As you know, for the past 42 days, Democrats have chosen to shut down the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in an effort to appeal to the radical left that has called to “defund” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This has caused severe hardship for hardworking TSA agents, FEMA workers, members of our Coast Guard, and everyday Americans. However, as I have noted in previous weeks, their intended target ICE—has already received additional funding through last year’s passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen chaos at airports across the country, with flight delays and TSA lines stretching for more than 4 hours. This is solely because Democrats have left TSA agents without pay for more than a month. That is completely unacceptable.
It’s Congress’ job to fund the government. House Republicans did so earlier this year by passing the last of our twelve appropriations bills—the first time this has happened since 1997. These were bipartisan, bicameral pieces of legislation and should have all been passed to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year. However, Senate Democrats reneged on their agreement, leaving DHS without proper funding.
The safety of our homeland and the paychecks of Americans should not be held hostage for political gain. We have an obligation to the American people to put partisan politics aside and do what is right for them.
Yesterday, I voted for the third time to fully fund DHS and reopen the department so we can put an end to this madness. Once again, only four of our Democratic colleagues joined us to vote yes on this bill.
In the early hours of this morning, the Senate passed a DHS funding package that does not include funding for ICE or CBP. After passing this bill, the Senate adjourned for the next two weeks.
Unfortunately, this is a nonstarter in the House. It is our job to fully fund the government, not pick and choose which departments receive funding. That is why today, House leadership introduced a 60-day continuing resolution to fund the entire department—not just the parts Democrats deem “acceptable.”
We should not have to be in this position. We did our job and passed all twelve appropriations bills. Senate Democrats refuse to work with us to finish the job once and for all. However, this measure will give us an opportunity to fully fund DHS, including ICE and CBP, ensure TSA agents are paid, and bring an end to the chaos at our airports, while also forcing the Senate to come back to Washington and pass a bill that actually gets the job done.
A vote on this bill is expected in the House either later tonight or tomorrow morning. As always, I will keep you updated as we know more.
Thanks again for starting off your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of the Wied Wire.
Click here to watch my interview with Spectrum News about the ongoing DHS shutdown.
In the Wieds
Cleared for Takeoff: The ALERT Act Advances
As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to help advance the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act in response to the tragic crash last year of an American Airlines flight and an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This bill was drafted following a year-long investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board into the causes of the crash. Notably, this legislation requires commercial airlines to upgrade to next-generation collision-avoidance technologies and update helicopter routes in and around busy airspace, such as at DCA. While flying remains the safest form of transportation, the DCA crash was a humbling reminder that Congress must continue to take important steps to improve safety across the nation’s airspace for all users. The bill was unanimously approved by the T&I Committee, and I am hopeful that it will be passed swiftly by the full House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Upgrading the Airwaves
I was proud to join a bipartisan group of Members in sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week, calling for a firm deadline for the transition to Next Generation Television. Next Generation Television is the next broadcasting standard that combines antenna TV with the internet. It improves picture quality, audio quality, and creates interactive features. Additionally, it offers more localized content and emergency alerts. It is well past time for this change to be made. The FCC setting a formal transition deadline would bring this standard to every American for a better, more modern broadcasting experience. I think that is something that we can all get behind.
CCP: A Big Threat to Small Businesses
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a calculated and well-developed plan to infiltrate our educational institutions, internet data, military installations, and our nation’s economy. Every day, small businesses across our country face a wide variety of threats from the CCP or CCP-linked companies and individuals. Currently, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides training and informational workshops for businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure. However, the threat from CCP-linked investors remains. This week in the Small Business Committee, we discussed the danger the CCP poses to American small businesses and what Congress can do to provide more resources and protect their operations. I also spoke with witnesses about the steps entrepreneurs and small business owners can take to safeguard their livelihoods. I encourage all small businesses across Wisconsin’s 8th District to contact the SBA to find the best ways to protect themselves from nefarious actors, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power in Congress to deter the CCP from harming American citizens and businesses.
District Update
Calumet County’s Student in Government Day
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending Calumet County’s Student in Government Day held at the Calumet County Courthouse. It was great to connect with middle schoolers from schools throughout the county, including Hilbert, Chilton, Brillion, and more, to talk about my role as their Member of Congress and to answer some of their questions. Thank you for having me and for the great conversation!
Supporting the Veteran Community: Vets Village in Appleton
[see featured photo above] It was great to visit Vets Village in Appleton and to meet with Don Carper, Navigator of Veteran Services. The Wisconsin Veterans Village is an incredible resource for veterans and their families across the state and provides affordable housing at below-market rates along with a wide range of other supportive services. Thank you to the entire Vets Village team for having me and for your unwavering service!
Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy
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 Kimberly High School senior Quinn Hoffmann to inform him of his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Thank you, Quinn, for your commitment to serving our great country and I wish you the best of luck!
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 sunset over the Fox River. 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.
