For weeks, we have discussed the ongoing shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), caused by Democrats who have chosen to put partisan politics ahead of the safety and well-being of the American people.
It appears that no matter how many times we vote to open DHS, no more than four of our Democrat colleagues will join us in that effort.
They have continuously rejected any effort to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is important to note that these are the same agencies that were used to deport millions of people under the Obama Administration without protest from the Democrats. Now, however, they are choosing to appeal to the radical left, who want to defund these agencies.
While I would prefer to come to a bipartisan solution – like we did by passing all twelve appropriation bills through the House for the first time since 1997 – it has become clear the only solution is for Republicans to get the job done ourselves.
As you may recall, last year we used a process called reconciliation to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with a simple majority in both the House and Senate. Reconciliation allows Congress to advance legislation related to taxes and spending while bypassing the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold.
House and Senate Republicans have once again decided to use this process to overcome Democrat obstruction and fully fund DHS.
Our current plan is to fund all parts of DHS through this process – including ICE and CPB – through 2029.
As members of Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the American people and to fully fund our government. That is exactly what Republicans intend to do.
The American people want a secure border and safe communities. No matter how much Democrats attempt to return to the chaos of open borders seen during the Biden Administration, Republicans will continue working to deliver the safety and security Americans deserve.
As always, I will keep you updated as this process unfolds.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us. We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
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In the Wieds
Beyond the Blue: Protecting Wisconsin’s Waters
You may have seen that earlier this week, the Brewers released their second-generation City Connect uniforms, inspired by the 15,000 lakes and rivers that Wisconsinites across the state use for year-round recreation. From lake days in the summer to ice-fishing in the winter, water is woven into the fabric of Wisconsin’s identity. I continue to work on ways to improve the management of these crucial resources, and in that spirit, I recently co-sponsored H.R. 6256, the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act. This bill would cut red tape and simplify the pathway for ecosystem restoration projects in regulated floodplains. Healthy floodplains provide several benefits for surrounding populations of both humans and wildlife (flood risk mitigation, groundwater supplies, wildlife habitat). Currently, ecosystem restoration projects aimed at enhancing and restoring floodplains are subject to the same permitting fees and regulations as any other development; this bill would change that. Additionally, it would allow states flexibility regarding the “no-rise” requirement, which previously prevented projects that would result in any water-level rise, despite the need to do so in many cases.
Weeding Out Costly Policies
This week, I, along with many of my colleagues, sent a letter to the International Trade Commission, urging the removal of the Current Countervailing Duty (CVD) on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco. Farmers are facing extremely high and burdensome input costs, which have been steadily rising since the COVID pandemic. It is paramount that we consider all options to reduce costs. This current CVD is a failed Biden Administration policy from 2021, and experts estimate that it has increased fertilizer costs by $7 billion since 2021. Those affected, including corn, soybean, and wheat farmers, have also called for its removal. It is crucial that we stand with them and put an end to this policy now. Our Farmers deserve certainty and relief, and eliminating this duty is one practical step we can take to support them.
District Update
Commitment to Service
The ability to nominate students to attend one of our nation’s Service Academies is one of the greatest honors of my job. This week, I had the pleasure of calling two incredible young men, Atticus Krump from Southwest High School and Charles Sloma from New London High School, to congratulate them on their appointments to our nation’s great Service Academies. I wish the best of luck to Atticus at the Naval Academy and Charles at West Point and thank you for your commitment to serving our country!
Supporting our Communities: Visiting Casa Clare in Appleton
[see featured photo above] I recently visited Casa Clare in Appleton and met with Apricity’s Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Devine Giese, and Development Director, Jill Harp, to learn more about their organization and the recovery services they provide. I was also given a tour of the facility and an overview of the organization’s capital expansion and clinical services to establish a first of its kind recovery campus. I want to thank Michelle, Jill, and the entire team at Casa Clare for your meaningful work and dedication to our community.
Congress in the Classroom
It was great to visit Mr. Sigl’s 7th and 8th grade students at T.J. Walker Middle School in Sturgeon Bay earlier this week. During my visit, I engaged in great conversation with faculty and students about the importance of financial education, including personal finance, and how engaging in classes focused on financial literacy can better prepare our youth for their future. I want to thank Mr. Sigl, Principal Smullen, and the students for having me and for the conversation!
Driving the Future: Pierce Manufacturing Visit
Manufacturing is a critical piece of our economy here in the 8th Congressional District. I enjoyed visiting and touring Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton to learn more about their fire truck painting process, and how the company works closely with first responders and their departments to ensure they receive the highest-quality products. I also had the opportunity to help with the final touches on a Greenville Fire Rescue Truck that will serve one of our communities right here in WI-08! Thank you to the Pierce Manufacturing Team for having me and for your continued hard work and innovation!
Constituent Services Spotlight
Providing the best constituent services to the people of the 8th Congressional District is a top priority for me, from Veterans Affairs (VA) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), my staff and I are here to help! To request assistance with a Federal Agency, you can contact my District Office at 920-301-4500 or submit a message through 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 the four bald eagles spotted together right here in Wisconsin. 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.
