Dear friend,
It’s been a busy first month of the year, both at home and in Washington, D.C.
Remembering January 6th
We started off the year marking the fifth anniversary of the January 6th insurrection. I stood with my colleagues to honor the service of our U.S. Capitol Police that day and pray for those who lost their lives.
There is a plaque that is supposed to hang in the Capitol building honoring those officers, but certain members of Congress have blocked that effort. I have a copy of that plaque outside my office, so everyone visiting from Wisconsin’s Fourth Congressional District knows where I stand.
Committee Business: The Fight for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Funding for Vulnerable Families and Children
In an official Ways and Means Committee hearing questioned the TANF administrator about the Trump Administration arbitrarily halting funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. I won’t stop fighting until funding is fully restored to help keep children, moms and families supported.
In another hearing, I questioned health care CEOs about how health care companies are driving up the cost of care. Hint: none of them would answer my questions.
I stood firm on the House floor in my opposition to allowing TANF funds to be used for so-called “crisis pregnancy centers,” which coerce and manipulate women into not exercising their bodily autonomy.
In the Rules Committee, I discussed my amendment to allow TANF funding for childcare centers to pay for security, which comes as “influencers” around the country are harassing childcare workers and demanding access to people’s children. You can watch my remarks on my amendment HERE.
Holding ICE Accountable
I was proud to travel to the Twin Cities with over two dozen of my colleagues to bear witness and hear from state and local leaders, law enforcement and community members about the reign of terror ICE has inflicted on Minnesota.
Later this month, I joined constituents in West Allis to show our support for our neighbors in Minnesota and honor the lives taken by ICE. I fully support the effort to impeach Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and voted NO on funding DHS this month.
I spoke with TMJ4’s Charles Benson about the Trump administrations recklessly unleashing ICE on our streets and my opposition to providing more DHS funding without securing real reforms. You can watch the full interview HERE.
Wins
I know the times may seem dark, but there are some bright spots.
Earlier this month, I voted to pass legislation to increase Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) funding, which helps fund domestic abuse shelters and hotlines, including in Wisconsin! After VOCA funding shortages forced programs to be cut, it is my hope that the Senate swiftly passes this measure.
In more legislative business, I reintroduced my Mental Health and MAMA Act, which would eliminate co-pays for mental health and addiction treatment services for pregnant women and new mothers one-year postpartum. This legislation would make mental health and substance use treatment more accessible for these moms, potentially saving lives. You can watch my full interview with TMJ4 about my legislation HERE.
Calling all Creatives!
My office is accepting entries to the Congressional Art Competition! If you enjoy creating art and showing your creativity, I encourage you to apply! All high school students in Fourth Congressional District are eligible. Find more details HERE.
Staying Warm This Season
For those who may need assistance staying warm this season, there is help. Head to keepwarmmke.org for more information and to see if you may qualify for energy assistance.
My Office is Here to Help
As always, my office is here to help. If you are a resident of WI-04 and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my district office 414-297-1140.
Your friend,
Gwen
