The partial government shutdown has gone on for 43 days.

During this time, Democrats who voted against funding have left thousands of Department of Homeland Security workers without the paychecks they depend on to support their families. 

TSA agents, Coast Guard members, Border Patrol agents, and FEMA personnel continued to show up for work every day - protecting our country and keeping Americans safe, while their families faced uncertainty at home.

This week, nearly every House Democrats voted—twice—to block payment for these essential workers. Every House Republican voted for these bills, which would have put an end to this needless shutdown, and ensure these workers received the pay they earned.

Now, I want to hear from you.

This week, the House Budget Committee held a hearing with the Congressional Budget Office to review the federal government’s current fiscal trajectory. The numbers are sobering: our gross federal debt has reached $39 trillion - more than 123 percent of GDP and is projected to climb to nearly $64 trillion by 2036. Interest costs alone are skyrocketing, with the federal government projected to spend over $1 trillion this year on interest payments - triple what it was in 2021, diverting resources away from priorities that actually benefit Americans.

During the hearing, I focused on two critical issues: rampant government spending and fraud. From Social Security to Medicare and Medicaid, mandatory programs are consuming a growing share of the budget, leaving less than one-quarter of spending subject to congressional oversight. Fraud in these programs is a drain on taxpayers and undermines the ability to fund programs that actually serve people in need.

The CBO baseline shows that if we continue on this path, interest costs will surpass all discretionary spending by 2038, and net interest alone will soon exceed Medicare spending. This is real money coming out of every American household.

We need to rein in spending, cut waste and fraud, and adopt a clear fiscal framework to bring our deficits down to sustainable levels. Without decisive action, our children and grandchildren will inherit a debt crisis that is entirely preventable.

📺 Watch my questioning from the hearing HERE.

On Friday, we honored the brave men and women who served our nation during the Vietnam War. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication in the face of extraordinary challenges will never be forgotten.

We thank our Vietnam veterans and their families for their service to our country and the freedoms we hold dear.

On this Palm Sunday, we join Christians across Wisconsin and our nation in reflecting on the message of faith, humility, and hope that begins Holy Week.

May this sacred season be a time of renewal and gratitude as we prepare to celebrate Easter.

March 24 marked the anniversary of Trooper Trevor Casper’s ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting the people of Wisconsin.

His courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. I was proud to help lead the effort to rename the post office in Kiel in his honor - a lasting tribute to a young man who exemplified service above self.

We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the brave men and women in law enforcement who continue to put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe every day.

I had the opportunity to speak at a briefing hosted by the Organization of American Communities on Iran and heard directly from former political prisoners about their fight for freedom.

The Iranian people have suffered for too long under a regime that denies basic rights.  We must stand for democracy, human rights, and regional security. Their courage reminds us why liberty is worth defending everywhere.

Last weekend, I had a great time stopping by the Menasha St. Patrick Parish Fish Fry. It was wonderful to see so many friends and families coming together, enjoying a good meal, and supporting their local parish.

I enjoyed stopping by the Kiel Muehlbauer Racing Brat Fry and Cornhole Tournament last weekend.

Events like this are a great way to bring people together, support local efforts, and have a little fun along the way. 

I was glad to stop by the Mount Calvary Sons of the American Legion Brat Fry. It was great to see members of the community come together in support of our veterans and the important work the American Legion does. Thank you to the volunteers and organizers who made it such an enjoyable event.