Following the devastating EF3 tornado that struck the Fox Valley on July 27, I led the entire bipartisan Wisconsin Congressional delegation in urging FEMA to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with Wisconsin Emergency Management.

The tornado caused widespread destruction across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing, with winds reaching up to 165 miles per hour. It ripped roofs from homes and businesses, damaged buildings, overturned vehicles, brought down trees and power lines, and left more than 30,000 homes and businesses without power.

A timely federal assessment is an essential first step toward securing the federal support needed to help affected families, businesses, and local governments recover and rebuild. I will continue working with local, state, and federal officials to make sure the Fox Valley receives the assistance it needs as our communities recover from this devastating storm.

📖Read the full letter HERE.

I recently introduced the PERM Backlog Reduction Act with Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA) to address costly delays in the Department of Labor’s Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system, which employers use as part of the process for obtaining permanent employment-based green cards.

Our legislation would create an optional, self-funded premium processing program allowing employers to pay a $1,200 fee to have PERM labor certifications processed within 30 days. The fees would be deposited into a dedicated account and used exclusively to operate the program, modernize the PERM system, and reduce existing backlogs without costing taxpayers a dime.

Before an employer can permanently hire a foreign worker through the PERM process, the employer must first demonstrate that it could not find an available and qualified American worker for the position. Businesses that have already met those requirements should not then be forced to wait through unnecessary government delays.

The PERM Backlog Reduction Act is a practical way to cut red tape, give employers more certainty when planning their workforces, and help businesses fill critical positions and grow our economy while ensuring the program is fully funded by the employers who choose to use it.

📖For more information see HERE.

The White House is now accepting applications for the 2026 White House Holiday Season, offering talented performers and volunteers from across the country an opportunity to be part of this year’s Christmas celebrations.

I encourage schools, community choirs, orchestras, bands, performing arts organizations, and individuals with a passion for music and the holiday season to consider applying. Selected performers may have the opportunity to perform at the White House, while volunteers can help transform the White House into a welcoming holiday destination for thousands of visitors.

This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and volunteer spirit we have throughout Wisconsin’s Sixth Congressional District. Learn more and apply through the official White House website. The deadline is August 28.

📖Apply HERE.

I had a great time at the Green Lake County Fair’s Buyers Appreciation Dinner and Youth Livestock Auction.

It’s always inspiring to see the hard work and dedication of our young people.  Congratulations to all the 4-H and FFA exhibitors!

It was great to join the Belgium Luxembourg Fest for a Sunday afternoon celebrating the community’s rich Luxembourg heritage!

Thank you to the Belgium community for continuing this great tradition and for putting on another fantastic festival.

I had a blast stopping by the St. Cloud Fire and Rescue Picnic for their 80s Rock Party.

A big thank you to the St. Cloud firefighters and first responders who put so much into keeping their community safe, and to everyone who came out to enjoy a great night.

Congratulations to Xavier James Lundberg on earning the rank of Eagle Scout!

For his Eagle Scout project, Xavier raised more than $10,000 to assemble 100 care packages for deployed U.S. service members. That is an incredible accomplishment and a great example of putting service into action.

Thank you, Xavier, for supporting our troops and congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.

I enjoyed stopping by the Butte des Morts Lions Club Carp Festival this weekend. The festival has been a local tradition for 51 years, and it was great to see so many people come out and enjoy the day.

Thank you to the Lions Club members and volunteers who continue to make this event possible and keep this tradition going.