Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

As we approach Memorial Day, we pay respect and honor those who laid down their life for our freedom. We also pray for the families they left behind, as we renew our commitment to living a life that is worthy of the sacrifices they made.

I was honored to welcome a group of Wisconsin’s very own heroes, Korean and Vietnam War veterans, to Washington this week.

Vets Roll, a veterans organization based in Beloit, sends countless veterans to Washington, D.C. each year to grant them this experience. This week, I was able to meet many of the veterans on this year's trip and hear their incredible stories.

This Memorial Day, I invite you to thank a veteran for the sacrifices they’ve made and recognize the freedom they fought to preserve.

Ensuring the U.S. Remains a Global Leader in Tech

This week, the house passed the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT 21), which establishes a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, clarifies the CFTC’s (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) jurisdiction over digital commodities and the SEC’s (Securities and Exchange Commission) jurisdiction over digital assets offered as part of an investment contract, and implements strong consumer protections.

Blockchains and digital assets are transforming finance and reshaping the way internet works. FIT 21 provides clear rules for digital assets and related businesses, protects consumers, and strengthens transparency and accountability while re-establishing the U.S. as a global leader in technology.

America’s lack of a clear regulatory framework is holding us back, stifling innovation, and putting American consumers at risk. Without regulatory clarity, responsible actors who would innovate and create jobs and services here at home are increasingly moving operations overseas.

It is vital to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets to strengthen consumer protections, promote innovation, increase transparency, and draw the line between SEC and CFTC jurisdictions.

I addressed the importance of this bill’s passage on the House Floor. Click here to watch the full clip.

Protecting Your Privacy

A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a sovereign digital currency issued and regulated by a government. This gives the government the ability to monitor any transactions and potentially use the currency as a financial weapon for political purposes.

While decentralized digital currency like Bitcoin is outside the control of any one person, group, or entity, and engages in marketplace competition, a government-controlled CBDC, if it is not modeled to emulate cash, could allow unelected bureaucrats to collect transaction data on and surveil citizens.

For example, the Chinese Communist Party created a CBDC that tracks citizens’ digital transactions, and then uses that data to reward or punish them for their financial behavior through a social credit system. Additionally, in Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau froze bank accounts and blocked crypto donations to crack down on protesting truckers and their supporters in 2022.

The United States should not follow this path. Innovative companies competing on features and price will help reshape payments and finance, not centralized control by bureaucrats.

The CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, blocks the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a CBDC to any individual, prevents the Federal Reserve from using a CBDC to implement monetary policy, and requires Congress to authorize the issuance of any CBDC, protecting Americans’ financial privacy and freedom from government control.

I helped introduce this legislation and I supported its passage in the House of Representatives this week.

Noncitizen Voting

In 2022, the D.C. Council voted to enact a bill that allows noncitizens to vote in D.C. local elections. This legislation makes no exception for foreign nationals voting in D.C. elections, which means that representatives from other countries, including agents of the Chinese Communist Party or Russia, can vote in D.C. elections.

I believe U.S. elections should be for U.S. citizens only. This week, I helped pass legislation in the House that would repeal the D.C. Council’s Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and prevent individuals who are not United States citizens from voting in elections in the District of Columbia.

This week, I also led a Committee on House Administration full committee markup to advance legislation addressing noncitizen voting and foreign interference in our elections. At the hearing, my bill passed:

The Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act, amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to further restrict contributions of foreign nationals in our federal elections.

As Chairman, I'm committed to ensuring Americans have confidence in their elections. Preventing noncitizen voting and foreign influence in our elections is a critical component of restoring trust in our elections. I look forward to seeing these measures come to the House Floor for consideration soon.

Click here to watch the full markup.

Shutting Down Scammers

On Monday, I hosted a free Scam Prevention Event at the Beloit Public Library. It was great to see members of our community coming together as we work to protect our online privacy. Scammers are always looking for new ways to obtain our information making it increasingly important that we work to stay one step ahead.

During the event, officials from the Federal Trade Commission, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin Better Business Bureau, and AARP shared valuable information regarding new scams targeting Americans’ information and resources to prevent and report scams.

Until we are successful at ending these scams, I will continue to be a resource for you to prevent being scammed.

Thank you again to all those who attended and be sure to reach out to my office with any concerns by clicking here.

Guzi Hunt for a Cure Run in Oak Creek

Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating genetic disorder that affects the brain, leading to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells. This disease impacts movement, cognition, and emotions, altering the lives of those diagnosed and their families. There is currently no cure, but ongoing research offers hope for future treatments. It is crucial to support those affected by Huntington's disease, not only through medical advancements, but also by fostering a community of understanding and compassion.

Last Congress, I co-sponsored the Huntington's Disease Disability Insurance Access Act. The bill would waive the two-year Medicare waiting period, as well as waive the 5-month benefit waiting period for individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) accessing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

As the Guzi’s Hunt for the Cure Foundation held their fourth Guzi’s Hunt for the Cure 5K Run, I was deeply encouraged to see such a large turnout. By spreading awareness, we can drive research efforts and provide much-needed support to patients and their loved ones. Thank you again to Carley and Nate for all you do for this important cause.

Danish Brotherhood Pancake Breakfast in Kenosha

On the night of August 24th, 2020, the Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14, located in Kenosha, was severely damaged during the Kenosha riots. The lodge was set on fire, and the flames destroyed much of the building, including many of the artifacts and historical items that had been collected over the years.

This past weekend, I was able to attend their first annual pancake breakfast in their new headquarters! While heartbreak from the loss of their beloved lodge still lingers, the outpour of community support, and resilience of the lodge’s members have taken center stage as they’ve made the return to business as usual. Thank you for having me and I look forward to joining you all again in the future.

You're Invited to my Border Security Town Hall

Since 2021, more than 7.8 million people have entered our country illegally, a number greater than the population of Wisconsin. This has caused challenges here in our state.

To address these growing challenges, on May 30, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. CT, I will be hosting a border town hall event at Indian Trail High School in Kenosha. Along with Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kirkman, USBP Chief (Ret.) Rodney Scott, and Kenosha County Sheriff Dave Zoerner, we’ll discuss the challenges and policy solutions to stop the flow of fentanyl, end human trafficking, and secure the border right now.

And I want to hear from you.

For more information, click here or call my office at (262) 654-1901.

On Wisconsin,

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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