Oversight Hearing: Reining in the EPA’s Flawed IRIS Assessments

What's Ahead

Oversight Hearing: Reining in the EPA’s Flawed IRIS Assessments.
The Randy Susen Nursing Home Visitation Act.
The Values Action Team 2025 Annual Summit.
Weekly Roundup.
Contact Me.

Oversight Hearing: Reining in the EPA’s Flawed IRIS Assessments

During a recent Oversight Committee hearing, I highlighted the serious flaws within the Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program. For years, IRIS has produced assessments that lack transparency and accountability, yet they are often used as the foundation for sweeping regulations that drive up costs for American families, farmers, and small businesses.

At the hearing, I questioned a legal expert about how IRIS has been misused to expand EPA’s authority beyond what Congress intended. Instead of relying on sound science, the agency has leaned on flawed assessments that give bureaucrats wide latitude to impose costly mandates without proper oversight.

That is why I have reintroduced the No IRIS Act. This bill would put an end to the EPA using IRIS assessments as the basis for new regulations, ensuring that future decisions are rooted in transparency, credible science, and accountability. Regulatory agencies must answer to the people, not operate unchecked at the expense of our communities.

📺 Watch my questioning HERE.

The Randy Susen Nursing Home Visitation Act

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing homes imposed strict visitation bans that left many residents cut off from their families. What was meant to protect often caused devastating harm, leading to steep declines in health.

Randy Susen, a resident of Wisconsin’s Sixth District, experienced a tragedy that no one else should have to endure. When separated from his wife, Shirley, during the pandemic, Randy’s health quickly declined, and he passed away without the comfort of his loved ones.

To ensure this never happens again, I introduced the Randy Susen Nursing Home Visitation Rights Act. This bill guarantees every nursing home resident the right to designate an “essential visitor” who cannot be denied access. No family should be torn apart when love and presence are needed most. With this legislation, we can ensure dignity, compassion, and accountability remain central to long-term care.

📖 Read more on the bill HERE.

The Values Action Team 2025 Annual Summit

I was honored to speak last week at the Annual Values Action Team Summit. The Values Action Team brings together Americans dedicated to defending our shared values and protecting the rights of individuals, parents, and families. It’s inspiring to be among people committed to strengthening families and upholding the principles that make our communities strong.

During my speech, I emphasized the importance of defending the family. Too often, federal policies, including marriage penalties in the tax code and certain programs, end up punishing couples for marrying or creating stable households. Right now, a marriage penalty of $27,727 is built into the system, penalizing couples simply for choosing to marry. These policies make it harder for families to thrive and undermine the foundation of our communities.

I spoke about the need to support policies that strengthen families, respect parental rights, and encourage strong marriages. I am thankful for the opportunity to address the summit and to stand alongside so many who share this commitment.

Weekly Roundup

Shanah Tovah to all those who celebrated Rosh Hashanah earlier this week! May this new year bring peace and blessings to you and your loved ones.

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting SSM Health Samaritan Clinic in Fond du Lac. Their team is doing incredible work to provide quality care and strengthen the health of our community.

SSM Health, thank you for welcoming me and for your continued dedication to serving Wisconsin's Sixth District.

I had an incredible visit with the Brothertown Indian Nation at their museum and community center in Fond du Lac. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about their history.

This week, I visited SkidLoaders Plus in Fond du Lac to see their SANY construction equipment in action. These machines are helping drive construction and growth across the Sixth District, and I’m grateful for the positive impact they have on our community.

Contact Me

As your Congressman, I'm here to serve you. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter, be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the Sixth District, and let them know that they can subscribe by clicking here.

You can also stay up-to-the-minute by following me on Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman), X (@RepGrothman) and Instagram (@RepGlennGrothman).

Sincerely,

Glenn Grothman
Member of Congress