As you know, election day was this past Tuesday. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. I will continue to bring our Wisconsin values and common-sense solutions to Washington, DC.
The conclusion of 2020 is also the end of the 116th Congress. In 2021, the 117th Congress will convene. The House of Representatives will still be under Democratic control, but Republicans will have more Representatives than this Congress. While it is not clear if Nancy Pelosi will continue as Speaker of the House, I am committed to working in a bipartisan manner with all of my colleagues in order to best serve you.
Here are a few of my top priorities for the 117th Congress:
Immigration - President Trump has done an outstanding job securing our border. Illegal crossings are down and we recently saw the 400th mile of new border wall construction. We must promote safe, legal entry into the United States to discourage cartels from using and abusing people and families seeking to immigrate here.
Career and Technical Education - One of the reasons I am so proud to be a Wisconsinite is because we make things in our state. Manufacturing is one of the key drivers of the American economy, and Wisconsin is one of the top manufacturing states in the country. In fact, Wisconsin's Sixth District is home to more manufacturing jobs than any other Congressional District. That is why it is so important that we support the manufacturing industry and prepare our children for these good, high-paying skills-based jobs of the future.
COVID-19 - Wisconsin, as well as the rest of the U.S., has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases over the past month. This can largely be attributed to the colder weather and more people staying indoors. Not only does this keep us closer to one another, but it cuts down on our time in the sun, which is crucial for vitamin D production. Vitamin D leads to a healthy immune system, which can make all the difference should you contract COVID-19. Next Congress, we need to responsibly support people struggling with the virus, ensure that rapid-testing is available and continue to social-distance and wear masks when appropriate.
Reigning in Spending - The federal government has been living beyond its means for far too long, and COVID-19 relief bills this year have further increased our national debt, which is now over $27 trillion. The debt and deficit not only hurt our economy, but they also affect our national security and the security of future generations. Members of both parties have been careless in spending and borrowing. Families and business owners of the Sixth District continue to voice their concerns to me about the inability of Washington to get its fiscal house in order. As your representative in Washington, I will work to cut spending, root out waste and balance the federal budget.
Environment - We are truly blessed to live in Wisconsin, a state with so many natural resources and beautiful landscapes. I believe in protecting our most precious natural resources for future generations to enjoy. We must carefully balance protecting our environment and allowing the economy to grow and create jobs. The Great Lakes are some of America’s most valued assets, and the Sixth District has 80 miles of beautiful coastline along Lake Michigan. It is my priority to protect the lake from both an environmental and business standpoint. That is why I was proud to support and will continue to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Veterans - As your member of Congress, I have the duty to make sure that the approximately 44,000 veterans who live in the Sixth District receive the support and access to care they’ve earned. I will continue to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable and increase the quality and timeliness of care. While the country faces many fiscal challenges, we must ensure that we take care of our veterans and make sure our men and women in uniform have what they need to keep us safe.
Health Care - Our nation’s health care system is broken. I will fight to repeal and replace Obamacare with a more free-market system, while protecting coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Moving our health care system in the right direction requires standing strong on foundational principles. First, health care reform must be patient-centered. This means empowering patients with the ability to make responsible choices in all aspects of their health care and health insurance. Second, health care reform must adhere to free-market principles. This means that hospitals, doctors and health insurers must be free to compete among themselves to provide the best service at the lowest cost to the American people.
Protecting Life - I am committed to protecting life from conception to natural death. We have a moral and civic duty to protect those who are voiceless and defenseless, including unborn children and individuals with disabilities. I will continue to support legislation that protects the sanctity of all life as I represent you in Congress.
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On Wednesday, November, 11, we will celebrate Veterans Day and pay respect to the heroic men and women who fight for our freedom. I have two veterans on my staff; Chad, who works in my Fond du Lac office, and Ryan, who works in my Washington, DC office. Thanks for your service to our country! |
Here are some resources for veterans in honor of Veterans Day: Additionally, if you are active duty or a veteran and are in need of help with a government agency or are having problems with your benefits or the VA, please feel free to call Chad, my veteran and military constituent services representative, at 920-907-0624. If you are a veteran and would like to file disability claims online or find your nearest VA to access immediate care, I encourage you to check out the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' weekly newsletter for veterans by clicking here. You can also find more information for veterans and military personnel on my website.
Thanks again to all the brave men and women who have served our country in the name of freedom!
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This week was National Veterans Small Business Week. First they fought for our country, now they are creating jobs at home. Thank you to the Veterans operating small businesses. |
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. Unfortunately, insulin remains unreasonably expensive. My bill, the Biosimilar Insulin Access Act, will give patients more options, increase competition in the market and lower costs. |
During Family Caregivers Month, we’re grateful for the work of the more than 40 million people in the U.S. who serve as caregivers. Thank you for your compassion and selflessness. |
Military families have a special devotion to our country. We’ll never forget the sacrifices service members and their families endure to protect our freedoms. This Veterans and Military Families Month, we salute you! |
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.
You can also stay up-to-the-minute by following me on Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman), Twitter (@RepGrothman) and Instagram (@RepGlennGrothman). |
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Sincerely,
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Glenn Grothman
Member of Congress
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