Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald

Good afternoon everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day Weekend and took some time to reflect on the purpose and meaning behind this holiday. 

I for one was fortunate enough to visit Arlington National Cemetery last week while I was in Washington, DC with a bipartisan group of my House colleagues. It was a special morning and poignant reflection for all the men and women who have laid down their lives to keep America the land of the free. I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate and honor their legacy than on the beautiful grounds where they rest today.

This week, I’m in the district and then visiting our northern border with the Judiciary Committee to explore how the southern border crisis has impacted resource allocation and subsequently our border agents in the north.

Keep reading on to learn more about what else happened last week and about a special WW2 veteran from Wisconsin I had the honor in meeting!

Have a great week!

- Scott

Presenting a Wisconsinite with the Congressional Gold Medal

Dating all the way back to the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

In 2020, Congress passed legislation authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for all WWII Merchant Mariners and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to bestow our very own Wisconsinite with the honor— Ray Gramz from Menomonee Falls and formerly of the US Merchant Marine and US Navy.

Mr. Gramz is a distinguished veteran. Having served in the U.S. Merchant Marines from 1945 to 1946, and in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1952, his service includes World War II and a deployment to the Pacific theater during the Korean War.

I want to take a moment to recognize Mr. Gramz’s service in World War II in particular though.

During World War II, nearly 250,000 civilian merchant mariners served as part of the U.S. military and delivered supplies and armed forces personnel by ship to foreign countries engulfed in the war.

The merchant mariners faced treacherous attacks from the Axis powers and a higher proportion of fatalities than any other military branch. But the merchant mariners quite literally helped supply our victory in the war. And for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude.

To this day, Mr. Gramz has continued to be an active veteran post-service. He is a lifetime member of the Amvets and VFW. And also a member of Legion Post 382 in Menomonee Falls, where he was just nominated to be the Service Officer for the coming year. 

It’s clear that Mr. Gramz is more than deserving of this award, and he makes Wisconsin very proud.

Honoring Memorial Day with American Legion Post 36

Joined Fox Business to Discuss the Southern Border

Last week I joined Fox Business to discuss the latest developments at our Southern Border.

Click the play button above to watch my interview where I talk about the Senate’s failed border bill, why they need to pass House Republican’s H.R. 2, and my recent trip to the Southern Border where I talked with border agents about the alarming number of migrants crossing our border.

Financial Services Committee Bill Pass on the House Floor

Last week I was proud to help pass two bills on the House floor from the Financial Services Committee.

The first bill, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, establishes clear and functional federal requirements for digital asset markets to protect consumers and cement American leadership of the global financial system while allowing these innovations to develop in the United States rather than abroad. As a member of the Financial Services Committee, I understand just how big of a role digital assets and blockchain technology may play in our future economic landscape—and the current regulation-by-enforcement status quo is not working. Congress must be a conduit for responsible innovation, not an obstacle, and this bill makes sure entrepreneurs and consumers are equally set up for success.

The second bill, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, ensures the Federal Reserve cannot issue any potential central bank digital currency (CBDC) without the express authority of Congress. A CBDC would dramatically increase Federal Reserve’s role and responsibilities beyond traditional monetary policy and regulatory functions and effectively enter the Federal Reserve into the consumer banking market. As the Biden Administration increasingly weaponizes the federal government, it is critical that Congress take action to keep unelected bureaucrats from turning our financial system into a quasi-surveillance state.

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:

1. Honorably discharged
2. Released from active duty within the last six years
3. Terminal pay grades at or below E-5, O-3, or W-2
4. 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.
5. 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