After three years of limited international travel, the U.S. Passport Agency received an unprecedented number of passport applications from travelers hoping to take a trip outside the United States. As a result of huge demand, coupled with a pilot program for online renewals, the agency soon saw a growing backlog of applications. During the past several months, my office has helped over 200 residents of the Sixth District receive their passports. While I cannot guarantee passport issuance, my office can often intervene on a person's behalf to answer questions, find solutions, or help you get a response faster.

With the summer travel season upon us, I would like to remind anyone in need of a passport for an international trip to 1) apply early and 2) contact me if you need help!

Some residents of the Sixth District shared their experience in receiving assistance with the Passport Agency through my Fond du Lac office:

"We had an upcoming trip and our passports were delayed. Fearing that they would not be received in time, I reached out to Glenn's office.  His team took complete control of the situation and worked with the Passport Agency to expedite the process! We received our passports in time and had an amazing trip! Thank you Glenn!" shared Kenneth Mathewson.

“The children and I were incredibly relieved and appreciative for everything Congressman Glenn Grothman’s office did. I never would have considered calling the Fond du Lac office as I was not aware this option even existed, but have thoroughly recommended it to every family I’ve crossed paths with since our return to Wisconsin!” said a mother whose children received passports 36 hours before an international trip.

As your Representative, my office is here to help you deal with federal agencies, including delayed applications with the U.S. Passport Agency.

If you’re looking to apply for a U.S. passport for the first time, obtain the latest processing times, check the status of your passport, or obtain guidance on expedited processing, please visit the website of the State Department.

For assistance with your U.S. passport application, please contact my Fond du Lac office at 920-907-0624.

Burdensome regulations from Washington have hindered the expansion of rural broadband in Wisconsin and nationwide. Through the lack of universal access to broadband, rural communities have trouble accessing essential services, including education, telehealth, work opportunities, and more.

Small, local providers need the time and resources to focus on delivering internet access across rural America. Instead, local broadband providers are hindered by strict federal regulations, which impedes on the industry's goal of connecting communities across the country.

Alongside Congressmen Tom Tiffany (R-WI) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL), I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act to support rural Wisconsinites by providing greater access to broadband. This legislation will cut through Washington’s red tape on smaller, locally-owned providers to ensure rural Wisconsinites and all Americans are in proximity to high-speed internet.

This week, I had the opportunity to visit Charter Steel, a manufacturer of steel bars, wire products, and other metals throughout the Midwest. Jeff Richards, plant manager of their Saukville facility, elaborated on the many details that go into their production of steel coil that is used to help other manufacturers across the country. 

At their plant in Saukville, Charter Steel salvages steel from over 100,000 recycled cars and trucks every year. As another source of steel, the facility collects leftover scraps from other manufacturing plants, such as old train wheels, that may otherwise not be utilized. After the steel is manufactured, it is then turned into coil of different widths. Once the steel coil is ready to hit the road, Charter loads the trucks and the product is delivered to manufacturers across the country, where other producers create different products out of it, such as nuts, bolts, and frames. Fun fact, Charter Steel is found in all U.S. manufactured automobiles in the form of nuts and bolts!

In addition to learning more about manufacturing, my tour of Charter Steel allowed me to speak with management, including Tom Marry and Joel Casterton, about their priorities and the issues facing the industry. Thanks again for welcoming me into your facility for a look at the process behind your steel manufacturing capabilities and equipment.

It was my honor to present the Cedarburg American Legion with a Congressional commendation in recognition of its service to community projects, families, and veterans.

Thank you to Oasis Healthcare in Grafton for inviting me into your facility for a detailed look into your care to help the health and well-being of residents in the Sixth District.

I was glad to attend the Manitowoc County unit meeting earlier this month to provide an update on my work in Congress to help the Sixth District.