The Unsecure Border is Impacting Us Here in Wisconsin

This week brought yet another concerning report about violent international gangs operating in Wisconsin. The City of Whitewater has received considerable attention after the Walworth County Sheriff's Department reported that over $250 million was funneled from that community to a cartel outside of the U.S. Now, there are reports of a Venezuelan gang operating in Madison and Prairie du Chien.

Last week, Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, a Venezuelan migrant, was arrested in Prairie du Chien. He is reportedly a member of Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang. He was arrested for assaulting a woman and injuring a child in that small community. According to reports, before arriving in Prairie du Chien, Zarate was arrested and released in Minneapolis and had warrants issued against him in Madison.

Zarate reportedly crossed the open U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso, Texas, on September 25, 2023.

This is just the latest example of how open borders and sanctuary cities are making our communities more dangerous. We must secure the border and get criminal aliens out of our communities. I'm working to put an end to the immigration crisis and keep our families safe.

Earlier this year, I co-sponsored the Cartel and Radical Terrorist Enforcement Log (CARTEL) Act to hinder cartels' ability to conduct illegal activities in our communities. Specifically, this legislation requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to report to Congress detailing which terrorist and cartel organizations are attempting to exploit our borders to move their members into the United States.

We must work to protect Wisconsin families from these deadly cartels, and this legislation is one step that can be taken to bring security to our communities.

Protecting Americans' Retirement Savings

Millions of American families rely on institutional investors, including asset managers, investment advisors, and pension funds to save for retirement. Those institutional investors often follow the lead of two big firms, known as proxy advisors, when deciding how to vote on questions posed to shareholders. Unfortunately, proxy advisors and institutional investors have far too often put political agendas ahead of maximizing returns for families.

This week, the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing examining politicized investing and its impact on Americans' retirement savings.

Institutional investors should not be using your retirement savings to advance their political agenda. However, time and again these firms, under the influence of the proxy advisor duopoly, have been pushing American companies to adopt politically motivated environmental, social, and governance policies. This hurts retirement savings, workers, and our economy.

My bill, the Protecting Americans' Retirement Savings from Politics Act, helps ensure retirement and pension funds are being managed based on risks and returns, not political agendas. It is crucial we empower investors, restore transparency and accountability, and enhance competition. I look forward to the House considering my bill on the floor next week.

I questioned Treasurer of the State of Illinois, Michael Frerichs, about how conflicts of interest impact investment decisions that can affect millions of shareholders.

To watch the full hearing, click here.

Working to Save Taxpayer Dollars

This week, we saved taxpayers $5 million. This is a small step but a step in the right direction. Currently, the Library of Congress is required by law to prepare hardbound versions of the Constitution Annotated and supplements. These large, bound books cost taxpayers a million dollars every time they are printed.

Earlier this year, I led the House Administration Committee during a subcommittee markup to review a bill to switch the requirement for the library to instead prepare digital versions and publish them online. Not only is switching to a digital version more affordable, but it is also much easier to access for the general public.

This week, I helped pass this legislation in the House of Representatives. It was a small win in the large scheme of government spending, but every dollar counts. I look forward to this legislation being brought to the Senate for a vote, and being signed into law. In the meantime, I will continue to take all the necessary steps to cut wasteful government spending.

To watch the full committee markup, click here.

This week, I spoke on the House Floor about how this legislation will help everyday Americans.

Click here to watch my full remarks.

Standing Against Terrorist Organizations

Hamas terrorists continue to hold captives in tunnels and hideouts across Gaza. Recently, Hamas viciously murdered Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen, and five other hostages, as Israeli forces closed in on their location. This recent act of violence has made it abundantly clear that we need to do more to put pressure on Hamas and its sponsor, Iran, to get hostages home and put an end to these atrocities.

The law I sponsored, the End Financing for Hamas and State Sponsors of Terrorism Act, requires the U.S. Treasury Department to report the major sources of financing to Hamas and set forth a plan to disrupt those financial flows. This law sets a deadline on October 21, 2024. However, recent events emphasize the urgency to expedite the release of the Treasury Department's report.

I called on Secretary of the Treasury Department, Janet Yellen, to publish the report as soon as possible.

To read the full letter, click here.

63rd Annual Darien Cornfest Parade

I was happy to attend last week's 63rd annual Darien Cornfest with great people and great food.

I hope you all had the chance to get an ear of the best corn around!

C Medical Company Deployment Ceremony

The C Medical Company has been mobilized and will soon deploy from Racine.

I was honored to attend C Company's deployment ceremony as our servicemembers prepare for their upcoming mission. During the event we found time to have a little fun. Thank you for your dedicated service!

On Wisconsin,

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter