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Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald
Good afternoon everyone!
The House is back session this week, and we’re in week two of a four week run in session out here in DC.
Last week, House Republicans brought H.Res. 1112 to the floor to condemn the Biden Administration's failed Far Left open border policies and to demand that they take immediate action to end the Biden border crisis. Under the Biden Administration there have been over 9.2 million illegal immigrant encounters nationwide. This is a direct consequence of the President’s actions and it’s far past due for him to take accountability.
The House also passed a series of legislation last week that protects Americans’ access to public lands and helps unleash American energy dominance. One bill I’d like to point out in particular is H.R. 2925 the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024. This bill would expand the rights of hardrock mining claimants on federal land. Under the bill, claimants would have the right to use and occupy public land without having first discovered a valuable mineral deposit so long as they make timely payments of the required fees to stake and maintain their claim.
Keep reading to see a couple of positive district updates, and as always call my office if you have any questions or concerns.
- Scott
Protecting America’s Public Lands & Waters
Under President Biden and his unelected bureaucrats, Americans have been restricted access to our public lands and waters through administrative policy decisions that jeopardize our national security in an attempt to advance an anti-American energy agenda.
Last week, House Republicans brought a series of bills to the House floor that protect Americans' access to these lands, help unleash American energy dominance, and restore power back to the communities, tribes, and local leaders who have stewarded our resources for generations.
H.R. 6285 the Alaska’s Right to Produce Act of 2023 would reverse Biden’s Department of the Interior’s decision to prohibit oil and gas development on 13 million acres within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and reinstate the lawfully awarded leases that Biden’s Department of the Interior canceled within the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
H.R. 2925 the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024 would expand the rights of hardrock mining claimants on federal land. Under the bill, claimants would have the right to use and occupy public land without having first discovered a valuable mineral deposit so long as they make timely payments of the required fees to stake and maintain their claim.
H.R. 615 the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023 would prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water that is under their jurisdiction and made available for hunting or fishing activities. In addition, the Secretaries may not issue regulations relating to the level of lead in ammunition or tackle to be used on Federal land or water.
H.R. 764 the Trust the Science Act would require the Department of the Interior to reissue the final rule entitled “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife” returning management of gray wolf populations to each of the lower 48 states within their borders.
Bottom line: Public lands are national treasures that are owned by the American people and you should always be able to have access to these lands.
New Column on Improving Law Enforcement Access to Tasers
In law enforcement, ensuring the safety of officers and the communities they serve is
paramount. The introduction of advanced less-than-lethal technologies, like tasers, has
revolutionized the way law enforcement agencies approach encounters, aiming to
minimize the use of deadly force while maintaining effective control. H.R. 3269, the Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, stands as a crucial legislative proposal that seeks to equip law enforcement with the latest innovations in less-than-lethal tools,
ultimately enhancing officer safety and community protection. And I am a proud supporter of this legislation.
By establishing a separate legal definition for less-than-lethal projectile devices, H.R. 3269 aims to create a more cohesive federal approach to regulating these technologies. This legislation has garnered bipartisan support from various organizations, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Major County Sheriffs Association, the African American Mayors Association, and the Milwaukee Police Association, who recognize the importance of equipping officers with tools that enhance safety for both law enforcement personnel and community members.
The legislation also emphasizes the importance of spurring innovation and growth in the
United States scientific and defense industries through the development of modern less than-lethal technologies. By reducing federal regulations that stifle innovation in this
sector, H.R. 3269 paves the way for American companies to advance their research,
testing, and manufacturing of less-than-lethal projectile devices, ultimately benefiting law enforcement agencies across the nation.
I recently wrote a column on this piece of legislation, you can read the full piece here.
Student Artwork on Display in Oconomowoc
In case you didn’t get a chance to swing by the Congressional Art show last weekend in Oconomowoc, take a look at the wonderful artwork created by students in Southeast Wisconsin!
Each year the first place winner’s art piece is sent to Washington, DC to hang at our nation’s capitol building, and the winner is flown out courtesy of Southwest Airlines to see the unveiling of the winning pieces and a celebration gathering. The second and third place winners hang in my respective DC and district offices over the next year as well.
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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