1. Empowering Students.
2. Veteran Care Improvement Act.
3. Weekly Roundup.
4. My Contact Information.

As I travel around Wisconsin, I hear from far too many college students who are taking on massive amounts of student loan debt to earn a bachelor's degree. Sometimes, the burden of debt can prevent or delay these young borrowers from purchasing a home or even starting a family. Ensuring students receive a top-notch education without accruing significant debt is a top priority of mine.

The average amount of outstanding student loan debt per borrower is over $37,000 in the United States. In Wisconsin, graduates on average leave school with an estimated $30,000 of debt.

What might a practical solution to the issue of student loan debt look like?

Competency-based education (CBE) offers a transformative approach to higher education, addressing the staggering student loan debt crisis that burdens so many graduates. By allowing students to progress at their own pace and demonstrate mastery of subjects, CBE programs enable them to complete degrees in significantly less time with less debt.

That is why this week, I introduced the bipartisan Empowering Learners Through Competency-Based Education Act. This bill will streamline CBE implementation nationwide, empower students, ease financial burdens, foster innovation in education, and more quickly lead young Americans to meaningful careers with less student loan debt. I am happy to let you know that this bill is supported by Western Governors University, Capella University, Higher Learning Advocates, and the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University—all innovators and experts on CBE programs.

Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed and served bravely to protect our country, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve. Unfortunately, we are facing a critical situation where veterans are in desperate need of assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  

As of February 2024, there are over one million total pending claims. Among those are nearly 400,000 backlog claims that have been pending for over 125 days. This staggering backlog, which has not been nearly this high in roughly a decade, is preventing veterans from accessing the care they so clearly need.

Our men and women in uniform dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, and it’s our duty to ensure they receive the best possible care. That is why I proudly cosponsored H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act. This crucial legislation would require the VA to be more transparent with veterans when they are deciding their best options for care, whether in the VA or in the community. Additionally, it would implement a baseline expectation for timeliness of care at the VA and establish a standard for residential substance abuse treatment outlining the necessity and prioritization of assistance.

Those who served in our Armed Forces deserve to be honored for their dedication and sacrifices in defending freedom worldwide. Honoring them requires addressing the extensive backlog of claims at the VA. As your Congressman, I am committed to supporting legislation that provides meaningful support to our servicemen and women.

At Bear Arms Boutique Shooting Range in Mequon, I met with the Wisconsin Chapter of Americans for Prosperity and community leaders to discuss pro-America policies like protecting the second amendment and ensuring energy security.

I had the honor of meeting with the Wisconsin National Guard to discuss how we can work together to provide the most effective training for Wisconsin’s Army and Air National Guard officers who may be called upon to fight for our nation's defense priorities in the United States and around the world.

At the Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity Annual Celebration of Partnership breakfast, we heard status updates and future plans for the organization. I also enjoyed speaking with residents about their experiences and other issues important to them.

This week, I met with representatives of Mercury Marine, another great company headquartered in Wisconsin’s Sixth District, to discuss how we can work together to grow important, well-paying jobs for the people of Wisconsin.

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.

You can also stay up-to-the-minute by following me on Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman), Twitter (@RepGrothman) and Instagram (@RepGlennGrothman).