This week, the House of Representatives voted on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and Department of Defense. These pieces of legislation include many significant policy changes such as enhanced border security measures, increased funding for immigration enforcement, and strict oversight of foreign aid expenditures. Additionally, the bills prioritize national security initiatives and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, reflecting the values and priorities of House Republicans.

Here are some key policy wins from the bills: 

The Department of Homeland Security:

• Provides money to secure our southern border by allocating $600 million for construction of the border wall system.
• Removes dangerous criminals by providing $4.1 billion for custody operations. 
• Rejects funding requested by the Biden Administration that encourages more illegal migration. 
• Prohibits taxpayer funding for providing or facilitating abortions for ICE detainees.

State Department:

• Supports our ally by including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel to defend itself against terrorist attacks.
• Provides $2.1 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific to counter malign influence. 
• Strengthens our national security by prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into U.S.A. 

Department of Defense:

• Allocates $833.053 billion, focusing on combat readiness, innovation, and modernization.
• Provides a 4.5 percent pay raise for all military personnel and an additional 15 percent for junior enlisted service members.
• Cuts unnecessary expenditures and eliminates divisive social agendas.

I was proud to vote "yes" on these bills since they are a step forward in securing our nation and offer key conservative wins. These bills are designed to enhance our national security, protect our borders, and ensure that our laws are enforced effectively. By supporting these measures, we are taking a firm stand on the principles of law and order, personal responsibility, and limited government intervention. It's crucial that we uphold these values to maintain the safety and prosperity of our country. I'm confident that these steps will lead us toward a stronger, more secure future for all Americans.

This week, 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. For instance, antisemitic rhetoric is sometimes defended under the guise of free speech, whereas other viewpoints, especially those from conservative perspectives, are frequently silenced or censored. This inconsistency not only undermines the principle of free expression but also fosters an environment of bias and intolerance on campuses.

Brian Keating, a Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego described an event known as “Israel Hate Week,” which aligns each year with Holocaust Remembrance Day. He added, “It becomes an intimidating, intolerable location at the center of our campus student union for most students to walk by for an entire week on campus.”

Professor Dafna Golden, a Geography Professor at Mt. San Antonio College shared with us her experiences of direct confrontation with hate-filled antisemitism. According to her opening testimony, students have falsely labeled her a “violent Zionist” and a “former soldier of the IDF.”

Additionally, there have been shocking allegations, such as a Jewish UCLA student claiming that professors offered extra credit for attending antisemitic rallies. 

Republicans are actively combating the rise of anti-Semitic sentiments often seen within these circles. We strive to protect the rights of all students, professors, and employees from discrimination. By pushing for clear policies and accountability measures, we can ensure that university leaders do not impose arbitrary double standards.

Click on the video below to hear the witnesses share their first-hand accounts of anti-Israel incidents. 

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

With over 7,000 dairy farms, Wisconsin is the leading producer of cheese and a major producer of milk, butter, and other dairy products in the United States. Dairy farming is the backbone of Wisconsin's rural economy, supporting local communities and significantly contributing to the state's economy. Dairy Month serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication of Wisconsin's farmers who ensure we have access to high-quality, nutritious dairy products. It's a time to honor their contributions and enjoy the delicious dairy products that make Wisconsin famous.

As June wraps up and Dairy Month ends, let's continue to support our dairy farmers and appreciate their hard work year-round.

I had the chance to meet with Lindsey Fowler and Linda Mullins with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, who also live in WI-06! We talked about the Young Farmers Program for members aged 18-35. The program helps with leadership, skills development, and networking with peers.