Grothman, Glenn RSS Articles

Grothman Introduces Bill to Protect Employment Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman introduced the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act, legislation aimed at protecting work opportunities and expanding employment choice for adults with disabilities.

The bill would remove burdensome federal barriers that currently prevent many adults with disabilities from accessing workplace environments that best fit their individual needs, abilities, and long-term success at facilities like Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam, WI., and Opportunities Inc in Fort Atkinson, WI.

The following organizations have endorsed the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act: A-Team Wisconsin, A-Team USA, MARC, Inc., The Westmoreland County Blind Association, Industrial Opportunities, Inc., Grand Traverse Industries, The Brookwood Community, VARC, Pantheon Industries, New Hope Center, Disability Service Provider Network-WI

“Too often, Washington policymakers focus only on wages and ignore the broader benefits that meaningful work provides for individuals with disabilities,” said Congressman Grothman. “For many families, these workplaces offer stability, community, training, routine, transportation assistance, and other support services that are incredibly valuable. These workplace settings provide a level of support and opportunity that has become harder to access because of bureaucratic red tape. In some cases, individuals working in these settings may also earn more overall than they would in other employment environment. Adults with disabilities deserve the freedom to choose the workplace environment that works best for them without unnecessary government obstacles standing in the way.”

“Young people with disabilities deserve access to work programs that help bring them satisfaction, purpose, and dignity. I am proud to support the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities which breaks down barriers preventing these individuals from participating in work that builds confidence, leads to positive outcomes, and fosters independence.” - Congressman Burgess Owens

“The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities will ensure individuals have a CHOICE in the service that helps ensure a career pathway to employment. Young adults with a disability have limited opportunity after high school graduation. Many ages 18-24 are left at home and become disenfranchised and isolated from the world of work. This bill will allow individuals the ability to continue to train and mature with the goal of gaining community integrated employment when the time is right.” - Barb LeDuc, President/CEO Opportunities, Inc.

“This bill is very much needed for individuals with Special Needs in order to provide them the same opportunities that individuals without a disability have to obtain a Job. Having criteria based on the age of an individual to obtain a job, is concerning and should not be permissible. The enactment of this bill would allow those with Special Needs to obtain a Job of their CHOICE, regardless of their age. Allow the individuals to make their OWN decision!!!” – Timothy P. Miller, Executive Director at Westmoreland County Blind Association

“At KANDU, we fight every day for the right of individuals with disabilities to have choice, purpose, dignity, and meaningful opportunities. Every person deserves the chance to contribute in a way that matches their abilities, goals, and comfort level — and no one should lose that right because someone else decides what is best for them. We will continue to stand up for the voices, rights, and value of the individuals we proudly serve.” – Kathy J. Hansen, Executive Director at KANDU Industries

“Through my work at KANDU Industries, I have seen firsthand that meaningful employment is not one-size-fits-all. Individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity to choose employment pathways that match their unique abilities, support needs, and goals while experiencing the dignity, confidence, and sense of purpose that meaningful work provides.” — Linda Diedrich, Marketing Director, KANDU Industries

“My name is Christopher Wilson and I work at Kandu. I know friends from Special Olympics that cannot work at Kandu because they are not old enough. This makes me sad. I like it there.” - Christopher Wilson, KANDU Industries

"When there is a pause in the use of skill sets, those abilities can decline significantly over time or even be lost entirely. When we invest in the individual momentum of the people we love, serve, and support, we advocate for their continued success. I believe that by amending this bill’s age qualifier, we can meet the needs of today’s consumer market at a pivotal moment and further support the highest long-term potential of each individual." - Madison Vander Loop, New Hope Inc.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and meaningful work skills at their own pace. Lowering the age from 24 to 18 for sheltered workshop and pre vocational services in Wisconsin would allow young adults with disabilities to access the support they need during an important transition into adulthood. While community employment is a great goal, not everyone is immediately ready for a competitive job setting after high school. Some individuals benefit from pre-vocational environments where they can safely learn communication, task completion, time management, social interaction, and coping skills before entering the community workforce. Waiting until age 24 can leave individuals without the structured support they need to grow, succeed, and work toward meaningful employment opportunities that match their abilities, strengths, and personal goals.” - Amber Svoboda, Guardian at Meraki Guardianship Services Inc

“I enjoy making money at CRI, mowing lawns, and helping with the summer rest area program. CRI has helped me become a better worker and learn new skills.” - Anthony Sobieski

“CRI helps me get into the workforce and builds confidence. CRI makes me look forward to the future.” - Ryan McCulley

“I like everything about CRI and all the different people I get to work with. I enjoy coming and being part of the team.” - William Goodwillie

Background Information

In 2014, Congress passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to place additional restrictions on employment arrangements authorized under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

While these changes were intended to encourage competitive integrated employment opportunities, the law has created significant barriers for many individuals with disabilities seeking employment options that align with their personal needs and capabilities.

Under current law, individuals under the age of 24 must complete a series of federally mandated requirements before they are permitted to work in a Section 14(c) employment setting. These requirements can delay or prevent access to meaningful work opportunities and force individuals into employment situations that may not be appropriate for them before they are allowed to pursue alternatives that better support their success and well-being.

Many Section 14(c) providers also offer additional services and support beyond wages, including job training, transportation assistance, social engagement opportunities, supervision, and continuity of care that families rely upon.

The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would:

Lower the applicable age threshold in Section 511 of the Rehabilitation Act from 24 to 18, ensuring adult individuals with disabilities are not subjected to unnecessary federal barriers when making employment decisions.

Update counseling requirements to ensure employers can continue compensating employees under a Section 14(c) certificate even if a state fails to provide required counseling services.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman’s Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act Advances Through Committee

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, legislation to strengthen oversight and combat fraud across federal programs, advanced through the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, marking a key step toward protecting taxpayer dollars.

“We should remember this day because fraud continues to be a problem, but we are working to implement stronger oversight at every level. This bill is a common sense and bipartisan effort to strengthen oversight and protect taxpayer dollars. We are ensuring employees have the tools and resources they need to identify fraud. The bill requires Treasury to establish a government wide anti-fraud training program so staff can see the danger before it makes the newspaper,” said Rep. Grothman.

“Billions of taxpayer dollars are lost every year to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Unfortunately, federal agencies working to safeguard these funds are often outmatched by the increasing sophistication of fraudsters and criminals. The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act recognizes this growing challenge and helps fortify the financial defenses of our federal programs against bad actors. It requires a government-wide anti-fraud training program for agency officials, like grant managers and auditors, so they are adequately trained on best practices for preventing and addressing fraud in agency programs. I thank my colleague, Mr. Grothman for introducing this important legislation,” said Chairman Comer.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman Introduces the Ending Discrimination in Government Contracts Act

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act to stop federal agencies from violating the Constitution by awarding contracts based on recipients’ race or sex. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Senate companion of the bill.

“Companies in my district have lost out on contracts despite offering higher quality products at a lower cost to the taxpayer. That’s not just unfair, it’s wasteful,” said Congressman Glenn Grothman. “I was proud to introduce the Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act because preferences in government contracting based on race or sex are fundamentally unfair, costly, and out of step with what most Americans believe. Contracts should be awarded based on merit, not race or gender, as the Constitution guarantees equal protection for all. For too long, federal contracting has relied on race- and sex-based mandates that drive up costs and undermine confidence in the system. Our bill restores accountability, reduces waste, and ensures contracts are awarded based on merit.”

“Unconstitutional discrimination disguised as ‘DEI’ has infected our federal government,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Awarding government contracts based on race and sex is, simply put, racist and sexist. These policies defy our founding values and waste taxpayer dollars on subpar projects. My bill will end discrimination in government contracting to restore merit-based partnerships, ensuring contractors, businesses, and workers are evaluated not by the color of their skin or gender, but their ability to serve the American people.”

"For decades, Pacific Legal Foundation has fought to ensure that government treats every American equally under the law. Pacific Legal Foundation applauds Senator Mike Lee and Representative Glenn Grothman for introducing The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act which would end the consideration of race, ethnicity, or sex in federal contracting decisions. After the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, the legal foundation for these unjust preferences has crumbled. Congress should finish the job.” — Glenn Roper, Senior Attorney in Equality & Opportunity, Pacific Legal Foundation

"Race- and sex-based contracting costs taxpayers billions of dollars, endangers the security of our troops, and inhibits the construction and repair of our nation's infrastructure. Senator Lee and Congressman Grothman's bill takes the important step of ending these unconstitutional practices and returning federal contracting to more merit-based principles, in which Americans, regardless of race or sex, are treated equally." – Judge Glock, Director of Research and Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute

"Since the Supreme Court found racial preferences in college admissions to be unconstitutional, there has been a swirling debate in legal and policy circles about what this means outside the educational space. The equal-protection logic of Harvard v. SFFA inextricably applies to the employment space, which is why we’ve seen a spate of lawsuits and corporations reevaluating their DEI policies. One of the least headline-grabbing areas where identity-based preferences make their pernicious presence felt is in government contracting, which requires federal legislation to fix. The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act is exactly what’s needed to reform this often byzantine space and ensure that taxpayers aren’t funding contracts based on identity-based spoils." – Ilya Shapiro, Director of Constitutional Studies and Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute

"It's time to end race- and gender-based preferences in government contracting. This bill from Senator Lee and Congressman Grothman will help dismantle the ideology of left-wing identity politics and replace it with the principle of colorblind, equal treatment under the law." – Chris Rufo, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute

Background Information

Since the 1970s, the federal government has expanded an ever-growing web of DEI requirements, mandates, and quotas for government contracts. Federal agencies are currently obligated to grant a certain number of government contracts to companies based on the race, ethnicity, or sex of company owners or employees. This system intentionally awards work based on immutable characteristics rather than ability to execute a job effectively. These practices are incompatible with the Constitution and frequently result in incomplete projects that exceed projected budgets, wasting taxpayer dollars.

On March 26, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14398 to address DEI discrimination by federal contractors. This move was part of a larger effort by the Administration and congressional Republicans to end DEI practices throughout the country. Legislation is necessary to codify this initiative.

Senator Lee’s Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act underscores a shift away from unjust DEI hiring and contracting practices and towards a system that prioritizes fairness, efficiency and equal treatment under the law. As America begins to celebrate its 250th anniversary, this legislation is a timely emphasis on our founding principle that “all men are created equal.”

The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act:

Eliminates existing quotas, mandates, and programs that provide government contracting opportunities to companies based on the race and/or sex of the company’s owner;
Eliminates certain federal DEI programs like the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and the Minority Business Development Act of 2021;
Repeals DEI preferences for Department of Transportation grants;
Eliminates discriminatory federal reporting requirements on small businesses;
Requires federal agencies to rescind any rules or regulations requiring agencies to provide preference to contractors based on their race or sex, and;
Prevents federal agencies from reissuing similar rules and regulations in the future.
Retains support for small businesses generally and does not prohibit federal agencies from prioritizing rural or veteran-owned businesses when issuing government contracts.

Read exclusive coverage by Breitbart News here.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman and Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act to Strengthen Accountability and Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI), alongside Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, legislation to establish a government-wide training program to better equip federal employees to identify fraud risks, implement proven anti-fraud practices, and safeguard taxpayer-funded programs.

The bill directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to develop standardized training across agencies and make these resources available to state and local governments that administer federal funds.

“Americans work hard for their money, and they expect their government to treat every tax dollar with respect,” said Congressman Grothman. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen time and again that fraud in federal programs is far too common, and often preventable. The problem isn’t just bad actors; it’s a system that hasn’t kept up with the scale of the challenge.

“The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act makes sure federal employees receive clear, consistent training on how to spot fraud before it happens and how to use the best tools available to stop it. It also extends that knowledge to state and local partners who administer federal programs on the front lines. This is about restoring accountability, protecting taxpayer dollars, and making government work in the best interest of the American people.”

“Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken away from the American people,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Our bipartisan legislation will give federal, state, and local officials the tools they need to detect risks early, strengthen safeguards, and protect taxpayer funds—while ensuring that eligible Americans can access the services and support they’ve earned without unnecessary barriers. I’m proud to partner on this effort to deliver stronger accountability and smarter oversight across government.”

Background Information

The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with OMB and OPM, to establish a standardized, government-wide training program focused on fraud risk identification, implementation of leading anti-fraud practices, and proper use of existing tools such as the Do Not Pay system.

Currently, federal workforce policies lack a consistent, government-wide framework to train program administrators on fraud prevention, creating vulnerabilities in federal assistance and procurement programs. By institutionalizing modern fraud prevention training practices across the federal government, and extending those resources to state and local governments that administer federal funds, the legislation aims to strengthen oversight, reduce waste, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman Introduces House Companion to Cruz’s COMPETE Act to Expand Affordable Health Coverage Options

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the House companion to Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) Competition and Openness in Markets to Promote Efficiency, Transparency, and Enhanced Affordability (COMPETE) Act, legislation to expand access to affordable health insurance options for families and small businesses.

The legislation would restore and expand access to Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans, allowing them to be offered for up to 12 months with guaranteed renewal options. These reforms aim to provide Americans with more flexibility and lower-cost alternatives to plans created under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

“For years, families and small businesses have faced rising health insurance costs driven by federal mandates under Obamacare,” Grothman said. “The COMPETE Act restores commonsense flexibility by allowing Americans and employers to choose coverage that fits their needs and their budgets. By expanding access to short-term plans with guaranteed renewals, we can lower premiums, increase competition, and create more health care options for small businesses that are struggling to keep up with rising costs.”

“Obamacare reduced health insurance options and caused premiums to skyrocket. This legislation will promote more competition, provide consumers with more choices, and allow Americans to choose the healthcare coverage that fits their needs and budgets. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation expeditiously.” – Senator Ted Cruz

Background Information

Rising health insurance costs have placed a growing burden on families and small business owners, with many Americans struggling to afford coverage that meets their needs. Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans exist outside the Affordable Care Act marketplace and provide more flexible, lower-cost options with faster access to coverage.

The COMPETE Act maintains the 2018 Trump Administration definition of STLDI plans and builds on it by allowing insurance companies to offer plans with renewal guarantees without requiring additional underwriting. Under the legislation, insurers would be permitted to:

Offer Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance plans for up to 12 months
Provide plans with guaranteed renewal options without additional underwriting

Supporting organizations for the legislation include The National Federation of Independent Business and The Foundation for Government Accountability.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman, Pocan Introduce SAFE Pathways Act to Protect Aquatic Fisheries and Local Economies

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced the Safeguarding Aquatic Fisheries and Ecosystem (SAFE) Pathways Act, legislation designed to protect Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes from the spread of invasive species, like Asian Carp.

Fishways are a key tool for supporting native fish populations, but when poorly planned, they can inadvertently allow harmful species to move into new waterways, disrupting ecosystems and costing taxpayers billions. The SAFE Pathways Act ensures federal agencies assess these risks and incorporate proven safeguards before constructing new fishways, protecting both our environment and local economies.

The legislation is supported by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

“Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes are some of our state’s greatest resources, and we have a responsibility to protect them,” said Rep. Grothman. “Fishways are an important tool to help native species thrive, but if they’re poorly designed or located, they can unintentionally create highways for invasive species that devastate our waters, harm wildlife, and cost taxpayers billions in damage and cleanup.

“The SAFE Pathways Act makes sure federal agencies take a hard look at these risks, plan responsibly, and use proven tools to prevent problems before they start. This is smart, proactive policy that keeps our fisheries healthy, safeguards local economies, and protects our nation’s natural resources for generations to come.”

“Invasive species pose a tremendous threat to the $5.1 billion Great Lakes fishery,” said Dr. Marc Gaden, Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. “This legislation will help stop the spread of these harmful species, many of which have caused billions of dollars of damage to our highly valued lakes and tributaries.”

“The SAFE Pathways Act is a smart, forward‑looking investment in protecting our native fisheries and the communities that depend on them,” said Christie Trifone Millhouse, Executive Director of NAISMA. “By requiring agencies to assess invasive species risks before new fishways are built, this legislation strengthens ecological resilience, safeguards local economies, and helps prevent the costly impacts of invasive species before they take hold.”

Background Information

Fishways allow native fish to navigate around dams and other barriers, supporting population growth and preserving species. However, improperly planned fishways can create pathways for invasive species, which disrupt aquatic ecosystems through predation, habitat destruction, and competition for resources. In 2021, invasive species caused an estimated $26 billion in lost economic activity across North America.

The SAFE Pathways Act requires federal agencies to evaluate the risk of invasive species before constructing new fishways and incorporate mitigation strategies like biological controls, physical barriers, and targeted design standards. By addressing these risks early, the legislation helps safeguard Wisconsin’s fisheries, protect local economies, and reduce costly environmental damage before it happens.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman’s CRACKDOWN Act Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) today announced that his Combating Regulatory Abuse, Closing Known Deficiencies, and Overseeing Waste Nationwide (CRACKDOWN) Act (H.R. 7721) advanced through the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce. The proposal reflects lessons learned from successful reforms in Wisconsin and encourages states to address improper government payments before problems escalate, as recently seen in Minnesota.

Grothman’s bill establishes a 5% improper payment threshold for states participating in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program, If the state goes above the 5% CCDBG improper payment threshold, then the state is required to take corrective action. This bill strengthens oversight and ensures taxpayer dollars are protected from waste, fraud, and abuse.

“When improper payment rates rise above the level of honest mistakes, it’s a clear sign that something needs to be addressed,” said Rep. Grothman. “The CRACKDOWN Act sets a 5 percent threshold so states take action before small problems spiral into major fraud or abuse of taxpayer dollars.

“Wisconsin understands the importance of strong oversight. In 2010, our state faced widespread fraud within its child care program and responded with meaningful reforms, expanding background checks, creating a dedicated fraud unit, and strengthening audits. Because of those reforms, Wisconsin now has an improper payment rate below 1 percent.

“Unfortunately, not every state has taken those steps. Minnesota, for example, currently has an improper payment rate of 9.18 percent, nearly double the national average. With the national improper payment rate around 4.9 percent, the current 10 percent threshold is simply too high. Lowering it to 5 percent creates a fair and responsible benchmark for accountability while keeping in place the corrective action tools states need to get back on track. Thirty-eight states already meet this standard today, proving this is a common-sense step to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure these programs operate the way they should.”

Background Information

H.R. 7721, the CRACKDOWN Act, lowers the improper payment threshold in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program from 10 percent to 5 percent.
States exceeding the threshold must implement a corrective action plan to improve program integrity and reduce improper payments.
The current national improper payment rate is approximately 4.9 percent.
Thirty-eight states already meet the proposed 5 percent benchmark.
Wisconsin implemented major reforms in 2010 to combat fraud in its child care system, including stronger background checks, the creation of a fraud unit, and expanded auditing. The state now maintains an improper payment rate below 1 percent.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman Releases Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union Address to Congress:

“I was honored to attend President Trump’s sixth State of the Union address, where he laid out a clear vision for America’s future and highlighted the wins his administration has achieved in just one year of his second term on reducing crime, strengthening immigration enforcement and drug interdiction, peace negotiations around the world, and affordability.

“President Trump also promised lower costs for prescription drugs and highlighted the success of reducing the taxpayer handouts to insurance companies, who are the primary beneficiary of Obamacare.

“Families across the country are seeing the results of policies that lower costs, create jobs, and restore accountability in Washington. Working families are keeping more of their hard-earned money, with Wisconsin families receiving average tax cuts of $3,177, a permanent $2,200 Child Tax Credit, and historically high refunds this year. Couple that with inflation dropping from 9% to 2.4% and mortgage rates falling to a three-year low, and we can objectively say that affordability is here and the American dream is alive and well.

“Our economy is growing, with 172,000 new private-sector jobs added in January alone, expanded incentives for American-made manufacturing, and strengthened support for small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.

“At the same time, our nation is safer and stronger. Border enforcement has been restored, catch-and-release ended, and federal overreach, including harmful DEI mandates and threats to women’s sports and parental rights, being rolled back. Taxpayer dollars are being focused on Americans who need them most, while wasteful spending on radical programs and international schemes has been cut.

“Also highlighted were some of America’s greatest heroes, from World War II veterans to the gold-medal-winning U.S. men and women’s hockey teams, as well as people who have suffered at the hands of illegal migrants.

“As the President highlighted, the welfare system in our country has become so out-of-control that fraud is rampant, criminals are not being held accountable, and Americans are being trapped in a cycle of dependency. That is why I was glad to see Vice President Vance put in charge of a new task force to tackle welfare and clean up the fraud in our bloated system.

“Two more statistics that I hope the mainstream media will report are the 67% reduction in murders in the District of Columbia and the decrease of 2.4 million people on food stamps.

“Tonight’s speech reinforced the results we are seeing and the direction this administration is taking. I look forward to continuing to work toward President Trump’s welfare agenda, cutting spending, using taxpayer dollars wisely, and delivering for Wisconsin families, and all Americans, in the months and years ahead.”

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman, Gooden Reintroduce Migrant Child Safety Act

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI), alongside Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX), reintroduced the Migrant Child Safety Act, legislation aimed at strengthening federal oversight of the unaccompanied migrant child placement process and ensuring children are released only to properly vetted sponsors who can safely care for them.

The legislation responds to documented failures within the Biden-era Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) that allowed thousands of children to be released without adequate sponsor screening or follow-up, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation, forced labor, and trafficking. The bill establishes clear statutory requirements for sponsor vetting, post-placement follow-up, and coordination with state and local child welfare agencies to ensure child safety remains the priority and builds on President Trump’s improvements to our immigration system.

The legislation is supported by Eagle Forum.

“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to protect children in its custody, and that responsibility does not end once a child is released to a sponsor,” said Rep. Grothman. “Under the Biden administration, oversight failures within the Office of Refugee Resettlement allowed children to be placed with individuals who were not properly vetted, with little accountability after placement. That is unacceptable. This legislation puts commonsense safeguards into law to ensure we know who children are being placed with, where they are going, and whether they are actually safe, so no child is lost in the system or placed in harm’s way.”

“Joe Biden lost track of over 300,000 migrant children, creating a historic humanitarian and national security failure,” said Rep. Gooden. “The Migrant Child Safety Act will ensure children are properly vetted, safely placed, and never allowed to fall through the cracks again.”

Background Information

Federal law requires the Office of Refugee Resettlement to place unaccompanied migrant children with sponsors capable of ensuring their safety and well-being. Investigations and reporting have found that inadequate vetting and follow-up procedures resulted in thousands of children being released without sufficient oversight. The Migrant Child Safety Act codifies safeguards to ensure child protection remains central to the placement process.

Specifically, the Migrant Child Safety Act would:

Require ORR to collect complete identifying and background information from potential sponsors;

Require sponsors to verify a familial relationship to a child through documentation, witness testimony, or DNA testing;

Require ORR to report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children if it cannot contact a sponsor for a follow-up or well-being check within 120 days of placement;

Require ORR to notify appropriate state or local health or welfare agencies within 30 days of placement; and

Direct ORR to attempt to contact a child’s parents prior to placement whenever possible.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman, Norcross Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Retirement Plan Reporting and Cut Red Tape

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI), alongside Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ), introduced the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize and streamline outdated federal reporting requirements for employer-sponsored retirement plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

The Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act establishes a single, uniform filing deadline for retirement plans. Under current law, the statutory deadline for filing Form 5500 does not provide sufficient time for companies to complete all the necessary steps for filing with the Department of Labor. As a result, many plan sponsors are forced to submit an extension request with the IRS using Form 5558 simply to file their annual Form 5500 on time. By eliminating the need for a separate extension request, the bill reduces unnecessary administrative burdens on employers while maintaining strong oversight and transparency.

The legislation is supported by the American Retirement Association, The ERISA Industry Committee, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the CHRO Association, and the American Benefits Council. Current cosponsors include Representatives Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Fine (R-FL), James Moylan (R-GU), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Michael Rulli (R-OH), and Rick Allen (R-GA).

“Employers who sponsor retirement plans are required to file Form 5500 each year, but under current rules many also have to submit a separate extension request, Form 5558,” said Congressman Grothman. “This redundant two-step process wastes time and money, creates unnecessary headaches for small and mid-sized businesses, and does nothing to help workers. Our bill fixes that by establishing a single, uniform filing deadline and allowing electronic submission, cutting paperwork while keeping the transparency and oversight needed to protect Americans’ retirement benefits.”

“Workers need a clear window into what is happening behind the scenes with their retirement accounts and most employers want to act in good faith to provide that transparency. But right now, an overly complicated filing system makes it harder for employers to stay on track and easier for mistakes to slip through,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This bill fixes that by setting one clear deadline and cutting out redundant steps, so plans are filed accurately and on time and workers’ retirement savings stay protected.”

“The current two-step Form 5500 filing system creates needless complexity and exposes plan sponsors—especially small and mid-sized employers—to severe penalties for simple clerical errors. The Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act provides a practical, bipartisan solution that modernizes reporting, improves compliance, and strengthens the private retirement system.” - American Retirement Association CEO Brian Graff.

“The ERISA Industry Committee applauds the introduction of the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act. The bill would eliminate unnecessary paperwork for retirement plans and reduce red tape. We support the bill because these improvements would help plan sponsors more efficiently provide benefits to workers and retirees.” – James Gelfand, President and CEO, The ERISA Industry Committee

“The US Chamber has been working to ease the administrative burdens associated with sponsoring a retirement plan. We support Congressman Grothman’s efforts in this area through the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act, which will make it more streamlined for sponsors to file the Form 5500.” - Chantel Sheaks, Vice President Retirement Policy, US Chamber of Commerce

Background Information

Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), employers sponsoring retirement plans must file Form 5500 annually with the Department of Labor to disclose basic information about plan finances and operations.

Because the current statutory filing deadline often does not align with plan years, many otherwise compliant employers are forced to file a separate extension request using IRS Form 5558. This creates a redundant, two-step process that increases paperwork and compliance costs without improving oversight or participant protections—particularly for small and mid-sized employers.

The Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act modernizes this process by establishing a single, uniform filing deadline, eliminating the need for Form 5558, and explicitly allowing electronic filing, while maintaining transparency and accountability for retirement plans.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.