March Update
Talking Border Security, North Korea, Trade on Sunday Morning Futures
In an interview on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures, Sen. Johnson spoke about the growing humanitarian crisis at our southern border, relations with North Korea and trade.
"Where we have installed four sections of better barriers we have cut illegal immigration by about 95 percent. That is a huge benefit to barrier structures, but that's not the only thing that we have to do. We have to amend these laws that provide the incentives. We have to maintain our asylum standards and we have to make sure that we can apprehend and detain individuals. Those that don't have valid asylum claims, we have to quickly remove them to their home country, because right now that is what is the huge draw coming particularly from Central America."
Watch the entire interview here: Segment 1 and Segment 2
Demanding Answers About Stolen ATF Guns
(Photo Credit:Justin Jackson/ Sun-Times)
As chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Sen. Johnson sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director requesting information about the recent theft of firearms and firearm parts from an ATF facility in West Virginia. According to sources and news reporting, 600 firearm parts were stolen and then sold for roughly $70,000 through the internet.
"The ATF is tasked with ensuring public safety, and this episode raises significant concerns. We need a full accounting of the situation and I hope ATF responds quickly to my letter."
Read the letter here.
Read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story on the letter here.
Legislation to Combat Child Marriage Loophole
(Photo Credit:Kathy Kmonicek / AP file)
Following the release of a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee staff report on how current U.S. immigration laws encourage child marriages earlier this year, Sen. Johnson introduced legislation to close a loophole in our immigration laws that can be exploited to enable child marriages. The bill prohibits spousal and fiance immigration benefits if one of the applying parties is under the age of 18.
"A visa to enter the United States is a privilege, and this straightforward reform will help close a loophole that can lead to the abuse and exploitation of children.I hope my colleagues will join me to advance this commonsense legislation."
Read the NBC News story here.
Learn more from the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs website.
Wisconsin Cheesemaker BIG Anniversary
Sen. Johnson enjoyed his recent visit to Chilton to congratulate Vern's Cheese on their 55th anniversary as one of Wisconsin's beloved cheesemaking families. This multi-generation business started in 1964 when Vern and Edith Knoespel purchased one truck and rented some cooler space to start making their cheese. Sen. Johnson is a big fan of the string cheese!
Joseph Project Wausau
This week marked the 68 th Joseph Project training session with a class graduating Thursday in Wausau. Working in partnership with The Cross of Wausau, staff for Sen. Johnson lead Joseph Project participants through four days of classes focusing on essential skills necessary for being successful on the job. Classes are held on communication, conflict resolution, time management, personal finance and goal setting. Some of the participants have challenges or barriers that have made their search for work difficult. The Joseph Project teaches them how to overcome those obstacles and demonstrates the power of work to transform lives. Those who complete the week are guaranteed a job interview with employers who are looking to hire. The program started in 2015 in Milwaukee.
Media Highlights
MacIver Institute Newsmaker Podcast: Sen. Johnson is featured on this week's podcast with Matt Kittle talking about the Mueller probe, the national emergency at the border and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Vicki McKenna Show on WISN-AM: Sen. Johnson talks with Vicki starting at 10:10 on this podcast.
