Wisconsin is home to many incredible small firearm manufacturers who help drive our economy and ensure access to safe, reliable firearms that allow us to exercise our Second Amendment rights.
These small businesses contribute significantly to the national and local economy – supporting 380,000 jobs in the broader firearms industry and producing more than $91 billion in annual economic output.
We are lucky to have such a robust industry that not only contributes to our economy but also plays an important role in preserving our constitutional rights.
For that reason, I introduced a resolution this week to recognize the contributions of small business firearm manufacturers to our economy and designate the month of August as National Shooting Sports Month.
Shooting sports promote safe and responsible firearm handling, outdoor stewardship, and civic engagement through local clubs, ranges, and competitions. They are essential conduits for exercising Second Amendment rights by individuals in the United States and provide products, training, and community engagement to sportsmen in this country.
While our Second Amendment has been under attack for many years, every responsible gun owner knows that small businesses and shooting sports organizations do incredible work to promote safe and responsible gun ownership. Their contributions should be recognized and praised, not demeaned.
This resolution celebrates the role of small businesses that manufacture firearms in supporting domestic manufacturing and economic opportunity in communities across the United States. In addition, it supports policies that strengthen the ability of such small businesses to innovate, grow, and preserve the recreational shooting traditions of the United States.
This month, we recognize their contributions to our economy and reaffirm our commitment to protecting Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
As your representative in Washington, I will always fight to protect your constitutional rights and stand with the small businesses that work every day to drive our economy here in Northeast Wisconsin and across the country.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
District Update
Breakthrough T1D
[see featured photo above] It was great to meet with Breakthrough T1D advocates at my District Office in De Pere to discuss the needs of people living with type 1 diabetes. I appreciated hearing the personal stories of my constituents and learning how I can continue to support them in Congress.
Supporting Local Law Enforcement
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Marinette County Sheriff Randy Miller and members of his department to learn more about their daily operations and commitment to public safety. During the visit, I received a tour of the patrol, jail, and dispatch facilities and met with officers who shared their experience in law enforcement. Our men and women in law enforcement will always have a partner in me. Thank you to Sheriff Miller and the entire Marinette County Sheriff’s Office for your unwavering service to the community and Northeast Wisconsin!
Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity
The Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity is an organization that is full of innovative leaders who are committed to serving their community. I met with President and CEO John Weyenberg and VP of Marketing and Advocacy Eric Cernjar to learn more about the organization’s work in communities within Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Northern Winnebago counties. From building a home to thousands of volunteer hours, I want to thank Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity for your continued hard work and service to our communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Made in America
I had the pleasure of visiting 1000 Island Airboats and Great Lakes Veneer who are a family-owned manufacturer located in Marion. It was great to learn more about 1000 Island Airboats where they manufacture some of the safest and most durable airboats in the world. The Great Lakes Veneer operation was equally as impressive, and I had the opportunity to learn about the process of manufacturing products like skateboards, baseball bats, and musical instrument supplies. Thank you to Ryan, Dave, and the incredible team at 1000 Island Airboats and Great Lakes Veneer for having me and for showcasing your incredible facility!
Reminder: 2026 U.S. Service Academy Application Available
One of the greatest privileges as your congressman is the opportunity to nominate incredible young men and women from the Eighth Congressional District to attend one of our U.S. Service Academies. The application deadline for the 2026 applications for my office is 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.
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 view of the sun beginning to set in Door County. 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.
