Work provides far more than a paycheck. For many adults with disabilities, the right workplace can offer structure, purpose, friendship, training, transportation assistance, and a sense of independence that families deeply value. Unfortunately, Washington has made it harder for many individuals to access those opportunities.

That is why I introduced the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act, legislation that protects the freedom of adults with disabilities to choose the workplace environment that best fits their individual needs and goals.

Current federal law forces many individuals under the age of 24 to navigate layers of bureaucratic requirements before they can access certain supportive work environments authorized under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. In too many cases, those barriers delay meaningful employment opportunities or push individuals into settings that may not be the right fit for them.

My bill restores flexibility by lowering the age threshold from 24 to 18, ensuring adults with disabilities are treated like adults when making employment decisions. It also updates counseling requirements, so individuals are not punished if states fail to complete federal paperwork obligations on time.

I have visited organizations across Wisconsin like Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam and RCS Empowers in Sheboygan, where I have seen firsthand how these programs help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and remain engaged in their communities. Families consistently tell me these opportunities have improved quality of life and created pathways toward greater independence.

This legislation has earned support from disability advocates, service providers, families, and workers themselves because it recognizes an important reality: employment is not one-size-fits-all. Adults with disabilities deserve the dignity of choice and the ability to pursue work environments where they can succeed without unnecessary government obstacles standing in the way.

📖 For more on this legislation, click HERE.

📺 Watch my full speech HERE.

This week, I questioned Fairfax County officials during a Judiciary Committee hearing on the dangerous consequences of sanctuary policies. Americans are tired of watching local governments put political ideology ahead of public safety.

The hearing focused on cases where criminal illegal immigrants were released back into communities instead of being turned over to federal immigration authorities. In too many instances, these policies have had devastating consequences for innocent families.

During my questioning, I pressed Fairfax County officials on why they are reluctant to cooperate more fully with ICE, even when dealing with repeat offenders and individuals accused of violent crimes. I also highlighted the frustration many Americans feel when local politicians dismiss legitimate public safety concerns while the people living in these communities are forced to deal with the consequences.

No community should be forced to choose between enforcing the law and keeping families safe. Sanctuary policies make it harder for federal law enforcement to do their job and too often allow dangerous individuals to remain in our country and on our streets.

📺 Watch my questioning HERE.