September 11 Field Hearing
Senate Hearing at National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in NYC Reflects on National Security Challenges
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee heard from three former homeland security secretaries at a field hearing at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York this month to discuss how the Department of Homeland Security has evolved to address an ever-changing threat landscape since 9/11, how it can adapt to new and emerging threats, and what role Congress plays in addressing the dynamic nature of identified threats.
On a personal note, I believe every American should come here and be reminded. We can never forget. September 11 changed everything. It is now our responsibility to preserve this great nation and make sure it thrives.
Watch this video for more thoughts on this powerful experience during the 18th anniversary of 9/11.
Ending Government Shutdowns for Good
If the Legislature in Wisconsin fails to pass the next year's appropriation bills, we dont shut government agencies down. We fund them at the previous year's appropriation levels. Doesn't that make sense? It's time to take that idea to Washington.
Please take a moment to read this opinion piece I wrote for The Wall Street Journal on ending government shutdowns once and for all.
Meeting with Ukraine's President
At the beginning of the month, I was pleased to lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to Kyiv to demonstrate Americas support for the people of Ukraine. We met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and the reformers who comprise his administration. With the U.S.-Ukraine relationship now under the microscope, I spoke with the Dan O'Donnell Show to set the record straight about that meeting.
Listen to the entire interview here.
Idea Fest in Madison
It was great to be in Madison this month speaking at the Cap Times Idea Fest. I always appreciate the opportunity to exchange ideas on any topic. We discussed immigration, 9/11, airport security, Truax Field and my current legislative priorities of the Government Shutdown Accountability Act and real immigration reform.
I appreciated Cap Times editor Paul Fanlund's comments about the event.
Congressional Award--Gold Medal for West Bend College Student
The Congressional Award was established in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. The program affords young people the opportunity to set and achieve personally challenging goals. I was honored to present a gold award to Olivia McClain from West Bend. She had to achieve at least 400 hours in volunteer public service, 200 hours in personal development, 200 hours in physical fitness, and at least 5 days of travel. Olivia met these goals by tutoring refugee children and working in a food pantry. She also started her own photography business, trained for a half marathon and traveled to Paris.
Congratulations, Olivia!
More information on the Congressional Award can be found here.
Joseph Project Classes in Milwaukee and Wausau
We held two Joseph Project classes this month - one in Milwaukee and one in Wausau. Classes 77 and 78 participated in week-long sessions to hone their employability skills. All participants who graduate are guaranteed an interview for family-supporting jobs. Congratulations to all these September graduates!
