I truly believe the American Dream is attainable to everyone who works for it. Part of that dream is being prudent and saving enough money to retire comfortably. That is why it is critical for retirement plan fiduciaries to evaluate investments and use strategies to maximize returns on behalf of investors.

A recent Biden Administration rule via the Department of Labor (DOL), however, could have negative consequences for the retirement accounts of 150 million Americans. This rule encourages financial managers to factor environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into investment decisions. Rather than maximizing return on investment, the goal of pushing ESG funds is to promote a controversial political agenda in the name of Green New Deal policies with the hard-earned retirement savings of millions of Americans. 

Politics aside, ESG investments have worse rates of return and come with more risk. For example, ESG funds underperformed the broader market by averaging a 6.3 percent return over the past five years compared to 8.9 percent for the market.

In response to Biden's ESG measure, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to vote for a House Resolution to nullify the DOL's rule, restore the integrity of retirement plan fiduciaries, and ensure the retirement plans of 150 million Americans are not put at risk.

Click the image above to watch Congressman Grothman's full remarks

During my time in Congress, I have made it a point to look out for the best interest of those who are most vulnerable. This includes individuals with disabilities. After countless meetings with these individuals and their families in Wisconsin’s Sixth District, it is evident that these individuals want and deserve to have every employment option made available to them, and the right to choose which best fits their needs. 

Unfortunately, Congress has created more obstacles for individuals with disabilities to find and maintain jobs, which has run counter to the best interest of these talented individuals who cherish employment. In fact, current federal law requires individuals with disabilities under the age of 24 to fail in a traditional workplace before they are given a chance to work in a setting that better suits their needs.

Employment opportunities under 14(c) certificates, often held by Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs), such as Ascend Services in Manitowoc, Brooke Industries in Fond du Lac, and Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam, provide individuals with disabilities the guidance and support they need to be successful in the workplace. Despite this, the law treats these younger adults with disabilities as if they are incapable of making their own employment choice, and in essence, strips them of their right to choose where they work.

In an effort to provide employment opportunities and security to adults with disabilities, I introduced the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act to solidify the right of young adults with disabilities to choose their place of employment like every other adult in America.

During my trips to survey the border crisis, Border Patrol agents have emphasized their frustration to me with President Biden's open-border agenda. Cracking down on the increasingly-complex drug trafficking and human smuggling operations of criminal Cartels has left agents overwhelmed.

It has become crystal clear that Border Patrol is understaffed and underfunded, which has left migrant children suffering due to trafficking or exploitation at the hands of Cartels, without parental supervision or guidance. It was recently reported that trafficking migrants to the Southern border is now a $20 billion industry.

On the House floor, I spoke about the explosive New York Times investigation that details the horrors of the border crisis. Until President Biden recognizes the severity of the crisis, Cartels will continue enriching themselves by endangering the lives of underage migrants, Border Patrol, and border communities.

Click the image above to watch Congressman Grothman's full remarks

The shortsighted spending policies from the Biden Administration sparked the worst levels of inflation our country has seen since the 1980s, harming Americans' economic security. That is why I voted in favor of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's bill to mandate fiscal transparency from President Biden's White House.

America is the Land of the Free because of veterans, and it is our responsibility to make sure these heroes and their families have support and resources throughout their lives. I was happy to meet with the Disabled American Veterans regarding the needs of veterans following service.

Congratulations to this group of young Cub Scouts for earning the Arrow of Light Badge! It was great to salute you all last weekend during your award ceremony in Thiensville.

I had a productive meeting this week with the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association. Thanks to Wisconsin’s world-class farmers, our state is the third largest producer of potatoes in America!

It was great to meet with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association this week to discuss the importance of supporting local news in our state.

Thank you to St. Mary-St. Michael School of Reedsville for hosting me at your 13th annual Winterfest fundraiser last week to benefit our children’s education.