The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established after the worst terrorist attack in American history on September 11th, 2001, to coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts between 22 different agencies to better assess and neutralize terrorist threats on the United States homeland.
Since its inception, DHS has successfully thwarted at least 230 violent terrorist attack plots and, in doing so, saved countless lives. And now, as President Trump continues to carry out Operation Epic Fury in Iran, we need to be extra vigilant about threats to our homeland.
Despite that fact, Democrats in Congress continue to vote to keep DHS shut down. Just last week, House Democrats – with the exception of four – voted for the second time to keep the department closed. Yesterday, Senate Democrats voted to block funding for the fourth time.
We are now on Day 28 of the DHS shutdown, and it seems they have no interest in ending this madness. While Democrats continue to refuse to pass any bill that funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it is important to note that ICE is already funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act through 2029. Democrats aren’t hurting their intended target – they’re hurting hardworking TSA agents, FEMA workers, our Coast Guard, and every single one of you.
The primary role of the government is to protect its people, and DHS was designed to ensure Americans feel safe in their communities. This is not the time for partisan political games. I am calling on my Democrat colleagues to join us and vote to fully fund DHS immediately.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
In the Wieds
A Grate Showing for the 8th District
To no one’s surprise, Wisconsin led the pack in awards from the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest. The competition featured more than 3,000 entries from 34 states and 25 countries. The 8th District brought home 28 total awards, 6 of which placed best of class in their respective categories. Agropur, Belgioioso, and LaClare Creamery are just a handful of the producers from our district who took home awards. The competition included products from 148 different classes, including cheese, yogurt, butter, and other dairy products. The 8th District continues to showcase a world-class dairy industry that supports the local economy while producing some of the highest-quality milk, cheese, and other dairy products in the country and around the world. Our dairy industry reflects the backbone of the American dairy industry and the generations of producers who have worked hard to perfect their craft. I will continue to support our dairy producers and ensure that they have the support to continue feeding those at home and abroad.
Opening the Spud Gates
This week, I joined colleagues from both chambers to send a bipartisan letter urging Japan to open its market to fresh American potatoes. For decades, Japan has kept these potatoes out, leaving our producers at a disadvantage. Opening this market would generate an estimated $150 million in new revenue for American growers. President Trump and House Republican’s top priority remains putting America First, and that includes securing fair trade deals that allow our businesses to compete and thrive. Expanding access to Japan’s market would be a major opportunity for potato producers, and I will continue working to ensure American companies and producers come first. With Wisconsin ranking as the 3rd-largest potato producer in the country, it is vital that our farmers have access to markets around the world.
Protecting Rural Water Systems
The Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act help to ensure that water systems provide the public with safe drinking water and sanitation. High levels of technical expertise are required to maintain and operate these systems while complying with federal regulations. However, over 91% of drinking water systems serve communities of less than 10,000 people, many of which lack the resources or staff to meet these complex requirements on their own. This is why I support programs like the USDA’s Circuit Rider Program, which connects rural communities with experts in water system compliance, operations, maintenance, management, and training. I recently joined a bipartisan coalition of Representatives to express our support for these vital programs as the House Appropriations Committee begins setting funding levels for FY27. The full letter of support can be read here.
District Update
Recognizing Service: Shawano County Veterans Service Office (CVSO)
I had the pleasure to recognize retiring Shawano County Veterans Service Officer Paul Pionke for his unwavering service and dedication to the Shawano veteran community. Throughout Paul’s service in Shawano County, he has been a trusted advocate for the veteran community and has worked diligently to ensure veterans receive the support and benefits that they have earned and deserve. I want to thank Paul for his years of dedicated service and wish him the best in retirement!
Commitment to Sustainability: Tour of Sustana
I recently visited Sustana for a tour of their impressive operation and had the opportunity to meet with several of their outstanding team members, including the company’s CEO Nathan Jeppson. The Sustana team is dedicated to finding new ways to recycle and use paper products – producing the materials that go into items that Americans use every single day. Thank you to the entire Sustana team for having me and for your hard work!
Importance of Education: Tour of Syble Hopp School
[see featured photo above] Earlier this week, I joined Principal Alix, Administrator Martini, and many of the incredible educators at the Syble Hopp School for a tour. It was great to learn more about the amazing programs and services provided to over 150 students with disabilities from ages 3 to 21 from throughout Brown County. I want to thank the entire dedicated staff at Syble Hopp for having me and for showcasing your school.
Reminder: 2026 Congressional Art Competition Due Date April 7th 2026
Reminder: My office is 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 the incredible artwork 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 the view from Bayview Bridge in Sturgeon Bay. 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.
