Wednesday was an extraordinarily sad day for America. The assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah should be a turning point for all of us. We are a nation built on freedom of speech and the belief that we can engage in passionate debates and disagreements, but at the end of the day, we are all Americans.
In recent years, however, we have seen our politics become dangerously polarized. Americans have begun attacking each other rather than attacking ideas or problems. Too often, people see themselves as Democrats or Republicans rather than as Americans. This path is not sustainable.
This tragedy is not the first instance of political violence in recent memory. It was only a few years ago that Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise was shot in an assassination attempt at the Congressional baseball game. Just last year, there were multiple attempts on President Trump’s life. This year, we saw the tragic assassination of a state legislator in Minnesota. Since becoming a member of Congress, there have been threats made against my staff, my family, and myself. This cannot be allowed to continue. It undermines the very values we stand for.
I ran for Congress because I love Northeast Wisconsin, and I love our country. No matter what side of the political aisle you are on, I know you feel the same way. The time has come to lower the temperature and return to spirited policy debates that end with a handshake, not hatred.
Charlie Kirk was an example of someone who embodied this spirit. He would passionately debate anyone at any time simply on the merit of their ideas. He encouraged an open and honest dialogue between the left and the right. That is exactly what he was attempting to do in Utah on Wednesday. We all must carry on this legacy and get back to remembering that although we may disagree on the means, we all want what is best for our country.
As I have said from the start, I am committed to representing each person in Wisconsin’s 8th district regardless of their political affiliation. I will work with anyone if it betters the lives of Northeast Wisconsinites.
Please join me in praying for Kirk’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let’s all remember that we are blessed to live in this country and that we are all Americans no matter your race, religion, or creed.
When we come together as a people, our country is stronger. Let’s get back to the spirited debates that have always made our country great, be good to one another, and put an end to the hatred and vitriol that has plagued our politics for far too long.
Thank you for starting your weekend off with us. I hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
We pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who rose, and the families who still carry the weight of grief. Let this day remind us of the resilience born from tragedy, the compassion that rose from chaos, and the strength of a nation that stood together – united, unbreakable, and forever changed. We honor the first responders who gave everything. We carry the grief of every family whose world was shattered. Though years have passed, the memory remains. The lives lost will never be forgotten. We remember. We always will.
In the Wieds
Cleared for Takeoff: FROST Act Soars Through the House
On Monday, I was extremely pleased that my first bill was passed through the House! In May, I was joined by Rep. Scholten (D-MI) in introducing the Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation, or FROST Act. This legislation clarifies that airports can use federal dollars to construct storage facilities for deicing equipment. Aircraft are uniquely sensitive to any amount of ice and snow that accumulates on the airframe, causing irregularities that add weight, interrupt airflow, and can come loose during flight, potentially damaging critical flight systems. To prevent this, airports invest in expensive deicing equipment and fluids to mitigate these disruptions and support safe flight operations. My bill ensures that airports can properly store deicing equipment on-site, reducing delays and protecting these critical safety systems. The bill was passed unanimously out of committee in June, and this week it was passed on the House Floor by voice vote. The bill will now be sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Restoring Focus, Reaffirming Strength: NDAA 2026
On Wednesday, we passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, reaffirming our commitment to a strong and responsive military. This legislation supports President Trump’s peace through strength agenda by building a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force, one designed to deter our adversaries and protect our homeland. It also reflects the administration’s broader effort to restore focus and discipline within our armed forces – ending left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI programs that distract from the military’s core mission: defending the United States. It authorizes $892.6 billion for national defense discretionary programs, ensuring our military remains the most advanced and prepared force in the world. Beyond the numbers, this bill delivers real impact: it invests in cutting-edge technologies, strengthens our alliances, streamlines defense procurement, ensures our forces are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow, and provides well-earned pay raises for our service members. It also restores constitutional balance by repealing outdated war authorizations, reaffirming that decisions of war and peace rest with Congress. This bill is a message that America stands strong, united, and ready.
Defending Wisconsin Farmers
After it was announced that the the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) proposed a whopping 1,700% fee increase on hardworking farmers, livestock dealers, truckers and auction house owners, I publicly called on Governor Evers Administration to reverse this unconscionable decision. At a time when Republicans are working to revitalize American agriculture and lower costs for our farmers, leave it to Governor Evers and the Democrats to try to squeeze them for every penny they can. Wisconsin farmers, livestock dealers, truckers, and auction house owners work hard every day to feed our country, and they deserve our support, not to be wrung out for cash. This is a slap in the face to every Wisconsin farmer by the Evers Administration and it is my hope that this decision will be reversed swiftly.
Committee Update
Safe Routes, Strong Roots
This week, I had the opportunity to participate in the Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee of House Agriculture Committee’s hearing on Forest management and how we can promote forest health and resiliency. Forestry and paper products have a proud and storied heritage in Wisconsin’s 8th District. The industry is the second largest in economic output, contributing $27 billion to the economy. Additionally, the 8th District is home to the Menominee Nation’s Forest, which is globally renowned for its sustainable management, a fact I was proud to highlight during the hearing. Finally, I was able to promote my Safe Routes Act which would promote the safety of our loggers in the 8th District and begin the conversation to pursue other creative solutions to ensure this proud forestry tradition continues for many more decades.
District Update
Honoring my Alma Mater
[see featured photo above] I was honored to take part in the ribbon cutting and field dedication ceremony at my alma mater, Notre Dame de la Baie Academy in Green Bay. The dedication ceremony was held to rename the school’s stadium to the Stock Family Stadium in recognition of the family’s dedication to the school. Thank you to Notre Dame Academy for having me. Go Tritons!
The Great Outdoors: Visit with Ducks Unlimited
I had the opportunity to meet with Ducks Unlimited to visit two projects in the district, the Ken Eurs Nature Area and the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, to witness firsthand the great work being done and the importance of partnerships with local, state, and federal stakeholders for conservation efforts. I want to thank Ducks Unlimited for having me and for all of the staff and volunteers who work hard each and every day on these projects.
Fun at the Fair: Visiting the Shawano County Fair
I recently visited the Shawano County Fair and connected with constituents who work tirelessly to make the event one for the entire community to enjoy. It was great to visit with many 4-H and FFA members who work hard year round caring for their animals to participate in the fair. Thank you to all of the organizers, volunteers, and attendees for a great year at the Shawano County Fair!
Service Academy Day and Application Deadline Approaching
This past weekend, my team joined other members of the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation staff at the 2025 Service Academy Day and met with several students from Northeast Wisconsin interested in attending one of our nation’s great Service Academies. As your Congressman, the Service Academy process is one of the most important roles of my job.
As a reminder, my office is now accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications. All applications must be completely fully and must be received by my District Office no later than 5:00pm on Friday, October 3, 2025. No late applications will be accepted, so please reach out to my District office at 920-301-4500 to ask any questions well before the due date.
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 see more. This week’s photo is of some bees at work in De Pere. If you would like to submit a picture to be featured in our Photo of the Week section, please email it to twstaff@mail.house.gov with your name and location.
