In Wisconsin, sturgeon spearing is a longstanding tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Thanks to strong public-private partnerships between local volunteer groups, fishing clubs, and the Wisconsin DNR, Wisconsin remains one of the few places in the country where lake sturgeon populations are healthy enough to support annual hook-and-line and spearing seasons.
Unfortunately, that has not stopped outside activist groups from trying to list lake sturgeon populations as endangered, effectively ending sturgeon spearing altogether. In 2018, the Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in an attempt to list lake sturgeon as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Had they succeeded, it would have jeopardized one of Wisconsin’s most cherished outdoor traditions.
Thankfully, after conducting a thorough species status assessment using the best available science, the U.S. FWS determined in April of 2024 that lake sturgeon do not require a “threatened” designation.
Although this was the outcome we were hoping for, we knew there was nothing stopping environmental groups from continuing to pursue this matter. Now, the Center announced that it plans to sue USFWS once again, claiming that its determination was illegal.
This is exactly why last year, I introduced the Sturgeon Protected and Exempt from Absurd Regulations (SPEAR) Act, which would exempt sturgeon populations in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is globally recognized for the successful science-based management of its lake sturgeon. Year after year, the spearing season is closely monitored by the Wisconsin DNR, and all sturgeon must be brought to designated registration stations. Length, weight, sex, and tagging information are collected from each registered fish, which is used to determine the season length. Additionally, local conservation groups such as Sturgeon for Tomorrow, the Sturgeon Advisory Committee, the Sturgeon Guard, and local sportsmen’s groups work together to ensure that spearing is done responsibly and sustainably.
Wisconsinites have been spearing sturgeon for decades, and we do not need an out-of-state activist organization coming in and pushing their radical agenda on us. Activist groups and federal bureaucrats do not know better than Wisconsin fishermen and conservationists who have successfully managed these populations for generations.
With this latest lawsuit, I am more determined than ever to get the SPEAR Act passed and ensure we protect this Wisconsin tradition for years to come.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us. We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
Click here to watch my latest interview with WFRV about the SPEAR Act.
In the Wieds
Wings Over Wisconsin: Celebrating National American Birding Week
Spring is a special time of year for many reasons, especially if you enjoy longer days, warmer weather, and spending more time outside with friends and family (who doesn’t?). It is also an important time of year for 350+ migratory bird species that travel from Central and South America to their summer breeding grounds in the United States and Canada. This annual migration of an estimated 3.5 billion birds is the Super Bowl for the birding world. Nearly 96 million birders across the country contribute billions each year to local economies on trips and equipment. The Great Lakes region and Wisconsin, especially, is a hotspot along the Mississippi flyway for many species, which stop along the shores of the lakes on their journey north. To recognize this annual marvel of nature and the economic impact of birders, I co-sponsored H. Res 1240 to designate May 8th-17th “National American Birding Week” which corresponds with “peak migration” when the highest volume of birds are on the move.
“Label” it all on me
Recently, I cosponsored a pair of bills to ensure that our food labels say exactly what the product actually is. H.R. 8414, The Dairy Pride Act, ensures that only real milk, yogurt, and cheese are labeled as such. Substances made from nuts and other alternatives would no longer be able to market themselves as milk. For example, almond milk would instead be labeled as an almond beverage. Similarly, I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 8596, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act. This bill would also increase transparency to ensure that any lab-grown or plant-based meat is labeled accurately. People want to know whether their meat is actually meat, and this bill would help consumers make informed choices to ensure they buy the high-quality protein they are seeking. These are both commonsense bills that provide transparency to consumers and allow people to know exactly what they are purchasing at the grocery store.
District Update
Commitment to Service
I had the honor to visit New London High School this week to recognize Charles Sloma for his appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. It was great to join his family, friends, and educators to recognize this incredible accomplishment. Thank you, Charles, for your commitment to serving our great country and I wish you the best of luck!
If you are a student interested in applying for a Congressional nomination to attend one of our nation’s Service Academies, you can find additional information on my website here. The 2026 Service Academy Application will be available on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Celebrating #SmallBusinessWeek
In between visits during a busy district work week, I stopped by Luna Coffee Roasters in Bellevue to enjoy some of their tasty product! I want to thank and recognize all of the small businesses throughout Northeast Wisconsin that make our communities so great and drive our economy here in #WI08.
Farmers for Free Trade: USMCA Roundtable at BelGioioso Cheese
[see featured photo above] I joined Wisconsin farmers and local business leaders at BelGioioso Cheese to discuss why the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal must stay in place. I appreciated hearing directly from stakeholders about the deal’s positive impacts and what more can be done to ensure that Canada and Mexico follow through on their commitments and provide greater certainty moving forward. Thank you to BelGioioso Cheese for hosting and all of the panelists for your insight during this important conversation.
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 a drive over a Door County bridge during a rainy Wisconsin day. 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.
