The government shutdown continues to haunt Washington for another week – and it’s no treat for the American people.
While families prepare for costumes and candy, Senate Democrats are still playing tricks with America’s future, refusing to fund our troops, law enforcement, and essential federal workers. They even killed a standalone bill that would have funded those critical services – leaving hardworking Americans buried under uncertainty.
Their behavior isn’t just shameful – it’s frighteningly callous.
Last week, the House Democrat whip acknowledged the pain they’re inflicting on American families, admitting they won’t give in because your suffering is their “leverage.”
As Wied Wire readers know, House Republicans did the responsible thing. We passed a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) with no gimmicks or ghostly riders attached. It wasn’t perfect, but it kept the lights on and paychecks flowing.
Sadly, Senate Democrats used the filibuster to block it. That’s right – the first time in history one party has filibustered a clean CR to keep the government open. And for what? Free healthcare for illegal aliens. That’s not just unprecedented, it’s downright chilling.
Every day that Senate Democrats refuse to act is another day our military families, border patrol agents, and federal workers are left in the dark.
I’ll keep fighting to pass single-subject spending bills, restore regular order, and bring fiscal sanity back from the grave. Because the American people deserve more than political theater and partisan gridlock – they deserve a government that works.
From all of us at the Wire, we hope you have a safe and spook-tacular Halloween! Thanks for joining us a day early. We hope you enjoy this week’s special edition of the Wied Wire.
Click here to watch my interview with NewsNation where I discuss the latest on the Democrats’ shutdown.
In the Wieds
License to Kill?
Over the past few years, states like California, New York, and Illinois started handing out driver’s licenses to illegal aliens like candy – and they’re not alone. Today, 19 states allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses. While these licenses are marked “Not for Federal Purposes,” they’ve been used to issue Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) to illegal aliens – a direct violation of federal law. You would think a license labeled “Not for Federal Purposes” and issued to someone listed as “No Name Given” would raise red flags. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. These states are not only ignoring immigration enforcement and refusing to share criminal alien data – they’re putting unvetted drivers behind the wheel of 18-wheelers hauling potentially hazardous materials across our highways. Now, the consequences are haunting Americans from coast to coast. In Florida, an illegal alien jackknifed his semi during an illegal U-turn, killing three people. In California, another, allegedly driving under the influence, plowed into seven cars without even tapping the brakes, killing three more and injuring several others. This isn’t just a policy disagreement – it’s a public safety nightmare. That’s why I cosponsored Rep. Mary Miller’s (R-IL) SAFE Driving Laws Act. This bill cracks down on states by withholding federal transportation funds from those that issue licenses to illegal aliens. It’s time to pump the breaks on this madness and put American safety first. To read more about this bill, click here.
Haunting History Beneath the Dome
The U.S. Capitol isn’t just home to lawmakers – it’s also rumored to be home to a few lingering ghosts. From the spirit of John Quincy Adams whispering in Statuary Hall to the phantom footsteps echoing through the Rotunda, tales of haunted halls have swirled for centuries. Some say a Civil War soldier still stands guard at night. Others claim the ghost of Representative William Taulbee roams the marble steps where he was fatally shot by a journalist in 1890 – occasionally tripping unsuspecting reporters. Flickering lights and shadowy figures have been spotted in the old House chamber, and a mysterious black cat is said to appear in the Capitol crypt before national tragedies. If you’re ever on a tour through the halls of Congress, if you look closely – you might even spot tiny cat prints forever sealed in the concrete floors. Whether you believe in ghosts or just enjoy a good scare, the Capitol’s history is full of eerie intrigue. Normally, I’d invite you to come experience it for yourself on a guided Capitol tour, but thanks to the government shutdown, those doors are temporarily closed. Once Democrats let us reopen the government, I’d love to welcome you back for a behind-the-scenes look at both the history and the hauntings. For help booking a future Capitol tour, click here.
For a closer look at the Capitol’s ghostly past check out this video from the Architect of the Capitol.
District Update
Don’t Be Scared to Reach Out!
Constituents can sometimes find themselves in a black hole when attempting to contact a Federal Agency. However, my staff and I are here to help! We’re here to rake through the red tape and help you get the answers you need, so you can leaf those worries behind. From Veterans Affairs (VA) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), please do not hesitate to contact my District Office at 920-301-4500 or submit a message through my website here.
Gourd-geous Views Await
Autumn is putting on a show across Wisconsin, and now’s the perfect time to catch the changing leaves before they fall. In Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District, colors are peaking or just past their prime, but there’s still plenty of beauty to behold. In central Wisconsin, spots like Waupaca and Iola are reporting peak color, while areas like Appleton and Neenah are still glowing with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. For a scenic fall drive, head toward Door County, where peak color is in full swing. Or take a stroll through your local parks and trails – sometimes the best views are right in your backyard. For the latest updates, check out Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report.
Photo of the Week
This week’s Photo of the Week features the perfect blend of fall and football – all wrapped up in one porch-perfect Pack O’Lantern. Since launching the Photo of the Week section, we’ve received so many un-be-leaf-able submissions from golden foliage to festive front porches, and we’d love to keep the momentum going. Whether it’s pumpkins, leaves, or local haunts, we’re always excited to showcase the season through your lens. If you’d like to see your picture featured in an upcoming edition, email it to twstaff@mail.house.gov with your name and location.
