Joe Biden ran his campaign with the promise to govern as a moderate, but he broke that promise on the first day of his Presidency with the radical step of shutting down construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. This is a sad day for working Americans and a sad day for those who believed they voted for a moderate President.

Upon completion, the Keystone XL pipeline would transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day, lowering the price of gas at the pump, and support 11,000 U.S. jobs. Hundreds of those jobs existed here in Wiscosnin and many of them have already received notice that they have been laid-off as a direct result of President Biden shutting down construction of the pipeline. This is a textbook example of coastal elites making decisions that to them are theoretical, but have a real-life negative impact to us midwesterners. 

One of the key criticisms of the pipeline is its impact on the environment, but studies show that pipelines are "without a doubt the safest way to transport oil and gas", so the decision to remove the Keystone XL pipeline from the equation will actually hurt the environment. The Canadian oil is still going to be transported to the U.S., but now it will be transported less safely by rail and truck.

I and my colleagues Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) sent this letter to President Biden expressing our support for completion of the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and letting him know that terminiting the project will come at a high cost to Wisconsinites.

I also Joined Congressman Steil and Congressman Fitzgerald on Friday for a press conference to discuss the benefits of completing the Keystone XL pipeline, President Biden’s decision to halt its construction, dispel common misconceptions and speak to why completing the pipeline is an important project for both the U.S. and Canada. We spoke from the Franksville jobsite of Michels Corporation, who was awarded a contract to help build the pipeline, where we met workers whose jobs will be affected by the President's terrible decision.

Click here to watch the full press conference.

The National Guard from all 50 states and three U.S. territories have done an outstanding job over the last few weeks protecting the U.S. Capitol and making sure the inauguration ceremony ran smoothly. Thank you to these brave men and women who serve our country!

I visited the Wisconsin National Guard members who were in Washington, DC on Thursday to thank them for their service.

I also sent a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applauding the success achieved by the National Guardsmen and women who came to Washington, DC and urged them to reward these servicemembers with tour of the Capitol building. It would be unfortunate, particularly for those who travelled from a long distance, to only see the U.S. Capitol from the outside and not be able to see the inside.

Click here to read the full letter.

Beginning October 1, 2021, in order to fly within the U.S., visit a military base or other federal building, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will require your identification to be REAL ID-compliant. The goal of the new DHS public awareness campaign, “Be Your Real ID Self,” is to ensure all people are who they claim to be.

The key feature to make a Wisconsin ID REAL ID-compliant is that it marked with a µ in the upper-right hand corner. Non-compliant cards state “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES” in that same space. At this time, Wisconsin offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. Be mindful of this distinction because they look similar.

If you aren’t sure your driver’s license or ID card is REAL ID-compliant, you can check here.

I urge you to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card prior to the October 1, 2021 deadline. Just over 8 months remain until the REAL ID full enforcement deadline goes into effect at all federally regulated airports, federal facilities, and nuclear power plants.

Valid U.S. passports, or another acceptable form of federal identification, can be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant card. Click here for more information on Transportation Safety Administration approved documents.

Religious freedom is a right, but some around the world still suffer persecution. In August of last year, I "adopted" Pastor A Dao, a Vietnamese prisoner of conscience who was wrongfully imprisoned for his Christian beliefs. Thankfully, a month after I "adopted" Pastor Dao, his sentence was commuted and he is once again free to practice his faith. Last Saturday was religious freedom Day, and stories like this give me hope for a future where everyone throughout the world can safely and freely practice their faith.

Thanks to Church Health Services for showing me your new facilities and how you are keeping Beaver Dam residents safe and healthy during COVID-19.

Every human life is sacred gift from God. Friday was National Sanctity of Human Life Day, where I reaffirmed my commitment to protect and cherish every person, whether born or unborn, young or old, healthy or sick.

“Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves” — Proverbs 31:8

I was also pleased to share that I received an A+ rating from the pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony List for my work to protect life in the 116th Congress. I will always work to protect the lives of the unborn and stop your tax dollars from going to organizations that provide abortions.

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. 

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