On Wednesday, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, we dug into how billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen in Minnesota while Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison failed to act. Federal prosecutors have charged dozens of individuals who misused funds intended for kids, housing programs, and health services.Whistleblowers told the Committee that state officials ignored early warnings, covered up evidence, and even retaliated against employees who reported fraud.

The hearing examined multiple schemes, including theft from Feeding Our Future, which claimed to provide tens of millions of meals during the pandemic but used most of the funds to buy luxury cars, homes, and real estate. Other programs were abused too: Medicaid housing services for people at risk of homelessness and billing for autism treatments that were never provided. Reports suggest some funds were even funneled overseas to support terrorist organizations, including Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

Americans deserve answers. The Oversight Committee demanded documents, communications, and records from Minnesota’s leaders to get to the bottom of this fraud. Taxpayer money must be protected, and oversight must be enforced so this kind of abuse cannot happen again.

📺 Watch my questioning HERE.

At the same time, we’re taking steps to prevent fraud before it happens. On Thursday, my bill, the CRACKDOWN Act passed through the House Education and Workforce Committee. The bill lowers the improper payment threshold in the Child Care and Development Block Grant program from 10 percent to 5 percent. States exceeding that threshold must take corrective action to fix problems before they spiral into massive fraud.

Wisconsin has already proven strong oversight works. After reforms in 2010, including expanded audits, stricter background checks, and a dedicated fraud unit, our state’s improper payment rate is under 1 percent. Minnesota, by contrast, sits at 9.18 percent. The CRACKDOWN Act sets a fair, responsible standard for all states, protects taxpayer dollars, and ensures these programs actually serve the people they’re supposed to help.

📖 Read more about the CRACKDOWN Act HERE.

For nearly 50 years, the Iranian regime has funded terror, killed nearly 1,000 Americans, and threatened our homeland and our allies. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States has taken decisive action to eliminate these threats and protect American lives.

The recent success of Operation Epic Fury demonstrates that America will not tolerate regimes that seek to harm our people or destabilize the world. Our servicemembers are on the front lines carrying out this mission, and we honor their courage and sacrifice every day.

This is a reminder that peace through strength is not just a slogan, it’s how we keep Americans safe, defend our interests abroad, and ensure that dangerous regimes can no longer threaten our nation. We stand united behind our troops and our country, and we celebrate decisive action that protects American lives.

If you are an American currently in the Middle East, please take a moment to make sure you’re connected to official U.S. updates. Enroll in STEP at http://step.state.gov to receive alerts from the nearest U.S. Embassy, follow @travelgov for security updates, and don’t hesitate to call the State Department if you need emergency assistance.

Your safety matters. My office is also here to help however we can.

Tax season can be stressful, but help is available! My staff and representatives from the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service will be at the Fond du Lac County Campus, 400 University Avenue, Fond du Lac, on Friday, March 13th from 10 a.m. to noon.

They’ll be available to answer questions about filing your taxes, delayed refunds, and recent changes to the tax code. We’ll also provide information on free tax filing resources that could save you money this season.

The event is RSVP only, so please call 920-907-0624 to reserve your spot.

On Tuesday we celebrated the birthday of the U.S. Navy Reserve. For over a century, these brave men and women have balanced civilian life with service, standing ready to defend our nation at a moment’s notice. Your dedication and sacrifice keep our seas and our country safe. Thank you for your service.

March third was National Anthem Day. We honored The Star-Spangled Banner and what it represents: the enduring spirit of America. Francis Scott Key wrote our anthem after watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry, and it’s a reminder that even in our darkest hours, our flag still flies.

I'm proud to stand for the country and the flag that unites us all.

Tomorrow, on International Women’s Day, we will recognize the incredible contributions women make to our families, our communities, and our country.

I’m especially grateful for the strong Republican women serving in Congress who are working every day to defend freedom, strengthen our economy, and stand up for the values that make America exceptional. Their leadership and dedication help ensure a brighter future for the next generation.

Thank you to the women across Wisconsin and the nation who lead, serve, and make a difference every day.

It was great to meet with members of The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, including U.S. and Canadian leaders, to discuss protecting one of our nation’s most important natural resources.

The Great Lakes are central to Wisconsin’s economy, environment, and way of life. I was honored to receive an award recognizing my work as a champion for protecting these waters.

I’ll continue working with our partners to ensure the Great Lakes remain strong and healthy for generations to come.

I appreciated meeting with leaders from Ducks Unlimited to discuss wetland conservation and waterfowl priorities important to Wisconsin sportsmen and local communities.

Healthy wetlands support wildlife, strengthen our outdoor heritage, and contribute to our state’s economy. I value the work being done to preserve these resources and look forward to continuing this conversation.

I enjoyed stopping by the Mayville FFA Alumni Country-Style Breakfast at Mayville High School. Thank you to the volunteers and organizers who make this annual event possible.

The proceeds help fund scholarships for local students, and it’s encouraging to see the community come together to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture.

I visisted the Kettle Moraine Trailblazers Brat Fry and Raffle at the Greenbush Fire Department and enjoyed visiting with members of the community.

Thank you to the Trailblazers and volunteers who organized the event. Efforts like this help support local trail systems and keep our outdoor recreation opportunities strong in the area.

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday. While we may lose an hour of sleep, the extra evening daylight is something many families look forward to as we head toward spring.

Whether you’re heading to church, spending time with family, or getting outside to enjoy the longer days, I hope you have a great weekend.

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 Sixth District, and let them know that they can subscribe by clicking here.

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