Last January, I traveled alongside Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and my fellow House GOP colleagues to Eagle Pass, Texas, for a firsthand look at the border crisis. During this trip, I had the privilege of speaking with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, local law enforcement, and community members about the tremendous challenges they face as a result of President Biden's open-border policies.

Last year, Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and I teamed up to introduce legislation, the Sturgeon Protected and Exempt from Absurd Regulations (SPEAR) Act, to protect sturgeon spearing in our state. Specifically, this bill would exempt the state of Wisconsin from any listing of lake sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In short, the SPEAR Act is a commonsense bill that will ensure both sturgeon spearing and Wisconsin’s conservation success story will continue for generations to come. On January 22, I was taken aback by the strong unity among sportsmen groups across our state in speaking out against the Administration's needless attack on spear fishing during a rally at Stockbridge High School. 

Thank you to Marian University for welcoming me this last year to your Martin Luther King Jr. Community Prayer Breakfast. It was a pleasure to hear from Packer great, George Koonce, and chat with the keynote speaker, Marian University Senior Kevin Simmons.

As a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am committed to supporting students pursuing a college degree while defending the American taxpayers. In coordination with Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), we worked on this committee to bring more transparency and accountability to higher education on behalf of students across the country to increase which will increase the value of college for a greater number of Americans.

This year, our Committee considered H.R. 6951, the College Cost Reduction Act, which will lower college costs for students and families. I am proud to share that the bill incorporated two of my initiatives, the Responsible Borrowing Act and the Protecting Taxpayers from Student Loan Bailouts Act.

Also in February, I told you about my bill, the No IRIS Act. This bill, inspired by Hexion Specialty Chemicals who has a local manufacturing facility in Sheboygan, will protect American jobs, promote innovation, and hold the EPA accountable for acting against the best interest of the industry, our economy, and the environment. After introducing the bill, I published an op-ed in Fox News to shed light on the bureaucratic overreach being committed by the EPA and point out the major benefits this bill would have on the jobs of manufacturing companies across the country, just like it would right here at home. 

On February 24, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Department celebrated 175 years of service. Thank you to Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt and all Sheriffs and officers past and present who have served to protect our community.

On February 24, the Mayville community on successfully opening the Ted and Grace Bachhuber Memorial Library! This addition to the community is a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

On March 23, I reintroduced the Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act, legislation that will strengthen social safety net programs and ensure their availability for U.S. citizens by preventing non-citizens from receiving federal welfare benefits. The CATO Institute, a non-profit think-tank, has estimated this legislation would save taxpayers $60 billion in the first year alone.

On March 11, I introduced the Appropriations Transparency Act, legislation that will ensure the annual funding bills that cost taxpayers trillions of dollars are subject to more scrutiny and make sure their effects are known and readily accessible for public review.

I was honored to have received The Guardian of Seniors' Rights Award from 60 Plus

Association! I was presented this award by Jim Martin and Saul Anuzis. I am committed to advocating for seniors' rights, including Social Security and Medicare.

On March 5, several members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin met with me to discuss ways to ensure safety and better equip our local heroes to carry out their duty. Great discussion! 

In April, several of my Wisconsin colleagues and I came together to participate in a ceremony to plant a Sugar Maple, the Wisconsin state tree, on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. This tree will commemorate the 175th anniversary of the state of Wisconsin.

Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the House Administration Committee who has jurisdiction over the Capitol grounds, led the effort with my support. The approval of this tree took an entire year but its rewarding to see a little bit of Wisconsin in D.C.

I hosted the App Challenge 2024 winners in D.C. in April. The winners representing the Sixth District of Wisconsin are Malina, Joseph, Roger, and Roland. They created an app called "SmartBus", which offers real-time tracking via Google Routes, allowing parents to access the estimated arrival time and precise location of their children's school bus. 

For over two decades, Pastor Robert Suhr has served as the bedrock of Christ Church Mequon, leading with wisdom and grace as its Senior Pastor. Under his stewardship, the church has flourished into a vibrant community, embracing individuals from all walks of life and setting an exemplary standard of commitment to its mission and stewardship. He is also a devoted husband of over 35 years to his beloved wife Jill, a loving father to three adult children, and a proud grandfather of seven.

I was glad to welcome Pastor Suhr to Washington, D.C. to offer the opening prayer for House Floor proceedings on April 12. After the prayer he met with Speaker Mike Johnson and I on the Speaker's Balcony. 

I had the pleasure of meeting with Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin of UW-Madison, my alma mater. Go Badgers! 

I also held four town halls in April in Manitowoc County, Ozaukee County, Columbia County and Green Lake County. One of the most important parts of my job as your Congressman is hearing feedback so I can make your voice heard in Washington, D.C. 

On April 22, I hosted a reception for the Congressional Art Competition. Congratulations to Jordyn Jacobson on her painting of "F18s Shooting Flares". Her piece is now on display in the U.S. Capitol! 

In May, I led the House Oversight Committee and House Armed Services Committee in launching an investigation into the Department of Defense’s (DoD) anticipated publication of a report by the newly created Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (DACODAI). As part of the investigation, Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) and I sent a letter to DACODAI Chair General (Ret.) Lester Lyles requesting information and documents related to the methodology used to complete DACODAI’s final report and material relied on, such as interviews, analysis, and input from outside organizations. Considering the military is consistently failing to meet its recruitment goals, missing their 2023 goal by 41,000, injecting our armed forces with divisive policies is not the answer.

In May, I spent time with the residents of Tower View Assisted Living in Rosenadale.

On May 23, the House Budget Committee held a hearing examining our health care system. During my questioning, Dr. Adam Bruggeman acknowledged that one-third of hospital employees are engaged in tasks unrelated to direct health care solely due to regulatory burdens. Reducing these administrative burdens would allow providers to focus more on patient care, significantly lowering healthcare costs. According to a study conducted by the American Hospital Association, the average-sized hospital spends nearly $7.6 million annually on administrative compliance, which breaks down to $1,200 for every inpatient admission. The American people deserve affordable, accessible, and personalized healthcare from a competitive healthcare market that delivers low-cost, high-value healthcare options.

I met with ABATE Wisconsin to discuss initiatives for protecting and promoting motorcycle riding across the state and country. The meeting ended with some authentic Wisconsin cheese, and Rep. Chuck Edwards from North Carolina stopped by! 

In June, we celebrate our dedicated dairy farmers, processors, and cheesemakers who keep Wisconsin the top cheese state through their hard work and passion. I spoke on the House Floor about Dairy Month to celebrate! 

This month, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025. This annual bill outlines the budget, expenditures, and policies for the U.S. Department of Defense. It significantly impacts troops by ensuring they receive necessary resources, training, and support to maintain military readiness. The NDAA also emphasizes national security by funding defense programs, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and supporting intelligence operations to address emerging threats and safeguard the nation's interests.

I'm thrilled to share that my office successfully helped Mr. Khue Vang reunite with his wife and their American citizen children. Mr. Vang's situation was particularly urgent as his family had been forced to flee their village in Vietnam due to persecution for their faith. When Mr. Vang came to me, our first step was to expedite his wife's immigrant visa petition with USCIS by highlighting the severe risks they faced in Vietnam. Read more about the Vang family story here.

This past June, my office assisted Suzanne Stuckart in renewing her permanent resident green card, and this year, I am excited to announce she became a U.S. citizen! 

In June, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on "Combating Workplace Antisemitism in Postsecondary Education: Protecting Employees from Discrimination." This hearing is part of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce's ongoing series addressing the rise of antisemitism across America. 

The Anti-Defamation League reported 3,283 antisemitic incidents between October 7, 2023, and January 7, 2024, marking a 360 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Universities are a significant part of this trend, not only as places of learning but also as major employers in many states. The double standards at colleges regarding free speech are increasingly evident. While many institutions claim to champion the First Amendment, they often selectively enforce it.

In July, the Secret Service made catastrophic mistakes that almost took the life of  President-elect Donald Trump. In response, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing to address the issues and have since made progress within the Secret Service leadership. This hearing served as a wake-up call to all Americans about the importance of vigilance and accountability in our government. It is a reminder that our elected officials must be protected, not only for their sake but for the sake of the nation they serve. The Oversight Committee's investigation will shine a light on the shortcomings that endangered President Trump and will push for reforms that are necessary to safeguard our leaders in the future.

Also in the Oversight Committee, my subcommittee held a hearing on wasteful spending and inefficiencies within the Department of Defense (DoD). During the hearing, we discussed the need for stronger oversight and enforcement mechanisms, such as advanced data analytics tools, to guide the DoD towards better management of taxpayer dollars across its programs. It is important to point out how overloaded regulations and general bureaucracy have led to a shrinking base of military contractors used by the DoD. This has limited avenues for contracts, stifled competition, and increased prices. The DoD has a habit of over-promising and under-delivering new platforms, and due to the culture within the DoD.

In July, the House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This legislation amends current law to require proof of citizenship to register to vote in Federal elections. Although it is already illegal to vote as a non-citizen, states are currently prohibited from verifying citizenship when registering voters. 

On July 5, I had a fantastic time at the Marquette County Youth Meat Animal Auction. These auctions support agricultural education and future endeavors. Proud to be part of a community that values and supports our future farmers!

On July 25 we celebrated National Intern Day! I am so grateful for my interns in Fond Du Lac, WI and Washington, D.C. 

Every August, Congress is out of session for the entire month, giving each member the opportunity to return to their district, stay in touch with constituents, and learn about the issues most important to each local community. Although I already return to Wisconsin every weekend, I am also back for the entire month of August during our yearly district work period.

Some businesses I toured this past summer were The Russell Moccasin company, Ripon Athletic, Generac, and SC Machining. 

Have you ever visited the Frost Farm Alpacas in Coloma, Wisconsin? If not, you should definitely add this charming destination to your list. The Frost Farm has a rich history dating back to 1910 and during my visit, I had the chance to learn all about these fascinating animals. The knowledgeable staff provided an in-depth tour, covering everything from the alpacas’ care to the role their fiber plays in sustainable textiles.

I toured Apollo Tool Co. in Westfield. This great company makes high quality household tool sets that are reliable and virtually last forever! 

 I attended a pivotal Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity subcommittee hearing in Wisconsin that focused on critical issues impacting our veterans. This subcommittee hearing was hosted by Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) at UW La-Crosse. The discussions were both eye-opening and motivating, highlighting the urgent need for improved support systems and resources for those who have served.

September was highly productive for two of my budget reform efforts! The House passed the Senate companion version of my bipartisan bill, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Data Access Act. I introduced this legislation back in February with my Democratic colleague, Kweisi Mfume (D-MD). This bipartisan initiative will benefit taxpayers by enhancing the efficiency and data collection capacity of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). 

In early June, I introduced the Biodiversity Oversight Scaled-back And Fully Erased (BIOSAFE) Act alongside fellow Wisconsinite, my friend Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-08). This month, I presented my bill at a Natural Resources Committee hearing, where I explained how devastating it would be for decisions affecting Wisconsin’s natural resources to be ripped from local conservationists in favor of unknown D.C. bureaucrats. Watch my remarks below. 

In early September I had a fantastic visit to Vir Clar Farms in Fond Du Lac! We dove into the key issues facing Wisconsin farmers and talked about how we can support our agricultural community. Proud to stand with those who keep Wisconsin’s farms thriving!

On September 10th, I had the pleasure and privilege to meet with Governor Denny Tamaki of Okinawa, Japan in D.C.!

The Committee on Education and Workforce held a hearing on the Biden-Harris Administration's Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA) Failures this past academic filing year. The Administration's botched "simplified" FAFSA implementation has significantly impacted college enrollment rates, and Congress must hold the Department of Education (DOE) responsible for its errors. These missteps have severe repercussions, particularly for students in WI-06, who rely on financial aid to pursue their education in the upcoming fall semester. To read more about FAFSA failures, Click Here. 

I always enjoy attending Eagle Scout Awards in the district. Big Congratulations to Joseph Hickson from Fond Du Lac.

In October I was able to tour Seneca Foods in Ripon, WI. To Read more about the great tour and the company, Click Here.

October 7th, 2024 was the one-year anniversary of the horrific attack on Israel. The coordinated assault by Hamas, targeting innocent civilians, including women and children, was a stark reminder of the evil that exists in this world. Israel has every right to continue defending itself against such unprovoked aggression, and it is essential that the United States continues to stand firmly with our strongest ally in the Middle East.

In mid October, the House Judiciary Committee held a field hearing in Milwaukee on "The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: Wisconsin Perspectives." Since January 2021, we have had a record number of illegal border crossings, and it has spread all over the U.S. To read more on this hearing, Click Here.

I visited a Habitat for Humanity site in Menasha, WI at the end of October. I strongly support the goals of this organization because they promote homeownership rather than just providing government assistance. Through their vetting process, they select applicants who earn less than $75,000 and give them a chance to achieve greater success. Homeownership is important for many reasons. It offers financial stability, fosters wealth building, grants personal freedom, and creates opportunities for generational wealth.

This year’s elections were extremely important and have brightened the future of America. To ensure they were secure and accurate, the Committee on House Administration, along with the support of Speaker Mike Johnson, launched the Election Observer Program, which was authorized by bipartisan legislation signed into law this year. As the issue of election integrity continues to rise to the forefront in voters’ minds, this program is more important than ever to ensure every lawful vote is counted in free, fair, and secure elections. To read more, Click Here.

As a follow-up to our hearing on FAFSA in September, on November 15, the House took action by passing H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act. This bill ensures students and families have ample time to make informed decisions about their postsecondary education options, by requiring the Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form available to students each year on October 1. 

Krier Foods in Random Lake recently won the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" award for their product, Jolly Good Soda. I was honored to present them with a commendation for this achievement, tour their facility, and meet the employees who make the Sixth District the manufacturing epicenter of Wisconsin!

Frequent readers of my newsletter may recall that in 2023, I introduced bipartisan legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office on Fremont Street in Kiel, WI, as the “Trooper Trevor J. Casper Post Office Building.” I am pleased to announce that in June, my bill honoring Trooper Casper passed the House of Representatives and has since been signed into law!

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability held a hearing in December to examine issues with the U.S. Census Bureau. During the hearing, it was revealed that the Post-Enumeration Survey, which assesses the accuracy of the Census count, identified significant errors and flaws in the 2020 Census. These miscounts disproportionately benefited Democratic-leaning states, raising concerns about the integrity of the process. It is critical for Congress to fully understand what went wrong to ensure similar errors are not repeated in the 2030 Census.

I met with Lee Gordon of Mercury Marine in D.C. We had a great conversation surrounding the boating industry.

Every December the House votes on the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an essential piece of legislation that strengthens our national defense and counters growing threats from foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. The FY25 NDAA delivers key victories to enhance military readiness, improve servicemembers' quality of life, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. I was proud to vote for this legislation, which not only ensures our Armed Forces are prepared to defend our nation but also reflects a strong commitment to the brave men and women who serve. This bill represents a significant step forward in safeguarding our nation and honoring the sacrifices of those who protect it. To read more about the FY25 NDAA please click here.

I am truly honored to have received the Member in Spotlight award from the NAICU, presented by Dr. Barbara Mistick. I remain committed to supporting independent, non-profit colleges and universities and their vital role in shaping the future of higher education.

I had a great time at the Oshkosh Humane Society Pawliday Craft Fair on December 7.  PSA: please stop declawing cats, it’s harmful and unnecessary. Let’s continue giving our furry friends the care they deserve!

Yesterday, I was sworn in as a Member of the 119^th Congress to represent the Sixth District of Wisconsin.  I'm incredibly excited to kick off the new session and begin working toward a brighter future for our country. This is a pivotal moment, and I’m eager to collaborate with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the challenges we face. Together, we can make a real difference, create lasting solutions, and ensure a stronger, more prosperous nation for all. God Bless!