This week, I was honored to be on a panel discussing the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin before Vice President Mike Pence's speech on the subject.

The USMCA is a new trade agreement that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While NAFTA prompted the loss of 700,000 jobs by moving production facilities outside of the United States, the USMCA would encourage greater domestic production by promoting free trade, economic growth and continued cooperation between the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

Additionally, food and agriculture exports are expected to increase by $2.2 billion through the implementation of the USMCA. Specifically, the USMCA would help Wisconsin dairy farmers by tripling the amount of dairy exports between the United States and Canada. The USMCA would also close the loopholes Canada and Mexico have consistently used to prevent the import of American agricultural products. 

The passage of the USMCA is not a partisan issue, but hope for hard-working Americans that have far too long been on an uneven playing field. If the USMCA were brought to a vote on the House floor today, I believe that it would pass with bipartisan support. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refuses to do this. I sincerely hope that Speaker Pelosi will give America a big win and quickly bring the USMCA to the floor for a vote. It is imperative that the USMCA is passed to help our dairy farmers and manufacturers in the great state of Wisconsin.

Friday, November 1, 2019

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Legislative Chambers
City/County Government Center
160 South Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

The opioid abuse crisis continues to devastate communities across the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people die from opioid-related overdoses every day. In Wisconsin, opioid deaths have taken their toll on on our communities and families.

This Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of House Republicans' anti-opioid abuse bill being signed into law by President Trump. This bill contained many provisions designed to fight the crisis, including language from a bill I introduced that would allow federal agencies and local communities to better coordinate strategies to prevent and fight abuse. I am proud to say that this has led to the first decrease in opioid deaths since 1990.

A contributing factor to the opioid crisis are all of the prescriptions that are filled, but sit in the medicine cabinet unused, where anyone can grab them. That is why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting a National Take Back Day this Saturday, October 26 from 10:00am-2:00pm. Please consider participating in this initiative to collect and safely dispose of unused drugs. Click here or the picture below to find out where you can participate.

The Waupun Community Services Open House was a great way to meet, thank and learn more about the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

It was great to see so many young people supporting such an important cause at the Fond du Lac Walk to End Alzheimer’s.