As you know, last week I wrote to you about House Republican’s passing the SAVE America Act, which requires voter ID for federal elections. This was a huge win for election integrity and will help provide the faith in our democracy that the American people deserve.
However, over the past week, we have seen countless false claims from Democrats, echoed in the mainstream media, that this legislation – which is overwhelmingly popular with Americans – is somehow a “voter suppression bill.” Let me be very clear: that could not be further from the truth.
The SAVE America Act allows American citizens to register to vote using many different documents, including:
- A REAL ID.
- A valid passport.
- A military ID card or U.S. military record of service.
- A valid government-issued photo ID.
In addition to these common forms of identification, a person can also register to vote using a valid government-issued photo ID that does not show proof of citizenship, so long as they provide supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, an American Indian Card, or many other qualifying documents.
The number one claim that I am sure you have heard from the other side of aisle is that this bill would disenfranchise married women who change their last time. That is simply not true – and the elected officials who continue to repeat it know that.
The SAVE America Act was designed to ensure that this very problem does not arise. This bill establishes a process to clarify name discrepancies in documentation – including married women who change their last names. For example, a married woman may sign an affidavit stating that the name on their documentation is their previous name. It also allows people to show additional documentation to explain these discrepancies – such as a marriage license or other additional documents established by the state they reside in.
The goal of this bill is to protect American citizens’ votes and strengthen faith in our elections. No matter how many times my colleagues on the Democrat side repeat these claims – it does not make them true. Americans deserve to have their vote protected and that is exactly what the SAVE America Act will deliver.
Thanks again for starting off your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of the Wied Wire.
In the Wieds
Keeping Our Coast Guard Afloat
There’s been a lot of talk recently about the Democrat Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, but the impact goes well beyond Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When DHS goes unfunded, it doesn’t just affect ICE – it also hits FEMA, TSA, and even the United States Coast Guard. That means the people who respond to natural disasters, keep our airports secure, and protect our coastlines are being asked to keep doing their jobs without the certainty of a paycheck, again. For the Coast Guard, which sits under DHS, this is especially serious. More than 41,000 active-duty and Reserve members could miss their next paycheck if the shutdown continues. These coast guardsmen are still out there safeguarding our ports, interdicting narcotics, and conducting lifesaving search-and-rescue missions. They shouldn’t be the ones paying the price while negotiations stall. As Wieders know, I previously signed on to the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act, which would ensure our troops continue to get paid even if the government is shut down. This week, I followed that up by signing on to a letter urging President Trump to use every available tool to ensure Coast Guard members continue receiving pay during the shutdown. Our servicemembers shouldn’t be the ones stuck holding the bag because Washington can’t get its act together.
Full Steam Ahead for Northeast Wisconsin
A few months ago, it was announced by the U.S. Navy that construction of the Constellation-class frigate program had been cancelled. This was done as part of the Trump Administration’s effort to revamp and revitalize our warships. Unfortunately, at the time, it left some uncertainty for Fincantieri Marinette Marine, who were tasked with building these ships. Over the last few months, I have been in constant contact with both Fincantieri and the Trump Administration to ensure that new ships would continue be built right here in Northeast Wisconsin. Yesterday, the U.S. Navy announced that Fincantieri Marinette Marine will construct at least four ships for the Navy’s new Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program. This is a very welcome decision that will provide stability and good-paying jobs for our shipbuilders. The LSM is a small transport vessel for the Marine Corps, designed to support the service’s mobile anti-ship missile batteries across the islands and littorals of the Western Pacific. These ships support the effort to strengthen our military and protect our nation and allies. This is just the beginning, and I hope to see even more projects come to our region. We have some of the most capable and hardest-working shipbuilders in the country, and they deserve these opportunities. I look forward to seeing these ships constructed and Northeast Wisconsin leading the way in the revitalization of our naval capabilities.
Click here to watch my Interview with Fox 11 News where I discuss the Navy’s announcement.
District Update
Appleton’s Youth in Government
It was great to join the Youth in Government group at the Appleton YMCA earlier this week to provide insight into the experience of a Member of Congress, how our legislative body operates, and answer so many well-prepared and thoughtful questions from the students. I want to thank Elora for extending an invitation to have me visit and all the students for your interest in political participation!
Helping Hands in Oconto Falls
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to visit HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital located in Oconto Falls. It was great to connect with members of St. Clare’s leadership team, board members, physicians, pharmacists, and other providers for a tour of the facility and to discuss the importance of rural healthcare and how I will continue to be an advocate for them in Congress. I want to thank the entire St. Clare’s team and our healthcare heroes for your continued care to communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
A Great Catch in Sturgeon Bay
I stopped by Lindal Fisheries, a third-generation family-owned business located in Sturgeon Bay. A great business in Door County that has been built on generations of commercial fishermen, it was great to experience firsthand how the team at Lindal Fisheries processes fish and offers incredible and high-quality products. I want to thank Dan and his team for having me and congratulations on your continued success.
Small Business Success in Green Bay
[see featured photo above] I enjoyed visiting Packer Fastener located in Green Bay – which is the largest threaded fastener and industrial supply powerhouse in the Midwest. It was great to learn more about the operation from Packer Fastener’s CEO, Terry Albrecht, and how he has continued to be an innovator in the industry which has undoubtedly contributed to his and his team’s continued success and growth. I want to thank Terry for hosting me and for the entire team’s hard work!
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 shows a frosty setting in Little Chute. 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.
