url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-issues-statement-omnibus-spending-bill,Fitzgerald Issues Statement on Omnibus Spending Bill,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after voting “NO” on H.R. 2617:

""The American people sent a message by electing a Republican majority in the House. It's time for fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies that will restore economic strength, said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. While I am pleased language from my bill to allow antitrust regulators to follow the money when countries like China distort markets and harm competition, the process and substance of the last-minute omnibus bill are reckless. To pass a bloated spending bill, just days before the new Congress, gives Democrats the ability to keep their imprudent policies in place well into next year. I voted no.""

BACKGROUND

The Omnibus included language from the Foreign Merger Subsidy Disclosure Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Fitzgerald that requires merging companies to disclose involvement from state-owned enterprises. The purpose of this bill is to expose China’s use of state-owned enterprises in America to hamper competition.

###

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald was sworn in to the 117th Congress on January 3, 2021 and is proud to represent Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5106,"Congresswoman Gwen Moore Secures $23,863,352 For Local Projects in Final Government Funding Package",2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Gwen Moore Secures $23,863,352 For Local Projects in Final Government Funding Package

In response, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“Milwaukee has many incredible organizations and initiatives that are devoted to uplifting our residents, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to support to use Congress’ power of the purse to help support their important missions with federal funding. The community projects included in this omnibus are direct investments in Milwaukee, addressing needs from increasing mental health services to supporting low-income students to building on our efforts to secure clean water. I am looking forward to witnessing firsthand how these federal funds will make a difference in the lives of my constituents,” said Congresswoman Moore.

“Congresswoman Moore is a champion for the residents of her district, and her work has very positive impacts on our city,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “Her efforts on the omnibus funding bill reflect the commitment she has to Milwaukee.”

“Yet again, Milwaukee County residents have a champion for change, equity and community in Congresswoman Moore,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Federal funding for transit, housing and wellness projects in Milwaukee County will serve as critical investments in building a greater community for all residents, thanks to the Congresswoman’s continued advocacy.”

Rep. Moore championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit Wisconsin’s 4th District residents. These include:

$150,000 for Capita Productions Inc. to engage more individuals, including youth, in their theatrical productions

$3,452,972 for the City of Milwaukee for a Clean Water Initiative to help support the replacement of outdated equipment at the Howard Avenue Water Treatment Plant and the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility. Funding would also be used to identify solutions for flooding at the General Mitchell airport during some storm events that negatively affect operations for the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Refueling Wing.

$3,850,000 for Milwaukee County Transit to purchase new buses.

$750,000 for the Community Wellness Center at the City of Milwaukee's Westlawn Gardens Choice Neighborhood Project.

$2,350,000 for the Concordia 27 Consortium Initiative to build a new comprehensive community center that would provide access to food, health and wellness education, job training, and other benefits in an area of the city struggling with high poverty and food insecurity rates. Funding would also be used to support a youth summit and healing and trauma services for adult victims of sexual abuse.

$1,000,000 for the Emergency Home Repair and Improving Accessibility Initiative and would be used to fund housing accessibility modifications for individuals who struggle with limited physical mobility, emergency home repairs to address and/or remove urgent health and safety hazards, and critical housing repairs of low-income Milwaukee homeowners, including seniors who are unable to otherwise afford them.

$750,000 for the LISC-Milwaukee's Predevelopment Loans for Affordable Housing Program to help support affordable housing and commercial corridor redevelopment projects in low-income communities.

$250,000 for the Local 212 MATC Believe in Students FAST Fund provide emergency assistance to additional l0w-income students, helping them stay enrolled and graduate.

$799,500 for the Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI for college readiness and STEM pipeline services.

$2,983,000 to help four local Community Health Centers that serve about 80,000 patients combined annually to support facility improvements that promote patient and staff safety and improve accessibility.

$241,250 for the Milwaukee Public Library Ready to Read (RTR) program which prepares children for success in school.

$290,000 for the Muslim Community and Health Center, Milwaukee, WI to expand mental health services, including outreach and equipment

$500,000 to build a new North Shore Library to serve the four suburban Milwaukee County communities of Bayside, Fox Point, Glendale and River Hills

$4,000,000 for the City of Glendale to Reconstruct Silver Spring Drive from 27th Street to the Milwaukee River

$2,496,630 for the Ten Mile Park in the Village of Brown Deer. The project will revitalize a narrow one-acre piece of property that is a blighted former lumber storage yard and help make it a vibrant attraction including new public art, restrooms, public information kiosks and recreational amenities that do not currently exist.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5107,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Pass Omnibus Package With Key Investments,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Following House passage of the final 2023 appropriations government funding package, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“Though the omnibus is imperfect, communities across the country and in Milwaukee will reap the benefits of federal investments in housing, health care, nutrition assistance, our veterans, mental health services, energy assistance, and more.

A critical issue in Milwaukee is the crisis of domestic violence, and I have made it my priority to secure resources to prevent this violence and help survivors and their children, which is why this bill’s inclusion of $700 million for the Department of Justice’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs, the highest level of funding ever for these programs, is crucial.

My lived experiences mean that I can now support the programs which helped me when I was a poor, single teenage mother. Because of the caring assistance of a home visiting nurse, I learned how to change my baby girl’s diaper and other important parenting skills, so I am thrilled that this bill carries a bipartisan five-year reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program with increased levels of funding that will help Wisconsin and other states serve more families.

As a Congresswoman, I am so pleased to see increased funding for this critical program for five years. I wouldn’t serve in Congress without TRIO. As a TRIO alum and co-chair of the TRIO Caucus, I am so excited to have fought for and secured a $54 million increase in funding, helping more low-income and first-generation students access the support they need to succeed.

I am also proud that my legislation to remove penalties for survivors who dip into their retirement funds to build a new life for themselves was included in this package. I was honored to have the opportunity to use my seat on the Ways and Means Committee to change our retirement policies to support survivors.

I am so pleased that this omnibus includes $6 billion in WIC funding, which is the amount I called for in a bipartisan letter with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (PR). The omnibus also includes the Pregnant Women Fairness Act and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act that will help support working mothers and help ensure they are protected and supported in the workplace.

This legislation also secures much-needed stability for 40 million children by making reforms that ensure children stay covered in CHIP and Medicaid for up to 12 months – even if their parents’ income changes.

This package will make the summer EBT program permanent, ensuring that families with children eligible for reduced or free school meals receive a $40 allowance each month, for each child. These funds will help fight food insecurity when children are out of school – often challenging months for our most vulnerable children. This will change lives. Another vital program, especially for my constituents during Wisconsin’s winter months is the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). That’s why I have consistently led efforts calling for robust federal funding. These calls were answered, as LIHEAP is set to receive $5 billion in funding.

The Great Lakes is a recreational, economic, and environmental good in our region that must be protected. The Great Lakes Authority Act, my legislation with Rep. Marcy Kaptur that’s included in the omnibus package, would create a federal commission to help coordinate and support regional efforts to support economic growth, poverty reduction, broadband expansion, clean energy production and other infrastructure needs. The bill also again increases funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which has provided over $2 billion to restore and protect the Great Lakes since it was created by the Obama Administration.

Even though this omnibus includes key priorities that will benefit my constituents, I am very disappointed there was no inclusion of the enhanced Child Tax Credit. This credit was incredibly effective policy: infusing billions into local economies while reducing child poverty, hunger, and hardship for families. And I am also disappointed at the absence of commonsense immigration proposals to provide permanent protections for DACA recipients and other vulnerable immigrants in the face of misguided opposition from the other side of the aisle.

This legislation also lacks funding I sought to help fund more doulas to address the maternal mortality crisis in our communities and my proposal to secure a childcare allowance for trade-impacted workers through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which could help those who are parents advance into good-paying jobs.

However, this doesn’t mean the end, I will continue championing these family-supporting efforts in the new Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-s-15-earmarks-to-be-signed-by-potus,Pocan’s 15 Earmarks To Be Signed by POTUS,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"December 23, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, celebrated the passage of the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriation legislation. This $1.7 trillion piece of legislation will fund the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year and is expected to be signed by President Biden as soon as today.

""Today is a great day for Wisconsin. This funding legislation provides a major investment in our schools, healthcare, workers, and infrastructure,"" said Congressman Pocan. ""I'm pleased that 15 Community Project Funding awards for Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District will become law. These projects will reach every corner of the district and I look forward to seeing the impact of these projects for years to come.""

The FY23 Appropriations Bill will include a number of provisions benefitting Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District, including:

$4 million for the Salvation Army of Dane County to construct a new shelter facility for women and families.

$3.2 million for the City of Sun Prairie to construct a solar radiation water pollution control facility, increasing the energy efficiency and sustainability of water pollution control operations.

$2 million for the Wisconsin River Recreational Bridge, a joint project between Dane and Sauk Counties that will connect bikers and pedestrians to the Great Sauk Trail.

$1.2 million for the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County to support the development of the new McKenzie Regional Workforce Center.

$1 million for the Village of New Glarus to construct a new water tower.

$1 million for the University of Wisconsin-Madison to upgrade the University's aging helium plant, securing infrastructure needed by federal researchers on campus performing work funded by the NIH, Dept. of Energy, NSF, Dept. of Agriculture, and more.

$1 million for the University of Wisconsin-Madison to enable the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery to expand student-led research for new antibiotics and offer additional high-quality STEM opportunities.

$700,000 for Edgerton Community Outreach, Inc. to renovate 210/212 W. Fulton St. and create six units of affordable housing and a home for veterans' group meetings, senior programming, and public events.

$560,000 for the City of Reedsburg toward the construction of a 52,000 square-foot fieldhouse for local residents and to host regional athletic tournaments benefiting the local economy.

$500,000 for the City of Baraboo to construct an ADA-compliant ramp with railing and lighting between Water Street and the Oak Street Overlook in order to better connect downtown Baraboo with the Riverwalk/Ice Age Trail.

$250,000 for the Dick Wagner Memorial Grant which will be awarded to Our Lives Media to archive documents and tell the story of the nation's first gay rights law which was passed in Wisconsin in 1982 (AB70).

$250,000 for the Jewish Social Services of Madison to assist with refugee resettlement activities.

$250,000 for the Historic Driver Opera House Restoration in Darlington to support the installation of a heating and cooling system and an ADA-accessible elevator and restrooms.

$190,000 for SWCAP Head Start in Dodgeville to build an addition on the existing Head Start building.

$100,000 for the Mineral Point Opera House Historic Marquee Replacement, subject to further approval from the National Park Service with respect to work on historic structures.

The bill also sends an additional $45 billion to Ukraine to help its fight for democracy following President Zelenskyy's speech to Congress Wednesday night.

Additionally, numerous increases in funding for vital federal programs were included, including:

$28.5 billion for Child Nutrition Programs ($1.66 billion increase)

$3.5 billion for the Food and Drug Administration ($226 million increase)

$11.2 billion for the Dept. of Commerce ($1.3 billion increase)

$9.54 billion for the National Science Foundation ($700.2 million increase)

$3.5 billion for the Dept. of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ($260 million increase)

$152 million for the Consumer Product Safety Commission ($13.5 million increase)

$1.2 billion for the Small Business Administration ($188 million increase)

$25.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency ($1.5 billion increase)

$3.5 billion for the National Park Service ($210 million increase)

$10.1 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency ($576 million increase)

$207 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities ($27 million increase)

$13.8 billion for the Department of Labor ($652 million increase)

$10.5 billion for the Employment and Training Administration ($545 million increase)

$299 billion for the National Labor Relations Board ($25 million increase)

$120.7 billion for the Dept. of Health and Human Services ($9.9 billion increase)

$47.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health ($2.5 billion increase)

$9.2 billion for the CDC ($760 million increase)

$7.3 billion for the National Cancer Institute ($408 million increase)

$3.7 billion for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Research ($226 million increase)

$12 billion for Head Start ($960 million increase)

$4 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program ($200 million increase)

$79.6 billion for the Dept. of Education ($3.2 billion increase)

$36 million for the Special Olympics ($5 million increase)

$134.7 billion for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs ($22.5 billion increase)

$2.1 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development ($108.8 million increase)

$58.2 billion for the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development ($4.5 billion increase)

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for drafting all federal funding legislation, Rep. Pocan looks forward to Wisconsin – and Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District – receiving the funding it needs and deserves.

A full summary of the bill can be found here, and a summary of the $45 billion in aid for Ukraine also included in the bill can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-wasteful-spending-in-washington-continues-as-new-majority-draws-near,Steil: Wasteful Spending in Washington Continues as New Majority Draws Near,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil released a statement following the House vote on the $1.6 trillion omnibus spending package.

“The Democratic controlled Congress is ending just as it started off, with another reckless spending package. Washington continues to spend beyond its means. On January 3rd, the reckless spending that has made everything unaffordable for American families will end. I voted against this massive spending bill.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-honors-service-academy-nominees,Fitzgerald Honors Service Academy Nominees,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) honored candidates from Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District who were recently nominated for appointment to the U.S. service academies.

""As a Member of Congress, it is my privilege to nominate exceptional individuals to attend our U.S. service academies to be molded into our nation’s next generation of leaders, said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. This year’s class of nominees is nothing short of exceptional, having demonstrated their qualification through a rigorous review process. I am confident they will serve our country and represent the 5th District of Wisconsin with distinction.

I also want to recognize the board members who dedicated their time to review applicant materials and conduct interviews. The selection process could not have been possible without their generosity.""

NOMINEES

Yesenia Morales of Oconomowoc has been named a principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Gabriel Sanchez of Wauwatosa has been named an alternate nominee to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Airiana Lynch of Oconomowoc has been named a principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Michael Wawrzyn of Delafield has been named an alternate nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Joseph Taschler of Germantown has been named a principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jesse Ellis of Oconomowoc has been named an alternate nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Henry Tasker of Elm Grove has been named a principal nominee to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY

###

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald was sworn in to the 117th Congress on January 3, 2021 and is proud to represent Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-calls-for-accountability-from-fcc-on-broadband-mapping-and-joins-pscs-call-for-wisconsinites-to-badger-the-fcc,Senator Baldwin Calls for Accountability from FCC on Broadband Mapping & Joins PSC’s Call for Wisconsinites to “Badger the FCC”,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to ensure the FCC’s new national broadband maps satisfy the goals of the Broadband DATA Act and provide a reliable depiction of broadband availability across the nation. The FCC’s new map will help determine funding allocations under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program – the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s historic investment to close Wisconsin’s digital divide.

“We have heard from constituents, state and local governments, and service providers alike of continuing concerns about the accuracy of the map, ranging from persistent issues with missing or incorrect serviceable locations to potentially overstated claims of coverage by providers,” the senators wrote. “To ensure the map can be used for decisions about where to direct tens of billions of dollars for broadband deployment, it is critical that these issues be examined and addressed in a systematic and thorough manner.”

“We recognize that these steps will require more work now in ensuring all serviceable locations are represented and in sorting through challenges as to the availability of service and to the underlying Fabric data,” the senators continued. “But these processes must not be short-cut or millions of Americans in need of broadband risk being short-changed.”

Accurate maps are necessary to the success of the BEAD program, which is why the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin is encouraging Wisconsinites to “Badger the FCC” and check the accuracy of the FCC’s new map. View the map at BroadbandMap.FCC.gov and visit the FCC’s consumer challenge website to learn more.

The letter was led by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). Joining Senators Baldwin, Capito and Rosen in signing the letter were Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

To ensure accountability and accuracy, the senators’ letter asks the FCC to:

Work with stakeholders to make sure that all serviceable locations are represented on the map.

Update the Fabric more than twice each year.

Make sure that providers are held accountable for their reports if they are found to have overreported coverage.

Ensure that its crowdsourcing process works effectively and promptly in response to parties filing robust testing data regarding performance of services that are available.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Chairwoman Rosenworcel,

We write today to highlight important next steps in ensuring that the national broadband map being developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ultimately satisfies the goals of the Broadband DATA Act and provides a reliable depiction of broadband availability across the country.

As an initial matter, we appreciate the efforts of you, your colleagues on the FCC, and the FCC staff in seeking to develop a nationwide Fabric that identifies serviceable locations and in amassing data detailing the level of broadband service available to each of them. We appreciate that this has involved the creation of a new means of capturing and presenting such data, and we are pleased that the public can now view a preliminary version of the map reflecting initial location estimates and initial service coverage reports from providers.

But for all of the work done to date, as you and others have noted on multiple occasions, this is an “iterative” process. We have heard from constituents, state and local governments, and service providers alike of continuing concerns about the accuracy of the map, ranging from persistent issues with missing or incorrect serviceable locations to potentially overstated claims of coverage by providers. To ensure the map can be used for decisions about where to direct tens of billions of dollars for broadband deployment, it is critical that these issues be examined and addressed in a systematic and thorough manner.

Accountability and accuracy must be paramount moving forward. A more granular map will be of little use if there is little confidence in the results and if providers are not accountable for reporting accurately. We encourage you therefore to work with stakeholders of all kinds to make sure that all serviceable locations are in fact represented on the map, such as by making it relatively simple for adjustments to be made to the Fabric. We also recommend that the Fabric be updated more than twice each year and that such updates, especially when adding new locations, also enable the identification of the locations as served or not.

Similarly, we encourage you to make sure that providers are accountable for their reports – not just after the fact if they are found to have overreported coverage, but on the front end even prior to the map being finalized. This is especially important precisely because choices as to how billions of broadband dollars will be spent or not will turn on these claims. We therefore ask, for example, that you not allow a provider to claim coverage at locations where challengers can demonstrate they have tried to request service and been told the service is unavailable or cannot be delivered within 10 business days. Likewise, if a challenger submits robust testing data or publicly available coverage data indicating that a provider’s signals cannot in fact be received at a given location as promised, this should disqualify the provider from claiming to serve that location. In addition, the Commission should ensure that its crowdsourcing process works effectively and promptly in response to parties filing robust testing data regarding performance of services that are available.

We recognize that these steps will require more work now in ensuring all serviceable locations are represented and in sorting through challenges as to the availability of service and to the underlying Fabric data. But these processes must not be short-cut or millions of Americans in need of broadband risk being short-changed.

Thank you again for your work thus far in developing the map and for your attention to this letter. We look forward to continuing to work with you to promote accountability on the part of reporting providers and to ensure that we are working from a map that is both granular and accurate in making responsible decisions about distributing valuable taxpayer resources for broadband deployment.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-secures-over-255-million-for-wisconsin-in-senate-appropriations-legislation,Senator Baldwin Secures Over $255 Million for Wisconsin in Senate Appropriations Legislation,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that more than $255.7 million in congressionally directed spending for Wisconsin projects she supported has been included in the bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Senator Baldwin has spent the last year working to fund the following projects on behalf of public and nonprofit entities across Wisconsin.

“For the second year in a row, I’m proud to have worked in a bipartisan way to deliver direct support from Washington to Wisconsin,” said Senator Baldwin. “These community driven projects will reach every corner of Wisconsin, with critical investments for roads, bridges and water infrastructure, workforce development, access to health and child care, improvements for emergency services, and so much more. By working with folks from across Wisconsin, I am proud to deliver federal support that responds to the unique needs of so many different communities.”

Statewide

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: $5,000,000 to create innovative career pathways in educational sectors to attract and retain more diverse talent and increase affordable access to childcare by expanding and enhancing early childhood education apprenticeship programming.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: $3,140,000 in funding to support Wisconsin’s implementation of the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Senator Baldwin introduced the legislation to create the nationwide 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which launched over the summer.

Wisconsin Technology Council: $115,000 to expand entrepreneurial reach across all regions and demographics of Wisconsin, including through regional networking and educational programming workshops for would-be entrepreneurs, with a special focus on rural communities, women and minorities.

Southeastern Wisconsin

Milwaukee County: $5,000,000 to rehabilitate foreclosed properties and prioritize the sale to first-time homebuyers. This project will give these households an opportunity to become homeowners and will support the County’s vision on racial equity.

Milwaukee County: $2,000,000 to partner with a local opioid treatment provider to provide evidence-based, direct treatment services to underserved areas severely impacted by opioid use/abuse and overdoses within Milwaukee County via a mobile unit.

Milwaukee County: $3,850,000 to purchase buses as part of the County’s cleaner buses initiative and to support public transportation.

City of Milwaukee – Milwaukee Police Department: $6,000,000 to support the Milwaukee Police Department’s initiative to update its current radio system infrastructure, which is reaching the end of its manufacturer-supported lifecycle. The update will improve radio interoperability with surrounding cities and counties, which is critical to responding to crime and collaborating across southeastern Wisconsin.

City of Milwaukee: $3,452,972 for the City of Milwaukee’s Clean Water Initiative, in partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and Wisconsin National Guard, to replace outdated water infrastructure and remove pollutants.

City of Milwaukee: $750,000 for a community wellness center at the City of Milwaukee’s Westlawn Gardens Choice Neighborhood Project.

Milwaukee Health Services: $2,983,000 to support infrastructure investments that promote patient and staff safety, accessibility and wellness at federally-qualified health centers in Milwaukee.

Near West Side Partners: $2,350,000 for the Concordia 27 Consortium Initiative to build a new comprehensive community center in Milwaukee that will provide access to food, health and wellness education, job training, and other benefits in an area of the city struggling with high poverty and food insecurity rates. Funding will also be used to support a youth summit and healing and trauma services for adult victims of sexual abuse.

Milwaukee Area Technical College: $310,000 to hire bilingual welding faculty to expand access to welding training and offer scholarships to economically disadvantaged students to gain access to welding careers.

Marquette University: $799,500 for college readiness and STEM pipeline services.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation Milwaukee: $750,000 for predevelopment loans for affordable housing.

WRTP Big Step: $1,500,000 for a skilled trades and manufacturing lab that will serve youth and adults in training, support and placement in family-sustaining wage careers.

Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center: $900,000 to support the build out of existing facility space within the Ignace Health Center in Milwaukee to accommodate increased patient demand for behavioral and physical health care, including to add additional child and family therapist offices, an occupational therapist office, speech pathologist office, additional clinical care areas, and behavioral health programming space.

City of Kenosha: $3,000,000 for a solar panel project at the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. The City of Kenosha is revitalizing a closed auto manufacturing facility and plans to ensure the entire site has as much sustainable and renewable energy as possible, including solar streetlights and solar lighting on the first plaza. As part of the City’s commitment to maximizing renewable and sustainable energy use on the site, their plan includes utilizing solar energy for street, pedestrian and bike path lighting

City of Racine: $1,235,000 for a solar project to offset EV bus charging with renewable energy generated on-site.

City of Burlington: $880,000 for a new fire truck for City of Burlington Fire Department.

Central Wisconsin

Marshfield Agricultural Research Station Dairy Facilities: $6,000,000 for expansion of the facilities at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station in Marathon County currently used by UW-Madison and USDA researchers. This project will finish the original station plan which remains incomplete by constructing permanent office space, restrooms, facilities for 24-hour animal studies, and indoor meeting space for stakeholders and community groups.

City of Wausau: $1,667,000 to investigate, assess and implement PFAS treatment or alternative drinking water options for Wausau residents.

Rib Mountain Sanitary District: $1,667,000 for construction of a water treatment plant to obtain safe drinking water by removing PFAS, present in municipal supply wells.

Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area: $500,000 for construction of a new building in Ripon offering affordable childcare and skilled trades employment training.

Brandon Public Library: $473,000 to expand the current library space, which currently houses the Brandon Historical Society and museum, and make the building handicapped accessible.

Adams County Fire District: $34,000 for a backup generator to ensure that citizens can continue to receive protections and services provided by the Fire District during power outages. It will be able to maintain heat and lights for the station and radio communications with emergency responding crews.

South Central Wisconsin

City of Janesville: $5,000,000 in funding for the Woodman’s Community Center, which will create a space for community members of all ages and demographics to participate in a greater range of social, recreational and physical activities and build community resiliency through improved physical, social and mental health outcomes. The WCC will serve as a public facility, conference and event venue, and tourism hub.

Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County: $5,000,000 for construction of a new hospital facility.

Salvation Army of Dane County: $4,000,000 to construct a new shelter facility for women and families.

City of Sun Prairie: $3,200,000 to construct a solar radiation water pollution control facility, increasing the energy efficiency and sustainability of water pollution control operations.

Southwest Health: $2,585,000 for two new high-quality childcare centers in Platteville and Richland Center.

Latino Academy of Workforce Development: $2,000,000 in funding to support the Latino Academy’s education and workforce training model to grow Wisconsin’s truck driver workforce.

City of Madison: $1,500,000 for a solar project at the Truax Park Apartments complex on the city’s northeast side, serving low-income residents. The City is seeking to install a roof-mounted system of solar panels for the benefit of tenants and the neighboring East Madison Community Center in order to lower utility costs.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: $1,000,000 to enable the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery to expand student-led research for new antibiotics and offer additional high-quality STEM opportunities.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: $1,000,000 to upgrade the University’s aging helium plant, securing infrastructure needed by federal researchers on campus performing work funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Department of Agriculture, and others.

Village of Oregon – Oregon Public Library: $1,000,000 to build a new library to provide much-needed meeting space including a community room, conference room and study rooms.

Village of New Glarus: $1,000,000 to construct a new water tower for the Village of New Glarus.

City of Monroe: $825,000 to replace a fire truck to better serve and protect the city and surrounding areas.

City of Baraboo: $500,000 for construction of the Wisconsin Riverwalk and Oak Street Overlook.

Western Wisconsin

Army Corps of Engineers (Upper Mississippi River/NESP): $49,300,000 for implementation of the Navigation and Environmental Sustainability Program, which aims to improve the capacity and efficiency of the navigation system through updated lock and dam infrastructure and smaller-scale infrastructure designed to further improve the advantages of towboat and barge transportation on the Mississippi River.

Fort McCoy – Enlisted Barracks: $38,000,000 for Enlisted barracks at Ft. McCoy to provide a permanently constructed barracks building to house 400 Soldiers during annual training and mobilization.

Fort McCoy – Officer Barracks: $31,000,000 for Officer barracks at Ft. McCoy to provide a permanently constructed barracks building to house 160 Soldiers during annual training or mobilization.

City of Prairie du Chien: $4,950,000 for construction of a new Prairie du Chien Public Safety Center that will house the Prairie du Chien Police Department, Prairie du Chien Fire Department, and local EMS.

City of Viroqua: $5,250,000 to design and construct a new fire station to replace the current facility to serve as the sole base of operations for the Viroqua Fire Department. The Department provides traditional fire services, public safety services, and emergency medical response to the City of Viroqua as well as the Townships of Viroqua, Franklin, and Jefferson.

City of Viroqua: $1,223,400 for projects to support the resiliency and expanded capacity of sewer infrastructure supporting businesses, residents, and future growth—including at the new Viroqua Business Park.

St. Croix Valley Food Bank: $4,319,000 for construction of a new food bank serving Western Wisconsin that will allow the organization to not only accept more fresh and healthy food, it will allow them to receive, store and distribute food to all counties in the service region of St. Croix, Pierce, Polk and Burnett Counties.

Village of Viola: $1,751,115 for construction for commercial and residential development outside the floodplain to advance Viola’s economic recovery plan.

City of Eau Claire: $1,666,000 in funding for a PFAS remediation project to provide safe drinking water to residents.

Town of Campbell: $1,666,000 in funding to support a new water utility system due to PFAS contamination in private drinking water wells.

Gunderson Tri-County Hospital: $1,000,000 to support the hospital’s solar array upgrade and renovation in Whitehall, WI.

Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley: $1,000,000 to develop a Teen Program Center.

AdventHealth Durand: $916,000 to expand and modernize the ambulance bay at AdventHealth Durand to enhance patient safety, accommodate the larger modern ambulances operated by local municipalities, provide enhanced isolation for decontamination and hazardous waste cleanup and additional space for community services.

Riverwood Nature Center: $950,000 for the establishment of a nature center, providing much needed community facilities, creating jobs and economic development in a rural area of western Wisconsin serving St. Croix and Polk Counties. It will provide a Visitor and Interpretive Center and a Youth & Senior Activity Center, as well as an Environmental Learning Center and additional classroom spaces.

Boys & Girls Club of Barron County: $500,000 for construction of a new building in Rice Lake that will include community spaces and allow for continued programming on leadership, healthy lifestyles, the arts, fitness, and education and career.

Family and Children’s Center Wisconsin: $450,000 to expand behavioral health services, including outreach, education, equipment and technology in La Crosse.

North Eastern Wisconsin

Sturgeon Bay Historical Society: $3,300,000 for an agricultural museum and community gathering space at the Door County Granary. A rehabilitated Granary will further transform Sturgeon Bay’s waterfront.

Town of Peshtigo: $1,667,000 in funding to support installation of a new water line to provide residents living with PFAS contamination safe drinking water.

College of Menominee Nation: $1,425,000 for purchase, renovation, and service re-design of an administrative office building in the Neopit community on the Menominee Indian Reservation. This project is essential to begin to bring more direct educational services, economic and entrepreneurial support, workforce development, and other community outreach services to an underserved area of the reservation.

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin: $1,326,000 to construct a new Menominee Tribal Clinic, as health needs of the community have outgrown capacity of the current facility.

Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh: $1,000,000 towards reconstruction of a new community center, which will include additional classrooms and outside green space for the use of over 1,000 children each year for the county’s largest non-profit youth serving agency. The new construction will address the economic impact for the county at large by bringing as many low-income serving agencies together to work in the same facility to improve the upward mobility for low-income people. By combining services in one location, we will work to help those in poverty to increase their self-sufficiency.

Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department: $900,000 for a new fire apparatus for this volunteer fire department.

Army Corps of Engineers (Menominee River Deepening): $600,000 to continue a feasibility study of infrastructure improvements to Menominee Harbor in Marinette, WI. This project will evaluate potential improvements important to the economic future of the region. The infrastructure improvements will benefit multiple harbor users.

Lakes Country Public Library: $500,000 to expand the library in Lakewood, WI and upgrade technology to allow patrons access to fast, reliable, free broadband service.

Brown County: $100,000 in funding to support mental health outreach by creating additional staffing capacity to conduct help underserved populations within the county access behavioral health services.

Northern Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Transportation: $7,500,000 for the Blatnik Bridge construction project in Superior, Wisconsin. The purpose of the project is to provide an interstate highway connection across the St. Louis Bay that does not restrict the movements of freight and provides local, regional, and international movement in a reliable and efficient manner. President Biden visited Superior and highlighted the Blatnik Bridge project following passage of the IIJA.

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College: $5,000,000 for construction as part of the college’s expansion project.

Laona Rescue Unit: $2,093,000 for construction of a new station to allow Laona Rescue to continue to provide ambulance service to the citizens and visitors to the area.

City of Park Falls: $1,667,000 to repair and improve the aging public infrastructure of the City of Park Falls Municipal Water and Sewer utilities.

Ashland County: $900,000 to construct shoreline revetment to protect one of Madeline Island’s widely used and most at-risk stretches of road along Lake Superior from catastrophic failure. If nothing is done to protect the road, it is estimated to fail due to erosion damages within the next ten years.

Douglas County: $825,000 to construct a new bridge on County Highway W over the Nemadji River that is designed to handle larger storm events, which are occurring in Northern Wisconsin in greater magnitudes and frequencies.

Senator Baldwin’s office began soliciting input for appropriations requests from communities in every part of Wisconsin in early spring, working to submit requests for projects that benefit communities across the state. The Senate Appropriations Committee reviews all requests from Senators. Only those requests that comply with Committee and Senate rules and are deemed appropriate for federal support were considered for funding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-requests-information-from-department-of-defense-on-covid-19-vaccines-harmful-effects-on-service-members,Sen. Johnson Requests Information from Department of Defense on COVID-19 Vaccines’ Harmful Effects on Service Members,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to Defense Health Agency Director Lieutenant General Ronald Place requesting detailed information about claims filed on Tricare, a military healthcare program, for active duty service members related to COVID-19 and potential COVID-19 vaccine injuries.

“Although the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the military will end with the signing of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, my efforts to uncover and expose the vaccines’ harmful effect on our service members will continue. The brave men and women who serve our country deserve to know the truth about the short and long-term health effects these mandated vaccines will have on the rest of their lives,” the senator wrote.

Sen. Johnson has heard from many whistleblowers — including service members — raising concerns about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. He has led multiple roundtables addressing pandemic response failures and has written over 45 public letters to federal health agencies demanding transparency about the COVID-19 vaccines. Last week, Sen. Johnson offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would have provided additional protections for service members who were negatively impacted by the Department of Defense’s pointless and harmful COVID-19 vaccine policy.

Sen. Johnson requested Lt. Gen. Place respond to his letter no later than January 9, 2023.

Read more about the letter in The Post Millennial.

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

December 19, 2022

Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place

Director

Defense Health Agency

Dear Lt. Gen. Place:

Over the last year, I have heard from countless individuals across the country who have suffered life-altering injuries after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. My office has also been in contact with many men and woman of the U.S. military who have shared their concerns about the Department of Defense’s (DoD) pointless and harmful COVID-19 vaccine policy. In an effort to inform the public of the potential harm caused by these vaccines, I held three roundtables on this topic and have sent multiple letters to federal health agencies—including DoD—requesting information on vaccine safety and efficacy.[1] Unfortunately, despite the unprecedented number of adverse events and deaths associated with the COVID-19 vaccines on the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, this administration has failed to provide full and transparent information on vaccine safety to Congress and to the public.

Although the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the military will end with the signing of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, my efforts to uncover and expose the vaccines’ harmful effect on our service members will continue. The brave men and women who serve our country deserve to know the truth about the short and long-term health effects these mandated vaccines will have on the rest of their lives.

As part of my effort to uncover the truth, I request the following information from Tricare for active duty service members:

From January 1, 2017 – present, please provide the following annual data:

Total number of claims filed; and

Total number of hospitalization claims filed.

From January 1, 2020 – present, please provide the following annual data:

Total number of claims filed relating to a COVID-19 diagnosis;

Of those claims, please provide the number of:

i. Hospitalizations;

ii. Remdesivir treatments;

iii. Ventilator usages;

iv. Treatments with no hospitalizations;

v. No treatments and no hospitalizations; and

vi. Deaths.

From January 1, 2017 – present, please provide data by year for the number of claims filed relating to the following diagnoses:

Breast cancer;

Demyelinating;

Female infertility;

Guillain-Barre syndrome;

Hypertension;

Malignant neoplasms of esophagus;

Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs;

Malignant neoplasms of thyroid and other endocrine glands;

Migraines;

Multiple sclerosis;

Myocarditis;

Pericarditis;

Pulmonary embolism;

Ovarian dysfunction;

Tachycardia; and

Testicular cancer.

Please provide the number of service members who received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Of those individuals, please provide a monthly breakdown of the number of claims filed between January 1, 2020 – present for each diagnoses listed above.

Please provide the total number of deaths that occurred in days 0 through 7 after a service member received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Of those individuals that died in days 0 through 7 after receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine:

i. How many had a preexisting medical condition?

ii. What were the official causes of death?

Please provide this information as soon as possible but no later than January 9, 2023. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-votes-against-massive-omnibus-spending-bill,Sen. Johnson Votes Against Massive Omnibus Spending Bill,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) released the following statement after voting against final passage of the 4,000+ page, $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that was fast-tracked through the Senate without proper consideration.

“The Omnibus that just passed in the Senate is an abomination. There is no way anyone had time to read all 4,155 pages, much less comprehend how the massive deficit spending and major policy elements will negatively impact Americans. This takes Washington dysfunction and cynicism to an entirely new level. We were unable to amend the bill to eliminate at least $11 billion in earmarks or preserve Title 42 as the only restriction to Biden’s open border policy. Once again, Congress easily waived the ‘Paygo’ discipline to enable massive deficit spending to continue. We are mortgaging our children’s future and a majority of the members of Congress couldn’t care less. I voted no.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/senate-blocks-sen-johnson-s-amendments-to-eliminate-9-8-billion-in-earmarks-restrict-federally-funded-transportation-of-illegal-migrants-in-omnibus,"Senate Blocks Sen. Johnson’s Amendments to Eliminate $9.8 Billion in Earmarks, Restrict Federally Funded Transportation of Illegal Migrants in Omnibus",2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) secured a full vote of the United States Senate on his amendments to the $1.7 trillion, 4,000+ page omnibus spending bill. Sen. Johnson offered amendments to eliminate $9.8 billion in earmarks from the bill and to restrict federally funded transportation of illegal migrants. Unfortunately, the Senate voted in favor of keeping the nearly $10 billion of earmarks that will go to states that are sitting on almost $400 billion in surpluses.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Sen. Johnson argued that earmarks are “the gateway drug to the massive deficit spending, to the mortgaging of our children's futures. It has to stop.” On the Senate floor today, the senator explained how the earmarks will go to states that are already “sitting on close to $400 billion of surpluses.” In response to the growing crisis on our southern border, Sen. Johnson explained that his amendment “takes whatever funds are appropriated for transporting illegal immigrants – it only allows those funds to be used to send them home or to a safe third country or to Mexico or to a detention facility here in America.”

The full text of the amendments can be found here and here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-s-21st-century-president-act-heads-to-president-s-desk,Pocan’s 21st Century President Act Heads to President’s Desk,2022-12-21,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan's (WI-02) bill, the 21st Century President Act (H.R. 3285), passed the United States Senate unanimously by voice vote. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives also passed it unanimously by voice vote. The bill now heads to President Biden's desk where he is expected to sign it.

Pocan's bill would make commonsense updates to gendered language in the U.S. Code, reflecting the reality that a woman or LGBTQ+ person will someday hold the office of the presidency. Without this change, the law that makes it a crime to threaten to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President or the President's family would fail to explicitly include a future female president or president with a same-sex spouse.

""Federal law has finally caught up to times, specifically when it comes to who a future president can be,"" said Representative Pocan. ""The last presidential election saw six women and one gay man in the Democratic presidential primary, but current federal law would have failed to fully protect them and their spouses if elected. We're closer than we've ever been to electing a woman, or someone with a spouse of the same sex, as president. Today, we've taken one more step toward guaranteed equal protection under the law, and I thank Senator Baldwin for her support in assisting its passage through the Senate.""

18 U.S.C. 879 makes it a criminal act to threaten to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President, a former President, a candidate for President, or a member of their family, while referring to Presidents as men and to their spouses as wives. ​​The bipartisan 21st Century President Act would replace the terms ""wife"" and ""widow"" with ""spouse,"" and replaces gender-specific pronouns referring to the President and presidential spouses with gender-neutral terms to extend full protection to anyone elected to become the president and first family.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-offers-amendment-to-eliminate-earmarks-from-massive-omnibus-spending-bill,Sen. Johnson Offers Amendment to Eliminate Earmarks from Massive Omnibus Spending Bill,2022-12-21,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"“The gateway drug to the massive deficit spending, to the mortgaging of our children’s futures”

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) was joined by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in a press conference to oppose the $1.7 trillion, 4,000+ page omnibus spending bill and argue in favor of additional amendments. Sen. Johnson offered an amendment to eliminate all earmarks, totaling $9.8 billion in spending, from the omnibus bill.

“There are, let me get the exact numbers, 9.8 billion dollars worth of earmarks. Thousands of individual projects here, both Democrat and Republican. It is interesting to note on the Republican side, we actually have a conference resolution that we don't support earmarks. Well, we're supporting over 4 billion dollars worth. Democrats are getting 5.4 billion dollars worth of earmarks. This is the gateway drug to the massive deficit spending, to the mortgaging of our children's futures. It has to stop, which is why I'm going to offer an amendment to eliminate all those earmarks in this massive omnibus spending bill,” the senator argued.

Last week, Sen. Johnson led a press conference to oppose the omnibus bill and argue in favor of a short-term Continuing Resolution. He explained that the 535 members of Congress “literally are the Board of Directors of the largest financial entity in the world and we never talk numbers.”

Senator Johnson’s full remarks can be found here and below.

“I think what I found most disconcerting about this discussion, this debate, this process is the whistling past the graveyard nature of it. We're talking about this is a big win in terms of, you know, conservatism and for Republicans that we're getting a greater increase in defense spending.

“One of the things I've been pointing out, because of the massive inflation, because a dollar that we all held at the start of the Biden administration is worth less than 88 cents, the 858 billion dollars we’re getting on defense is literally worth only 754 billion dollars in January of 2021 dollars. That's how much inflation has eroded the value of all spending, including defense spending.

“But the fact that nobody talks about the numbers, I mean, in total, the macro numbers. I thought it was interesting last week, because I was asking my colleagues and quite honestly a number of you reporters, just the simple question – do you know how much we spent last year? And the blank stares I got from most people. I'm still asking that question. I think people are getting a little educated, so now they're starting to answer it but the answer is 6.3 trillion dollars last year. To compare that to before the pandemic, in 2019, we spent 4.4 trillion.

“This, the discretionary side, less than 70% of what we spend, is gonna be 1.65 trillion dollars, which is 23% more than the 1.3 trillion dollars we spent in 2019. Again, that is a massive increase. My concern is overall federal spending will probably be about 6 trillion dollars for the fiscal year. Again, 6 trillion versus a baseline just three years ago of 4.4 trillion.

“Something's gotta give. At some point, we do hit a debt crisis – and I would argue, you know, 7% plus inflation with really no ending in sight is certainly an inkling of what that debt crisis is going to look like, and how that is going to devastate Americans in all areas of the income spectrum, but particularly people at the lower end who spend their money, their disposable income on things that have actually risen at a higher rate than 7%.

“The amendment that I'll be asking for and that Senator Schumer agreed to last week ,would be to eliminate all the earmarks. I've got my own prop here. So that's the entire omnibus. This is the language on earmarks only. There are, let me get the exact numbers, 9.8 billion dollars worth of earmarks. Thousands of individual projects here, both Democrat and Republican. It is interesting to note on the Republican side, we actually have a conference resolution that we don't support earmarks. Well, we're supporting over 4 billion dollars worth. Democrats are getting 5.4 billion dollars worth of earmarks. This is the gateway drug to the massive deficit spending, to the mortgaging of our children's futures. It has to stop, which is why I'm going to offer an amendment to eliminate all those earmarks in this massive omnibus spending bill.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-nominates-16-students-from-wisconsin-s-first-district-for-appointment-to-us-service-academies,Steil Nominates 16 Students from Wisconsin’s First District for Appointment to U.S. Service Academies,2022-12-20,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil announced the nomination of 16 high school students from Wisconsin’s First District for appointments to attend U.S. Service Academies.

“Each year we have exceptional students apply for a nomination to serve our nation at a U.S. Service Academy. It is an honor to meet with each of these students and hear about their interest in serving our country. The nomination process recognizes students’ character, leadership, and academic achievements. I’m proud to nominate 16 students for this years’ Service Academy application process.”

Part of the U.S. Service Academy application process is obtaining a nomination from an authorized nominating source, such as a Member of Congress. Acceptance to the academies is highly competitive. Receiving a nomination is the important first step, however, the actual appointment to a service academy is determined by each academy itself. Appointments for Wisconsin's First Congressional District will be announced at a later date.

A list of students nominated by Congressman Steil can be found below:

Anthony Carrillo of Waukesha has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Austin Dawson of Salem has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Eve Hauboldt of Muskego has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Savannah Keaskowski of Pleasant Prairie has been nominated for appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Kieran Kendall of Burlington has been nominated for appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Evan Langelund of Lake Geneva has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Sarah Martens of Muskego has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Isabella Matson of Mount Pleasant has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Brock Mattson of Oak Creek has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Maxwell Northrop of Waterford has been nominated for appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Isabella Peterson of Muskego has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

David Pitcher of Franklin has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Hannah Ross of Franksville has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Brian Thometz of Lake Geneva has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Savannah Vind of Janesville has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Jack Wilka of Franklin has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-moore-call-for-review-of-milwaukees-2020-census,"Baldwin, Moore Call for Review of Milwaukee’s 2020 Census",2022-12-20,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) sent a letter to the United States Census Bureau in support of the City of Milwaukee’s challenge to the 2020 Census of the city. Milwaukee submitted an official 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Housing Count Case today, and Baldwin and Moore’s letter was included in the request. If the request is accepted, the Census Bureau will review if certain errors were made in the 2020 Census. An accurate 2020 Census count is needed for Wisconsin’s communities to receive proper federal resources, such as funding for health care, infrastructure, housing, job programs, and more.

An analysis by the City of Milwaukee suggests that the Census undercounted nearly 10,000 residents, disproportionately undercounting Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino residents.

“An accurate Census is necessary for the appropriate distribution of federal funds and data-driven policymaking,” wrote the members of Congress.

“The City of Milwaukee is home to a large, diverse population of Wisconsinites. These Wisconsinites contribute to the vibrancy of Milwaukee and deserve to be reflected in an accurate Census,” the members continued.

The full letter can be found here and below.

The Honorable Robert Santos

Director

United States Census Bureau

4600 Silver Hill Road

Washington, D.C. 20233

Dear Director Santos:

We write to urge a prompt review of the City of Milwaukee’s 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Case. An accurate Census is necessary for the appropriate distribution of federal funds and data-driven policymaking. The City of Milwaukee’s submission includes evidence of a concerning undercount of housing units contributing to an overall undercount within the City. We urge the Bureau take this opportunity to correct the housing undercount and issue a new, official 2020 Census count for the City of Milwaukee in response to the City’s case submission.

In a challenging environment, communities across Wisconsin organized to encourage Census participation. Without this organizing, the undercount of Milwaukee’s population would likely have been much larger, and their efforts are to be commended. The unprecedented difficulties associated with the pandemic, however, resulted in an undercount that we are concerned will harm the City for years to come. By the City’s estimates, the Census failed to capture nearly 10,000 residents in aggregate and in particular failed to account for 13,000 Hispanic and Black residents. The disproportionate impact of the undercount on Hispanic and Black residents is deeply troubling and requires immediate attention.

The City of Milwaukee is home to a large, diverse population of Wisconsinites. These Wisconsinites contribute to the vibrancy of Milwaukee and deserve to be reflected in an accurate Census. We urge the Bureau to take prompt action to ameliorate the housing undercount that fails to capture the actual population of the City of Milwaukee. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-joins-bill-to-forgive-student-loan-debt-for-beginning-farmers,Senator Baldwin Joins Bill to Forgive Student Loan Debt for Beginning Farmers,2022-12-19,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) on Monday to introduce the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as women, veteran, and minority farmers.

Student loan debt is a major hurdle for beginning farmers, and this legislation would serve as an incentive for farmers to enter—and stay—in the agricultural industry, and strengthen opportunities to grow successful businesses. According to a survey by the National Young Farmers Coalition, the average student loan debt for a young farmer is $35,660, while 72% of young farmers hold a loan to finance their farm or ranch, at an average of $208,885.

“Right now, the cost of starting and maintaining a new farm is too expensive for many young farmers, ranchers and their families, who are often already struggling to pay off existing debt,” said Senator Baldwin. “By helping Wisconsinites pay off their student loans, more new farmers and ranchers will be able to pursue careers in agriculture – creating jobs in the heartland, producing Made in WI products and keeping our rural communities strong.”

“Starting and maintaining a new farm is tough, expensive work. Too often, young farmers are saddled with thousands in student loan debt and can’t afford to make the investments necessary for success. Connecticut farms are key to the health of our rural communities and the future of food security, and this legislation would help more people start and stay in farming,” said Senator Murphy.

""The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act provides a path out of debt for many young and beginning farmers who haven't been able to see one before. Held back by existing debt making financing complicated-- on top of climate crisis, input, and living costs-- passing this act will open the possibility of becoming a full-time farmer and/or rancher to many who would be, but for having repayment of existing loans in their way. National Young Farmers Coalition supports Senator Murphy's commitment to easing some of the unprecedented debt burden currently hindering our next generation of food growing to feed our communities and protect the land as its stewards,” said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Policy Campaigns Co-Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined Senators Baldwin and Murphy in introducing the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-introduces-putting-investors-first-act,Steil Introduces Putting Investors First Act,2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) introduced the Putting Investors First Act, legislation to disrupt the woke attack on American capitalism.

This legislation reins in proxy advisors and limits their influence over American corporate governance. In the last two years, the Biden Administration has reversed critical proxy advisory firm reforms, resulting in reduced oversight, accountability, and transparency. Steil’s legislation focuses on restoring key safeguards that will protect investors and prioritize shareholder returns.

“The Woke Left is using your retirement funds to advance their radical agenda,” said Steil. “My bill puts a stop to the Left’s woke attack on American capitalism. Americans are already seeing their retirement savings shrink because of Washington’s reckless spending. We need to empower investors, restore transparency and accountability, and enhance competition.”

“Proxy advisory firms are uniquely complicit in the woke environmental, social, and governance agenda that is poisoning our capital marks,” said Rep. Barr, a senior member of the Financial Services Committee. “Through its guidance and recommendations, the industry holds an outsized influence over the decision making of institutional investors who bring their bias to bear on behalf of the unwitting retail investors they represent when considering a wide variety of shareholder proposals. The Putting Investors First Act lives up to its name by returning power to the millions of Americans whose voice is drowned out by radical, left-wing advisory firms and institutional investors bent on imposing a social agenda that is killing our economy and diminishing their clients’ returns.”

“Americans invest for a variety of reasons and hold a wide range of beliefs. Leveraging the retirement funds of every day Wisconsinites to advance a particular cause is not only inappropriate but financially harmful,” said Rep. Scott Fitzgerald. “Proxy advisors, who represent shareholders of all stripes, must not be able to abuse their responsibility by doing the work of activists.”

“Protecting our seniors has always been a top priority of mine,” said Rep. Carlos Giménez.“I’m proud to co-sponsor the Putting Investors First Act because pensions and retirement funds should be focused on yielding the best returns for retirees — not succumbing to the socialist left’s latest demands to engineer our economy into the abyss.”

“Pension funds are responsible for the advancement of the long-term financial interests of investors, not political agendas,” said Rep. Troy Balderson. “Increasingly, these unaccountable entities – rather than through the processes set forth in our Constitution – are the vehicle of choice for special interests to achieve their objectives and cancel dissenting voices. Safeguards and transparency are long overdue.”

“Proxy advisory firms’ errors and conflicts of interest continue to harm manufacturers’ competitiveness. Given the SEC’s unlawful attempts to roll back the landmark 2020 proxy firm rule, legislation is clearly needed to protect issuers and investors alike. The NAM strongly supports the Putting Investors First Act, which would increase transparency into these powerful firms and safeguard Americans’ financial security,” said Chris Netram, Managing Vice President, Tax and Domestic Economic Policy, National Association of Manufacturers.

Background:

Roughly 70 percent of the outstanding shares in publicly traded U.S. companies are held by institutional investors such as mutual funds and pension funds. American families depend on these institutional investors to manage their retirement savings, including voting their shares. However, to save costs, many institutional investors rely on proxy advisory firms for recommendations on how to vote the shares under their control.

The market for proxy advice is dominated by two firms, Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), which jointly have 97 percent market share. ISS is a German-owned company and Glass Lewis is owned by Peloton Capital, a private equity fund. Far too often, these two proxy advisory firms successfully pressure institutional investors to vote contrary to shareholder economic interests and in support of woke political initiatives.

These firms make more money if there are more shareholder proposals and, as a result, they are incentivized to encourage, including by voting for, activist proposals. At the same time, they also offer companies consulting services to address the same activist proposals they encourage. Making this even worse, the proxy advisory firms do not bear any costs and have no accountability for misguided recommendations. Retirees bear the costs of shareholder proposals and bad recommendations. Recently, with the encouragement of progressive SEC leadership, proposals have strayed into highly political areas that are beyond the expertise or authority of fund managers.

Steil has sent several letters to the SEC regarding changes to proxy advisor rules being made by Chair Gensler. These letters can be found here and here.

Cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. Andy Barr, Drew Ferguson, Elise Stefanik, Kelly Armstrong, John Rose, Warren Davidson, Mark Amodei, Scott Fitzgerald, Troy Balderson, Roger Williams, Mike Flood, French Hill, Rodney Davis, Doug LaMalfa, Lance Gooden, Carlos Gimenez, Scott Franklin, Dave Joyce, and Michael Burgess.

For a line by line of the legislation, click here.

For full text of the H.R. 9527, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-world-cup-championship-match-baldwin-joins-colleagues-in-bicameral-letter-calling-out-fifas-anti-lgbtq-stance,"Ahead of World Cup Championship Match, Baldwin Joins Colleagues in Bicameral Letter Calling Out FIFA’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance",2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined 29 of her colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, expressing outrage over the association’s decision to censor support for LGBTQ+ rights by fans and players at the 2022 World Cup.

“We write today with concern regarding FIFA’s decision to penalize players in the 2022 World Cup for wearing ‘OneLove’ armbands in support of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as reports that spectators wearing clothing in support of the LGBTQ+ community faced confrontation from officials at events,” wrote the lawmakers.

“It is our understanding that team captains from several European teams competing in the World Cup intended to wear OneLove armbands as a signal of support for LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity, but were instructed by FIFA that doing so would result in the issuance of in-game sanctions (e.g. yellow cards),” they continued. “This is in contrast to the typical monetary fine issued for uniform violations, and ultimately deterred players from adorning their uniforms with the armbands.”

The lawmakers’ letter expresses deep concerns with the unprecedented actions taken by FIFA to silence players in their attempt to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights around the globe.

“[T]hese actions stand in stark contrast to FIFA’s own commitments. FIFA has promoted its own ‘No Discrimination’ campaign, featuring different captains’ armbands, and released a statement indicating that, ‘FIFA is an inclusive organization and supports all legitimate causes, such as ‘One Love’,’” the lawmakers continued. “If FIFA believes itself to be an inclusive organization that supports causes like the OneLove movement, then its erasure of the movement’s armbands and other LGBTQ+ symbols and apparel in support of its own campaign runs counter to its public attestations about the values it espouses.”

In order to meaningfully reaffirm the principle that harassment and discrimination are not tolerated at FIFA sanctioned events—including the next World Cup set to be held jointly in North America, including the United States, and the Women’s World Cup kicking off in less than a year—the lawmakers specifically ask the following:

To what extent will FIFA consider government’s track record on LGBTQ+ rights when determining where to host future World Cups?

Will FIFA commit to consistent future policies with respect to players’ uniforms; fans’ apparel, signs, and symbols; and other forms of expression that allows for individuals to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups?

Will FIFA commit to reviewing its protocols for how it engages with host country governments?

The letter was led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Mark Takano (D-CA-41), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15). The letter was also cosigned by Senators Edward, J. Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), David Cicilline (D-RI-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), and Grace Meng (D-NY-06).

This letter is supported by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

The full letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. Infantino:

We write today with concern regarding FIFA’s decision to penalize players in the 2022 World Cup for wearing “OneLove” armbands in support of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as reports that spectators wearing clothing in support of the LGBTQ+ community faced confrontation from officials at events.

It is our understanding that team captains from several European teams competing in the World Cup intended to wear OneLove armbands as a signal of support for LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity, but were instructed by FIFA that doing so would result in the issuance of in-game sanctions (e.g. yellow cards). This is in contrast to the typical monetary fine issued for uniform violations, and ultimately deterred players from adorning their uniforms with the armbands. We write to express our deep concern with these unprecedented actions taken by FIFA to silence players in their attempt to advocate for the worthy and legitimate cause of LGBTQ+ rights.

Soccer is often called the universal language, but FIFA’s position undermines the sport’s power of transcending divisions and bringing people together. The association’s practices have not been limited to the players, either. We are also concerned about reports that spectators wearing apparel or bearing symbols that show support for the LGBTQ+ community have been detained, harassed, denied entry to events, or have had their apparel or possessions confiscated. These actions have culminated in a message to LGBTQ+ people that neither they nor their allies are welcome at the World Cup, contrary to several public statements made about the tournament.

Moreover, these actions stand in stark contrast to FIFA’s own commitments. FIFA has promoted its own “No Discrimination” campaign, featuring different captains’ armbands, and released a statement indicating that, “FIFA is an inclusive organization and supports all legitimate causes, such as ‘One Love’.” If FIFA believes itself to be an inclusive organization that supports causes like the OneLove movement, then its erasure of the movement’s armbands and other LGBTQ+ symbols and apparel in support of its own campaign runs counter to its public attestations about the values it espouses.

Sports are about belonging, well-being, and affirming one’s place amongst their peers and fellow fans. Indeed, with the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by in North America—including 60 matches set to be played in the United States—we cannot remain silent while this discrimination continues. Every person—regardless of who they are or whom they love—has the right to be treated with decency and respect, and to live their life free from fear of discrimination. No one should be denied the opportunity to participate in daily life or their love of a sport because of who they are, and no one should be silenced for standing up for those rights.

We implore FIFA to meaningfully reaffirm the principle that harassment and discrimination are not tolerated at their sanctioned events, consistent with the association’s own campaign and public statements. Specifically, we ask:

To what extent will FIFA consider government’s track record on LGBTQ+ rights when determining where to host future World Cups?

Will FIFA commit to consistent future policies with respect to players’ uniforms; fans’ apparel, signs, and symbols; and other forms of expression that allows for individuals to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups?

Will FIFA commit to reviewing its protocols for how it engages with host country governments?

As the most watched sporting event in the world, the World Cup has a responsibility to adhere to international rights and norms regarding freedom of expression. And with the next World Cup taking place in the United States as well as in Mexico and Canada, as well as the 2023 Women’s World Cup set to begin in just over 200 days, we will be watching closely to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups are treated with respect.

We look forward to your prompt response and assurances that future FIFA events are inclusive to all.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-joins-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-protect-americans-right-to-build-a-family-through-ivf-other-assisted-reproductive-technology,"Senator Baldwin Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Protect Americans' Right to Build A Family Through IVF, Other Assisted Reproductive Technology",2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined a bicameral group of colleagues in introducing legislation to protect every American’s right to access in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that millions of Americans need to have children. The Right to Build Families Act of 2022 would prohibit limiting access to IVF or any assisted reproductive technology to any American—regardless of their zip code.

“Regardless of where they live, every American deserves the freedom to decide when and how to build a family,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “Unfortunately, since the activist Supreme Court stripped away the reproductive rights of millions of women across the country, Americans are now worried about other health care rights that might be on the chopping block – like IVF. I’m proud to support the Right to Build Families Act to ensure that families across the country have access to the tools they need to start a family on their own terms.”

The Right to Build Families Act of 2022 would:

Prohibit limiting any individual from accessing ART or retaining their reproductive genetic materials, including gametes;

Protect healthcare providers who provide ART or related counseling and information;

Allow the Department of Justice to pursue civil action against states that violate the legislation; and

Create a private right of action for individuals and healthcare providers in states that have limited access to ART.

The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who relied on IVF to have her two daughters, and Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07). The bill is also sponsored by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03).

With the Supreme Court overturning Roe and some states enacting extreme abortion bans, many women have not only seen their constitutional right to abortion ripped away from them, but their ability to get treatment for cancer, lupus and more—and to access IVF and other assisted reproductive technology in order to build a family—have also been jeopardized. The new patchwork of state abortion bans has created significant confusion among patients and providers alike about what services doctors can and cannot provide—including assisted reproductive technology—in states with the most restrictive laws. These threats have led IVF centers to call for new protections. In a number of states, Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation that would restrict access to ART. In a recent leaked audio recording, a leading anti-abortion group advised state lawmakers to avoid discussing regulating IVF and contraception at this time but noted that restrictions could be revisited in a few years.

This legislation is endorsed by: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Humanist Association; American Society for Reproductive Medicine; Center for Reproductive Rights; HealthyWomen; National Council of Jewish Women; National Partnership for Women and Families; Physicians for Reproductive Health and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

A copy of the bill one-pager can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-urge-pentagon-to-freeze-covid-19-vaccine-related-discharges-reinstate-discharged-soldiers-with-backpay,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Urge Pentagon to Freeze COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Discharges, Reinstate Discharged Soldiers with Backpay",2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and nine of his Republican colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin following the Senate’s approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senators urged Secretary Austin to freeze all COVID-19 vaccine-related discharges, and to establish a quick and thorough process so all members who were discharged because they refused the COVID-19 vaccine can be reinstated with back pay and full benefits.

Sen. Johnson offered an amendment to the NDAA that would have immediately ended the military COVID-19 vaccine mandate, prohibited DoD from imposing future COVID 19 vaccine mandates without Congressional authorization and allowed service members to be reinstated with back pay if they were discharged for refusing the vaccine.

“Thousands of brave men and women were harmed because of the Pentagon’s misguided approach to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement. You have the opportunity to immediately begin undoing the harm caused. For the current and future morale and benefit of our Armed Forces, we urge you to act immediately,” the senators wrote.

Sens. Johnson and Scott were joined on the letter by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

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

December 16, 2022

The Honorable Lloyd Austin

Secretary

U.S. Department of Defense

Dear Secretary Austin:

Now that the Senate has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the legislation heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This year’s NDAA, which provides essential funding and sets defense and national security policy for the United States, also contains a key provision we fought for which eliminates the requirement for service members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While we are proud to see this needed change included, simply reversing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is insufficient to right the wrongs done to our service members. We write today to urge immediate action from the Pentagon to protect our service members and provide much-needed direction and stability for America’s brave heroes and their families.

On December 7th, NBC News cited senior military and defense officials in its reporting that discussions about allowing the reinstatement of service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine are underway at the Pentagon.[1] This is welcome news. The Pentagon must take every action necessary to undo the harm American service members and their families suffered when they were forcibly discharged from service. We urge you to establish a quick and thorough process so all members who were discharged because they refused the COVID-19 vaccine can be reinstated with back pay and full benefits. Doing so would provide the clarity and stability American service members and their families deserve.

Additionally, we urge you to freeze all COVID-19 vaccine-related discharges. Many service members are in limbo, and are facing discharge for their refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine just as Congress is removing the vaccine requirement. As the Secretary of Defense, you have the power to immediately end the uncertainty these members are feeling. All branches of our military are facing significant recruiting problems, including problems arising from the vaccine requirement. Therefore, it is in our readiness and security interests to keep these brave men and women within our ranks. Moving forward with discharges over a requirement that has been rescinded by Congress would be deeply misguided.

Thousands of brave men and women were harmed because of the Pentagon’s misguided approach to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement. You have the opportunity to immediately begin undoing the harm caused. For the current and future morale and benefit of our Armed Forces, we urge you to act immediately.

We appreciate your attention, and look forward to clarity from the Pentagon on this important issue.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-introduces-justice-murder-victims-act,Tiffany Introduces the Justice for Murder Victims Act,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07), joined by Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), introduced the Justice for Murder Victims Act. Their bipartisan proposal seeks to eliminate the 13th-century “year-and-a-day” rule, which prohibits homicide prosecutions if the victim died more than a year and a day from the date of the defendant’s assault. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced the Senate companion of this legislation.

“Archaic rules that allow murderers to evade punishment due to the power of modern medicine serve as a disgrace to murder victims and their loved ones,” said Congressman Tiffany. “Justice for a murder victim should not be negatively determined by an arbitrary period of time, and this bipartisan proposal will hold murderers accountable while bringing justice to victims.”

“No victim should be denied justice simply because modern medicine helped them survive their attack for an arbitrary period of time. Our bill will fix this archaic rule and ensure murderers are brought to justice and families get the closure they deserve,” Senator Grassley said.

Background:

Many states have already abolished the rule, recognizing that modern medicine has helped more victims live more than a “year-and-a-day” past their assault. This bipartisan proposal would amend the rule to ensure that there is no maximum prosecutorial time period between the assault and death of the victim – ensuring murder victims are not denied justice in the federal system due to an outdated rule.

Groups supporting the Justice for Murder Victims Act include: The Major Cities Chiefs Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Major County Sheriffs of America, Murder Accountability Project (MAP), National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA), and the Iowa County Attorneys Association.

The full text of theJustice for Murder Victims Actcan be foundhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-votes-for-national-defense-authorization-act-to-support-wisconsins-service-members-veterans-and-economy,"Senator Baldwin Votes for National Defense Authorization Act to Support Wisconsin’s Service Members, Veterans, and Economy",2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 that supports Wisconsin’s military members, families, and economy. The bill includes the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 and Water Resources Development Act of 2022, among other provisions.

As Chair of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing, with jurisdiction over the U.S. Coast Guard, Senator Baldwin successfully negotiated inclusion of her bipartisan Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act, which will improve the icebreaking capacity of the Great Lakes Fleet and provide $350 million for the Great Lakes Icebreaker (GLIB). For the first time, the USCG Authorization Act will also include a standalone Great Lakes subtitle in the bill.

“I am proud to vote for the bipartisan defense authorization legislation that supports our servicemembers and veterans, strengthens our national security and invests in Wisconsin’s economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m thrilled to have included bipartisan provisions in this legislation to strengthen our Made in America economy – including the Invent Here, Make Here Act to ensure technology developed in the U.S. is also manufactured here and my Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act, which will boost our icebreaking resources, support our maritime economy, and protect our Great Lakes for generations to come. I am excited to have included so many provisions in the NDAA that deliver for our servicemembers, veterans, and Made in Wisconsin economy.”

Below are some of the major victories Senator Baldwin secured for Wisconsin in the NDAA:

Boosting the Made in Wisconsin and Made in America Economies

Bipartisan Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act – Included in the NDAA is $350 million for the acquisition of a Great Lakes icebreaker and $20 million for the design and selection of icebreaking cutters for operation in the Great Lakes, Northeastern US, and the Arctic. The Great Lakes Ice Breaker will strengthen icebreaking capacity and increase year-round commerce on the Great Lakes. The bill will also create a database specific to icebreaking operations, including unsuccessful attempts to transit during ice season because of inadequate icebreaking.

Bipartisan Invent Here, Make Here for Homeland Security Act – Senator Baldwin’s legislation will better ensure products invented as a result of funding provided by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) are manufactured in America.

Investing in Wisconsin’s Military Installations, Equipment and Infrastructure

Ft. McCoy – Senator Baldwin secured a total of $64 million for military infrastructure improvements at Fort McCoy in Monroe County. Specifically, the bill includes $38 million for enlisted barracks and $26 million for officer barracks.

Great Lakes Snowmobile Acquisition Plan – the bill directs the Coast Guard to develop a plan for snowmobile procurement to support ice search and rescue efforts. Senator Baldwin also included a study on sufficiency of the Coast Guard’s Aviation Assets, often used in search and rescue on the Great Lakes. These provisions will highlight gaps in capabilities in meeting mission needs and improve the Coast Guard’s search and rescue capacity along the Great Lakes.

Supporting and Honoring Veterans, Service Members and Their Families

4.6% pay raise for uniformed service members and Department of Defense civilian employees.

Healthcare for Our Troops – In line with Senator Baldwin’s bipartisan legislation, the bill requires a study on the cost and feasibility of expanding enrollment in TRICARE Reserve Select coverage for National Guard members – including the impact providing health benefits will have on deployment readiness. This provision moves forward Senator Baldwin’s legislation to expand TRICARE Reserve Select coverage to all members of the Guard and Reserve at no cost.

Childcare for Coast Guard Members – The bill expands the Coast Guard childcare subsidy program, which helps Coast Guard families pay for childcare services. The bill would authorize $25 million (a 56 percent increase over current authorization) and expand eligibility so families are able to use the subsidy for additional types of childcare, such as nannies and multigenerational support.

Opioid Prescribing Practices – Senator Baldwin has pushed for reform on opioid prescribing practices at the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. The NDAA includes authorizations for a permanent program to improve opioid management in the military health system.

Access to Affordable Housing – To address the high cost of housing, Senator Baldwin helped secure a provision last year to help the Department of Defense (DOD) more accurately determine the basic allowance for housing (BAH) for service members. This year’s legislation extends authority to adjust the BAH in high-cost areas and encourages DOD to coordinate efforts to address housing shortages. The bill also requires the Coast Guard to study and develop a plan to improve access to housing.

Medical training – The bill would provide increased professional opportunities for medical training for Coast Guard Members as well as help address shortages in medical providers by directing the Coast Guard to allow more Members to obtain postgraduate degrees in medical disciplines.

Supporting America’s Allies

The NDAA supports our allies abroad by extending and modifying the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through Fiscal Year 2023. The bill also authorizes $800 million in Fiscal Year 2023 to provide security assistance to Ukraine.

Boosting USCG Capacity in the Indo-Pacific – The bill would require a study on the USCG needs in the Indo-Pacific, to include an assessment on a permanent USCG cutter presence, which would help deter China and increase partner and allied capacity in the region. Senator Baldwin recently spoke to USCG members in Japan about this request.

Preserving the Great Lakes and Investing in Water Infrastructure",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-urge-department-of-labor-to-protect-independent-contractor-classification,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Urge Department of Labor to Protect Independent Contractor Classification",2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and 43 of their Republican colleagues in urging the Department of Labor (DOL) not to move forward with its proposed rule for determining independent contractor classification. The independent contractor proposed rule would have immediate and long-term disruptive effects on millions of workers and thousands of businesses at a time when the economy is facing high inflation rates. The members urge DOL to maintain the 2021 independent contractor rule that brought clarity to workers and businesses.

“A study by Upwork estimates that 59 million Americans performed freelance work in 2021 and contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy. Small and large businesses in hospitality, healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, construction, finance, law, housing, entertainment, and more utilize independent contractors to meet their needs. This allows businesses to have a dynamic workforce while giving workers the autonomy and flexibility they prefer. It is clear the proposed rule’s attempt to restrict this flexibility for businesses and workers will be disruptive,” the members wrote.

“We urge DOL not to move forward with its proposed rule for determining independent contractor classification due to this negative impact on workers and businesses, the test’s lack of clarity, and the devastating consequences for the U.S. economy. The proposed rule will jeopardize millions of individuals’ independent contractor status under the FLSA. Instead, DOL should maintain the 2021 rule, which was designed for the modern economy and brought clarity to workers and businesses,” the members continued.

Background

On October 13, 2022, DOL’s Wage and Hour Division published its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled “Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act” which would rescind and replace the independent contractor rule adopted in 2021 by the Trump Administration.

In its place, DOL proposes a six-factor economic reality test to determine whether a worker is “economically dependent” on a company under a totality of the circumstances. Similar to the ABC test found in the PRO Act, the rule is extremely restrictive. The rule argues that theoretical control is enough to give DOL the ability to make employment determinations.

According to the Institute for the American Worker, “such a broad interpretation would have a chilling effect on self-employment, putting conceivably all independent contracting work in jeopardy.”

Sens. Johnson, Braun, Burr, Thune and Rep. Foxx are joined on the letter by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Representatives Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Rick Allen (R-Ga.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), James Comer (R-Ky.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Fred Keller (R-Pa.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Bob Good (R-Va.), Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Michelle Steel (R-Ca.) and Pete Sessions (R-Texas).

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-leads-fight-against-massive-omnibus-spending-bill,Sen. Johnson Leads Fight Against Massive Omnibus Spending Bill,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"“We literally are the Board of Directors of the largest financial entity in the world”

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) was joined by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in a press conference to oppose the Pelosi-Schumer Omnibus spending bill and argue in favor of a short-term Continuing Resolution to allow ample time to analyze and debate additional government spending.

In 2019 – before the COVID-19 spending increase – federal spending totaled $4.4 trillion. As we approach the end of 2022, a 36% increase in spending to $6.0 trillion has been estimated. Sen. Johnson poses the question “Why haven’t we gone back to normal spending?” now that the pandemic is over.

“We, as 535 members of Congress, we literally are the Board of Directors of the largest financial entity in the world and we never talk numbers,” Sen. Johnson explained. “I’ve been asking colleagues, I’ve been asking reporters, do you know how much the federal government spent last year? And most people I ask look pretty flummoxed. I say, don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault. It’s because we never talk about it.”

“We're mortgaging our kids’ futures. This is killing us from a financial standpoint. It's got to stop. This process has to stop which is why I supported Senator Lee's unanimous consent request yesterday to pass a CR, as much as we all hate CRs, the dysfunction they represent. Pass a CR that gets us into next year. Not only to give a Republican House an opportunity to respond to the people that put them in place, but also to give us time to start understanding what these numbers actually mean,” Sen. Johnson continued.

Senator Johnson’s full remarks can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-ron-johnson-applauds-ndaa-passage-that-ends-biden-s-harmful-military-vaccine-mandate,Sen. Ron Johnson Applauds NDAA Passage That Ends Biden’s Harmful Military Vaccine Mandate,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included a rescission of the Pentagon’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members.

“Even though the Senate blocked Sen. Cruz’s and my amendment that would have reinstated service members discharged for refusing a vaccine with back pay, I supported passage of the NDAA that rescinds the Biden Administration’s harmful and pointless COVID-19 vaccine policy. Over 8,000 service members have been terminated for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Our men and women of the U.S. military are the finest among us and deserve members of Congress fighting for their health autonomy and healthcare freedom.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-announces-28-million-investment-to-create-institute-for-rural-partnerships,Senator Baldwin Announces $28 Million Investment to Create Institute for Rural Partnerships,2022-12-14,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development, is announcing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $28 million to establish the Institute for Rural Partnerships to address the unique challenges facing rural communities through research, outreach activities, and partnership development. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, one of only three institutions to be awarded funding, is receiving $9.3 million to create the Wisconsin Rural Partnership to advance the land-grant mission of the University, support community-based projects, and create new partnerships to better meet the needs of rural communities. The funding for this initiative comes from the Senator Baldwin-led fiscal year 2022 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which was then included in the bipartisan fiscal year 2022 omnibus legislation.

“People in rural America face unique challenges to creating economic prosperity and it is important that we provide them the tools and resources they need to thrive in a changing environment and economy,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I am proud to have worked to deliver this federal funding to create the Institute for Rural Partnerships and invest in the future prosperity of our rural communities. These resources will help support local innovative projects, forge new partnerships, and ensure our farmers and producers have the information they need to make the best decisions for their future. I appreciate President Biden’s commitment to supporting Wisconsin’s agriculture industry and rural communities.”

""We are excited to be a part of this initiative and to be selected as an Institute for Rural Partnership,"" said Steve Ackerman, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. ""One partnership we have already identified to receive this funding is the Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet, which is also supported by $1 million from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. UW–Madison plans to purchase scientific equipment and develop a comprehensive statewide network of 90 environmental (weather and soil) monitoring stations across Wisconsin called the Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet. This equipment, along with the support from the USDA will enable the development of infrastructure that can support solutions to a variety of challenges currently facing rural Wisconsin. This is the Wisconsin Idea in action.""

The Institute for Rural Partnerships, housed at the University of Wisconsin, Auburn University, and the University of Vermont, will promote equitable, resilient, and prosperous food and agricultural systems, a fair marketplace for producers, and expanded opportunities for economic development in rural communities. The Partnership will also collaborate with community-based initiatives and local research, educational institutions, and subject matter experts.

The University of Wisconsin has already identified a partnership that will receive funding to support the Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet, an initiative to develop a comprehensive statewide network of weather and soil monitoring stations to support decision-making in food and agricultural systems, and climate data recordkeeping. The Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet will provide data, research, and education for the agriculture community to help them boost harvests and yields, protect crops and resources, and increase overall economic benefits.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours/5b899108-3ca4-49f3-b9ac-df3dc1c8d954,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2022-12-14,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters.

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

Green County Office Hours

Monday, December 19

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Browntown Village Office

110 S. Mill St., Browntown, WI 53522

Lafayette County Office Hours

Monday, December 19

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Darlington City Hall

627 Main St., Darlington, WI 53530

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-fight-for-cranberry-inclusion-in-definition-of-healthy-foods,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Fight for Cranberry Inclusion in Definition of Healthy Foods",2022-12-14,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined a bipartisan group of twenty-eight House Members and Senators urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to amend its proposed definition of “healthy,” which would exclude most cranberry and tart cherry products. As the nation's leading producer of cranberries — harvesting 59 percent of the country's crop — Wisconsin producers would be negatively impacted by the FDA’s proposed rule.

“Cranberries and tart cherries are unique due to their low intrinsic sugar content – that is, they are not naturally sweet. Due to both cranberries and tart cherries lack of intrinsic sugar content, they require sweetening to increase palatability for most consumers. However, there is ample research indicating that the human body does not distinguish between sugars intrinsic in fruit versus those added to fruit products. In fact, the FDA has acknowledged these findings on numerous occasions, stating that “…added sugars are not chemically different from naturally occurring sugars...”i and that “…the body’s response to sugars does not depend on whether they are naturally present in food or added to foods” the members explained.

“Decades of research demonstrate that these fruits can be part of a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, and can play an important role in improving the diets of many Americans. Cranberries, and cranberry products, contribute bioactive polyphenols to the diet. These compounds found within the fruit are important sources of antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress. There are also scientific findings indicating that these unique elements may support gut health , reduce certain risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, and reduce the risk of certain recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs),” the members continued.

Sen. Johnson was joined on the letter by Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Representatives Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), Bill Keating (D-Mass.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Richard Neal (D-Mass.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Susan Wild (D-Pa.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jefferson Van Drew (D-N.Y.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.Y.), Blake Moore (R-Utah), Burgess Owens (R-Utah), John Curtis (R-Utah) and Chris Stewart (R-Utah).

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-questions-ftx-ceo-on-collapse-highlights-dangers-of-overseas-crypto-companies,"Steil Questions FTX CEO on Collapse, Highlights Dangers of Overseas Crypto Companies",2022-12-13,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) questioned FTX CEO John Ray on the recent FTX collapse. During the questioning, Mr. Ray revealed the Bahamian authorities “pushback” when asked for transparency has been “extraordinary, irregular, and raises questions.” Ray’s comments indicated that Bahamian authorities appear to have taken money that could have been used repay American families who lost funds.

Watch Rep. Steil’s full testimony and questions below.

Image

Full transcript:

Steil: Thank you Mr. Ray for being here. There’s a lot of questions about early stage due diligence with FTX, the timing of the indictment, but as policy makers we’re here to understand the collapse and what can be done to prevent future fraud like this from ever occurring again where individuals lost their money. It’s complicated by the fact that FTX is domicile in a foreign jurisdiction. By all indications, Mr. Bankman Fried is domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction at this time. So we should ask ourselves tough questions as to why a company like FTX would choose to set themselves up in the Bahamas and not the US in the first place. I think that’s a question for Congress. Also we can’t lose sight of the fact that millions of Americans lost money in this. I’m outraged, you’re outraged, and the American people should be outraged.

Steil: A day after FTX filed for bankruptcy, multiple outlets reported that there was a hack or potential theft. You’ve stated unauthorized access to certain assets were, and the company was in touch with law enforcement officials and regulators. Have you determined if in fact assets were moved out after bankruptcy.

Ray: Yes. Clearly there was assets moved out after the bankruptcy.

Steil: Do you know whether that was an actual hack or was this done as its been reported at the direction of the Bahamian authorities.

Ray: It was both.

Steil: It was both? So some was done as a result of a hack and some was done at the request of Bahamian authorities?

Ray: They were aided by the FTX employees.

Steil: They were aided by former employees of FTX?

Ray: Yes, sir. Mr. Wayne and Mr. Fried.

Steil; Is it in the eyes of the Bahamian authorities to protect clients? And creditors? Do you have insight into the motivation behind this action?

Ray: Unlike the Chapter 11 process, there’s no transparency in the process of the Bahamians and we repeatedly asked them for clarity about what they’ve been doing and we’ve been shut down on that.

Steil: So you’ve requested insight as to why this was done by the Bahamian authorities and the Bahamian authorities their reply to you was to not reply or they replied and it was unsatisfactory?

Ray: They have put out statements that was in the interest of Bahamian creditors, although our view is that it violated the automatic stay in bankruptcy.

Steil: So you have questions that still remain unanswered of the Bahamian authorities that would shed additional light into your investigation if that information was provided?

Ray: Yes.

Steil: Do you believe at that time that Mr. Bankman Fried was attempting to undermine Chapter 11 cases by expanding the scope, by moving assets to accounts under the control of Bahamian authorities?

Ray: It appears so.

Steil: So it appears that he may be working to undermine the scope of U.S. federal bankruptcy law?

Ray: That’s what it appears.

Steil: So then do you still believe that the Chapter 15 case should be consolidated in the Delaware bankruptcy court.

Ray: No I do not think so.

Steil: What do you think would be the best course of action?

Ray: If they have a liquidation proceeding relative to FTX digital markets, they filed that proceeding there, that is their proceeding, we think the Chapter 11 process is the only open, transparent process that gives visibility to customers of what happened and when they’re going to get their money and how they’re going to get their money. The process in the Bahamian islands is not a transparent process. We have opened up the ability to share everything that we have with the Bahamian government similar to how we share with other liquidators around the world, not only in this case, to be a very cooperative situation. The pushback that we’ve gotten is sort of extraordinary in the context of bankruptcy. It raises questions. It is irregular to me. There is a lot of questions on our part and obviously we are investigating them.

Steil: I appreciate your candor on that point. I think that is a really important point that we look at. Again one of my concerns is as we look at overall crypto policy, shifting away from this specific bankruptcy is that we have a large number of crypto companies that have chosen to domicile outside the United States rather than inside the United States and a lack of a regulatory framework inside the United States is moving people to be offshore, and when they’re off shore, when a fraud like this occurs to the detriment of Americans who have placed their money in trust of a company like FTX. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-president-biden-signing-the-respect-for-marriage-act-into-law,Senator Baldwin Statement on President Biden Signing the Respect for Marriage Act Into Law,2022-12-13,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement on the Respect for Marriage Act being signed into law by President Biden:

“Today, we are making history and making a difference for millions of Americans. We are telling the millions of same-sex and interracial couples that we see them and we respect them. I am thinking of couples like my dear friends Margaret and Denise, who no longer have to worry their marriage could be on the chopping block. Because of our bipartisan work to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, millions of couples like Margaret and Denise can rest assured that the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities that come with marriage cannot be taken away by an activist Supreme Court. I am proud to have worked across the aisle to earn bipartisan support for our Respect for Marriage Act and am overcome with joy to see President Biden make marriage equality the law of the land.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sens-johnson-grassley-raise-concerns-about-doj-s-partisan-decision-in-appointing-a-special-counsel,"Sens. Johnson, Grassley Raise Concerns about DOJ’s Partisan Decision in Appointing a Special Counsel",2022-12-13,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland raising conflict of interest concerns about Jack Smith, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recently-appointed special counsel.

Mr. Smith will oversee the ongoing criminal investigations into former President Donald Trump. The senators highlighted Mr. Smith’s connections to individuals who were directly involved in the opening of investigations into former President Trump.

“Instead of appointing a special counsel devoid of overtly political connections and professional connections to the very individuals that were involved in opening the criminal matters that apparently he is now directly overseeing, you chose a special counsel that is wrapped-up into both,” the senators wrote.

The senators also noted how DOJ’s treatment of matters relating to former President Trump contrasts with the “kid-gloves” treatment the Department provided former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Further the senators emphasized how the Department still refuses to address conflicts of interest concerns involving another DOJ official, Nicholas McQuaid, and the Hunter Biden investigation.

“The Justice Department’s track record with respect to informing Congress and the public that it has prevented potential or actual conflicts from infecting investigations leaves much to be desired,” continued the senators. “If the Department opens an investigation, it must be done without regard to party, privilege or power.”

Read more about the letter in Fox News.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/video-release-sen-johnson-please-share-expert-testimony-from-covid-19-vaccine-efficacy-and-safety-roundtable,VIDEO RELEASE Sen. Johnson: Please Share Expert Testimony from COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy and Safety Roundtable,2022-12-13,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) released a highlight video of his three-hour roundtable discussion, COVID-19 Vaccines: What they Are, How They Work, and Possible Causes of Injuries, with experts and medical professionals to shed light on the current state of knowledge surrounding the vaccine and explore the path forward. The 30-minute video features the most important discoveries shared by the experts and emphasizes the failed pandemic response.

Watch the recap video here.

Read more about the roundtable and Sen. Ron Johnson’s advocacy for the vaccine injured, early treatment and healthcare freedom here.

Watch the entire, three-hour discussion here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-request-for-immediate-support-for-farmers-in-wake-of-agriculture-crisis-,"Baldwin Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Request for Immediate Support for Farmers in Wake of Agriculture Crisis",2022-12-12,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) led 25 of their colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter asking U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack for immediate assistance for organic dairy and poultry farmers who face simultaneous crises threatening their farms.

“We are writing on behalf of the U.S. organic dairy and poultry sectors, made up of thousands of family farmers and the businesses that support them, to request emergency relief in response to skyrocketing feed costs that are impacting the future viability of the industry. The situation is dire and requires your immediate attention. We urgently ask that you work closely with Congress and stakeholders to develop a solution that quickly gets assistance to producers to prevent further losses. Without rapid action, families are on track to lose their farms,” the members said in the letter.

International trade challenges specific to the organic agriculture sector, persistent drought, and the lack of a stable domestic supply of certified organic feed have created a dire economic situation for organic livestock farmers across the U.S. over the last two years.

Year-over-year price spikes in the cost of feedstuffs are now creating unsustainable circumstances that could lead to further farm closures, reduced competition and ultimately, limited consumer choice. If not addressed, these closures will have devastating impacts on the burgeoning organic dairy and poultry sectors and diminish the role of organics in the marketplace for years to come. Many organic businesses have already lost entire farms and without action this trend will continue.

The letter was also signed by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Peter Welch (VT-At Large), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), and Ron Kind (WI-03).

The full letter can be viewed here or below:

Thomas J. Vilsack

Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Jamie L. Whitten Building

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington DC, 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

We are writing on behalf of the U.S. organic dairy and poultry sectors, made up of thousands of family farmers and the businesses that support them, to request emergency relief in response to skyrocketing feed costs that are impacting the future viability of the industry. The situation is dire and requires your immediate attention. We urgently ask that you work closely with Congress and stakeholders to develop a solution that quickly gets assistance to producers to prevent further losses. Without rapid action, families are on track to lose their farms.

While the agriculture sector overall is struggling with a multitude of challenges that have affected the market, organic is a unique supply chain and market that requires tailored solutions to meet the needs of producers. International trade challenges specific to organic, persistent drought, and the lack of a stable domestic supply of certified organic feed have created a dire economic situation for organic livestock farmers across the U.S. over the last two years.

For example, prices for organic soybeans in the U.S. reached $40.52 per bushel in May 2022, up close to 110% from January 2021’s $19.37 per bushel. Feed costs for organic dairy and poultry producers traditionally average over 50% of the total cost of production, but dramatic increases year-over-year in organic feedstuffs are now creating unsustainable circumstances that could lead to farm closures, reduced competition and ultimately, limited consumer choice. If not addressed, these closures will have devastating impacts on the burgeoning organic dairy and poultry sectors and diminish the role of organics in the marketplace for years to come. Unlike conventional farming, the organic sector cannot respond quickly to market needs due to the three-year transition period required on most land.

While we are supportive of existing emergency disaster relief, pandemic assistance and other risk management programs administered by USDA, these efforts have unfortunately not been sufficient to address the current situation facing organic livestock producers. Therefore, we ask that you work with us to find a targeted solution to provide immediate, direct relief.

Organic agriculture is a growing market that has provided opportunities for increased profitability for U.S. farmers, benefitting rural communities across the country. We thank you for your longstanding support of the organic industry and look forward to working with you to ensure the longevity of a healthy organic market that supports thousands of family farms.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-thune-klobuchar-hoeven-urge-federal-maritime-commission-to-carefully-implement-key-ocean-shipping-reform-act-rule,"Baldwin, Thune, Klobuchar, Hoeven Urge Federal Maritime Commission to Carefully Implement Key Ocean Shipping Reform Act Rule",2022-12-12,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Thune (R-SD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and John Hoeven (R-ND) today urged Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Daniel Maffei to provide additional clarity on the definition of “unreasonable” as it relates to refusal by ocean carriers to provide vessel space accommodations.

“In order to ensure the law is faithfully implemented in a manner consistent with congressional intent, the definition of ‘unreasonable’ must adequately take into account both transportation and commercial-related factors when evaluating the behavior of an ocean carrier,” the senators wrote. “We agree with the Commission’s view that ‘commercial convenience alone is not a reasonable basis’ for refusal by an ocean carrier to deal or negotiate. However, we have questions about the breadth of the ‘transportation factors’ under the proposed rule. In particular, an ocean carrier might point to the ‘existence’ of ‘scheduling considerations’ as a basis for refusing to negotiate with a would-be exporter. We urge you to consider whether additional clarifying language about the magnitude of the ‘transportation factors’ might provide useful guidance to industry and align with the goal of promoting an efficient, competitive, accessible, and affordable global shipping market, consistent with congressional intent.”

In June, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which Senator Baldwin co-sponsored, was signed into law. The bill strengthens the authority of the FMC by providing it with new tools to help level the playing field for American exporters and counteract anticompetitive behavior. The bill would also help FMC more efficiently resolve disputes between ocean carriers and shippers, while also taking actions at the U.S. Department of Transportation to alleviate strain across the supply chain.

The full letter is here and below.

The Honorable Daniel B. Maffei

Chairman

Federal Maritime Commission

800 North Capitol Street, NW

Washington, DC 20573

Dear Chairman Maffei:

We write regarding the Federal Maritime Commission’s recent notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) establishing a definition of unreasonable refusal by an ocean common carrier to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodations, consistent with the requirement established in section 7 of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. The Commission’s implementation of this requirement is crucial to ensuring American exporters and importers alike have fair and competitive access to the global shipping market.

Congress passed this landmark legislation, signed into law in June, to make it easier for American farmers and manufacturers to ship ready-to-export goods left waiting at our ports and to limit foreign ocean carriers’ ability to impose added fees on container handling. Section 7 of the Act sought to clarify that an “unreasonable” refusal by an ocean carrier to provide vessel space accommodations should constitute a prohibited practice under the Shipping Act of 1984. The need to require such a clarification arose specifically from reports of ocean carriers refusing certain export cargo – particularly agricultural cargo – even when vessel space was readily available, often opting to carry empty containers instead.

In order to ensure the law is faithfully implemented in a manner consistent with congressional intent, the definition of “unreasonable” must adequately take into account both transportation and commercial-related factors when evaluating the behavior of an ocean carrier. We agree with the Commission’s view that “commercial convenience alone is not a reasonable basis” for refusal by an ocean carrier to deal or negotiate. However, we have questions about the breadth of the “transportation factors” under the proposed rule. In particular, an ocean carrier might point to the “existence” of “scheduling considerations” as a basis for refusing to negotiate with a would-be exporter. We urge you to consider whether additional clarifying language about the magnitude of the “transportation factors” might provide useful guidance to industry and align with the goal of promoting an efficient, competitive, accessible, and affordable global shipping market, consistent with congressional intent.

Thoroughly defining what constitutes the ‘unreasonable’ refusal to deal with or negotiate as it relates to vessel space accommodations is a crucial component of our landmark shipping reform law. We greatly appreciate your attention to this issue and applaud your continued work to speedily implement the provisions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our staff.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-joins-more-than-70-total-signers-in-the-senate-and-house-urging-biden-to-take-executive-action-on-paid-sick-days-for-rail-workers,Senator Baldwin Joins More Than 70 Total Signers in the Senate and House Urging Biden to Take Executive Action on Paid Sick Days for Rail Workers,2022-12-12,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on Friday on a letter with more than 70 total signers in the House and Senate urging President Biden to take executive action to guarantee rail workers paid sick days.

“While this agreement was much better than the disastrous proposals put forward by the rail industry, it still does not guarantee a single paid sick day to rail workers who work dangerous and difficult jobs, have risked their lives during the pandemic to keep our economy moving and have not received a pay raise in over three years,” the members wrote. “That is unacceptable and must be rectified.”

The letter comes just a week after Congress passed legislation to avert a nationwide rail strike but failed to pass an amendment to guarantee paid sick days to rail workers. The amendment, which passed the House but failed in the Senate, received the votes of every Senate Democrat, but one, as well as six Republicans. The letter was signed by 15 colleagues in the Senate and 52 in the House.

“As you know, a majority in the United States Senate and the House of Representatives voted for legislation to guarantee seven paid sick days to every rail worker in America,” the members wrote. “Tragically, because of the arcane rules of the Senate, this legislation was filibustered by just 42 Republicans and one Democrat and did not make it to your desk for signature. It is literally beyond belief that rail workers are not guaranteed this basic and fundamental human right. Therefore, we urge you and your administration to do everything within your authority to guarantee rail workers the seven paid sick days that they desperately need through executive action.”

Guaranteeing seven paid sick days to rail workers would cost the rail industry a grand total of $321 million a year – less than 2% of its profits. Last year alone, the rail industry made a record-breaking $20 billion in profits after cutting their workforce by 30% over the last 6 years. In the first three quarters of 2022, rail companies spent $25.5 billion on stock buybacks and dividends. Rail workers across the U.S. currently are guaranteed zero sick days, paid or unpaid, and are forced to work under a points-based attendance policy that can penalize and even fire workers for taking sick time, including for family and health emergencies. The current deal that passed Congress does not include any paid sick days.

In addition to executive order power to deliver paid sick days to rail workers, the letter points to the authority held by the Secretary of Labor under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to set mandatory occupational safety and health standards for businesses affecting interstate commerce, as well as the responsibility of the Secretary of Transportation to promote safety in all areas of railroad operations under the Federal Railroad Safety Act. In 2015, then President Obama also issued an executive order that required companies with federal contracts to grant at minimum seven days of paid sick leave. However, rail workers were excluded from these protections.

“You can and you must expand this executive order,” the members wrote. “Over 115,000 rail workers in this country are looking to you to guarantee them the dignity at work they deserve and to ensure that our rail system is safe for its workers and for millions of Americans who cross rail tracks every day. Through Executive Order, agency rulemaking, and any other applicable authority, we ask that you take quick and decisive action to guarantee these workers paid sick leave.”

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sens-ron-johnson-rick-scott-urge-gao-to-report-potential-risks-in-federal-employees-health-benefits-program,"Sens. Ron Johnson, Rick Scott Urge GAO to Report Potential Risks in Federal Employees Health Benefits Program",2022-12-12,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) sent a letter to Gene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting an audit of health care providers under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Following reports on similar programs, GAO uncovered potential fraud through improper payments causing an increase in the cost of the FEHB Program.

“GAO’s previous work on similar issues in the Medicare program and the Veterans Community Care program has uncovered a number of potentially ineligible providers, flagged weaknesses in provider vetting controls, and made valuable recommendations for improving program integrity and managing the potential risk to the care of Medicare enrollees and veterans, respectively, from ineligible providers,” explained the senators.

As the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the country, the FEHB Program covers more than eight million federal employees, retirees and family members at annual cost of more than $59 billion.

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

December 12, 2022

The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro

Comptroller General of the United States

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Dear Comptroller General Dodaro:

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is currently reviewing various aspects of fraud-risk management practices regarding the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. We request as a follow-on to that work, GAO perform an audit related to providers of health care services to members of the FEHB Program. GAO’s previous work on similar issues in the Medicare program and the Veterans Community Care program has uncovered a number of potentially ineligible providers, flagged weaknesses in provider vetting controls, and made valuable recommendations for improving program integrity and managing the potential risk to the care of Medicare enrollees and veterans, respectively, from ineligible providers.

The FEHB Program is the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the country, covering more than eight million Federal employees, retirees, and family members at annual cost of over $59 billion. The size and complexity of the FEHB Program heightens the risk of fraud and error. Accordingly, it is incumbent on lawmakers, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—which administers the FEHB program—and the health insurance carriers that provide health care services to FEHB members, to make safeguard taxpayer dollars. As such, we request that GAO:

Examine whether providers of health care services in the FEHB Program are deceased, excluded from participation in federal health care programs, have suspended or revoked medical licenses, or meet other relevant criteria for being inadmissible in the FEHB Program;

Examine the extent to which those involved in the FEHB Program (i.e., OPM, employing agencies, health insurance carriers) have controls in place, as appropriate, to identify and remove ineligible or potentially fraudulent health care service providers, and how these entities address specific fraud risks, such as the status of state licensure; and

Develop case study examples—if potentially ineligible providers are identified—to explain how these providers were initially approved or remained in the network. Such case studies would be complementary to the results of relevant data analyses and would help illustrate what can go wrong when ineligible or fraudulent providers are not identified and removed from the program.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-announces-2022-first-congressional-district-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Steil Announces 2022 First Congressional District Congressional App Challenge Winners,2022-12-09,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GREENDALE, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced the 2022 Congressional App Challenge Winners. Greendale High School students Cole Bucek, Evie Skibicki, and Riess Steinman have been selected as the winning team of the First District Congressional App Challenge. The award was announced in a surprise ceremony at Greendale High School with the students’ parents and faculty. Following the event, Steil released the following statement congratulating the students.

“Congratulations Cole, Evie, and Riess on creating your app, Brain Food. It was great to announce the 2022 App Challenge winner at Greendale High School, for the second year in a row, and to learn more about their app. Creating an app takes time, skill, patience, and planning. The App Challenge is a great way to promote STEM education and teach students how to be innovative.”

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. Started in 2013, the Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. The House of Representatives knows how crucial these skills are and wants to encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation's young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills. This competition is open to students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-duckworth-lead-bill-to-ensure-seat-size-other-real-life-conditions-are-considered-in-federal-aircraft-emergency-evacuation-standards,"Senators Baldwin, Duckworth Lead Bill to Ensure Seat Size, Other Real Life Conditions Are Considered in Federal Aircraft Emergency Evacuation Standards",2022-12-09,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in announcing the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does more to prioritize passenger safety by appropriately considering seat size, carry-on baggage, people with disabilities, seniors and children in its emergency evacuation standards.

The FAA’s current standards require that passengers be able to evacuate aircraft within 90 seconds, but recent simulation tests failed to adequately consider whether a flight is full or mostly empty, has passengers with mobility issues or many other real-life conditions that Americans deal with every time they fly. An identical companion bill was introduced in the House today by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), who authored the law that led the FAA to conduct these simulation tests.

“As we enter a busy holiday season, travelers should have the peace of mind that evacuation and safety protocols have taken all passengers into account,” said Senator Baldwin. “The FAA has a responsibility to ensure they meet their own safety requirements under realistic conditions, especially for children, senior citizens and passengers with disabilities.”

“Imagine being on a crowded flight when the worst-case scenario happens: the crew tells you that you have 90 seconds to evacuate—but how can more than 150 passengers sandwiched into crowded rows actually safely evacuate in less time than it takes to brush your teeth?”said Senator Duckworth. “The flying public deserves better. That’s why Senator Baldwin and I are introducing the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabins (EVAC) Act to require the FAA to finally establish evacuation standards that consider not just seat size, pitch and configuration, but other real-life conditions like the presence of carry-on bags and passengers of different heights, weights, ages and abilities. We must act to make flying as safe as we know it can be—and as safe as Americans deserve.”

“I have long held doubts that the 90-second evacuation standard can be met in most instances, which is why I previously introduced and passed the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act to require the FAA to establish minimum standards for seat sizes and distances between rows of seats in order to ensure passengers can safely evacuate,”said Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09). “The EVAC Act will ensure the FAA’s emergency evacuation standards address the needs of all members of the flying public, including those with disabilities.”

Recent FAA simulations to determine the impact of smaller seat size and smaller seat pitch on passengers’ ability to safely evacuate within 90 seconds were limited to test subjects who were all adults under age 60. Additionally, according to CBS News, the tests did not include the presence of obstacles like carry-on baggage that could slow down an evacuation, and were conducted in groups of just 60, while Boeing 737 MAX 8 seating capacity, for instance, ranges from 162 to 178. Then-FAA Administrator Steve Dickson even conceded the tests “provide useful, but not necessarily definitive information…”

The EVAC Act would direct the FAA to issue a rule establishing evacuation standards that take into account certain real-life conditions including:

Passengers of different ages, including young children and senior citizens

Passengers of different heights and weights

Passengers with disabilities

Passengers who do not speak English

Passengers who cannot speak, are non-vocal or non-verbal

Presence of carry-on luggage and personal items like purses, backpacks and briefcases

Seat size and pitch

Seat configuration, location, and other obstacles in pathway to exit

“Cheers to Senator Duckworth, Senator Baldwin, and Rep. Cohen for introducing the EVAC Act to direct the FAA to establish evacuation standards that reflect the current realities of cabin environment including cabin density, carry-on bags, charging cords, and challenges for passengers with disabilities,”said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing 50,000 Flight Attendants at 19 airlines. “In order to save lives, Flight Attendants are charged with evacuating passengers in 90 seconds during an emergency. We are concerned that current regulations for certification of the aircraft cabin don't reflect our real world conditions. We don't need the first test on this to be an active emergency. Let's get real now! That's what Senator Duckworth is making possible with this legislation.”

“As professional pilots, safety will always be our highest priority, and we strongly support the common-sense recommendation that the FAA reevaluate transport-category aircraft evacuation standards,” said Allied Pilots Association President Capt. Ed Sicher. “The realities of commercial air travel today — including widely differing passenger ages and physical abilities, language barriers, seat pods blocking access across aisles, and ever-shrinking seat size and pitch — all come into play when an evacuation becomes necessary. We applaud Senator Duckworth, Senator Baldwin, and Representative Cohen for taking the lead on this critical safety issue.”

This legislation is supported by a broad coalition: the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), Allied Pilots Association (APA), Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, FlyersRights.org, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National League of Cities, Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Association of the Deaf, Judith Heumann, World Institute on Disability, Autism Society of America, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), American Foundation for the Blind, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), Muscular Dystrophy Association, All Wheels Up, Amputee Coalition, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, United Spinal Association, ALS Association, Access Ready and American Council of the Blind.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/rescheduled-sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours,***RESCHEDULED*** Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2022-12-09,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Due to severe weather, the mobile office hours scheduled for today in Rock County are postponed. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s staff will be available to meet with constituents to provide assistance with a federal agency issue or other federal matters at the updated times and locations listed below.

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

Rock County Office Hours

Friday, December 16

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Beloit City Hall

100 State St., Beloit, WI 53511

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-statement-passage-fy23-national-defense-authorization-act,Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of FY23 National Defense Authorization Act,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the passage of H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023:

""Today, I proudly voted in favor of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act to provide necessary funding for our military. As a veteran, I understand the importance timely funding plays in maintaining military readiness, said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. This legislation not only provides a 4.6% pay raise and cost-of-living adjustments to our servicemembers and their families, but also establishes comprehensive reviews of assistance provided to Ukraine, provides robust funding that supports Wisconsin manufacturing through such programs as the Tactical Wheeled Vehicle program and the Colombia Class submarine program, and repeals the unjust COVID-19 vaccine mandate for active and reserve personnel. And while there is more to be done for those discharged under the mandate, this is a good start.""

###

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald was sworn in to the 117th Congress on January 3, 2021 and is proud to represent Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5105,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Pass Respect for Marriage Act,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“I have always fought for marriage equality – the freedom for Americans to marry who they love. This right is under threat because of a radical Supreme Court and an extreme GOP agenda, which denies personal liberties to Americans. That’s why acting now is critical. It makes so proud to know that Wisconsin’s own Senator Tammy Baldwin led these negotiations. Today, I join my colleagues in securing key marriage equality protections with bipartisan federal legislation - the Respect for Marriage Act.”

The Respect for Marriage Act will take several steps to protect the inviolability of same-sex and interracial marriages:

•Repealing the “Defense of Marriage Act”: While the Supreme Court has effectively voided DOMA, this unconstitutional and discriminatory federal law still remains on the books. The Respect for Marriage Act will repeal this statute once and for all.

•Enshrining Marriage Equality Into Federal Law: This legislation will uphold married couples’ right to equal protection in all areas covered under federal law, such as Social Security, tax filings and veterans’ benefits.

•Barring Discrimination By State Officials: This legislation prohibits state officials from denying recognition of an out-of-state marriage on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-legislation-to-strengthen-sanctions-passes-house-included-as-part-of-ndaa,"Steil Legislation to Strengthen Sanctions Passes House, Included As Part of NDAA",2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil’s legislation, the Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act, passed the House and was included in the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

“We need a government that is accountable and a military that is ready to defend our freedoms and fight rogue actors. My bill requires the Biden Administration to alert Congress if any sanctions are waived to allow our declared enemies to use our financial system. Sanctions are a critical tool in our tool kit to keep Americans safe. We need to maintain aggressive oversight to keep them viable. I’m committed to making sure our government is accountable to the American people and to protecting our nation.”

Background:

H.R. 2710, the Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act recently passed the House and requires the U.S. Treasury Department to regularly report to Congress any sanctions waivers provided to allow transactions between financial institutions and targeted individuals. At the same time, this legislation continues support for using these licenses for humanitarian purposes. The Treasury Department routinely issues general and specific licenses to permit transactions that may involve sanctioned individuals. These licenses typically allow for the facilitation of trade in humanitarian (e.g. medicines and medical devices) and agricultural (e.g. food and farming supplies) goods.

Members of both parties support the use of these licenses for humanitarian purposes, and the House has previously voted to pass legislation to improve transparency over the license-granting process. Congress should continue to improve the transparency of the license process to ensure that the Executive Branch’s foreign policy actions align with Congressional intent.

This is the second bill Steil has introduced that has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and the third sanctions-related bill introduced by Steil in the 117th Congress. Additional sanctions bills include H.R. 733, the Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act which prevents those trying to avoid U.S. sanctions against the Iranian regime by using a mechanism known as INSTEX and H.R. 901, the No Sanctions Relief for Terrorists Act which prevents the administration from providing sanctions relief to individuals and entities in Iran sanctioned for terrorism unless the President could certify to Congress that Iran was no longer sponsoring terrorism.

Steil is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and serves on the Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-introduces-legislation-cut-down-sec-regulation,Tiffany Introduces Legislation to Cut Down on SEC Regulation,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introducedH.R. 9445, theACCESS Rural America Act, to ensure rural telecommunication providers are not hindered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) registration and reporting requirements. This legislation will allow smaller, locally-owned telecommunication providers to expand broadband access in rural areas across the United States without fear of burdening regulations intended for large corporations.

“After hearing from rural telecommunication providers in Western and Northern Wisconsin that the Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements were impeding them from building more fiber broadband networks, I knew something needed to be done,”said Congressman Tom Tiffany. “I will continue to do everything possible to ensure our small telecommunication providers have the ability to supply rural America with the broadband access they deserve.”

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

Lakeland Communications and other rural broadband providers are extremely pleased and optimistic that Congressman Tiffany can lead to effect long overdue change to a 20-year-old law of Sarbanes Oxley that shackles community based broadband providers. Much of rural Wisconsin and the nation need state-of-the-art fiber optic network access that we could possibly provide if we were not under the additional burdens of SEC and the costly restrictions of federal regulations that we have endured for 20 years. We hope and pray that Congressman Tiffany and his colleagues will be successful in this needed legislation to provide beneficial relief,”said John K. Klatt President, CEO Lakeland Communications.

Background:

TheACCESS Rural America Act would address an issue that companies have been facing since the early 2000s. TheSarbanes-Oxley Act was signed into law in 2002 and established extensive regulations for companies. Due to the broad-brush approach that this law created, many smaller, locally-owned businesses are burdened by enhanced SEC registration and reporting requirements as a result. For example, if a small telecommunications company in Wisconsin is helping deploy networks in rural areas but has 500 or more not-accredited shareholders, then it must comply with the regulations set forth by theSarbanes-Oxley Act and spend substantial amounts of money and resources on these reporting requirements to the SEC every year. H.R. 9445 would increase the number of investors that prompts the SEC public reporting requirements from 500 to 2,000 persons for rural telecommunications companies receiving federal universal service support. This will help alleviate pressure on many of the businesses that are helping bridge the digital divide across America.

The full text of theACCESS Rural America Actcan be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-statement-after-voting-against-ndaa,Tiffany Statement After Voting Against NDAA,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) released the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY23.

“While this legislation will provide our men and women in uniform with a well-deserved pay raise and contains many worthwhile provisions, it also contains many controversial provisions that have absolutely nothing to do with national security. Even worse, Speaker Pelosi refused to let Republicans offer any amendments, and allowed just 40 minutes of discussion on this more than $800 billion, 4,400-page bill. The American people and our service members deserve an open and honest debate on such far-reaching legislation – what they got was procedural gimmicks designed to short-circuit the legislative process,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-delivers-pension-restoration-for-22000-wisconsin-workers-and-retirees,"Senator Baldwin Delivers Pension Restoration for 22,000 Wisconsin Workers and Retirees",2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that nearly 22,000 Wisconsin workers and retirees in the Central States Pension Fund will have the retirement benefits they earned restored in full under the American Rescue Plan Act, thanks to Senator Baldwin’s efforts to include the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act in that historic legislation and the Biden Administration’s approval of the pension plan’s application for funding.

The United States Department of Labor, through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), has approved $35.8 billion through a Special Financial Assistance program for the pension plan. The fund was enacted as a part of the American Rescue Plan, which Baldwin supported. Under the program, payments are being made to financially troubled multiemployer pension plans to ensure that these plans can continue paying retirees’ benefits and remain solvent for at least 30 years. Baldwin has been fighting for this fix for years and was able to secure key provisions in the American Rescue Plan.

“A pension is a promise, and today’s announcement ensures that promise is kept for the nearly 22,000 workers and retirees in Wisconsin who were facing massive cuts to their pensions, through no fault of their own. I worked for years with retirees from across the state to make sure they receive the pensions they earned over a lifetime of work,” said Senator Baldwin. “Today, retirees and their families across Wisconsin can rest easier knowing that we have kept our promise.”

The federal funding will protect 350,000 workers and retirees across the country – including 22,000 in Wisconsin – from having their pension benefits cut by up to 70 percent in the coming years. Union workers in the Central States Pension Fund include truck drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers and food processors. By putting the pension plan back on solid footing, today’s announcement protects small businesses from the threat of a pension liability they could not afford.

Multiemployer pensions provide retirement income to over 10 million hard-working Americans for approximately 200,000 employers across America. Over one million of these workers and retirees – including 22,000 in Wisconsin – were in danger of losing their hard-earned benefits. Without this relief, Central States was expected to be insolvent by 2025.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-leads-bipartisan-group-calling-on-fda-to-support-farmers-goals-of-reducing-enteric-methane-emissions,Senator Baldwin Leads Bipartisan Group Calling on FDA to Support Farmers’ Goals of Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a bipartisan group of colleagues in a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encouraging the agency to review the role that animal feed additives play in achieving the Biden Administration’s goal of halving economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030 in order to reach net zero by 2050.

In their letter, the Senators note that the FDA has not yet approved any feed additives to achieve this goal despite the potential for these products to provide farmers with additional tools to reduce a large share of their operations’ GHG footprint and create a level playing field with their European and Brazilian competitors.

“It’s crucial that our farmers here in Wisconsin and across the nation have the resources they need to achieve their climate goals, all while they work keep our nation fed,” said Senator Baldwin. “The FDA must work to review the role that animal feed additives play in lowering enteric emissions so that farmers have more resources at their disposal to achieve their proposed GHG reductions and compete on a global scale with producers who already have access to feed additives.”

The letter was co-led by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and also signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Dr. Califf:

We write to you today regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) role in achieving President Biden’s goal of halving economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030 in order to reach net zero by 2050. Meeting these targets will require innovation and coordination with industry from every federal agency, and the FDA is uniquely positioned to provide climate solutions to the agriculture industry in reducing enteric methane emissions.

Both the dairy and cattle industries have committed to reducing the climate impact of their farming operations over the next 20-30 years. To meet their commitments, farmers are subscribing to conventional climate and land management programs offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. However, these programs do not address the nearly one third of operations’ emissions resulting from enteric methane. Enteric methane emissions are currently being addressed by our agricultural competitors in the European Union and Brazil through feed additives, but farmers in the U.S. do not have this option.

The FDA has not yet approved any feed additives to meet this need, in part due to agency’s initial discretionary decision to regulate some potential feed ingredients within the animal drug process instead of the food additives process. Though both the animal drug and the Food Additive Petition (FAP) processes must demonstrate product efficacy and safety in human and animal reviews, the FAP route can be completed in 2-3 years, where the drug route can be completed in 8-10 years. Furthermore, if products are regulated as foods, they should be authorized and explicitly approved by FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

Feed additives aimed at reducing enteric methane emissions would give farmers another tool to reduce a large share of their GHG footprint and create a level playing field with their European and Brazilian competitors as they work towards their sustainability goals. We encourage the FDA to review the role that animal feed additives approved by CVM are poised to play in helping achieve these goals, and we appreciate your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-murray-introduce-reproductive-health-travel-fund-act,"Senators Baldwin, Murray Introduce Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act",2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act, legislation to provide women the support they need to access reproductive health services by providing grants to organizations, including abortion funds, to offset the cost of travel-related expenses.

“Right now in states across the country, Americans are unable to make their own health care decisions,” said Senator Baldwin. “Women in states like Wisconsin are being forced to travel out of state just to see a doctor for critical health care, including abortion. And for too many, the cost of travel, child care, overnight housing, and time away from work puts safe, comprehensive reproductive care totally out of reach. By reducing the costs of travel for people seeking reproductive care, more Americans will be able to make the health care decisions that are best for their family, health, and future.”

“In overturning Roe and passing one extreme state abortion ban after the next, Republicans have unleashed a full-fledged health care crisis that is jeopardizing women’s health and forcing them to stay pregnant against their will. This moment calls for bold solutions—and that’s why I’ve proposed creating a new, historic abortion fund and why I’m proud to cosponsor Senator Baldwin’s bill to help get women the abortion care they need,” said Senator Murray. “Every woman deserves to have control over her own body and be able to get the care she needs—no matter what state she lives in—and that’s what this proposal will help deliver.”

The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act would set up a grant program, authorized at $350 million per year for FY23 through FY27, to help ease the financial burden associated with traveling long distances to access safe and legal reproductive health care. Specifically, the bill would allow the Treasury Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for individuals accessing abortion services. Funds, made available through a competitive grant, could be used for round trip travel, lodging, meals, childcare, translation services, doula care, and patient education and information services.

Eligible entities include non-profits or community-based organizations that assist individuals seeking abortions. Grants would be prioritized for entities that serve people who live in a jurisdiction that has banned or severely restricted access to abortion, serve those who travel to a jurisdiction to access abortion care, or have a program in operation that helps patients access abortion services.

""Abortion funds play a critical role in connecting patients like mine with the resources they need to get abortions,” said Dr. Kristin Lyerly, Board Certified OB/GYN from Green Bay. “As a physician who provides comprehensive care in obstetrics and gynecology including abortion, I'm grateful to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her leadership in helping to break down the barriers that exist for patients in abortion-restricted states and for building on the existing infrastructure of support that abortion funds provide. Until we can restore legal access to abortion in all 50 states, innovative legislation like the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act will touch countless people in need of abortion care.""

""Prior to Dobbs, Wisconsinites already faced too many barriers to accessing comprehensive pregnancy care, including abortion care. Post-Dobbs, accessing that care now requires leaving our state. As an OBGYN who provides full-scope pregnancy care, it feels unconscionable to have to send my patients across state lines to obtain the health care they need,” said Dr. Abby Cutler, Board-Certified OB/GYN in Madison. “Too often this requires travel money, job flexibility, overnight housing, childcare – financial and logistical resources that most people struggle to secure even under the best of circumstances. Access to health care in pregnancy, including abortion care, should not depend on your zip code or your financial resources. I am grateful to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her efforts to help ensure my patients and their families get the care they need and deserve.""

“The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision exacerbated an existing abortion access crisis across the country, leaving many people unable to access care unless they travel hundreds of miles to a state where abortion is legal,” said Mini Timmaraju, President of NARAL. “The costs are almost always unexpected—and steep. Senator Baldwin’s legislation will help mitigate this crisis by providing essential resources to those who must travel to access abortion care. We commend Senator Baldwin for working to meet the urgent needs of pregnant people in a post-Roe world, while we work to expand equitable abortion access to all Americans.”

“As one of the oldest abortion funds in the nation, WMF Wisconsin has supported Wisconsinites seeking abortion care since 1972. This work has been led by community members for 50 years in the face of discriminatory legislation like the Hyde Amendment, which historically barred the use of federal funds for abortion care. With no in-clinic abortion care available in Wisconsin since June 24, 2022, Wisconsinites are forced to travel out-of-state for abortion care,” said Lucy Marshall, Board President of WMF Wisconsin. “This exacerbates the existing inequalities that so many of our community members already face, particularly people of color, young people, and people facing by economic hardship. The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act would help provide necessary funding for abortion care, as well as expenses related to traveling for such care. Abortion is health care. Abortion is a human right. Nobody should be denied health care, and this bill would provide funding that is crucial at this point in this crisis.”

“As a physician in Wisconsin, I have seen firsthand the detrimental impact the Dobbs decision has had on my patients’ ability to access health care. Abortion bans are forcing women to travel sometimes hundreds of miles across state lines or remain pregnant against their will,” Allie Linton MD MPH, Associate Medical Director of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. “As a result, pregnant patients are confronted with multiple obstacles that can prevent them from accessing the health care they need including increased costs for travel, hotel stays and childcare. I am incredibly thankful for Senators Baldwin and Murray and for introducing the Reproductive Health Travel Act to help assist my patients and patients around the country access the healthcare they need.”

In addition to Senators Baldwin and Murray, the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act is co-sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Similar legislation was introduced in the House in July.

“Access to safe and legal reproductive health care, including abortion, should not be limited to those with the resources to travel. Blocking access to this life-saving care disproportionately impacts low-income families, women of color, and so many more underrepresented communities,” said Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), who authored the House version of the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act. “I want to thank Senator Baldwin for her partnership in working to ensure equitable access to reproductive health care for all women regardless of where they live.”

The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act is supported by the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Power to Decide, National Network of Abortion Funds, Physicians for Reproductive Health, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, National Partnership for Women and Families, NARAL, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Catholics for Choice, the National Council of Jewish Women, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and WMF Wisconsin.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-statement-on-the-respect-for-marriage-act-passing-the-house-of-representatives,Senators’ Statement on the Respect for Marriage Act Passing the House of Representatives,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Rob Portman (R-OH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) released the following statement on the Respect for Marriage Act passing the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 258-169:

“We are thrilled that the Respect for Marriage Act passed both the Senate and the House with robust bipartisan support. This commonsense legislation provides certainty to millions of loving couples in same-sex and interracial marriages, who will continue to enjoy the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities afforded to all other marriages. At the same time, our legislation fully respects and protects religious liberty and diverse beliefs about marriage. This is an important and historic step forward in ensuring dignity and respect for all Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-urge-nlrb-chairman-to-reverse-rules-detrimental-to-franchises,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Urge NLRB Chairman to Reverse Rules Detrimental to Franchises",2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and 67 of their Republican colleagues in writing a letter to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) opposing the Board’s joint employer proposed rule that is inconsistent with common law, circumvents Congressional authority, and will have a detrimental impact on the franchise business model, job opportunities and the nation’s economy.

“The Board’s joint-employer proposed rule would have immediate and long-term negative effects on millions of workers and thousands of businesses at a time when the economy is already facing the highest inflation rates in four decades. Franchises in particular would be negatively impacted should the proposed rule go into effect. Franchises cover over 300 different business lines, including restaurants, child care, hair care, fitness, tutoring, amusement parks, automotive repair, lodging, and senior care. Additionally, the proposed rule would cost franchise job opportunities that provide up to nearly four percent higher wages for their employees when compared to non-franchise counterparts,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Due to this negative economic impact, the proposed rule's inconsistency with common law, and the NLRB's attempt to use powers reserved to Congress, we urge the Board not to move forward with its proposed rule for determining joint-employer status. Instead, the Board should maintain the 2020 rule, which brought clarity and certainty to the business community,” the lawmakers continued.

Background

On September 7, 2022, the National Labor Relations Board published its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled: “Standard for Determining Joint-Employer Status” (“proposed rule”), which would replace the 2020 Joint-Employer Rule that focused on “direct and immediate control” and replace it with the “indirect, reserved” control standard.

In the United States, there are nearly 775,000 franchises that employ 8.2 million workers and provide $800 billion of economic output. This is projected to grow in 2022 to nearly 800,000 franchises. Businesses such as universities, hospitals, home healthcare, agriculture, cleaning services, security services, hospitality, waste management, delivery services, home builders, retailers, and others that contract or subcontract would be negatively affected.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) found that the BFI joint employer standard, nearly identical to the proposed rule, “cost franchise businesses $33.3 billion per year, resulting in 376,000 lost job opportunities, and led to a 93% increase in lawsuits.”

Sens. Johnson and Braun were joined on the release by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Representatives Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Rick Allen (R-Ga.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), James Comer (R-Ky.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Fred Keller (R-Pa.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Bob Good (R-Va.), Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Michelle Steel (R-Calif.), Chris Jacobs (R-N.Y.), Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Joe Sempolinski (R-N.Y.), Eric Crawford (R-Ark.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-urge-president-biden-to-be-honest-about-real-world-costs-of-radical-climate-agenda,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Urge President Biden to Be Honest About Real-World Costs of Radical Climate Agenda",2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 10 of their Republican colleagues in calling out President Biden and his administration for forcing their radical environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies onto the American economy in pursuit of their unrealistic environmental agenda. The letter highlights various actions by financial regulators that threaten to choke off certain industries’ access to capital, which could increase the price of food and energy for businesses and families in the midst of record-high inflation.

“All of these actions have real-world impacts that your administration would be well served to evaluate,” the senators wrote. “For instance, establishing rules, strategic plans, and principles to coerce financial institutions and other firms to limit their lending and exposure to certain businesses drives up prices on consumers. Choking off access to capital for companies in the energy sector in an attempt to decimate the fossil fuels industry drives up the cost of fuel and electricity at a time of record costs, further stoking inflation. Discouraging lending to farming and ranching communities in an attempt to reduce natural livestock emissions strains supply chains and increases the cost of food. Therefore, it would be prudent for your administration to actually take the time to evaluate the costs its actions are directly and indirectly imposing on American businesses and families, as well as conduct the necessary analysis as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. As our nation continues to grapple with record-high inflation, administrative actions that increase prices should be the last thing on your agenda.”

Sens. Johnson and Thune were joined on the letter by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

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

December 7, 2022

The Honorable Joseph Biden

President of the United States

Dear President Biden:

As we turn to a new Congress in a few weeks, we write to draw your attention to our ongoing concerns with your administration’s unrealistic environmental agenda and focus on government-imposed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. While businesses may elect to pursue their own ESG agendas as part of a free-market society, the heavy-handed imposition from the federal government will have (and in some cases, already has had) negative real-world impacts on our economy and American families, especially by deepening the ongoing energy and inflation crises.

In the nearly two years since you were sworn into office, your administration has made countless efforts to push through its sweeping environmental agenda through the financial regulators. These efforts, though sold by administration officials as steps necessary to mitigate climate risks, are solely an attempt to strong-arm financial institutions and other firms into choking off capital to industries that are foundational to our nation’s economy, yet are continually villainized by the far left.

One example of your administration’s overreach is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) proposed climate-disclosure rule that would not only require registrants to disclose information about their greenhouse gas emissions, but, in many cases, indirect emissions from upstream and downstream activities (i.e., their suppliers and customers) in their value chain – known as scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions are not produced or even controlled by the regulated organization, making this rule entirely unworkable for any public company to comply with. The rule would also require registrants to comply with new financial impact metric disclosure requirements and determine the effects of certain climate-related events on each line item of their consolidated financial statements. The rule would almost certainly reduce or potentially even eliminate businesses’ access to the resources they need to operate, as it would discourage firms from investing in or extending capital to them. The SEC rule would be destructive for businesses in the energy and agriculture sectors, but to businesses, in particular small businesses, across all sectors of our economy as well.

Equally alarming is the recently proposed Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule that would similarly require certain federal contractors to publicly disclose not only their greenhouse gas emissions, but scope 3 emissions, compounding the burden imposed by the SEC. Ultimately, private companies would be disincentivized to apply for these federal contracts altogether, which would increase project costs for the federal government and harm taxpayers.

Unfortunately, your administration’s efforts to use financial regulators to force through an unrealistic environmental agenda do not end there. After joining the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System, an organization with the stated agenda of “mobilizing mainstream finance to support the transition toward a sustainable economy,” the Federal Reserve announced a pilot program to analyze the climate-related financial risks for the nation’s largest banks. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and, most recently, the Federal Reserve have all published draft principles for climate-related financial risk management for large banks. The Department of Labor just finalized a rule that would, in practice, require pension fiduciaries to consider climate change and ESG factors in making investment decisions, irrespective of their pecuniary relevance. And last, but certainly not least, the National Credit Union Administration published a since-rescinded strategic plan that seemed to recommend credit unions need to alter their field of membership and loan offerings in farming communities.

All of these actions have real-world impacts that your administration would be well served to evaluate. For instance, establishing rules, strategic plans, and principles to coerce financial institutions and other firms to limit their lending and exposure to certain businesses drives up prices on consumers. Choking off access to capital for companies in the energy sector in an attempt to decimate the fossil fuels industry drives up the cost of fuel and electricity at a time of record costs, further stoking inflation. Discouraging lending to farming and ranching communities in an attempt to reduce natural livestock emissions strains supply chains and increases the cost of food. Therefore, it would be prudent for your administration to actually take the time to evaluate the costs its actions are directly and indirectly imposing on American businesses and families, as well as conduct the necessary analysis as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. As our nation continues to grapple with record-high inflation, administrative actions that increase prices should be the last thing on your agenda.

Of course, financial institutions and other firms need to be mindful of their exposure to and concentration in certain industries to ensure safety and soundness. However, your administration must recognize that, though these ESG-type regulatory actions are generally targeted at the nation’s largest financial institutions and Wall Street firms, they have a trickledown effect on our nation’s community banks and credit unions that are feeling the pressure from Washington. These entities, which are essential for economic opportunity and stability across the country, are concerned about how your administration’s myopic environmental agenda could impede their ability to lend to their clients and foster the growth necessary to steer our economy away from a recession. And in rural communities, community banks and credit unions are acutely wary of how your administration’s overreach could harm their ability to lend to their agriculture clients.

As you head into the second half of your current term, it is vitally important that your administration, prior to taking action and pumping out rules, actually look beyond the beltway and take into account the real-world impacts that financial regulators’ environmental actions have on businesses, families, and community banks and credit unions across the nation. This common sense is long overdue.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-ron-johnson-hears-from-experts-and-medical-professionals-on-covid-19-vaccine-efficacy-and-safety,Sen. Ron Johnson Hears from Experts and Medical Professionals on COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy and Safety,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) hosted a roundtable discussion, COVID-19 Vaccines: What they Are, How They Work, and Possible Causes of Injuries, to shed light on the current state of knowledge surrounding the vaccine and explore the path forward. The experts and medical professionals who joined Sen. Johnson at the roundtable discussed the scientific background of the coronavirus, functionality of the vaccine, failures in the pandemic response, early treatment drugs, adverse reactions, vaccine injuries and plans for future research and response.

Sen: Ron Johnson at yesterday’s panel: “I do want to point out the complexity of what we're dealing with here. I think of many problems during the pandemic, one of the biggest casualties was just modesty in admitting how much we don't know. I really want that sinking in, understand how much we don't know about the body, about its response about, quite honestly, our marvelous natural immunity, and then how man’s interventions might just screw that up. I think we need to be honest, we need to admit that so I'm hoping we can talk about that complexity today.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Sen. Johnson has been a strong proponent of holding the federal government accountable for their failed response to COVID-19 and a leading advocate for early treatment, healthcare freedom and individuals who have experienced adverse reactions. Yesterday’s three-hour discussion was Sen. Johnson’s fifth roundtable on COVID-19.

In June 2021, he held a press conference in Milwaukee with vaccine injured from Wisconsin and around the country. In November 2021, he held a roundtable with vaccine injured and medical experts entitled “Sen. Johnson Expert Panel on Vaccine Mandates.” In January 2022, he held a discussion with doctors and medical experts entitled “COVID-19: A Second Opinion.” In April 2022 he held a listening session with Wisconsin parents to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their children’s education. He has also written dozens of oversight letters to our federal health agencies pressing for transparency and accountability regarding the administration’s unsuccessful and harmful COVID-19 policies.

Sen. Johnson also extended an invitation to the following agencies and drug companies to hear firsthand about the impact of their failed response to COVID-19. All declined to participate.

Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, DDS, Ph.D., Acting Director of the National Institutes of Health

Dr. John R. Raymond Sr., MD, President and CEO of Medical College of Wisconsin

Dr. Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer

Dr. U?ur ?ahin, MD, Chief Executive Officer of BioNTech

Stéphane Bancel, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna Therapeutics

Dr. Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to the President

Dr. Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration

Dr. Peter Marks, MD, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration

Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, MD, MPH, MBA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force

Watch the full roundtable HERE.

Highlights are below.

Dr. David Gortler on calling for more public health transparency

“I’m disheartened to see what’s going on with these vaccines or gene therapy, as I constantly go back and forth with labeling it one or the other. But even more upsetting is I can’t believe that the FDA, where I’ve worked as a career medical officer, that I’m the only person who, out of the 20,000 employees or so at the FDA, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, public health officials, that’s here speaking out about this. I don’t understand. These people took oaths, and I don’t understand why other people aren’t speaking out.”

Dr. Joel Wallskog on the lack of support for the vaccine injured

“Let me be clear. For those that are considering a COVID shot, if you have an adverse event after your shot, you are on your own. If you are a parent considering a shot for your child and they have an adverse event, you and your child are on your own. If you can't work, your employer like mine may abandon you. There is little to no financial recourse for you. There is no one to sue. You will likely not be able to find a provider who recognizes and treats COVID 19 vaccine injuries. You may be shunned by family and friends because you are the objective evidence that the vaccine has real complications. You are the vaccine's dirty little secret. After your adverse event, you will likely decide not to vaccinate your children with the COVID shot. And ironically, you'll be called an anti-vaxxer. I urge you to demand informed consent when considering COVID-19 vaccination. That includes understanding the risks, benefits and options of the shot. Demand this from your provider if they use the simple term, quote ‘safe and effective,’ I urge you to run, not walk, and find a new provider and educate yourself about the significant risks, limited benefits and alternatives of the COVID shots.”

Dr. Kirk Milhoan on myocarditis in children

“Having spent time with thousands of patients explaining their child's heart problem, if your child has to be hospitalized in the ICU with myocarditis, even if I call it a mild case, no parent ever thinks that their child being in a pediatric ICU is mild.

“A study was recently published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. It shows the outcomes of at least 90 days since the onset of myocarditis after mRNA COVID vaccination in adolescents and young adults in the USA. And what they found was pretty alarming. What they showed was that if they looked at the echocardiogram and EKG, that those all went back pretty close to baseline in the majority of patients. And that's what you often hear. ‘Oh, the EKG was normal.’ ‘Oh, the echocardiogram was normal or the blood test to see if the heart was inflamed, the troponin, it's all back to normal.’ However, if they dug a little deeper, what they saw was that the if they looked with a cardiac MRI, one of our most sensitive tests to look for damage to the heart, they saw that in 151 kids who had an MRI at 90 days, 81 of them still had damage to their heart and the damage was of late gadolinium enhancement, which is associated with sudden cardiac death. I am passionate for the health of our children.”

Dr. Robert Malone on the federal government’s manipulative COVID-19 vaccine message

“I guarantee I would not have promised things that I did not have data for. I would not have substituted hope for data. I would not have deployed an amazingly powerful and highly coordinated propaganda campaign to compel Americans to accept an unlicensed product on the basis of hope. And I refer, of course, to the quotes from Deborah Birx and from Rochelle Walensky. This is not acceptable, in my opinion, in terms of a basis for public policy.”

Dr. Renata Moon on countries banning the COVID-19 vaccine

“You know, as a pediatrician, I have to speak to the health of our nation's children. And we are being asked to inject this product into our nation's kids who have essentially a 0% risk of harm. When I bring up with families that other reputable countries have banned this, they're stunned. They haven't heard this from our mainstream media. And I do think we need to pause for a second and just stress how relevant that is. Other nations have banned this product because it's too dangerous for younger people. What are we doing?”

Dr. Paul Marik on the FDA sabotaging use of early treatment drugs

“The FDA themselves promotes the use of off label drugs. They in fact encourage the use of off label and off labeling is just a technical point about advertising. These are FDA approved drugs which the FDA on their own website promotes about 40% of drugs. 40% of drugs used in hospitals are used off label. Dr. McCullough uses off label drugs every single day in his career. That's fine if you're treating heart disease, but certainly if it's coronavirus that the FDA, the CDC, the NIH do not want you to use an off label drug because it would compete with Big Pharma. And in my hospital I was banned or discouraged from using off label drugs, which we use every day. Methylprednisolone, Vitamin C. My hospital would not allow me to use vitamin C. We're talking about basic safe drugs and it's an outrage.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-the-national-defense-authorization-act,Senator Baldwin Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act,2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing, released the following statement on the final conferenced National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023:

“The final agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 strengthens our national security, invests in Wisconsin’s servicemembers and veterans, and supports our Wisconsin economy. I am thrilled that the bill includes my bipartisan Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act, legislation that will boost our icebreaking resources needed to support our maritime economy, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect our Great Lakes for generations to come. I am excited for this legislation to come to the Senate and to get the job done for our servicemembers, veterans, and Made in Wisconsin’s economy.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-blackburn-introduce-legislation-to-place-womans-suffrage-national-monument-on-national-mall-,"Senators Baldwin, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Place Women’s Suffrage National Monument on National Mall",2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act, to ensure that the Women’s Suffrage National Monument is located on the National Mall. In 2020, legislation passed to create the Women’s Suffrage National Monument on federal lands in Washington, D.C., but it did not authorize establishment of the monument on the National Mall. Under current law, the Commemorative Works Clarification and Revision Act of 2003, a specific act of Congress is required to place a new commemorative work or visitor center on the National Mall, therefore requiring passage of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Location Act to secure a monument to honor women’s history in the sacred location.

“Just over a century ago, the United States finally welcomed women into our democracy and extended to them its most fundamental right – the right to vote. But we know that this milestone was only accomplished through a decades-long fight led by women of all backgrounds joining arm in arm, including women of color who fought alongside their white counterparts even though many of whom were still denied the right to vote after the 19th Amendment was ratified,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that the monument that honors the suffragettes and fight for women’s right to vote is housed in its rightful place for the world to see, the National Mall. The National Mall is home to memorials for those who fought for our freedom, Presidents who defined our country, and the seat of our government, and it is only fitting that it also houses the Women's Suffrage National Monument. Wisconsin has been at the forefront of the fight for women’s rights and I am proud to be continuing this long and proud tradition.”

“Tennessee has played a critical role in the women’s suffrage fight since we became the 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment – granting women the right to vote. I’m pleased to join Senator Baldwin in this bipartisan legislation that will ensure the Women’s Suffrage Monument is given its rightful place on the National Mall and honors the work of Susan B. Anthony and the trailblazers who fought ardently for future generations of women,” said Senator Blackburn.

The monument will commemorate the women’s suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment was first ratified in Wisconsin and last ratified in Tennessee.

“The two-mile stretch of land that reaches from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial is known as the National Mall,” said Anna Laymon, Executive Director of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. “Flanked by the White House, our national cultural institutions, and the halls of government, the National Mall is where “we the people” showcase our history. It is the land that holds our national memory. And yet, walking the grounds of the National Mall today, you will encounter war memorials and monuments honoring civil rights heroes and past presidents. You will stand in awe of the giants who have earned their place in our national story. But you won't see women. With the support of Congress, that is all about to change.”

Senator Baldwin led a bipartisan group of women Senators in introducing and passing the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission Act into law, creating a commission charged with planning and executing programs, projects and activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment. Throughout 2020, this Commission told the story of women’s fight for the vote, culminating in Senator Baldwin’s resolution that designated August 2020 as National Women’s Suffrage Month.

Full text of this legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-ron-johnson-colleagues-congress-should-oppose-pelosi-schumer-spending-spree-support-short-term-cr,"Sen. Ron Johnson, Colleagues: Congress Should Oppose Pelosi-Schumer Spending Spree, Support Short-Term CR",2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) sent a letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressing opposition to a Pelosi-Schumer omnibus spending bill in the current lame duck Congress.

“The American people sent an unmistakable message in the November midterm elections, making clear that they want a Republican-led House to serve as check on the unfettered spending of the current Democrat-controlled Congress. For the Senate to ram through a so-called “omnibus” bill—which would fund the entirety of the Pelosi-Schumer spending agenda through most of next year—would utterly disempower the new Republican House from enacting our shared priorities,” the Senators wrote. “Locking the new Congress into yet another year of Democrat policies would flout the will of the voters and prevent the incoming Republican majority in the House of Representatives and the newly elected Republican Senators from moderating the reckless policy agenda of the last two years. Moreover, adding an increase or suspension of the debt ceiling for another year would issue Democrats a blank check and inevitably add trillions more to our crushing national debt.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-demands-ftc-neutrality-antitrust-enforcement,Fitzgerald Demands FTC Neutrality on Antitrust Enforcement,2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina Khan concerning the FTC's decision to rollback nonpartisan competition practices, opening the door for the regulator to implement ESG criteria.

""The FTC is intended to be an independent agency above the partisan fold. However, the latest decision to politicize antitrust enforcement demonstrates the erosion of neutrality and reliability of objective competitive markets and consumer protection at the commission, said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald.Chairwoman Khan must reconsider their latest action and protect the integrity of the agency.""

Co-signers: Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08), Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19), Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17), Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14), Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Rep. Matt Rosendale (MT-AL).

Read the letter here:

Read Fox Business's coverage here:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3255,Grothman Elected to Republican Policy Committee,2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,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) released the following statement after being elected to serve on the Republican Policy Committee in the 118th Congress. The Republican Policy Committee consists of members from 19 regions across the United States and its territories. Grothman will serve as the representative for Region 8, which includes Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. The Committee serves as an advisory team to House Republicans in crafting policy priorities and provides a forum for Republican Members to discuss legislative proposals.

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to bring Wisconsin values and commonsense solutions to the Congressional leadership table by serving as a regional representative to the Republican Policy Committee,” said Grothman.

“I look forward to helping ease the pain families and businesses are feeling across the country by advancing conservative principles in Washington to bring an end to the multitude of crises facing America under the Biden Administration. Time to get to work.”

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-delegation-call-for-evers-to-ban-tiktok-from-state-government-devices,"Steil, Delegation Call for Evers to Ban TikTok from State Government Devices",2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) joined alongside Rep. Mike Gallagher, Sen. Ron Johnson, and Reps. Glenn Grothman, Scott Fitzgerald, and Tom Tiffany, in sending a letter to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers calling on the Governor to ban TikTok from Wisconsin government devices. They also called for Governor Evers, who has used TikTok in the past, to delete his TikTok account.

“TikTok presents clear national security risks. To protect Wisconsin’s government data and our personal data, we should not be using TikTok on government devices. Thank you Rep. Gallagher for leading this effort,” said Steil.

In part, the lawmakers wrote, ""We write to urge you to ban TikTok from Wisconsin government devices and to lead by example and delete TikTok from your own devices. TikTok is nefarious Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spyware that surveils American citizens, promotes CCP propaganda, and allows the CCP to censor and control Americans’ news and content. The United States Congress and multiple Biden Administration officials have raised concerns about TikTok on national security grounds and even called for a ban. These concerns are not localized at the federal level—this affects the Wisconsin state government and Wisconsinites at large. As governor, you should prohibit this app from state government devices.""

To read the full text of the letter, click here, or read the text below.

Dear Governor Evers,

We write to urge you to ban TikTok from Wisconsin government devices and to lead by example and delete TikTok from your own devices. TikTok is nefarious Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spyware that surveils American citizens, promotes CCP propaganda, and allows the CCP to censor and control Americans’ news and content. The United States Congress and multiple Biden Administration officials have raised concerns about TikTok on national security grounds and even called for a ban. These concerns are not localized at the federal level—this affects the Wisconsin state government and Wisconsinites at large. As governor, you should prohibit this app from state government devices.

The CCP controls and directs TikTok. TikTok’s corporate owner, ByteDance, is a Chinese company and is therefore bound by Chinese law to assist CCP intelligence agencies. ByteDance’s editor-in-chief, Zhang Fuping, is a CCP member and chairs the company’s Communist Party Committee. In a September 2020 court filing, the Department of Justice described ByteDance’s founder and former CEO, Zhang Yiming, as a “mouthpiece for the CCP” and “committed to promoting the CCP’s agenda and messaging.” President Biden recognizes the threat posed by TikTok. In July 2020, he required all of his presidential campaign staff to delete TikTok from their work and personal phones.

TikTok is a CCP surveillance tool. It tracks cell phone users’ data, including user location data, and users’ keystrokes, even when not even using the app. The CCP can thus collect sensitive intelligence on Wisconsin government employees and even blackmail or pressure them based on this information.6 Just last month, Forbes reported that ByteDance planned to use TikTok to track specific Americans’ locations for a non-advertising purpose.

Even worse than its data collection, TikTok can use its black box algorithm to promote CCP propaganda and censor content. We have already seen TikTok censor references to the CCP’s genocide and reeducation camps in Xinjiang and the Tiananmen Square massacre and block the account of an American Muslim rights activist who criticized the CCP’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims before an outcry forced a reverse course. The concern with this algorithm is especially acute given the growing percentage of American adults who use TikTok as their news source. It is inappropriate for the CCP to curate Wisconsin government employees’ news feed.

It is not unprecedented for a state governor to ban TikTok on government devices. Last week, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem issued an Executive Order banning TikTok from the South Dakota state government devices of government employees, agencies, and contractors. We strongly urge you to follow Governor Noem’s lead and examine your own legal authorities to ban TikTok from Wisconsin state government devices.

We further request that you lead by example and immediately delete your own TikTok accounts. Wisconsinites expect their governor to be aware of the dangerous national security threats TikTok poses and to protect them from this avenue for CCP intelligence operations. Knowing the threats posed by CCP control of TikTok, it is irresponsible—at best—for a governor to ignore these risks and promote TikTok through his own use of the app.

If you do not intend to delete your TikTok account or to ban TikTok from government devices, please respond with an explanation of your decision. Thank you for your prompt attention to this vital national security matter",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-announces-united-states-service-academy-nominations,Tiffany Announces United States Service Academy Nominations,2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WAUSAU, WI – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced nine students from Wisconsin's Seventh District who were nominated to a U.S. service academy. All high school students admitted into our nation’s military service academies must first receive a nomination from at least one member of their state’s Congressional Delegation, the Vice President, or the President of the United States.

“I would like to congratulate these nine hard-working and dedicated high school students on receiving my nomination to a United States service academy,”said Congressman Tom Tiffany. “These students are striving to serve something much bigger than themselves, and I cannot wait to see this next generation of young leaders answer the call to defend our nation.”

Students who have received a nomination to a U.S. service academy must still receive an offer of admission into an academy. If admitted, they will be offered the distinct honor of earning a four-year university education with the commitment of serving in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

The following students received a nomination to a U.S. service academy:

United States Military Academy West Point

Lucas Sydlewski of Houlton, WI – Missouri Military Academy

Bennett Hatfield of Hudson, WI – Hudson High School

United States Air Force Academy

Megan DeLeasky of Phillips, WI – Phillips High School

Isaac Anderson of Hudson, WI – Hudson High School

United States Naval Academy

Mark Jarman of Lake Nebagamon, WI – Northwestern High School

Shelby Hennlich of New Richmond, WI – New Richmond High School

Ingrid Holter of Hudson, WI – Hudson High School

Ryan Buehler of Ogema, WI – Rib Lake High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Hunter Beese of Amery, WI – Amery High School

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy manages its own selection process and does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. This year’s nominees were selected by a local panel of judges based on academic achievements, civic involvement, leadership skills, physical aptitude, and character through an interview process. A picture of all nine nominees can befound here. For more information on Congressman Tiffany’s service academy nominations, please visithis website here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-call-on-gov-evers-to-ban-tiktok-from-state-government-devices,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Call on Gov. Evers to Ban TikTok from State Government Devices",2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and four of their Wisconsin colleagues in a bicameral letter calling on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to ban TikTok from Wisconsin government devices. They also called for Governor Evers, who has used TikTok in the past, to delete his TikTok account.

""We write to urge you to ban TikTok from Wisconsin government devices and to lead by example and delete TikTok from your own devices. TikTok is nefarious Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spyware that surveils American citizens, promotes CCP propaganda, and allows the CCP to censor and control Americans’ news and content. The United States Congress and multiple Biden Administration officials have raised concerns about TikTok on national security grounds and even called for a ban. These concerns are not localized at the federal level—this affects the Wisconsin state government and Wisconsinites at large. As governor, you should prohibit this app from state government devices,"" the lawmakers wrote.

Sen. Johnson and Rep. Gallagher were joined on the letter by Representatives Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.) and Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.)

Read more about the letter in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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

Dear Governor Evers,

We write to urge you to ban TikTok from Wisconsin government devices and to lead by example and delete TikTok from your own devices. TikTok is nefarious Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spyware that surveils American citizens, promotes CCP propaganda, and allows the CCP to censor and control Americans’ news and content. The United States Congress and multiple Biden Administration officials have raised concerns about TikTok on national security grounds and even called for a ban. These concerns are not localized at the federal level—this affects the Wisconsin state government and Wisconsinites at large. As governor, you should prohibit this app from state government devices.

The CCP controls and directs TikTok. TikTok’s corporate owner, ByteDance, is a Chinese company and is therefore bound by Chinese law to assist CCP intelligence agencies. ByteDance’s editor-in-chief, Zhang Fuping, is a CCP member and chairs the company’s Communist Party Committee. In a September 2020 court filing, the Department of Justice described ByteDance’s founder and former CEO, Zhang Yiming, as a “mouthpiece for the CCP” and “committed to promoting the CCP’s agenda and messaging.” President Biden recognizes the threat posed by TikTok. In July 2020, he required all of his presidential campaign staff to delete TikTok from their work and personal phones.

TikTok is a CCP surveillance tool. It tracks cell phone users’ data, including user location data, and users’ keystrokes, even when not even using the app. The CCP can thus collect sensitive intelligence on Wisconsin government employees and even blackmail or pressure them based on this information.6 Just last month, Forbes reported that ByteDance planned to use TikTok to track specific Americans’ locations for a non-advertising purpose.

Even worse than its data collection, TikTok can use its black box algorithm to promote CCP propaganda and censor content. We have already seen TikTok censor references to the CCP’s genocide and reeducation camps in Xinjiang and the Tiananmen Square massacre and block the account of an American Muslim rights activist who criticized the CCP’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims before an outcry forced a reverse course. The concern with this algorithm is especially acute given the growing percentage of American adults who use TikTok as their news source. It is inappropriate for the CCP to curate Wisconsin government employees’ news feed.

It is not unprecedented for a state governor to ban TikTok on government devices. Last week, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem issued an Executive Order banning TikTok from the South Dakota state government devices of government employees, agencies, and contractors. We strongly urge you to follow Governor Noem’s lead and examine your own legal authorities to ban TikTok from Wisconsin state government devices.

We further request that you lead by example and immediately delete your own TikTok accounts. Wisconsinites expect their governor to be aware of the dangerous national security threats TikTok poses and to protect them from this avenue for CCP intelligence operations. Knowing the threats posed by CCP control of TikTok, it is irresponsible—at best—for a governor to ignore these risks and promote TikTok through his own use of the app.

If you do not intend to delete your TikTok account or to ban TikTok from government devices, please respond with an explanation of your decision. Thank you for your prompt attention to this vital national security matter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-demand-hearing-to-investigate-biden-administration-s-inhumane-treatment-of-migrant-children,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Demand Hearing to Investigate Biden Administration’s Inhumane Treatment of Migrant Children",2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, was joined by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) in a letter demanding Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, hold a hearing to investigate an alarming whistleblower report that claims the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is knowingly transferring unaccompanied migrant children in the custody of known criminals, including sex traffickers.

“On November 29, 2022, Project Veritas released a video of its interview with Tara Lee Rodas, an employee at the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) who was formerly detailed with HHS at the Emergency Intake Site in Pomona, California,” the senators explained.

Ms. Rodas made several disturbing claims about HHS and the Unaccompanied Children Program including “we know that children have been trafficked through the [Unaccompanied Children] program” and “we are paying to put children in the hands of criminals.”

“With Ms. Rodas’s courageous whistleblowing, the committee can no longer continue to allow this Administration to dodge scrutiny over its inhumane border crisis. Therefore, we demand that you to hold a hearing to investigate Ms. Rodas’s claims, calling as witnesses HHS Secretary Becerra, DHS Secretary Mayorkas, and CIGIE Chair Allison Lerner,” the senators concluded.

In previous hearings, where the senators pressed HHS and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for more information about human trafficking at our southern border, administration officials did not answer their questions.

Sen. Johnson also wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting information on the alarming whistleblower report.

Read more about the letter in Fox News.

A copy of the letter can be found here and below.

December 5, 2022

The Honorable Gary Peters

Chairman

U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Dear Chairman Peters:

We write in response to recently reported claims by federal employee whistleblower that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is knowingly transferring unaccompanied migrant children in the custody of criminals, including sex traffickers. This cannot be swept under the rug. Congress must immediately take action to stop the atrocities this whistleblower claims are being committed by the federal government itself. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs must call a hearing to further investigate these whistleblower claims.

On November 29, 2022, Project Veritas released a video of its interview with Tara Lee Rodas, an employee at the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) who was formerly detailed with HHS at the Emergency Intake Site in Pomona, California.[2] In just a 12-minute video, Ms. Rodas asserted several disturbing claims regarding the Unaccompanied Children Program and HHS’s failure to ensure children in the program are transported to safe, non-criminal sponsors, including:

“It’s just strange that HHS knows there’s a lot of children going to one area, and yet they’re not doing anything to say ‘there’s going to be a mandatory home study before we send one more child here.’”

“[The Biden Administration] relaxed a lot of the stringent vetting by creating these additional field guidances, and there’s a focus on ‘move the children’ as opposed to ‘place children in safe homes.’ Right now, it is speed over safety.”

“HHS does not want federal law enforcement going after their sponsors in any way.”

“Our sponsors typically are not citizens; they are not permanent residents. They don’t have legal presence.”

“[Most people] have no idea that children are going to unrelated people. That children are definitely—we have proof, evidence—that they are being recruited and transported. They are then in debt bondage.”

“We know that children have been trafficked through the [Unaccompanied Children] program.”

“Once the children are gone to the sponsor, there’s nothing we can do about it. There’s nothing that HHS can do.”

“We are paying to put children in the hands of criminals.”

The most reprehensible claim by Ms. Rodas occurred when she raised concerns to command center executives about placing another unaccompanied child in a questionable home. According to Ms. Rodas, someone told her, “I think you need to understand we only get sued if we keep kids in care too long. We don’t get sued by traffickers. Are you clear? We don’t get sued by traffickers.”

It angers us that this Administration is more concerned about lawsuits than about protecting a child from sex slavery. We have long known that the Biden Administration’s open border policies are fueling human trafficking and child sex trafficking, as migrants repay debts to the cartels who transport them to illegally cross the border. In committee hearings and briefings, We have repeatedly pressed HHS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for information about human trafficking across our border and continuing into our communities. However, this Administration is either unable or unwilling to answer our questions.

With Ms. Rodas’s courageous whistleblowing, the committee can no longer continue to allow this Administration to dodge scrutiny over its inhumane border crisis. Therefore, we demand that you to hold a hearing to investigate Ms. Rodas’s claims, calling as witnesses HHS Secretary Becerra, DHS Secretary Mayorkas, and CIGIE Chair Allison Lerner.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-joins-sen-daines-colleagues-in-calling-out-va-for-politicizing-veterans-healthcare,"Sen. Johnson Joins Sen. Daines, Colleagues in Calling Out VA for Politicizing Veterans’ Healthcare",2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and seven of their Republican colleagues in the following statement after receiving a late, inadequate response from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that failed to address the senators’ concerns with veterans’ access to community care.

“Not only does this weak response show a lack of respect for Congress’ role to advocate on behalf of our constituents, including veterans, it shows that the VA under Biden has no intent to move past political differences to better serve America’s heroes or work in good faith with those of us across the aisle. Our veterans deserve better,” the senators said.

In July, the senators sent a letter demanding the VA reaffirm its commitment to veterans and ensure they have access to quality health care in a timely manner.

Sens. Johnson and Daines were joined on the statement and the July letter by Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-biden-administration-stop-sending-unaccompanied-migrant-children-to-homes-with-unrelated-adults-and-criminals,Sen. Johnson Leads Colleagues in Demanding Biden Administration Stop Sending Unaccompanied Migrant Children to Homes with Unrelated Adults and Criminals,2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Encourages other whistleblowers to come forward

WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee, was joined by four of his Republican colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra demanding information related to an alarming whistleblower report that HHS is knowingly transferring unaccompanied migrant children in the custody of known criminals, including sex traffickers. The senators requested information regarding the disturbing complaint and how HHS vets sponsors of unaccompanied children.

“On November 29, 2022, Project Veritas released a video of its interview with Tara Lee Rodas, an employee at the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) who was formerly detailed with HHS at the Emergency Intake Site in Pomona, California,” the senators explained.

Ms. Rodas made several disturbing claims about HHS and the Unaccompanied Children Program including “we know that children have been trafficked through the [Unaccompanied Children] program” and “we are paying to put children in the hands of criminals.”

“We have long known that the Biden Administration’s open border policies are fueling human trafficking and child sex trafficking, as migrants repay debts to the cartels who transport them to illegally cross the border. We have repeatedly pressed HHS and the Department of Homeland Security for information on what the federal government is doing to ensure we are not facilitating the cartels’ trafficking operations. It is infuriating that, according to Ms. Rodas, HHS is doing nothing to protect these vulnerable individuals and shows indifference in its knowledge that it hands children over to criminals for exploitation,” the senators wrote.

Sen. Johnson was joined on the letter by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.).

Read more about the letter in Fox News.

A copy of the letter can be found here and below.

December 5, 2022

The Honorable Xavier Becerra

Secretary

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dear Secretary Becerra:

We write concerning an alarming report by a federal employee whistleblower that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is knowingly transferring unaccompanied migrant children in the custody of criminals, including sex traffickers. If these claims are true, this is pure evil being committed by your agency. This cannot be swept under the rug; the American public must know the truth about what is happening to these victims of the Biden Administration’s inhumane open border policies.

On November 29, 2022, Project Veritas released a video of its interview with Tara Lee Rodas, an employee at the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) who was formerly detailed with HHS at the Emergency Intake Site in Pomona, California.[1] In just a 12-minute video, Ms. Rodas asserted several disturbing claims regarding the Unaccompanied Children Program and HHS’s failure to ensure children in the program are transported to safe, non-criminal sponsors, including:

“It’s just strange that HHS knows there’s a lot of children going to one area, and yet they’re not doing anything to say ‘there’s going to be a mandatory home study before we send one more child here.’”

“[The Biden Administration] relaxed a lot of the stringent vetting by creating these additional field guidances, and there’s a focus on ‘move the children’ as opposed to ‘place children in safe homes.’ Right now, it is speed over safety.”

“HHS does not want federal law enforcement going after their sponsors in any way.”

“Our sponsors typically are not citizens; they are not permanent residents. They don’t have legal presence.”

“[Most people] have no idea that children are going to unrelated people. That children are definitely—we have proof, evidence—that they are being recruited and transported. They are then in debt bondage.”

“We know that children have been trafficked through the [Unaccompanied Children] program.”

“Once the children are gone to the sponsor, there’s nothing we can do about it. There’s nothing that HHS can do.”

“We are paying to put children in the hands of criminals.”

The most reprehensible claim by Ms. Rodas occurred when she raised concerns to command center executives about placing another unaccompanied child in a questionable home. According to Ms. Rodas, someone told her, “I think you need to understand we only get sued if we keep kids in care too long. We don’t get sued by traffickers. Are you clear? We don’t get sued by traffickers.”

Ms. Rodas encouraged HHS employees or others with knowledge of this information to come forward, and we strongly agree. We beg individuals to shed light on the extent to which the federal government may be complicit, or even providing material support, to human traffickers. We also assert to you that such information would be protected disclosures, and federal whistleblower laws prohibits any retaliation against individuals for making these disclosures, regardless of whether they are made within HHS, to the HHS Inspector General (IG), to the Government Accountability Office, to another agency or agency IG, to CIGIE, or to Congress. This includes Ms. Rodas, who believes she was retaliated against for raising concerns about the Unaccompanied Children Program.

We have long known that the Biden Administration’s open border policies are fueling human trafficking and child sex trafficking, as migrants repay debts to the cartels who transport them to illegally cross the border. We have repeatedly pressed HHS and the Department of Homeland Security for information on what the federal government is doing to ensure we are not facilitating the cartels’ trafficking operations. It is infuriating that, according to Ms. Rodas, HHS is doing nothing to protect these vulnerable individuals and shows indifference in its knowledge that it hands children over to criminals for exploitation.

It is unbelievable that we must write this, but it is necessary in light of Ms. Rodas’s whistleblowing: Stop sending unaccompanied children to homes with unrelated adults and criminals. We also request the following information about Ms. Rodas’s whistleblower claims:

1) Please provide specific responses to Ms. Rodas’s allegations detailed in her quotes above.

2) Please provide all guidance issued to HHS intake sites on vetting sponsors for unaccompanied children.

3) Please provide the HHS policy for when a single individual sponsors multiple unrelated unaccompanied children.

4) Please explain what information about sponsors is collected and monitored by HHS, including addresses and number of children sponsored.

5) Please provide the HHS policy for when HHS suspects or knows a sponsor provided false information or otherwise committed fraud in order to sponsor an unaccompanied child.

6) Please provide the HHS policy for when an unaccompanied child reports to HHS, an immigration court, or other government official that the sponsor is forcing the child to engage in unlawful labor practices, sexual acts, or other criminal actions.

7) Please provide the number and types of referrals HHS has made to federal, state, or local law enforcement for a sponsor providing fraudulent information to HHS, engaging in criminal activities while sponsoring an unaccompanied child, including trafficking or other offenses in which a sponsor exploited the child.

Please provide this information no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022. Please contact Brandon Palumbo in my office at brandon_palumbo@ronjohnson.senate.gov if you have any questions.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-container-life-cycle-managements-165-million-settlement-and-required-facility-upgrades,Senator Baldwin Statement on Container Life Cycle Management’s $1.65 Million Settlement and Required Facility Upgrades,2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a settlement with Container Life Cycle Management LLC to address the company’s air emissions and waste management violations at its container reconditioning facilities in St. Francis and Oak Creek and a former site in Milwaukee. The settlement requires the company to upgrade its facilities that will protect workers and nearby residents.

“I welcome the news that Container Life Cycle Management is being held accountable for their actions and required to upgrade its facilities because protecting the health and wellness of workers, community members, and our environment is not just the right thing to do, it is the law,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to have worked with workers and community members for the past five years to shine a light on these violations and bring justice to the community. Still, there is more work to be done. A recent EPA report highlights significant and ongoing problems at drum reconditioning facilities across the country, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to help ensure laws and regulations protect workers and those who live nearby these facilities.”

For more than five years, Senator Baldwin has been advocating for workers and neighbors who have been put at risk due to the company’s violations of federal air and hazardous waste laws. At Senator Baldwin’s request, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) opened investigations at the Container Life Cycle Management, owned by Greif, Inc. facilities in Wisconsin and have issued fines. Below are actions Senator Baldwin has taken to keep Wisconsinites safe:

February 15, 2017 – Senator Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s Letter to the EPA calling for an investigation into the apparent violation of federal environmental protections.

February 15, 2017 – Senator Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s letter to the DOT urging Secretary Chao to investigate the apparent violation of federal law that requires safe transportation of hazardous materials.

February 15, 2017 – Senator Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s letter to OSHA calling on the agency to investigate the accounts of a hazardous and unsafe workplace that failed to protect workers from serious short-term hazards and long-term health impacts.

May 1, 2017 – Senator Baldwin’s Letter to OSHA requesting that OSHA investigate Oak Creek and St. Francis, in addition to the Milwaukee facility.

May 8, 2017 – Senator Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s letter to the DOT requesting that the investigation be shared when complete

July 28, 2017 – Senator Baldwin’s letter to OSHA again requesting that OSHA investigates Oak Creek and St. Francis, citing OSHA inspection referral guidelines.

September 5, 2017 – Senator Baldwin’s letter to OSHA urging OSHA to use all authorities in going after Greif, specifically those outlined in a DOJ/OSHA MOU.

October 12, 2017 – Sens. Baldwin and Donnelly’s letter to EPA and OSHA imploring them to investigate Greif, Inc. at all sites nationwide.

October 12, 2017 – Sens. Baldwin and Donnelly’s letter to EPA and OSHA imploring them to investigate Greif, Inc. at all sites nationwide.

August 4, 2022 – Senator Baldwin’s letter to EPA requesting an update on the investigation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/media-advisory-sen-johnson-to-lead-roundtable-on-covid-19-vaccine-efficacy-and-safety,*** MEDIA ADVISORY*** Sen. Johnson to Lead Roundtable on COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy and Safety,2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) will lead a roundtable discussion, COVID-19 Vaccines: What They Are, How They Work, and Possible Causes of Injuries, to shed light on the current state of knowledge surrounding the vaccine and the path forward. Medical experts and doctors who specialize in COVID-19 vaccine research and treatment will join Sen. Johnson at the roundtable.

A livestream of the event will be available.

WHAT: Roundtable discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine

WHO: Senator Ron Johnson, medical experts and doctors specializing in COVID-19

WHEN: December 7, 2022

12:00 PM ET

WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building, Kennedy Caucus Room 325

RSVP: Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 7 at 8:00 AM CT with name, outlet, email and phone number to press@ronjohnson.senate.gov.

In addition to doctors and academicians, the Senator also invited the following federal health agency heads, the CEO’s of Pfizer and Moderna, and other individuals who have developed, promoted and led the response to COVID-19 vaccines:

Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, DDS, Ph.D., Acting Director of the National Institutes of Health

Dr. John R. Raymond Sr., MD, President and CEO of Medical College of Wisconsin

Dr. Albert Bourla, DVM, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer

Dr. U?ur ?ahin, MD, Chief Executive Officer of BioNTech

Stéphane Bancel, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna Therapeutics

Dr. Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to the President

Dr. Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration

Dr. Peter Marks, MD, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration

Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, MD, MPH, MBA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5104,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on House Passage of the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022,2022-12-02,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“I am so pleased to support this vital legislation, which helps our most vulnerable new mothers when they need assistance the most. This guidance for new parents -- from securing mental health screenings, to helping mothers with the breastfeeding process -- benefits both parents and their babies. MIECHV program’s success speaks for itself: it supports children’s development, improves mother’s maternal health, and helps connect families to resources they need. The research shows, through repeated evaluation, this program is consistently proven to provide an improved outcome for families and children.

I can speak personally to the improved outcomes having access to trained home visitors can make. When I was 18 years old, some 50 years ago, when I became a teenage mother, having a home visitor was such a blessing for me and my baby girl. I didn't even know how to change a diaper. As a new parent, I learned so many skills that I was struggling to learn as a single mother. The home visiting program was a fail-safe for me.

It brings me great joy that this reauthorization, named after my late colleague Jackie Walorski, who was such a champion of MIECHV programs, will improve funding for states and tribes, ensuring that more families can access this amazing resource.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-colleagues-warn-ccp-against-violent-crackdown-on-protesters,"Sen. Johnson, Colleagues Warn CCP Against Violent Crackdown on Protesters",2022-12-02,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in a bipartisan letter to the Chinese ambassador to the United States warning the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime of the consequences of a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. Demonstrations have erupted across China in response to the CCP’s severe measures restricting freedoms to contain rising COVID-19 infections.

“We caution the CCP in the strongest possible terms not to once again undertake a violent crackdown on peaceful Chinese protesters who simply want more freedom. If that happens, we believe there will be grave consequences for the US-China relationship, causing extraordinary damage to it,” said the senators.

Senators Johnson, Sullivan and Merkley are joined on the letter by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) John Thune (R-S.D.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

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

December 1, 2022

Ambassador Qin Gang

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Dear Ambassador Qin:

We are following the current peaceful protests in China over your government’s policies very carefully. We are also closely watching the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) reaction to them.

In 1989, the Chinese Communist Party and People’s Liberation Army undertook a violent crackdown on peacefully protesting Chinese students, killing hundreds, if not thousands.

We caution the CCP in the strongest possible terms not to once again undertake a violent crackdown on peaceful Chinese protesters who simply want more freedom. If that happens, we believe there will be grave consequences for the US-China relationship, causing extraordinary damage to it.

Sincerely,

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tiffany-announces-winners-2022-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Tiffany Announces Winners of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WAUSAU, WI – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced the winners of the 2022Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for Wisconsin's Seventh District. The CAC encourages middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications using any programming language and any platform. This year, Congressman Tiffany’s office received over fifteen submissions.

“The computer science field is continuing to grow, and I am always amazed by the creativity and skills so many young students in Wisconsin's Seventh District possess,”said Congressman Tiffany. “I thank each student for their submission, the teachers who help make this competition possible, and I congratulate each winner on their outstanding work.”

First Place

App:Campaign Simulator

By: Dagmar Beckel, Casey Haugen, and Peter Wise

School: Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School

Second Place

App:Daily Planner

By: Touly Yang

School: D.C. Everest High School

Third Place

App:Secret Message Encryption

By: Landon Lee

School: D.C. Everest High School

Thefirst place app will be eligible for display at the U.S. Capitol and be featured on the House of Representatives website. Additionally, the winners will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in the spring. Please visitCongressman Tiffany’s website for more information on the CAC.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-applauds-epa-taking-next-step-to-strengthen-renewable-fuel-standard,Senator Baldwin Applauds EPA Taking Next Step to Strengthen Renewable Fuel Standard,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) multi-part proposal to build on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2023, 2024, and 2025. The RFS requires annual volumes of renewable fuels, including ethanol, be used in the fuel supply to reduce emissions, improve energy security and lower costs.

“I appreciate the Biden Administrations commitment to growing our biofuel industry and today’s announcement is a step in the right direction for our homegrown, clean energy economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “Stronger RFS standards not only support Wisconsin corn growers and biofuel producers, but also generate savings at the pump for working families, lower carbon emissions, and increase our energy security. I’ve been a proud advocate for Wisconsin’s strong biofuels industry and look forward to continuing this work with the Administration to provide certainty for our farmers and our Made In Wisconsin renewable fuels economy.”

Senator Baldwin has long pushed the EPA to increase the biofuel volume under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to increase our energy security, cut pollution, and support Wisconsin’s biofuels industry. Senator Baldwin is also a co-sponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral Defend the Blend Act, which would prohibit the EPA from retroactively reducing RVO levels once the annual rule is finalized.

This proposal includes steady growth of biofuels for use in the nation’s fuel supply for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Because the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) does not include volumes after 2022, this is the first time that EPA is setting these proposed biofuel volume targets without using those outlined in statute.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-leads-senate-resolution-commemorating-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-marine-protection-research-and-sanctuaries-act-of-1972,"Senator Baldwin Leads Senate Resolution Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972",2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, introduced a Senate Resolution recognizing and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. The legislation has long protected our nation’s maritime heritage by providing for the establishment of national marine sanctuaries across the United States. This Senate Resolution acknowledges the importance of national marine sanctuaries in conserving marine ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and supporting community resilience.

“For decades, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act has helped preserve our natural waters while providing new opportunities for research, recreation and tourism across the country,” said Senator Baldwin. “Last year, I was proud to help establish the first national marine sanctuary in Wisconsin to preserve our Great Lakes and drive tourism, research and preservation efforts for communities along Lake Michigan. With this resolution, we are continuing our commitment to the strong Wisconsin tradition of preserving our natural resources for generations to come.”

Senator Baldwin successfully led the charge to bring a national marine sanctuary to Wisconsin. In October 2013, Senator Baldwin urged NOAA to re-open the public nomination process for marine sanctuaries for the first time in 20 years. After the Administration announced in June 2014 that Americans would be given the opportunity to nominate nationally significant marine and Great Lakes areas as national marine sanctuaries, Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan proposal was submitted and Senator Baldwin called on NOAA to support their efforts. The Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary was officially designated in 2021.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has continued to advocate for Wisconsin’s Great Lakes by supporting robust funding for the National Marine Sanctuaries Program and by requesting federal funding for the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

Full text of the Senate Resolution is available here and below:

Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, which provided for the establishment of national marine sanctuaries.

Whereas, on October 23, 1972, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) became law and ushered in a new era of ocean conservation;

Whereas, as of October 2022, the National Marine Sanctuary System is a nationwide network that conserves spectacular oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes waters;

Whereas communities across the United States can nominate their most treasured places in marine and Great Lakes waters for consideration as national marine sanctuaries;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries protect biodiversity, safeguard extraordinary seascapes, historic shipwrecks, and sacred cultural places, and provide abundant recreational opportunities;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries provide opportunities for community-Tribal partnerships to preserve the traditional ecological resources and cultural sites of local Indigenous peoples;

Whereas the conservation of marine ecosystems is vital for healthy oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, addressing climate change, and sustaining productive coastal economies;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries support coastal communities and generate billions of dollars annually in local economies by providing jobs in the United States, supporting commercial, Tribal, and recreational fisheries, bolstering tourism and recreation, engaging businesses in stewardship, and driving the growth of the blue economy;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries connect people and communities through science, education, recreation, and stewardship, inspiring community-based solutions that help individuals understand and protect the most spectacular underwater habitats, wildlife, archaeological resources, and cultural seascapes of the United States;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries are living laboratories to conduct cooperative science and research to improve resource management and advance innovative public-private partnerships;

Whereas national marine sanctuaries can help make the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes more resilient by protecting ecosystems that sequester carbon, safeguarding coastal communities from flooding and storms, and protecting biodiversity;

Whereas the United States is a maritime nation, and the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes are central to the way of life of the people of the United States; and

Whereas engaging communities as stewards of the waters protected as natural marine sanctuaries makes natural marine sanctuaries unique and provides a comprehensive, highly participatory approach to conserving marine eco-systems and the Great Lakes for current and future generations: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972;

(2) acknowledges the importance of national marine sanctuaries to supporting community resilience, protecting biodiversity, and increasing access to nature;

(3) celebrates the ability of the National Marine Sanctuary System to protect nationally significant places in the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes;

(4) calls on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to partner with communities and find consensus on designations of new national marine sanctuaries; and

(5) encourages Federal agencies to balance priorities and work together to support the priorities of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-votes-to-keep-railroads-open-and-wisconsin-economy-moving-forward-,Senator Baldwin Votes to Keep Railroads Open and Wisconsin Economy Moving Forward,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after voting to avoid a freight railroad shutdown:

“Reliable rail service is essential to get Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and manufacturers’ products to market and ensure families have access to the food and goods they need. I voted to keep our Made in Wisconsin economy moving forward and improve working conditions for rail workers nationwide. The impasse Congress, unfortunately, had to vote to resolve today was the direct result of the greed of the railroads and their Wall Street backers who have decimated the workforce and denied paid sick leave to workers in the service of ever higher profits. I am disappointed that our effort to ensure rail workers seven days of sick leave came up short, but moving forward, I will continue advocating for systemic reforms to protect rail workers and provide farmers, manufacturers, and consumers the fair rail service they deserve.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters.

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

Buffalo County Office Hours

Monday, December 5

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Alma City Hall

314 N. Main St., Alma, WI 54610

Pierce County Office Hours

Monday, December 5

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Ellsworth Village Hall

130 N. Chestnut St., Ellsworth, WI 54011

St. Croix County Office Hours

Monday, December 5

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Glenwood City Municipal Building

217 W. Oak St., Glenwood City, WI 54013

Polk County Office Hours

Tuesday, December 6

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Osceola Library, Rm 105

310 Chiefton St., Osceola, WI 54020

Burnett County Office Hours

Tuesday, December 6

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grantsburg Village Hall

316 S. Brad St., Grantsburg, WI 54840

Washburn County Office Hours

Tuesday, December 6

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Spooner Police Department

221 Elm St., Spooner, WI 54801

Douglas County Office Hours

Tuesday, December 6

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Solon Springs Community Center

11523 S. Business Highway 53, Solon Springs, WI 54873

Bayfield County Office Hours

Wednesday, December 7

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Bayfield Carnegie Library

37 N. Broad St., Bayfield, WI 54814

Iron County Office Hours

Wednesday, December 7

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Hurley City Hall

501 5th Ave., Hurley, WI 54534

Lincoln County Office Hours

Wednesday, December 7

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tomahawk City Hall

23 N. 2nd St., Tomahawk, WI 54487

Sauk County Office Hours

Wednesday, December 7

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Kraemer Library and Community Center

910 Main St., Plain, WI 53577

Marathon County Office Hours

Thursday, December 8

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Athens Village Hall

221 Caroline St., Athens, WI 54411

Taylor County Office Hours

Thursday, December 8

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Rib Lake Village Hall

655 Pearl St., Rib Lake, WI 54470

Dane County Office Hours

Thursday, December 8

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Belleville Public Library

20 S. Park St., Belleville, WI 53508

Price County Office Hours

Thursday, December 8

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Phillips Public Library

286 Cherry St., Phillips, WI 54555

Ashland County Office Hours

Thursday, December 8

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Butternut Village Hall

301 Michigan St., Butternut, WI 54514

Sawyer County Office Hours

Thursday, December 8

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Hayward City Hall

15889 W. 3rd St., Hayward, WI 54843

Barron County Office Hours

Friday, December 9

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Chetek City Hall

220 Stout St., Chetek, WI 54728

Rusk County Office Hours

Friday, December 9

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ladysmith City Hall

120 W. Miner Ave., Ladysmith, WI 54848

Clark County Office Hours

Friday, December 9

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thorp City Hall

300 W. Prospect St., Thorp, WI 54771

Eau Claire County Office Hours

Friday, December 9

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fairchild Village Hall

331 Oak St., Fairchild, WI 54741

Rock County Office Hours

Friday, December 9

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Beloit City Hall

100 State St., Beloit, WI 53511

Iowa County Office Hours

Monday, December 12

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cobb Village Office

501 Benson St., Cobb, WI 53526

Grant County Office Hours

Monday, December 12

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dickeyville Village Office

500 East Ave., Dickeyville, WI 53808

Chippewa County Office Hours

Friday, December 16

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Lake Hallie Village Hall

13136 30th Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Dunn County Office Hours

Friday, December 16

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wheeler Village Hall

105 W. Tower Rd., Wheeler, WI 54772

Pepin County Office Hours

Friday, December 16

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Durand City Hall

104 E. Main St., Durand, WI 54736

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-johnson-releases-statement-on-railway-strike-negotiations,Sen. Johnson Releases Statement on Railway Strike Negotiations,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement regarding legislation to avert a possible railway strike.

“It’s unfortunate that President Biden failed to get railroad management and unions to agree, and that Democrats played politics with the issue in Congress. I do not believe that Congress should be inserting itself in imposing agreements between private companies and their workforce. The proper course of action should have been to extend the ‘cooling off’ period and force both sides back to the negotiating tables while maintaining rail operations. That amendment failed, but we could not let our rail system shut down and cause incalculable harm to the American people and our economy. Ultimately, that is why I voted to keep the trains running and accept the agreement negotiated by the railroads and union leaders.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tiffany-statement-hj-res-100-and-h-con-res-119,Rep. Tiffany Statement on H.J. Res. 100 and H. Con. Res. 119,2022-11-30,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,WI,Thomas P. Tiffany,T000165,tiffany.house.gov,tiffany,https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) issued the following statement after voting no on H.J. Res. 100 and H. Con. Res. 119.

“After President Biden created yet another crisis, despite saying the railroad agreement was a done deal, he shifted the responsibility to Congress to do the job he failed to broker. This is an expensive, lose-lose proposition that will stick farmers, factory workers, and families already struggling under the weight of soaring inflation with yet another costly bill. Congress should not have to clean up President Biden’s mess.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-colleagues-pass-resolution-to-designate-november-2022-as-national-hospice-and-palliative-care-month,"Senator Baldwin, Colleagues Pass Resolution to Designate November 2022 as ‘‘National Hospice and Palliative Care Month”",2022-11-30,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her fellow co-chairs and co-founders of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), in passing a bipartisan resolution recognizing November 2022 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, observed in November, honors the work and dedication of long-term and palliative care providers and volunteers, and the critical services they provide to families and their loved ones facing serious illnesses. This resolution is endorsed by the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

“Serving as my grandmother’s primary caregiver as she grew older, I know the world of difference it makes in someone’s life to have compassionate palliative care,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to have passed this bipartisan resolution to recognize the importance of palliative and hospice care, and look forward to continuing our work to improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans facing serious illnesses.”

“I am proud to have passed this resolution to designate November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month,” said Senator Rosen. “As someone who took care of my parents and in-laws when they aged, I know just how critical access to quality long-term care and supportive services is. This resolution will recognize all the ways in which hospice and palliative care providers improve the quality of life of so many patients and their caregivers.”

“I have experienced hospice care as both a doctor and family member,” said Senator Barrasso. “Hospice lets patients enjoy the highest quality of life when they need it most. Our bipartisan resolution recognizes all of the dedicated hospice providers in Wyoming and across the country.”

“By marking November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we can raise awareness about the benefits this type of care can provide,” said Senator Fischer. “Through our bipartisan work in the Comprehensive Care Caucus, we’ll continue to promote access to quality health care.”

“It means a great deal to our providers to have this congressional honor from the Senate,” said NHPCO COO and Interim CEO, Ben Marcantonio. “This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the first Proclamation recognizing November as National Hospice Month. Hospice and palliative care providers work tirelessly to meet patients and their families where they are with compassionate care that places the individual at the heart of their own healthcare decisions. We thank Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer for continuing this important tradition of honoring and supporting the hospice and palliative care community. ”

“Once again, Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer should be commended for drawing attention to serious illness and the tremendous value of palliative care and hospice services for millions of individuals and their families across the nation,” said Jon Broyles, CEO of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care. “Thank you for the introduction and passage of this bill to designate November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. We believe in access to high-quality, equitable serious illness care that reflects individual care preferences. This should cover needed palliative care and community-based services and supports, and hospice care. For C-TAC, educational efforts to share information on the value and need for palliative care and hospice and the staff and volunteers that provide this essential care is a year-round effort, and we are so pleased to have these issues highlighted each November by our friends in the U.S. Senate.”

Senator Baldwin has been committed to improving the quality of life for palliative care patients and their families. Senator Baldwin leads the bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act with her colleague Senator Capito (R-WV) and in 2021, she introduced the bipartisan Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act with Senators Barrasso, Fischer, and Rosen. The legislation would allow palliative care to be covered concurrently with curative treatment for illness under Medicare.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/11/sens-johnson-rand-paul-and-colleagues-stand-with-armed-forces-demand-senate-vote-on-ending-military-covid-19-vaccine-mandate,"Sens. Johnson, Rand Paul and Colleagues Stand with Armed Forces, Demand Senate Vote on Ending Military COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate",2022-11-30,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined 12 of his Republican colleagues in a letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Whip John Thune, Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, and Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairman Roy Blunt expressing opposition to moving forward with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status. The amendment will also reinstate service members already discharged, with back pay.

“The Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine mandate has ruined the livelihoods of men and women who have honorably served our country…While the Department of Defense certainly must make decisions that will bolster military readiness, the effects of the mandate are antithetical to readiness of our force, and the policy must be revoked,” the Senators wrote. “The United States simply cannot afford to discharge our brave men and women in uniform and lose the investments we have made into each and every one of them due to an inept bureaucratic policy…We respectfully request that the Senate vote to remedy a policy that adversely affects our service members and our national security.”

Sen. Johnson is joined on the letter by Dr. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).

Senators Johnson, Paul, Rick Scott, Graham, Cruz, Lee, and others who signed the letter will host a press conference today, Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 2:00PM ET at the Ohio Clock Corridor in the Capitol.

Background:

As of April 2022, approximately 3,400 troops have been discharged from the military for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

While training costs vary between each service, the Army, for example estimates it spends $15,000 in recruiting costs to bring someone into the service and another $50,000 to $75,000 to prepare them to join their first unit, depending on their job.

The military also faces challenges with recruitment. Military recruitment is reportedly down 23% from annual targets. Therefore, due to costs and recruiting challenges, losing thousands of troops due to their vaccination status is a readiness issue that the DOD should take seriously.

You can read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-passing-the-respect-for-marriage-act,Senator Baldwin Statement on Passing the Respect for Marriage Act,2022-11-29,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement following the Senate vote, 61-36, to pass the Respect for Marriage Act.

“Today, an overwhelming majority of Senators stepped up to protect the freedoms and rights of millions of Americans in same-sex and interracial marriages. I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to get the job done for millions of loving couples in Wisconsin and across the country,” said Senator Baldwin. “Millions of same-sex and interracial couples made this moment possible by living openly as their authentic selves, changing the hearts and minds of people around them. This legislation will protect the hard-fought progress we’ve made on marriage equality and I look forward to the Respect for Marriage Act becoming the law of the land.”

Video of Senator Baldwin’s floor speech prior to the vote on final passage can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-collins-introduce-healthcare-for-our-troops-act,"Senators Baldwin, Collins Introduce Healthcare for Our Troops Act",2022-11-29,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Healthcare for Our Troops Act, bipartisan legislation to provide premium-free medical insurance coverage for members of the National Guard and Reserve.

The Healthcare for Our Troops Act addresses the Chief of the National Guard Bureau’s most pressing concern: healthcare for our troops, no matter the duty status. Sixteen percent of Reserve and National Guard members – roughly 130,000 men and women who have volunteered to serve our country – do not have private health insurance.

“Our National Guard and Reserve members make sacrifices every day to keep us safe, and yet too many of them struggle to access affordable health care. By providing these benefits, our service members will lead healthier lives, improve their readiness for deployment and devote more time to valuable training,” said Senator Baldwin. “Providing all service members with the health coverage they deserve is not only an investment in our national security, it is also the right thing to do.”

“Ensuring that all of our troops have access to health care is not just the right thing to do, but it enhances military readiness as well,” said Senator Collins. “Throughout my Senate service, I have worked to ensure that America’s service members receive the resources they need to defend our country. Our bipartisan bill would ensure that Guard and Reserve members maintain consistent and reliable health care, including the roughly 130,000 who currently lack private health insurance.”

The Healthcare for Our Troops Act would provide premium-free, zero cost-sharing medical coverage for Selected Reserve members eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and address financial barriers to seeking mental health care. In addition to providing health insurance, the legislation would require a study on eliminating annual physicals during drill and replacing them with forms to be completed by civilian providers to assess medical readiness – giving commanders back valuable training days and saving over $162 million annually in contracted medical assessments. The legislation would also create an incentive for employers to hire Guard and Reserve members by lessening demand for employer-sponsored healthcare plans.

This bill is a companion to bipartisan legislation introduced in the House, led by Rep. Kim (D-NJ) and Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) with a group of 27 bipartisan cosponsors.

A one pager on the legislation is available here.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-bipartisan-group-of-senators-tell-appropriators-americas-competitive-future-depends-on-fully-funding-chips-and-science-act,"Senator Baldwin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Tell Appropriators: America’s Competitive Future Depends on Fully Funding CHIPS & Science Act",2022-11-22,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-167) recognized that both our national defense and economic security depend on advancing critical technologies and workforce skills—from semiconductors to quantum computing to pharmaceuticals. During a period of increased global competition, including with technologically capable nations like China and Russia, the United States must increase investment in the science and technology innovation that has long underpinned our economic and security leadership.

CHIPS and Science marks a significant bipartisan commitment to domestic manufacturing, regional innovation, and strong supply chains. Fully funded, it will foster an inclusive and highly-skilled 21st century workforce, expand scientific research and development across the nation, and unleash American innovation in emerging technologies. To that end, the law authorizes critical programs at the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Department of Energy (DOE).

Congress has twice before authorized meaningful growth in our scientific enterprise through the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-69) and the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-358). However, the lack of funding for these efforts prohibited agencies from fully delivering on their potential. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, key research agencies would have received $77 billion in additional dollars over the past 15 years under a COMPETES 2007 funding path. In 2013, the Government Accountability Office reported that only one of 28 new COMPETES programs was fully implemented and funded.

DOC Regional Technology Hubs and Recompete Pilot Program: The CHIPS and Science Act authorized approximately $1.5 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 for technology hubs, to stimulate technology innovation and workforce development in up to 20 geographically distributed regions. According to a Brookings Institution report, a third of the nation’s innovation jobs reside in only 16 counties, despite significant untapped talent nationwide. Appropriating $1.5 billion in FY2023 will directly address this disparity, allowing DOC to award at least 20 grants for developing regional innovation strategies and to begin funding the business, technology, and workforce development activities of four to six geographically diverse regional hubs. Additionally, appropriating $100 million for Recompete will ensure that smaller, persistently distressed communities can develop science-driven economic strategies.

NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships: While the United States leads the world in basic research, growth in patenting activity has not kept pace with Asian competitors. In 2020, the Asia Pacific region received twice as many patent protections as North America in key fields. The CHIPS and Science Act authorized $1.5 billion in FY23 for research and related activities at the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate, to accelerate the translation of patent-protected research. TIP has already launched the Regional Innovation Engines program—to build research partnerships between universities, industry, workers, and economic development organizations—and attracted over 700 applications across every state and territory. Fully funding TIP in FY23 will allow NSF to establish at least 10 Engines and to help university technology transfer offices increase the patenting and startup activity needed to translate research into useful products.

NSF Research and Workforce Development: The United States will have 9 million high-skilled job vacancies by 2030, jeopardizing our ability to compete globally. NSF has struggled to support promising scientists, with nearly $4 billion in unfunded highly rated research proposals in 2020. The CHIPS and Science Act sought to triple the size of the NSF’s education efforts over 5 years, with an FY23 investment of $1.95 billion, and to grow NSF FY23 research and related efforts (outside of TIP) to $7.55 billion. Multi-year funding for TIP STEM activities alone could create more than 40,000 new scholarships, fellowships, and traineeships. Combined with the Act’s commitment to dedicating 15.5% of key NSF accounts in FY 2023 to EPSCoR jurisdictions, fully funding NSF’s research and workforce development programs will empower our community colleges to train skilled labor; increase opportunities at historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions as defined in section 10002 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Pub. L. 117-167); invest in the promising basic research and researchers; and support economic and scientific growth across America.

NIST Manufacturing: According to McKinsey, American manufacturing has fallen by 25% since 1997. The impact of the pandemic and war in Ukraine have illustrated how this weakened domestic manufacturing base leaves the United States vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, risking domestic jobs, higher consumer prices, and limited options to procure components critical to the national defense. The CHIPS and Science Act expands the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and its work with small- and medium-sized manufacturers to improve cybersecurity, worker training, and supply chain resiliency. The MEP has a proven track record, creating and retaining 125,746 U.S. manufacturing jobs in 2021. The Act also seeks to strengthen education and workforce development activities at Manufacturing USA research institutes and to create up to ten new institutes in critical manufacturing fields, such as aviation, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. Fully funding MEP at $275 million and Manufacturing USA at $97 million will ensure that America’s commitment to science translates into strengthening domestic manufacturing, small businesses, and job growth.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-colleagues-urge-omb-to-follow-through-on-chips-act-funding-authorizations-for-department-of-energy,"Senator Baldwin, Colleagues Urge OMB to Follow Through on CHIPS Act Funding Authorizations for Department of Energy",2022-11-21,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined 17 of her Senate Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science is given the full amount of authorized funding allocated by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request. In their letter, the Senators emphasize that properly funding DOE will demonstrate the U.S.’ commitment to remaining a leader in global research.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/11/sens-johnson-shaheen-tillis-van-hollen-release-joint-statement-urging-serbia-and-kosovo-to-continue-on-diplomatic-track-prevent-political-escalation,"Sens. Johnson, Shaheen, Tillis, Van Hollen Release Joint Statement Urging Serbia and Kosovo to Continue on Diplomatic Track & Prevent Political Escalation",2022-11-21,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"OSHKOSH – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, joined U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, in a joint statement with U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) after leaders of Serbia and Kosovo failed to reach a solution to resolve disagreements over the use of automobile license plates by the ethnic Serbian minority.

“We are disappointed by the lack of progress in finding a diplomatic path forward between the governments of Kosovo and Serbia to resolve the impending issuance of Kosovo-issued license plates in the Serb entities of Kosovo. We are also increasingly concerned about the risk of violence and instability in the region, which puts at risk decades of hard-won peace. We support the European Union’s efforts to broker a peaceful resolution to this issue, and we encourage Prime Minister Kurti to exhaust all diplomatic avenues to reach a peaceful resolution to this issue with President Vucic. We also express our appreciation to our KFOR troops for playing an instrumental role in maintaining peace in the region,” said the Senators.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases/fitzgerald-leads-house-delegation-honoring-anniversary-waukesha-christmas,Fitzgerald Leads House Delegation in Honoring Anniversary of Waukesha Christmas Parade Attack,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,WI,Scott Fitzgerald,F000471,fitzgerald.house.gov,fitzgerald,https://fitzgerald.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after introducing a bipartisan House Resolution, signed by the entire Wisconsin House delegation, honoring the victims of the devastating attack on the Waukesha Christmas Parade:

""One year ago, the tragic attack on the Waukesha Christmas Parade took the lives of six individuals from our community. We will never forget that dark day, and will always remember those we lost, said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. On this anniversary, we remember and cherish those no longer with us and pray for healing and peace for their families. Thank you to the rest of the Wisconsin House delegation for joining in honoring Virginia Sorenson, Tamara Durand, LeAnna Owen, Jane Kulich, Wilhelm Hospel, and Jackson Sparks.""

Read the resolution here:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5102,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Speaker Pelosi,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“I want to thank Nancy Pelosi for her service to Congress and the nation. There have only been 54 Speakers of the United States House of Representatives since the first Congress convened in 1789 and only a few have been as consequential as Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She is a skilled legislator with a tireless work ethic and a legendary toughness who has left her indelible mark on the history of this country.

Speaker Pelosi played a critical role in providing health care for millions through the Affordable Care Act, stabilizing the country after the Great Recession by passing financial reforms and economic relief, making historic investments in clean energy, securing equal pay for women legislation, seeing the country through its successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and inspiring a horrified nation on the evening of January 6, 2021, by presiding over the House as it finished its business of certifying the results of the election.

I am so honored and blessed to have served under her leadership and I know our country has benefited from her tireless work in Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-helps-secure-13m-to-improve-health-care-for-rural-communities-across-wisconsin,Senator Baldwin Helps Secure $13M to Improve Health Care for Rural Communities Across Wisconsin,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On National Rural Health Care Day, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $13 million in grants to improve health care facilities in rural towns across Wisconsin. The grants are funded by the American Rescue Plan, which Senator Baldwin supported. These grants will help 13 rural health care organizations expand critical services for rural residents in Wisconsin.

“Every Wisconsinite deserves easy, affordable access to comprehensive health care. Too often, I hear from folks living in rural areas that are forced to delay or forgo care because of long drive or wait times to see a doctor,” said Senator Baldwin. “These grants funded through the American Rescue Plan will help equip our rural health care organizations with the facilities, staff and resources they need and allow more Wisconsinites to access the critical care they need to lead healthy lives.”

“Today we are celebrating National Rural Health Care Day as a reminder that a strong community is rooted in its people,” said Julie Lassa, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Wisconsin. “Having sustainable and accessible health care infrastructure in rural areas is critical to the health and well-being of the people living in small towns across Wisconsin. Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is promoting healthy communities through grants to make sure everyone has access to the health care they need.”

The Emergency Rural Health Care Grants announced today will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies. The grants can also help regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits, and Tribes solve regional rural health care problems and build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system in response to the pandemic. For example:

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital (Chippewa Falls) will use a $9.47 million grant to increase patient care capacity, improve long-term sustainability and address the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on Opioid/Substance/Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery. This project will address the limitations of the response to substance use disorders in rural communities drastically affected by the pandemic by establishing telemedicine hubs, access to peer support and monitoring as well as construction of pandemic accessible recovery spaces and care. The facilities and proposed service area is expansive and includes a focus on the following Wisconsin counties: Barron, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Florence, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Rusk, Shawano, and Washburn.

Augusta Area Home Inc. in Eau Claire County will use a $346,151 grant to recoup lost revenue in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will allow the facility to continue to operate efficiently while addressing expenses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baldwin Care Center Inc. in St. Croix County will use a $382,769 grant to recoup lost revenue in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility aims to attempt to recapture pre-pandemic census levels and has a goal to attract/retain highly trained staff.

Bethany Home Inc. in Waupaca County will use a $458,278 grant to recoup lost revenue in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be used to replenish funds lost due to increased expenses including equipment and payroll costs related to the pandemic as well as decreased admissions and capacity limits.

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Inc. in Adams County will use a $126,084 grant to expand the existing Adams County Food Pantry space located in Friendship. This project will include internal renovations to increase floor space and storage capacity from 850 to 2,100 square feet to accommodate the expanding needs of the local area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Glenhaven Inc. in St. Croix County will use a $720,832 grant to recoup lost revenue in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will allow the facility to continue to operate efficiently while addressing continuing raised expenses associated with the pandemic. The facility aims to recapture pre-pandemic census levels and has a goal to attract/retain highly trained staff.

Good Shepherd Services LTD in Outagamie County will use a $146,515 grant to recoup lost revenue in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility had to limit occupancy due to social distancing restrictions and incurred additional expenses due to purchasing personal protective equipment and higher staffing costs. Funds will allow the facility to continue to operate efficiently while addressing continuing raised expenses associated with the pandemic.

Grant Regional Health Center Inc. in Grant County will use a $533,750 grant to construct a satellite healthcare facility in Fennimore, Wisconsin. The facility will be located 12 miles from the main campus to better serve the local area population – decreasing travel times for residents in remote areas. The clinic will provide patients with high-quality healthcare including primary services as well rehabilitation, X-ray, and lab processing. The facility will also allow employers in that community to help retain their workforce, including the ability for workers to receive healthcare in town rather than driving out of town, potentially missing work time or relocating out of the community.

Park View Home Inc. in St. Croix County will use a $27,131 grant to recoup lost revenue in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the lost revenue funds will be utilized to replenish funds lost due to increased expenses including equipment and payroll costs as well as decreased admissions and overall decline in census revenue related to the pandemic.

Schmitt Woodland Hills Inc. in Richland County will use a $543,689 grant to recoup lost revenue in 2021 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the census of the facility due to social distancing, restrictions and additional expenses incurred due to personal protective equipment and higher staffing costs. The funds will allow the facility to continue to operate efficiently while addressing continuing raised expenses associated with the pandemic.

Shawano Area Matthew 25 Inc. in Shawano County will use a $69,300 grant to complete renovations on the Shawano Area Matthew 25 Inc. (SAM25) Community Clinic. This project will provide assistance with the increasing cost of supplies, equipment, wages, and operating expenses. These funds are necessary to keep this low-cost/free, health clinic operational, and to expand medical resources such as treatments, exams, and COVID-19 lab and pharmacy services.

The Brick Ministries, Inc. in Ashland County will use a $154,500 grant to renovate the current food distribution and warehouse facility and lobby area. The renovation includes a reconfiguration of the floor plan for better flow, bringing the building up to code to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Waushara County Food Pantry, Inc. will use a $198,000 grant to expand the food pantry and improve the facility to meet the rise in demand for products and services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds for this project will be used to cover the increased cost and need of additional refrigeration, greater food supply and new equipment, as well as staffing costs and operating expenses.

Several recipients will make an impact on surrounding communities and will also benefit communities located in recently established Rural Partners Network (RPN) Community Networks:

Northwestern Wisconsin Community Network: August Area Home, Inc. and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital

Greater Menominee Community Network: HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital

Northern Wisconsin Community Network: The Brick Ministries, Inc.

Adams County Visionary Community Network: Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Inc.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-floor-speech-on-respect-for-marriage-act,Senator Baldwin Floor Speech on Respect for Marriage Act,2022-11-16,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin spoke on the Senate floor in support of her Respect for Marriage Act and the need to provide millions of loving couples in same-sex and interracial marriages the certainty that they will continue to enjoy the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities afforded to all other marriages.

A video of the speech can be downloaded here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-advancing-the-respect-for-marriage-act,Senator Baldwin Statement on Advancing the Respect for Marriage Act,2022-11-16,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement following the Senate vote, 62-37, to advance the Respect for Marriage Act.

“Today, we took a step forward in our fight to give millions of loving couples the certainty, dignity, and respect that they need and deserve. A bipartisan coalition of Senators stood with the overwhelming majority of Americans who support marriage equality. We came together to move the Respect for Marriage Act forward and give the millions of Americans in same-sex and interracial marriages the certainty that they will continue to enjoy the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities afforded to all other marriages,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to have worked across the aisle to earn broad, bipartisan support for this legislation, and look forward to making marriage equality the law of the land.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-and-johnson-lead-resolution-to-remember-first-anniversary-of-the-waukesha-christmas-parade-tragedy,Senators Baldwin and Johnson Lead Resolution to Remember First Anniversary of the Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy,2022-11-16,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced a bipartisan resolution to remember the anniversary of the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy on November 21, 2021. The Senate resolution honors the 6 individuals who lost their lives and the 62 others who were injured.

“One year ago, the Waukesha community was devastated by senseless violence during what should have been a joyous celebration,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to co-lead this resolution to honor the victims, our first responders and the impacted community members as we come together to heal from this tragedy and remember those we have lost too soon.”

“The Waukesha Christmas Parade massacre was a horrific attack that never should have happened. Today, we remember those killed, injured and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence,” said Senator Johnson. “Families who came to see Santa Claus, high school bands and the Dancing Grannies instead witnessed a horror that will leave life-long psychological scars. My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Waukesha as they continue to recover from this tragedy.”

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

Recognizing the 1-year anniversary of the tragic attack at the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021, and honoring the 6 individuals who lost their lives and the 62 others who were injured.

Whereas, on November 21, 2021, the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and the City of Waukesha Chamber of Commerce held the 58th annual Waukesha Christmas Parade, which has for more than 50 years brought residents of Wisconsin together to celebrate the holiday season with family, friends, and neighbors;

Whereas attendees and participants of the parade included hundreds of children, families, and valued community institutions such as local law enforcement, public safety professionals, school groups, business leaders, and dance troupes, including the beloved “Dancing Grannies”;

Whereas, on the day of the parade, a perpetrator committed a senseless attack, driving through the parade barricades and ramming into the crowd of attendees and parade participants;

Whereas police officers bravely attempted to intervene to stop the ongoing attack;

Whereas the perpetrator caused the death of 6 individuals and the injury of 62 other individuals, including 17 children;

Whereas local hospitals and health professionals cared for many of the injured, several of whom continue to suffer long term effects from their injuries;

Whereas countless individuals were injured by the immeasurable and lasting trauma of witnessing the attack;

Whereas, on October 26, 2022, a jury of 12 Wisconsinites found the accused perpetrator guilty on 76 counts, including 6 counts of first-degree intentional homicide;

Whereas the Waukesha community continues to contend with the aftermath of the tragic attack and will do so for years to come;

Whereas members of the Waukesha community will be stronger for having supported one another during and in the aftermath of the attack; and

Whereas, despite such tragedy, the City of Waukesha and Waukesha Chamber of Commerce will continue the tradition of hosting the Waukesha Christmas Parade, which has brought joy to the community for more than half a century: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the 1-year anniversary of the tragic attack at the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021, and condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms;

(2) honors the memories of Tamara Durand, Wilhelm Hospel, Jane Kulich, Leanna Owen, Virginia Sorenson, and Jackson Sparks;

(3) recognizes the strength of the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and the resilience of the community in response to the attack;

(4) applauds the bravery of the first responders and medical professionals who responded to the attack and cared for the injured; and

(5) offers heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and neighbors who lost loved ones in the attack.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/11/sen-johnson-releases-statement-on-respect-for-marriage-act,Sen. Johnson Releases Statement on Respect for Marriage Act,2022-11-16,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) released the following statement after voting against the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the Respect for Marriage Act.

“The Respect for Marriage Act is unnecessary as the Obergefell decision is settled law and has no chance of being overturned. The Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization made clear no other right would be affected by its ruling. The Democrats have used this to create a state of fear over a settled issue in order to further divide Americans for their political benefit. The substitute amendment did not provide sufficient protection for those with strongly held religious beliefs and leaves a lane open for discrimination by activist groups, state governments and the IRS. Senator Lee proposed an amendment that would have prohibited the government from taking such action, and even offered to vote for the bill if they accepted it. I would have also supported the bill with his language. The fact that the bill’s sponsors rejected his offer speaks volumes. Religious liberty should be upheld for all and those with sincerely held religious beliefs should not be discriminated against for their views on marriage.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/11/sens-johnson-baldwin-introduce-resolution-recognizing-one-year-anniversary-of-waukesha-christmas-parade-massacre,"Sens. Johnson, Baldwin Introduce Resolution Recognizing One-Year Anniversary of Waukesha Christmas Parade Massacre",2022-11-16,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced a resolution recognizing the one-year anniversary of the Waukesha Christmas Parade massacre. The resolution recognizes the resiliency and strength of the community of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and honors the six Wisconsinites who were murdered and the 62 others who were injured during the horrific attack on November 21, 2021.

“The Waukesha Christmas Parade massacre was a horrific attack that never should have happened. Today, we remember those killed, injured and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence,” said Sen. Johnson. “Families who came to see Santa Claus, high school bands and the Dancing Grannies instead witnessed a horror that will leave life-long psychological scars. My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Waukesha as they continue to recover from this tragedy.”

“One year ago, the Waukesha community was devastated by senseless violence during what should have been a joyous celebration,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to co-lead this resolution to honor the victims, our first responders and the impacted community members as we come together to heal from this tragedy and remember those we have lost too soon.”

“Whereas the Waukesha community continues to contend with the aftermath of the tragic attack and will do so for years to come; Whereas members of the Waukesha community will be stronger for having supported one another during and in the aftermath of the attack” the resolution read in part.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-move-forward-on-bipartisan-respect-for-marriage-act-with-protections-for-religious-liberties,Senators Move Forward on Bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act With Protections For Religious Liberties,2022-11-14,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Rob Portman (R-OH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) released the following statement on moving forward with the Respect for Marriage Act:

“The Respect for Marriage Act is a needed step to provide millions of loving couples in same-sex and interracial marriages the certainty that they will continue to enjoy the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities afforded to all other marriages. Through bipartisan collaboration, we’ve crafted commonsense language to confirm that this legislation fully respects and protects Americans’ religious liberties and diverse beliefs, while leaving intact the core mission of the legislation to protect marriage equality. We look forward to this legislation coming to the floor and are confident that this amendment has helped earn the broad, bipartisan support needed to pass our commonsense legislation into law.”

The Senators’ bipartisan amendment:

Protects all religious liberty and conscience protections available under the Constitution or Federal law, including but not limited to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and prevents this bill from being used to diminish or repeal any such protection.

Confirms that non-profit religious organizations will not be required to provide any services, facilities, or goods for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage.

Guarantees that this bill may not be used to deny or alter any benefit, right, or status of an otherwise eligible person or entity – including tax-exempt status, tax treatment, grants, contracts, agreements, guarantees, educational funding, loans, scholarships, licenses, certifications, accreditations, claims, or defenses – provided that the benefit, right, or status does not arise from a marriage. For instance, a church, university, or other nonprofit’s eligibility for tax-exempt status is unrelated to marriage, so its status would not be affected by this legislation.

Makes clear that the bill does not require or authorize the Federal government to recognize polygamous marriages.

Recognizes the importance of marriage, acknowledges that diverse beliefs and the people who hold them are due respect, and affirms that couples, including same-sex and interracial couples, deserve the dignity, stability, and ongoing protection of marriage.

The Respect for Marriage Act is a narrow but important bill that would do two primary things:

First, it would require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed.

Second, the bill would guarantee that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin, but the bill would not require a State to issue a marriage license contrary to state law.

A one-pager on the amendment is available here and full text is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5101,"Moore, Hudson, and Phillips Introduce Love Lives On Act",2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representatives Gwen Moore, Dean Phillips, and Richard Hudson introduced the Love Lives On Act, legislation that will allow surviving spouses of military service members, who make the ultimate sacrifice, to retain vital benefits if they remarry.

“It’s vital that our country takes care of all surviving spouses of military service members, which is why I am so pleased to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort. Our bill, the Love Lives On Act, will make important changes to current policies for surviving spouses, ensuring more can access crucial benefits,” said Rep. Moore.

“As a Gold Star Son, my gratitude to our servicemembers and their families is immeasurable,” said Rep. Phillips. “We always seem to find enough resources to send our men and women in uniform into harm’s way, but we must ensure the families of those who do not return are given equal priority. Gold Star Spouses make unimaginable sacrifices and deserve unending respect and support. The Love Lives On Act is part of my mission to ensure our Gold Star Families have access every single benefit they are owed, and I’m grateful to colleagues on both sides of the aisle for backing it.”

""As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I believe our country owes a tremendous debt to the surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers,” said Rep. Hudson. “It takes great courage to pick up the pieces and move on. Therefore, we must ensure that surviving spouses can continue to move forward, free from the fear of losing the benefits owed to them through their late spouse’s military sacrifice.""

Specifically, this legislation will:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-presents-kenosha-veteran-with-wisconsin-s-first-district-2022-veteran-of-the-year,Steil Presents Kenosha Veteran with Wisconsin’s First District 2022 Veteran of the Year,2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BRISTOL, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) presented Steve Tindall, a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Veteran from Kenosha, with Wisconsin’s First District 2022 Veteran of the Year award.

“I am honored to present Steve Tindall with the 2022 Veteran of the Year Award. Steve was nominated for his service, dedication, and commitment to uplifting countless veterans in our community. He volunteers at countless organizations focused on supporting our veterans and has continued his service to our community following his years in the Navy. We cannot thank each of our veterans enough for their service and sacrifice to our country. I remain committed to working for each of the heroes in our community and appreciate everyone’s submissions.”

Tindall served in the US Navy from 1969-1978 during the Vietnam War. He was a Fire Control Technician/Gun Fire Control Systems First Class Petty Officer, who was responsible for aiming and firing the guns on board the ships. His service has been recognized by receiving the National Defense Medal and two Good Conduct Awards. Tindall is active with the Navy Club Ship 409, American Legion, Stars and Stripes Honor Flights, Rolling Thunder Chapter 2, the Kenosha County Veteran’s Council, Hospice Alliance, Veteran’s food pantry, the Hero’s Café, Veteran Stand Downs events, Care Packages for Troops, and more.

Steil also presented Wisconsin’s First District residents Michael Denko, Lawrence, Gums, and Carl Anders as finalists of the 2022 Veteran of the Year Award.

Background:

The First Congressional District's Veteran Advisory Board evaluated nominees by reviewing the following criteria:

SERVICE: Demonstrate a commitment to service in their community. This could be through advocacy, community projects, an act of heroism, or other actions.

EXCELLENCE: Provide an example of how this veteran exudes a spirit of excellence.

DEDICATION: Have a dedication to supporting their fellow veterans and building bridges between veterans and our greater Southeast Wisconsin community.

Nominees had to be a veteran of one of the five Armed Forces of the United States, including Reserve or National Guard, or United States Merchant Marines. All nominees had to supply a DD-214 and live within Wisconsin's First Congressional District.

During Steil’s time in Congress, he has assisted countless veterans with constituent casework inquiries and introduced legislation to support Wisconsin veterans. Most recently, Steil introduced the Survivor Benefits Fairness Act to correct a survivor benefits issue at the VA and the No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act to support veterans mental health.

For additional photos from the event, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-tapped-to-house-transition-team-tasked-with-restoring-the-people-s-house,"Steil Tapped to House Transition Team, Tasked with Restoring the People’s House",2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) will serve as a member of his transition team for the 118th Congress, established to ensure that the House of Representatives is ready to get to work for the American people on Day One. Steil’s work focuses on “Restoring the People’s House.” Under Speaker Pelosi, access to the U.S. Capitol for the general public was severely limited. One of Steil’s tasks will be to reopen the Capitol to the people it serves.

The teams are:

Commitment to America Implementation, led by Republican Whip Steve Scalise

Oversight and Accountability, led by Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member James Comer and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan

Restoring the People’s House, led by Congressman Bryan Steil

Steil released the following statement following Leader McCarthy’s announcement:

“It’s past time that we re-open the People’s House. I’m committed to ensuring the House of Representatives is open and accessible to the people we are here to serve. I am eager to get to work with my colleagues on this team for a successful transition into the 118th Congress.”

Leader McCarthy released the following statement on the Transition Teams for the 118th Congress:

“The House Republican majority is getting right to work. These Transition Teams will ensure we hit the ground running on issues that Democrats have ignored or made worse for the American people under one-party rule, all while shutting out our fellow citizens from the People’s House.

The Commitment to America details our vision for the majority and we will move to put that into action on Day One. At the same time, our committees will be prepared to immediately start holding this Administration accountable for its incompetence and abuses of power. Finally, unlike the Democrat majority over the past two years, our Republican majority will restore the people’s voice inside the People’s House.

I want to thank each of these Members for their leadership and look forward to working with them over the days and weeks to come.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-brings-home-7-million-investment-for-wisconsin-dairy,Senator Baldwin Brings Home $7 Million Investment for Wisconsin Dairy,2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development, announced $22.9 million in awards to support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program, including over $7 million for Wisconsin. Sen. Baldwin authored the bill creating the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative program, successfully shepherding its passage in 2018.

The awards are part of the 2022 annual appropriations provided by Congress and are in addition to the $80 million in supplemental funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act awarded to the four DBI initiatives in June. This funding enables the DBI Initiatives to build on their achievements and continue to support producers in increasing processing capacity, making on-farm improvements, and offering technical assistance.

“The Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has created brighter futures for many dairy farms who drive our rural economy forward. I am proud to have secured this critical funding in the 2022 government funding bill so that farmers, cheesemakers, and dairy processors can continue to innovate and develop new Made in Wisconsin dairy products,” said Senator Baldwin. “As our dairy economy faces supply chain challenges, federal dollars for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives will help Wisconsin dairy businesses to address those challenges, through growing their operations, modernizing their dairy plants and reaching new markets.”

The $22.9 million in federal funding is being awarded noncompetitively to the four current DBI Initiatives at the California State University Fresno, the University of Tennessee, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and the University of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin will receive $7,053,333.

“The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program is a unique and effective model that targets resources in ways that meet shared regional needs and builds upon local and regional dairy markets,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “This program is just another example of USDA’s commitment to strengthening our nation’s food systems by supporting local and regional producers.”

Since its inception in 2019, DBI initiatives have provided valuable technical assistance and sub-grants to dairy farmers and businesses across their regions, supporting them with business plan development, marketing and branding, as well as, increasing access to innovative production and processing techniques to support the development of value-added products.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/11/sen-johnson-for-the-wall-street-journal-a-governing-agenda-for-senate-republicans,Sen. Johnson for the Wall Street Journal: A Governing Agenda for Senate Republicans,2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"OSHKOSH – On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal published an op-ed by U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) outlining the steps Republicans must take to restore function and fiscal sanity to Congress.

Sen. Johnson proposes four pieces of legislation and argues for adopting an official legislative agenda that prioritizes securing our border, regaining energy independence, restoring fiscal sanity, easing the regulatory burden and ensuring a competitive tax environment.

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

“If we gain majorities in both chambers, at a minimum we can bring greater function and regular order back to Congress. Rank-and-file members should vote only for leaders who commit to passing a budget that drives a fiscally conservative appropriation process. Ideally, we can find sufficient budget cuts and rescissions from the Democrats’ massive spending bills to produce a balanced budget. If not, the debt ceiling will have to be increased, but only with other legislation attached that will minimize the need for future increases.

“I have four bills in mind: the Prevent Government Shutdown Act, the Full Faith and Credit Act, the Reins Act (an acronym for Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny) and the Reducing the Size of the Federal Government Through Attrition Act. Collectively, these bills would help control the size, scope and cost of the federal government.

“Senate Republican Conference rules require us to adopt an official legislative agenda. In my 12 years in the Senate, this has never occurred. Again, members should vote only for leaders who commit to both adopting the required agenda and fully involving the conference in its development. I suggest two agendas, one for the next two years under a Democratic president, and a four-year agenda that can be adopted by Republican presidential and congressional candidates running in 2024.

…

“The four-year agenda would assume Republican control of both chambers of Congress and the White House. It would prioritize reversing the damage done during the Biden administration and re-establishing constitutional balance. Unlike 2017, Republicans must be fully prepared should voters give us the opportunity to govern.

“The agenda items should be obvious: secure the border, regain energy independence, restore fiscal sanity, ease the regulatory burden, and ensure a competitive tax environment.

…

“Conservatives understand the peril the country is in. They know how difficult it will be for Republicans to work with the socialist ideologues who set the Democratic Party’s agenda. But that sympathy will have its limits, particularly if Republicans return to business as usual. We simply can’t let that happen.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-applauds-biden-administration-rule-to-support-made-in-usa-masks-and-prevent-future-shortages,Senator Baldwin Applauds Biden Administration Rule to Support Made in USA Masks and Prevent Future Shortages,2022-11-07,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin applauded a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) rule that encourages hospitals to buy American products and bolsters Made in America mask manufacturers. This announcement comes after Senator Baldwin led a group of colleagues in a letter encouraging CMS to take this action in June to support Made in America manufacturing and help prevent future shortages of lifesaving personal protective equipment.

“It is not ‘if,’ but rather ‘when’ our country will face another health emergency, and to be better prepared to respond, we need to have a ready-supply of high quality, Made in America-manufactured masks,” said Senator Baldwin. “American companies and workers make second-to-none products and stand ready to support this effort to help prevent any future mask shortages and keep our communities safe.”

“We appreciate Senator Baldwin’s leadership as a champion for the domestic manufacturing of critical surgical products and PPE,” said Edward A. Pesicka, President and CEO of Owens & Minor. “We join the senator in applauding the administration’s policy goal of ensuring that quality PPE is available to healthcare personnel when it’s needed and incentivizing hospitals to use domestically produced products, helping to ensure a stronger and more resilient domestic supply chain.”

CMS made the announcement to boost domestic mask supply through their annual inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) rules, which they update annually to establish payment rates in Medicare.

Senator Baldwin also led a bipartisan letter to the Department of Commerce to advocate for American mask and medical equipment manufacturers, calling for an investigation into the alleged dumping of Chinese-made products into the U.S. marketplace at low prices that create an unfair market for American manufacturers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-applauds-rural-partners-network-expansion-to-support-economic-development-in-wisconsin,Senator Baldwin Applauds Rural Partners Network Expansion to Support Economic Development in Wisconsin,2022-11-04,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development, applauded an announcement from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Ambassador Susan Rice that the Rural Partners Network will expand to rural communities in Wisconsin to create local jobs, build infrastructure, and support long-term economic stability. This announcement is part of President Biden’s commitment to ensure all rural communities can benefit from federal resources, including historic funding provided by the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act.

“The Rural Partners Network will help bridge the gap between our federal government and Wisconsin's rural communities,” said Senator Baldwin. “By expanding the reach of this program to our state, we can ensure every Wisconsin community has access to federal resources and opportunities for job creation, infrastructure, and community development.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that people in rural communities have every opportunity to succeed – and that they can find those opportunities right at home in rural America,” Vilsack said. “Rural people make up America’s spirit and character and provide the everyday essentials our country depends on. We know that when rural people thrive, America thrives. By expanding the Rural Partners Network, we can help these important but often overlooked communities receive their fair share of government resources to keep rural people and economies prepared for the future.”

“Rural America is full of opportunities but these vital communities don’t always have a way to navigate federal agencies or access the resources of the government,” said Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice. “The Rural Partners Network is bringing federal staff directly to rural communities to ensure local leaders have access to federal resources as they build strong and vibrant economies.”

The Rural Partners Network helps establish community networks in rural areas where local leaders and residents collaborate with civic and business organizations, nonprofits, service providers, development agencies and others to create new opportunities and build on the diversity of a region’s population and perspectives.

With this announcement, the Rural Partners Network is expanding to the following community networks in Wisconsin: Northern Wisconsin Community Network including Ashland, Iron and Price counties; Greater Menominee Community Network including Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and Menominee County; Forest County Community Network; Northwestern Wisconsin Community Network including Eau Claire, Dunn, Clark, Buffalo, Pepin, and Chippewa counties; and Adams County Visionary Community Network.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-republicans-demand-biden-retract-false-election-fraud-claims,"Steil, Republicans Demand Biden Retract False Election Fraud Claims",2022-11-03,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,WI,Bryan Steil,S001213,steil.house.gov,steil,https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Ranking Member on the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections, Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Rodney Davis (IL-13), and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) slammed President Biden for his false claims about election integrity across the country, specifically in Georgia, as states have seen recording-breaking early voter turnout this election, and demanded he retract false election fraud claims.

In the letter, the members write:

We are writing to express our concerns with your false claims about election integrity legislation across the country. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, you have even gone as far as to say states, like Georgia, have implemented “Jim Crow 2.0” or “Jim Crow in the 21st Century”. Further, you made specific claims about the early voting provisions in Georgia’s Election Integrity Act that earned you four Pinocchio’s from the Washington Post. It is now without question that those statements have no basis in fact. In the interest of ensuring American voters may have confidence in elections processes and outcomes, we demand you immediately cease spreading election misinformation, rescind your previous statements, and apologize to the American public.

Your party has made repeated and unsuccessful efforts to ram bills of questionable constitutionality through Congress that would nationalize our elections and centralize their administration in Washington, D.C. The Constitution clearly reserves to the states the primary role in determining election law and administering federal elections in this country, preserving to the Congress a federal fail-safe applicable only in extreme circumstances, none of which are applicable here. Your statements ignore Georgia’s sovereign interest in upholding its constitutional duty to maintain accurate elections, as confirmed last year by the United States Supreme Court in a major decision against the Democratic National Committee.

Further, your claims of voter suppression have turned out to be completely inaccurate. As you may know, Georgia has seen record-breaking early voter turnout this election, a key factor under the ever-important Voting Rights Act of 1965 for determining whether untoward, malicious activity is occurring in elections. As of Monday, October 24, 2022, over 837,000 people had already voted in Georgia, the highest early voter turnout to date in state history. In fact, the number of Georgians who have voted early has outpaced the 2018 midterms and is at pace to exceed voter turnout for the 2020 Presidential election, both of which also saw record turnout. The surge in early voting has not been contained just to the general election: Georgia also saw record turnout in the primary election earlier this year. The high turnout numbers stand in stark contrast to the statements that you and others, like election denier and current gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, had predicted when the law was put into place.

Republicans believe every eligible American voter who wants to cast a ballot must be able to do so and that those ballots must be counted according to law. Our system must make it is easy to vote but hard to cheat. Georgia shows that when common-sense election integrity provisions are put in place, people respond positively because they know their vote will be counted accurately. Every state should follow Georgia’s example to take steps to build faith in our elections. Instead of attacking key election integrity provisions, making unsubstantiated claims, and undermining the public’s trust, we urge you to work with us to ensure Americans’ confidence in our elections.

We look forward to your apology to the people of the State of Georgia.

To read the full text of the letter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-secures-462000-investment-for-wisconsin-tribes-climate-resiliency-projects,"Senator Baldwin Secures $462,000 Investment for Wisconsin Tribes’ Climate Resiliency Projects",2022-11-02,2022,2022-11,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior announced a $45 million investment in Tribal communities to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change, including over $462,000 for the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the Forest County Potawatomi Community. This federal funding is possible because Senator Baldwin and Democrats in Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the fiscal year 2022 government funding bill, which included $20 million and $25 million for these projects, respectively.

These Tribal Climate Resilience projects will support Tribes and Tribal organizations in adaptation planning, climate implementation actions, ocean and coastal management planning, capacity building, relocation, managed retreat, and protect-in-place planning for climate risks.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment to help Wisconsin communities deal with the impacts of climate change and build more resilient infrastructure for generations to come,” said Senator Baldwin. “These federal investments will allow Wisconsin’s Tribes manage the current and future impacts of climate change, including protecting and revitalizing our Tribal lands and natural habitats.”

“Indigenous communities are facing unique and intensifying climate-related challenges that pose an existential threat to Tribal economies, infrastructure, lives and livelihoods,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are making an unprecedented investment in Indian Country to help ensure that Native communities will have clean air, drinkable water, fertile soil and an overall good quality of life for generations to come.”

Nationally, 124 awards will support 76 Tribes and 8 Tribal organizations. The following projects in Wisconsin will be funded under this announcement:

The Forest County Potawatomi Community was awarded $212,079 to implement their Sustainability & Climate Change Resilience Project. This project will help the Tribe implement sustainability and climate change resilience in the Tribal community, specifically by establishing the Tribe’s Sustainability and Resilience Program. The Sustainability and Resilience Program will be managed by a Climate Sustainability and Resilience Coordinator who will prepare Tribal leadership, Tribal divisions, and the Tribal community to address predicted climate change impacts and in ensuring resilience of the Tribe, its members, and its culture, now and into the future.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Tribe was awarded $250,000 for a project to implement actions in Lac du Flambeau’s Tribal Climate Resiliency Plan (TCRP) or better known as Waaswaaganing Gaagige Bimaadiziwin Gaawin Geqaabi Naniizanasinoon. In the plan, 20 species were assessed for climate vulnerability through a climate change vulnerability index. This project focuses on species culturally sensitive to the Lac du Flambeau Community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z
https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-announces-101-million-investment-to-redevelop-port-of-green-bay-boost-regional-economy,"Senator Baldwin Announces $10.1 Million Investment to Redevelop Port of Green Bay, Boost Regional Economy",2022-10-28,2022,2022-10,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that Brown County will receive more than $10.1 million for the Port of Green Bay to redevelop the decommissioned Pulliam power plant site into a state-of-the-art port facility. The project will include brownfield clean-up, filling in an old boat slip, dredging, resurfacing, and construction of a new dock wall, crane pad, asphalt pads, and rail lines.

This investment towards the redevelopment of the port is estimated to have a total economic impact of more than $87 million in the first five years and will create 20 jobs. The investment comes from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), a program funded by the Baldwin-supported Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations legislation. Senator Baldwin also advocated for this project, sending a letter of support to DOT.

“I supported this investment in the Port of Green Bay because it moves our Made in Wisconsin economy forward, creating and supporting good paying jobs and helping goods get to market efficiently,” said Senator Baldwin. “The new and improved port will be a vital economic engine for Wisconsin, providing critical connections for our supply chains, moving our Made in Wisconsin products, and helping lower costs for families.”

“The grant serves to support the long-term economic vitality of ports that are critical links to domestic and international trade markets,” said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. “This grant award closes the gap on our journey to strengthen the Port of Green Bay for the regional economy and improve the redevelopment efforts of downtown Green Bay. Thank you, Senator Baldwin, for your support in helping us competitively secure this grant.”

“The infusion of these federal dollars makes possible a transformational reinvention of 35 acres of our City’s downtown riverfront while strengthening the Port of Green Bay as an important economic engine of the region,” said Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich. “We are incredibly grateful to Sen. Baldwin, Sec. Buttigieg, and President Biden for recognizing the importance of this critical investment in our city’s future, which is brightest when partners in the private and public sectors come together to do what’s best for our communities and our people.”

“The redevelopment of the old WPS power plant into a state-of-the-art port facility will generate jobs and economic activity that will be transformational for Green Bay and NE Wisconsin,” said Brown County Port and Resource Recovery Department Director Dean Haen. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and Brown County is very grateful for all the local, state, and federal support to make this a reality.”

Earlier this year, Brown County received $15 million through the Neighborhood Investment Fund program, funding made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act, to accelerate this project at the Port of Green Bay.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z
https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3201,"In Defense of Religious Liberty, Grothman Adopts Two Vietnamese Prisoners of Conscience",2022-10-27,2022,2022-10,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) today announced that he has adopted Y Pum Bya and Y Yich, two Vietnamese Prisoners of Conscience, through the Defending Freedoms Project of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

“Many Americans do not know the horrors of communism and the human rights abuses that happen daily in communist countries like Vietnam,” said Grothman. “The United States has a role as a leader to promote and defend religious liberty on the world stage, and that starts with denouncing the Vietnamese government for its track record of religious persecution.

“The stories of Y Pum Bya and Y Yich remind us of the importance of protecting religious freedom in the United States. Nobody should be persecuted, hurt or killed because of their religious beliefs.

“Religious persecution in Vietnam did not start with Protestant leader Pum Bya and pastor Yich, but it could end with their release, along with the release of all Vietnamese Prisoners of Conscience and the cessation of the country’s systematic trampling of religions that threaten their communist rule.

“I urge my colleagues in Congress to sponsor Prisoners of Conscience so we can shine a light on the heinous human rights abuses that take place as a result of religious persecution in places like Vietnam and around the globe.”

Background Information

Y Pum Bya is a Protestant leader of the Montagnard Evangelical Church of Christ (MECC), and Y Yich is a Protestant pastor of the Degar Protestant Church. They are both staunch advocates for religious freedom.

On April 10, 2018, Y Pum Bya was arrested by Vietnamese authorities following allegations of “spreading false information about Vietnam's violations of minority rights and religious freedom”. While imprisoned, he was allegedly interrogated about his religious activities, tortured, and forced to sign commitments to stop worshipping. On January 31, 2019, Y Pum Bya was sentenced to 14 years in prison for “undermining national unity policy”. He remains imprisoned today.

On May 13, 2013, Y Yich was arrested in Vietnam and sentenced to 12 years in prison for “undermining national unity policy,” like Y Pum Bya. Y Yich was accused of meeting with prisoners of conscience and spreading Degar Protestantism, a religious movement not approved by the Vietnamese government. Vietnamese authorities have reportedly tortured Yich in prison, leading to deteriorating health conditions, while also denying him access to medical care.

Grothman is one of 36 sitting Members of Congress to adopt a Prisoner of Conscience.

Learn more about the Defending Freedoms Project here.

Learn more about Y Pum Bya here.

Learn more about Y Yich here.

Learn more about the human rights abuses in Vietnam here.

-30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z