Americans are constitutionally protected from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. This right protects people from warrantless searches by the government.
Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen that right threatened by the rise of Flock cameras. These cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) to capture license plate numbers, car makes and models, and other distinct features and upload them to a searchable database.
These cameras are designed to help law enforcement identify suspects, but they can also be used just as easily to erode the civil liberties of innocent Americans.
Unfortunately, we have seen too many instances of these cameras being misused that are deeply concerning, including here in Wisconsin. A few weeks ago, a Menasha Police Officer was sentenced to six months in jail for using Flock cameras to track his ex-girlfriend. Additionally, a Milwaukee Police Department Officer was charged for similar reasons.
In Waukesha, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty announced a lawsuit after Wisconsinites stated that Flock cameras were pointed at people’s backyards, outside of churches, and even outside of polling places.
Here in our district, many localities have begun to disable Flock cameras after complaints from citizens about privacy concerns – including places like Marinette and Waupaca Counties. In Brown County, Green Bay Police just announced they are suspending data sharing with Flock until an audit is completed. Other cities, like Appleton and Sturgeon Bay, announced they were discontinuing them as well.
While I want to ensure that our local law enforcement has every tool at their disposal to catch criminals, it is also my job as your representative to ensure that we protect your constitutional rights.
That is why last week, I signed on to cosponsor Rep. Tim Burchett’s (R-TN) Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act. This bill stops federal agencies from buying, running, or accessing automated tracking systems like Flock cameras. It also prohibits state, local, and tribal governments from using federal funding to purchase these mass surveillance systems.
I am a strong supporter of state and local rights and believe that we should give more power back to the people. If a locality and its citizens want to have Flock cameras in their neighborhoods, they should be able to do so. However, they should not be subsidized by the federal government.
We must find a balance between public safety and personal privacy, and we cannot allow one to erode the other. I believe Flock cameras have done this on too many occasions, and for that reason, I will continue to fight to ensure that no federal dollars go toward funding these surveillance systems in your neighborhoods.
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 interview with Tom Zalaski on WFRV Newsmaker Sunday.
District Update
Honoring Local Law Enforcement
[see featured photo above] This week, I met with Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain to discuss the great work his department is doing to keep our communities safe and how I can continue to support our local law enforcement in Washington. I’m thankful to Sheriff Delain for his 30 years of unwavering service to Northeast Wisconsin.
REMINDER: 2026 Service Academy Application Due Soon
One of the greatest privileges as your Congressman is the opportunity to nominate incredible young men and women from the 8th Congressional District to attend one of our U.S. Service Academies. The deadline for the 2026 applications for my office is Friday, September 25th, 2026. All applications must be fully completed and must be received by my District Office no later than 5:00pm on Friday, September 25th, 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.
Constituent Services Spotlight
Providing the best constituent services to the people of Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District is a top priority for me, from Veterans Affairs (VA) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), my staff and I are here to help! To request assistance with a Federal Agency, you can contact my District Office at 920-301-4500 or send a message through my website here.
Strengthening Communities and Supporting Business
I had a great visit to the Boldt Company headquarters in Appleton this week. The Boldt Company is a general contractor that provides construction, technical, and real estate solutions and employs over 3,000 people nationwide. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the company’s operations, continued growth and to discuss its culture of employee ownership with team members. Thank you to the Boldt team for hosting me and for the great 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 sunset cruise 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.
