Mexican Drug Cartel Operating in Wisconsin  

November 17, 2023

I recently joined the Whitewater Police Chief and Walworth County Sheriff to discuss how the Gulf Cartel is running illegal operations in Whitewater. 

The Gulf Cartel is one of Mexico’s largest cartels. The cartel frequently makes national headlines for their criminal activity. Now, the cartel has infiltrated Whitewater and is operating illegal activities out of the small town. According to Walworth County Undersheriff Tom Hausner, Walworth County has documented almost a quarter of a million dollars in a four-month period that was funneled back to the cartel. This money is coming from illegal activity such as drug and sex trafficking and selling fraudulent ID documents.

Big cities like Chicago and New York often receive attention when illegal immigrants pour into the cities. This attention overshadows the drastic impacts that the border crisis has on small towns like Whitewater. It is my priority to address the border crisis.

End Financing for Hamas and State Sponsors of Terrorism Act

Iran has a central role in funding Hamas and other terrorist groups that seek to destroy Israel and attack American personnel throughout the region. This underscores the urgent need to use every financial tool in our box to deny the largest state sponsor of terrorism revenue. 

I introduced the End Financing for Hamas and State Sponsors of Terrorism Act. This bill will weaken Iran's ability to continue to fund violent extremists like Hamas and Hezbollah and ensure atrocities like what we witnessed on October 7 never happen again.

Specifically, the bill will make it harder for state sponsors of terrorism, like Iran, to abuse International Monetary Fund (IMF) resources to finance terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah.

Supporting Our Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day last weekend, I joined friends across Southeast Wisconsin to celebrate our veterans. I attended ceremonies in Oak Creek, Burlington, and Beloit. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to say thank you to those who have served our great nation.

Racine’s own Walden III High School Band and Orchestra performed in the National Veterans Day Ceremony in Washington D.C. It was great to meet the students and show them around the Capitol earlier in the week.

Working for Veterans in Congress

Veterans sacrifice so much to defend our freedom and security around the world. When they return home from answering the call of duty, it’s important they are connected to a support network. This week, I joined my colleagues to introduce the Warrior Call Resolution. 

The resolution encourages Americans to connect with members of the Armed Forces and veterans to provide support and promote mental health treatment and solutions. The resolution passed the House of Representatives, and now awaits Senate approval.

Keeping the Government Open

Our national debt is a problem that requires our undivided attention. The national debt now exceeds $33.7 trillion. We must face the fact that this trajectory is unsustainable and more reckless spending will further jeopardize our economy and our national security.

This week, I voted to keep the government open. I believe that government shutdowns should be avoided because they are not good for anyone. The funding bill Congress passed extends the government’s current spending levels through mid-January. It also critically extends vital agricultural program funding until the next fiscal year. Passing the temporary funding bill allows Congress time to work on bringing down spending levels and securing the southern border. 

On Wisconsin, 

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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