Over the last few weeks and months, we have heard many people sound the alarm over the pace at which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressing and the ways in which it can impact the American people.
While there are concerns, it is important that, instead of making people panic, we tackle the situation in a rational manner. Two things can be true at once: The United States can continue to develop and lead the world in AI while also ensuring there are proper safeguards in place to protect the American people.
As President Trump has said, whoever leads the world in the AI race will lead the world into the next generation. Like the dawn of the internet and so many other technologies, the United States has always been at the center of innovation and technological advancement, and that should be no different when it comes to AI.
However, as a Member of Congress, I am committed to ensuring that we provide the guardrails and oversight necessary to ensure that AI is developed and deployed safely.
Whether that’s protecting online privacy and ensuring Americans are not subjected to surveillance, or holding companies accountable, both civilly and criminally, if AI causes harm, there are many practical steps we can take.
One of the biggest issues of concern for Americans when it comes to this development is the need for data centers to power this technology.
Data centers are necessary, but they should not be built without stakeholder support. The American people deserve to have a seat at the table when it comes to deciding whether they want them in their communities, and they should not have to foot the bill for them.
That is why this week, I was proud to vote for the passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act. This commonsense legislation would require state public utility commissions to consider a strategy to make data centers pay for their own electricity bills, instead of passing costs onto American consumers.
This is exactly the type of practical legislation we can take up that will protect Americans while also continuing to develop AI.
Everything we do should be based on protecting our constituents, whether that’s their neighborhoods, their online privacy, or their ability to benefit from this new technology, and I will continue to support any legislation that does that.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of the Wied Wire.
Click here to watch me discuss AI with NewsNation.
In the Wieds
Fixing FEMA
Wisconsin has been no stranger to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s disaster recovery process in recent years, and I have heard from many constituents about the lengthy and often confusing process of qualifying for federal aid. This is why I recently added my name to the growing list of cosponsors to H.R. 4669. The Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act would make several bipartisan reforms to the agency and disaster recovery process, cut red tape, and ensure that relief efforts are fast, fair, and free from political bias. Most significantly, it would reestablish FEMA as an independent, cabinet-level agency, rather than its current position within the Department of Homeland Security. It also improves both the public and individual assistance programs. You can find more information on these changes here.
Fraud Crackdown
I came to Congress with a mission to tackle the waste, fraud, and abuse that Washington bureaucrats have plagued our nation with for years. This week, the House passed two pieces of legislation to do just that: the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 and the Preventing Rip-Offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act. The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 codifies the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) National Fraud Enforcement Division into federal law, ensuring the Department has a permanent presence for fraud investigations and prosecution. The PROOF Act would allow federal investigators to obtain state records when investigating fraud in federal programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other federally funded projects. As you may know, Governor Evers has shielded Wisconsin’s data from the federal government to prevent this type of audit that would protect your hard-earned tax dollars. This bill would still protect sensitive information by requiring encryption, limiting access to authorized personnel, and restricting data use to fraud-related enforcement. Fighting fraud does not stop at state lines. It is crucial to ensure the DOJ and our law enforcement officers can do their jobs and protect American taxpayer dollars. For too long, fraudsters have exploited weaknesses within our federal agencies. I am glad to join my colleagues in passing these common-sense bills to fight fraud, protect taxpayers, and hold bad actors accountable.
District Update
Agriculture, the Backbone of our Economy
I enjoyed a visit to Riesterer & Schnell to meet leadership and team members at their facility in Pulaski. Along with members of the John Deere team, we discussed their innovative farming practices and the importance of getting the Farm Bill over the finish line. With 13 locations across the State of Wisconsin, the company plays a key role in our agricultural communities and our state’s economy. Thank you for having me and for the great conversation!
One Week Away: 2026 Service Academy Nomination Application Due!
The deadline for the 2026 U.S. Service Academy Application for my office is fast approaching on Friday, September 25, 2026. All applications must be fully completed and must be received by my District Office no later than 5:00pm on Friday, September 25, 2026. No late applications will be accepted, so please contact my District Office at 920-301-4500 with any questions. You can find additional information regarding the Service Academy Nomination process on my website here.
Doers Getting More Done
[see featured photo above] It was great to be with the Home Depot team for a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about their operation and focus on providing world-class customer service. Thank you to Store Manager, Chad, and his incredible team for your hard work and for showcasing your facility!
Reminder: Congressional App Challenge Due Soon!
My office is accepting applications for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge! All middle school and high school students in the 8th Congressional District are eligible to participate. This challenge is the official STEM competition of the U.S. House of Representatives and is a great way for students to work on their critical thinking and creativity! The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, October 26, 2026. You can find additional information regarding the challenge on my website here.
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 lit-up American flag being proudly displayed on a constituent’s trailer. 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.
