Grothman, Glenn RSS Articles

Grothman Announces $17.9 Million in FEMA Aid for Storm and Tornado Recovery

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) welcomed President Donald Trump’s announcement of $17.9 million in federal disaster relief for Wisconsin communities affected by the July 27, 2026, storms in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago counties.

“Thank you to President Trump for supporting Wisconsin’s recovery,” said Grothman. “I was proud to lead our bipartisan congressional delegation in urging federal support following the devastating July storms and tornado. Local officials, first responders, and community members have worked hard to help their communities recover, and federal assistance can help build on those efforts. I especially want to thank the volunteers who have given their time to help neighbors clean up and begin rebuilding. Their generosity reflects the best of Wisconsin.”

Residents with questions about federal disaster assistance or who need help working with FEMA or another federal agency are encouraged to contact Congressman Grothman’s Fond du Lac office at (920) 907-0624.

Background Information

The July 27, 2026, storms caused extensive damage across Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago counties. An EF3 tornado tore through the Fox Valley, causing widespread destruction in communities including Appleton and Menasha. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. More than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.

Damage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management identified 2,346 residential structures affected, including 84 destroyed and 412 with major damage, with estimated losses exceeding $8.2 million. Public-sector damage exceeded $13.8 million, surpassing Wisconsin’s per-capita threshold by more than $2.4 million.

Congressman Grothman led two letters signed by every member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation seeking federal support:

August 12: The delegation urged FEMA to work with Wisconsin Emergency Management on a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, an essential step toward determining eligibility for federal disaster assistance.
August 27: Following completion of those assessments, the delegation urged President Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration and make Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation assistance available.

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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 Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Urging President Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) is leading every member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation in urging President Donald Trump to approve Wisconsin’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on July 27, 2026.

The storms caused extensive damage across Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago Counties. A powerful EF3 tornado tore through Wisconsin’s Fox Valley region, leaving a broad path of devastation across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. Preliminary findings from the National Weather Service indicate that the tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, and reached nearly one mile in width, with estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. The tornado left thousands of homes and businesses destroyed or severely damaged and caused widespread damage to infrastructure.

Damage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management found 2,346 residential structures impacted, including 84 destroyed and 412 with major damage, with estimated losses exceeding $8.2 million. Public-sector damage exceeded $13.8 million, surpassing Wisconsin’s per-capita threshold by more than $2.4 million.

The bipartisan delegation is urging President Trump to make Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation assistance available to affected Wisconsinites.

“Wisconsin families are still dealing with the devastating impact of these storms, and they deserve every bit of help we can provide,” said Congressman Grothman. “I am proud that every member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, Republicans and Democrats, have come together to support this request. The damage assessments make clear that these communities need federal assistance to recover, rebuild, and move forward. I urge President Trump to approve Wisconsin’s request and get this critical assistance to those who need it.”

“At the end of July, Wisconsin was struck with devastating storms and tornadoes that critically damaged homes, businesses, and communities. But if there is one thing I am certain of, it’s that Wisconsinites are strong, and we will come out on the other side stronger. I urge this administration to swiftly respond to this request and give Wisconsinites the assistance they need to recover,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany.

“From the moment communities in Northeast Wisconsin were hit by last month’s tornado, I have been committed to doing everything possible to ensure they have the resources they need to make a full and swift recovery. Following last month’s Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, it is clear that federal assistance is necessary to make that happen. I join my colleagues in the delegation in urging the President to approve this request and deliver the support Northeast Wisconsin families need to rebuild and recover," said Congressman Tony Wied.

"The July storms and tornadoes that hit Wisconsin caused immense hardship to our businesses and families, many of whom remain displaced. Given the severity of this damage, it's imperative that FEMA quickly approve a Major Disaster Declaration to ensure they get the assistance they need to rebuild and recover as quickly as possible,” said Congressman Pocan.

Read the letter here.

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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 PERM Backlog Reduction Act to Address Green Card Processing Delays

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressmen Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced the PERM Backlog Reduction Act, legislation to reduce costly delays in the Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system, which employers use to obtain permanent labor certifications required for certain permanent employment-based immigration petitions, by establishing an optional premium processing program for participating employers.

The bill establishes an optional fee for expedited processing of the ETA-9089 Permanent Employment Certification Form, which is one of the two required filings in the Department of Labor's PERM process. The user fees generated would fund the program while also helping reduce processing delays for the additional ETA-9141 Prevailing Wage Determination Form, ensuring the program is fully supported without taxpayer dollars. Fees collected would be dedicated exclusively to modernizing the PERM system and reducing backlogs.

The PERM Backlog Reduction Act is endorsed by the Critical Labor Coalition, Eb3.Work, and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.

"Our legal immigration system should work efficiently for employers who follow the rules," said Congressman Grothman. “Before an employer can permanently hire a foreign worker, the PERM process requires employers to first show that they were unable to find an available and qualified American worker to fill the position. Businesses that have already met those requirements shouldn't be forced to wait through unnecessary bureaucratic delays that make it harder to plan for their workforce, fill critical positions, and grow our economy. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act provides employers with an optional, self-funded way to receive timely decisions while giving the Department of Labor the resources it needs to reduce backlogs and modernize the system. This is a practical solution that benefits American businesses without costing taxpayers a dime."

"Businesses and employers across the country are trying to create jobs and grow our economy, but they're being held back by unnecessary government delays,” said Congressman Lou Correa. “This bill gives the Department of Labor the resources to modernize the PERM process, reduce delays, and make sure our system works for employers, workers, and America's economy."

“The Critical Labor Coalition applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. By incorporating processes which update and streamline the PERM application process, this bill ensures a robust, efficient process for U.S. employers. The PERM Backlog Reduction Act modernizes application evaluations, increases resources to update current systems and streamlines the vetting process to assist America’s job creators,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director of the Critical Labor Coalition.

"The Coalition of Franchisee Associations applauds Congressman Grothman for his leadership in introducing the PERM Backlog Reduction Act. As small business owners, franchisees are facing an unprecedented logjam in securing the talent needed to keep their doors open. By addressing Department of Labor processing delays, increasing critical resources, and streamlining the vetting process, this Act provides vital relief to America's franchisees—allowing them to cut through red tape, fill essential vacancies, and continue growing their businesses,” said Bill Mathis, Chairman of the Board for the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.

Background Information

The Department of Labor's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system is required for most employment-based green card applications. In recent years, processing times for prevailing wage determinations and labor certifications have increased significantly despite stable funding levels and application volumes.

The PERM Backlog Reduction Act establishes an optional premium processing program at DOL to expedite processing of Form ETA-9089 – PERM Labor Certifications for employers seeking permanent labor certifications.

Process ETA-9089 within 30 days.

Charge a $1,200 premium processing fee for Form ETA-9089, adjusted annually for inflation beginning in FY2028.

The legislation requires the Department of Labor to set premium processing fees at levels necessary to fully fund the program. All fees would be deposited into a dedicated PERM Premium Processing Fee Account within the U.S. Treasury and used exclusively for program operations, modernization, and reducing processing backlogs.

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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 Leads Entire Bipartisan Wisconsin Delegation in Urging FEMA to Assess Fox Valley Tornado Damage

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) led the entire bipartisan Wisconsin Congressional delegation in support of Wisconsin’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with Wisconsin Emergency Management following the devastating EF3 tornado that struck the Fox Valley on July 27.

The tornado caused widespread destruction across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. More than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.

The members wrote, “The tornado ripped roofs from homes and businesses, hollowed out houses, reduced some structures to little more than their exterior walls, overturned vehicles, snapped trees, and brought down utility poles and power lines. Debris was scattered across neighborhoods and highways, roadways became impassable, families were displaced, and more than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.”

The Members emphasized the importance of a timely assessment, writing, “Conducting a timely Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment is an essential first step in securing the federal support needed to help affected families, local governments, and communities recover and rebuild.”

The letter urged FEMA to “begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay.”

Governor Evers has declared a state of emergency, while Neenah, Menasha, and the Town of Grand Chute have issued local emergency or disaster declarations.

Read the full letter here.

Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Protecting Marine Corps Readiness

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) announced today that he led every Republican member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to protect Marine Corps readiness, preserve competition, and strengthen America’s tactical vehicle industrial base.

In a letter sent to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers expressed support for the Administration’s Arsenal of Freedom initiative and called for qualified alternative production capacity to remain available for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.

“America’s warfighters should not be forced to wait for critical equipment because a defense program has fallen behind schedule,” said Congressman Grothman. “Maintaining competition and proven production capacity will help protect military readiness while ensuring contractors remain accountable to the servicemembers and taxpayers they serve. Oshkosh Defense has the experienced workforce and proven manufacturing capability needed to produce vehicles and help address the current backlog. Wisconsin stands ready to support the Marine Corps and deliver the vehicles our warfighters need.”

Production challenges affecting the JLTV A2 program have raised concerns about the Marine Corps’ ability to field the vehicles needed to support expeditionary operations. According to the House Appropriations Committee report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, the program was more than 20 months behind schedule, with approximately 2,000 vehicles overdue.

The delegation also highlighted the Marine Corps’ May Request for Information seeking commercially available, non-developmental vehicles capable of rapid fielding. The lawmakers described the request as an important step toward preserving competition and ensuring qualified alternative production capacity remains available if performance challenges continue.

Oshkosh Defense, headquartered in Wisconsin, has delivered more than 25,000 JLTV A1 vehicles to U.S. and allied forces. The company is positioned to produce additional vehicles to help reduce the backlog, protect the Marine Corps’ fielding schedule, and restore needed competition to the program.

A copy of the letter is available here.

Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)'s Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act advanced through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

The legislation would transfer responsibility for foreign medical accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), placing the program within the federal agency best equipped to oversee medical education and the healthcare workforce.

"President Trump has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure the federal government is focused on doing its job efficiently," Congressman Grothman said. "Foreign medical accreditation is a healthcare issue, not an education issue. The Department of Health and Human Services has the expertise to oversee this process, and moving these responsibilities there is simply common sense. This bill cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures these important functions are handled by the agency best suited for the job. I'm pleased the Education and Workforce Committee advanced this legislation, and I hope to see it considered by the full House."

Background Information

Foreign medical accreditation is the process by which foreign medical schools are evaluated to ensure their graduates meet standards comparable to those required of medical schools in the United States. These responsibilities are currently carried out by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA, which is currently housed within the Department of Education.

As part of President Trump's effort to reduce the size and scope of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, the Department of Education entered into an Interagency Agreement with HHS on November 18, 2025, to begin transferring these responsibilities. Because HHS oversees many federal healthcare and medical workforce programs, it is better positioned to administer foreign medical accreditation.

The Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act would permanently codify that transfer by:

Moving all foreign medical accreditation functions from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Transferring all personnel, assets, contracts, records, and remaining funds associated with these functions to HHS.

Requiring the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the transfer does not increase the total number of federal employees.

Preserving all existing regulations, contracts, and accreditation proceedings to ensure continuity for students and institutions.

Allowing HHS to temporarily use Department of Education resources during the transition to ensure an orderly transfer.

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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 Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act to Honor Hmong Veterans' Service During the Vietnam War

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Hmong people in recognition of their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and loyalty to the United States during the Vietnam War.

The legislation pays tribute to the thousands of Hmong soldiers who courageously fought alongside American forces against communist aggression and celebrates the lasting legacy and contributions of Hmong Americans across the United States.

"The Hmong people stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in defense of freedom and against communist aggression in Southeast Asia." said Grothman. "Thousands risked everything to support American troops, and many paid the ultimate price for their loyalty. The story of their courage and sacrifice has been underreported for far too long and should never be forgotten. Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the Hmong veterans and families who answered America's call and to the generations of Hmong Americans who continue to strengthen our communities through their dedication, patriotism, and commitment to family."

Background Information

During the Vietnam War, more than 30,000 Hmong soldiers fought alongside American forces in the battle against communism. Serving under General Vang Pao and other Hmong leaders, they gathered critical intelligence, disrupted enemy operations, defended strategic positions, and rescued downed American pilots—helping save countless American lives.

Following the war, many Hmong soldiers and their families faced persecution because of their alliance with the United States. Tens of thousands fled their homes, and more than 150,000 Hmong refugees ultimately resettled in the United States, where they have built thriving communities and made lasting contributions to our nation.

The Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act would award the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the Hmong people's extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service alongside the United States during the Vietnam War, while honoring the enduring contributions Hmong Americans continue to make to communities across the country.

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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 Bill to Strengthen Identity Protections for Federal Health Care Enrollees

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Marketplace Fraud Accountability (MFA) Act, legislation requiring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement multifactor authentication for enrollees in federal health care programs governed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to better protect Americans' personal information and reduce fraud.

"Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to exploit weak security systems, and the federal government shouldn't make it easy for them," said Grothman. "Multifactor authentication has become a standard security measure for everything from banking to email to fast food apps because it works. There's no reason Americans should have stronger protections for their bank accounts than for their health care accounts. This is a commonsense anti-fraud measure that will make it harder for bad actors to manipulate federal health care account and exploit taxpayer-funded programs. By strengthening these basic security protections, we can better protect enrollees and save taxpayer funds by reducing fraud and improper payments. At the same time, this bill ensures individuals without reliable broadband or cellular service can continue accessing their health care accounts through alternative verification methods."

"Congressman Grothman has stepped forward as a true champion for both consumers and the professional agent community," said B. Ronnell Nolan, President and CEO of Health Agents for America (HAFA). "The Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act is about protecting Americans from fraud, preserving consumer choice, and ensuring licensed agents can continue serving their clients with integrity and accountability. This legislation is long overdue."

Background Information

Multifactor authentication is a widely used security measure that verifies a user's identity through two or more authentication factors, such as a password, security token, or biometric identifier. While Americans routinely use these protections for banking, email, and other online services, CMS does not currently require multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees.

Watchdog organizations have raised concerns that the lack of basic identity protections leaves enrollees vulnerable to fraud, unauthorized account changes, and identity theft. According to the Paragon Institute, fraud and improper enrollment resulting from these vulnerabilities is conservatively estimated to cost taxpayers between $15 billion and $26 billion. Several state-based health care exchanges, including DC Health Link, already require multifactor authentication.

The Marketplace Fraud Accountability Act would require CMS to implement multifactor authentication for Affordable Care Act enrollees within one year of enactment. The legislation also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide alternative authentication methods on a case-by-case basis for individuals who lack reliable broadband or cellular service, ensuring they are not prevented from accessing their health care accounts.

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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 State Emissions Authority Act Considered in House Energy and Commerce Committee

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) State Emissions Authority Act, legislation to remove burdensome federal vehicle emissions testing requirements and restore state authority, was considered by the House Energy and Commerce’s Environment Subcommittee today.

For decades, the Clean Air Act has required certain states to operate vehicle emissions testing programs under federal mandates based on standards developed long before modern advances in vehicle technology. Grothman's legislation would give states greater flexibility by eliminating these Clean Air Act requirements, which impose unnecessary costs and administrative burdens on drivers, businesses, and state governments.

"Federal emissions testing mandates were enacted decades ago to address challenges that have since been addressed through technological innovation and cleaner vehicles," said Congressman Grothman. "Yet, federal law continues to require many states, including Wisconsin, to maintain costly testing programs that place unnecessary burdens on drivers and businesses. My bill restores flexibility to the states, reduces unnecessary costs, and updates federal law to reflect the realities of today's vehicles. I am pleased to see the Energy and Commerce Committee consider this legislation."

“The State Emissions Authority Act is a timely update to current federal requirements. It empowers states, aligns with modern vehicle technology, and reduces unnecessary costs for drivers and businesses.” – Debbie Sparks, Executive Director of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association

"The State Emissions Authority Act restores a basic principle: states, not Washington, should decide whether vehicle emissions-testing programs make sense for their residents. These federal mandates impose real costs on families, small businesses, and state governments, even as vehicle technology has changed and states are fully capable of making these decisions for themselves. This bill ends the one-size-fits-all federal requirement and returns that authority to the states.” - Jason Hayes, Director of Energy and Environment at the America First Policy Institute

“States are spending much-needed taxpayer dollars on vehicle inspection programs that are often a waste of time and money. Cars rarely fail the emissions tests. The federal government should stop forcing these inspection requirements onto states. Let states decide if such programs make sense. And make no mistake, states have every reason to figure out how best to meet the stringent federal air quality standards. If inspections make sense, then states will keep them. If not, then states can identify better and different ways to improve air quality. The State Emissions Authority Act addresses this one-size-fits-all and outdated federal mandate.” - Daren Bakst, Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Director of the Center for Energy and Environment

“As air quality continues to improve across the country, allowing states more flexibility to meet ambient air quality standards is appropriate and acknowledges that new vehicle technologies will continue to provide lasting air quality benefits.” – The American Trucking Association

Background Information

Congressman Grothman introduced the State Emissions Authority Act to amend the Clean Air Act and eliminate federal mandates requiring states to operate vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs, commonly known as emissions testing.

These requirements were established in the 1970s and 1990s, before major improvements in vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, and modern emissions-control systems. As vehicle emissions have declined significantly over the past several decades, many states and drivers continue to face the costs and inconveniences associated with federally mandated testing programs.

The State Emissions Authority Act would:

Eliminate federal facility compliance requirements tied to state inspection programs.

Remove Clean Air Act provisions requiring vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in ozone nonattainment areas.

Repeal statutory language requiring inspection programs within the Ozone Transport Region.

The legislation is supported by the America First Policy Institute, American Trucking Associations, Competitive Enterprise Institute, National Motor Freight Traffic Association, and Truckload Carriers Association.

The State Emissions Authority Act was highlighted by the House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee on June 3, 2026.

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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 OPT Fair Tax Act to End Tax Loophole Favoring Foreign Workers Over American Graduates

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced the OPT Fair Tax Act, legislation that will close a perverse loophole that harms American workers.

Under current law, foreign workers in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes, creating an incentive to hire these foreign workers over American citizens. The OPT Fair Tax Act will ensure that OPT employment is treated the same as other employment under federal payroll tax law.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this Congress.

“Americans should not be put at a disadvantage because Washington created a loophole that favors hiring foreign workers over qualified U.S. citizens,” said Congressman Glenn Grothman. “Right now, the federal government has created a financial incentive to hire foreign workers over Americans. As a result, too many young Americans graduating from our colleges and universities are forced to compete against a system that tilts the playing field against them. Congress should be focused on opening doors for young Americans, helping U.S. graduates find good-paying jobs, and ensuring employers are encouraged to hire Americans first, not creating incentives for companies to bypass American talent.”

“Our tax code shouldn’t incentivize businesses to hire foreign workers. By ending the FICA tax exemption, we will put American workers first.” - Senator Cotton

“The OPT Fair Tax Act stands to raise $32 billion while bringing fairness to the OPT program. The tax code shouldn’t create incentives for businesses to prefer hiring OPT participants over Americans." - Jeremy Neufeld, Director of Immigration Policy at the Institute for Progress

Background Information

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows certain foreign students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after completing their studies. Current law exempts many OPT workers and their employers from paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).

This tax exemption creates a financial incentive for employers to hire OPT workers over American graduates because employers can avoid payroll taxes that would otherwise apply to U.S. workers performing similar jobs. The advantage is especially significant among recent bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates participating in the program.

Between Fiscal Years 2017 and 2022, approximately 330,000 students participated in OPT annually, including more than 215,000 master’s degree students. In addition to disadvantaging American workers, the exemption reduces funding for Social Security and Medicare. A January 2026 analysis estimated that eliminating the OPT payroll tax exemption would increase federal revenue by between $27 billion and $36 billion over ten years.

The OPT Fair Tax Act amends Section 3121(b)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 210(a)(19) of the Social Security Act to clarify that F-1 visa holders participating in OPT are not exempt from Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Both OPT workers and their employers would therefore pay the same payroll taxes paid by American workers and businesses.

Read the Fox News exclusive HERE

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