2023 was a memorable year for Americans from all walks of life. Despite the many challenges facing our nation, the families, small businesses, employees, and students I've met this past year give me optimism for 2024. I look forward to continuing to make your voice heard in Washington in the 118th Congress.
Here is a look back at some highlights from 2023. |
Over the years, TikTok has become controversial because its owner, ByteDance, is a Chinese company and is therefore bound by Chinese law to comply with the intelligence agencies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Because TikTok absorbs an immense amount of information about American citizens, the CCP governing TikTok created a national security concern as the data of millions of Americans is left exposed to Communist China.
In December of 2022, I joined the entire Wisconsin Republican Congressional delegation on a letter to Governor Evers urging him to restrict the use of TikTok on government devices in Wisconsin. On January 11, I was glad to share that Governor Evers took the advice of our letter and banned TikTok on government devices to protect our state. |
In the summer of 2022, gas prices peaked at over $5 per gallon and heating and electrical bills surged across the country. Instead of incentivizing American companies to increase energy production to lower costs, President Biden authorized the release of 180 million barrels of oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Afterward, it was revealed that 39 million barrels that were released were sold to a company controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Depleting our emergency energy stockpile for the benefit of China is a staunch threat to national security.
Even worse, emergency American energy supplies have been left at risk in the event of a global supply crisis.
On January 27, I was proud to vote in favor of bipartisan legislation to protect America's national and economic security by prohibiting the Department of Energy from exporting any crude oil from the SPR to China in the future. |
In Washington, I take pride in being an advocate for individuals with disabilities because the love, laughter, and joy they bring to everyone around them is something to be cherished and celebrated.
Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) play an important role to the well-being of individuals with disabilities because in addition to offering employment and vocational training opportunities, they provide these individuals with a sense of purpose and a community who supports them. Yael, a young woman I met who works at both a CRP and a retail store, told me she values her job at the CRP more because “that’s where all my friends are.”
On January 31, I introduced the Workplace Choice and Flexibility for Individuals with Disabilities Act to expand opportunities for young people with disabilities because these unique, valuable, hardworking individuals deserve it. |
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Congressman Grothman with Yael and her parents in Fond du Lac |
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On February 1, I welcomed Boris Johnson into our Republican Study Committee lunch.
It was great to speak with the former British Prime Minister regarding the need to uphold individual liberties and promote human rights on the world stage. |
Throughout February, we celebrated Career and Technical Education Month. Like every month, I shined a light on the benefits of career and technical education to help expose young Wisconsinites to lucrative, sustainable career paths that employers are eager to fill.
On February 14, I met with Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin, regarding the many benefits of career and technical education, such as job security and less student loan debt. |
On February 24, I hosted a two town hall meetings for residents of the Sixth District in Plymouth and New Holstein. I was happy to take your questions and provide an update on my work in Congress. |
As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, I chaired our first hearing in March to focus on the border crisis and how we can better support agents patrolling the border from both Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
I opened the hearing by stressing the critical role force multipliers, like canines, play in assisting Border Patrol in stopping drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other criminal activity by Mexican Cartels at the Southern border. |
Click the image above to watch Chairman Grothman's opening statement |
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During the hearing, CBP agents showcased the efficiency of canines by having Vili, pictured below, detect a pouch with a small amount of fentanyl hidden within the hearing room. Vili found the drugs in a matter of seconds. |
Vili detecting the fentanyl within a sealed metal container inside the USPS box |
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On March 8, the Plexus Corporation, based out of Neenah, came to DC to showcase their cutting-edge night vision goggles that are developed in the Sixth District. With this new technology, we can significantly enhance our military intelligence, Border Patrol surveillance, and strengthen our national security. |
On April 3, it was my honor to present Fond du Lac Assistant Chief of Police, Steve Klein, with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for over 30 years of service. |
Representing Wisconsin, the state with the third highest Hmong population, has afforded me the privilege of learning about the rich, wonderful culture of the Hmong people at events in communities throughout the Sixth District, including Oshkosh, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc.
The Hmong people displayed heroism and sacrifice by fighting alongside American troops to combat the evils of communism during the Vietnam War, and they deserve recognition for putting their lives on the line to defend the liberties and values of Western society.
In April, I led the entire Wisconsin congressional delegation, including 49 bipartisan cosponsors from states like California and Minnesota that also have large Hmong populations, on a bill to honor the Hmong with the Congressional Gold Medal for their help throughout the Vietnam War. |
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Congressman Grothman at the Hmong National Memorial Day Festival at the Winnebago County Community Park in 2022 |
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Ensuring our active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families receive the care they deserve is a priority of mine.
On April 26, I met with the Wisconsin Council of the Military Officers Association of America to discuss supporting our troops across the globe. |
In the second week of May, we came together to celebrate National Police Week by sharing gratitude to law enforcement for dedicating their lives to protecting our communities. On the morning of May 11, I showed my respect and appreciation for our nation’s officers at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. |
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During a House Budget Committee hearing on May 24, I investigated how Congress can help remove burdensome red tape to allow our world-class manufacturing industry to truly prosper. |
Click the image above to view Congressman Grothman's full questioning |
On May 25, I had a productive meeting with Oshkosh Fire Chief Michael Stanley of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, who support our state’s fire service leaders. |
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Click the above image for more information |
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June was National Dairy Month!
Wisconsin's world-class dairy industry puts food on the table for families nationwide and plays an integral role in our economy. I am proud to represent the many hardworking, family dairy farmers and processors across America's Dairyland in the Sixth District. |
Click the image above to view Congressman Grothman's full remarks on the House Floor |
Dillon Mueller was a Mishicot native who tragically passed away in 2014 at the age of 18 after being stung by a bee and falling into a coma due to anaphylaxis. Dillon was, unfortunately, unable to receive epinephrine in a timely manner.
With the help of his parents, Angel and George, I introduced the bipartisan Dillon's Law on June 7 to ensure no family has to endure a tragedy like Dillon's passing in the future. Specifically, this legislation encourages all states to train individuals to carry and administer epinephrine, better known as “EpiPens,” just like we do in Wisconsin. In addition to Wisconsin, states such as Minnesota and Indiana have signed versions of this bill into law with overwhelming bipartisan support. |
On June 26, I met so many furry friends at the Fond du Lac Humane Society! Thank you to their wonderful team for rescuing these animals and giving them an opportunity for a better future. |
On June 27, I had the honor of presenting the Cedarburg American Legion with a Congressional commendation in recognition of its service to community projects, families, and veterans. |
On July 14, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 to bolster our nation's defense while simultaneously cutting inefficient, immaterial defense programs within the Department of Defense (DOD). The House-passed version of the NDAA would also save taxpayers an estimated $40 billion.
I am proud to share that my amendment regarding civilian employment within DOD was accepted into this version of the NDAA. This commonsense provision, which received an endorsement by Heritage Action for America, will improve efficiency within the DOD by both saving taxpayers billions of dollars and prompting increased military readiness. In addition, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office conducted an analysis that this provision would save the federal government up to of $5.7 billion every year. While this amendment was taken out of the final version of the bill after negotiations with the Senate, I am still proud to have brought this issue to the forefront and will continue fighting to ensure we maintain the world’s best military. |
On July 19, I sat down with Wisconsin energy producers from the American Public Power Association and WPPI Energy in DC to discuss working together to maintain affordable power utilities for all communities across the country. |
During the Fond du Lac County Fair, I supported local business by buying a chicken at the small animal auction! |
On August 2, I had a wonderful visit to Abel Dairy Farm, the dairy farm that has operated in Fond du Lac County since 1857. Steve Abel is the sixth-generation owner of the farm who has maintained his passion to continue his family’s farming legacy in Wisconsin's Sixth District. This farm is a perfect example of why Wisconsin is the dairy capital of the world.
I am thankful for the generations of hard-working dairy farmers that preserve and strengthen our renowned agricultural sector, like Abel Dairy Farm. |
As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, I organized a field hearing on August 8 in Cochise County, Arizona, to consult local residents and law enforcement whose communities are overwhelmed due to a 15-year high in border crossing along the Tucson sector.
John Ladd, a local rancher in Cochise County, summed up how the lack of border security impacts his property and livelihood:
"The lack of Border Patrol has contributed to an open border with illegal aliens coming at will. This has put a strain on our sheriff’s department’s manpower which has resulted in lack of our home security, high speed chases on the highway as well as increased crime on our ranch as well as the surrounding community." |
Congressman Grothman and John Ladd following the hearing |
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During a typical month, the House is in session three weeks and in recess one week. Some representatives stay in Washington when we are in session for weeks at a time, but I always come back to Wisconsin on the weekends. Every August, Congress is out-of-session for the whole month, so each member has the chance to go back to their district to stay in touch with the people who elected them and hear which issues are most important to each local community. This August, I held four town hall meetings during the district-work period. Thank you to everyone who attended! |
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On August 25, I enjoyed meeting the air traffic control team of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, including Winnebago County Executive, Joe Doemel. During my tour of the air traffic control tower, I learned how these individuals keep us safe in the air. |
On September 6, I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with the librarian of Mayville Public Library, Jennifer Stasinopoulos. Thank you for providing all members of our local community with key access to information and education. |
Trevor Casper’s life was tragically cut short in 2015 when he became the youngest police officer to be killed in the line of duty in Wisconsin.
On September 26, I led the Wisconsin delegation on a bill to rename the Kiel Post Office in honor of Trooper Casper, which will serve as a lasting tribute to this young man who was unwavering in his commitment to keeping our streets safe. Let us remember the heroism and dedication to duty of Trevor Casper, and let us honor his memory by supporting those who continue to serve and protect our great state of Wisconsin. |
Click the image above to view Congressman Grothman's full remarks on the House Floor |
On September 28, I was honored to welcome the President of Ecuador, Lasso Guillermo, into our Congressional Task Force to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels meeting to hear about Ecuador's battle with Cartels. Our goal is to stop the heinous crimes of Cartels and the flow of deadly drugs into the US. |
On October 7, the Iran-backed Hamas terrorist group launched a brutal and unprovoked attacked against Israel, the only Jewish state and America's strongest ally in the Middle East. The goal of Hamas appears solely to spread terror and death. There is no other time in recent memory in which an invasion targeted civilians, specifically women and children.
As Israel continues to withstand violence perpetrated by Hamas, I continue to stand with the Israeli people and the Jewish community on the global stage. Israel has every right to defend itself, and America strongly stands with Israel as they respond to the violence perpetrated by Hamas. |
In Washington, I am committed to defending religious liberty across the globe and speaking out against intolerance. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration has not prioritized denouncing countries that persecute their citizens based on their religious beliefs.
As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, I led a hearing in October to investigate why the Biden Administration has sent aid to regimes and regions throughout the world that violate human rights through religious persecution. As a staunch defender of religious liberty, the goal of this hearing was to identify solutions to protect the lives of religious minorities and promote religious freedom around the world. |
Click the image above to watch Chairman Grothman's full opening statement |
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On October 25, I congratulated my colleague from Louisiana, Mike Johnson, on becoming the 56th Speaker of the House. As a former constitutional lawyer and man of deep Christian faith, Speaker Johnson is committed to promoting conservative policies and returning our nation to its founding principles. |
The Manitowoc Trunk or Treat Car Show raises money to support Ascend Services, which promotes employment opportunities and personal growth for individuals with disabilities. I was grateful to join this year’s trunk-or-treaters on October 29! |
In November, I worked with a bipartisan group of my colleagues from Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, and Nevada to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the cultural significance of the Hmong New Year. The Hmong New Year celebration provides the Hmong people an opportunity to honor their ancestors and give thanks for the harvest. Every year, it is an honor to attend Hmong New Year celebrations in both Oshkosh and Sheboygan.
On November 7, I took to the House floor to commemorate the Hmong people for their New Year! |
Click the image above to view Congressman Grothman's full remarks on the House floor |
As a member of the Dutch Congressional Caucus, I was pleased to welcome the Dutch Ambassador, Birgitta Tazelaar, into my office in November for a meeting to discuss how we can work together to protect and strengthen relations between the U.S. and Netherlands. |
On December 11, I met with Ali Soltani of Mequon, representative of the Iranian-American Community of Wisconsin, for a conversation centered around Iran, with specific regard to nuclear weaponry and regime change. I remain committed to speaking out against poor policy toward Iran that threatens our allies in the Middle East. |
In December, I joined my friend Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) on the House floor to discuss the Holy Bible and its important role in American history. |
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Click the image above to view Congressman Grothman's full remarks on the House Floor |
During the holiday season, I bought cookies at the Ripon St. Peter’s Episcopal Church bake sale! I am always happy to support the future of the Parish of Saint Peter and the efforts to spread faith in the Sixth District. |
As your Congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter, be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the 6th District, and let them know that they can subscribe by clicking here.
You can also stay up-to-the-minute by following me on Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman), Twitter (@RepGrothman) and Instagram (@RepGlennGrothman). |
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Sincerely,
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Glenn Grothman
Member of Congress
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