Working for Wisconsin

3 Wisconsin Families Finally Bring Home Their Adopted Children

The wait is over for three Wisconsin families trying for years to bring home children they adopted from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the past two weeks, families in Green Bay, Kenosha and La Crosse were reunited.

“Wisconsin families have waited too long to be united with their adopted children,” Sen. Johnson said. “It is great news to hear that for three of them the wait is over. I am especially grateful for my colleague Rep. Reid Ribble’s work to get these children home safely. His effort has played a key role in their release. I will continue to work alongside him and my other colleagues to advocate for the families who remain separated — that they would receive their exit letters soon.”

Watch this heartwarming story from Fox 11 News. 

Bill to Name Fond du Lac Post Office After WWII Hero Passes Congress

Lt. Col.James "Maggie" Megellas and his wife meet Sen. Johnson in Washington 

A bill introduced by Sen. Johnson in the Senate to name a post office in Fond du Lac after World War II veteran Lt. Col. James "Maggie" Megellas passed Congress last Thursday and now awaits the president's signature.

“It is a privilege to recognize Lt. Col. Megellas,” Sen. Johnson said. “His heroic actions helped ensure the liberation of Europe and our nation’s continued freedom. For this, Wisconsin is proud and America is grateful. It is appropriate that the Fond du Lac post office carry the name of one of the finest among us.  It will remind us of his heroism for generations to come.”

Business Day in Madison 

Sen. Johnson spoke at the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce annual Business Day in Madison at the end of February.  The event brings together hundreds of business leaders, policy-makers and thought leaders.

Hearing Highlights You Must See

Dogs of the Department of Homeland Security 

The Department of Homeland Security showed off its canine program during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing last Thursday. Members were able to see handlers and dogs provide demonstrations on how to detect weapons, currency, explosives and agricultural products.

Chairman Johnson said, “When we take a look at airport security, we talk to Secretary Jeh Johnson, always on his mind is the threat, in terms of air and airline safety. I really do believe canine units can be one of those layers, a very effective layer in keeping this nation and our air traffic safe as well.”

Right to Try 

Chairman Johnson expressed his support for a right to try — allowing terminally ill patients access to drugs not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration to save their own lives — at a  hearing  last week. Witnesses spoke of their need for treatments and the barriers posed by the FDA.

“The purpose of this hearing is to put a face — a human face — so that we in Congress can make some intelligent decisions ... And give people, give patients the freedom and the access so they have hope." 

Click  here to watch Chairman Johnson’s opening remarks.

Video of the Week 

Sen. Johnson Video about Gitmo

Click here to watch Sen. Johnson's video, released last week.