Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald

Good afternoon!

We’re entering another week of work on the hill and there are a couple of big priorities set for the week ahead: Mayorkas impeachment articles and Israel aid.

The Mayorkas impeachment articles follow a nearly year-long investigation by the House Homeland Security Committee into the causes, costs, and consequences of the unprecedented border crisis, and the initiation of impeachment proceedings earlier this year. Our border is in dire condition, and I look forward to the accountability this vote will bring.

Last week I held another telephone town hall and understandably, I received many questions about the crisis at the Southern Border. I hear your concerns loud and clear and can assure you that House Republicans are not only working to hold Mayorkas accountable, but we’re passing more border legislation as well. You can keep reading below to learn about a couple of border measures we passed last week. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions.  

Have a great week!

- Scott

Introduced a Bill to Combat Cyber Crime

I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Combating Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act to align criminal and banking statutes and clarify the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) investigative authority over crimes related to illicit digital asset transactions.

Since 2015, the USSS has investigated more than 302 cases involving digital assets, resulting in 535 seizures with an appraised value of over $113.5 million. It’s imperative that the USSS is empowered to continue this important work. In order to do so, we must align outdated U.S. code to ensure the agency can address emerging forms of criminal activity involving digital assets.

USSS investigates a variety of cyber-related criminal activity, including the illicit use of digital assets, through its global network of 44 Cyber Fraud Task Forces. However, significant aspects of this illicit activity involve unlicensed money transmitting businesses, the illicit structuring of transactions, and other criminal or unlawful activity in or against organizations that are not federally insured financial institutions, but are financial institutions as defined under the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5312). This distinction has presented a significant gap for the U.S. Secret Service in addressing new forms of criminal activity involving digital assets.

Judiciary Field Hearing on AI

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing, "Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Part II – Identity in the Age of AI," to examine how Congress can support responsible innovation in applications of  artificial intelligence technology and address growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology, especially with respect to the likeness, voice, and other identifying characteristics of individuals.

I found the discussion to be very productive and appreciated hearing from the witnesses about their experiences having their voices used without permission to sell products. AI is a powerful and evolving technology, and these cross-industry conversations allow Congress to address issues as they arise.

I capped the day off meeting Sean Astin. Fun fact, Sean filmed a movie in Milwaukee and spent 6 months at the Pfister hotel! 

Mayorkas Impeachment Update

Last week, the House Committee on Homeland Security convened a markup on articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas, articles which will be brought to the House floor this week.

These articles follow a nearly year-long investigation by the House Homeland Security Committee into the causes, costs, and consequences of the unprecedented border crisis, and the initiation of impeachment proceedings earlier this year. These investigations reveal that Secretary Mayorkas has committed impeachable offenses by refusing to comply with the laws passed by Congress and breaching the public trust.

As these impeachment articles make their way through the process, House Republicans will continue to push forward more measures that keep us safe. Last week, we brought two border security bills to the floor as part of our effort to secure our borders.

These bills will further protect Americans from terrorists attempting to exploit the Biden border crisis while also protecting Americans against identification fraud by malicious actors who cross the border illegally. Shockingly, CBP data reveals that 172 individuals whose names appear on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended at the border in FY23 alone. Clearly this must be addressed with greater urgency.

The No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act will prevent Hamas terrorists from exploiting Joe Biden’s failed border policies by ensuring illegal immigrants who are members of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or played a role in the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel are not allowed entry to the United States, removable from the United States, and ineligible for immigration relief.

The Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act ensures illegal immigrants who have committed social security fraud and other forms of identification document fraud are not allowed into to the United States and streamlines the process for their removal from the United States.

Naval Academy Summer Seminar and Summer STEM Applications

The Naval Academy Summer Seminar and Summer STEM Applications are open and will remain open until April 15. 

Naval Academy Summer Seminar offers an opportunity for rising high school seniors to experience USNA for one week. Participants learn about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation's future leaders.

The Summer STEM Program is a great catalyst to initiate the pursuit of a future in science and engineering. Summer STEM is an opportunity for participants to create, build, and explore in world-class lab facilities, working alongside USNA’s distinguished faculty and Midshipmen. 

For more information, visit: Naval Academy Summer Seminar and Summer STEM.   Click here to see the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and Summer STEM Program in action. 

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