An Update from Congress

As I write to you, the debate on spending continues here in Washington. While I continue working to bring spending under control and to avoid a shut down, I would like to update you on what else I've been working on in Congress.

Bills Passed in the House of Representatives

This week, three of my bills passed through the House of Representatives with overwhelming support from Republicans and Democrats.

Two of these bills, the House Office of Legislative Counsel Modernization Act and the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress Sunset Act of 2024, modernize and streamline operations in the House of Representatives. In my role as Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, I am constantly looking for ways to improve how the House operates so that Congress can operate more efficiently. These are two small steps toward that goal. The House Office of Legislative Counsel Modernization Act has also passed the Senate and is awaiting the President's signature. I am hopeful the Senate will soon take up the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress bill as well.

Continue reading below to learn more about my third bill to pass the House this week, the Secure Handling of Internet Electronic Donations (SHIELD) Act.

Bill to Prevent Foreign Election Interference Passes the House

This week, my bill, the SHIELD Act, passed the House with again, broad bipartisan support. This critical piece of legislation would prohibit political committees from accepting prepaid gift cards or contributions from debit or credit cards without the disclosure of the Card Verification Value (CVV) and billing address associated with the card.

American elections should always be free from foreign influence. The SHIELD Act will help ensure that is the case by strengthening donor verification standards for political committees. I am hopeful this important bill will be raised in the Senate soon. I will continue my work to close vulnerable loopholes and safeguard the integrity of our campaign finance system.

I spoke on the House floor to emphasize the importance of this bill's passage to keep foreign interference out of American elections.

To watch the full video, click here.

To read the full bill, click here.

Investigating How Foreign Funds Can Infiltrate U.S. Elections

This week, I chaired a Committee on House Administration hearing titled "American Confidence in Elections: Prohibiting Foreign Interference."

I questioned the witnesses about a loophole that allows foreign nationals to funnel money to 501(c) organizations that can run political ads or contribute to Super PACs.

My legislation, the Preventing Foreign Influence in American Elections Act, closes this dangerous loophole. By doing so, we are one step closer in preventing foreign involvement in American elections. I'm committed to stopping foreign influence in U.S elections and protecting U.S. donor privacy.

To watch the full hearing, click here.

To read the full bill, click here.

Recognizing Future Servicemembers

Recently, I was proud to nominate 12 Wisconsin high school students to attend a U.S. Military Service Academy. The nomination process recognizes the character, leadership, and academic achievements of high school students eager to serve our country. Next steps, the students await to hear back from a service academy regarding a potential appointment.

To the following students, congratulations on your nomination and best of luck in your future endeavors.

Andrew O'Toole of Whitewater has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy.

Camden Alioto of Bristol has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.

Emma Bond of Lake Geneva has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy.

Evan Hansing of Racine has been nominated for appointment to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy.

Ezekiel Petrach of Mount Pleasant has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.

Jackson Hefty of Delavan has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy.

Jonathan Orth of Wind Point has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy.

Kaeden Saunders of Caledonia has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Naval Academy.

Madison Kingstad of Waterford has been nominated for appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Naval Academy.

Richard Derrick of Greendale has been nominated for appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Trevor Lofquist of Kenosha has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy.

Xzavier Grabher of Mount Pleasant has been nominated for appointment to the United States Military Academy.

Congratulations again to these students on their well-earned nominations!

On Wisconsin,

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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