determined as the losses Brazilians incur as a result of U.S. cotton subsidies. Rep. Kind has been a longstanding advocate for eliminating payments to Brazilian cotton farmers, and has repeatedly pushed for legislation to end the practice of sending $147 million in taxpayer dollars to the Brazilian cotton industry each year. The deal announced today is the result of Congressional failure to adopt comprehensive subsidy reform. We need to get our house in order and reform our subsidies programs in their entirety. Sending a huge payoff to Brazil is not the answer, concluded Rep. Kind. If my old boss, the late Senator Bill Proxmire, were still giving out his famous Golden Fleece Awards our policy on Brazilian cotton would be a guaranteed winner.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/blog/supporting-wisconsin-water-technology-businesses-the-water-council-receives-regional-innovative-cluster-award,Supporting Wisconsin Water Technology Businesses: The Water Council Receives Regional Innovative Cluster Award,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Supporting Wisconsin Water Technology Businesses: The Water Council Receives Regional Innovative Cluster Award The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced this week that The Water Council has been selected for a Regional Innovation Cluster Award. The Water Council, based at the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, will use the award to establish a Center of Excellence for Freshwater Innovation and Small Business Development. In July, Tammy sent a letter of support for the proposed Center of Excellence. “The Water Council has made great progress ensuring Milwaukee’s place as a world water leader, growing the regional economy and has become a global leader in supporting the development of Wisconsin’s small water technology businesses,” said Baldwin. “By working with the U.S. Small Business Administration, The Water Council can now extend its expertise to small businesses across the United States.” Tammy met with The Water Council in July to discuss the proposed Center of Excellence The SBA cluster initiatives focus on the most effective approaches to linking small businesses to regional networks of leading research, commercialization tools and financing. The Water Council’s Center of Excellence will provide a myriad of small business services including technology transfer, counseling, acceleration and mentorship. Investments in clean waters can help generate business development, support research opportunities related to water and technology, and drive industry both now and in the long-term. Tammy has been a strong champion for the Global Water Center. Along with providing a letter of support for the Center in their application for the Regional Innovation Cluster Awards, Tammy also participated in the opening of the Global Water Center and the launch of the Global Freshwater Seed Accelerator program. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gwenmoore.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1176,"Pocan, Moore Seek Detailed Explanation for Governor's Drug-Testing Proposal",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Marge Pitrof     Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore says she’s relieved the House and Senate are pulling the country back from the financial cliff.   Leaders on Wednesday agreed to reopen the government at least until mid-January and raise borrowing into February. Moore says the political stalemate has been frustrating, yet she thought it would end the way it did.   ""There were always encouraging signs that there was really a crack in the Republican conference, that the more reasonable members would ultimately figure out some way to break away from the 40 or so members who were insisting on stopping the Affordable Care Act,"" Moore says.   Moore says she believes the GOP became the victim of its own success following the last redistricting, where the party won super-majorities in many districts, and according to the Congresswoman, ""elected people who were true believers that not only should they have limited government, but that there should be little or no government."" Moore says the result has been extremism and political polarization.   The Congresswoman says she's convinced the stalemate by some Republican members of the House was to undermine President Obama and his effort to provide health care for 35 million Americans who have no coverage. ""He has taken a lot on his shoulders and I think history will treat him well,"" Moore says.     To view this article online, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pocan.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pocan-moore-seek-detailed-explanation-for-governor-s-drug-testing,"Pocan, Moore Seek Detailed Explanation for Governors Drug-Testing Proposal",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Gwen S. Moore (WI-04) wrote Governor Scott Walker to request details about his proposal to require mandatory drug testing for recipients of FoodShare and Unemployment Insurance. The signed letter is available here. “It is time Governor Scott Walker stop blaming the poor for being poor,” Rep. Pocan said. “Before coming up with new, costly, and ineffective policies, Governor Walker needs to first explain to Wisconsin taxpayers how he intends to address next year’s projected $1.9 billion deficit.” “Drug testing as a condition of eligibility for critical, life-saving social services is a gross insult to Wisconsin’s struggling families,” Rep. Moore said. “The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Governor Walker needs to focus less on finding ways to discriminate against Wisconsin’s most vulnerable and focus more on fixing his failed policies that contributed to our state’s current economic trouble.” According to Hunger Task Force, states that have adopted drug testing policies have consistently demonstrated that they are invasive, costly, and constitutionally unsound. In 2011, Florida passed a similar drug testing requirement, which courts eventually ruled was unconstitutional. Florida Governor Rick Scott implemented drug testing for all recipients of federal benefits and state workers. The law required applicants to pay for the test and allowed denial of benefits to anyone who refused testing. From July-September 2011, only 9 failures were recorded, while 565 individuals were declined benefits due to refusal. Given that these are low-income individuals, denying benefits to those who refuse to participate assumes those individuals are drug users when in fact they may simply be unable to afford the test. By 2014, courts have repeatedly deemed the process unconstitutional, yet Florida spent nearly $400,000 defending the program in court. Only 2.6 percent of recipients in Florida tested positive for narcotics – below the national average – and the program cost more tax dollars to implement than it saved in denying benefits.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2012,"Pocan, Moore Seek Detailed Explanation for Governor's Drug-Testing Proposal",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,,,legacy,"Drug testing as a condition of eligibility for critical, life-saving social services is a gross insult to Wisconsin's struggling families, Rep. Moore said. ""The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Governor Walker needs to focus less on finding ways to discriminate against Wisconsin's most vulnerable and focus more on fixing his failed policies that contributed to our state's current economic trouble."" share: f t Contact: Eric Harris Eric.Harris@mail.house.gov (202) 341- 4293WASHINGTON, D.C.Today U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Gwen S. Moore (WI-04) wrote Governor Scott Walker to request details about his proposal to require mandatory drug testing for recipients of FoodShare and Unemployment Insurance. The signed letter is available here. It is time Governor Scott Walker stop blaming the poor for being poor, Rep. Pocan said. Before coming up with new, costly, and ineffective policies, Governor Walker needs to first explain to Wisconsin taxpayers how he intends to address next year's projected $1.9 billion deficit. Drug testing as a condition of eligibility for critical, life-saving social services is a gross insult to Wisconsin's struggling families, Rep. Moore said. The insinuation that those battling poverty are somehow more susceptible to substance abuse is as absurd as it is offensive. Governor Walker needs to focus less on finding ways to discriminate against Wisconsin's most vulnerable and focus more on fixing his failed policies that contributed to our state's current economic trouble. According to Hunger Task Force, states that have adopted drug testing policies have consistently demonstrated that they are invasive, costly, and constitutionally unsound. In 2011, Florida passed a similar drug testing requirement, which courts eventually ruled was unconstitutional. Florida Governor Rick Scott implemented drug testing for all recipients of federal benefits and state workers. The law required applicants to pay for the test and allowed denial of benefits to anyone who refused testing. From July-September 2011, only 9 failures were recorded, while 565 individuals were declined benefits due to refusal. Given that these are low-income individuals, denying benefits to those who refuse to participate assumes those individuals are drug users when in fact they may simply be unable to afford the test. By 2014, courts have repeatedly deemed the process unconstitutional, yet Florida spent nearly $400,000 defending the program in court. Only 2.6 percent of recipients in Florida tested positive for narcotics below the national average and the program cost more tax dollars to implement than it saved in denying benefits. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z