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Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald
Good morning!
Once again, I’m back in DC today to continue our quest to elect the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Let me start by saying, I hear your frustration. I’m frustrated too. I was opposed to vacating the Speaker’s chair in the first place because I feared it would distract from our legislative business. Once that decision was made, I backed Jim Jordan immediately as I believe he is the best person to unite our entire conference.
I was disappointed last week when he stepped down as the Speaker-designee of the Republican conference after losing an internal party vote. Nonetheless, I continue to look forward. It’s the only path.
I urge my colleagues—both Democrats & Republicans—who are obstructing the clearest paths forward to filling the Speaker’s seat to reflect. Is this politicking worth it? We must come together, elect a Speaker, and get back to work immediately. I’ve been a consensus builder and a team player up to this point, and I don’t plan to stop now.
Despite this slow-rolling process, I continue to push legislative work where possible. Keep reading on to learn about the legislative priorities I worked on last week.
Have a great week!
- Scott
Fox 6: American priest escapes war in Holy Land, now safe at Holy Hill
I’d like to highlight an amazing story about one of our own community members here in SE Wisconsin.
Last week, Holy Hill welcomed Fr. Michael Berry home after he got trapped in Israel while on a sabbatical. Fr. Berry quickly found himself in an unsafe situation after receiving missile alerts and hearing military planes and jets flying overhead.
Thankfully he reached out to my office where we were able to coordinate with a group on the ground to help evacuate Fr. Berry to Jordan where he was then able to safely travel back to Wisconsin. He’s returned safely now, and I know everyone in his community is glad to see him home.
I want to use this as reminder though, that should anyone reading this find themselves or a loved one in a similar situation you should call my office at (262) 784-1111. We are here to help.
Read the full story here.
The U.S. must shift Iran strategy in response to Hamas attack
Last week, I flagged an op-ed I penned regarding the U.S.’s stance toward Iran. As I outlined in that op-ed, our government must take a harder stance against Iran in response to Hamas’ attack on our alley Israel.
We have clear evidence that Iran, the leading state sponsor of terrorism, helped orchestrate these attacks in what is just the latest round of the Iranian regime’s assault on Israel and Western democracy.
To that end, I’ve cosponsored an Iran-China energy sanctions bill. In March, Chinese imports of Iranian crude rose to 800,000 barrels day, a 20% month-on-month increase.
The bill I cosponsored would require sanctions on Chinese financial institutions for conducting transactions involving China’s purchases of Iranian petroleum. Any transaction by a Chinese financial institution involving the purchase of Iranian oil would qualify as a significant financial transaction, triggering U.S. sanctions. In addition, the bill requires the President to make an annual determination whether Chinese financial institutions are engaged in these sanctionable transactions.
This legislation is necessary in our broader response to putting the pressure on Iran. State-sponsors of terrorism must be met with consequences.
Keeping AM Radio in New Vehicles
Last week, I also signed onto the AM for Every Vehicle Act. This bill would require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no additional charge. Out of 20 of the world’s leading carmakers, eight have removed AM broadcast radio from their electric vehicles.
In addition, this legislation will:
- Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge;
- Require any automaker that sells vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the NHTSA rule to clearly disclose to consumers that the vehicle lacks access to AM broadcast radio; and,
- Direct the Government Accountability Office to study whether alternative communication systems could fully replicate the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies.
I know so many in Southeast Wisconsin depend on AM broadcast radio to stay in touch with the news and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure access remains the standard.
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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