url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-murray-lead-senate-democrats-in-demanding-trump-admin-abandon-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding,"Baldwin, Murray Lead Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Admin Abandon Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led 29 of their colleagues in demanding that White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert more political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant-making process. The lawmakers’ call for new guardrails follows reporting that OMB was working on an Executive Order to create a commission that would include Director Vought to review NIH grants and give them the unilateral power to cut funding for groundbreaking research solely for political reasons.

In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown time and again it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas, at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans.

“Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” Baldwin and the Senators write to OMB Director Vought. “Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.”

The Senators write, “Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.”

“We write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH’s grant-making decisions — whether that’s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means—that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration’s nonstop attacks on the NIH—the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives,” Baldwin and the Senators conclude.

In addition to Senators Baldwin and Murray, the letter was signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

The full letter is available here and below:

Director Vought:

Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research. If established, such an entity would radically alter a nearly 140-year-old evaluation system built upon a rigorous peer-review process where subject matter experts assess applications based on scientific merit. Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.

Reports that the Trump administration is backtracking on such an Executive Order is of little relief. This scheme comes on the heels of the Office of Management Budget’s (OMB) proposal to rewrite rules governing the administration of federal grants government-wide, which centers on the same aims—to put politics over scientific rigor. These efforts violate longstanding practice and interpretation of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) statutory duties and are clearly counter to what Congress intended when funding NIH. That such an Executive Order was considered at all makes clear that despite Congress acting to temporarily block OMB’s proposed rule, this administration intends to continue to pursue efforts to undermine NIH and its grantmaking process. If not by Executive Order or a new government-wide rule, the Trump administration will simply pursue alternative administrative means that put politics over science and undermine the biomedical research enterprise we have built in this country over more than a century that is the envy of the world. The Trump administration will continue to have political appointees review Notices of Funding Opportunities and grant applications. It will continue to terminate scientifically meritorious grants for political reasons. And it will sideline expert peer review and empower political appointees to decide what research to fund or to not fund. Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.

As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH supports research across virtually every area of human health. NIH research has led to countless groundbreaking discoveries, including mapping the human genome, isolating the AIDS virus, and the development of new drugs and treatments for cystic fibrosis, childhood leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and rare diseases, among so many others. The NIH peer-review system is the backbone of each one of those discoveries. It is a process established to ensure that taxpayer-funded research is evaluated according to scientific standards and to insulate funding decisions from political considerations. NIH funding has, for example, supported basic scientific research on lizard venom and sea snails that you or another political appointee without any scientific expertise may well have vetoed as a waste of taxpayer resources, but that very research led to the development of GLP-1 medications and non-addictive opioid alternatives. NIH’s scientific and peer review process that you are actively working to tear down is the foundation on which the United States stands as the world leader in biomedical innovation. OMB and unqualified political appointees have no business being involved in individual grant funding decisions and determining which specific cancer or Alzheimer’s disease research grants get funded.

Putting political decree above scientific peer review will mean research proposals are rejected not because of deficiencies in scientific quality, methodology, or relevance to statutory NIH missions, but because the subject matter, populations studied, institutions involved, or anticipated policy implications of the research do not align with the President’s political agenda. Breast cancer patients should not be denied hope of a new lifesaving treatment because you and the President think women’s health research is “woke”. Each year, NIH awards more than 50,000 grants and reviews tens of thousands more, each containing dozens of pages of dense scientific material. Whether through Executive Order, a new OMB rule, or other means, this administration seeks the ability to cut funding for specific research institutions it doesn’t like, or to cut funding for specific research projects because it doesn’t like how they sound. This would mean overruling decisions made by panels of scientific experts that have already determined which research is meritorious of federal funding and is our nation’s best bet at advancing new treatments and cures. Congress appropriated more than $48 billion to NIH in fiscal year 2026 for biomedical research pursuant to statute and congressionally directed programs, to be awarded according to a multi-step peer review process mandated by law. Congress does not delegate, or in any way intend to delegate, authority to the White House or your office to determine which individual scientific proposals may receive federal support. It similarly does not intend for unqualified political appointees to override the scientific peer review process in determining which specific grants to fund. But that is exactly what this administration continues to pursue.

These efforts are just the latest in a series of actions elevating politics and undermining science in biomedical research. Under your leadership, OMB has focused its efforts on destroying NIH and, with it, the nation’s biomedical research enterprise. To date, the Trump administration has terminated or disrupted 5,780 NIH grants worth an estimated $15 billion. Today, 1,231 of those grants still have not been restored. In fiscal year 2025, the agency issued 6,478 fewer awards compared to the year before – fewer than any year since 2018. The overall success rate for grant applicants fell to 17 percent, marking a 30-year low. The Trump administration has delayed NIH notices of funding opportunities and grant awards by months, setting back research and clinical trials on Alzheimer’s disease, cancer research, opioid addiction, rare diseases, and others by a year or more. These disruptions are causing young scientists and researchers to abandon their careers altogether or leave to pursue them in other countries. Meanwhile, uncertainties about federal funding have led to a 15 percent decline in doctoral admissions at major research universities in the United States. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Trump administration plans to transfer up to $1.9 billion per year from NIH to the Department of Defense. Taken together, the Trump administration’s actions have systematically weakened the biomedical workforce and upended the very system designed to select the most scientifically promising research that delivers hope for millions of American patients and families who are praying for new treatments and cures.

We write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH’s grant-making decisions — whether that’s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means—that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration’s nonstop attacks on the NIH—the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives.

Sincerely,

An online version of this release is available here.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-votes-to-pass-the-bipartisan-protect-college-sports-act,Baldwin Votes to Pass the Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted for the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which passed the Senate 77-22. The legislation sets national rules for college athletics around how student-athletes can be paid for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The legislation, which is supported by President Trump and now heads to the House of Representatives for final passage, codifies athletes’ rights and protections in law and amends existing law to expand revenue for all schools. Baldwin’s amendment, which was successfully added to the bill on a bipartisan basis, preserves student-athletes’ legal rights, including their ability to bring lawsuits against universities for harms like sexual assault or injuries, like CTE.

“Wisconsin has an incredibly proud tradition of college sports. These young people learn lifelong skills, while also bringing pride to their schools and bringing our communities together,” said Senator Baldwin. “At the same time, we need to be honest that the college sports landscape has changed dramatically in recent years and become the Wild West. The chaotic expansion of sponsorship and NIL deals has led to money driving recruiting, constant roster turnover, and athletes’ rights under attack. This is happening at the same time that many athletic programs are being cut and roster sizes reduced. The current system is not working for athletes, schools, or fans. This bill is a step in the right direction to help stop the chaos, compensate student-athletes fairly, and support our sports programs at our universities for generations to come. I was proud to strengthen this bill to protect student-athletes’ rights and ensure that if they are sexually assaulted or get serious injuries like CTE, they can get their justice. Whether you cheer for the Blugolds, Badgers, or Blue Devils, we can all get behind this bill to protect student-athletes and the college sports we love.”

Baldwin’s amendment allows student-athletes to bring state-law claims involving harms like personal injury, sexual assault, and other health and safety violations, and preserves state laws that provide stronger protections than the Protect College Sports Act.

A one-pager on the bill is available here.

Full text of Baldwin’s amendment is available here.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-blasts-trumps-illegal-810-million-impoundment,Baldwin Blasts Trump’s Illegal $810 Million Impoundment,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) announcement to illegally impound $810 million of congressionally mandated funding. The $810 million in illegal cuts comes from the bipartisan-passed Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation, rescinding millions from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Office of Minority Health, Special Programs for Migrant Students, and International Education.

“President Trump knows well what the law says – the one I wrote with my Republican colleagues – but he is blatantly breaking it and stealing the money from the American people. Money that is supposed to be invested in groundbreaking health care research, chronic disease screening, home nursing visits, fresh food, and public education,” said Senator Baldwin. “President Trump always has enough money for his war, his ballroom, and all his other vanity projects, but when it comes time for American families, he leaves them out to dry. My Republican colleagues, who wrote and voted for this very law, need to stand up for the families and stop this President from illegally taking their money. On top of all of this, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans undermining bipartisan budget agreements like this will only lead to more wasteful government shutdowns, when one side breaks the deal months later.”",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-26-colleagues-in-rejecting-the-trump-admins-latest-move-to-politicize-and-undermine-education-funding,Baldwin Leads 26 Colleagues in Rejecting the Trump Admin’s Latest Move to Politicize and Undermine Education Funding,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, led 26 of her Senate colleagues in slamming the Department of Education’s (ED) latest move to further undermine the Department and jeopardize billions of dollars in funding for schools. Specifically, the Senators outlined their concerns with ED’s proposed changes to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) that would allow the President’s political appointees to cancel grants to local schools for any reason – putting everything from school-based mental health programs to teacher training programs under constant threat of being defunded at any point. The Senators also raise concerns that, if implemented, the rule would lead to weaker evidence-based standards for programs that serve students, hinder student achievement, and defy Congressional intent. This rule comes on top of a tumultuous funding process under the Trump Administration, which has continued to try to entirely shut down the Department of Education.

“This proposed rule is unnecessarily broad and vague, would undermine the stability of educational programs, and does nothing to improve educational outcomes for students,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in a letter to Secretary McMahon. “As the Trump Administration continues its illegal attempt to dismantle the Department, this proposed rule will only serve to increase chaos and uncertainty for schools, states, institutions of higher education and families across the Country.”

Specifically, the Trump administration’s proposed rule allows the department to terminate a grant “for convenience.” This would allow Trump’s political appointees to terminate grants, even ones that have been awarded, with no justification.

“Schools and other grant recipients need a meaningful degree of certainty to properly plan their budgets and provide services to students,” the Senators continued. “Broad, unwarranted termination and discontinuation authority makes it difficult, if not impossible, for recipients to responsibly plan and spend these funds. In section 75.253(c), the proposal also would remove a priority to continue previously awarded grants over awarding new grants. These changes will increase funding uncertainty which may discourage recipients from undertaking ambitious projects.”

“We know high-quality education has the ability to raise families out of poverty and meaningfully improve future earnings. However, at a time when student achievement is falling and families are struggling with rising costs, this proposed rule only serves to undermine efforts to improve outcomes for students and raise costs by creating financial uncertainty for schools and educational programs,” Baldwin and the Senators concluded. “This damage and uncertainty will only hurt student populations that federal funding intended to support.”

Senator Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of President Trump’s stated goal of dismantling the Department of Education and continued efforts to withhold funding from American students and schools, including blocking $7 billion in Congressionally approved funding ahead of the 2025-2026 school year. Last December, Baldwin led a group of her colleagues in calling out the Trump administration’s moves to illegally outsource core functions of the agency that students and their families rely on. In April, Baldwin pushed Sec. McMahon on Trump’s budget that cuts $6 billion from K-12 schools, including $105 million for Wisconsin’s public schools.

The letter was also co-led by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and signed by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary McMahon,

We write in opposition to the proposed rule, “Education Department General Administrative Regulations” (EDGAR) (Docket ID ED-2026-OPEPD-2542),1 which would make fundamental changes to the administration of formula and competitive grants Congress has authorized and funded through the U.S. Department of Education (“the Department”). This proposed rule is unnecessarily broad and vague, would undermine the stability of educational programs, and does nothing to improve educational outcomes for students. As the Trump Administration continues its illegal attempt to dismantle the Department, this proposed rule will only serve to increase chaos and uncertainty for schools, states, institutions of higher education and families across the country. One of the key functions of the Department is to award and administer both formula and competitive grants. These grants range from Title I-A, which provide additional funding for elementary and secondary education programs serving students from low-income communities, to TRIO grants providing support to first generation college students, to Innovative Approaches to Literacy grants which promote literacy programs in low-income communities, and every education stage in-between. The funding provided to the Department for programs authorized by Congress is essential to ensure schools and communities across the country are able to provide every child, regardless of their zip code, a high-quality education.

Political Interference in Grant Awards and Administration

The proposed rule (Section 75.901) would give the Department free rein to end already awarded grants “for convenience,” without substantive reason or justification or connection to performance under a grant. Grants provided by the Department frequently support multiyear contracts involving the hiring of staff who provide services to students, research activities, and commitments to students and families that cannot be easily unwound. Schools and other grant recipients need a meaningful degree of certainty to properly plan their budgets and provide services to students. Broad, unwarranted termination and discontinuation authority makes it difficult, if not impossible, for recipients to responsibly plan and spend these funds. In section 75.253(c), the proposal also would remove a priority to continue previously awarded grants over awarding new grants. These changes will increase funding uncertainty which may discourage recipients from undertaking ambitious projects.

The proposed indirect-cost provision (section 75.228) will only add to this financial instability and uncertainty. This proposal could create a race to the bottom with an incentive structure where applicants are not encouraged to create programs based on value and merit but instead based on how much institutional costs they can absorb themselves. This will disadvantage entities that are not well-resourced, such as entities in rural communities or on tribal lands. Furthermore, lowering the amount of funds that can be used on indirect costs will not actually lower those costs for programs. Capping the amount of funds will not lower the cost of rent or electricity for an after-school program or a rural college serving first-generation students.

Undermining Congressional Intent in Serving Underserved Students and Communities

The General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) governs the administration of the Department and its grant programs. Section 427(b) of GEPA requires the Secretary to ensure each applicant for federal education funding describe how the applicant will ensure equitable access and participation to all students and teachers in federally funded education programs including “based on gender, race, color, national origin, disability, and age.”2 This demonstrates a clear Congressional intent that federal education programs help provide assistance to students and communities that have been historically underserved in our nation, including students of color, students with disabilities, English learners, and LGBT students. This proposed rule would further gut the intent of GEPA Sec. 427, which the Department has undermined by not renewing the information collection it previously collected from its applicants for grant programs.

Section 75.210(d) of the proposal weakens compliance by removing the current EDGAR requirement for the Secretary to consider equitable and adequate access on the basis of economic disadvantage, gender, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, disability, age, language, migration, living in a rural location, experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, involvement in the justice system, pregnancy, parenting or caregiver status, and sexual orientation. In addition to section 427 of GEPA, many federal laws3 authorized on a bipartisan basis direct federal education programs to focus on many of these underserved student populations. Removing this provision from EDGAR goes against Congressional intent not only in GEPA, but in these core foundational education laws.

This Proposed Rule Will Lead to a Weaker Evidence Base for Education Programs

The proposed rule also suggests a number of changes that would weaken evidence standards that govern Department programs. In changes detailed in section 77.1(c), the proposed rule would permit unknown, non-governmental organizations to determine whether grantees’ strategies and interventions meet the different levels of evidence established in EDGAR. This would break from how evidence standards are determined now by IES through a transparent and rigorous process. This could result in these important evidence standards being applied inconsistently within grant competitions. The evidence standards established in federal legislation and implementing regulations are critical to ensuring limited federal funds are spent on meaningful interventions that improve student outcomes. We are concerned that such goals are undermined by having unknown third parties judge applicants’ grant applications for whether or not they meet such evidence standards without a clear, rigorous, consistent, and transparent evaluation process.

We know high-quality education has the ability to raise families out of poverty and meaningfully improve future earnings. However, at a time when student achievement is falling and families are struggling with rising costs, this proposed rule only serves to undermine efforts to improve outcomes for students and raise costs by creating financial uncertainty for schools and educational programs. This damage and uncertainty will only hurt student populations that federal funding intended to support.

We urge you to withdraw the proposed rule.

Sincerely,",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-proposal-providing-tax-relief-for-victims-of-scams-and-disasters-passes-house,Baldwin Proposal Providing Tax Relief for Victims of Scams and Disasters Passes House,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed key provisions of her bipartisan Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act to provide tax relief to Americans who fall victim to financial scams or natural disasters.

The proposal eliminates the “scam tax,” which taxes Americans on income or assets stolen from them, even if they no longer possess those funds, by reinstating the Nonbusiness Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction for 2026. The proposal also includes retroactive relief for victims scammed between 2021 and 2025.

“If you’ve been scammed out of your hard-earned savings or lost everything in a disaster, you shouldn’t then get stuck with a tax bill for money you don’t have,” said Senator Baldwin. “It’s just plain wrong, and I’m proud that our commonsense proposal passed the House and is one step closer to giving victims the relief they deserve.”

The Nonbusiness Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction was eliminated in 2018, forcing survivors of scams and natural disasters to pay taxes on their financial losses.

The provisions were passed as part of legislation led by Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03).

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-baldwin-votes-to-end-war-in-iran-bring-costs-down,"WATCH: Baldwin Votes to End War in Iran, Bring Costs Down",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the U.S. Senate’s vote on a War Powers Resolution to end the President’s war in Iran, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) spoke on the Senate floor to make the case that the war needed to end immediately and recounted her travels across the state to hear about the impact of the war on Wisconsin families, manufacturers, small businesses, and farmers. Nearly all Senate Republicans voted against the measure, for the 13th time, continuing to greenlight the war in Iran. Baldwin’s floor speech comes just days after the Pentagon estimated the Iran war has cost American taxpayers more than $45 billion and the average cost of diesel hit the highest recorded average in Wisconsin at more than $6.60/gallon.

Watch: Baldwin takes to Senate floor to try to end war in Iran

For months, Senator Baldwin has been working to end the war in Iran, hold the White House accountable for an illegal war, and ensure servicemembers are getting the treatment and care they need. Baldwin pressed Hegseth on the lack of preparedness that has led to injuries and deaths and the disastrous impacts of the war on Wisconsin families and farmers. In recent weeks, Senator Baldwin traveled Wisconsin to connect with small businesses, farmers, restaurateurs, and working families about how higher costs brought on by this conflict are impacting their bottom lines.

A full recording of Senator Baldwin’s floor speech is available here.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/09/24/media-advisory-reminder-sen-johnson-to-lead-roundtable-discussion-covid-19-hospital-protocols-real-stories-from-real-people/,***MEDIA ADVISORY*** Reminder: Sen. Johnson to Lead Roundtable Discussion: “COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People”,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, September 28, 2026, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) will lead a roundtable discussion titled “COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People.” Sen. Johnson will be joined by patients, families, doctors, and nurses to discuss how hospitals failed to administer proper care and treatment to patients suffering from COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.

Panelists will share firsthand accounts of mistreatment and other experiences they witnessed at hospitals across the country.

Sen. Johnson has held a series of public hearings and roundtables examining our federal health officials’ flawed response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first event devoted entirely to what happened inside hospitals.

WHEN: September 28, 2026, 1 p.m. ET

WHO: Sen. Johnson, patients, families, doctors, and nurses

WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building, Kennedy Caucus Room 325.

Please note guests must enter through security at the Russell entrance at First St. & Constitution Ave. door or the Upper Delaware Ave. door (ADA). A map is linked here.

LIVESTREAM: Rumble: @SenRonJohnson; X: @SenRonJohnson; Facebook: Senator Ron Johnson

PRESS RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, September 25 at 10 a.m. ET with name, outlet, email, and phone number to press@ronjohnson.senate.gov.

RSVPs are strictly for press and media inquiries. Due to capacity restrictions, we cannot guarantee a seat to everyone who plans to attend. Seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis. An overflow room with the livestream will be available.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-introduces-new-bill-to-stop-trump-from-sending-ice-national-guard-to-polls,"Senator Baldwin Introduces New Bill to Stop Trump from Sending ICE, National Guard to Polls",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced a new bill to protect voters from intimidation or interference from federal agents at polling locations. The Safe Access to the Polls Act would prohibit federal funds from being used to send U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or the National Guard to polling places, set up a checkpoint near polling places, or interfere in any way with voters accessing their polling location. The legislation comes as the President has repeatedly threatened to send federal agents into states’ polling places, and in various hearings or to the press, several of the President’s appointees have refused to rule out sending troops or law enforcement.

“Your vote is your voice in our Democracy – and to have your voice heard, you need to be able to safely cast your ballot without anyone getting in the way. But, after starting a war in Iran that is causing gas and grocery costs to skyrocket, undermining our farmers with trade wars, and cutting Medicaid by $1 trillion, the President is trying to meddle in our elections and stop you from voting so he can avoid accountability,” said Senator Baldwin. “President Trump is pulling every lever he has to weaponize the federal government and undermine our elections — and that includes him threatening to send armed federal agents to our polling places. There is no reason for masked, armed agents to be at polling places like churches, schools, and libraries other than to intimidate eligible voters from making their voices heard. My bill will stop the President from sending armed troops to our local polling places and make sure you can access the ballot box and have your voice heard.”

The Safe Access to the Polls Act would prohibit the use of federal funds to send officers or agents of ICE, CBP, or members of the National Guard to:

Be within a quarter of a mile of any location in which an election is being held;

Set up a checkpoint along any route to any location in which an election is being held; or

Interfere in any way with the ability of any eligible voter to access his or her assigned polling place.

The introduction of the bill comes as President Trump has taken an all-of-the-above approach to try to interfere in the upcoming 2026 elections. In addition to considering sending federal agents to polling places, President Trump has also attempted to restrict legal mail-in voting, repeated his claim about “rigged” elections more than 100 times, sent FBI agents into Milwaukee to relitigate his 2020 election loss, and has said Republicans shouldnationalize voting in at least 15 states.

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-calls-out-republicans-for-refusing-to-act-on-ai-demands-congress-protect-families-and-workers,"Baldwin Calls Out Republicans for Refusing to Act on AI, Demands Congress Protect Families and Workers",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement as Washington Republicans are refusing to act to protect Americans from Artificial Intelligence (AI) before the November 2026 elections, despite repeated warnings about the largest AI companies losing control of the technology they are creating. This comes as the Republican-controlled House of Representatives cut their work in Washington short, Senate leadership has yet to prioritize AI regulation before the midterm elections, and President Trump said the threats AI poses are a “hoax” and opposes Congressional action.

“Americans need to have a say in how artificial intelligence is used in their lives, where it belongs and where it does not. But right now, too many of those decisions are being made inside a few companies run by a handful of billionaires and Big Tech executives, while workers, families and communities are expected to live with the consequences.

“AI comes with great opportunity that we need to harness and also tremendous risks for our workforce and safety that we need to protect against. But right now, we are staring down all sorts of dangers, and Republicans, who control the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, are refusing to act. I hear the calls from Wisconsinites who want some assurance that AI will not become capable of operating beyond human control. The time to act is now because we cannot trust Big Tech to do the right thing on their own, and the public should not bear the consequences when they get it wrong.

“In the short term, we must act to pump the brakes on these frontier models. We need an independent cop on the beat with the expertise and authority to stop deployment unless rigorous, independent testing shows that a model can be operated safely and kept under human control. Companies must disclose serious risks and incidents. We can and must both drive innovation and keep people safe. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again.

“As we look further down the road, my priority is making sure Wisconsin workers are at the center of the conversation. AI is already changing the way a lot of Wisconsinites work and will change more workplaces in the future. We have a responsibility to protect workers from being displaced, provide opportunities for skills training for folks in the middle of their career, ensure the workers of tomorrow have the technical know-how and knowledge they need for the changing economy, and fight for workers to have a say in how AI is used. I look forward to working with Wisconsinites – including small businesses, manufacturers, educators, unions, and workers – to map out what comes next and ensure workers will have dignity and more opportunity in the future.

“Wisconsinites are expecting we roll up our sleeves and get to work – and my Republican colleagues need to hear that urgency and join me, not cave to Donald Trump or Big Tech. The bottom line is that AI needs to work for Wisconsinites and Americans should be in control of AI, not the other way around.”

###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-raises-alarms-on-white-house-further-politicizing-nihs-lifesaving-research,Baldwin Raises Alarms on White House Further Politicizing NIH’s Lifesaving Research,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, released the following statement as the White House plans to double down on its efforts to take control of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grantmaking process and further politicize the agency. Recent reporting shows the White House has begun drafting a new executive order that would establish a panel chosen by the White House to veto NIH research that does not conform to President Trump’s political agenda.

“Instead of investing taxpayer funds based on the science and what experts think is the best bet for the next medical breakthrough, President Trump wants to pick and choose research projects based on his own political agenda. If implemented, this scheme means that if Donald Trump wants to target a scientist or university he thinks wronged him, the President could stop their cancer clinical trial or defund their research into ALS cures,” said Senator Baldwin. “This is more of the same from President Trump, who has spent his second term taking away services and hope from families, just to seek revenge and free up money for his war overseas, tax breaks for billionaires, and vanity projects. It’s time for Republicans to join me and stop this administration from undermining biomedical research because American families deserve a government doing everything it can to find treatments and cures for the diseases their loved ones are battling – not one that empowers Russ Vought and Donald Trump to use taxpayer dollars with impunity.”

News that the White House is preparing an executive order comes after Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed a policy that will allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes and terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. In July, Senator Baldwin joined her colleagues in calling out the OMB proposed rule for exceeding OMB’s statutory authority, undermining Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and inserting partisan politics into a process that should be driven by merit and expertise.

President Trump has spent his second term working to gut NIH – cutting staff, proposing a 40% cut to funding, withholding, diverting, and cancelling taxpayer dollars approved by Congress, and awarding billions of dollars less in grants to research projects than in previous years.

###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-merger-exclusivity-discussion-draft,Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Merger Exclusivity Discussion Draft,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, has introduced a discussion draft of legislation to provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) with exclusive authority to review or challenge certain mergers and acquisitions with an inherent interstate or international nexus.

“Over the last two years, we have witnessed multiple attempts by Democrat state attorneys general to challenge mergers and acquisitions that have already been approved by multiple federal and foreign regulators,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “These lawsuits—which are based entirely on political disagreements rather than legitimate antitrust concerns—provide uncertainty to businesses and harm consumers who would otherwise benefit from the efficiencies of a completed transaction. State AGs should not be able to delay mergers that extend beyond their territorial borders. My bill promotes federalism by asserting the federal government’s role as the sole authority in transactions effecting interstate commerce.”

Congressman Fitzgerald’s proposed National Merger Uniformity and Federal Exclusivity Act would grant the FTC and DOJ with exclusive authority to investigate, challenge, approve, consent to, or settle transactions that are reasonably likely to have substantial direct economic effects on interstate or international commerce, foreign markets, international supply chains, or trade between the United States and foreign countries. State AGs would still be allowed to participate in reviews or challenges brought by federal regulators, and the bill would not affect a state’s ability to challenge mergers that are inherently intrastate.

View the discussion draft here.

Any person who wishes to provide feedback on the draft legislation may contact Congressman Fitzgerald’s Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-5101 for further guidance.

###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-presents-racine-physicians-with-2026-health-care-hero-awards,Steil Presents Racine Physicians with 2026 Health Care Hero Awards,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Racine, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) presented Dr. Paul Durbin and Dr. Patricia Golden with Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s 2026 Health Care Hero of the Year Award for their exceptional service to patients and communities across Southeast Wisconsin.

“Our community is incredibly grateful for the health care professionals working on the front lines. Dr. Durbin and Dr. Golden exemplify the compassion, dedication, and selflessness that define our health care heroes. Their commitment to their patients, colleagues, and communities has made a lasting difference across Southeast Wisconsin. Congratulations to Dr. Durbin and Dr. Golden.”

Rep. Steil (left) with Dr. Patricia Golden (middle) and Dr. Paul Durbin (right)

Dr. Paul Durbin, recognized as Wisconsin’s First Congressional District's Healthcare Worker of the Year. Dr. Durbin is an internal medicine physician who has served patients at Ascension All Saints in Racine for 28 years. According to his nomination, Dr. Durbin he has built lasting relationships with patients and their families while earning recognition for his expertise in preventive medicine and chronic disease management. He has received six Guardian Angel Awards and has been repeatedly recognized as a Top Doctor by local publications.

Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Durbin has dedicated himself to serving vulnerable populations in Racine and around the world. For 13 years, he has helped lead an annual medical mission to Guatemala, coordinating nearly 70 volunteers to provide medical and dental care to underserved communities. He also serves on the board of HALO, Racine’s homeless shelter, volunteers through Grace Church, and has helped lead Ascension’s Medical Mission at Home events. Alongside his wife, Jennifer, Dr. Durbin has also opened their home to foster children, including medically complex children who require specialized care.

Rep. Steil with Dr. Paul Durbin

Dr. Patricia Golden, recognized as a Health Care Hero, is a family medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. According to her nomination, Dr. Golden’s career has focused on improving the health of individuals, families, and communities across southeastern Wisconsin. For more than 20 years, she has balanced compassionate patient care with physician leadership and has served for more than a decade as Medical Director of Ascension Wisconsin’s Community Clinics, providing clinical leadership for programs serving Southeast Wisconsin's most vulnerable residents.

Dr. Golden has also served for more than 10 years as Medical Advisor to the Franklin Health Department, helping guide public health planning, disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and community wellness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped lead Ascension Wisconsin’s regional response and develop a mobile testing playbook that was shared with other health systems, public health agencies, and community partners. She continues to mentor future health care professionals, recruit physicians to southeastern Wisconsin, and volunteer with organizations serving underserved communities.

Rep. Bryan Steil with Dr. Patricia Golden

For more photos from the event, click here.

Background:

Recipients of this award were nominated by residents of Wisconsin and selected by Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s Health Care Advisory Board.

The Advisory Board is comprised of health care professionals across Southeast Wisconsin.

The Advisory Board evaluated nominees on the following criteria:

SERVICE: Displays exemplary service and performance in their profession.

DEDICATION: Upholds the standard of providing unsurpassed care and treatment for their patients and goes above and beyond the call of duty in performing their responsibilities.

SELFLESSNESS: Displays self-sacrifice and selflessness in caring for others.

Nominees must reside in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District and be a licensed health care professional.

This is the seventh annual 1st Congressional District Health Care Hero of the Year Award.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-demands-trump-admin-immediately-investigate-tomah-va-staff-claims-of-serious-failures-in-care-at-facility,Baldwin Demands Trump Admin Immediately Investigate Tomah VA Staff Claims of Serious Failures in Care at Facility,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately investigate serious allegations about the failure to care for our veterans and unacceptable conditions at the Tomah VA Medical Center. Baldwin is calling for VA Secretary Collins to conduct a full review of staffing levels, provider coverage, medication delays, hospice care, and patient safety at the Tomah VA Hospital and requesting the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conduct an independent investigation. Baldwin’s office heard from several Tomah VA employees who outlined severe lapses in patient care at the hospital, including allegations of inadequate staffing contributing to falls, injuries, food choking incidents, and other adverse patient outcomes. The call comes as a Tomah VA nurse was criminally charged with patient abuse after a veteran receiving hospice treatment had oxygen allegedly withheld on purpose and later died.

“I write to express my grave concern regarding serious allegations about the treatment of veterans and conditions at the Tomah VA Medical Center. Employees at the Tomah VA contacted my office to report severe lapses in patient care at this facility. Their reports are specific and alarming. They include allegations of poor management and inadequate staffing contributing to falls, pressure injuries, food choking incidents, failures to conduct appropriate patient checks, and other adverse patient outcomes,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to VA Secretary Collins.

“They also raise particularly troubling concerns about the care of hospice patients, including inadequate provider coverage and delays in ensuring that seriously ill veterans receive medications necessary for comfort and end-of-life care. Veterans receiving hospice care are among the most vulnerable patients in the VA system, and they and their families should be able to trust that they will receive safe and compassionate care and be treated with dignity during the final days of their lives,” Baldwin continued.

In addition to today’s letter to Secretary Collins, Senator Baldwin also requested the VA OIG conduct an independent investigation into the employees’ allegations. Senator Baldwin underscored that corrective action at Tomah VA cannot wait for an OIG investigation to conclude and requested that the VA immediately direct the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) to conduct a full review of staffing levels, provider coverage, medication delays, hospice care, and patient safety. Specifically, Senator Baldwin asked the VA to determine:

the adequacy of current staffing levels and provider coverage to provide safe and appropriate care;

the impact of staffing shortages on patient safety, including falls, pressure injuries, food choking incidents, missed patient checks, medication delays and other adverse patient outcomes;

the adequacy of hospice care and provider coverage, including timely access to medications and other necessary end-of-life care;

recent provider departures and vacancies and their impact on patient care;

facility leadership’s response to patient safety concerns raised by frontline employees, including whether those concerns were appropriately identified, addressed and corrected;

whether management and leadership practices are contributing to unsafe conditions at the facility;

the immediate actions VA is taking to address any identified patient safety risks; and

the VHA and the VISN 3 officials responsible for ensuring that necessary corrective actions are implemented and sustained.

Additionally, Senator Baldwin asked the VA for more information regarding the recent criminal charges brought against a nurse at Tomah VA who allegedly purposefully withheld oxygen from a patient who later died in hospice care. Senator Baldwin requested to know when VA and Tomah leadership first became aware of the incident, what reviews were conducted afterwards, and what actions were taken to correct those failures and prevent them from happening again.

“The Tomah VA and the veterans it serves have spent years working to rectify and recover from the serious failures uncovered at the facility more than a decade ago. VA employees, veterans and the surrounding community worked hard to improve care, strengthen accountability and rebuild trust. We cannot allow serious patient safety or management problems to take root again or allow that hard earned trust to erode. Veterans and their families must be able to trust that VA will provide the safe, timely and high-quality care they have earned. Employees must also be able to raise concerns when that standard is not being met and know that speaking up will not put their careers at risk,” concluded Senator Baldwin.

A full version of the letter to Secretary Collins is available here and below. The letter to VA OIG is available here.

Dear Secretary Collins,

I write to express my grave concern regarding serious allegations about the treatment of veterans and conditions at the Tomah VA Medical Center. Employees at the Tomah VA contacted my office to report severe lapses in patient care at this facility. Their reports are specific and alarming. They include allegations of poor management and inadequate staffing contributing to falls, pressure injuries, food choking incidents, failures to conduct appropriate patient checks, and other adverse patient outcomes. They also raise particularly troubling concerns about the care of hospice patients, including inadequate provider coverage and delays in ensuring that seriously ill veterans receive medications necessary for comfort and end-of-life care. Veterans receiving hospice care are among the most vulnerable patients in the VA system, and they and their families should be able to trust that they will receive safe and compassionate care and be treated with dignity during the final days of their lives.

I have requested the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conduct an independent investigation into these allegations. That investigation is important, but the VA cannot wait for that investigation before ensuring veterans are receiving safe care today. I expect prompt and thorough action from your office to protect the dignity and safety of veterans receiving care at this facility.

To that end, I request that you immediately direct the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) to conduct a full review of staffing levels, provider coverage, medication delays, hospice care, and patient safety. To be clear, this review should not rely on assurances from leadership at the Tomah VA. Given the range and severity of the allegations, there must be an independent and thorough examination of conditions at the Tomah VA. At a minimum, I ask that VA determine:

the adequacy of current staffing levels and provider coverage to provide safe and appropriate care;

the impact of staffing shortages on patient safety, including falls, pressure injuries, food choking incidents, missed patient checks, medication delays and other adverse patient outcomes;

the adequacy of hospice care and provider coverage, including timely access to medications and other necessary end-of-life care;

recent provider departures and vacancies and their impact on patient care;

facility leadership’s response to patient safety concerns raised by frontline employees, including whether those concerns were appropriately identified, addressed and corrected;

whether management and leadership practices are contributing to unsafe conditions at the facility;

the immediate actions VA is taking to address any identified patient safety risks; and

the VHA and the VISN 3 officials responsible for ensuring that necessary corrective actions are implemented and sustained.

Separately, the criminal charges recently announced against a former Tomah VA nurse raise serious questions about the care of the hospice patients at the facility and how VA responded after learning of that incident. I ask that you provide my office with a full accounting of VA’s response upon learning of the alleged abuse including:

when VA and Tomah facility leadership first became aware of the incident and what immediate steps were taken to protect other patients;

what administrative, clinical, patient safety or management reviews were conducted;

what deficiencies, if any, were identified;

what corrective actions were required; and

whether those corrective actions were implemented and sustained.

A veteran receiving hospice care at the Tomah VA was allegedly abused and later died. A year later, employees are raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of hospice care at the same facility, in the same hospice unit. That demands close scrutiny. I ask you to determine whether there are broader failures in staffing, supervision, management, or patient safety practices, what VA learned from the 2025 incident and whether the actions taken afterward were sufficient to protect veterans from similar harm.

I also want to be unequivocal about the employees who are raising these concerns. There must be zero tolerance for retaliation or reprisal against any employee for raising concerns about patient care, making a protected disclosure, communicating with Congress, contacting OIG or the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP), or cooperating with an investigation. I ask that you immediately direct VHA and VISN leadership to communicate clearly to all Tomah employees that they may raise concerns through protected channels and that retaliation or reprisal will not be tolerated. Facility leadership must not attempt to identify employees who have communicated confidentially with any congressional offices or take action against employees because they are believed to have raised concerns. My office will not provide the identities of employees who have contacted us without their express authorization.

I am copying OAWP on this letter so that it is formally aware of these disclosures and prepared to respond promptly to any allegation of retaliation or reprisal. I also ask that OAWP work with my office to ensure employees who have raised concerns understand their rights and the confidential reporting channels available to them.

The Tomah VA and the veterans it serves have spent years working to rectify and recover from the serious failures uncovered at the facility more than a decade ago. VA employees, veterans and the surrounding community worked hard to improve care, strengthen accountability and rebuild trust. We cannot allow serious patient safety or management problems to take root again or allow that hard earned trust to erode. Veterans and their families must be able to trust that VA will provide the safe, timely and high-quality care they have earned. Employees must also be able to raise concerns when that standard is not being met and know that speaking up will not put their careers at risk.

I ask for your prompt attention to these matters and a written response detailing the immediate actions VA is taking at the Tomah VA, providing the requested accounting of VA’s response following the August 2025 incident, the steps being taken to protect employees who raise concerns and the senior VA officials responsible for overseeing this response.

###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-sanction-russia-and-iran-and-lower-costs-imposed-left,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Sanction Russia and Iran and to Lower Costs Imposed by Left-Wing Climate Mandates,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and two joint resolutions challenging left-wing environmental regulations that have unnecessarily driven up costs.

On the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act:

“America’s foreign policy must put the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people first,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Russia and Iran are hostile regimes that threaten our national interests and continue to undermine stability around the world. This legislation gives the United States greater leverage to hold these regimes and those who support them accountable. Stronger sanctions give us greater leverage to force Russia to the negotiating table and pursue a lasting peace in Ukraine. These sanctions also strengthen our ability to confront the Iranian regime and protect American interests from its terrorist activities and nuclear ambitions.”

Background: This bill imposes broad sanctions and economic restrictions on Russia in response to its war against Ukraine. It targets Russian government officials, financial institutions, state-owned entities, energy projects, defense suppliers, sanctions evaders, and vessels used to transport Russian energy products. The bill also authorizes tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian imports and up to 100 percent on goods from certain countries that continue purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil or natural gas or facilitate sanctions evasion. It extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031.

On H.J. Res 213:

“Green New Deal activists should not be allowed to use the federal government to impose costly environmental mandates that drive up prices for American workers, businesses, and consumers,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “These burdensome regulations do nothing to make Americans safer or more prosperous, and they threaten jobs and economic growth. I’m proud to support this resolution to roll back these costly mandates and put American economic interests first.”

Background: This resolution overturns a Biden-Harris Administration waiver that allows California to impose costly and burdensome mandates on ferries, tugboats, work boats, and commercial fishing boats. These requirements would cost maritime operators and consumers more than $2.5 billion and would not result in a meaningful reduction in emissions.

On H.J. Res. 210:

“The United States cannot sacrifice our energy security in pursuit of radical climate policies,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “These costly regulations threaten our energy supply, drive up prices for hardworking Americans, and put critical fuel supplies for our military at risk. I’m proud to support this resolution to overturn another reckless Biden-Harris Administration waiver.”

Background: This resolution overturns a Biden-Harris Administration waiver covering ocean-going oil tankers docked in California waters. These rules disrupt oil imports and are contributing to refinery closures, including refineries supplying critical jet fuel for military use.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-scott-lead-bipartisan-call-for-investigation-into-amazon-and-walmart-for-hiding-made-in-america-goods,"Baldwin, Scott Lead Bipartisan Call for Investigation into Amazon and Walmart for Hiding Made in America Goods",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rick Scott (R-FL) are calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Amazon and Walmart for hiding Made in America products from customers on their websites and apps and failing to monitor and report Made in America labeling fraud, undermining American businesses and workers.

The Senators’ ask follows a recent report that found the companies’ AI shopping chatbots, Alexa for Amazon and Sparky for Walmart, do not show customers items that are Made in the USA when they are searching for them, despite the chatbots being fully capable of finding those products in their inventory. The report also showed that Amazon and Walmart failed to report fraudulently labeled Made in the USA products, despite their ability to detect this fraud. Specifically, the lawmakers are calling on the FTC to investigate Amazon and Walmart’s use of their AI shopping tools and increase enforcement against false Made in the USA claims.

“We all share the goal of strengthening American manufacturing and small businesses through initiatives such as Made in USA labeling, all while ensuring consumers receive accurate information about where the products they buy are made,” wrote Baldwin and Scott. “Following a robust investigation, we strongly encourage the Commission to consider additional enforcement measures to deter such behavior going forward.”

“As two of the largest retail companies in the world, Amazon and Walmart’s potential noncompliance with federal standards and their explicit promotion of overseas and potentially fraudulent sellers on their online marketplaces and through their AI shopping chatbots is deeply concerning,” continued the lawmakers. “American manufacturers who adhere to these standards and support other domestic suppliers deserve a fair playing field on these online marketplaces. Likewise, consumers who seek out Made in the USA products should be able to rely on accurate country-of-origin information when making purchasing decisions. New technologies such as AI shopping chatbots must preserve that fairness.”

“We strongly urge the Commission to investigate potential suppression of Made in the USA products through these chatbots and online marketplaces, as well as the lack of monitoring and reporting of fraudulent Made in the USA labeling despite the technological capability to do so. We stand ready to work with the Commission to ensure that American manufacturers and consumers can rely on the integrity of the Made in the USA label,” the lawmakers concluded.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Chairman Ferguson and Commissioner Meador:

We write to request that the Federal Trade Commission (the Commission) investigate alleged anticompetitive practices by Amazon and Walmart involving suppression of Made in the USA products when customers use their AI shopping chatbots, as well the companies’ apparent failure to report products fraudulently labeled Made in the USA. We all share the goal of strengthening American manufacturing and small businesses through initiatives such as Made in USA labeling, all while ensuring consumers receive accurate information about where the products they buy are made. Following a robust investigation, we strongly encourage the Commission to consider additional enforcement measures to deter such behavior going forward.

The authors of the report “Made in America, Hidden by AI” conducted an investigation to determine if the new Amazon and Walmart AI shopping chatbots (Alexa for Shopping for Amazon, and Sparky for Walmart) could reliably guide shoppers to Made in the USA products and determine whether those products were accurately labeled. Their findings indicate that Amazon and Walmart’s AI shopping chatbots have the capability to discern which products are Made in the USA and which products that are falsely listed as Made in the USA. However, the report suggests that Amazon and Walmart may obscure and suppress this information through their AI chatbot services, undercutting manufacturers that honestly utilize the Made in the USA label while benefitting bad actors and overseas sellers - potentially sowing doubt about the label’s veracity and effectiveness.

The presence of products fraudulently labeled as Made in the USA on Amazon and Walmart’s online marketplaces is not new. In July 2025, the Commission sent letters to both Amazon and Walmart alerting the companies that third-party sellers were falsely labeling products listed on their online marketplaces as Made in the USA, in potential violation of the federal standard and the marketplace terms of service. FTC’s letters encouraged Amazon and Walmart to monitor, identify, and take corrective action against sellers who make false or misleading Made in the USA claims. Despite progress, it appears the underlying problem has not been resolved; indeed, the companies’ AI shopping assistants may now be compounding it. Walmart launched Sparky in June 2025, and Amazon deployed Alexa for Shopping in May 2026. We understand that artificial intelligence may present pressing challenges for companies as they work to serve their customers; however, the aforementioned report’s allegations raise critical questions about fraud monitoring, compliance, and fair business practices overall.

The report details how searches for Made in the USA products through Amazon’s AI shopping chatbot, Alexa for Shopping (Alexa), are purportedly obscured and suppressed. When the report’s authors asked Alexa to show a “Made in USA” product, such as a fly-fishing reel, the chatbot claimed to not have access to that information. However, when asked to show products that were made in China, Alexa provided a list of products, including recommendations for purchase, suggesting that the system does have access to country-of-origin information. Slight alterations of search phrases, such as using “in USA” produced the desired result because the chatbot model could predict the rest of the phrase, suggesting that there could be an intentionally designed block for the “Made in USA” search term. When asked why there is no Made in USA filter, Alexa replied that it would “redirect significant sales away from their largest seller base,” referring to overseas manufacturers. Additional reporting from the Wall Street Journal described Walmart’s chatbot, Sparky, initially declining a request to evaluate the credibility of the labels on Made in the USA products in the shopper’s cart, but later producing an assessment when prompted differently.

Both the Amazon and Walmart’s AI shopping chatbots also demonstrated the ability to detect false Made in the USA labels when prompted, but both Alexa and Sparky indicated they do not proactively flag these fraudulent labels. For example, when Alexa provided a comparison chart that listed t-shirts as both Made in USA and imported, the chatbot could detect fraud after further questioning. It also disclosed the false Made in the USA label came from Amazon itself, not a third party. Similarly, Sparky was able to discern the credibility of Made in USA labeling using indicators like a company’s U.S. manufacturing footprint. When asked why this fraud is not flagged, both chatbots responded that it is a business decision not to. Sparky stated that because “the FTC pursues relatively few cases against retailers,” the incentive to create proactive compliance mechanisms is low. Alexa stated that because Amazon’s largest revenue contributors, their high-volume overseas sellers, benefit from inaction, addressing the fraud is not a priority. These responses warrant further scrutiny by the Commission.

As two of the largest retail companies in the world, Amazon and Walmart’s potential noncompliance with federal standards and their explicit promotion of overseas and potentially fraudulent sellers on their online marketplaces and through their AI shopping chatbots is deeply concerning. These concerns implicate the effectiveness of Made in the USA labeling as AI chatbots become more integrated in online shopping. The requirements for labeling a product as Made in the USA are rigorous. The final assembly or processing of the product must take place in the United States, all significant processing must occur in the United States, and all or virtually all ingredients or components of the product must be made and sourced in the United States. American manufacturers who adhere to these standards and support other domestic suppliers deserve a fair playing field on these online marketplaces. Likewise, consumers who seek out Made in the USA products should be able to rely on accurate country-of-origin information when making purchasing decisions. New technologies such as AI shopping chatbots must preserve that fairness. However, if these practices are allowed to persist, they will undermine the goals of the Made in the USA standard and disincentivize legitimate use of the label.

We strongly urge the Commission to investigate potential suppression of Made in the USA products through these chatbots and online marketplaces, as well as the lack of monitoring and reporting of fraudulent Made in the USA labeling despite the technological capability to do so. We stand ready to work with the Commission to ensure that American manufacturers and consumers can rely on the integrity of the Made in the USA label.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-introduces-landmark-reform-judicial-conduct-and-disability-act,Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Landmark Reform of Judicial Conduct and Disability Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, introduced the Judicial Conduct and Disability Reform Act, the first major overhaul of the Judicial Conduct and Disability (JCDA) Act in more than 45 years and the latest since 2002.

“The case of Judge Pauline Newman has exposed major flaws in the JCDA that warrant Congressional attention,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “For more than three years, Judge Newman has been unable to hear any cases while her case drags on. Meanwhile, the Chief Justice refused to grant Judge Newman’s request to transfer the proceedings to another circuit despite an obvious bias at the Federal Circuit and has now denied her petition for judicial review. My bill will correct this injustice against Judge Newman and ensure judges cannot be subjected to indefinite suspensions without due process.”

The Judicial Conduct and Disability Reform Act makes four key reforms to the JCDA:

Provides a statutory time limit for Judicial Conduct and Disability (JC&D) proceedings;

Requires the mandatory transfer of cases against certain Circuit Court judges;

Creates limited judicial review for challenging suspension orders; and

Establishes an objective standard of recusal from JC&D proceedings.

The bill also increases oversight and notification procedures to Congress when judges are subject to certain judicial conduct proceedings. This is a change from current law, which requires Congressional notification only when the Judicial Conference determines impeachment may be warranted.

“For decades, the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act has helped ensure that judges who engage in unethical conduct are held accountable. But developments like Judge Newman's suspension and Judge Ross' misbehavior underscore the need for modernization,” said Executive Director of Fix the Court Gabe Roth. “Rep. Fitzgerald's amendments would strengthen the JCDA in several respects, by limiting the maximum duration of suspensions, facilitating the transfer of complaints where appropriate and enhancing Congress’s oversight responsibilities. They constitute a valuable contribution to judicial accountability, and Fix the Court is proud to endorse Rep. Fitzgerald's work.”

“The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act was last amended almost a quarter of a century ago. Since then, high-profile proceedings have revealed gaps and flaws that warrant Congressional attention,” said federal judicial ethics expert Professor Arthur D. Hellman. “I applaud Rep. Fitzgerald for introducing this bill, which makes modest but important changes in the Act’s procedures. Although the bill responds particularly to the concerns raised by what has been called the ‘stealth impeachment’ of Judge Pauline Newman of the Federal Circuit, its provisions are broadly applicable and will serve the interests of judges and complainants alike.”

Background: The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 (28 U.S.C. §§ 351-364) authorizes any person, including the chief judge of the circuit, to file or initiate a written complaint alleging that a federal judge either has engaged in “conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts,” or “is unable to discharge all the duties” of the office due to mental or physical disability. In 2023, Judge Pauline Newman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was the victim of a misconduct and disability investigation initiated by the Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit, who also chaired the judicial council charged with reviewing the complaint. In 2025, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a district court’s earlier ruling that it lacked standing to hear Judge Newman’s challenge of the suspension due to 28 U.S.C. § 357(c)’s bar on judicial review and, in June 2026, the Supreme Court denied Judge Newman’s petition for certiorari.

Read the bill text here.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-strengthen-federal-fight-against-fraud,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Strengthen Federal Fight Against Fraud,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of two critical pieces of legislation today: the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 and the Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act.

On the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act:

“American taxpayers work too hard to have their money siphoned away by fraudsters,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation gives the Department of Justice a permanent structure dedicated to going after major fraud schemes and holding those who steal from taxpayers accountable. There is zero excuse for not taking fraud seriously and the House of Representatives took action today to guarantee the DOJ can continue shutting these schemes down.”

Background: This bill codifies the National Fraud Enforcement Division in federal law. This is critical to ensure the Department of Justice has a permanent structure focused on major fraud investigations and prosecutions to protect taxpayer dollars.

On the PROOF Act:

“Federal investigators can’t crack down on fraud if they can’t get the information needed to uncover it,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The PROOF Act closes critical information gaps and gives DOJ the ability to access state program data when investigating fraud cases. If someone is stealing from a taxpayer-funded program, it’s a no-brainer that investigators should have the tools to find them, follow the money, and hold them accountable.”

Background: This bill requires states provide program data when the Attorney General makes a written request related to a fraud investigation or prosecution. This applies to Medicaid, SNAP, unemployment benefits, pandemic relief, disaster assistance, housing programs, broadband funding, and other federally funded state programs determined to be vulnerable to fraud.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5975,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“I continue to support Ukraine as they fight to protect their country and sovereignty against a brutal Russian invasion. We can and must put economic pressure on the bad actors driving this invasion, including Putin’s cronies and those supporting the Russian oil industry.

This Administration has squandered many opportunities to use existing sanction authorities to press Russia. In fact, after starting a war with Iran, the Trump administration relaxed existing sanctions on Russia, further fueling the Russian war machine. I will oppose this legislation because it does not ensure the Trump administration will take action against Putin’s unchecked war in Ukraine. It also includes an extension of existing Iran sanctions that would easily pass with bipartisan support if brought to the Floor as a stand-alone bill.

Instead of expanding Trump’s tariff powers, the Republican-led Congress should be reining him in. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, Trump’s tariffs have already spiked costs for working families and created chaos for small businesses. Not to mention, the Supreme Court ruled that some of Trump’s tariffs were illegal.

There is a better way to support our ally Ukraine that doesn’t involve emboldening a rogue President, like with the Ukraine Support Act.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/small-business-committee-advances-two-bills-introduced-rep-wied,Small Business Committee Advances Two Bills Introduced by Rep. Wied,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — The House Committee on Small Business today advanced two bills introduced by Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) with bipartisan support.

“Whether it’s strengthening cybersecurity for small businesses or helping bring manufacturing back home, I am committed to doing everything I can to put Main Street first and give small businesses the tools they need to continue driving our economy,” said Congressman Wied. “These commonsense pieces of legislation were designed to make life easier for small business owners. I am pleased to see them advance through committee, and I look forward to working to pass them through the House.”

During today’s markup, members of the Small Business Committee unanimously voted to advance both the Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act and the Reshoring American Manufacturing Act.

The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act:

Requires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices.

Requires the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of War, to provide specific information related to the levels of cybersecurity requirements for the Department of War’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Requires the Administrator to consult the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA’s Office of Advocacy annually to determine best practices for disseminating information to small businesses.

The Reshoring American Manufacturing Act:",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-murray-sound-alarm-on-trump-admins-plans-to-divert-or-withhold-millions-in-healthcare-research-funds,"Baldwin, Murray Sound Alarm on Trump Admin’s Plans to Divert or Withhold Millions in Healthcare Research Funds",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, and Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, demanded Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. release information about HHS’ plans to use tens of millions of dollars in funding Congress approved for lifesaving and cost-cutting healthcare research at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)—all of which is set to expire come September 30 if it is not awarded. The demand comes after the lawmakers learned that HHS is planning to send tens of millions of dollars of its funding to other agencies, potentially wasting funds meant to address our nation’s most pressing healthcare concerns. Today, during a Senate confirmation hearing, Senator Baldwin also pressed Chris Klomp, nominee for HHS Deputy Secretary, to provide more information on the Department’s plan for this funding.

President Trump and Secretary Kennedy have worked to systematically dismantle AHRQ since taking office and are on track to waste a significant portion of the agency’s budget for the current fiscal year. This comes after AHRQ terminated approximately 150 grants totaling $94 million earlier this year and failed to spend, or impounded, $80 million in fiscal year 2025 funding after failing to award grants last year.

“It is increasingly clear that once again, your Department intends to ignore the law and—through a combination of gross negligence and intentional sabotage—will refuse to spend millions of taxpayer dollars that should be funding research to lower costs in the health care system and protect patients’ safety,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary Kennedy.

“Research funded by AHRQ grants has saved tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in health care costs, but once again, instead of getting these funds provided by Congress out the door as is required by law, this administration is on track to impound these resources and kill lifesaving research,” they continued.

In the letter, Senators Murray and Baldwin state that HHS recently informed them that it plans to award just 90 grants this year—hundreds fewer than in prior years—and is seeking to transfer funding specifically appropriated for AHRQ to other agencies.

“AHRQ leadership informed the Committee of its ‘plans’ to spend $100 million on inter-agency agreements (IAAs), which would enable the Department to siphon dollars away from AHRQ to support other initiatives, instead of funding the health care quality and delivery research that Congress specifically set aside resources for. But to date, AHRQ has provided very limited information on how this funding would actually be spent—let alone how it could be spent effectively between now and September 30th,” Baldwin and Murray wrote.

The lawmakers also make clear that beyond seeking to steer AHRQ funding elsewhere without regard for the law, it is apparent the Trump administration may illegally impound funding set aside for this lifesaving research: “Even more alarming is the fact that AHRQ has provided exactly no information on how the remaining $65 million provided to it will be spent, again raising the likelihood that funding provided by Congress will simply be wasted.”

Murray and Baldwin ask HHS to furnish copies of all inter-agency agreements AHRQ has entered into and provide more information about exactly how Secretary Kennedy intends to get this funding out the door to support cost-cutting and lifesaving research.

The full letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Kennedy,

For months, we have directly raised our concerns about the unacceptable and intentional chaos at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) with you, with Director Roger Klein, and most recently with Deputy Secretary Nominee Chris Klomp. As health care costs continue to rise and patient safety concerns persist, your Department has chosen to dismantle the very agency whose mission is to solve these problems.

It is increasingly clear that once again, your Department intends to ignore the law and—through a combination of gross negligence and intentional sabotage—will refuse to spend millions of taxpayer dollars that should be funding research to lower costs in the health care system and protect patients’ safety.

Research funded by AHRQ grants has saved tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in health care costs, but once again, instead of getting these funds provided by Congress out the door as is required by law, this administration is on track to impound these resources and kill lifesaving research.

At Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, AHRQ research helped reduce the percentage of preventable blood clots after surgery. A critical access hospital in New Mexico used AHRQ research to greatly reduce the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections by more than 90 percent. The Dayton, Ohio VA used AHRQ research to help veterans manage high-risk diabetes more effectively. AHRQ’s work is evidence-based first and foremost—it saves lives and money. Sabotaging this agency is a direct attack on both the patients and providers who rely on AHRQ to make our health care system work better.

In fiscal year 2025, under your leadership, AHRQ allowed over $80 million in federal funding provided by Congress to be wasted. Instead of awarding grants to promote patient safety, support families with children in the hospital, improve autism screening and diagnosis, and provide support for those suffering from chronic pain, the Trump administration intentionally withheld federal funding that Congress provided on a bipartisan basis, disrupting 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states. Over the past year, you have also managed to push out 80 percent of all AHRQ staff, including the majority of those who had previously vetted grants and worked directly with researchers. From 2020-2024, AHRQ awarded an average of 127 new grants and 306 continuation grants. In 2025, AHRQ awarded only one new grant and 206 continuation awards.

Your Department recently informed us that it intends to award only 90 grants this year. That is unacceptable.

In July, AHRQ terminated over 150 grants via a generic form letter. These grants included research that was clearly focused on addressing the agency’s stated priorities, such as patient safety, the use of digital tools to improve health, artificial intelligence, and training future health services researchers. AHRQ discontinued research in Wisconsin testing the use of artificial intelligence to improve the experience of hospitalized children and their families, research that the agency had highlighted in a webinar in May. AHRQ also discontinued the health services research training program at the University of Washington. For reasons we cannot comprehend, these two grants, among many others, were cited as “inconsistent with agency priorities.”

It is now abundantly clear that AHRQ terminated those grants, that were clearly consistent with AHRQ’s mission and stated priorities, with no plan on how it would otherwise spend its funding for this year.

On September 4th, AHRQ leadership informed the Committee of its “plans” to spend $100 million on inter-agency agreements (IAAs), which would enable the Department to siphon dollars away from AHRQ to support other initiatives, instead of funding the health care quality and delivery research that Congress specifically set aside resources for. But to date, AHRQ has provided very limited information on how this funding would actually be spent—let alone how it could be spent effectively between now and September 30th. AHRQ supposedly plans to spend $30 million to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and help schools develop strategies for improving school meals. We have received no further information on these plans. So far, it appears the only thing the agency has done is issue a press release, and with 15 days left in the fiscal year there aren’t any actual funding opportunities available for schools and school districts to apply for these resources. This continues an alarming pattern by which this administration is seeking to use IAAs to siphon funding away from one agency to fund the administration’s priorities at another, without regard for the law and what Congress provided funding for in the first place.

Similarly, while Congress set-aside $5 million to accelerate evidence-based research and care delivery models into routine clinical practice so that women can get the menopause care they need, all AHRQ has shared is that the funding will be spent on working with two other agencies on “quality improvement activities” addressing menopause. Yet no actual funding opportunities are available for that work. Even more alarming is the fact that AHRQ has provided exactly no information on how the remaining $65 million provided to it will be spent, again raising the likelihood that funding provided by Congress will simply be wasted.

Congress appropriated funding for AHRQ to improve the health of Americans, and to make health care safer, better, and more affordable. Using accounting gimmicks and supposed IAAs as cover for either intentional sabotage or complete incompetence is inexcusable. It is unfortunately only one of many examples of how this administration is willfully choosing to make Americans less healthy and less safe—and raising costs while it’s at it.

Within 24 hours, we expect to receive written copies of all IAAs that AHRQ has entered into with other federal agencies, a detailed description of all supported activities, and a list of all grantees that will be supported by such funding in accordance with Public Law 119-75 before the end of the fiscal year.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-baldwin-secures-commitment-from-trump-admin-to-restore-988-press-3-in-coming-weeks,WATCH: Baldwin Secures Commitment from Trump Admin to Restore 988 ‘Press 3’ in Coming Weeks,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) questioned several of President Trump’s nominees for positions within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at a Senate hearing and secured commitments that the Trump Administration will restore the ‘Press 3’ option for LGBTQ+ youth at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by the end of September. This news comes after the Trump Administration abruptly cancelled ‘Press 3’ over a year ago and has since dragged their feet on following Senator Baldwin's bipartisan law that mandated a return of these services. For more than 13 months, the Trump Administration has withheld specialized services for a population that is more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

During her questioning at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, Senator Baldwin pressed Chris Klomp, nominee for HHS Deputy Secretary, and Dr. Timothy Westlake, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (SAMHSA), about HHS’s failure to restore 988 specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth, despite Congress mandating the Trump Administration relaunch it in bipartisan funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2026 and only two weeks remaining in the Fiscal Year. Before it was shuttered by RFK, Jr., the hotline was fielding about 10% of all 988 contacts, including 19% of all texts. During their testimony, the nominees shared that a contract has been awarded to restore ‘Press 3’ services and that the Trump Administration should have an announcement about relaunch before the end of the Fiscal Year on September 30.

During her opening statement, Senator Baldwin highlighted how Secretary Kennedy and President Trump’s disastrous health policies are making Americans sicker and taking away care. She highlighted the historic outbreaks of measles and foodborne illnesses, withheld, unspent, or frozen funding impacting vital programs like Head Start and research on NIH, and record cuts to Affordable Care Act coverage and Medicaid that are projected to terminate health care for 15 million Americans.

Click here for a full video of Senator Baldwin's opening statement and questions in front of HELP.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/09/16/media-advisory-sen-johnson-to-lead-roundtable-discussion-covid-19-hospital-protocols-real-stories-from-real-people/,***MEDIA ADVISORY*** Sen. Johnson to Lead Roundtable Discussion: “COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People”,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, September 28, 2026, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) will lead a roundtable discussion titled “COVID-19 Hospital Protocols: Real Stories from Real People.” Sen. Johnson will be joined by patients, families, doctors, and nurses to discuss how hospitals failed to administer proper care and treatment to patients suffering from COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.

Panelists will share firsthand accounts of mistreatment and other experiences they witnessed at hospitals across the country.

Sen. Johnson has held a series of public hearings and roundtables examining our federal health officials’ flawed response to the COVID-19pandemic. This is the first event devoted entirely to what happened inside hospitals.

A livestream of the event will be available.

WHAT: A nonpartisan panel discussion about flawed hospital protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic

WHEN: September 28, 2026, 1 p.m. ET

WHO: Sen. Johnson, patients, families, doctors, and nurses

WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building, Kennedy Caucus Room 325

PRESS RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m. ET with name, outlet, email, and phone number to press@ronjohnson.senate.gov.

Due to capacity restrictions, we cannot guarantee a seat to everyone who plans to attend. An overflow room will be available. Additional updates will be provided on our website.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-led-bill-protecting-retirees-scams-passes-house-representatives,Fitzgerald-Led Bill Protecting Retirees from Scams Passes House of Representatives,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act, bipartisan legislation Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced alongside Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), passed the House of Representatives.

The GUARD Act was introduced with one critical goal in mind—to combat financial fraud scams that target hardworking Americans. Scams have become increasingly complex, cross-jurisdictional, and technology-driven. Pig butchering schemes often combine social engineering, fake investment platforms, romance or confidence fraud, and cryptocurrency transactions that move quickly across wallets, exchanges, and borders.

State, local, and tribal law enforcement are often the first point of contact for scam victims, but many agencies lack dedicated personnel, blockchain tracing tools, training, and coordination channels with financial institutions and federal law enforcement.

The GUARD Act addresses this gap by allowing existing federal grant funds to be used more directly for financial fraud investigations, training, technology, data collection, and law enforcement coordination.

“As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by criminals to defraud hardworking Americans. The House passage of the GUARD Act is an important step toward giving state and local law enforcement the tools they need to combat financial fraud and protect victims,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “By harnessing innovative technologies like blockchain, we can stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated scams and better protect Wisconsin seniors and families. I’m proud to co-lead this effort, and I urge my Senate colleagues to take up the GUARD Act and pass it swiftly.”

“Iowa retirees spent a lifetime building their savings, and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to steal it out from under them,” said Rep. Nunn. “The GUARD Act came directly from an Iowa sheriff's deputy who told me officers were watching criminals steal the life savings of hardworking Iowans but lacked the tools to track them down and recover the money. Today, the House voted to give state and local law enforcement the resources they need to pursue fraudsters, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for victims. I urge the Senate to take it up without delay and get these protections to the Iowans who need them.”

BACKGROUND: Financial fraud, elder exploitation, and cryptocurrency-enabled scams continue to impose significant losses on American consumers, particularly seniors. The FTC reported that consumers lost about $16 billion to fraud in 2025, the highest level on record, while reported fraud losses in 2024 totaled $12.5 billion. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report found that IC3 received 859,532 complaints with losses exceeding $16.6 billion, including more than $6.5 billion in cryptocurrency-related investment fraud losses.

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-releases-statement-on-opposing-the-clarity-act,Baldwin Releases Statement on Opposing the Clarity Act,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following after voting against the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which fails to address President Trump and other politicians’ abuse of cryptocurrencies to enrich themselves and does not adequately safeguard tribal sovereignty from prediction markets.

“Crypto is part of our economy, and I’m committed to making sure it works for Wisconsinites. There can be upsides, but we need to do more to protect folks from crypto scams, stop the self-dealing from politicians, and crack down on its use for drugs, human trafficking, and terrorism. Unfortunately, the Clarity Act fundamentally fails to do that. This bill turns a blind eye to the President and his family blatantly abusing their position of power to make more than a billion dollars – yes, billion with a ‘b’ – from his crypto scheme. The President of the United States of America and his family are taking hundreds of millions of dollars from foreign entities into his crypto ventures, and then doling out favors to foreign nationals – and this bill does absolutely nothing about it,” said Senator Baldwin. “The American people expect their elected officials to serve the public, not their pocketbooks, but Republicans once again are refusing to stop President Trump from using his office to get rich quick. The Clarity Act also doesn’t adequately respect tribal sovereignty, allowing prediction market platforms to sidestep state and tribal gaming regulations. The crypto industry needs to be regulated, but this bill fell short on keeping Wisconsinites’ safe from scams, stopping corruption, and protecting the rights of Wisconsin tribes.”

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-chairs-judiciary-subcommittee-field-hearing-obamacare-waste,"Rep. Fitzgerald Chairs Judiciary Subcommittee Field Hearing on Obamacare Waste, Fraud, & Abuse",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLOTTE, NC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), who serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, held a field hearing in North Carolina titled, “Examining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition.” Rep. Fitzgerald issued the following statement about the hearing:

“I think we can all agree that there is something wrong with the American healthcare system. The price of care is sky high, in part because of the design of, and rampant fraud occurring in, the Obamacare insurance system.

“Obamacare promised affordable healthcare for Americans. But it has not lived up to that promise. The price of Obamacare plans has increased at twice the rate of employer-sponsored plans. Instead of doing something about the artificially inflated prices, the Biden Administration just handed out more subsidies.

“To add insult to injury, because the Obamacare system does not trust Americans to make decisions about their own healthcare coverage, those subsidies go straight into the pockets of insurance companies instead of the American people.

“In the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, Republicans prevented illegal aliens from receiving premium tax credits. We also removed the cap on repayments to the federal government for excessive subsidies and added stricter eligibility verification to ensure people do not receive generous subsidies before their eligibility is determined.

“I also supported the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act that passed the House late last year. House Republicans recognize that we cannot keep writing blank checks for heavily subsidized programs that continue to drive up costs.

“While we have taken huge steps in the right direction, Congress must build on that progress to protect taxpayers, crack down on fraud, and ensure these subsidies go to people who are actually eligible.

“That’s exactly why we gathered in North Carolina for this field hearing, to gather additional solutions. North Carolina has redefined its healthcare industry through investments in cutting-edge tech and research hubs, as well as a statewide rural health transformation program. As a result, the state has received national rankings in healthcare innovation and quality.”

Watch Congressman Fitzgerald's opening statement from the hearing:

Background: This hearing examined how mergers, certificate of need laws, regulations, vertical integration, and insurance fraud are affecting healthcare access and affordability across the United States. The hearing also reviewed how Obamacare subsidies inflate healthcare costs and create an environment ripe for waste, fraud, and abuse.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-packers-season-kicks-off-baldwin-calls-for-passage-of-her-for-the-fans-act,"As Packers’ Season Kicks Off, Baldwin Calls for Passage of Her For the Fans Act",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – As the Green Bay Packers season kicks off Sunday, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is calling for the passage of her For the Fans Act to ensure Wisconsin fans always have a free, live option to watch the Packers play. The Senator’s bill comes as more games are exclusively broadcast on streaming platforms, including four Packers’ games in the 2026-2027 NFL season, forcing millions of Wisconsinites to pay for a subscription just to watch their home team play. Currently, only people living in the Green Bay and Milwaukee media markets are guaranteed Packers games to be broadcast on local TV, leaving more than approximately half of Wisconsinites potentially without access to the games unless they pay for the additional streaming service.

“Regardless of where you live in Wisconsin, your political party, or who you pray to, we all root for the Green and Gold. We celebrate together, we commiserate together, and we always come back the next week to cheer on the Pack together,” said Senator Baldwin. “But, right now, we are watching the big billionaire-owned streaming giants and the NFL rig the rules and force us to fork up more and more money just to watch our home teams play. Wisconsin families have been crystal clear that they are stretched thin right now, and we need to help give them some relief. That’s why we need to pass my For the Fans Act to lower costs for families, stop the confusing maze of subscriptions, and ensure we can all watch the Packers continue to run the NFC North.”

Baldwin’s For the Fans Act would improve access for consumers of professional sports broadcasts by requiring free viewing access for local fans and ending blackouts on league-owned streaming services, like NBA League Pass or MLB.TV. The bill applies to professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer leagues, and makes an exception for minor league teams and leagues with fewer than eight teams.

Polling from Data for Progress shows that overwhelming majorities of Americans support Baldwin’s For the Fans Act to stop professional sports leagues from blacking out games for fans, end the complicated web of streaming services, and cut costs for viewers across the country.

A one-pager on the For the Fans Act is available here.

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5974,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Visits Midwest Regional Reception to Conduct Welfare Check on Constituents,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Yesterday, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) visited the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Midwest Regional Reception Center in Leavenworth, Kansas to conduct a welfare check on her constituents. At this facility, individuals detained have reported numerous instances of abuse and neglect.

Two of her constituents are detained here after being caught up in ICE’s reckless surge in Milwaukee earlier this summer. At that time, Congresswoman Gwen Moore held a press conference in Milwaukee condemning ICE’s reckless, escalating presence in Milwaukee and its excessive force on residents.

After her recent visit to the ICE facility in Kansas, she held a conference with immigration rights advocates from Milwaukee and Kansas to discuss what she saw and heard.

As part of her oversight responsibilities, Congresswoman Moore has traveled to ICE detention facilities across the nation to check on her constituents’ safety and well-being. She released the following statement:

“While I was relieved that my constituents are being treated with dignity and respect, I was puzzled as to why these women were detained in the first place. Then I learned about the massive profit machine driving detainments of individuals with no criminal records.

The Trump administration isn’t targeting violent criminals, but anyone they choose, while private companies are getting rich and taxpayers foot the bill. That’s why I will continue these important oversight responsibilities. I thank advocates from Milwaukee and Kansas for bringing my attention to this facility and my constituents who are being detained,” said Congresswoman Moore, (WI-04).

“We thank Congresswoman Moore for her leadership in protecting the rights of immigrants like her constituents, Estenderly Marte Polanco and Reyna Elizabeth Garcia, and for using congressional oversight to hold ICE and the Department of Homeland Security accountable. ICE is using excessive force, separating families, and spending billions of taxpayer dollars on immigration enforcement. The American people deserve to know how that money is being spent and how companies like CoreCivic are profiting from a system that harms immigrant families and communities. It was an honor to stand with Congresswoman Moore and community partners in Kansas and Missouri to demand the reunification of families, the closure of these modern-day concentration camps, and humane immigration reform,” said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director, Voces de la Frontera.

""As an immigrant myself, I was lucky enough to enter the United States over 40 years ago, as a white European, without having to go through the harrowing experience our immigrant neighbors of color are facing now. I am from Germany, and I am worried and horrified that my adopted country is going down the same slippery slope that my country of origin did in the 1930s and 40s. I would like to ask our elected officials to come and regularly visit their constituents in this ICE detention center, and ask them to call for the closure of this detention center,"" said Angelika Schafer with Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR).

About the Facility

Last month, the Midwest Regional Reception Center, owned by CoreCivic, was sold to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for $238 million. CoreCivic reported $684 million in revenue in the spring quarter, a dramatic spike in revenue from last year. In an earnings call, the CEO of CoreCivic said that selling several of its detention facilities generated $1.6 billion, amounting to $307,000 per bed. During the press conference, Congresswoman Moore drew attention to how much profitability is motivating reckless ICE operations across the country.",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-urges-supreme-court-to-block-trumps-effort-to-restrict-mail-in-voting,Baldwin Urges Supreme Court to Block Trump’s Effort to Restrict Mail-In Voting,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to block President Trump’s unconstitutional Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service rule that attempts to restrict Wisconsinites’ ability to vote by mail ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Specifically, Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of 261 current and former lawmakers in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS in response to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.

“The President is trying to meddle in the elections because he knows that Americans are going to hold him accountable in November,” said Senator Baldwin. “Instead of changing course and doing what he said he would to lower costs, he is trying to silence Americans from having their voice heard at the ballot box. This effort to stop Americans from voting by mail – despite many Wisconsinites already having their ballots on their counters – is cut and dry unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court needs to say just that and protect Americans’ right to vote.”

Nearly one-third of Americans have voted by mail in recent elections, including over 500,000 Wisconsinites in the 2024 election — a voting practice Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when he voted in Florida’s Republican primary.

In the court filing, the lawmakers argue that Trump’s Executive Order 14399 and USPS’s final rule violate the separation of powers and usurp congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the States and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.

The lawmakers also pointed to a recent federal court ruling blocking the USPS from implementing its newly finalized mail ballot rule for the midterm elections, saying the agency lacked the authority to implement the rule and that its actions are “substantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.”

The lawmakers concluded by asserting States’ power to administer elections and Congress’s power to make or alter rules regulating elections, which the Supreme Court itself has described as an “override” authority. Trump’s illegal incursion on this authority is an attempt to disenfranchise people who depend on mail-in ballots to vote.

Senator Baldwin has repeatedly pushed back against the Trump Administration’s efforts to restrict mail-in voting and disenfranchise Wisconsin voters. In June, Baldwin demanded that the USPS abandon the rule, and in July, she called on the USPS to immediately address severe mail delays that caused hundreds of Wisconsinites’ ballots to arrive after Election Day in April.

The lawmakers’ demands come as President Trump has taken an all-of-the-above approach to try to interfere in the upcoming 2026 elections. In addition to his attempt to curtail legal mail-in voting, the President has repeatedly threatened to send federal agents to states’ polling places, repeated his claim about “rigged” elections more than 100 times, and sent FBI agents into Milwaukee to relitigate his 2020 election loss.

The amicus brief was led by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Gary Peters (D-MI) and joined by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.

The full brief is available here.

###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-calls-out-trumps-trade-war-with-canada-as-tariffs-hit-wisconsin-dairy-paper,"Baldwin Calls Out Trump’s Trade War with Canada as Tariffs Hit Wisconsin Dairy, Paper",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement as Canada placed retaliatory tariffs on key Wisconsin exports, including dairy and paper. The tariffs come in response to President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on Canadian goods after he abandoned trade negotiations and as his administration’s trade war continues to result in higher costs and shrinking export markets for Wisconsin businesses.

“In recent weeks, I’ve traveled to every corner of Wisconsin to hear about how Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs and war in Iran have made it harder for small businesses to make ends meet. Now, President Trump has decided to make that situation even worse by starting a tit-for-tat trade war with our state’s biggest trading partner. Wisconsin’s iconic dairy and paper industries are taking it on the chin, being either forced to cut deep into their bottom lines or worse, being locked out of a key market because the tariffs are just too much to bear,” said Senator Baldwin. “The President is gambling with the livelihoods of our family farmers and manufacturers, but this isn’t a game — the consequences are businesses being forced to lay off workers, shuttered family farms, and devastated rural economies. Made in Wisconsin businesses deserve stability they can depend on to support growth and plan for the future – not these higher costs and endless chaos. My Republican colleagues should be joining me in this outrage and speaking out against it on behalf of our constituents and Made in Wisconsin economy.”

Nearly every variety of cheese Wisconsin sells to Canada will face a 25 percent tariff, and milk powders, whey, and other dairy ingredients will face 50 percent. The tariffs will also impact Wisconsin’s paper industry, including corrugated boxes, coated papers, packaging, and tissue products, which will face retaliatory tariffs of mostly 50 percent. Wisconsin makes more paper products than any other state in the country and annually results in more than half a billion dollars in sales to Canada. Last year, Canada bought nearly 28 percent of Wisconsin’s total exports, amounting to over $7.5 billion in Wisconsin goods—nearly double what Wisconsin exports to Mexico, the next-largest market.

Last month, Senator Baldwin released a brand-new report showing that, from the ongoing trade war, war in Iran, and chaos, Congressional Republicans and President Trump are costing Wisconsin families more than $3,300 for everyday essentials like housing, gas, and groceries.

###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-applauds-white-houses-action-delist-gray-wolves,Tiffany Applauds White House’s Action to Delist Gray Wolves,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WAUSAU, WI – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) today applauded President Trump’s executive action directing the Department of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves meet the criteria for removal from protections under the Endangered Species Act and begin the process of delisting them.

“The gray wolf has recovered, and the impacts are being felt across rural communities in Wisconsin. Farmers are dealing with livestock depredations, families are losing pets, and wolves are showing up closer to homes. Wisconsin has successfully managed wildlife for generations. It is time to get out-of-state judges and bureaucrats out of the way and let Wisconsin responsibly manage its wolf population,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany.

Tiffany has been a leading advocate in Congress for removing the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list and returning management back to states. He authored the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, legislation to delist the gray wolf and return management authority to states like Wisconsin. The legislation passed the House with bipartisan support and awaits action in the Senate.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-blasts-trump-admin-for-diverting-billions-from-lifesaving-medical-research-to-pentagon,Baldwin Blasts Trump Admin for Diverting Billions from Lifesaving Medical Research to Pentagon,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee that funds the National Institute of Health (NIH), blasted the Trump Administration after the Department of Defense (DOD) announced that it was diverting billions of dollars Congress specifically provided for lifesaving medical research at NIH to fund Pentagon priorities instead.

“Donald Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran is costing Americans billions of dollars in taxpayer funding and higher costs, and now he is raiding lifesaving medical research to find even more money for his out-of-control Department of Defense,” said Senator Baldwin. “The American people want cures to diseases that are causing heartache – not backdoor deals that rob them of hope and instead use their tax dollars for Secretary Hegseth’s pet projects. I will fight this decision at every step – and I expect to hear the same outrage from my Republican colleagues.”

The new agreement, which was not shared with Congress in advance, establishes a framework that could allow DOD to tap billions of dollars that Congress provided specifically for NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in order to fund DOD initiatives instead. The arrangement could mean that a substantial portion of NIAID’s overall budget is not spent on NIAID programs, but Pentagon priorities, which should be considered through the bipartisan annual appropriations process.

Since the start of 2025, the Trump Administration has repeatedly attacked or frozen funding for NIH and the lifesaving research it supports. Despite Senator Baldwin working to increase NIH’s budget by $415 million for Fiscal Year 2026, the White House delayed getting that money out the door and left NIH unable to fund research for 40 days. This slow walking, combined with staffing cuts and Trump’s multi-year funding scheme, means that NIH will award thousands fewer research grants this year; the fewest research grants it has awarded any year since 2017.

###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-baldwin-wraps-up-week-2-of-the-ending-chaos-lowering-costs-tour,"ICYMI: Baldwin Wraps Up Week 2 of the “Ending Chaos, Lowering Costs” Tour",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) wrapped up the second week of her “Ending Chaos, Lowering Costs” statewide tour with stops in Wausau, Green Bay, Monona, Waterloo, and the Twin Ports to meet with Wisconsinites and discuss how she is fighting to end the high costs and chaos that Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump have caused and her work to support our Made in Wisconsin economy.

In Wausau, Senator Baldwin visited a Head Start center to highlight the chaos that President Trump has created for Wisconsin parents and childcare providers. Senator Baldwin talked with staff about how the Trump Administration’s latest attacks on Head Start will gut quality standards and jeopardize funding for the program. Since the start of 2025, the Trump Administration has leveled attacks on Head Start, including trying to eliminate the program that serves nearly 800,000 children and families, including over 16,000 Wisconsin children. Senator Baldwin is a staunch supporter of Head Start and worked to include an $85 million increase for the program in last year’s budget.

In Green Bay and Monona, Senator Baldwin visited American Tent, Renegade Plastics, and Fraboni’s to discuss how President Trump’s trade war and his illegal war in Iran are driving up costs for Wisconsin small businesses and their customers.

In the Twin Ports, Senator Baldwin celebrated a key investment she secured for our Made in Wisconsin economy, joining Wisconsin and Minnesota leaders to break ground on the new Blatnik Bridge. Senator Baldwin supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and fought to deliver $1 billion in federal funding for the project.

In Waterloo, Senator Baldwin toured Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese to celebrate the launch of a new product and highlight a program she created and successfully funds annually to support small- and mid-sized dairy businesses. In the 2018 Farm Bill, she created the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, which has supported 600 small and mid-sized dairy businesses, including Crave Brothers, with grants to improve efficiencies, build capacity, and find new markets.

Senator Baldwin’s tour of Wisconsin comes as Senator Baldwin released a brand-new report last week showing that, from the ongoing trade war, war in Iran, and chaos, Congressional Republicans and President Trump are costing Wisconsin families more than $3,300 for everyday essentials like housing, gas, and groceries.

Key findings from this report can be found below:

Wisconsin Families Spending $3,300+: As of June 2026, the average household in Wisconsin has had to spend more than $3,300 more on goods and services under President Trump, including $794 more on housing costs such as rent and mortgages, $310 more for groceries, and $120 more for electricity.

Back-to-School Essential Cost 20% More: As the cost of essentials like lunch boxes, notepad paper, index cards, and tissues has increased by 20% or more, nearly half of parents say they are cutting back on other household expenses to make room for back-to-school shopping. Additionally, packing lunches will cost families more than $3,800 this school year, up nearly $400 from last year.

Wisconsinites Spent $1 billion More on Gas: Wisconsinites have spent an estimated $1 billion more on gas. Nationwide, 75% of Americans believe that they have faced hardships due to the rising costs of gas.

Farmers Spend 73% More on Diesel: Wisconsin farmers spent $43,800,000 or 73.6% more, on diesel fuel during this year’s planting season than they did last year.

Read the full report here.

###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-condemn-socialism-all-forms-protect-domestic-mining,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Condemn Socialism in All Forms & Protect Domestic Mining,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of two critical measures this week: H. Res. 1490 - Condemning Socialism in All Forms and H.R. 1501 - Protecting Domestic Mining Act.

On the Resolution Condemning Socialism:

“We have seen a dramatic rise in socialism in the United States over the past year which is completely antithetical to the American way of life and what the Founders intended,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This Resolution, which 192 House Democrats opposed, formally condemns socialism in all its forms, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and opposes socialist policies in the United States. Socialism gives government more power and leaves the people with less freedom. That is the exact opposite of what America stands for.”

On the Protecting Domestic Mining Act:

“This legislation will help make it easier to produce the minerals the United States needs right here at home,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “By improving the permitting process for mining and mineral processing, we will strengthen our domestic supply chains and reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries like China. This is key to protecting our national security and supporting American manufacturing.”

###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wied-introduces-bill-strengthen-cybersecurity-and-reduce-costs-small,Rep. Wied Introduces Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Reduce Costs for Small Businesses,2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation this week to help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity while streamlining coordination among federal agencies to reduce unnecessary costs.

The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act requires the Small Business Administration to work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices. It also requires coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information on the levels of cybersecurity requirements under the Department of War’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, it is critical for small businesses to maintain the highest-quality and most up-to-date cybersecurity infrastructure,” said Congressman Wied. “However, small businesses shouldn't be forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a level of cybersecurity they don’t need simply because Washington has failed to provide clear rules. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act will provide much-needed clarity to help small businesses protect themselves without forcing them to spend excessive amounts of money trying to comply with vague guidelines.”

Background: Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important consideration for small businesses, but many struggle to find clear, up-to-date guidance. Currently, the SBA’s website provides some information for small businesses looking to secure their cyber infrastructure, but it may not reflect other agencies’ best-practice recommendations. This leaves small businesses’ cyber infrastructure vulnerable to nefarious actors. Additionally, the SBA lacks information on complying with the Department of War's new cybersecurity initiative, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This certification is multi-tiered based on the sensitive information a contractor or subcontractor may handle. The DoW has paused Phase II and III requirements while it conducts a 60-day review. Before the temporary pause, many small businesses were unsure of which level they were required to have. Without clear instructions, many were forced to spend upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with requirements they may not have needed. This bill ensures the SBA can provide small businesses with the most accurate and relevant information once Phase II and III requirements are reimplemented.

Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI) are original cosponsors of this legislation.

“North Texas is one of America’s fastest-growing hubs for firms offering professional, scientific, and technical services, and thousands of tech-oriented small businesses call our region home. They shouldn’t have to spend six figures trying to decipher Washington’s one-size-fits-all bureaucratic cybersecurity rules. I am glad to help introduce the Cybersecurity for Small Business Act to give small businesses clear guidance on best practices to protect their networks without wasting time and money on unnecessary requirements,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne.

“Cyberattacks do not just target the federal government or large corporations. Small businesses are also targets for foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party. Many lack the resources or expertise of larger companies to protect themselves. These attacks cost American businesses and our economy. This legislation gives small businesses clearer access to federal cybersecurity guidance. It also helps those seeking to work with the federal government understand the requirements they need to meet. Protecting America’s small businesses is part of protecting our economy and our national security,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds.

The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act:

Requires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure

Security Agency to provide small businesses with information on cybersecurity best practices.

Requires the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of War to provide specific information related to the levels of cybersecurity requirements for the Department of War’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Requires the Administrator to consult the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA’s Office of Advocacy to determine best practices for disseminating information.

Adds an annual reporting requirement to Section 10 of the Small Business Act.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5973,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Fund Government Through December 11th,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“Today’s legislation maintains funding for critical priorities that our communities depend on. I don’t need to remind anyone that during the last government shutdown, the Trump Administration weaponized SNAP, threatening hunger on vulnerable citizens, including my constituents. This bill would ensure that WIC funding can continue at the rate necessary to meet current needs and temporarily block a proposed OMB guidance on federal grants that will adversely impact TRIO, NIH, and thousands of federal grant programs across the government. That’s why today, I voted to pass this funding measure.”

This temporary funding measure or Continuing Resolution (CR) is needed only because House and Senate Republicans have failed to pass any of the annual funding bills, refusing to negotiate any commonsense and reasonable agreements with Democrats. I urge my colleagues to work with us to finalize full year funding bills that helps support our communities, protects Congress’ power of the pursue, and excludes partisan poison pills.”",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-keep-government-open-avoiding-another-democrat-led,"Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Keep the Government Open, Avoiding Another Democrat-Led Shutdown",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027.

“Keeping the government open is the responsible thing to do,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “This legislation keeps the government funded through December 11, 2026, ensures critical services continue, provides certainty for our military, and supports our national security priorities. I voted to keep the government open and avoid another reckless shutdown while we work to complete the appropriations process here in the House.”

###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgeralds-ndo-fairness-act-passes-house-representatives,Rep. Fitzgerald's NDO Fairness Act Passes House of Representatives,2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald’s (WI-05) NDO Fairness Act, legislation aimed at restoring transparency, reinforcing constitutional rights, and ending the pattern of surveillance overreach, passed the House of Representatives unanimously today.

Earlier this year, Congressman Fitzgerald questioned former Special Counsel Jack Smith during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that focused on Smith’s investigations and prosecutions of President Trump.

As mentioned by multiple committee members during the hearing, the unconstitutional subpoena of phone records for Members of Congress was a gross abuse of power. Not only did Smith’s team fail to notify the Federal Judge that the subpoenas were for Members of Congress, but he also imposed a non-disclosure order, or NDO, prohibiting the phone companies from notifying Members of the search.

The NDO Fairness Act would require notification of a subpoena after 90 days, ensuring all Americans, not just Members of Congress, have a right to challenge the constitutionality of a subpoena.

“The government should not be able to secretly search Americans’ private information and then prevent them from ever knowing it happened,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The NDO Fairness Act restores fundamental safeguards against government overreach by ensuring Americans have the opportunity to learn when their information has been searched. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act quickly to advance these critical protections.”

BACKGROUND: The NDO Fairness Act reins in prosecutorial abuse and executive branch overreach by strengthening the standards prosecutors must meet when seeking to place non-disclosure orders (NDOs) on service providers. This bill will prevent federal prosecutors from using indefinite and often boilerplate secrecy orders to access third-party communications data. It will also ensure an individual is notified within 90 days when their data was searched and allow that individual to request a copy of any information disclosed.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-baldwin-evers-celebrate-groundbreaking-for-blatnik-bridge-replacement-project,"NEWS: Baldwin, Evers Celebrate Groundbreaking for Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Governor Tony Evers joined Wisconsin and Minnesota leaders to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Blatnik Bridge replacement project, which Senator Baldwin successfully secured more than $1 billion in federal funding to support the project. The funding for the bridge replacement comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senator Baldwin voted for, and all of Wisconsin’s Congressional Republicans voted against.

“This is what happens when leaders roll up their sleeves, work together, and deliver for the people we represent,” said Senator Baldwin. “Since the day we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’ve worked tirelessly with Governor Evers and our friends on the other side of the Mississippi to get this funding, and today we are putting shovels in the ground to replace this aging bridge. This bridge is more than an investment in concrete and steel. We are investing in our people—in the workers who will build it, the businesses that depend on it, and the families who will use it every day.”

“Sen. Baldwin and I have been proud to champion the Blatnik Bridge replacement project for years with our partners across the river in Minnesota, and I’m excited to help celebrate the groundbreaking of this exciting and essential project that will serve our two states and our region for generations of future residents. This is a big deal, folks,” said Governor Evers. “Replacing Blatnik Bridge is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that will not only create thousands of jobs but will support the 21st-century needs of our people, our workforces, and our economies. We’re proud of all of the years of effort and advocacy that went into getting to this point, and we’re glad this day has finally arrived.”

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

Since the passage of the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senator Baldwin has been advocating and building the coalition needed for Wisconsin and Minnesota to earn the federal funds to replace the Blatnik Bridge, including:

March 2022: Senator Baldwin joined President Biden in Superior to highlight Bipartisan Infrastructure Law transformational investments for local communities and advocate for funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge.

December 2022: Senator Baldwin secured $7.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to plan and design the replacement the Blatnik Bridge through the annual budget process.

June 2023: Senator Baldwin, Governor Evers, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson, and Superior Mayor Jim Paine visited Superior to highlight the continued need to replace the Blatnik Bridge and urge the Biden Administration to invest in the project.

August 2023: Senator Baldwin called on the Biden Administration to support Wisconsin and Minnesota’s application for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the project.

October 2023: Senator Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of eight Minnesota and Wisconsin legislators to urge President Biden to support Minnesota and Wisconsin’s application for federal funding to rebuild the Blatnik Bridge.

December 2023: Senator Baldwin again voiced her support for the Blatnik Bridge and announced her support for Wisconsin and Minnesota’s second application for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.

January 2024: Senator Baldwin delivered over $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge

March 2026: Senator Baldwin successfully pushed the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to release the more than $1 billion for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project.

The current, aging bridge will close for approximately 4-5 years starting in early 2027. The project is scheduled for completion in 2032, and construction is expected to employ 1,100 workers annually.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-baldwin-wraps-up-first-week-of-ending-chaos-lowering-costs-statewide-tour,"ICYMI: Baldwin Wraps Up First Week of “Ending Chaos, Lowering Costs” Statewide Tour",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) wrapped up the first week of her “Ending Chaos, Lowering Costs” statewide tour with stops in Madison, Richland Center, La Crosse, Onalaska, and Eau Claire, meeting with Wisconsin families and small businesses and highlighting how she is fighting to end the high costs and hardship that Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump have created.

In Madison, Senator Baldwin visited a local Boys & Girls Club to help pack donated school materials and meet with staff and stakeholders to hear how rising costs are hurting families this back-to-school season. Trump’s tariffs and war in Iran have increased back-to-school supplies’ costs for families, with nearly half of parents saying they are cutting back on other household expenses to make room for back-to-school shopping.

In Richland Center, Senator Baldwin stopped by Richland Hospital to learn how $4.5 million in direct federal support she secured is helping update this critical access hospital and medical center. The visit and Baldwin-backed support come as Republicans made historic cuts to the Medicaid program in their signature One, Big Beautiful Bill, which is poised to devastate rural hospitals and threaten the closure of critical access facilities for Wisconsin.

In La Crosse, Senator Baldwin visited with small businesses – including Oh Oh Coffee, Larson's General Store, and Kroner's Hardware – to discuss how President Trump’s trade war with our allies and his illegal war in Iran are driving up costs and squeezing Wisconsin Main Street shops and their consumers. A poll conducted by Small Business Majority in June found that 63% of small business owners reported decreased profit margins this year and 74% reported that they are being impacted by recent increases in fuel and transportation costs.

In Eau Claire, Senator Baldwin hosted a roundtable with local bar and restaurant owners to talk about how her new bill, the For the Fans Act, will save small businesses money and cut through the confusing landscape of watching televised sports. Her legislation would end blackouts and force leagues to provide a free viewing option for local fans. The bill comes as the Packers’ upcoming 2026-27 season schedule has four games on Amazon Prime and Netflix, forcing fans outside of the Milwaukee and Green Bay media markets to pay for games.

The tour comes as Senator Baldwin released a brand-new report earlier this week showing that, from the ongoing trade war, war in Iran, and chaos, Congressional Republicans and President Trump are costing Wisconsin families more than $3,300 for everyday essentials like housing, gas, and groceries.

Key findings from this report can be found below:

Wisconsin Families Spending $3,300+: As of June 2026, the average household in Wisconsin has had to spend more than $3,300 more on goods and services under President Trump, including $794 more on housing costs such as rent and mortgages, $310 more for groceries, and $120 more for electricity.

Back-to-School Essential Cost 20% More: As the cost of essentials like lunch boxes, notepad paper, index cards, and tissues has increased by 20% or more, nearly half of parents say they are cutting back on other household expenses to make room for back-to-school shopping. Additionally, packing lunches will cost families more than $3,800 this school year, up nearly $400 from last year.

Wisconsinites Spent $1 billion More on Gas: Wisconsinites have spent an estimated $1 billion more on gas. Nationwide, 75% of Americans believe that they have faced hardships due to the rising costs of gas.

Farmers Spend 73% More on Diesel: Wisconsin farmers spent $43,800,000 or 73.6% more, on diesel fuel during this year’s planting season than they did last year.

Next week, Senator Baldwin’s tour continues with stops in the Superior area, Wausau, Green Bay, and Monona.

Read the full report here.

###",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5367,Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Urging President Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) is leading every member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation in urging President Donald Trump to approve Wisconsin’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on July 27, 2026.

The storms caused extensive damage across Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago Counties. A powerful EF3 tornado tore through Wisconsin’s Fox Valley region, leaving a broad path of devastation across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. Preliminary findings from the National Weather Service indicate that the tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, and reached nearly one mile in width, with estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. The tornado left thousands of homes and businesses destroyed or severely damaged and caused widespread damage to infrastructure.

Damage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management found 2,346 residential structures impacted, including 84 destroyed and 412 with major damage, with estimated losses exceeding $8.2 million. Public-sector damage exceeded $13.8 million, surpassing Wisconsin’s per-capita threshold by more than $2.4 million.

The bipartisan delegation is urging President Trump to make Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation assistance available to affected Wisconsinites.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-tours-oaks-jackson-highlights-housing-legislation-inspired,"Rep. Fitzgerald Tours Oaks of Jackson, Highlights Housing Legislation Inspired by Washington County Initiative",2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"JACKSON, WI – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) toured the Oaks of Jackson, a Washington County Next Generation Housing development, to highlight the county’s efforts to expand attainable homeownership opportunities and discuss his recently introduced Working Families Home Construction Act, which was inspired by the county’s successful housing initiative.

The Working Families Home Construction Act is designed to help address the nation’s housing supply shortage by making construction financing more accessible to builders. The bill would allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase qualifying residential construction loans at low interest rates, helping builders access gap financing needed to produce more middle-class housing.

“Washington County has shown that innovative financing can help get more homes built for working families,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “My Working Families Home Construction Act takes the lessons learned here in Wisconsin and brings them to the federal level, helping builders access the financing they need to build more middle-class housing across the country.”

Builders across the country are ready to build, but too often cannot access affordable construction financing needed for land acquisition, infrastructure, site preparation, and other upfront development costs, making it difficult for developers to build anything but upper-income homes.

“Fixing the housing shortage in the United States is one of the top issues we face,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Washington County has developed a successful model for overcoming barriers to housing construction, and we need to build on that success so more hardworking Americans can achieve the dream of homeownership.”

“What started as a local solution to a challenge facing Washington County is now helping shape the national conversation about housing,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. “Our Next Generation Housing Initiative demonstrates what can be accomplished when county and municipal leaders work alongside builders, employers and community partners. By reducing barriers to construction and focusing on attainable homeownership, we are helping more working families achieve the American Dream while strengthening the workforce our local businesses need.”

During the tour, Congressman Fitzgerald joined Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, Village of Jackson Administrator Jen Heidke, local housing partners, and Next Generation Housing homeowners to view homes within the Oaks of Jackson and discuss the importance of increasing the supply of attainable, owner-occupied housing.",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-booker-demand-ftc-investigate-syscorestaurant-depot-merger-protect-consumers-and-small-businesses-from-higher-costs,"Baldwin, Booker Demand FTC Investigate Sysco–Restaurant Depot Merger, Protect Consumers & Small Businesses from Higher Costs",2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are demanding the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) thoroughly investigate Sysco’s proposed $29.1 billion acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot, over concerns that the deal could further consolidate the nation’s food distribution system, weaken competition, and drive-up costs for independent restaurants and consumers.

“A single dominant company monopolizing the food distribution system will allow one company unprecedented power to raise prices and reduce purchasing options for independent restaurants. The higher food and supply costs restaurants will likely incur from this merger will almost certainly be passed on to diners, as most of these small businesses operate on the margins of three to five percent even under favorable conditions. Or, these combined pressures could force many independent restaurants to close, resulting in layoffs and an economic loss to their local community,"" wrote the senators in a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson.

The senators warned that the proposed acquisition would eliminate an important source of competition for independent restaurants, caterers, farmers, and other small businesses. Restaurant Depot’s “cash-and-carry” model — which has no contracts, delivery fees, or minimum orders — provides small businesses with an alternative to traditional broadline distributors like Sysco and allows them to compare prices and purchasing options.

The deal comes as restaurants and consumers continue to face rising costs. According to the National Restaurant Association, menu prices have increased by at least 34 percent since 2020. The senators also raised concerns about the impact of further consolidation on farmers, noting that independent restaurants are often their largest commercial buyers of produce.

The FTC has previously intervened to prevent consolidation in the restaurant distribution industry. In 2015, the Commission blocked Sysco’s proposed acquisition of US Foods, determining that the transaction would significantly reduce competition and likely result in higher prices and lower levels of service for restaurant-goers.

“Sysco’s action represents an effort to vertically integrate the food distribution space and eliminate a competitor price check that helps maintain lower-cost options. We urge the FTC to review this merger to ensure that consumers, farmers, and restaurant owners maintain their independence and competition can flourish,” the senators concluded.

""As a chef, every price increase from product to protein or pantry staples hits us directly. Those margins are the difference between staying in business and keeping menu prices affordable for our guests. Restaurant Depot gives independent kitchens like mine a real price benchmark to push back against broadline distributors like Sysco,"" said Dan Jacobs, Chef and Owner of EsterEv and DanDan in Milwaukee. ""If Sysco is allowed to buy up a major competitor, that leverage disappears, and the cost gets passed straight to diners. We're grateful to Senator Baldwin for pushing regulators to take a hard look at this deal before it hurts independent restaurants and the communities we support.”

A full version of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tour-baldwin-launches-ending-chaos-lowering-costs-statewide-tour,"TOUR: Baldwin Launches “Ending Chaos, Lowering Costs” Statewide Tour",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is launching the “Ending Chaos, Lowering Costs” statewide tour to meet with Wisconsin families and small businesses and highlight how she is fighting to end the high costs and hardship that Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump have created. Ahead of the statewide tour, Baldwin is releasing a brand-new report showing that, from the ongoing trade war, war in Iran, and chaos, Congressional Republicans and President Trump are costing Wisconsin families more than $3,300 for everyday essentials like housing, gas, and groceries.

“My Republican colleagues and Donald Trump promised lower prices on Day One, but instead they’ve delivered higher costs at every turn and are creating chaos that is just making life harder for folks. This report shows that between their war of choice in Iran, reckless tariff policies, and slashing health care and food assistance to pay for billionaire tax breaks, my Republican colleagues and the President have turned their backs on Wisconsin’s working families,” said Senator Baldwin. “So, today, I am hitting the road to meet with hard-working families and small businesses to listen to what these high costs mean for them and show them just what I am doing to fight for them. We can and must strive for a future where families can afford to save for a vacation, small businesses are thinking of expansion – not if they will make rent, and farmers are growing their customer base, not having markets cut off. Together, we can build that future – but it starts with stopping the chaos from this president and Washington.”

Key findings from this report can be found below:

Wisconsin Families Spending $3,300+: As of June 2026, the average household in Wisconsin has had to spend more than $3,300 more on goods and services under President Trump, including $794 more on housing costs such as rent and mortgages, $310 more for groceries, and $120 more for electricity.

Back-to-School Essential Cost 20% More: As the cost of essentials like lunch boxes, notepad paper, index cards, and tissues has increased by 20% or more, nearly half of parents say they are cutting back on other household expenses to make room for back-to-school shopping. Additionally, packing lunches will cost families more than $3,800 this school year, up nearly $400 from last year.

Wisconsinites Spent $1 billion More on Gas: Wisconsinites have spent an estimated $1 billion more on gas. Nationwide, 75% of Americans believe that they have faced hardships due to the rising costs of gas.

Farmers Spend 73% More on Diesel: Wisconsin farmers spent $43,800,000, or 73.6% more, on diesel fuel during this year’s planting season than they did last year.

Senator Baldwin’s tour will kick off this week with stops in Madison, Richland Center, La Crosse, and Eau Claire.

Read the full report here.

###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-takano-merkley-lead-179-colleagues-in-urging-supreme-court-to-protect-preschoolers-from-discrimination,"Baldwin, Takano, Merkley Lead 179 Colleagues in Urging Supreme Court to Protect Preschoolers from Discrimination",2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI), Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led their colleagues in filing an amicus brief at the Supreme Court in the case of St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy advocating to the Justices that preschools that receive state dollars should not be able to discriminate against children and families. At issue in the case are religious preschools seeking an exemption from the nondiscrimination provision in Colorado’s universal preschool program so they can refuse to admit LGBTQ+ children or the children of LGBTQ+ people while still receiving public funding. The members’ brief urges the Supreme Court to uphold the nondiscrimination provision and not grant a religious exemption.

“Discriminating against anyone – let alone preschoolers – is simply wrong and betrays some of our most fundamental and enduring beliefs as Americans,” said Senator Baldwin. “No child or family should face discrimination in a program supported by taxpayer dollars. Our country has taken great strides in the march toward true equality, and the Supreme Court should stop such blatant discrimination that would take us an unmistakable step backwards.”

This upcoming term, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in St. Mary’s Catholic Parish v. Roy, where the court will be considering when to apply which of its standards for granting religious exemptions from nondiscrimination laws. In 2020, Colorado voters passed a ballot proposition to establish state funding for preschool. In response, the Colorado legislature passed legislation to codify a universal preschool program. The law includes a nondiscrimination provision, stating that the quality standards for the program must include “a requirement that each preschool provider provide eligible children an equal opportunity to enroll and receive preschool services regardless of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, lack of housing, income level, or disability, as such characteristics and circumstances apply to the child or the child's family.”

Two Catholic parishes that operate preschools, among other plaintiffs, sued claiming that this nondiscrimination policy violates their First Amendment rights. Specifically, the preschools want a religious exemption in order to receive taxpayer dollars while discriminating against LGBTQ+ students and children of LGBTQ+ parents.

The members’ brief argues that:

The Supreme Court defers to legislatures and the political process when assessing exemptions from neutral, generally-applicable laws;

Petitioners’ rule would endanger a myriad of federal nondiscrimination laws that Congress has carefully crafted over decades; and

The Court should be mindful not to destabilize or undermine that legislative role by effectively legislating ad hoc exemptions to nondiscrimination laws.

The full amicus brief is available here.

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-calls-on-trump-administration-to-reverse-denial-of-disaster-aid-for-wisconsin,Baldwin Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Denial of Disaster Aid for Wisconsin,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) backed Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ appeal and called on the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to deny federal assistance to Wisconsin communities recovering and building back after severe storms and flooding in April. While the Trump Administration approved some disaster assistance, it denied all hazard mitigation funding for the entire state that would help communities prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. The denial came after President Donald Trump rejected similar disaster aid for Wisconsin in 2025 after severe flooding, fitting into the trend of Democratic-run states being refused disaster aid at a record rate. The Trump Administration has denied disaster aid for states with Democratic governors at the highest rate in the 47-year history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Had hazard mitigation taken place after the first disaster, many of the damages for the current disaster declaration would have been avoided and taxpayer dollars saved,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton. “In light of the documented damage and its impact on local and state capacity, I request that FEMA give full and fair consideration to Wisconsin’s appeal for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding. It is imperative that the HMGP is added to this declaration so Wisconsin communities are able to recover and prevent similar impacts from future disaster events while saving local, state and federal taxpayer dollars.”

In April, communities across Wisconsin experienced heavy rainfall and severe weather, causing rivers to flood their banks and destroy homes and businesses alike. Following the storms, Senator Baldwin called on the Trump Administration to act and support Wisconsin’s request for federal resources so communities could recover.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Administrator Hamilton,

I write to express support for the State of Wisconsin’s appeal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding statewide in response to the severe storms and flooding that affected the state during the period of April 13-23, 2026.

On June 30, 2026, Wisconsin received a federal disaster declaration, DR-4923, for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. However, on July 7, 2026, Wisconsin was denied Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding statewide.

The HMGP provides much-needed federal funds for long-term hazard mitigation projects to protect communities against future disasters. Some of the areas impacted by the April floods were still recovering from major flooding that occurred only eight months earlier. In August 2025, parts of the state experienced over 14 inches of rain in 24 hours, overwhelming local sewer systems and leading to a disaster declaration (DR-4892). The prior declaration was also denied HMPG funding.

Had hazard mitigation taken place after the first disaster, many of the damages for the current disaster declaration (DR-4923) would have been avoided and taxpayer dollars saved. In light of the documented damage and its impact on local and state capacity, I request that FEMA give full and fair consideration to Wisconsin’s appeal for HMGP funding. It is imperative that the HMGP is added to this declaration so Wisconsin communities are able to recover and prevent similar impacts from future disaster events while saving local, state and federal taxpayer dollars.

I remain committed to working with you to ensure Wisconsin communities receive appropriate federal support to recover and strengthen their resilience to future disasters. I appreciate your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-wisconsin-delegation-applaud-cms-rule-securing-historic-healthcare,"Van Orden, Wisconsin Delegation Applaud CMS Rule Securing Historic Healthcare Funding for Wisconsin Families",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08), applauded the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’(CMS) proposed rule 91 FR 46562, ensuring Wisconsin receives fairness in the Medicaid reimbursement formula and delivering historic Medicaid funding to WI.

Van Orden led the delegation in working directly with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure that Wisconsin providers receive the same treatment in the Medicaid reimbursement system as providers in other states. Recent changes resulted in an additional $1 billion in federal healthcare funding for Wisconsin. This funding will help ensure high-quality care for patients in Wisconsin.

“For years, Wisconsin providers have been reimbursed at a lower rate than other states. Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, Wisconsin will now be treated fairly, protecting Medicaid for the people it was designed for - children, pregnant women, and disabled Americans,” said the Representatives. “Wisconsin’s Republican congressional delegation worked closely with the State Legislature and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to guarantee fair treatment, implement meaningful reforms, and deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare for families and seniors.”

During CMS Administrator Dr. Oz’s visit to Eau Claire, he stated, ""We're going to make sure the Badger State is taken care of and that the funding that's required to improve rural healthcare is at the level that it should be at,"" and praised Van Orden for ensuring that Wisconsin’s provider tax rate was aligned with other states across the nation.",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-evers-secure-over-140-million-for-passenger-rail-serving-wisconsin-midwest-rail-routes,"Baldwin, Evers Secure Over $140 Million for Passenger Rail Serving Wisconsin, Midwest Rail Routes",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers successfully secured over $140 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to update up to 41 passenger locomotives, which serve Amtrak’s Midwest and Pacific Northwest routes, including the Milwaukee-Chicago Hiawatha route. The FRA investment in Wisconsin is funded by the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which no Republican member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation voted for.

“Amtrak connects Wisconsinites and visitors to communities across our state and is a wonderful way to see all that Wisconsin has to offer,” said Senator Baldwin. “Investing in this rail line is an investment in the Main Streets that will get more customers, in families’ safety, and in our state’s future. I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and supported this project so we can build on its success, support our small businesses and tourism economy, and help travelers get from point A to B more safely and efficiently.”

“Expanding reliable transportation alternatives to make it even easier to get to and from work, school, home, and everywhere in between has been a top priority for my administration since Day One, and I’m jazzed that we secured the funding so we can continue our work to bolster passenger rail here in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m grateful to Sen. Baldwin for her unwavering support to bolster freight and passenger rail services in Wisconsin, and similarly grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for their work in 2021 to ensure states have the funding we need through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support essential projects like this for years to come.”

Last year, with Senator Baldwin’s support, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), applied for the grant in partnership with Amtrak and the Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, and Washington transportation departments. The grant will provide essential, mid-life overhauls for the 41-unit Charger locomotive fleet to allow for continued, uninterrupted, and reliable service along nine corridors in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

“This grant will help keep the locomotive fleet in a state of good repair, enhancing rail line resiliency, and preventing unplanned outages,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “As the Charger locomotives entered mid-life stage, it became clear to WisDOT and our state partners that upgrades were needed to ensure safety and reliability on the popular Hiawatha train, between Chicago and Milwaukee, and a host of other routes.”

Funded locomotive improvements include overhauls to the wheel sets, air compressors, traction motors, turbochargers, high-pressure fuel pumps, and diesel engines. The improvements will help modernize the locomotive fleet and improve reliability on Amtrak’s Milwaukee-Chicago Hiawatha route, as well as Blue Water, Cascades, Lincoln, Illini/Saluki, Illinois Zephyr, Missouri River Runner, and Pere Marquette routes.

Additionally, as part of WisDOT’s application, Wisconsin was a co-applicant on a project that received an over $45 million grant to support the procurement and installation of Onboard Shunt Enhancement devices, which aim to enhance safety, increase reliability, and improve system and service performance on Amtrak’s rolling stock. This project will support Wisconsin’s rail system, as well as over 30 state-supported and all 15 long-distance Amtrak routes.

More information on the National Railroad Partnership Program and the selections is available on the FRA website, as is the list of selected projects.

###",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/08/16/senators-johnson-paul-release-additional-texts-from-dr-faucis-government-iphone/,"Senators Johnson, Paul Release Additional Texts from Dr. Fauci’s Government iPhone",2026-08-16,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"In Jan. 2021 Dr. Fauci told: “Initial Studies avoid vaccination in first trimester”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released new text messages obtained from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s government-issued cellphone which was produced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on August 5, 2026, in response to Chairman Johnson’s request.

The text chain released today provides additional context to Dr. Fauci’s message to Drs. Vivek Murthy and Rochelle Walensky expressing concerns about “cytokines storm and fever after the 2nd dose” of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines “theoretically” resulting in “miscarriage in the 1st trimester.” According to the newly released January 25, 2021 text message, Dr. John Mascola, the then-Director of the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, texted Dr. Fauci writing “I am corrected on pregnancy studies. Initial Studies avoid vaccination in first trimester due to possible fever and higher rates of miscarriage in first trimester[.]”

A key text in the chain from Dr. John Mascola to Dr. Fauci below:

Abbreviated Timeline of Text Messages from Dr. Fauci’s iPhone on Miscarriage Risk (New Text Message Highlighted)

January 25, 2021 at 4:31 pm: Dr. Vivek Murthy texts Drs. Fauci and Rochelle Walensky. Dr. Murthy writes “[f]or pregnant women considering getting the vaccine, are you aware of any data or theoretical reason why vaccinating early vs late in pregnancy would be preferred?”[1]

January 25, 2021 at 4:48 pm: Dr. Walensky responds to Dr. Murthy writing “my understanding is that this is all a [sic] data free.”[2]

January 25, 2021 at 4:56 pm: Dr. Fauci responds to Dr. Murthy and writes “[a]gree with Rochelle. There are no data or theoretical reason to believe that vaccinating early versus late in pregnancy would be preferred.”[3]

January 25, 2021 at 5:47 pm: Dr. Fauci receives a text from Dr. John Mascola, the then-Director of the NIAID’s Vaccine Research Center, who writes “I am corrected on pregnancy studies. Initial Studies [sic] avoid vaccination in first trimester due to possible fever and higher rates of miscarriage in first trimester.”[4]

Information from the iPhone indicates Dr. Fauci read Dr. Mascola’s message at 6:42pm on January 25, 2021.[5]

Based on the information reviewed by the Subcommittee to date, it is unclear why Dr. Mascola sends this message or what “initial studies” he is referring to.

Chairman Johnson’s office immediately emailed Dr. Mascola to understand what he was saying and what he meant in this specific text message. Unfortunately, the Subcommittee has not yet been able to speak with Dr. Mascola as he has retained an attorney. Chairman Johnson hopes that Dr. Mascola will fully cooperate with the Subcommittee and expeditiously provide the transparency that federal health officials, like Dr. Fauci, have failed to provide for years.

January 25, 2021 at 6:45 pm: Three minutes after reading Dr. Mascola’s message, Dr. Fauci follows up again with Drs. Murthy and Walensky and writes, “Since many people have significant cytokines storm and fever after the 2nd dose, this theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the first trimester.”[6]

Dr. Walensky responds to Dr. Fauci’s text writing “Definitely a good point, esp [sic] after dose two.”[7]

Dr. Fauci also replied to Dr. Mascola’s message writing “Thanks.”[8]

Simple questions for Dr. Mascola:

What prompted your January 25, 2021 text to Dr. Fauci?

What pregnancy studies were you referring to?

In what way were you “corrected”?

Please explain: “Initial Studies [sic] avoid vaccination in first trimester due to possible fever and higher rates of miscarriage in first trimester.”

Were there studies that avoided vaccination during the first trimester because they had already seen higher rates of miscarriage in the first trimester, or did they avoid vaccination because of “theoretically” higher rates of miscarriage?

###

[1] January 25, 2021 Text message thread between Drs. Fauci, Walensky, and Murthy, at 1.

[2] January 25, 2021 Text message thread between Drs. Fauci, Walensky, and Murthy, at 2.

[3] Id.

[4] January 24, 2021 Text message thread between Drs. Fauci and Mascola (emphasis added).

[5] Id.

[6] January 25, 2021 Text message thread between Drs. Fauci, Walensky, and Murthy, at 2 (emphasis added).

[7] January 25, 2021 Text message thread between Drs. Fauci, Walensky, and Murthy, at 2.

[8] January 24, 2021 Text message thread between Drs. Fauci and Mascola",1,2026-08-17T05:33:43Z,2026-08-17T05:34:34Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/08/16/senators-johnson-paul-release-email-showing-top-fda-official-expressing-concern-over-covid-19-vaccine-adverse-events-2/,"Senators Johnson, Paul Release Email Showing Top FDA Official Expressing Concern Over COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events",2026-08-16,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"In May 2021, Dr. Janet Woodcock wrote about reports of patients experiencing unknown adverse events: “no one takes them seriously, no one knows how to treat them, and there is no effort to study this”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released a new email obtained from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s government email which was produced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The newly released email shows that on May 27, 2021, Dr. Janet Woodcock, the then-Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), wrote to Drs. Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins regarding reports she had received directly from individuals, including “healthcare professionals,” of adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination.

Dr. Woodcock wrote, “The symptoms do not fit together into a distinctive syndrome and most are not easily quantifiable or evaluated with standard laboratory testing.” She went on to write that “These problems are not the sort that a system like VAERS would be able to detect, or even a more sophisticated population-based active followup [sic] such as CDC has, or a medical record based system such as BEST [an FDA safety surveillance system].”

Dr. Woodcock wrote that she thought health officials should conduct a study, adding, “I doubt the industry would support, for obvious reasons. But my experience is, that if you let a problem fester, then it will come back to bite you later and you are not prepared.”

The day after receiving Dr. Woodcock’s email, Dr. Fauci forwarded it to Dr. Collins, writing: “Janet [Woodcock] asks what we think of this? We cannot ignore her. We should probably bring in CDC and see what Rochelle [Walensky] thinks.”

Based on information reviewed to date, it is unclear if Walensky was ever consulted.

Dr. Woodcock’s May 27, 2021 email below:

By the end of May 2021, when Acting Commissioner Woodcock wrote this email, there were already 440,025 worldwide adverse events and 8,650 deaths associated with the COVID injection reported to VAERS, with 3,350 (39%) of those deaths occurring within 2 days of injection. CDC used a contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), to input reports into VAERS. The 440,025 adverse events exceeded GDIT’s December 2020 worst-case scenario of 1,000 reports per day by a factor of approximately 2.6.

As Chairman Johnson’s April 29, 2026 report details, three months before Woodcock’s May 27, 2021 email, on March 1, 2021, Dr. Peter Marks, Director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), was warned by Dr. Ana Szarfman that the algorithm FDA was using to evaluate VAERS was masking/hiding safety signals. The email we are releasing coincides with monthly data runs by Dr. Szarfman using a new algorithm showing dozens of safety signals including sudden cardiac death, pulmonary infarction (which Dr. Fauci suffered in June 2021), cerebral artery occlusion, basal ganglia stroke, agonal rhythm, and Bell’s palsy.

Unfortunately, FDA officials ignored Dr. Szarfman and the safety signals, told her to cease and desist, and continued to use the algorithm they knew was masking safety signals.

Also, beginning in March 2021, National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Dr. Avindra Nath was leading a team of doctors and researchers who were diagnosing and treating individuals severely injured by the COVID injections. The injuries and symptoms being treated were similar to those being described and reported directly to then-Acting Commissioner Woodcock.

Was Acting Commissioner Woodcock aware of Dr. Nath’s diagnosing and treatment of COVID injection injuries at NIH and/or what senior FDA officials had been told and shown about safety signals when she wrote her May 27, 2021 email? If so, why did she hide that knowledge from the public? If not, why was she kept in the dark?

Dr. Woodcock wrote that she thought health officials should conduct a study, adding, “I doubt the industry would support, for obvious reasons.” What are those obvious reasons?

The day after receiving Dr. Woodcock’s email, Dr. Fauci forwarded it to Dr. Collins, writing: “Janet [Woodcock] asks what we think of this? We cannot ignore her.” That is an odd statement as it indicates they sure would like to ignore her and the reports of injection injuries.

###",1,2026-08-17T05:33:43Z,2026-08-17T05:34:34Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-blumenthal-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-trump-admin-rescind-cancelation-of-lifesaving-research-grants-that-improve-patient-safety-and-care,"Baldwin, Blumenthal Lead Colleagues in Demanding Trump Admin Rescind Cancelation of Lifesaving Research Grants That Improve Patient Safety & Care",2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led 28 of their Democratic colleagues in the Senate in demanding that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse the Department’s destructive cancelations of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). On July 15, 2026, approximately 150 AHRQ grantees received a generic form letter notifying them that their grants were canceled, effective immediately, including funding for a project in Wisconsin.

“The American people deserve a healthcare system informed by the best available evidence. They deserve research that makes their care safer, more effective, and more affordable. Congress has provided the resources to support this vital work. It is your responsibility to ensure these resources are used as intended,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

“The agency’s actions over the last year are an outrageous abuse of administrative power that will leave Americans sicker, poorer, and dying from preventable causes. Each of these canceled grants put real life patients further from the care that they need,” the Senators wrote.

Congress approved bipartisan funding for AHRQ grants that benefit critical research and initiatives to advance effective healthcare delivery, such as testing the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals in Wisconsin, training for rural healthcare workers in Connecticut, improving autism screening and services for Black children in North Carolina, and equipping primary care providers with effective chronic pain treatment in Virginia. The unprecedented action led to the disruption of nearly 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states, undermines decades of taxpayer investments to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health outcomes for all Americans.

The Senators called on Kennedy to immediately restore full funding to research projects affected by the cancelations and ensure AHRQ’s full Fiscal Year 2026 funding is obligated as required by law.

“We want to be clear: Democrats and Republicans did not work together to appropriate funds for AHRQ as a gentle suggestion for the Department to follow at their discretion or leisure. We provided this money with the explicit instruction that the Department faithfully support life-saving research to improve access and health outcomes for Americans. We did not appropriate these funds so that money could remain unspent while Americans suffer and our healthcare system struggles,” wrote the Senators.

Full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Kennedy,

We write to express our profound concern and unequivocal opposition to the recent mass cancelations of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as well as the year-long refusal to faithfully execute the Fiscal Year (FY25) and Fiscal Year (FY26) appropriations laws. This unprecedented action, which has led to the disruption of nearly 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states, undermines decades of taxpayer investments to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health outcomes for all Americans. We demand that you immediately rescind these cancelations and ensure that the funding Congress appropriates to AHRQ is invested in health research in accordance with the law.

On July 15, 2026, approximately 150 AHRQ grantees received a generic form letter notifying them that their grants were canceled, effective immediately. For many, this was the first notice or communication that they have received from AHRQ in nearly a year. The grant cancelation letters cite regulations that require the Agency to consider the grantee's progress and management practices and the availability of funds, yet none of the notices substantively address any of these factors. Instead, these cancelation notices list a series of Agency priorities that do not appear in the subsections cited. Further, many of the grants that were canceled were explicitly investigating the topics that AHRQ has described as a priority. The cancelation letters, which were sent to a broad range of grantees, use the exact same language, which is evidence that the agency is categorically denying grants without making individual grant determinations.

A small sample of the research programs that were just devastated include:

Work in Connecticut on training rural healthcare workers to better respond to maternal medical emergencies;

Research in New York on how to improve healthcare delivery systems for patients to access home dialysis;

A program in Colorado that reduces risk factors for patient falls in rural hospitals;

Work in Utah to reduce antibiotic overuse at hospital discharge;

Research in Wisconsin testing the use of artificial intelligence to improve the experience of hospitalized children and their families;

A grant in North Carolina that improved autism screening, diagnosis, and services among Black children;

Research in Maryland to improve patient safety via telehealth;

Work in Virginia to equip primary care providers with more effective chronic pain treatment to reduce reliance on opioids; and

Research in Michigan on patient financial burden after a COVID-19 infection.

This is just a fraction of the important work that has been permanently discontinued, despite years of work and millions of taxpayer dollars that were invested to advance our understanding of effective healthcare delivery.

This recklessness is not the only crisis facing the Agency. Since October 1, 2025, the Agency has only awarded 5 percent of the funds available for extramural grants. Grantees were left in limbo, without notice or clarification, in some cases for over a year. Programs across the country were forced to layoff staff, discontinue research, shutdown programs, or not pursue new research opportunities at all. In 2025, AHRQ lost 80 percent of its staff, including the vast majority of those working to vet grant applications and work with grantees, so there is no one left to adequately manage the programming mandated by statute.

We want to be clear: Democrats and Republicans did not work together to appropriate funds for AHRQ as a gentle suggestion for the Department to follow at their discretion or leisure. We provided this money with the explicit instruction that the Department faithfully support life-saving research to improve access and health outcomes for Americans. We did not appropriate these funds so that money could remain unspent while Americans suffer and our healthcare system struggles. AHRQ has saved our country billions of dollars in healthcare costs and improved patient safety. Abandoning this work is antithetical to the mission of the Department.

The agency’s actions over the last year are an outrageous abuse of administrative power that will leave Americans sicker, poorer, and dying from preventable causes. Each of these canceled grants put real life patients further from the care that they need.

At a time when medical errors kill hundreds of thousands of Americans annually, when healthcare costs are crushing family budgets, and when we face unprecedented health challenges, your department has chosen to sabotage the very research designed to solve these problems. This is not leadership—this is sabotage of public health. And it must end, immediately.

We call upon you to take the following immediate actions:

Rescind all recent grant cancelations and restore full funding to all affected research projects;

Ensure that AHRQ’s full FY26 appropriation is obligated for health services research as the bipartisan majorities of Congress and President Trump’s signature intended;

Provide a detailed explanation to Congress within one month of receiving this letter regarding the decision-making process that led to these cancelations, including any written criteria, instructions, funding plans, rankings, spreadsheets, analyses, or other documents used to identify or select affected grants;

Explain how the priorities identified in the non-continuation notice were applied to grants that were terminated and explain why grants focused on listed priority research areas were selected for non-continuation;

Provide to Congress a spend plan to ensure that the approximately $200 million remaining in funding for extramural research grants are awarded before October 1, 2026, including any contract arrangements with other federal agencies and a description of how such contracts advance research on health care costs, quality, and outcomes;

Provide to Congress a detailed description of the number of employees at AHRQ that are performing grants-management functions, including issuing awards, processing continuations, and monitoring awards for compliance as of August 6, 2026, September 30, 2025, and January 1, 2025;

Provide a written assurance that such arbitrary cancelations will never happen again.

Countless researchers who have devoted their careers to improving healthcare for all of us have watched years of painstaking work and hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer investments destroyed overnight. The scientific and health pipelines that have been demolished will take decades to build back and may never be recovered.

The American people deserve a healthcare system informed by the best available evidence. They deserve research that makes their care safer, more effective, and more affordable. Congress has provided the resources to support this vital work. It is your responsibility to ensure these resources are used as intended.

We look forward to your response no later than August 25, 2026.

###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-stop-trump-from-hiding-troop-deaths-and-injuries-from-iran-war,"Baldwin, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop Trump from Hiding Troop Deaths and Injuries from Iran War",2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Trump Administration attempts to hide the true cost of the Iran war from the American people, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues introduced the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act to stop President Donald Trump’s attempt to dishonor the sacrifice of our troops injured and killed in combat. This comes after the Pentagon recategorized recent casualties suffered in Trump’s Iran war – including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers – under a separate category outside of Operation Epic Fury to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people.

“Donald Trump launched an unpopular war of choice wholly unprepared, and now he is doing everything he can to lie and deceive the American people about its consequences. This war has sent costs skyrocketing, taken the lives of 18 American service members, and wounded hundreds more”, said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “Now, rather than take responsibility and bring this war to an end, the Trump Administration is pulling the wool over the American people’s eyes. This is an insult to the servicemembers wounded and those who perished – and all of their families who have sacrificed alongside them. I’m pushing to make sure our servicemembers and their families get the respect and dignity they earned and to hold this reckless president accountable for this haphazard and spiraling war in Iran.”

To ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act specifically:

Bans Arbitrary, Unjustified Recategorizing of Designated Contingency Operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;

Prevents Manipulation of Casualty Records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;

Restores Casualty Records of Our Fallen and Wounded Heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;

Bans Cutting Hard-Earned Benefits for Troops and Civilian Personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and

Restores Benefits to Personnel Supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.

Senator Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of President Trump’s illegal war with Iran and has repeatedly forced votes in the Senate to end Trump’s war of choice that is hurting Wisconsinites. For months, Senator Baldwin has been raising the alarms on the Trump Administration’s inadequate preparation, which put American troops in harm’s way and led to insufficient care for injured servicemembers, including two Wisconsinites who went weeks without proper screening and treatment for traumatic brain injuries.

The bill is led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and also co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Fetterman (D-PA), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5342,Grothman Introduces PERM Backlog Reduction Act to Address Green Card Processing Delays,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressmen Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced the PERM Backlog Reduction Act, legislation to reduce costly delays in the Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system, which employers use to obtain permanent labor certifications required for certain permanent employment-based immigration petitions, by establishing an optional premium processing program for participating employers.

The bill establishes an optional fee for expedited processing of the ETA-9089 Permanent Employment Certification Form, which is one of the two required filings in the Department of Labor's PERM process. The user fees generated would fund the program while also helping reduce processing delays for the additional ETA-9141 Prevailing Wage Determination Form, ensuring the program is fully supported without taxpayer dollars. Fees collected would be dedicated exclusively to modernizing the PERM system and reducing backlogs.

The PERM Backlog Reduction Act is endorsed by the Critical Labor Coalition, Eb3.Work, and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.

""Our legal immigration system should work efficiently for employers who follow the rules,"" said Congressman Grothman. “Before an employer can permanently hire a foreign worker, the PERM process requires employers to first show that they were unable to find an available and qualified American worker to fill the position. Businesses that have already met those requirements shouldn't be forced to wait through unnecessary bureaucratic delays that make it harder to plan for their workforce, fill critical positions, and grow our economy. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act provides employers with an optional, self-funded way to receive timely decisions while giving the Department of Labor the resources it needs to reduce backlogs and modernize the system. This is a practical solution that benefits American businesses without costing taxpayers a dime.""

""Businesses and employers across the country are trying to create jobs and grow our economy, but they're being held back by unnecessary government delays,” said Congressman Lou Correa. “This bill gives the Department of Labor the resources to modernize the PERM process, reduce delays, and make sure our system works for employers, workers, and America's economy.""

“The Critical Labor Coalition applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. By incorporating processes which update and streamline the PERM application process, this bill ensures a robust, efficient process for U.S. employers. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act modernizes application evaluations, increases resources to update current systems and streamlines the vetting process to assist America’s job creators,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director of the Critical Labor Coalition.

""The Coalition of Franchisee Associations applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. As small business owners, franchisees are facing an unprecedented logjam in securing the talent needed to keep their doors open. By addressing Department of Labor processing delays, increasing critical resources, and streamlining the vetting process, this Act provides vital relief to America's franchisees—allowing them to cut through red tape, fill essential vacancies, and continue growing their businesses,” said Bill Mathis, Chairman of the Board for the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.

Background Information

The Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system is required for most employment-based green card applications. In recent years, processing times for prevailing wage determinations and labor certifications have increased significantly despite stable funding levels and application volumes.

The PERM Backlog Reduction Act establishes an optional premium processing program at DOL to expedite processing of Form ETA-9089 – PERM Labor Certifications for employers seeking permanent labor certifications.

Process ETA-9089 within 30 days.

Charge a $1,200 premium processing fee for Form ETA-9089, adjusted annually for inflation beginning in FY2028.

The legislation requires the Department of Labor to set premium processing fees at levels necessary to fully fund the program. All fees would be deposited into a dedicated PERM Premium Processing Fee Account within the U.S. Treasury and used exclusively for program operations, modernization, and reducing processing backlogs.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-introduces-comprehensive-bill-to-combat-maternal-health-crisis-support-mothers-and-babies,"Baldwin Introduces Comprehensive Bill to Combat Maternal Health Crisis, Support Mothers and Babies",2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues to reintroduce the Momnibus Act, a comprehensive legislative package designed to end the nation’s maternal health crisis and directly confront the devastating disparities that continue to claim the lives of Black mothers at alarming rates. The package includes Senator Baldwin’s Perinatal Workforce Act, legislation to help grow the perinatal workforce by creating grant programs to increase the number of maternity care providers and workers who provide care during and after pregnancy.

“Comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care shouldn’t be a luxury, but right now cost, workforce shortages, and decades of underinvestment in women’s health are putting moms and babies at risk. And, these roadblocks are even worse for Black women in our communities. If we want to give every child and their family a fair shot, we need to start before these kids are born and really invest in the support new and expecting moms need,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in making this overdue investment in our kids, mothers, and the workforce who cares for them to help every child get the strong start they deserve.”

For years, the United States has had the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, with stark racial disparities. In 2024, Black women faced a pregnancy-related mortality ratio more than three times higher than White women—even though more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

The Momnibus Act makes targeted, high-impact investments to address the drivers of the Black maternal health crisis, including social determinants of health, access to culturally congruent care, maternal mental health, community-based supports, and the effects of climate change and public health emergencies on Black mothers and babies.

The Momnibus Act is composed of 14 bills that will:

Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure Black mothers receive care from providers who understand their lived experiences.

Invest in social determinants of health—including housing, transportation, and nutrition—to reduce preventable risks disproportionately affecting Black moms.

Extend WIC eligibility during postpartum and breastfeeding periods.

Fund community-based organizations trusted by Black families and rooted in the communities they serve.

Increase maternal health care funding for veterans, including Black women veterans who face unique barriers.

Improve maternal health data collection to identify and eliminate disparities.

Expand maternal mental health and substance use disorder support, with attention to the needs of Black moms.

Improve care for incarcerated mothers, who are disproportionately Black.

Invest in digital tools to expand access to care in underserved communities.

Promote innovative payment models that incentivize high-quality, culturally congruent care.

Strengthen federal programs addressing maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.

Support climate resilience initiatives for moms and babies, including Black families disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards.

Invest in research to eliminate racial disparities and prevent maternal deaths.

Promote maternal vaccinations to protect moms and infants.

The Momnibus Act is endorsed by more than 250 organizations. View the full list of endorsers here.

To read the full text of the one-pager, click here.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

###",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-wisconsin-congressional-delegation-call-for-trump-administration-to-provide-federal-support-following-fox-valley-tornado,"Baldwin, Wisconsin Congressional Delegation Call for Trump Administration to Provide Federal Support Following Fox Valley Tornado",2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and the entire bipartisan Wisconsin Congressional delegation called on the Trump Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support Wisconsin’s request to assist the state in conducting a formal federal preliminary damage assessment as communities in the Fox Valley recover following the devastating tornado that struck the area. This damage assessment is an important step to unlocking federal disaster aid.

The tornado caused widespread destruction across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour.

“The tornado ripped roofs from homes and businesses, hollowed out houses, reduced some structures to little more than their exterior walls, overturned vehicles, snapped trees, and brought down utility poles and power lines. Debris was scattered across neighborhoods and highways, roadways became impassable, families were displaced, and more than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power,” wrote the lawmakers in a letter to FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton.

“Conducting a timely Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment is an essential first step in securing the federal support needed to help affected families, local governments, and communities recover and rebuild. We urge FEMA to begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay,” added the lawmakers.

The lawmakers’ call comes after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he has directed Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) to submit a request for FEMA to assist the state in conducting a formal federal preliminary damage assessment of damage caused by severe storms on July 27, 2026.

Full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5341,Grothman Leads Entire Bipartisan Wisconsin Delegation in Urging FEMA to Assess Fox Valley Tornado Damage,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) led the entire bipartisan Wisconsin Congressional delegation in support of Wisconsin’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with Wisconsin Emergency Management following the devastating EF3 tornado that struck the Fox Valley on July 27.

The tornado caused widespread destruction across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. More than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.

The members wrote, “The tornado ripped roofs from homes and businesses, hollowed out houses, reduced some structures to little more than their exterior walls, overturned vehicles, snapped trees, and brought down utility poles and power lines. Debris was scattered across neighborhoods and highways, roadways became impassable, families were displaced, and more than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.”

The Members emphasized the importance of a timely assessment, writing, “Conducting a timely Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment is an essential first step in securing the federal support needed to help affected families, local governments, and communities recover and rebuild.”

The letter urged FEMA to “begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay.”

Governor Evers has declared a state of emergency, while Neenah, Menasha, and the Town of Grand Chute have issued local emergency or disaster declarations.",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/08/11/chairman-johnson-requests-doj-investigate-california-ballot-fraud/,Chairman Johnson Requests DOJ Investigate California Ballot Fraud,2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Director Kash Patel, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bilal Essayli, requesting an investigation into potential ballot fraud occurring in Los Angeles, California. The letter follows a Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing held last month at which James O’Keefe, CEO of O’Keefe Media Group, testified about alleged violations of federal and state elections law through a cash-for-signatures scheme in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles.

In his letter, Chairman Johnson wrote that in March 2026, O’Keefe Media Group published a series of videos showing petition circulators paying homeless individuals cash, cigarettes, or marijuana for their signatures on various ballot measures. Based on this reporting, Chairman Johnson’s letter identified two entities, Urban Signers and 1 Moore Petition LLC, alleged to have engaged in misconduct.

“These entities’ apparent actions risk undermining confidence in our democratic process,” wrote Chairman Johnson.

Full text of the letter to the FBI and the Department of Justice can be found here.

Watch the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing here.

###",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-demand-epa-drop-its-effort-to-weaken-pfas-drinking-water-protections-for-millions-of-americans,"Baldwin, Colleagues Demand EPA Drop its Effort to Weaken PFAS Drinking Water Protections for Millions of Americans",2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are demanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdraw their proposal to roll back drinking water protections – which, if finalized, would remove federal public health limits on the amount of certain PFAS chemicals in our drinking water.

The Senators emphasize that removing these health limits will expose Americans to unsafe levels of chemicals that have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, immune suppression problems, developmental harm, thyroid disease, pregnancy complications, and liver damage.

“Safe drinking water is not a partisan issue. Families across the country expect that when they turn on the tap, their water is safe to drink. Congress enacted the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure EPA relies on the best available science to protect public health—not to weaken existing protections once the science has been established,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Despite the administration touting their ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda, if enacted, EPA’s proposal would rescind the 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for PFAS and delay compliance for the PFOA and PFOS standards until 2031 – putting the health of millions of Americans at risk.

“As far back as the 1950s, scientists observed that PFAS compounds could accumulate in human bloodstreams. It took decades of advocacy and heroic scientific research to reach the historic moment in 2024 when EPA finally promulgated the very first national drinking water standards for PFAS compounds. We cannot afford to go backwards and make Americans’ health worse,” the Senators concluded.

The letter was led by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and also signed by 24 other Senate colleagues.

Senator Baldwin has championed PFAS remediation efforts, supporting and securing funding to address contamination in communities across Wisconsin. She supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 that is making historic investments in clean drinking water, including funding to address emerging contaminants like PFAS. Senator Baldwin has also secured millions in direct support for Wisconsin communities to address PFAS contamination through annual funding legislation. In 2019, Senator Baldwin helped secure provisions to the annual defense policy bill that require nationwide environmental testing for PFAS, establish enforceable standards for PFAS in drinking water, and authorize funding to develop better testing methods for PFAS in the environment.

In July, Senator Baldwin demanded answers from the Trump administration after it had pushed back its PFAS investigation and cleanup timelines by as much as 20 years across 178 sites, including Truax Field and Volk Field in Wisconsin.

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

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We write in strong opposition to EPA’s proposal to rescind the 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and the Hazard Index mixtures, while also delaying compliance for the PFOA and PFOS standards until 2031. These actions would reverse the first-ever national drinking water protections for six of the most dangerous and well-studied PFAS chemicals, despite overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrating that there is no safe level of exposure to many of these chemicals. Furthermore, there is a strong case to be made that this proposal contravenes the Safe Drinking Water Act’s anti-backsliding provision.

The agency’s proposal is inconsistent with both the scientific record and EPA’s own prior findings. The 2024 drinking water standards followed years of scientific review, public input, and economic analysis. EPA concluded that the standards would protect up to 105 million people from exposure to toxic PFAS in drinking water, prevent thousands of premature deaths, reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses, and generate billions of dollars in public health benefits.

PFAS contamination is one of the most widespread public health concerns facing our nation. Nearly every American has PFAS in their blood, and millions of people continue to rely on drinking water contaminated with these persistent chemicals. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, immune suppression, developmental harm, thyroid disease, pregnancy complications, and liver damage.

EPA has repeatedly stated that protecting Americans from PFAS is a top priority. Yet these proposed rollbacks move in the opposite direction. In addressing revisions to drinking water regulations, the Safe Drinking Water Act itself states that “each revision shall maintain, or provide for greater, protection of the health of persons.” Rather than strengthening protections, the proposal eliminates enforceable standards for four PFAS entirely and delays protections for the two most prevalent PFAS. Communities living with contamination should not be forced to wait additional years for clean drinking water while polluters and regulated entities receive regulatory relief.

Your agency has suggested that regulating only PFOA and PFOS is sufficient because these chemicals are often found alongside other PFAS. However, EPA’s own scientific record demonstrates otherwise. Other PFAS occur independently, contribute to cumulative health risks, and warrant their own enforceable protections. Removing standards for these contaminants will leave significant gaps in public health protections and create unnecessary uncertainty for water systems and states that have already begun compliance planning.

Moreover, many utilities and states have already invested substantial resources to comply with the 2024 standards using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and other federal assistance. Weakening the standards now undermines those investments, creates regulatory uncertainty, and penalizes communities that have acted responsibly to protect public health.

Safe drinking water is not a partisan issue. Families across the country expect that when they turn on the tap, their water is safe to drink. Congress enacted the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure EPA relies on the best available science to protect public health—not to weaken existing protections once the science has been established.

We therefore urge EPA to withdraw its proposal to rescind the 2024 drinking water standards for PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and the Hazard Index mixtures, reject the proposed delay for the PFOA and PFOS standards, and fully implement the 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations as finalized.

As far back as the 1950s, scientists observed that PFAS compounds could accumulate in human bloodstreams. It took decades of advocacy and heroic scientific research to reach the historic moment in 2024 when EPA finally promulgated the very first national drinking water standards for PFAS compounds. We cannot afford to go backwards and make Americans’ health worse. Thank you for your consideration.

###",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/08/10/icymi-sen-johnson-joins-the-clay-travis-and-buck-sexton-show-and-america-reports/,ICYMI: Sen. Johnson Joins The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show and America Reports,2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, appeared on The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show and America Reports to discuss one of the text chain messages obtained from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s government-issued cellphone. The phone contains more than 34,000 text messages and 522 voicemails. Read more about the messages released here.

Watch the full interview with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton here.

Read excerpts from Sen. Johnson below:

“This piece of information I had to release today because it impacts public safety. It impacts informed consent. So, this is an email chain between Anthony Fauci, CDC director [Rochelle] Walensky, and Surgeon General [Vivek] Murthy. This is on January 25th and 26th, 2021 – a little more than a month after the emergency use authorization on the mRNA injections … So in the middle of the chain Dr. Fauci writes ‘I asked around a bit more, and another issue came up that you need to be aware of. Since many people have significant cytokine storm and fever after the second dose, this theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the first trimester.’ Now, I’ve never heard public officials talk about significant cytokine storms after the second dose. All we heard from public officials is that this was perfectly safe for pregnancy.

…

“In June of 2021, Tom Shimabukuro, he was the man in charge of safety surveillance systems for the CDC, published a grossly misleading paper in the New England Journal of Medicine, where they looked at 827 confirmed pregnancies, [in] 700 of those pregnancies, the women got their COVID injection in the third trimester, after 28 weeks. Of those 827, 104 suffered a spontaneous abortion, or a miscarriage.

“The problem with those stats is they took the 104 divided by 827 [and] came up with a miscarriage rate of 12.6 percent, which is about four times the normal miscarriage rate on a confirmed pregnancy. But here’s what they did that was so grossly misleading: 700 of those women got their injection in the third trimester. A miscarriage or a spontaneous abortion is defined as anything up to 20 weeks. So, the relevant denominator should have been 104 miscarriages divided by 127, which puts the miscarriage rate at 82 percent.

“Anthony Fauci knew about potential cytokine storms impacting the first trimester in miscarriages [and] told no one about it because it would create vaccine hesitancy. These folks are well aware of this stuff, you know, the massive government scandal I broke that no news station, not a broadcast network or major newspaper, has covered this as a story where Peter Marks knew about these safety signals in March of 2021 [and] he told no one.”

Watch the full interview with John Roberts and Sandra Smith here.

Read excerpts from Sen. Johnson below:

“Well, first of all, thanks for having me on and thanks for covering this. So we obviously have his phone. We’ve downloaded it. And we’re going to carefully go through this to protect these people’s personal information. But I thought we had to release this right away, because this is, I think, major news. Anthony Fauci, in a text exchange with Vivek Murthy and Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, they’re talking about the COVID injection and having pregnant women take it. And in the middle of that text exchange, I think the key text is where Anthony Fauci is talking about the fact that the second dose creates a greater cytokine storm. That’s additional information that could have an impact on increased miscarriages in the first trimester.

“Now to add to that, in June of 2021, Tom Shimabukuro, and a bunch of other people, published a grossly misleading study in the New England Journal of Medicine where they were looking at 827 confirmed pregnancies. There were 104 miscarriages. They called them spontaneous abortions. But we refer to those as miscarriages – 104 divided by 827 would imply about a 12.6 percent miscarriage rate, which is quite high for confirmed pregnancies. I talked to Dr. James Thorp, he said it’s generally around 3 percent. So it’s already four times as high, but within the realm of confirmed and unconfirmed pregnancies, OK?

“So they put this study out there, but what they don’t reveal – they do, but they don’t account for it is that 700 of those 827 women took the injection in their third trimester. Now spontaneous abortions occur before 20 weeks. Third trimester starts after 28 [weeks], so the relevant denominator would have been 127. So you would have had 104 miscarriages out of 127 of the women who got the injection in the first or second trimesters. That’s an 82 percent, 82 percent miscarriage rate. That is shocking news, OK? And that’s been known for quite some time.

“But, again, the federal health agencies weren’t highlighting that. A gross misrepresentation by Tom Shimabukuro, who is, by the way, he’s the guy, the head of safety and surveillance for the CDC, who deleted his emails, and we’ve also found out that not only did he delete them on his devices, but somebody deleted them on HHS servers as well. That needs to be fully investigated in terms of violations of the Federal Records Act.”

…

“Not one major news broadcast station or major newspaper has covered my April 29th report where I showed that Peter Marks, who’s the head of the division that approves vaccines and surveils for safety in FDA, was told that his algorithm analyzing VAERS was going to hide and mask safety signals. So then for four consecutive months, using a new algorithm, senior FDA officials were shown dozens of safety signals, including sudden cardiac death, pulmonary infarction – which Fauci himself suffered from in June of 2021 – Bell’s palsy, different types of strokes.

“So, no, again, I’ve been frustrated that the news media hasn’t been covering that major scandal, I guess because this was attached to Fauci, maybe they’ll start paying attention to how our federal officials, starting at the top with Anthony Fauci, lied to the American public [and] did not provide informed consent for those experimental gene therapy injections.”

###",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/08/10/senators-johnson-paul-release-initial-texts-from-dr-faucis-government-iphone-2/,"Senators Johnson, Paul Release Initial Texts from Dr. Fauci’s Government iPhone",2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Dr. Fauci in Jan. 2021: second dose of covid vaccine “theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released one of the text chain messages obtained from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s government-issued cellphone which was produced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on August 5, 2026, in response to Chairman Johnson’s request.

The phone contains more than 34,000 text messages and 522 voicemails. Oddly, only three contacts are listed; all other text messages are identified only with phone numbers rather than contact names. It is too early to determine whether any data has been deleted.

To protect the privacy of individuals with whom Dr. Fauci communicated, as well as personal messages unrelated to the public health issues he was involved in, it will take time to carefully review the large volume of information the senators received. Chairman Johnson, Chairman Paul, and their staffs will work diligently and cooperatively to release relevant information to the public as soon as possible.

The text chain released today could have an immediate impact of public health and the principle of informed consent. The text chain below is between Anthony Fauci, Rochelle Walensky, and Vivek Murthy dated from January 25-26, 2021; in the chain they discuss pregnant women and the COVID-19 injection.

A key text in the chain is from Dr. Fauci:

Additional texts from the conversation can be found here.

Below are public statements made by federal health officials regarding their recommendations to pregnant women and a rebuttal by Dr. James Thorp OB/GYN to a Shimabukuro et al paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Feb. 3, 2021 – NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci: “[FDA] have found thus far and we have to be careful but thus far no red flags about that, about pregnant women.”

Aug. 11, 2021 – CDC’s Sascha Ellington: “We are not seeing a signal of safety concerns of the vaccine in pregnancy … This vaccine can prevent Covid-19, and so that’s the primary benefit.”

Aug. 30, 2021 – NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci: “Well, are the vaccines safe?” … “10s and 10s and 10s of thousands of women who have been followed by the CDC, who have been vaccinated when they were pregnant, there’s no indication whatsoever that there’s any increase of any adverse issues in a pregnant woman who was vaccinated compared to a pregnant woman who wasn’t vaccinated … it’s pretty clear that pregnant women should get vaccinated.”

Sept. 29, 2021 – CDC Director Rochelle Walensky: “CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks,” the agency said in a health alert … Walensky told a White House COVID-19 briefing that studies show COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women.

Feb. 1, 2022 – Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy: “It’s all the more important for you to get vaccinated if you are pregnant or if you are trying to become pregnant … The data points show that the vaccines are safe during these various stages before and during pregnancy … They found generally that anytime during your pregnancy is actually fine [to get the vaccine], and that’s why the recommendation is just to get it.”

Jan. 12, 2022 – Dr. James A Thorp, OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist published an open letter to the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology with the following critique of the Shimabukuro et al June 17, 2021 paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine. He argued that because 700 of the 827 pregnant women in the study received their COVID-19 injection in the third trimester (after 28 weeks), those 700 should be excluded from the denominator used to calculate a 12.6% (104/827) spontaneous abortion rate (defined as occurring before 20 weeks). The actual spontaneous abortion rate would then be 82% (104/127).

###",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-blasts-trump-administrations-latest-attack-on-head-start,Baldwin Blasts Trump Administration’s Latest Attack on Head Start,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education, released the following statement after the Trump Administration’s latest attack on Head Start, the pre-K and childcare program that serves nearly 800,000 children and their families. The new effort from the Department of Health and Human Services guts basic standards that keep children safe in the classroom and jeopardizes essential childcare and early learning opportunities for the most vulnerable kids. Head Start serves nearly 800,000 Americans, including over 16,000 Wisconsin children. This announcement follows the Trump Administration’s earlier efforts to dismantle Head Start, including freezing and delaying funding that shuttered Head Start centers last year. The Trump Administration’s budget would have eliminated funding for the program all together.

“Wisconsin families in every part of our state struggle to find quality, affordable childcare – with parents driving hours or simply quitting their jobs so their kids have somewhere safe to play, learn, and grow. Head Start is a lifeline for working families, but since Donald Trump took office, his administration has repeatedly threatened care for our children and their parents. This latest push puts kids’ wellbeing and safety on the line and is all part of the President’s plan to shut down Head Start entirely, and it’s shameful,” said Senator Baldwin. “For decades, Republicans and Democrats have come together to support Head Start because it is essential for not just our children’s development and Kindergarten readiness, but our workforce and economy. Parents and children need to come first – not the President’s political crusade to end this lifeline of a program.”

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a new proposed rule to gut quality standards and jeopardize funding for Head Start programs, including:

Eliminating class size and staff-to-child ratio requirements,?leaving them up to individual states, some of which allow far higher ratios that Head Start currently permits.

Cutting the administrative spending cap from 15 percent to 5 percent?of grant funding, without any increase in the program’s budget, jeopardizing Head Start centers’ ability to operate.

Removing required development screenings?and detailed protections for children with disabilities.

Dropping accommodations for homeless families and children in foster care.

Making parent advisory committees optional?rather?than required

Eliminating guidance on suspension and expulsion, including the current ban on corporal punishment.

Adding new documentation and reporting burdens, requiring programs to verify immigration status, retain eligibility records, and report staff for violations.

Mandating English-only instruction, except for Native American tribes.

Since the start of 2025, the Trump Administration has leveled illegal attacks on Head Start that have left Wisconsin children and their families in the cold without the care they count on. Last year, following an illegal funding freeze that cut off funding for the program, Senator Baldwin visited a Head Start facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin that was forced to close their doors. The Trump Administration and Senate Republicans also refused to release funding for at least 17 programs in 12 states caring for over 6,600 children which were closed, including in Wisconsin, during a government shutdown. In June, a report from the influential conservative Heritage Foundation called on the administration to deregulate the program and eventually eliminate it.

Senator Baldwin has continued to speak out against these attacks on Head Start and worked to secure strong funding as the lead Democrat on the subcommittee that funds Head Start. In the Fiscal Year 2026 budget that passed last year, Senator Baldwin worked with her Republican colleagues to increase the program’s budget by $85 million over the previous year.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/08/06/icymi-sen-johnson-votes-to-hold-dr-anthony-fauci-in-contempt-of-congress-in-todays-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-business-meeting/,ICYMI: Sen. Johnson Votes to Hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in Contempt of Congress in Today’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Business Meeting,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“If these investigations are one-sided, it’s because one side simply doesn’t want to look at the truth.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress during a business meeting of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The vote follows Dr. Fauci’s refusal to comply with the committee’s investigation in his role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his silence in last Wednesday’s hearing.

Sen. Johnson’s remarks:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, I want to associate myself with and second your opening comments. And I also want to strongly rebut the comments from our Democratic colleagues here, you know, particularly when Ranking Member Peters says this has been ‘one-sided’ and ‘rushed,’ rushed?

“When I was chairman of this committee back in 2020, I started conducting oversight. I held hearings. There was no cooperation in those hearings. As a matter of fact, I remember one when we held a hearing with Dr. Pierre Kory, when he came in with all kinds of evidence on the effectiveness of ivermectin. The ranking member then denigrated him. Back then, Dr. Kory was a Democrat. He was shocked at the treatment he was given by the ranking member.

“How many people died because they lacked early treatment with safe, effective generic drugs? Well, that hearing laid out the truth that this could be something that could help people, and we had a ranking member that did everything that he could to denigrate that truth.

“My current experience is as the chairman of PSI; we’ve been holding hearing after hearing. My ranking member, [Senator] Blumenthal, in those hearings, we had one called ‘Voices of the Vaccine Injured.’ We had parents come in and tell their heart-wrenching stories. We had parents coming in, telling the truth. And the ranking member, a few hours before that hearing, held a press conference and said, ‘hope the press doesn’t cover it, because there’s nothing credible about this hearing.’

“If these investigations are one-sided, it’s because one side simply doesn’t want to look at the truth. They want to bury the truth. They want to memory-hole it. They don’t want to look at the Fauci diaries and take a look at how contradictory what he wrote to himself –how contradictory it was to what he actually told the public.

“I think one of the revelations of those diaries, I think probably the most significant one that’s being overlooked, was early on in the pandemic, he wrote in his diaries he thought COVID would be maybe twice a bad flu season. Now, I’m not downplaying a bad flu season. We have them oftentimes. They overwhelm hospitals, something to take seriously. But a pandemic that’s going to be twice that – is that really worth destroying people’s lives, shutting down businesses, destroying an economy? I argued back then that it wouldn’t be.

“It’s been six years since the pandemic began. We have not had a reckoning of what happened. Last Wednesday’s hearing was an excellent hearing from the standpoint of legitimate questions being raised, legitimate questions the American people want answers to, legitimate questions that some of them, only Anthony Fauci, ‘Saint Fauci,’ ‘Mr. Science’ could answer.

“And even though we have quotes of him saying, ‘I’m not afraid of any oversight committee, I’m happy to talk to any oversight committee, I have nothing to hide.’ That’s not the position he took last Wednesday. What he displayed last Wednesday was contempt for Congress, contempt for this committee, contempt for our investigation, the same contempt that … our ranking members have shown for the diligent oversight and the exposing of the truth that I’ve been undertaking for six years.

“There’s nothing rushed. It’s been one-sided, but not because we haven’t reached out, not because we haven’t involved the other side. The other side, like way too many Americans, have just closed their eyes, covered up their ears, and refused – refused to look at the truth.

“I am definitely going to vote yes on contempt of Congress, and my investigation has just begun.

“We’ve invited Dr. Fauci for a transcribed interview. Okay, he doesn’t want to do it in front of the American public? Come in front of our committee. We’ll go through detail [by] detail. You say you have nothing to hide. Good. We’ll do it behind closed doors. We’ll transcribe it. That’s only one of the interviews we will be conducting … Last week’s hearing just began the accountability. There’s a lot more accountability that’s required.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

Watch the full remarks here.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5329,Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Protecting Marine Corps Readiness,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) announced today that he led every Republican member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to protect Marine Corps readiness, preserve competition, and strengthen America’s tactical vehicle industrial base.

In a letter sent to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers expressed support for the Administration’s Arsenal of Freedom initiative and called for qualified alternative production capacity to remain available for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.

“America’s warfighters should not be forced to wait for critical equipment because a defense program has fallen behind schedule,” said Congressman Grothman. “Maintaining competition and proven production capacity will help protect military readiness while ensuring contractors remain accountable to the servicemembers and taxpayers they serve. Oshkosh Defense has the experienced workforce and proven manufacturing capability needed to produce vehicles and help address the current backlog. Wisconsin stands ready to support the Marine Corps and deliver the vehicles our warfighters need.”

Production challenges affecting the JLTV A2 program have raised concerns about the Marine Corps’ ability to field the vehicles needed to support expeditionary operations. According to the House Appropriations Committee report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, the program was more than 20 months behind schedule, with approximately 2,000 vehicles overdue.

The delegation also highlighted the Marine Corps’ May Request for Information seeking commercially available, non-developmental vehicles capable of rapid fielding. The lawmakers described the request as an important step toward preserving competition and ensuring qualified alternative production capacity remains available if performance challenges continue.

Oshkosh Defense, headquartered in Wisconsin, has delivered more than 25,000 JLTV A1 vehicles to U.S. and allied forces. The company is positioned to produce additional vehicles to help reduce the backlog, protect the Marine Corps’ fielding schedule, and restore needed competition to the program.",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-introduces-resolution-recognizing-small-firearm-manufacturers,Wied Introduces Resolution Recognizing Small Firearm Manufacturers,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced a resolution this week to recognize the contributions of small business firearm manufacturers to our economy and designate the month of August as National Shooting Sports Month.

""Wisconsin is home to many incredible small firearm manufacturers who help drive our economy and ensure access to safe, reliable firearms that allow us to exercise our Second Amendment rights,"" said Congressman Wied. ""This month, we recognize their contributions to our economy and reaffirm our commitment to protecting Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms.""

Background: Small manufacturers of firearms contribute significantly to the national and local economy, as they support 380,000 jobs in the broader firearms industry and produce more than $91 billion in annual economic output. They are essential conduits for the exercise of Second Amendment rights by individuals in the United States and provide products, training, and community engagement to sportsmen in this country. Shooting sports promote safe and responsible firearm handling, outdoor stewardship, and civic engagement through local clubs, ranges, and competitions. Congressman Wied introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives in August 2025. He renewed the effort this month to reassert his commitment to small manufacturers and to protecting the Second Amendment.

Congressman Wied is proud to have the support of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

“National Shooting Sports Month is a celebration of our shared American heritage of responsible firearm ownership. The firearm industry has been on the leading edge of ensuring Americans can freely exercise their Second Amendment rights. That journey begins when law-abiding citizens can freely approach the counter to purchase firearms and ammunition. Americans share our industry’s passion for recreational shooting sports, hunting, conservation and self-defense. The firearm industry proudly supports 393,00 jobs across America and generates over $91.7 billion in economic activity. Just as proudly, the firearm industry paid over $804 million in Pittman-Robertson excise taxes last year, which funds wildlife conservation, public land access and construction of public recreational shooting ranges. Since those funds’ inception in 1937, firearm and ammunition manufacturers have paid over $31 billion, when adjusted for inflation. NSSF is grateful that Congressman Tony Wied has been at the forefront to ensure that heritage of responsible firearm ownership is passed on to the next generation, and we are proud that he leads this effort to recognize the importance of National Shooting Sports Month,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel.

This Resolution:

Celebrates the role of small businesses that manufacture firearms in supporting domestic manufacturing and economic opportunity in communities across the United States.

Supports policies that strengthen the ability of such small businesses to innovate, grow, and preserve the recreational shooting traditions of the United States.

Recognizes August 2026 as “National Shooting Sports Month.""",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-demands-military-release-its-investigation-into-iranian-attack-that-killed-6-servicemembers,Baldwin Demands Military Release Its Investigation into Iranian Attack that Killed 6 Servicemembers,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is demanding the U.S. military release its investigation into a March drone strike on a U.S. military post at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait that killed six servicemembers and injured dozens of others. Last month, Senator Baldwin pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release the report and explain the Trump Administration’s lack of planning that left troops vulnerable and delayed lifesaving medical care for injured servicemembers.

“Public reporting said that U.S. Army Central has conducted an investigation into the attack and has shared those initial findings with the families of the soldiers killed,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Brad Cooper. “On July 21 at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, I asked Secretary Hegseth to commit to releasing this investigation publicly and he responded that he would coordinate with you to provide additional information to Congress. I now request you immediately release the findings of that investigation publicly and provide Congress with a copy of the full investigation, all underlying documentation, and any additional classified review of the attack.”

“Congress and the American people deserve clear answers on what happened on March 1 and why the U.S. military was unable to protect or care for our soldiers,” Baldwin continued.

At a July 21 hearing, Baldwin questioned Hegseth about reports that the Army facility at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait did not have adequate air defense capabilities when it was attacked by Iran on March 1st and pushed for answers on why requests for additional medical and drone defense systems were denied prior to the conflict with Iran beginning. For months, Senator Baldwin has been raising the alarms on the Trump Administration’s inadequate preparation which put American troops in harm's way and led to insufficient care for injured servicemembers, including two Wisconsinites who went weeks without proper screening and treatment for traumatic brain injuries.

Specifically, Senator Baldwin calls on U.S. Central Command to provide the following by August 18, 2026:

Publicly release the findings of the U.S. Army Central investigation into the attack on Port Shuaiba.

Provide the Senator and Congressional defense committees with a full, unredacted copy of the investigation, all underlying documents that contributed to the investigation, and a copy of the classified U.S. Army Central investigation of intelligence warnings before the attack and Port Shuaiba’s defenses.

Provide an explanation on why U.S. military medical care was not immediately available to soldiers on March 1, why any requests for additional medical supplies were denied prior to March 1, and whether access to medical care was considered when soldiers were repositioned to the facility Port Shuaiba.

A full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Admiral Cooper,

I write to you today regarding U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) investigation into the March 1, 2026, Iranian drone strike on soldiers at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. This attack resulted in the deaths of six soldiers from the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command and injuries to dozens more soldiers, including those from Wisconsin. Public reporting said that U.S. Army Central has conducted an investigation into the attack and has shared those initial findings with the families of the soldiers killed. On July 21 at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, I asked Secretary Hegseth to commit to releasing this investigation publicly and he responded that he would coordinate with you to provide additional information to Congress. I now request you release the findings of that investigation publicly and provide Congress with a copy of the full investigation, all underlying documentation, and any additional classified review of the attack.

On March 1, 2026, only the second day of President Trump’s war against Iran, an Iranian Shahed drone struck a temporary CENTCOM facility holding U.S. soldiers at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Six soldiers were killed in the strike and at least 30 more were injured. Soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command said that they had been relocated to Port Shuaiba from the larger and better defended facility at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait only days before the war began as part of a CENTCOM effort to more widely disperse U.S. servicemembers across the region to make them less vulnerable to potential Iranian attacks. Some of these soldiers later told The Washington Post that force protection assessments conducted by the 103rd Sustainment Command before the relocation had determined that the facility at Port Shuaiba was not suitable because it lacked the necessary defenses to protect soldiers from Iranian attacks. Soldiers, nonetheless, were moved to Port Shuaiba.

This initial mistake to move soldiers to Port Shuaiba despite the known deficiencies was further compounded by CENTCOM reportedly not taking adequate steps to increase defenses even after the facility was identified by U.S. intelligence as a likely Iranian target. CBS News reported that the leadership of the 103rd Sustainment Command was made aware of intelligence in the days prior to March 1 showing that Iran would likely strike Port Shuaiba during fighting between the U.S. and Iran. Furthermore, The Washington Post also reported that CENTCOM was unable to provide Port Shuaiba with additional air and drone defense systems, such as the EAGLS counter-drone system, because there were not a sufficient number of systems available. On July 21, I asked Secretary Hegseth about the denial of counter-drone systems to the 103rd Sustainment Command before March 1 and he claimed, ""there was not a single drone or defense request denied at any level.” This is clearly contradicted by what soldiers from the 103rd told The Washington Post in the July 12 article.

After the attack, soldiers also claimed that there was insufficient medical care available to treat the wounded in Kuwait. Given Port Shuaiba’s distance from any U.S. military medical facilities, soldiers were forced to drive to Kuwaiti civilian hospitals to receive medical care immediately after the strike. Soldiers injured in the attack said they believed at least one of those killed could likely have been saved if additional medical care was available. On May 19, 2026, CBS News reported that the 103rd Sustainment Command had requested additional medical supplies for Port Shuaiba prior to March 1, but that those requests were denied.

Congress and the American people deserve clear answers on what happened on March 1 and why the U.S. military was unable to protect or care for our soldiers. Accordingly, I request that, by August 18, you publicly release the findings of the U.S. Army Central investigation into the attack on Port Shuaiba; as well as provide me and the Congressional defense committees with a full, unredacted copy of the investigation, all underlying documents that contributed to the investigation, and a copy of the classified U.S. Army Central investigation of intelligence warnings before the attack and Port Shuaiba’s defenses.

Furthermore, I request you provide an explanation on why U.S. military medical care was not immediately available to soldiers on March 1, why any requests for additional medical supplies were denied prior to March 1, and whether access to medical care was considered when soldiers were repositioned to the facility at Port Shuaiba.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-moran-roll-out-comprehensive-bill-to-reform-and-strengthen-340b-drug-discount-program,"Baldwin, Moran Roll Out Comprehensive Bill to Reform and Strengthen 340B Drug Discount Program",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) led their colleagues, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Boozman (R-AK), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) – members of the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group – to introduce sweeping legislation to reform the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which provides discounted prescription drugs to health care providers that serve vulnerable, low-income, and underserved patients.

“The 340B program was designed to help hospitals and clinics that help the most vulnerable Americans get the medications they need. However, to make sure that Wisconsinites can continue to receive the care they need, we need to bring some real accountability and transparency to the program,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to have brought together Democrats and Republicans to address these issues head on, helping more Americans afford the care they need and ensuring that the 340B program puts the patients first.”

The 340B Drug Pricing Program was designed to help Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural clinics and critical access hospitals, and other providers that serve high volumes of Medicaid and uninsured patients expand access to care and lower costs for patients. The program requires drug manufacturers to provide discounts to these clinics and hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of low-income and underserved patients. However, in recent years, the 340B program has grown and evolved, leading to calls for more accountability, transparency, and certainty for covered entities participating in the program. The Supporting Underserved and Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity Now (SUSTAIN) 340B Act is a set of bipartisan, comprehensive reforms to create greater stability, clarity, and transparency in the 340B program.

The SUSTAIN 340B Act would:

Sense of Congress – Reiterate the original intent of the 340B program and clarify the program provides point-of-purchase discounts, as opposed to rebates.

Contract Pharmacy – Codify covered entities’ use of contract pharmacies while placing reasonable limitations including registration, audits of covered entities with a large number of contract pharmacies, and standardization of contractual requirements between covered entities and contract pharmacies. The bill does not place numeric or geographic limitations on the use of contract pharmacies.

Patient Definition – Establish the definition of an eligible patient under the 340B program and covered services for these patients. It also adds requirements and oversight for 340B patients being dispensed 340B drugs through referrals to non-covered entities.

340B Rebate Model Pilot Program – End any 340B Rebate Model program within one year and require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) transition to the clearinghouse established in the legislation.

Child Sites – Establish that child sites must be wholly owned and integrated with the parent covered entity, disincentivizes child site acquisitions with the sole purpose of expanding 340B footprints, and directs HHS to establish registration and oversight procedures.

Supporting Transparency – Place new annual reporting requirements on covered entities relating to their utilization of the 340B program.

Strengthening Program Integrity – Give HHS authority to establish auditing and reporting procedures for compliance under the 340B program and authorize removal of covered entities who are found in noncompliance and do not implement corrective action plans.

Preventing Duplicate Discounts – Establish a 340B data clearinghouse operated by an independent, third-party entity to prevent diversion and duplicate discounts in the 340B program.

Patient Financial Assistance – Require covered entities to establish a standard, transparent patient financial assistance policy for patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Supporting Equitable Treatment of Covered Participants – Prevent insurers from discriminating against 340B covered entities and their contract pharmacies.

User Fee Program – Establish a user fee program for participation in the 340B program to pay for program administration, including the clearinghouse.

Studies and Reports – Require reports to Congress on hospital debt collection practices, dispensing fees, and data collection system integration.

Additional Resources – Authorize three million dollars annually for five years for conducting oversight and enforcement and nine million dollars annually for four years for bill implementation.

The Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group has existed for more than a decade and is comprised of members who support the 340B program and are committed to sustaining it. In the 118th Congress, the group sought stakeholder feedback on how to improve the 340B program and released a bipartisan discussion draft to strengthen it. The draft reflected the group’s belief that the program provides a critical benefit to eligible providers by helping them stretch federal resources to deliver health care services to the patients they serve, while also addressing concerns about program ambiguity and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-launch-investigation-into-port-shuaiba-attack-that-left-six-servicemembers-dead-dozens-injured,"Baldwin, Colleagues Launch Investigation into Port Shuaiba Attack that Left Six Servicemembers Dead, Dozens Injured",2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in opening a new investigation into reports that the Department of Defense (DoD) failed to provide adequate medical care to servicemembers injured in a March drone strike on a U.S. military post at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait. The investigation follows months of Senator Baldwin demanding answers for the Trump Administration’s preparation failures that left troops vulnerable and led to delays in getting care for injured servicemembers.

“As President Trump once again ramps up his reckless war in Iran, and new reports indicate that additional American bases have come under attack, it is critical that DoD provide answers about its capacity to provide care for injured servicemembers,” wrote the lawmakers in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

For months, Senator Baldwin has been raising the alarms on inadequate preparation which put American troops in harm's way and led to insufficient care for injured servicemembers, including two Wisconsinites who went weeks without proper screening and treatment for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Following new reporting revealing that servicemembers warned of safety issues ahead of the strike, the Senator Baldwin pressed Secretary Hegseth in a hearing for answers on why troops injured in the attack have not received timely access to medical care and why the Trump Administration failed to prepare for attacks on troops in the Middle East.

Survivors reported facing delays and challenges in getting necessary medical care, including that injured servicemembers who were flown to Germany for care were then told that they could only get limited treatment and had to wait in barracks as the hospital was unable to admit them. Other servicemembers with symptoms of traumatic brain injuries were reportedly unable to get proper care for nearly a month after the strike, even after they were flown from Germany to Fort Hood in Texas.

In March, Senator Baldwin heard about two Wisconsinites who were deployed in Kuwait that had sustained traumatic brain injuries in the March 1st attack at Port Shuaiba that killed 6 American servicemembers. After the attack, they'd been relocated to Fort Hood via Germany without receiving any specialized screening or care for TBI’s. Once the Senator intervened on their behalf, the servicemembers and the rest of their unit received the proper screening, and the soldiers were transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center near Washington, D.C. to receive treatment for TBI’s. That meant going weeks without receiving the specialized care they needed after the March 1st attack.

After ensuring these servicemembers received care, Senator Baldwin demanded answers from the Defense Health Administration about the delay in care, why the military wasn’t prepared with necessary medical units, and how they planned to avoid such delays moving forward.

The reports also raise serious concerns about DoD’s lack of preparation for a strike against Port Shuaiba. A soldier reportedly filed a complaint with the Inspector General stating that the lack of safety measures at Port Shuaiba were so significant that the unit’s force protection assessments “recommended against positioning any personnel at Shuaiba Port.” Survivors of the strike reported that they believed that at least one victim of the attack could have survived if they had had proper access to care.

The Army reportedly downplayed injuries sustained during the strike, including by telling families that their loved ones were not seriously injured despite suffering extensive injuries.

“These reports are also emblematic of a broader pattern of the Trump Administration’s blatant dismissal and disregard for the injuries and deaths of servicemembers in this war,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers also called out DoD’s revision of official casualty counts from the war in Iran. Last week, DoD lowered the number of U.S. servicemembers who had been killed in the war so far from 18 to 14, and categorized their deaths under “Overseas Operations” instead of Operation Epic Fury, in an apparent attempt to hide the growing casualty count of U.S. servicemembers from President Trump’s war against Iran.

“This is shameful and a complete and utter disrespect to these servicemembers, their loved ones, and those who served alongside them…It dishonors their ultimate sacrifice to attempt to hide the real costs of this war from the American people,” said the lawmakers.

“As you and President Trump continue to risk the lives of servicemembers in this reckless war, the American people deserve answers on whether you were adequately prepared to protect servicemembers from Iranian attacks and get them the care they needed, and whether you will be prepared to do so if the war continues and escalates even further,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers asked Secretary Hegseth to provide answers related to the reports of insufficient medical care, injury classifications, and details of the Port Shuaiba attack and ensuing investigation by August 12, 2026.

A full version of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-tours-milwaukee-elections-operation-center-as-trump-lays-groundwork-for-election-interference,Baldwin Tours Milwaukee Elections Operation Center as Trump Lays Groundwork for Election Interference,2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) toured the City of Milwaukee Elections Operations Center, taking up the City of Milwaukee’s offer to Vice President JD Vance to see firsthand the extensive security and accuracy measures in place. Following the tour, Baldwin held a discussion with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee Elections Commission Executive Director Paulina?Gutiérrez as President Trump escalates his efforts to interfere in the administration of American elections ahead of the upcoming 2026 midterms.

“Today in Milwaukee, I was able to see what we all know: Wisconsin elections are as secure as it gets thanks to our local election officials,” said Senator Baldwin. “Despite this, the Trump Administration is reheating old, debunked lies and is weaponizing the federal government to undermine and meddle in our elections. The bottom line is that Trump?doesn’t?want your voice to be heard and to be held accountable for his cost raising policies and list of broken promises. ?I’m?working to do everything I can do to stop him and protect Wisconsinites’ right to vote and have their ballot count.”",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-frankel-randall-takano-lead-113-house-members-letter-omb-calling,"Pocan, Frankel, Randall, & Takano lead 113 House Members in Letter to OMB Calling for Renewal of Community HIV Funds",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Emily Randall (WA-06), and Mark Takano (CA-39) led 113 of their colleagues in a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, Russell Vought, regarding reports that the Trump Administration has directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not to renew approximately $46 million in direct HIV prevention grants supporting 96 community-based organizations across the country. Reports show that OMB instructed CDC to route these congressionally appropriated funds through state and local health departments rather than renewing the awards directly to the community-based organizations. This change could create significant disruptions in HIV prevention services, undermining longstanding congressional investments in ending the HIV epidemic.

“We write regarding reports that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not to renew approximately $46 million in direct HIV/AIDS prevention grants supporting 96 community-based organizations (CBOs) under PS21-2102, despite Congress appropriating these funds for HIV prevention activities,” the Members began. “These organizations provide HIV testing, linkage to care, referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), outbreak response, and other evidence-based prevention services that protect our citizens and help stop the spread of HIV nationwide.”

""Despite this successful model, OMB has reportedly instructed CDC to redirect these resources through state and local health departments, putting the status of this funding and the very existence of these community-based organizations in jeopardy,” the Members continue. “This reported decision raises serious concerns regarding the implementation of congressional appropriations, continuity of HIV prevention services, and the Administration's commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.”

“According to reporting, the Administration intends for states to determine whether to subcontract funding to these organizations,” the Members go on to write. “However, this approach fundamentally changes how Congress has historically supported HIV prevention infrastructure and introduces uncertainty into organizations' ability to continue providing uninterrupted services. Additionally, reports indicate that organizations losing direct CDC funding may also lose their eligibility to participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program through these grants, which could greatly increase the cost of providing HIV prevention medications and related services to our communities.”

“Congress has consistently demonstrated bipartisan support for evidence-based HIV prevention programs. And unless Congress directs otherwise, appropriated funds should be administered in a manner consistent with congressional intent and longstanding program implementation… The United States has made extraordinary progress in reducing HIV transmission through sustained investments in evidence-based prevention, community partnerships, and early linkage to care. Disrupting longstanding prevention infrastructure, without a transparent public health justification, risks reversing decades of bipartisan progress and undermining congressional investments in ending the HIV epidemic,” the Members concluded.

A digital copy of the letter can be found here.

Signers (113):Mark Pocan (WI-02), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Emily Randall (WA-06), Mark Takano (CA-39), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Hernández (PR), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE), Jim McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Frederica Wilson (FL-24)

National Endorsements: AIDS Institute, AVAC, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, HIV Alliance, HIV Medicine Association, Save HIV Funding Campaign, NMAC, PrEP4All, NASTAD",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-backed-bill-to-stop-key-parts-of-trumps-push-to-shut-down-education-department-advances-to-full-senate,Baldwin-Backed Bill to Stop Key Parts of Trump’s Push to Shut Down Education Department Advances to Full Senate,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s (D-WI) bipartisan legislation to block key elements of President Trump’s effort to shut down the Department of Education advanced on a bipartisan vote out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The bill would block some of the deals, called Interagency Agreements, that allow the transfer of special education and primary and secondary education out of the Department of Education and under the purview of other, sometimes nonsensical, federal agencies. The legislation is now teed up for a vote by the full Senate. Today at the hearing, Senator Baldwin also supported an amendment to go further than the proposed legislation and block the Trump Administration from transferring all proposed other programs out of the Department of Education, including civil rights enforcement and career and technical education, but that effort was defeated by Republicans.

“Americans expect our government to put our children first, not absurd campaign slogans, when it comes to how we provide education for millions of kids and young Americans. Instead, President Trump is prioritizing his half-baked campaign promise to shut down the Department of Education over our kids’ wellbeing. Haphazardly putting programs like special education and elementary education under agencies and leaders who have zero relevant experience is dangerous and will have devastating consequences for our students,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’ve been fighting for months to stop this attack on our local schools and special education and will continue working with anyone to reverse these changes before it’s too late for our students.”

Specifically, the legislation would prevent the Department of Education from relinquishing the Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Postsecondary Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, and Indian Education, or any programs within those offices to other agencies that lack the staff and expertise needed to execute their missions. On June 16, 2026, the Trump administration announced four Interagency Agreements (IAA) that would illegally move the administration of special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and vocational rehabilitation programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act from the ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They also transfer fundamental civil rights enforcement responsibility away from ED to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The amendment Senator Baldwin supported would have blocked the transfer of all of these programs.

Last month, Senator Baldwin led dozens of her colleagues in demanding that the Trump administration follow the law in which Congress authorized these programs to be carried out by ED, including most recently in annual bipartisan funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2026. Last week, she sat down in Madison with parents, teachers, and school officials to talk about how transferring these programs out of the Department of Education would hurt students.

###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-secures-cms-approval-protecting-wisconsin-hospitals-and-medicaid,Van Orden Secures CMS Approval Protecting Wisconsin Hospitals and Medicaid Funding,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Derrick Van Orden,V000135,vanorden.house.gov,vanorden,https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the approval of Van Orden’s request to grandfather the state’s six percent hospital provider tax, preserving enhanced federal Medicaid funding for hospitals across Wisconsin.

Prior to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Congressman Van Orden urged Governor Tony Evers in a letter highlighting the critical need to promptly enact Wisconsin's FY 2025–2027 state budget so the state's hospital provider tax increase could take effect before the anticipated federal deadline. In a letter to the Governor, Van Orden urged Evers to ""act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.""

CMS’s announcement follows Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s continued advocacy with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure Wisconsin qualified for the grandfathering protections included in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The approval allows Wisconsin to continue drawing down enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds and protects critical health care resources across the state. Without this action, Wisconsin’s enhanced federal Medicaid payments would have expired on October 1, 2026.

In addition, CMS approved Wisconsin's Medicaid state plan preprint for all of calendar year 2026, ensuring the state will continue receiving the higher federal Medicaid reimbursement throughout the year.

""This is a major win for Wisconsin. When I learned Wisconsin hospitals were at risk of losing critical Medicaid funding, I immediately got to work with CMS and the Trump Administration to fix it. I fought to make sure Wisconsin's provider tax was grandfathered exactly as intended under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and today that work paid off. With this rule, Wisconsin's Medicaid reimbursement rate is jumping from 1.8% to 6%. This decision protects our hospitals and gives providers the certainty they need to continue caring for Wisconsin families."" Van Orden said.

During CMS Administrator Dr. Oz’s visit to Eau Claire, he stated""We're going to make sure the Badger State is taken care of and that the funding that's required to improve rural healthcare is at the level that it should be at,"" and praised Van Orden for ensuring that Wisconsin’s provider tax rate was aligned with other states across the nation.

For Wisconsin’s rural hospitals and health care providers, this decision provides critical stability and ensures they can continue serving patients in communities across the state. This approval is the latest example of Van Orden fighting to deliver for Wisconsin families and ensuring federal policies work for the communities he represents.

The proposed rule can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-14897/medicaid-program-indirect-hold-harmless-threshold-of-health-care-related-taxes

A fact sheet on the proposed rule can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/amending-indirect-hold-harmless-threshold-health-care-related-taxes-proposed-rule-cms-2452-p

###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-counter-trumps-attacks-on-american-elections,"Baldwin, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Counter Trump’s Attacks on American Elections",2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Donald Trump escalates his efforts to interfere in the administration of American elections ahead of the upcoming 2026 midterms, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues introduced legislation to protect voters and combat unlawful election interference attempts. The Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act would give voters and state Attorneys General tools to stop interference in elections, strengthen accountability for people who illegally meddle in elections, and protect ballots from being improperly seized.

“Donald Trump has been actively laying the groundwork to undermine our 2026 elections to evade accountability for his cost-raising policies – and I refuse to stand idly by amidst his repeated efforts to stop Americans from having their voices heard,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our Democracy relies on people being able to show up to the ballot box and their vote to be secret and counted. And, if someone tries to interfere with that right, they need to be held accountable – no matter who they are.”

The SHIELD Our Elections Act creates a private right to action for State Attorneys General and voters to enforce federal anti-interference laws protecting polling locations and election sites, extends the statute of limitations for election related crimes so that future administrations can enforce them, restricts the seizure of ballots and election equipment from election officials until after an election outcome has been finalized, and authorizes a voluntary grant program to support states who have mail and absentee ballot tracking programs to provide confidence and security for voting by mail or drop box.

Specifically, the bill would secure federal elections by:

Allowing State Attorneys General and impacted voters to sue when federal officials unlawfully interfere with or intimidate them at polling places;

Strengthening accountability by extending the statute of limitations from five to nine years for key federal election crimes, including interference by armed forces and voter intimidation, to enable them to be brought by future administrations for past actions; and

Protecting ballots from improper seizure by limiting when state or federal law enforcement may seize ballots or election equipment and requiring court-authorized election officials to maintain joint custody whenever materials must be seized, especially prior to the resolution of an election.

The bill comes as President Trump has taken an all-of-the-above approach to try to interfere in the upcoming 2026 elections. In March, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Postal Service to create a federal mail-in voting list made up of states’ absentee voters’ information. Following this unconstitutional directive, USPS proposed a rule that would ultimately allow the Postal Service to determine whether millions of Americans can receive and cast ballots through the mail. Baldwin has spoken out in strong opposition and demanded that the USPS abandon this rule.

President Trump has openly floated sending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents to local polling locations and has said Republicans should nationalize voting in at least 15 states. Trump has also attempted to seize ballots in Georgia, Michigan, and Arizona, and sued 30 states for their voter rolls. Senator Baldwin and her colleagues introduced the Protect Our Polls Act to protect Americans’ constitutional right to vote and prevent federal interference by armed military or federal law enforcement.

The bill is led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and also co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

Full text of the bill is available here. One-pager of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/07/29/chairman-johnson-requests-interviews-with-dr-anthony-fauci-dr-peter-marks-and-other-former-federal-health-officials-on-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-covid-19-vaccines/,"Chairman Johnson Requests Interviews with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Peter Marks, and Other Former Federal Health Officials on the Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines",2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent letters to former Food and Drug Administration officials (“FDA”) Dr. Peter Marks, Dr. Narayan Nair, Dr. Steven Anderson, and Dr. Manette Niu, as well as former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (“NIAID”) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, requesting transcribed interviews about their roles in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.

On April 29, 2026, Chairman Johnson released an interim report detailing how senior officials at the FDA turned a blind eye toward warnings that their vaccine safety monitoring system was hiding safety signals for the COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Marks and other former FDA officials Chairman Johnson has requested interviews with were among the officials involved in ignoring those warnings.

“I hope that you will be cooperative and fully transparent regarding your involvement and knowledge of these issues,” Chairman Johnson wrote.

Chairman Johnson questioned Dr. Fauci about COVID-19 vaccine safety at today’s hearing before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, but he refused to answer questions and asserted his Fifth Amendment right. In his letter to Dr. Fauci, Chairman Johnson wrote, “I want to give you another opportunity to provide much-needed transparency about the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s response to it, including early treatments and the development, deployment, safety monitoring, and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.”

The letters are listed below:

Dr. Anthony Fauci

Dr. Peter Marks

Dr. Narayan Nair

Dr. Steven Anderson

Dr. Manette Niu

###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5962,"Moore, Ramirez, McGarvey Visit Constituents with Health Concerns at Campbell County Detention Center",2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Newport, Kentucky — Yesterday, Congressmembers Gwen Moore (WI-04), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) visited Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky to provide oversight of the facility and conduct a welfare check on three constituents suffering from a lack of medical care. The members heard from Anabell, Ricardo, and Octavio who have experienced inhumane conditions, lack of proper food to manage their well-being, delays in medication, and inadequate medical care.

Anabell is a constituent of Congresswoman Moore who suffered a miscarriage in ICE custody and was denied the necessary and adequate medical care.

Ricardo and Octavio are both residents of Illinois’ Third Congressional District who suffer from diabetes. Anabell is a constituent of WI-04 who suffered a miscarriage in ICE custody and was denied the necessary and adequate medical care.

“I visited Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky with my colleagues, Representatives Ramirez and McGarvey, out of concern for my constituent, Anabell, and others who are suffering from medical neglect. I will continue honoring my oversight responsibilities and fighting for my constituents, wherever that might take me,” said Rep. Moore.

“As a member of Congress, I conducted oversight of the Campbell County Detention Center to check on my constituents, who are being denied needed medical care, including access to insulin. What I saw inside was devastating, and the lack of medical care was appalling: detainees pleading for help, medicine for purchase at the commissary, sickeningly inhumane conditions, and jail leadership attempting to gaslight us,” said Rep. Ramirez. “DHS continues to demonstrate gross disregard of our health, dignity, personhood, and safety. It is clear: We must end detention, dismantle DHS, and MELT ICE!”

“What we saw yesterday is exactly why Congressional oversight matters. We talked to diabetics who told us they can’t get their medicine and detainees who said they can’t get so much as an aspirin, all while the Trump administration has given ICE billions in taxpayer money. I’m grateful to Reps. Ramirez and Moore for coming to Kentucky, and we will continue holding this administration accountable,” said Rep. McGarvey.

“As a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, I stand with Rep. Ramirez and Rep. Moore as they conduct an oversight visit at the Campbell County Detention Center. My Mercy sisters and I have devoted our lives to helping immigrants, women and children, and we are devastated by the cruel, inhumane treatment of our immigrant brothers and sisters by ICE. We call on all people of faith and goodwill to join us in standing ups for our immigrant neighbors, friends and family members,” said Sister Carren Herring, RSM of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The oversight visit comes as new ICE data shows that immigrant detention remains at a record high, with 65,765 detained immigrants, and over 20 deaths documented in detention during the first half of 2026. According to data, primary causes include delayed and denied medical care.

According to DHS’s data, despite the increase in the detained population, medical claims decreased by nearly $300 million from 2024 to 2025, reflecting both unpaid bills and detainees who may never have received care. On October 3, 2025, the VA suddenly terminated its agreement with ICE to process medical claims, leaving ICE with no capabilities to continue paying for off-site medical care for detainees, including prescription medications for individuals in ICE custody. From October to May, at least 29 people died in detention.",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-demands-answers-from-defense-department-on-unacceptable-delays-in-pfas-remediation-endangering-wisconsinites-health,"Baldwin Demands Answers from Defense Department on ‘Unacceptable’ Delays in PFAS Remediation, Endangering Wisconsinites’ Health",2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is pressing the Department of Defense on another delay to their PFAS investigation and cleanup timelines by as much as 20 years at 178 sites across the United States, including at Truax Field and Volk Field in Wisconsin.

“I have worked for years to hold the Department accountable on PFAS through added federal funding for military PFAS cleanup and for replacing PFAS-based firefighting foam. It is unacceptable for the Department to disregard years of efforts to improve Wisconsin’s drinking water and further imperil the safety of my constituents without so much as an explanation,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to Secretary of the Airforce Troy Meink.

In June, it was reported that the Department of Defense (DoD) pushed back its PFAS investigation and cleanup timelines by as much as 20 years across 178 sites, including Truax Field and Volk Field in Wisconsin. The Department made the change quietly, without a public announcement and without notifying Congress. This is the second major recent delay DoD has made in conducting this investigation and cleanup, the first being in March 2025 when the Trump Administration announced delays at more than 150 locations across the country.

These delays come as the Air National Guard installations rank among the most PFAS-contaminated sites in Wisconsin. Truax Field in Madison, for example, has PFAS in groundwater measured as high as 39,841 parts per trillion; this is nearly 2,000 times the standard of 20 parts per trillion recommended by Wisconsin health officials. At Volk Field in Juneau County and General Mitchell Field in Milwaukee County, readings are as high as 23,000 and 10,800 parts per trillion, respectively. Delay in remediation efforts can allow contamination to spread, exposing more families and increasing the final cost of remediation.

The cited delays in cleanup timelines come as the Trump Administration continues to weaken the standards that drive this work. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to rescind drinking-water limits for several PFAS compounds and to push PFOA and PFOS compliance to 2031.

In the letter, Senator Baldwin requests that DoD provide the following information on what this delay means for the Air Force and the Air National Guard installations in Wisconsin, and for the nearby Wisconsin communities, including:

A full list of Wisconsin Air Force and Air National Guard installations whose PFAS investigation or cleanup milestones have changed, what the prior milestones were, new milestones dates, and the specific reasons for the change.

Confirmation of whether any Wisconsin installation falls among the 54 sites where the Department has confirmed a PFAS health risk to a surrounding community, and among the 15 such sites facing new delays. Include the interim steps the Air Force is taking to give affected residents safe drinking water in the meantime.

The current progress status and expected completion date of the remedial investigation at the Air Force and Air National Guard installations in Wisconsin and the Department's plan to fund and begin real remediation of the contamination, not more study.

Senator Baldwin has championed PFAS remediation efforts, supporting and securing funding to address contamination in communities across the state. She supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 that is making historic investments in clean drinking water, including funding to address emerging contaminants like PFAS. Senator Baldwin has also secured millions in direct support for Wisconsin communities to address PFAS contamination through annual funding legislation. In 2019, Senator Baldwin helped secure provisions to the annual defense policy bill that require nationwide environmental testing for PFAS, establish enforceable standards for PFAS in drinking water, and authorize funding to develop better testing methods for PFAS in the environment. The bill also clarified that the Department of Defense is responsible for cleaning up PFAS contamination at National Guard Facilities, including at Wisconsin’s Truax Field.

A full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Meink,

I am writing to you today to express my continued dismay that the Department of Defense (DoD) continues to delay per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation at military installations across the country. A June 11, 2026 report from NOTUS found that, for a second time and without public announcement, DoD has pushed back its timelines to investigate and clean up PFAS by as much as 20 years across 178 sites in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These include Volk and Truax Fields in Wisconsin. I request that you provide information on what this delay means for the Air Force and the Air National Guard installations in Wisconsin, and for the nearby Wisconsin communities.

These reported delays raise alarms, given that the PFAS remediation delays at DoD installations across the nation already average about a decade as of this year. The Department has confirmed 54 sites in the U.S. where PFAS poses a health risk to nearby communities; 15 of those sites face new, substantial delays, and 11 contaminated sites were due to reach cleanup milestones in 2025. None did. The timelines still do not establish a set date to finish remediation at any site. What I find even more troubling is that the changes to the timelines were made while keeping Congress in the dark. Members of Congress should be learning of such major updates that impact our communities from the Department, and not from reporters.

My primary concern is how badly these continued delays will impact Wisconsin. Some of our Air National Guard installations rank among the most PFAS-contaminated sites in the state. Truax Field in Madison, for example, has PFAS in groundwater measured as high as 39,841 parts per trillion; this is nearly 2,000 times the standard of 20 parts per trillion recommended by Wisconsin health officials. At Volk Field in Juneau County and General Mitchell Field in Milwaukee County, readings are as high as 23,000 and 10,800 parts per trillion, respectively. This is a major health concern for my constituents, and the longer this problem goes unresolved, the greater the threat of contamination grows.

The Administration is also moving to cut funding and weaken the standards behind any PFAS remediation work. For example, the EPA announced plans last year to rescind drinking-water limits for several PFAS compounds and to push compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS to 2031. Additionally, the Department’s FY2027 budget request proposes cutting about $44 million from environmental restoration accounts. The GAO reported last year that the Department has spent $2.6 billion on PFAS since 2017. Yet, no site has a known timeline to finish cleanup. Future investigation and remediation efforts, by the report’s estimates, will now cost more than $9.3 billion from fiscal year 2025 and beyond, and those costs have more than tripled since 2022. By your Department's own figures, delay saves nothing. Delay lets plumes spread, exposes more families, and raises the final bill.

I have worked for years to hold the Department accountable on PFAS through added federal funding for military PFAS cleanup and for replacing PFAS-based firefighting foam. It is unacceptable for the Department to disregard years of efforts to improve Wisconsin’s drinking water and further imperil the safety of my constituents without so much as an explanation.

I request the following from you no later than August 11, 2026:

A full list of Wisconsin Air Force and Air National Guard installations whose PFAS investigation or cleanup milestones have changed, what the prior milestones were, new milestones dates, and the specific reasons for the change.

Confirmation of whether any Wisconsin installation falls among the 54 sites where the Department has confirmed a PFAS health risk to a surrounding community, and among the 15 such sites facing new delays. Include the interim steps the Air Force is taking to give affected residents safe drinking water in the meantime.

The current progress status and expected completion date of the remedial investigation at the Air Force and Air National Guard installations in Wisconsin and the Department's plan to fund and begin real remediation of the contamination, not more study.

###",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-introduces-bill-to-restore-and-protect-the-mississippi-river,Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Restore and Protect the Mississippi River,2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act, legislation to restore and protect the Mississippi River corridor amid growing threats that put this vital waterway, and the economy that depends on it, at risk. The legislation creates a collaborative initiative to coordinate efforts and invest in building resilience to flooding and storms, improving water quality, restoring wildlife habitat, and stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. MRRRI is modeled around the successful and broadly supported Great Lakes Restoration Initiative that coordinates across states and sectors to clean up toxic contaminants, control harmful and invasive aquatic species, restore habitats, and leverage investments for economic activity.

“The Mississippi River is essential to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life – from moving Made in Wisconsin products to market, to supporting fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation, to providing fresh drinking water for millions of families,” said Senator Baldwin. “As communities along the river face more frequent flooding and worsening pollution, we must confront these challenges head on while also making the long-term investments needed to prepare for those ahead. Investing in the Mighty Mississippi is an investment in our economy, the great outdoors and the next generation of Wisconsinites.”

For 20 million Americans, the Mississippi River is their primary source of drinking water. The river supports a $500-billion-a-year commercial, recreation, and natural resources-based river economy that employs 1.5 million people.

MRRRI will fund community-driven projects to restore and protect the Mississippi River and build resilience for the communities who depend upon it. A regularly updated action plan, developed with public input, will guide the implementation of the MRRRI and the use of federal funds to:

Improve water quality to protect drinking water, wildlife, and river-dependent industries by reducing runoff pollution.

Reduce flood and storm risks and increase community resilience through natural infrastructure solutions and ecologically sound management.

Protect and restore wildlife habitat, including by preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Improve communication and partnership activities related to the focus areas listed above.

Monitor, collect, and evaluate scientific data to assess the focus areas listed above.

Senator Baldwin has long supported navigation and ecosystem improvements along the Upper Mississippi River. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin works each year to secure strong funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program, which monitors the health of the river and restores key habitat for fish and wildlife critical for Wisconsin’s recreational economy.

This year, Senator Baldwin worked with her colleagues to successfully secure a total of $18 million in federal funding for the Army Corps of Engineers’ Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) to improve and restore both the capacity and efficiency of the river’s navigation system, as well as the river’s ecosystems.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) leads companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-calls-out-trump-admin-for-abruptly-canceling-94-million-for-health-research-halting-clinical-trials,"Baldwin Calls Out Trump Admin for Abruptly Canceling $94 Million for Health Research, Halting Clinical Trials",2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education, blasted the Trump Administration for abruptly canceling $94 million in funding for 150 grants supporting health research and programs to train the next generations of scientists. As a result of these erratic cuts to grants funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), clinical trials, health research, and training programs for researchers have ended. The grants include helping doctors catch lung cancer earlier, keeping babies and new mothers safe during childbirth, and using telehealth to improve access to care in rural communities. Canceling funding in the middle of these multi-year research projects wastes years of prior work and millions of taxpayer dollars.

“Once again, Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. are cutting groundbreaking research all to play petty politics—it's sowing chaos and taking away chances to improve Americans’ health and well-being. We are talking about helping kids in hospitals, improving telehealth in rural parts of America, and stopping lung cancer from plaguing more Americans – but this administration is saying that is not a priority for them,” said Senator Baldwin. “American families want lower costs and to live healthy lives, but this administration isn’t listening. I will continue to use every lever I have to stand up to this chaos, support our Wisconsin scientists, and fight to make sure families can lead healthy lives.”

Included in the abrupt cancelations is a University of Wisconsin project testing the use of artificial intelligence to improve the experiences of hospitalized children and their families. Prior to canceling the funding, the Trump Administration highlighted this specific program in a webinar on innovations to better deliver high-value pediatric care. A month later, HHS terminated the grant for being “inconsistent with agency priorities."" In a Senate Appropriations hearing with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in April, Senator Baldwin shined a light on the absurdity of the administration holding up funding for this program earlier in the year, despite the Administration itself using it as a poster child for innovative work. Baldwin also demanded answers from AHRQ Director Dr. Roger Klein on the chaos and mismanagement at AHRQ during a private call in June. AHRQ is the only federal agency focused on studying how to improve health care delivery. In addition to terminating these grants, since Trump took office, the agency has failed to fund new research projects, left grantees in the dark, and allowed over $80 million in funding to lapse.

Senator Baldwin has been a leading voice in pushing back against cuts to critical health funding. Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin called out the administration for canceling $600 million in grants that were aimed at stopping the spread of HIV, connecting people to affordable health care, and growing the health care workforce. Baldwin also spoke out against the abrupt canceling, then reinstating, of $2 billion in funding for thousands of programs that support mental health and addiction treatment and prevention. As Ranking Member on the LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Baldwin also fought for and successfully included provisions to put up stronger guardrails to ensure funding for Fiscal Year 2026 is spent as Congress intended and without delay.

###",1,2026-07-25T07:13:44Z,2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5960,"Moore, Yakym Introduce Legislation to Support Surviving Spouses of Veterans",2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) and Representative Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) introduced the Veterans Surviving Spouse Parity Act to help surviving spouses of veterans access housing programs that benefit first-time homebuyers. Under current law, surviving spouses of veterans can access VA home loans but not Mortgage Credit Certificate and Mortgage Revenue Bond programs. The Members’ legislation secures parity for these surviving spouses.

This legislation was inspired by Rep. Moore’s constituent, who is a surviving spouse who qualified for a VA home loan, but was not eligible for the Mortgage Credit Certificate.

“Surviving spouses of veterans made their own sacrifices for our country, and we can better utilize existing resources to support them. Our bipartisan bill helps them access key resources that can make homeownership more affordable. I thank my constituent for inspiring this important bill,” said Rep. Moore.

""This country owes everything to the men and women who fight for our freedom, and to the surviving spouses who carry on without them. We owe it to these families to give them stability, and that starts with owning a home.” Rep. Yakym said. “This bipartisan bill closes that gap, so surviving spouses can access the same homeownership resources their veteran spouses could. I thank Rep. Moore for her leadership on this bill and for standing up for these families.""

“For nearly 20 years, state housing finance agencies’ have been better able to help veterans purchase homes through their Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs because of a one-time exemption to those programs’ first-time home buyer requirement,” said Stockton Williams, Executive Director of the National Council of State Housing Agencies. “We commend Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Rudy Yakym (R-IN) for introducing legislation to extend this benefit to the spouses of those members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

""The National Association of REALTORS® proudly supports the bipartisan Veterans Surviving Spouse Parity Act because the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve the same opportunities as the veterans they stood beside. By extending eligibility for Mortgage Revenue Bond and Mortgage Credit Certificate programs to qualifying surviving spouses, this legislation removes an unnecessary barrier to affordable homeownership and helps ensure these families have access to the housing resources they have earned. We applaud Representatives Moore and Yakym for advancing this commonsense, bipartisan solution that honors our nation's military families while expanding pathways to homeownership,"" said Shannon McGahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer, National Association of REALTORS®.

Congress provides each state with an amount of private activity bonds (PABs), which include MRB and MCC programs issued by housing finance agencies to support homeownership for families earning below 115% of area median income. MRBs are tax-exempt bonds that help fund below-market interest-rate mortgages for qualifying homebuyers. MCCs are issued directly to qualifying homebuyers, who are then entitled to a non-refundable federal tax credit annually. MCCs and MRBs lower costs for low- and moderate-income homeowners, which can make sustainable homeownership possible. To qualify, buyers must typically be first-time homeowners. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including for veterans. This bill creates an exception for surviving spouses, too.

Endorsing Organizations: National Council of State Housing Agencies, Veterans Associate of Real Estate Professionals, National Association of REALTORS®, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-steil-s-congressional-stock-trading-ban,House Passes Steil's Congressional Stock Trading Ban,2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(July 22, 2026) Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act.

“The Stop Insider Trading Act is a major step forward for ethics reform on Capitol Hill. It ensures no lawmaker can profit off of insider information,” said Steil. “I urge my Senate colleagues to quickly take it up and send it to President Trump’s desk.”

The Stop Insider Trading Act bill prohibits Members of Congress, spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. The bill also requires public notice 7 days before a lawmaker, spouse, or dependent child may sell a stock. Finally, the bill institutes strict penalties for any violation.

Watch Chairman Steil’s closing remarks on the House Floor in support of the bill here.

Background:

In January 2026, Chairman Steil introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act.

The legislation:

Bans Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing a security issued by a publicly traded company.

Requires Members of Congress to file a public notice at least 7 days, but no more than 14 days, in advance for each intended sale with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or Secretary of the Senate.

Penalties for a violation:

Requires the respective ethics committees to issue a fee equal to $2,000 or 10% of the value of the covered investment, whichever is greater.

Also requires forfeiture of any realized profit from a sale.

The Stop Insider Trading Act passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 232-198.

###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/wisconsin-congressmen-applaud-cms-rule-securing-historic-healthcare-funding-for-wisconsin-families,Wisconsin Congressmen Applaud CMS Rule Securing Historic Healthcare Funding for Wisconsin Families,2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08), applauded the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’(CMS) proposed rule 91 FR 46562, ensuring Wisconsin receives fairness in the Medicaid reimbursement formula and delivering historic Medicaid funding to WI.

Wisconsin’s Republican delegation has been working directly with CMS and the Trump Administration to ensure that Wisconsin providers receive the same treatment in the Medicaid reimbursement system as providers in other states. Recent changes resulted in an additional $1 billion in federal healthcare funding for Wisconsin. This funding will help ensure high-quality care for patients in Wisconsin.",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-evers-sound-alarm-on-usps-mail-delays-and-interference-ahead-of-upcoming-elections,"Baldwin, Evers Sound Alarm on USPS Mail Delays and Interference Ahead of Upcoming Elections",2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers are sounding the alarm on multiple issues at the United States Postal Service (USPS) that will restrict Wisconsinites’ ability to have their ballots counted in the upcoming elections. Specifically, Baldwin and Evers are calling on the USPS to immediately address severe delays that caused hundreds of Wisconsinites’ ballots to arrive after Election Day in April. The lawmakers also urged USPS to immediately reverse course on implementing President Donald Trump’s unconstitutional order to severely restrict vote-by-mail.

“Hundreds of absentee ballots received by the Postal Service before Wisconsin's Spring Election were delivered after Election Day, preventing them from being counted,” wrote Senator Baldwin and Governor Evers in a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner and members of the USPS Board of Governors. “Now, USPS is rushing to implement President Trump's unconstitutional executive order that would, at best, significantly delay Wisconsinites' mailed ballots from reaching election officials and, at worst, allow the USPS to prevent a Wisconsin voter's fully legal, timely ballot from being counted at all. We call on the Postal Service to immediately resolve the issues that delayed ballots during Wisconsin’s Spring Election, withdraw the rule that will add significant additional delays in ballot delivery, and ensure preparations for Wisconsin’s fall elections prioritizes timely delivery of election mail.”

In the letter, Senator Baldwin and Governor Evers underscore the importance of protecting mail-in voting for Wisconsinites and how President Trump’s proposed rule could further jeopardize Wisconsinites’ access to the ballot box. In 2024, 500,000 Wisconsinites used mail-in ballots, nearly 15% of all Wisconsin voters.

Despite the vital role of mail-in voting, the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC), which administers elections in Wisconsin, found that during Wisconsin’s Spring Election this April, two-thirds of local election officials reported problems with the mail, and more than half reported receiving voter complaints and concerns about the Postal Service. According to WEC, one out of every four clerks reported receiving more late ballots than is typical for an election—with some reporting election mail taking 7 to 10 days or more to reach polling locations. Clerks also reported that some of the ballots they received after the election were not postmarked.

The lawmakers called on the Postal Service officials to address these delays ahead of this year’s August 11th primary and November 3rd general election. They also called on the Trump administration to immediately reverse course on President Trump’s executive order that illegally directs the Postal Service to create a federal mail-in voting list made up of states’ absentee voters’ information. In a U.S. Senate Committee hearing, Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed that if the rule is finalized, the Postal Service would refuse to deliver any mail-in ballots from states that did not comply with this new standard. The proposed rule could ultimately allow the Postal Service to determine whether millions of Americans can receive and cast ballots through the mail. A U.S. District Judge blocked the President’s executive order limiting Americans’ use of mail-in voting, but the Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling.

“Given the history of extremely close elections in Wisconsin, the President’s unconstitutional executive order and the Postal Service’s misguided rule very well could tip the scales of the election and deprive Wisconsinites from having their voices heard accurately,” Baldwin and Evers wrote.

Previously, Senator Baldwin has spoken out in strong opposition and demanded that the USPS abandon this rule. Senator Baldwin has also called for an investigation into USPS delays that caused Wisconsin voters’ ballots to arrive after Election Day this past spring.

A full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Postmaster General Steiner, Chairwoman McReynolds, Vice Chairman Kan, Governor Stroman, and Governor Tangherlini:

We write to you about the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) role in ensuring that Wisconsin’s elections are fair and reliable and to express our serious concerns that USPS is threatening Wisconsinites’ ability to exercise their right to vote. Hundreds of absentee ballots received by the Postal Service before Wisconsin's Spring Election were delivered after Election Day, preventing them from being counted. Now, USPS is rushing to implement President Trump's unconstitutional executive order that would, at best, significantly delay Wisconsinites' mailed ballots from reaching election officials and, at worst, allow the USPS to prevent a Wisconsin voter's fully legal, timely ballot from being counted at all. We call on the Postal Service to immediately resolve the issues that delayed ballots during Wisconsin’s Spring Election, withdraw the rule that will add significant additional delays in ballot delivery, and ensure preparations for Wisconsin’s fall elections prioritizes timely delivery of election mail.

In May, the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) sent a letter to the Postmaster General expressing grave concerns about the performance of election mail for Wisconsin’s Spring Election. The Commission is a bipartisan body that administers elections across the State of Wisconsin and assists election clerks in all 72 counties. WEC conducted a survey of Wisconsin’s local election officials and found that two-thirds reported problems with the mail, and more than half reported receiving voter complaints and concerns about the Postal Service. One out of every four clerks reported receiving more late ballots than is typical for an election—with some reporting election mail taking 7 to 10 days or more to reach polling locations. Clerks also reported that some of the ballots they received after the election were not postmarked. This is unacceptable.

We appreciate the work of the men and women who deliver mail for the United States Postal Service every day, including during our elections. Our concern lies with the decisions and actions by USPS that are inconsistent with normal operations and threaten the ability of Wisconsinites to exercise their right to vote. We ask that you resolve any outstanding issues that caused delays in the delivery of Spring Election ballots before Wisconsin’s upcoming elections this fall—the primary election on August 11, 2026 and the general election on November 3, 2026. We also echo the request from the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission to enact extraordinary measures for these elections to help ensure that every ballot reaches its destination as quickly as possible.

To add to these concerns, USPS has proposed a rule to implement President Trump’s unconstitutional executive order that directs the Postal Service to create a federal mail-in voting list using absentee voter information collected from the states. Not only will this rule restrict vote by mail, but if this rule is put in place for the upcoming elections, it will create significant timing and logistical hurdles for Wisconsin voters. It will add days or longer to the process of mailing a ballot. Wisconsin’s Spring Election demonstrated that the Postal Service is already struggling to deliver ballots on time. Adding days or more to the travel time of a ballot will most certainly lead to USPS preventing more eligible voters from having their ballots counted in future elections through no fault of their own. We ask that you abandon this proposed rule immediately.

These changes in USPS service are poised to disproportionately impact Wisconsin’s rural residents. Roughly one in three Wisconsinites live in rural areas with reduced access to polling locations and drop boxes and often rely on voting by mail. These Wisconsinites will be subject to these unnecessary delays and more likely to have their ballots not make it to their clerk on time to be counted.

The implications of these delays cannot be overstated. In 2024, 500,000 Wisconsinites used mail-in ballots, nearly 15% of all Wisconsin voters. Also in 2024, both the Presidential and U.S. Senate elections were decided by less than 30,000 votes. Given the history of extremely close elections in Wisconsin, the President’s unconstitutional executive order and the Postal Service’s misguided rule could very well tip the scales of the election and deprive Wisconsinites from having their voices heard accurately.

The Postal Service has a critical responsibility to ensure that election mail is handled with the urgency and reliability that voters, election officials, and the public rightly expect. To meet this responsibility, USPS must address delays we saw in Wisconsin’s Spring Election and not move forward with the rule restricting vote by mail. Ensuring the timely delivery of election mail is essential to protecting every eligible Wisconsinite’s right to vote and maintaining public confidence in our elections. When ballots fail to arrive in time to be counted, voters are denied the opportunity to participate in our democracy through no fault of their own. These failures not only disenfranchise individual voters, but also erode trust in the reliability and fairness of our elections.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this important matter.

###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-baldwin-urges-colleagues-to-vote-to-end-iran-war-prioritize-americans-needs,"WATCH: Baldwin Urges Colleagues to Vote to End Iran War, Prioritize Americans’ Needs",2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the U.S. Senate’s vote on a War Powers Resolution to end the President’s war in Iran, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) spoke on the Senate floor to make the case that the war needed to end immediately and that spending more money on a war in the Middle East is not a priority for the American people. Nearly all Senate Republicans voted against the measure, greenlighting the war in Iran to continue.

Baldwin’s floor speech comes just days after three more American servicemembers were killed by Iranian attacks in the region and the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth came before the Senate Appropriations Committee to ask for nearly $70 billion more to continue the war in Iran. Baldwin pressed Hegseth on the lack of preparedness that has led to injuries and deaths and the disastrous impacts of the war on Wisconsin families and farmers.

A full recording of Senator Baldwin’s floor speech is available here.

###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-statement-passage-budget-resolution-kicking-reconciliation-30,Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of Budget Resolution Kicking Off Reconciliation 3.0 to Secure Our Elections and Protect National Security,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the House passage of H. Con. Res. 113.

“Protecting the integrity of our elections and bolstering our national security are among the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “House Republicans are moving Reconciliation 3.0 forward to strengthen our military, support the hardworking farmers who keep our country fed, and advance election integrity safeguards to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in our elections.”

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5958,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Opposes Partisan FY 2027 Continuing Resolution,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“Republicans have refused to negotiate FY 2027 spending in a bipartisan manner, instead advancing 12 partisan funding bills through the House Appropriations Committee.

Only two of those partisan bills have even passed the House with the start of FY 2027 fast approaching. Having utterly failed to do that work through which Congress exercises and protects its Constitutional power of the purse, they have now brought a nine-week Continuing Resolution (CR) to the floor. This bill was developed behind closed doors without any input from Democrats in either chamber.

With the Trump administration still refusing to treat Congress as a co-equal branch of government and voiding approved funding Trump doesn’t like, Republicans should work to protect the power of the purse. This CR does not. For example, I offered an amendment to the CR to block funding for a harmful May 2026 OMB rule that would change the federal grantmaking process and give political appointees greater power, making it easier for them to suspend or terminate federal grants for any reason. The Republican-led Rules Committee blocked that amendment.

Congress should also be working to protect our communities from rogue immigration tactics. This bill would also give the Trump administration license to transfer funding to the Border Patrol, without any significant reforms. As federal immigration efforts continue to murder people in the streets, we need accountability, not another blank check.

Funding reflects priorities, and Republicans are sabotaging this opportunity so they can please Trump. With nearly 9 weeks until the start of FY 2027, Republicans appear to be focused on trying to pass another partisan, reckless, reconciliation bill in September, which would give tens of billions for their unpopular war in the Middle East and serve as a vehicle for voter suppression legislation, the so-called SAVE Act. Republicans should be working with Democrats to fund the many priorities in our communities, especially when Americans are struggling with rising costs, not serving this President. I voted NO.”",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5959,"Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Republican Scheme to Disenfranchise Voters, Allow Insider Trading",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"""Members of Congress should never use their positions to enrich themselves, including through stock trading. These rules should apply to the White House too, especially given the President has made billions off the presidency! We need to tackle corruption, which is why I support meaningful proposals to strengthen rules against insider trading by Congress and other officials.

Unfortunately, Rep. Steil’s legislation is not a congressional stock ban, it’s an empty gesture disguised as a serious proposal. Though it imposes some limited new restrictions, Members and their close family members would still be able to hold and sell stocks. While the bill does limit some securities purchases, it does not prohibit all of them. And it fails to keep the President, his family, and other high level Executive Branch officials from engaging in and profiting from the same conduct. All elected officials should be acting in the interest of the American people, not their investments.

While Republicans fail to meaningfully address concerns about insider trading, they are working to disenfranchise ordinary Americans at the ballot box. I continue to be disappointed that Rep. Steil, who represents my birthplace of Racine, is the architect of such voter suppression legislation, like the Voter ID Act and the so-called SAVE America Act. It is obvious that Republicans are coordinating with the Trump administration to undermine and rig the midterms. I will continue opposing their scheme.”",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-pushes-bipartisan-bill-to-ban-chinese-vehicles-protect-american-workers-through-senate-committee,"Baldwin Pushes Bipartisan Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles, Protect American Workers Through Senate Committee",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) successfully passed a bipartisan bill to protect American workers and families from the growing threat of Chinese-made vehicles through the Senate Commerce Committee. The Baldwin-backed Connected Vehicle Security Act prevents Americans’ data from being collected on American roads and sent back to Beijing by cutting off the supply of vehicles, software, and critical hardware originating from China or Chinese companies at every point in the chain, from the manufacturing process, to import, to sale.

“Chinese connected vehicles pose a serious threat to American jobs and Americans’ safety,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to have worked with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to take a step forward in our fight to prevent China from collecting our data and help keep Wisconsin workers and families safe.”

Specifically, the Connected Vehicle Security Act:

Bans foreign adversary vehicles by prohibiting the importation, manufacture, sale, and resale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China or other foreign adversaries, including those from joint ventures or entities under their control;

Empowers the Department of Commerce to identify and block high-risk vehicle technologies, components, and transactions that threaten U.S. economic or national security;

Establishes enforcement mechanisms to ensure prohibited technologies are kept out of the U.S. market; and

Phases implementation with vehicle and software restrictions taking effect in 2027, and hardware restrictions in 2030, giving the U.S. industry time to secure a domestic supply, in line with the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Connected Vehicles rule.

The bill is led by Senators Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwins-bipartisan-bill-to-cap-insulin-costs-at-35-per-month-for-millions-advances-in-the-senate,Baldwin’s Bipartisan Bill to Cap Insulin Costs at $35 Per Month for Millions Advances in the Senate,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted for and helped advance legislation to cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act, legislation Senator Baldwin cosponsors, now heads to the Senate floor for consideration by the full Senate.

“Wisconsin families are feeling the weight of rising costs across the board – and for the half a million Wisconsinites with diabetes, the cost of insulin is one more thing stretching their budgets,” said Senator Baldwin. “There is no reason these big drug companies should be able to continue to charge so much for a medicine that has been around for more than 100 years and remains basically unchanged. Our bipartisan legislation to finally stop this price gouging, tackle the root causes of high insulin costs, and cut prescription drug costs is now one step closer to becoming law of the land.”

A report from the American Diabetes Association shows the cost of diabetes in America, including the cost of insulin, continues to skyrocket for patients and the federal government. More than 40 million Americans live with diabetes, including over 526,000 Wisconsinites. The disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming over 100,000 lives in 2021. It is also the most expensive chronic condition in the nation, costing Americans a combined total of $412.9 billion per year. The rising cost of insulin presents a barrier to care for a growing number of Americans living with diabetes; 1 in 4 individuals report reducing insulin use due to cost.

The INSULIN Act would directly address the root problems in the insulin market that cause high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition, and broadening access to needed insulin products. Senator Baldwin also offered a bipartisan amendment to ensure that provisions creating a pilot program to get $35 per month insulin to uninsured patients and establishing a resource center to help patients access affordable insulin remained in the bill, which was adopted. When the legislation gained enough support from both parties to surpass the filibuster and pass on the Senate floor, Senator Baldwin called on Republican Leader John Thune to bring the legislation up for a vote.

Senator Baldwin has long advocated for holding big drug companies accountable and expanding access to affordable health care for Wisconsinites. In 2022, she helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which for the first time allows Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and caps the cost of insulin at $35-a-month for Medicare recipients. The INSULIN Act builds on that momentum to cap out-of-pocket costs for all Americans who rely on insulin.

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/07/22/sen-johnson-named-chairman-of-the-u-s-senate-committee-on-the-budget/,Sen. Johnson Named Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) was named chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget by the Republican Conference. Today, the senator released the following statement:

“I’m stepping into this role following the tragic death of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham. He was a true American patriot, and he will be sorely missed.

“As chairman for the remainder of the year, I intend to maximize this opportunity to define the fiscal challenge we face, help expose the fraud in government programs, and work with the House, the White House, and my Senate colleagues to enact as much of President Trump’s agenda as possible.”

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-fitzgerald-votes-pass-stop-insider-trading-act,Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act.

“As an original cosponsor of the Stop Insider Trading Act, I’m extremely pleased that it passed the House today,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “Transparency and accountability are essential for public confidence in our government. From my first day in Congress, I made a commitment not to trade individual stocks because I believe elected officials should be held to the highest ethical standards. This legislation reflects those same principles and is a commonsense step toward rebuilding trust in Congress.”

###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-reacts-state-departments-cuba-report,Pocan Reacts to State Department’s Cuba Report,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) issued the following statement after the State Department released its latest report on Cuba:

“The State Department just published a ridiculous report about the threat to America from Cuba. It may be the stupidest, most fantastical, most biased thing I’ve ever read from a governmental agency. This report focuses on the 1960s & 70s with no clear connection to today. Yet somehow, the State Department uses this report to say that this impoverished nation is responsible for everything from Black Lives Matter to Antifa, the anti-ICE protests and more.

“It’s clear that this report was written for Marco Rubio and his South Florida politics as a way to justify Trump setting up another war, not based on the reality of an impoverished nation due to our blockade. We simply can’t get involved in another illegal war.”",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/wied-introduces-10-year-ban-members-congress-becoming-lobbyists-or-federal,Wied Introduces 10-Year Ban on Members of Congress Becoming Lobbyists or Federal Contractors,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced legislation today to address an issue that has plagued the DC swamp for far too long: career politicians using their connections and insider knowledge to enrich themselves as lobbyists and federal contractors after leaving office.

The Safeguarding Ethics and Restoring Voter Expectations (SERVE) Act establishes a mandatory ten-year cooling-off period prohibiting any individual who serves as a Member of Congress during the 119th Congress or any succeeding Congress from lobbying or engaging in compensated federal contracting activities.

“Public service is supposed to be about the people we represent, not a steppingstone to personal gain,” said Congressman Wied. “Yet too often, we see former Members of Congress leverage their time in Washington to position themselves for lucrative lobbying or federal contracting opportunities immediately after leaving office. This self-serving cycle is exactly why the American people have lost faith in Washington, and I don't blame them. Until we end this revolving door, career politicians will continue to abuse the system to enrich themselves and further erode trust in our government.”

Background: For decades, Americans have watched as former Members of Congress have walked out of the Capitol and immediately cashed in on their time in office, turning public trust into private profit. This revolving-door culture erodes confidence in Congress and fuels the perception that decisions made here are shaped by future job prospects rather than the interests of our constituents. Currently, Senators are prohibited from lobbying for 2 years after leaving office, and Representatives are prohibited from lobbying for 1 year. There are no restrictions prohibiting former Members of Congress from serving as federal contractors.

The SERVE Act addresses this conflict of interest by:

Establishing a mandatory ten-year cooling-off period for any individual who serves as a Member of Congress during the 119th Congress or any Congress thereafter.

Prohibiting former Members from:

Lobbying Congress or federal agencies.

Engaging in compensated federal contracting activities for ten years after leaving office.

This legislation institutes practical, commonsense reforms that put constituents first and will help rebuild faith in Congress.",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-baldwin-questions-hegseth-on-disastrous-impacts-of-iran-war,WATCH: Baldwin Questions Hegseth on Disastrous Impacts of Iran War,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the disastrous impacts of Trump’s illegal war in Iran that’s raising costs on Wisconsin families and farmers. During a hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Baldwin demanded answers from Secretary Hegseth on why soldiers in the Middle East were denied drone and air defense systems, only to then be hit by an Iranian drone strike killing six soldiers and injuring more than 30 others, including soldiers from Wisconsin. The hearing comes as President Trump has requested nearly $70 billion in additional funding to further his war in Iran.

“This supplemental request is another example of this Administration’s backwards priorities. Instead of spending tens of billions of dollars more for the President’s war in Iran, we should be meeting the needs of American families,” Baldwin opened her questioning with. “We could invest this money to accelerate new cures and treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Or we could use it to help more families with rising home energy costs. We could use this funding to help more families afford quality childcare. We could use this funding to help more kids get free school lunch. We could use this funding to restore healthcare for working families. We could use this funding to support our public schools and special education. This was a misguided war of choice, and every dollar spent on this war is a dollar not spent helping families afford housing, health care, childcare or groceries at home.”

Senator Baldwin pressed Secretary Hegseth on his continued failures to protect American troops, including 17 servicemembers who have been killed and hundreds more injured. Baldwin questioned Hegseth about reports that the Army facility at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait did not have adequate air defense capabilities when it was attacked by Iran on March 1st and pushed for answers on why requests for additional medical and drone defense systems were denied prior to the conflict with Iran beginning. Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin demanded action from the Administration after servicemembers reported they were not receiving care for traumatic brain injuries.

Senator Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of President Trump’s illegal war with Iran and has repeatedly forced votes in the Senate to end Trump’s war of choice that is hurting Wisconsin farmers, families, and servicemembers. Senator Baldwin has traveled across Wisconsin, hearing directly from farmers about how President Trump’s war of choice is jacking up the cost of fertilizer and fuel and hurting their operations.

A full recording of Senator Baldwin’s questioning of Secretary Hegseth is available here.

###",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-banking-reform-bills-included-house-passed-main-street-capital,Fitzgerald Banking Reform Bills Included in House-Passed Main Street Capital Access Act,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 21, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, comprehensive legislation to modernize the nation’s banking regulatory framework to strengthen community banks.

This legislation includes three bills introduced by Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05): the Bank Competition Modernization Act, the Halting Uncertain Methods and Practices in Supervision (HUMPS) Act, and the Merger Agreement Approvals Clarity and Predictability Act. It also includes the Bank Failure Prevention Act, which Congressman Fitzgerald co-led with Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06).

“Community banks are essential to Wisconsin’s families, farmers, and small businesses, but Washington has buried them under red tape and an unpredictable regulatory system for far too long,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “The Main Street Capital Access Act reins in unelected regulators, increases accountability, and gives community banks the certainty they need to grow, compete, and serve their customers. I am proud that several of my bills are included in this package, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get these reforms to President Trump’s desk.”

More on Congressman Fitzgerald’s provisions in the legislation:

Bank Competition Modernization Act: Modernizes outdated bank merger review standards. Specifically, the bill creates a $10 billion asset threshold, adjusted for growth in nominal GDP, under which federal banking regulators provide a safe harbor from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) competition analysis, allowing small community banks to grow and achieve operational efficiencies without the delays associated with the DOJ’s competition review.

Halting Uncertain Methods and Practices in Supervision (HUMPS) Act: Strengthens transparency in how banks are evaluated. Specifically, it directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) to revise the CAMELS rating system by establishing clear, objective standards for each component and updating the formula used to calculate a bank’s overall rating. It also calls for eliminating or reforming the subjective “Management” component, focusing instead on measurable risk governance and internal controls.

Merger Agreement Approvals Clarity and Predictability Act: Addresses political intrusion into the regulatory approval process for bank mergers and acquisitions. Specifically, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough review of how federal regulators use commitments and conditions when approving mergers of insured depository institutions. It also directs GAO to determine whether regulators rely on extrastatutory considerations, such as policy preferences or non‑statutory goals, when conditioning merger approvals.

Bank Failure Prevention Act: Enhances competition in the U.S. banking system. Specifically, it ensures bank regulators make timely decisions on mergers to bring certainty to bank competition and consumer needs.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-demand-investigation-accountability-from-trump-admin-following-two-more-ice-shootings,"Baldwin, Colleagues Demand Investigation, Accountability from Trump Admin Following Two More ICE Shootings",2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are demanding investigations and accountability for the two fatal shootings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in recent days in Maine and Texas. The Senators call on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to make reforms to ICE to increase transparency and fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras.

“The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” Baldwin and the Senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.”

“The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies,” the Senators continued.

“By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as ‘the worst of the worst,’ making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability,” concluded the Senators.

The two shootings bring the tally of immigration enforcement involved shootings to 23 since President Trump came back into office. Senator Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of ICE under the Trump administration and refused to fund the agency without increased transparency, accountability, and stronger guardrails.

Two-thirds of Americans say ICE and Border Patrol have gone “too far” with their tactics. A Marquette Law School poll found 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of the job ICE is doing, while 3 in 4 Americans support making changes at ICE.

The letter was led by Senator Angus King (I-ME) and co-signed by 37 other Senate colleagues.

A full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Mullin:

The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with fatalities during similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable. Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.

The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel), along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, training, and operational approaches necessary to prevent such tragedies.

These recent events have further compromised the credibility of DHS and fractured public trust within communities across our country. In each case, DHS quickly issued statements asserting that officers were acting in self-defense, even before evidence of the facts surrounding the incidents had been gathered. Compounding this failure, no DHS officials involved in these fatal shootings wore body-worn cameras that could be reviewed by investigators or members of the Public.

While DHS has previously acknowledged that body-worn cameras promote public trust and increase officer and public safety, accountability, and transparency, the Department has clearly not prioritized acquiring cameras. Recent statements from DHS and the White House assert that DHS could not acquire cameras due to the government shutdown. However, since July 2025, DHS received nearly $40 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that could have been used to swiftly acquire and deploy body-worn cameras for both existing ICE law enforcement officers and the reported 10,000 additional officers hired since enactment of OBBBA. Contrary to recent statements made by the Department and the White House, DHS has had more than sufficient time and funding to procure and deploy a body-worn camera for every officer before the end of 2025.

Following public outrage in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, the former Secretary announced in February of this year that DHS law enforcement officers would be required to wear body-worn cameras across the country, and ICE issued a directive reinforcing its policy to activate body-worn cameras during enforcement activities wherever cameras are available. Then-Secretary Noem stated that “[a]s funding is available, the body worn camera program will be expanded nationwide.” In March of this year, the White House border czar, Tom Homan, stated that the administration would expand the use of body-worn cameras by DHS officers undertaking immigration enforcements and require footage, in addition to ending roving patrols. The recent tragedies confirm that neither of these commitments were honored.

As we underscored during the subsequent funding negotiations earlier this year, implementing comprehensive accountability and oversight reforms for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is necessary both to protect the public and restore trust in the work of your agency. Our reform proposals are based upon the standards applicable to virtually every law enforcement agency in the country (except immigration enforcement officers), including visibly displayed identification, no masks, and body-worn cameras.

In recent weeks, federal agents have aggressively ramped up enforcement operations, reportedly arresting thousands of immigrants in a matter of days. Following the public backlash from these most recent fatal shootings, your Department has once again committed to distributing body-worn cameras, stating that every ICE arrest team will have at least one law enforcement officer equipped with a camera going forward and promising that all field offices will receive them within the next 60 days. Acting ICE Director Venturella also went on the record promising members of Congress that all field agents would be outfitted by the end of July. We view this timeline not as a projection, but as a firm, binding commitment to which we will hold the Department accountable.

Furthermore, to strengthen public safety and minimize dangerous operational confusion, we urge an immediate policy change regarding agency branding. To help ensure clear accountability and avoid misleading the public, ICE personnel engaged in interior enforcement must immediately cease wearing tactical gear, vests, or uniforms labeled with the generic term “POLICE” or “POLICE ICE.” All operational uniforms should explicitly and exclusively identify personnel as “ICE.” In addition, agents should be required to identify themselves as “ICE” when making arrests and uniforms must clearly be identified as “ICE.”

Finally, given the immediate need for administrative accountability following these tragedies, we request detailed information in response to the following questions:

What is DHS’s specific plan to respond to the public’s interest in timely, transparent, and independently verified investigations into these incidents?

What are the vetting procedures with respect to new ICE recruits? Does ICE consider records of domestic violence and abuse from family courts in its vetting?

What immediate updates or reviews are being made to ICE vehicle pursuit and traffic stop policies, including enhanced training specifically applicable to traffic stops to ensure they prioritize public and officer safety?

Beyond the deployment of body-worn cameras, what additional oversight, reporting requirements, or public safety measures is the agency implementing?

We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as “the worst of the worst,” making these tragic deaths even more egregious. The American people deserve clarity and accountability. We urge you to honor your Department’s earlier commitments and take immediate action to implement these necessary reforms. We also stand ready to work with you to codify reforms into law.

We look forward to hearing from you at the earliest possible date.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-in-calling-on-trump-admin-to-crack-down-on-mislabeling-of-dairy-imitation-products,Baldwin Leads Bipartisan Group of Colleagues in Calling on Trump Admin to Crack Down on Mislabeling of Dairy Imitation Products,2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives in calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on the misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products, which unfairly impacts dairy farmers, processors, and consumers. The demands are in line with Senator Baldwin’s DAIRY PRIDE Act that would prevent dairy imitation products, such as calling non-dairy imitation products “milk” or “yogurt” that do not contain dairy and are instead from a plant, nut, or grain, from using dairy names. The letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Dimantas was signed by all original sponsors of the DAIRY PRIDE Act, including Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Representatives John Joyce (R-PA-13) and Josh Riley (D-NY-19).

“The blatant misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and harms consumers due to inaccurate labeling information,” wrote the Senators and Members of Congress in a letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Dimantas.

“We recommend you do what your predecessors have not done. As you step into your new role, carrying with you your background at FDA Human Foods Program, we urge you to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop imitation products from usurping dairy terms. Rescinding the current FDA guidance and enforcing existing dairy standards of identity is in best interest of our nation’s consumers, dairy farmers and broader public health,” the Senators and Members of Congress concluded.

Senator Baldwin leads the bipartisan Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, milk, and cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act, known as the DAIRY PRIDE Act, to crack down on the unfair practice of mislabeling non-dairy products using dairy names. The DAIRY Pride Act has support from National Milk Producers Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation, EDGE Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Farmfirst Dairy Cooperative, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, and Wisconsin Farmers Union.

Current FDA regulations define dairy products as being from animals, however, the most recent FDA guidance on fluid dairy products allows plant-based alternatives to continue to use dairy terms despite not containing dairy, nor having the nutritional value of dairy products. The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about the nutritional inadequacy of plant-based alternatives (aside from fortified soy products). Improperly-labeled imitation products suggest a false nutritional equivalency to dairy milk, which carries the high risk of nutritional deficiencies in children.

In addition to leading the bipartisan DAIRY PRIDE Act, Senator Baldwin has repeatedly called on the FDA to take administrative action to enforce standards of identity for dairy products.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Acting Commissioner Dimantas,

We write to voice our concerns over the Food and Drug Administration’s lack of enforcement of dairy standards of identity given the proliferation of nutritionally-deficient and poorly-labeled plant-based imitation products on the market. As you step into your new role as Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, we urge you to prioritize our shared goal by enforcing existing dairy standards of identity, which are in the best interest of American consumers and dairy farmers.

Standards of identity for food products protect consumers by ensuring that the nutrition information, ingredients and production processes of specific foods are consistent with consumer expectations. Americans rely on FDA for marketplace safety and transparency, guiding informed decision-making for families across the United States. Unfortunately, FDA has continuously allowed non-dairy products to freely use dairy terms like “milk,” “cheese,” “yogurt” and “butter” on their product labels. The FDA guidance issued in February 2023 demonstrated a weak, nearly absent approach to enforcing dairy standards of identity by allowing plant-based alternatives to use dairy terms while only recommending voluntary labeling statements. As the market has evolved, even products not covered under the enforcement discretion have followed suit, and today many synthetic products sold at national retailers also employ non-compliant nomenclature such as “animal-free dairy milk.” Continuing with this overly lenient guidance is unacceptable, and stricter enforcement must be prioritized.

Dairy foods like milk contribute key dietary nutrients like protein, vitamins A, B-12 and D, calcium and potassium, and dairy products are well-understood by consumers to provide a meaningful source of these nutrients. In its own 2023 guidance, FDA recognized the wide variability and nutritional inferiority of most plant-based alternative products, stating that “while consumers appear to understand that plant-based milk alternatives are distinct products from milk, several consumer studies submitted in response to the notice indicate that consumers, including consumers who purchase plant-based milk alternatives, do not understand the nutritional differences between milk and plant-based milk alternatives.”

The blatant misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and harms consumers due to inaccurate labeling information. The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about the nutritional inadequacy of plant-based alternatives (aside from fortified soy products). Improperly-labeled imitation products suggest a false nutritional equivalency to dairy milk, which carries the high risk of nutritional deficiencies in children. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology expressed a similar concern that non-standardized plant-based beverages used inappropriately in lieu of standardized milk products “places children at risk of slowed growth, protein-calorie malnutrition, failure to thrive and specific nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, compromising current and future health and development.” The ongoing misbranding of non-dairy products using established dairy standards of identity perpetuates consumer confusion about the nutritional profile of such products, ultimately posing a public health risk to American consumers – including children.

We lead a robust bipartisan effort through the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which would require non-dairy products made from nuts, seeds, plants or algae to no longer be mislabeled with dairy terms such as “milk,” “yogurt,” “cheese” or “butter.” It requires FDA enforcement of imitation and misbranded food under section 403 of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act in addition to enforcement if a product does not meet the dairy standards of identity. As original co-sponsors of the, we urge your support of legislative efforts that bring alignment to stricter enforcement of dairy standards of identity.

Our intention is not to block the sale of dairy substitutes, which consumers may turn to for a variety of reasons, including dietary need and preference. However, such decisions should be based on clear consumer understanding that does not borrow from dairy’s known nutritional benefit. We recommend you do what your predecessors have not done. As you step into your new role, carrying with you your background at FDA Human Foods Program, we urge you to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop imitation products from usurping dairy terms. Rescinding the current FDA guidance and enforcing existing dairy standards of identity is in best interest of our nation’s consumers, dairy farmers and broader public health.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5299,Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee,2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Glenn Grothman,G000576,grothman.house.gov,grothman,https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)'s Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act advanced through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

The legislation would transfer responsibility for foreign medical accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), placing the program within the federal agency best equipped to oversee medical education and the healthcare workforce.

""President Trump has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure the federal government is focused on doing its job efficiently,"" Congressman Grothman said. ""Foreign medical accreditation is a healthcare issue, not an education issue. The Department of Health and Human Services has the expertise to oversee this process, and moving these responsibilities there is simply common sense. This bill cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures these important functions are handled by the agency best suited for the job. I'm pleased the Education and Workforce Committee advanced this legislation, and I hope to see it considered by the full House.""

Background Information

Foreign medical accreditation is the process by which foreign medical schools are evaluated to ensure their graduates meet standards comparable to those required of medical schools in the United States. These responsibilities are currently carried out by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA, which is currently housed within the Department of Education.

As part of President Trump's effort to reduce the size and scope of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, the Department of Education entered into an Interagency Agreement with HHS on November 18, 2025, to begin transferring these responsibilities. Because HHS oversees many federal healthcare and medical workforce programs, it is better positioned to administer foreign medical accreditation.

The Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act would permanently codify that transfer by:

Moving all foreign medical accreditation functions from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:31:57Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5956,"Moore, Warren, Booker, Adams, Underwood, Pressley, Dingell Work to Improve Maternal Health",2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"According to the CDC, more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Research has found that doula and midwifery care can reduce the use of C-sections and pre-term births and improve mothers’ wellbeing. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Cory Booker (D-N.J), and Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), Alma Adams (D-N.C.) introduced the Mamas First Act, which would expand access to this care for mothers who rely on Medicaid.

“Across this nation, 40 percent of moms depend on Medicaid when they give birth. Instead of gutting and sabotaging Medicaid, we need to strengthen it so we can save lives. The Mamas First Act would provide mothers with access to evidence-based supportive care that can lead to healthier outcomes for them and their babies. At a time when stark disparities in maternal mortality continue to hit our communities hard, I am thrilled to have such incredible colleagues and advocates supporting the Mamas First Act and the ongoing fight to save lives,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

“Instead of slashing health care for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby. It’s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. The Mamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

“The Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives—especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,” said Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). “By ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bill delivers the trusted care that keeps mothers safe and babies alive. Congress must act now.”

“The quality of care a pregnant woman receives should not depend on the color of her skin, where she lives, or her ability to pay. Each childbirth is different, and women and their doctors should be empowered to decide what care is best. By providing access to adequate and proper maternal services, including doulas and midwives, we will help end the maternal mortality crisis in our country and ensure our children start their lives out healthy and strong,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

“Support from care workers like doulas and midwives can make the difference between a positive and healthy pregnancy outcome, and a devastating one. Every mom should be able to access this critically important care,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m proud to join Congresswoman Gwen Moore to introduce the Mamas First Act, a bold step to address our country’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include doula, midwife, and lactation care. Together, we can, and must, take decisive action to save lives and end disparities.”

“Every mother deserves the care and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery,” said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “That is why I am proud to support the reintroduction of the Mamas First Act. Research shows that doula and midwife care can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications. Yet the United States continues to face an unacceptable maternal mortality crisis, and Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other racial and ethnic groups. Moms can’t wait, and neither should Congress. We must expand access to high-quality maternal care and ensure every mother has the opportunity to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:31:57Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5957,"Moore, Durbin, Schatz, Gillibrand Introduce Child Marriage Prevention Act",2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Bicameral legislation takes important steps to help end child marriage in America

According to the Tahirih Justice Center, between 2000 and 2021, more than 314,000 minors (i.e., under the age of 18) were married in the United States. In certain instances, girls as young as 10 were married to men decades older. Child marriage is legal in 34 states, including Wisconsin. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Child Marriage Prevention Act, which would take steps to reduce child marriage across the United States.

“The practice of child marriage should not exist anywhere, especially not in the U.S. But in 34 states, including Wisconsin, child marriage is legal. Young girls are put on a harmful trajectory in life that keeps them from controlling their own futures when they enter, or are forced to enter, into these marriages. I am proud to partner with Senator Durbin to protect young people from this predatory and harmful practice. Our legislation takes a critical first step toward ending child marriage and protecting our children,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

“Child marriage overwhelmingly affects underage girls who are married to adult men, often with dire consequences for their life outcomes,” said Senator Durbin. “The bill builds on the work of countless survivors and advocates across the country to ban child marriage in the United States. We must enact this legislation at a federal level to protect the future of hundreds of thousands of young girls who have been stripped of their independence.”

“It’s unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of young girls are still forced into marriages they want no part of,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will help finally end this practice in the United States by updating our immigration laws and encouraging states to ban child marriage for good.”

“Child marriage leaves girls vulnerable to abuse and exploitation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It is a predatory, manipulative practice that has no place in 21st century American society. The Child Marriage Prevention Act makes commonsense changes to help eliminate child marriage across the United States and protect our kids, and I look forward to getting it passed.”

“Girls are only as safe as the laws designed to protect them,” said Casey Carter Swegman, Director of Public Policy at Tahirih Justice Center. “For years, the United States has condemned child marriage abroad while failing to address the ways our own laws leave children here and around the world vulnerable to exploitation under the guise of marriage. The Child Marriage Prevention Act is a critical step toward changing that. By supporting states to take action to end child marriage and closing legal loopholes that can be used to exploit children, this bill sends a clear message: child marriage is wrong no matter where it occurs and we must end it! We are incredibly grateful to Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Moore for their leadership and to the many survivor advocates that have inspired and informed this urgently needed legislation.”

Specifically, the Child Marriage Prevention Act would:

Establish a National Commission to Combat Child Marriage to study, evaluate, and report on eliminating child marriage in the United States;

Require a report by the Government Accountability Office examining the harmful impacts of child marriage across the United States;

Incentivize states to ban child marriage (such as through increased Violence Against Women Act grant funding);

Fund states-based task forces to examine and issue recommendations for eliminating child marriage in their individual states;

Prohibit child marriage from occurring on federally funded land or buildings or property owned by the federal government (such as military bases).

Instruct the Attorney General to promulgate a model state statute that prohibits child marriage.

This bill would also close immigration loopholes that facilitate child marriage, requiring that both parties in a couple seeking a marriage-based visa be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing and for the U.S. petitioner to have been at least 18 years of age at the time of their marriage, with rare exceptions.

In addition, this bill would amend how a proxy marriage (in which one of the two parties is not physically present for the ceremony) can be established for immigration purposes, replacing a problematic consummation requirement that incentivizes rape, with a requirement that parties to a marriage have previously met in person within two years of the date of the ceremony.",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:31:57Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-leads-wi-republican-delegation-requests-epa-hold-canada-accountable-for-wildfire-pollutants,"Steil Leads WI Republican Delegation, Requests EPA Hold Canada Accountable for Wildfire Pollutants",2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 17, 2026

Janesville, WI – Today, Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Tony Wied (WI-08) wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, requesting the department review available actions under the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement (AQA) to help address ongoing wildfire smoke in Wisconsin originating from Canada.

“Record-breaking wildfire smoke is inflicting real harm on Wisconsin families. We cannot allow this to continue. Canada must meet its clean air promise and prevent future wildfires from impacting Wisconsin families,” wrote the Representatives. ""We write to respectfully request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) take all appropriate measures under the U.S.-Canada AQA to address the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on families in the Great Lakes Region and the Northeast.""

Read the letter here.

Background:

Smoke from recent wildfires, including those originating in Canada, has drifted into the United States, creating hazardous air quality ratings across Wisconsin.

On Thursday, July 16, 5 of the 10 worst areas for air quality in the world were in southern Wisconsin.

Air Quality Index ratings exceeded 500 in many portions of Wisconsin, including Brown, Waukesha, and Kenosha Counties.

Milwaukee saw its worst air quality on record, with an AQI of 566 - significantly higher than cities like Beijing (73) and Delhi (160).

Wildfires like those originating in Canada are a source of significant pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

The U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Canada in 1991 and expanded in 2000. The agreement is designed to help reduce toxic air pollutants including ozone and particulate matter.

Under the agreement, the U.S. can raise concerns surrounding particulate emissions to force consultations with Canadian officials within 30 days.

If a resolution is not reached, the U.S. can refer the dispute to a third party or enter formal negotiations.

The letter requests that the EPA utilize this mechanism to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires and help mitigate future occurrences.

###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z
https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-wied-introduces-bill-help-restore-us-manufacturing,Congressman Wied Introduces Bill to Help Restore U.S. Manufacturing,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,WI,Tony Wied,W000829,wied.house.gov,wied,https://wied.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI) introduced the Restoring American Manufacturing (RAM) Act to provide resources to small businesses seeking to bring their manufacturing back to the United States.

The RAM Act would codify the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, connecting small businesses who seek to onshore their operations with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers.

“Reshoring manufacturing is critical for restoring our nation’s economic independence, maintaining global supply chain control, and supporting American workers,” said Congressman Wied. “This online portal gives small businesses the resources they need to reshore their operations and revitalize Made in America manufacturing. I am proud to introduce this legislation to help bring American jobs back home and strengthen our economy.”

“Small businesses make up over 98% of American manufacturers, and North Texas is no exception, as manufacturing is central to our local economy,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “The Small Business Administration already has the tools and partnerships to help small businesses onshore their manufacturing to the U.S., they just need an easy way to find those resources. The Reshoring American Manufacturing Act will do just that, which is why I am glad to help introduce this legislation.”

Background: Through executive orders from President Trump, prioritization from the SBA, and congressional action such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, the United States is revitalizing its manufacturing capabilities. While many large corporations have the resources needed to reshore their manufacturing capabilities, many small businesses do not and instead turn to the SBA for support. The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal is a website run by the SBA that provides information on its programs and partnerships with organizations such as IndustryNet, CONNEX, and IQS Directory, giving small businesses a clear starting point for reshoring their manufacturing capabilities.

Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), and Brad Finstad (R-MN) are original cosponsors of this legislation.

Key Provisions:

Requires the Small Business Administration to establish, operate, and maintain a website that provides a list of resources and relevant agencies for small businesses seeking information on onshoring part or all of their manufacturing capacity to the United States.",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-celebrates-success-of-her-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-on-fourth-anniversary,Baldwin Celebrates Success of Her 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Fourth Anniversary,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the fourth anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is celebrating the proven success 988 has had on mental health outcomes. The fourth anniversary comes on the heels of a new study that found that since the launch of the three-digit crisis line, youth suicide deaths dropped 11% below projections, saving 4,372 lives.

“I wrote the legislation to stand up the 988 crisis line because I knew that if we made getting help a little easier for people when they need it most, it would save so much heartache,” said Senator Baldwin. “Over the past four years, millions upon millions of Americans reached out and got support they needed, and this investment is saving lives. Despite the resounding success, Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. have tried to undercut and gut this tool – and I am not having it. I have been proud to stand up and fight back at every turn – and I’ll continue to do just that to make sure every call and text gets answered and every person gets the help they need.”

Senator Baldwin wrote and passed the legislation to create the three-digit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and has led the fight to ensure it gets properly funded each year. To support Wisconsin’s implementation of 988, the Senator also secured over $3 million in dedicated federal funding. When it was established, Baldwin and her Republican counterpart incorporated a specialized service for veterans, who disproportionately have suicidal ideation. Baldwin then successfully stood up a pilot program to address higher rates of suicide and mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ youth. Last July, President Trump eliminated the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialized services. As ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Senator Baldwin fought to secure $535 million for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and to restore dedicated funding for LGBTQ+ youth specialized services in Fiscal Year 2026 funding legislation. Senator Baldwin also secured a commitment from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to follow the law and restore the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline “Press 3” option that provides specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth.

The demand for 988 continues to rise, with the volume of calls, texts, and chats 15% higher than a year earlier and nearly 50% higher than two years ago. Since the lifeline launched, it has received over 23 million contacts, including over 15 million calls, 4 million texts, and 3 million chats. Last month, Senator Baldwin toured the 988-call center in Green Bay and held a roundtable with 988 Lifeline staff and local stakeholders about the impact the crisis line has had on mental health outcomes.

Watch Senator Baldwin’s full video marking the fourth anniversary of the 988 hotline here: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter. The full video is available for download here.

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