Since the first Farm Bill was passed in 1933, it has been an essential driver of American agriculture– providing stability and policies that put our farmers first.
Much has changed since the first bill was passed, with new science, technology, and innovation allowing our country to produce the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world. These new challenges and opportunities our producers face require new policy. That is why I was proud to join my colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
As Wieders are aware, last year House Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which delivered unprecedented wins for farmers in Wisconsin and across our country. Not only did it provide much-needed tax relief, but it also reformed federal programs like SNAP to keep this year’s Farm Bill focused on actual farmers.
The last Farm Bill was passed in 2018. Although it was intended to cover only a five-year period, Congress has previously failed to bring a new bill to the floor, leaving American farmers with uncertainty and subject to outdated policies.
This bill is the result of extensive bipartisan work and stakeholder input. It invests in rural communities, prioritizes American commodities, restores regulatory certainty, and finally puts the ‘farm’ back in Farm Bill. It will provide Wisconsin farmers with the tools they need to thrive for years to come. My colleagues and I on the Agriculture Committee are determined to get this bill passed and sent to the Senate.
I was also proud that several of my amendments passed through committee and were included in the final version of the bill. The Low Sugar-Added Yogurt Amendment, introduced alongside Congressman Riley (D-NY), makes low-sugar-added yogurt eligible for the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program. This means SNAP recipients will have greater access to more nutritious yogurt options, encouraging healthier choices in their diets. Additionally, Congressman Riley and I worked together on the Rightsizing Organic Integrity (ROI) Amendment. This amendment modernizes inspection requirements for organic operations by allowing the USDA to conduct virtual inspections annually and in-person inspections every three years for low-risk domestic producers– lessening the burden on organic farmers.
Finally, we also passed the EBT Fee Free Act Amendment. As you may remember, I introduced this as a stand-alone bill last year alongside Congresswoman Brown (D-OH). However, we fought to get it included in this bill in order to get it over the finish line. This amendment would make permanent the 2018 Farm Bill’s temporary prohibition on processing fees for EBT cards– protecting both small businesses and SNAP recipients.
These are common sense, bipartisan wins that will help both farmers and consumers, and I was very glad to see them pass through committee. These provisions, along with many others, will help fuel American agriculture, and I look forward to bringing this bill to the floor for a full House vote.
Thanks again for starting off your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of the Wied Wire.
Click here to watch my remarks during the Farm Bill markup.
In the Wieds
From Local Needs to Federal Dollars
With the deadline for Community Project Funding requests coming up next week, this feels like a good time to walk through how the process actually works. There’s been some confusion circulating recently, and I want to make sure Wieders have a clear understanding of how these decisions are made. Every project we submit to the Appropriations Committee must start with a local government, nonprofit, or public entity requesting it from us. Last year, we received requests from Brown County, Outagamie County, and Oconto County, and all but one were eligible to move forward. We don’t prioritize projects in one county over another, and we don’t hand-pick winners. We advocate on behalf of the projects submitted to us by local communities. To make sure everyone has the chance to participate, we post the application on our website, issue a press release, and keep the process open to every county and municipality that chooses to apply. It’s also important to remember that if we don’t submit anything, those same federal dollars will still be spent – just not here. This year, by advocating on behalf of the projects that were submitted, we secured $12.4 million for Northeast Wisconsin instead of letting those funds go to places like California or New York – and I’ll always choose sending those dollars to Suamico over sending them to San Francisco. My door is open to every community in WI-08. The more local governments and nonprofits that apply, the more we can fight to bring home.
A Seat at the Table for Small Businesses
On Thursday, I was happy to join Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams and members of the U.S Chamber of Commerce for a roundtable discussion on the importance of alleviating tax burdens on small businesses. We discussed the importance of the many tax deductions that were made permanent in the Working Families Tax Cuts. This includes provisions such as 100% bonus depreciation, research and development tax credits, and the 199A expansion for American small businesses. We also discussed the importance of Republicans’ efforts to remove burdensome regulatory barriers to help American small businesses thrive. I am proud to have introduced legislation such as the DUMP Red Tape Act to give small businesses a voice in the deregulatory process, and I was pleased to see it pass the House last December. As a member of the Committee on Small Business, it is crucial that I hear from as many small businesses owners as possible so I can learn their priorities and continue to fight for them in Washington.
Great Lakes, Great Responsibility
Did you know that if the Great Lakes region were its own country, it would rank third in the world for annual economic output? The region is supported by the Great Lakes Commission, a non-partisan interstate compact agency that represents the eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces that border the lakes. They advocate for policies and practices to balance the use, development, and conservation of the natural resources of the Great Lakes, uniting communities, states, provinces, and nations to address challenges that extend beyond the capacity of any single entity to solve on its own. Each year, the commission hosts Great Lakes Week in DC to connect regional leaders with their elected Representatives. This past week, my staff and I met with several Great Lakes-focused groups to discuss how federal policy can best address the issues facing the Lakes. Most important is the reauthorization of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which I am proud to be a co-sponsor of. I am hopeful that this vital program will be reauthorized in the coming months to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world.
District Update
Recognizing Service: Oconto County Veterans Service Office
It was my pleasure this week to recognize Sandy DeCleene for her unwavering dedication and service to veterans throughout Oconto County and Northeast Wisconsin. Sandy has served the Oconto County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) for 11 years and will be missed by the entire community. Thank you, Sandy, for your efforts and support for our veterans and I wish you the best in retirement!
Keeping our Communities Safe: Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office
[see featured phot above] I visited the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office and participated in a ride along with Sheriff Clint Kriewaldt and officers to witness firsthand the day-to-day patrol operation of their department and how they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Angela and I thank all of the men and women in blue for your service and for your dedication to keeping us safe each day.
Calling all Young Artists: 2026 Congressional Art Competition Reminder: My office is now accepting entries for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition! All high school students who attend school or reside in the 8th Congressional District are invited to participate. The required forms and competition rules can be found on my website. All signed documents and artwork must be delivered to my District Office by 5:00pm on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026. I look forward to seeing all of the incredible artwork from students throughout the district this year! If you have any questions, please contact my District Office at 920-301-4500.
Photo of the Week
We have received so many wonderful pictures since we launched the Photo of the Week section of the Wied Wire, and I would love to continue seeing more. This week’s photo is of a dog named Mondo enjoying watching President Trump’s State of the Union Address. If you would like to submit a picture to be featured in an upcoming Photo of the Week, please email it to twstaff@mail.house.gov with your name and location. We look forward to highlighting more of your photos that celebrate the places and moments that make Wisconsin special.
Resources
International Travel Update
If you are an American citizen currently in the Middle East, please ensure that you have reviewed the latest guidance from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. American citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest security updates, follow the State Department on social media at @travelgov, or contact the 24/7 Task Force at 1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada). You can also contact my District Office at 920-301-4500.
