As I am sure you are aware, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill this week to increase the debt limit and cut back on out-of-control government spending. During my time in Washington, there have been six debt ceiling increases, none of which did anything to curb spending and instead increased it along with the deficit.

Our debt has mounted to dangerous levels not seen since WWII because of Washington's inability to contain the rapid growth of government. For Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), the Biden Administration's budget proposal requested a six percent spending increase, even with inflation still hovering around five percent. Over 83 percent of Americans are worried about the economy under President Biden, and his initial proposal doubled down on the policies that led us here.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act serves as a needed check on the reckless spending habits perpetuated by both the White House and previous Congress. Under this bill, we passed what will be the largest spending cut in history. This decrease in federal spending heading into the next fiscal year is critical as it brings us back to sub-FY22 levels and only permits a one percent increase for the next six years.

While not perfect, the framework in place makes much-needed spending reforms, streamlines the permitting process, and holds the Executive Branch accountable for its deliberate, willful fiscal irresponsibility. While my Republican colleagues and I wanted further cuts, we are faced with political reality: in a divided government, all parties must sign off.

But make no mistake, the Fiscal Responsibility Act is a win for America. Here are a few reasons why:

• Reduces non-defense discretionary spending by $40 billion in FY24.
  • Limits the annual growth of discretionary spending to 1 percent over the next six years.
• Streamlines the permitting process to increase American energy production.
• Lifts the maximum age for work requirements for SNAP’s able-bodied adults without dependents from 49 to 54.
• Rescinds $1.4 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to hire IRS enforcement agents.
• Requires borrowers to restart payments on student loan debt, saving taxpayers an estimated $5 billion per month.
• Enacts the first ever statutory Administrative Pay-Go to hold the executive branch accountable for the full cost of executive rules and regulations.
• Slashes $400 million from the CDC’s “Global Health Fund” that sends taxpayer money to China.

Growing up, AM radio was always a staple in my household. Like countless Wisconsinites, I still rely on it to this day. The importance of accessing AM radio cannot be overstated, particularly for rural Americans. When internet or cell service is unavailable, AM radio is often the first source of information many turn to. AM radio provides timely, reliable information in times of crisis, including alerts and updates for tornadoes, floods, and other local emergencies. Currently, AM radio has over 45 million monthly listeners and its removal may deprive Wisconsinites of crucial, life-saving information.

Recently, I was concerned to learn that Ford and other major car manufacturers announced that they would be removing AM radio transmitters from future vehicles. That is why I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Congressmen Robert Latta (R-OH) and Greg Pence (R-IN), on a letter to the President of BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Mazda, Volvo, Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, GM and Mercedes Benz requesting more information regarding their decision to cut ties with AM radio and urging them to reverse course.

I was pleased to see that after receiving our letter, Ford has reversed its decision and will keep AM radio transmitters in new vehicles. I strongly urge other car manufacturers to follow suit and reinstall AM radio in all vehicles they produce. It is a matter of public safety in rural communities.  

I was glad to share my gratitude with Xia Vue Yang and honor all Hmong veterans for fighting communism in Laos at the Sheboygan Hmong Veterans Memorial Day Dedication.

Librarians are always there to help adults and students in Wisconsin research and find books. That is why it was my pleasure to join the Leon-Saxeville Public Library for a fundraiser to support this library in Waushara County.

It was great to be in Neenah on Memorial Day for the American Legion Classic Car show! I was thrilled to get a picture with this 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo SS.