Fighting Child Traffickers

Last week, Congress passed a government funding bill that will increase spending in order to keep the government open until September 30, 2019. I voted against this bill not only because of the reckless increase in spending, but also because of one particularly bad provision that I am committed to fixing.

There is a very concerning provision in this bill regarding an adult's illegal entry into the U.S. with children to avoid extradition. It appears as though this provision would allow criminals, including violent gang members, to avoid extradition if they have a child, any child, live with them. Given that we already know some immigrants rent other people’s children to get into this country, this provision furthers the incentive to rent children, likely putting them in harm’s way.

It is my duty as a public servant to protect the most vulnerable among us, which is why I will soon be introducing a bill that will correct this egregious error. The main goal of this bill will be to protect these unaccompanied minors and stop the cartels and MS-13 from expanding their ability to exploit them.

I am happy to see Fox 6 has already picked up on this important story. To read the story, please click here.

More Options for Veterans

On Tuesday, February 19, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, which will create three lanes for appeals claims to help unclog the appeals system. The new law will also give the VA Secretary the flexibility to test the new system with veterans who have already been struggling with the appeals process.

Under the old system, VA appeals claims were averaging between three and seven years to be resolved. Under the new system, the VA's goal is to resolve Supplemental Claims and Higher-level Reviews in an average of 125 days, and decisions appealed to the Board for direct review in an average of 365 days.

If you or a veteran you know are currently appealing a VA claim, please direct them to this link in order to find out how the new law can help.

IRS Resources

Tax Day is fast approaching! The deadline to file tax returns in Wisconsin is April 15. The IRS has many resources available to help ensure that you are prepared to file your taxes and receive your tax return.

Tools available to taxpayers to make tax season less stressful and easier include the "Where's my Refund" tool provided by the IRS and around the clock assistance and guidance. The Where's my Refund tool can also be used to track refunds containing the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit.

Taxpayers can contact the IRS at 800-829-1954 or make an appointment at their local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center if they are experiencing difficulty filing their returns. To see a complete list of the resources available and to find more information on how to file your taxes, click here.

Please note* If your tax refund this year is not as large as last year, it is because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act decreased federal withholding levels, so you have been receiving some of the money you would have gotten in a tax return in your monthly paychecks over the past year.

Weekly Roundup

Make sure to tune into CBS 5 Green Bay this Sunday at 7:30 a.m., where I’ll give an update on the latest news from Washington.

I had a great time at the Eastern WI Beef Producers & Promoters 17th annual “Steak Out”. It's very important to make sure this industry continues to thrive in Wisconsin.

Sheboygan Love Bowls is an event to support Sheboygan County’s Meals on Wheels. More info on how to help this great program can be found here, https://bit.ly/2H0xfk5

This week, I got to meet the friendly staff and see the top-notch facilities at Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation in Fond du Lac.

Great to see everyone at the fundraiser to support Waupun Memorial Hospital.

It was great to meet with local leaders and discuss the issues facing Two Rivers at the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast.

It was a pleasure to see everyone and support the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac annual Reach for the Stars Dinner and Auction.

Congrats to Seth Morse, Jaiden Haack and Lance Bolden on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The sky is the limit for these bright young men!

Contact Me

As your congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the 6th District.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress