Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald

Last week, I issued the following statement in response to the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk:

"Charlie Kirk was one of the most pivotal voices of the modern conservative movement. He stood unwaveringly for free speech and for engaging young Americans in thoughtful, meaningful conversations about the future of our country.

"Shockingly and horrifically, Charlie was assassinated while doing what he loved—speaking with and inspiring America’s youth. I had the honor of meeting Charlie on multiple occasions, including when he spoke at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown and during his appearances at Trump rallies here in Wisconsin. It was incredible witnessing his passion for empowering young Americans.

"This is an unspeakable loss. My heart and prayers are with Charlie’s wife, Erika, and their two young children during this unimaginably difficult time. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the ideas he championed."

Keep reading on to hear additional updates about what's been happening in Washington and Wisconsin. I hope you have a great week.

-Scott

President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin

I’m grateful to President Trump for granting a Major Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin after severe flooding swept through our state last month. This will bring much-needed resources to help communities recover. If you are a WI-05 constituent affected by the floods and need help navigating federal assistance, please contact my Oconomowoc District Office at (262) 784-1111.

Fitzgerald Talks His Bill Which Makes It Easier for Small Banks to Grow & Serve Their Communities

The House Financial Services Committee last week held a hearing titled, “Promoting the Health of the Banking Sector: Reforming Resolution and Broadening Funding Access for Long Term Resilience.”

This hearing evaluated the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) resolution process for failed banks, with a focus on how existing practices may be accelerating industry consolidation and diminishing competition. Additionally, the hearing explored reforms regarding several regulatory topics that would support a healthy banking sector for institutions of all sizes—including ways to improve access to funding and capital; right-size the capital framework for community banks and mid-sized institutions; streamline capital-raising efforts; and have a more functional process for regulatory approvals of bank M&A to avoid creating a “barbell” banking system.

My bill, the Bank Competition Modernization Act, was noticed for this hearing and it makes it easier for small banks to grow and serve their communities by streamlining the routine review process for small bank mergers.

Fitzgerald Talks Stopping Proxy Advisor ESG Proposals & Government Funding Deadline

In case you missed it, last week I joined Fox Business to discuss the impending government funding deadline and my new bill that was noticed in the Financial Services Committee.

Proxy advisory firms have outsized influence over corporate governance but operate in the shadows. My bill, the Stopping Proxy Advisor Racketeering Act, will rein in these unaccountable firms and restore fairness and transparency for American investors. It was great to discuss the bill further with my Financial Services Committee colleagues last week.

Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Passage of FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

Last week, I issued the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:

“This year’s NDAA delivers on House Republicans and President Trump’s commitment to our men and women in uniform. It authorizes a 3.8% pay raise and includes key provisions to support military families. By codifying President Trump’s Executive Orders and eliminating divisive DEI initiatives within the Department of Defense, the bill restores accountability and meritocracy to refocus the military on its core mission: readiness to protect, defend, and fight.

“The NDAA for FY26 also saves taxpayers over $20 billion by cutting wasteful programs and redirecting resources toward essential defense priorities. It fully funds military modernization efforts, including the Golden Dome missile defense system, and provides funding to revitalize the defense industrial base—a huge win for manufacturing jobs in the United States. The bill also strengthens border security by providing full support for active-duty troops and the National Guard assisting Border Patrol, as well as funding counter-narcotics operations to protect our communities.

“Together, this critical piece of legislation supports our servicemembers and puts our national security front and center.”

Rep. Fitzgerald Discusses How ISS & Glass Lewis Push an ESG Agenda

The House Financial Services Committee last week held a hearing titled, “Proxy Power and Proposal Abuse: Reforming Rule 14a-8 to Protect Shareholder Value.”

This hearing examined Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which governs shareholder participation in corporate governance. The hearing also assessed whether the shareholder proposal process, originally designed to provide all shareholders a voice in company oversight, has been co-opted by activist investors who prioritize narrow policy goals over maximizing shareholder value. Additionally, the hearing also evaluated the influence of proxy advisory firms on capital markets, specifically their effect on corporate governance and shareholder voting outcomes.

During my committee remarks, I discussed how ISS and Glass Lewis leverage their control of the proxy advisory market to encourage U.S. companies to purchase their consulting services.

Social Media Highlight

That wraps the updates from this edition of my eNewsletter. Thanks for reading along!  

-Scott

That's a wrap for this week's eNewsletter! Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay up to date on my work for the 5th District of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Scott Fitzgerald
Member of Congress