Hmong New Year

This week, I introduced H. Res. 573, a bipartisan resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Hmong New Year. The Hmong New Year is traditionally celebrated at the end of the rice harvest season in Laos and Southeast Asia in late November and early December. In the United States, the Hmong New Year traditions have carried over, occurring from October through December, and have become significant celebrations for Hmong Americans and many others.

Wisconsin is the state with the third highest Hmong population and I am privileged to represent one of Wisconsin’s largest Hmong communities. Each year I attend the New Year celebrations in my district. These celebrations of thanksgiving are an honor to attend – the food, music and dance make these festivals truly special events. I am glad that both sides of the aisle have come together to recognize Hmong Americans’ significant role in our communities and their pursuit of the American Dream.

Trade With Japan and China

This week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe finalized and signed a partial trade deal agreeing on a number of provisions to benefit American farmers, manufacturers and businesses. The deal not only strengthens our relationship with Japan, but it substantially expands access to Japanese markets, signifying a win for both countries.

The agreement with Japan will eliminate or reduce tariffs on nearly half of U.S. food and agricultural exports, including cheese, cranberries, blueberries, wine, beef and pork. This is great news for Wisconsin's farmers. The deal also includes a reduction or elimination of tariffs on imported machine tools. Wisconsin's Sixth district is home to more manufacturing jobs than any other, so this deal will also be beneficial to our manufacturers. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe expressed their desire to negotiate a more comprehensive trade agreement in the near future, further expanding our access to Japanese markets.

In addition to the trade deal with Japan, the Trump Administration and China were able to come to an agreement on significant Chinese purchases of U.S. pork and soybeans. While there is still a ways to go in negotiations with China, this is an important step in the right direction as top officials from China prepare to travel to Washington to meet with the Trump administration in October. There is no doubt that China is beginning to feel the pressure as their economy has taken a hit due to U.S. tariffs, specifically with pork production, a staple of Chinese cuisine, hitting a 17-year low. These developments in trade negotiations are an encouraging first step towards resolving our trade disputes and leveling the playing field for American farmers and businesses.

Debbie Smith Act

In 2003, former Wisconsin Congressman Mark Green introduced the Debbie Smith Act. This bill provides additional resources to law enforcement to increase the speed of DNA testing in order to decrease the amount of backlogged rape kits. In 2004, a version of this bill that originated in the Senate passed Congress and became law.

Today, these additional funds are set to expire. That is why I have cosponsored H.R. 777, the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that our law enforcement and forensic scientists will have the resources needed to expedite DNA testing in rape cases.

With all of the distractions going on in Congress, this is one bill that we need to act upon, soon. I hope that Speaker Pelosi will take a break from impeachment inquiries an endless investigations on the President to bring this important bill to the floor that will help so many victims find the justice they deserve.

Weekly Roundup

I was glad to meet with the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association to discuss how Congress can help give Wisconsin a power surge.

Over the weekend, I was honored to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his event in Houston. My friend caught me on TV and sent me this picture!

I enjoyed meeting with Wisconsin representatives from the Council of Prison Locals to talk about how Congress can work to protect our corrections and law enforcement officers around the country.

Visiting a high school gym always brings back great memories of my days at Homestead High in Mequon. I had a blast supporting Central Wisconsin Christian School in Waupun at their Harvest Auction.

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 Sixth District.

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Sincerely,

Member of Congress