As I head back to Wisconsin to tour district manufacturers and meet with fellow Wisconsinites, I want to update you on what happened in Congress this week. Also, I enjoy hearing from 6th District residents, so please take a moment to answer this week’s question of the week.

Question of the week

Hearing from Wisconsin residents when it comes to important issues like Social Security Disability Insurance is important to me. Click here to answer our question of the week.

The Social Security Disability Insurance program is projected to go bankrupt in 2016. Should Congress reform Social Security Disability Insurance or allow cuts to go into effect?

Click here to answer now.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

In early August, the EPA was responsible for a disastrous spill at the Gold King mine in Colorado. This spill contaminated the Animas River and jeopardized surrounding communities. This was not only devastating to the environment, but the lack of contrition by the EPA is appalling. After the spill I called on EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to resign. If the EPA was a private business they would face financial ruin and possible criminal penalties. At the hearing, I asked Ryan Flynn, the Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department, what would happen to his employees if they waited 24 hours before notifying him of a similar spill. Mr. Flynn’s response, was they would be “former employees.” We need to hold the EPA accountable. Watch the testimony here.

This week, we also addressed issues with the Federal Air Marshall Service (FAMS). The Committee has become aware of recent misconduct by employees within FAMS. This hearing examined personnel actions taken at FAMS to address such improper behavior, as well as managerial decisions to prevent further misconduct. Together with Aviation Security, these programs spend over $5.6 billion each year. As part of this committee we need to make sure that these funds are being spent responsibly.

Legislation

Many of you have probably seen videos surface in recent weeks of Planned Parenthood selling baby parts for profit, now Congress is ready to do something about it. I was proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3134, The Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015, authored by Congresswoman Diane Black. This bill puts a one year spending moratorium on Planned Parenthood while Congress conducts a full investigation into these horrific practices. Protecting the unborn is our duty as a nation, and we cannot afford to turn a blind eye any longer.

To stay up-to-date on the House investigation into Planned Parenthood click here.

Around the Capitol

This week, I spoke with representatives from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, and joined fellow Wisconsinites at Milwaukee Night in the Rayburn House Office Building.

As your Congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the 6th District.

Sincerely,

Glenn Grothman
United States Representative