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Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald
Good afternoon!
I’m back in DC today. I’ll be getting straight to work on electing a new Speaker to the House so we can get back to business on appropriations bills, the impeachment inquiry, and supporting our ally, Israel.
Last week, I voted with the overwhelming majority of the Republican conference to back Speaker McCarthy and get back to work immediately on important legislative priorities. The effort to vacate the chair proceeded with all of Democrats voting, and a very small number of Republican members, to oust McCarthy and halt the House to a stop.
I will not dwell further on the vote. My focus is now 100% on electing another Republican Speaker. I’ve worked very closely with Chairman Jim Jordan on the Judiciary Committee since coming to Congress. His passion is unmatched and his work has always been laser-focused on transparency, accountability, and action. I am convinced he’ll be a Speaker who will always go to bat for the American people, and I am proud to stand with him. He has my complete support to become the next Speaker of the House.
Lastly, I want to encourage everyone to keep our Jewish friends and Israel in prayer as they respond to the abhorrent terrorist attacks launched by Hamas over the weekend. The ongoing reports and footage are gut-wrenching and only fuel our resolve in Congress to stand strongly behind the country as they seek to defend themselves from the senseless violence.
Keep reading on for important district updates and more details on the committee business I worked on last week.
Have a great week!
- Scott
Standing with Israel
Over the weekend, Hamas launched a despicable and organized terrorist attack on Israel. This attack included vile acts of violence and assault against women and children. Heartbreaking footage continues to be released of the violence that’s ensued since and paints a worrisome picture of what’s to come.
I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Israel by Hamas, and believe every single member of Congress must come together in standing unequivocally behind our strongest ally in the region as Israel seeks to defend itself from this senseless terrorism.
As the conflict escalates, it’s a painful reminder that the Biden Administration’s policies have consequences. The President’s facilitation of the $6B released to Iran just weeks ago was anticipated to free up funds for Iran-backed groups, like Hamas. This administration cannot continue to negotiate with that regime and assume it will make the region more stable. The heinous acts of the last day are proof of that.
I am praying for strength for our friends in Israel as they respond to these painful attacks.
Why the House Needs a Leader Like Jim Jordan
Now more than ever it is important for Republicans in the House of Representatives to unify behind Rep. Jim Jordan as the next Speaker of the House. Americans are suffering from President Biden’s failing economy, a crime epidemic sweeping the nation, and a porous southern border allowing millions of illegal aliens into the country. With the heartbreaking news of the evil terror attacks in Israel by Hamas, and the murders and kidnappings of innocent civilians, America needs clear-eyed and steady leadership at home.
The terror attacks in Israel must sharpen our resolve for unity. Throughout his time in Congress, Jim has been a steadfast defender of our greatest ally in the Middle East. As Jim has said, in the face of such barbarism, Congress must give Israel the space and resources needed to defend itself and destroy Hamas once and for all. Under Jim’s leadership, the House would come together amid the atrocities and horror to rededicate ourselves to the people of Israel in their hour of need.
It’s time for Republicans to unify behind the candidate with the skills, experience, and tenacity to meet the challenges of our time. Jim Jordan is that man.
Click here to read my latest op-ed on why Jim Jordan is the right leader to become the next
Update on Judiciary Committee
Yesterday, a new interim report assembled by the House Judiciary Committee staff was released.
In short, the 61-page report cites newly uncovered border information and highlights that the number of illegal migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border exceeded 2.2 million in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2023.
More concerning, the report also shows that the federal government has "no confirmed departure" for more than 2.4 million migrants encountered since January 2021.
This report is just the latest in what’s become a pattern of missteps by this administration in securing our southern border. House Republicans will continue to raise the alarm on this issue until the President and his Department of Homeland Security finally take meaningful steps to address the crisis.
You can read the full coverage here.
Update on Financial Services Committee
Throughout House Republican’s time leading the majority this Congress, SEC Chair Garry Gensler has shown a complete disregard to the Financial Services Committee's constitutional oversight duties.
In particular, Mr. Gensler has refused to provide the Committee with documents related to the collapse of FTX and a new climate disclosure rule his agency is trying push through.
The other week, Chairman Patrick McHenry took Chair Gensler to task for his agency's noncompliance. You can watch that exchange here.
While these issues feel far removed from your day-to-day life in Southeast Wisconsin, the truth is, these policies have consequential impacts indirectly. The SEC’s rogue rule making burdens small businesses and everyday retail investors.
I stand behind Patrick McHenry in calling out this unacceptable behavior and using compulsory processes, if necessary, to get the answers Americans deserve.
Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program
ICYMI, my office is seeking a veteran for a position in WI-05’s Oconomowoc district office. If you or a person you know are interested, I encourage you to apply!
The person chosen for the special position will work with military and veteran constituents to handle veterans-related casework and act as a facilitator between constituents and federal, state, and local agencies.
The Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for veterans within member offices.
The program is limited to veterans who meet all of the following requirements:
- Honorably discharged
- Released from active duty within the last six years
- Terminal pay grades at or below E-5, O-3, or W-2
- Veterans promoted to the pay grades of E-6, O-4, and W-3 within 6-months of separation from active duty are eligible, granted they meet ALL other eligibility requirements.
- Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program.
Click here to learn more about the job posting.
That’s a wrap for this week’s eNewsletter! Follow me on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on my work for the 5th District of Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
Scott Fitzgerald
Member of Congress
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