Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 4305, the Destroying Unnecessary, Misaligned, and Prohibitive Red Tape Act, also known as the DUMP Red Tape Act.

For too long, America's small businesses have been buried under costly regulations. After suffering through 4 years of regulatory onslaught by the Biden administration, totaling nearly $1.8 trillion in new costs and requiring an additional 360 million hours to comply with these new regulations, small businesses are desperate for regulatory relief.

A report published last December by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that over half of small business owners view the cost of complying with regulations as a barrier to growth.

Small businesses are forced to navigate complex environmental reporting requirements, overtime and wage rules that change from one administration to the next, and lengthy permitting processes that can delay construction projects for months or even years.

Family-owned shops face costly data privacy mandates designed for multinational corporations, while contractors struggle with ever- shifting OSHA paperwork requirements that eat up their time better spent on the jobsite.

Earlier this year, the Small Business Administration created the Red Tape Hotline under its Office of Advocacy. This hotline gives small businesses a seat at the table to highlight the prohibitive red tape regulations from across Federal agencies that hurt their ability to grow and compete.

My bill takes that progress further. It codifies the hotline into law and requires annual reports to Congress so that we know exactly which rules are holding back growth and what steps are being taken to fix them.

I am pleased that my bill earned the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Associated Builders and Contractors, which recognized the need for a direct line of communication to the SBA for small businesses.

The DUMP Red Tape Act is a commonsense way to gather input directly from the people most harmed by overregulation to allow Congress to take meaningful action.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation and stand with America's small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a Green Bay local legend, WFRV chief meteorologist Tom Mahoney, who recently passed away at the age of 75.

Tom first appeared on local news in northeast Wisconsin in 1972 and quickly became a trusted presence in households across our region. For more than 30 years at WFRV until his retirement in 2013, he guided families through blizzards, thunderstorms, and sunny skies with humor, kindness, and a genuine passion for meteorology. He shared that passion with the next generation by visiting schools throughout northeastern Wisconsin, inspiring countless young people.

Beyond the weather desk, Tom was also a man of deep faith. As a Catholic deacon, he visited the sick, led funerals, and often left the studio after the 6:30 newscast to conduct wake services just to come back in time for the 10 o'clock broadcast.

Mr. Speaker, as the Representative from northeastern Wisconsin and as a lifelong resident of the area, I thank Tom Mahoney for his lifetime of service to northeastern Wisconsin and for always being a trusted voice for families in our community. His wife, Sue, their children, and grandchildren are in my prayers during this time. Tom's impact on our community will live on in the memories of those he guided through countless storms and sunny days.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional community leader, veteran, and volunteer, Mr. Patrick Moran.

In recognition of Mr. Moran's selfless service and steadfast leadership, he is the recipient of the 2025 De Pere Community Silver Knight Award. Since 1968, the De Pere Community Silver Knight Award has been bestowed upon outstanding individuals nominated by De Pere service clubs, civic organizations or members of the community.

Mr. Moran's decades of service are truly remarkable. It is evident that Mr. Moran has dedicated his life to serving others and has undoubtedly played an instrumental role in the success of several organizations throughout Brown County and Northeast Wisconsin. From his time serving as a Cub Scout Leader and Soccer Coach in De Pere to his over 50 years with the De Pere VFW Post 2113, Mr. Moran's unwavering support and guidance deserves our highest admiration.

In addition to Mr. Moran's community service, his most important role has been a supportive husband to his wife Linda and father to three children, Phillip, Renee, and Nickolas. Throughout his children's upbringing, Pat was a leader that you could always count on--serving as a Cub Scout Leader, Lost Dauphin 4H leader, Soccer Coach, and member of the MBX Motorcycle Club and the West De Pere Snow Owls Snowmobile Club. I commend Mr. Moran's unwavering commitment to Northeast Wisconsin.

Mr. Moran's decades of guidance, support, and leadership in his community deserve the highest degree of recognition. I ask my colleagues to join me to congratulate Mr. Patrick Moran on receiving the 2025 De Pere Community Silver Knight Award. I am proud to represent such incredible men and women who call Northeast Wisconsin home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vernon Krawczyk, a devoted veteran, business owner, educator, and longtime resident of the Green Bay community.

Born on December 23, 1933, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Zeno and Isabelle Krawczyk, Vern exemplified service and commitment throughout his life. A proud graduate of Central Catholic High School in 1952, he attended St. Norbert College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954, serving honorably until 1957. He completed his degree at St. Norbert College in 1959 and married Judy Selissen on November 27, 1959, building a life rooted in family and community.

Vern and Judy operated the Skytop Supper Club from 1972 until their retirement in 2005, creating a cherished gathering place for the community. Vern's dedication to Green Bay was remarkable as he served as an adjunct instructor at NWTC for over 15 years, teaching business, marketing, and responsible beverage service. His leadership extended to roles as president of the Brown County Tavern League for over 20 years, former chair of the Brown County Republican Party, and member of the St. Vincent Hospital Advisory Council, the Bellevue Optimist Club, and the NEW Zoological Society's Tech Advisory Commission. He also served on the City of Green Bay's Protection and Welfare Committee and chaired fundraising for the Shy Ranch for Boys, further reflecting his commitment to education and youth. In his spare time, Vern enjoyed gardening, cooking, fishing, and deer camp, always with a focus on conservation. Through and beyond his hobbies, he touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, and tireless work ethic.

Vern is survived by his wife, Judy, their three children, Patty, Steve, and John; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, Vern Krawczyk's life was a testament to service, family, and community. His contributions have left an enduring impact on Green Bay, and his memory will continue to inspire us. I offer my deepest condolences to his loving wife Judy, family, friends, and the Green Bay community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a movement that is transforming the landscape of youth sports across America: girls' flag football.

Recently, Chloe Cronin, a student at Appleton North High School, reached out to my office to share a petition she started, calling on the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association to recognize girls' flag football as a sanctioned sport.

At Appleton North High School and across the Fox cities, girls are suiting up for flag football, not just for the love of the game, but to claim their rightful place on the field.

Though currently recognized only as a club sport, these athletes are showing grit, leadership, and talent. Today, over 17 States have sanctioned girls' flag football as a varsity sport, and countless others are piloting programs that give young women the chance to compete, lead, and thrive on the field.

With support growing nationwide, from college scholarships to NFL partnerships, States like Florida and Georgia have already made girls' flag football a varsity sport. Wisconsin should be next.

These young women deserve the same opportunities, resources, and recognition as their peers.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this momentum and ensure every girl has the chance to chase greatness one flag at a time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3423, the Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act, or the FROST Act.

This bipartisan legislation makes a simple but critical update to title 49 of the United States Code by including aircraft deicing storage facilities in the definition of airport development.

In cold weather States like Wisconsin and many others across the country, safe and efficient deicing operations are essential to keeping passengers, crews, and cargo moving during winter months.

Aircraft are uniquely sensitive to any amount of ice and snow that accumulates on the airframe, causing irregularities that add weight, interrupt airflow, and can come loose during flight, potentially damaging critical flight systems.

By clarifying that these storage facilities qualify for Federal Airport Improvement Program funding, the FROST Act empowers airports to invest in infrastructure that protects lives and strengthens regional economies.

This bill reflects a shared commitment to aviation safety and practical governance. It has support from both sides of the aisle and has been favorably reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense measure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the legacy and esteemed career of Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy, who is set to retire at the end of this week after serving in the role for more than 17 years.

Mark Murphy is a Green Bay Packers legend and a highly respected figure throughout Wisconsin and among NFL fans across the country.

During his tenure as president and CEO, the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl in 2011, made 5 NFC Championship Game appearances, secured 8 NFC North division titles, earned 13 playoff appearances, and posted a 172-101 regular season record, which was the second best in the league over that span.

Off the field and under his guidance, the Green Bay Packers invested more than $700 million in the Lambeau Field campus and Titletown development without the use of public money and increased charitable giving across Wisconsin.

Most recently, the Packers hosted the immensely successful 2025 NFL Draft, which drew an official attendance of 605,000 and delivered a major economic boost in our region in northeast Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, as the Representative from northeastern Wisconsin and as a lifelong Packers fan, I want to thank Mark Murphy for his many years of dedicated leadership with the Green Bay Packers and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life and legacy of Darlene Marcelle, a devoted public servant, community leader, and cherished member of the Green Bay community.

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Darlene dedicated her life to serving her community with unwavering commitment and grace. A proud graduate of Cooks High School and, later, beauty college in Green Bay, she built a distinguished career as a beautician, teacher's assistant, and as Brown County Clerk, winning the November 1996 election and serving 16 years until her retirement in 2012. Her tenure was marked by integrity, efficiency, and a deep commitment to the residents of Brown County.

Darlene's impact extended far beyond her professional role. She was a pillar of community engagement, actively participating in numerous organizations that strengthened the fabric of Brown County. As a member of Management Women, Inc., she served on the membership committee, fostering professional growth and empowerment. Her involvement with the Starlite Neighborhood Association as a board member and part of the beautification committee reflected her passion for enhancing her community's quality of life. At St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, Darlene was a devoted member, contributing to the Christmas at Riverside committee, finance committee, and altar society, where her faith and service inspired those around her. Since 1997, she served on the public policy committee of Aspiro, advocating for individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusive policies.

Darlene's leadership was characterized by her ability to bring people together, whether through her work in government or her volunteer efforts. Her dedication to public service earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, neighbors, and friends. She was known for her warmth, her tireless work ethic, and her ability to make everyone feel valued.

Madam Speaker, may her memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a standout college senior from my district who just achieved his dream of being signed to play in the NFL.

Last week, it was announced that Peshtigo native and St. Norbert College senior Mitch Van Vooren signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a tight end.

Mitch graduated from Peshtigo High School. After graduation, he attended Marquette University on a Division I track and field scholarship. Despite his success in this field, he never gave up on his goal of playing in the NFL.

Last year, he joined the St. Norbert College Green Knights football team, where he had a standout season, scoring 13 touchdowns and gaining over 1,000 receiving yards. His performance earned him First Team All- Conference honors.

Mitch's journey is a powerful reminder that we should never give up on our dreams. Through dedication, determination, and hard work he made his vision a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mitch on being signed to the NFL. I wish him the best of luck and continued success with the Seattle Seahawks, of course, except when he plays the Green Bay Packers. He has made all at St. Norbert, St. Norbert alumni, and everyone in Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District incredibly proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Gerald ``Jerry'' Danforth, a distinguished Tribal leader, a decorated Navy veteran, and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away on the morning of June 1, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born on December 24, 1946, in Oneida, Wisconsin, to Leslie and Eva Schuyler Danforth, Jerry devoted his life to service--first to his country, and then to his people. He served honorably in the United States Navy for over three decades, retiring in 1994 with the esteemed rank of Force Master Chief, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He was a veteran of both the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, embodying courage, commitment, and leadership throughout his military career.

Jerry brought the same conviction and discipline to his leadership within the Oneida Nation. He was elected Chairman of the Oneida Business Committee in 1995 and again in 2005, where he advocated tirelessly for policies that advanced Indian gaming, economic development, healthcare, higher education, and the preservation of the Oneida language. His long-term vision was to build a strong, sustainable economy not solely reliant on gaming and to enhance communication between tribal governance and the General Tribal Council.

A public servant in every sense, Jerry also served his Nation as a judge on the Oneida Judiciary, where his wisdom, fairness, and devotion to justice left a lasting impact.

Beyond his public service, Jerry was a man of deep personal warmth and abiding family values. He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Johns Danforth, and their children Paul Jameson (Virna), Steve Jameson (Cathy), Tanya Wood (Steve), Gerald Danforth Jr. (Chitra), Patrick Danforth, and stepson Keith Bimosae Johns Herman. He is also survived by his brother James Danforth (Joanne), sister Joanne Smith (late Bruce Smith), and many grandchildren who brought him great joy. He was preceded in death by his son Thomas Danforth and his parents.

Jerry lived a life rich with passion and purpose--he loved fishing, golf, entertaining with his prized green egg grill, red wine, chocolate, and pie. He cherished winters spent in South Padre Island with Pam and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, Gerald ``Jerry'' Danforth's life was defined by service, leadership, and love. He exemplified the highest ideals of his people and of this Nation. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the institutions he shaped, and the Nation he served so faithfully. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, his community, and the entire Oneida nation. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jerry Danforth, a distinguished Tribal leader, decorated Navy veteran, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away on the morning of June 1, 2025, at the age of 78.

Jerry devoted his life to service, first to his country and then to his people. He served honorably in the Navy for over three decades, retiring in 1994 with the esteemed rank of force master chief. He was a veteran of both the Vietnam war and Desert Storm, embodying courage, commitment, and leadership throughout his career.

Jerry brought the same conviction and discipline to his leadership within the Oneida Nation. He was elected chairman of the Oneida Business Committee in 1995 and again in 2005. A public servant in every sense, Jerry also served his Nation as a judge on the Oneida judiciary, where his wisdom, fairness, and devotion to justice left a lasting impact.

Mr. Speaker, Jerry Danforth's life was defined by service, leadership, and love. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the institutions he shaped, and the Nation he served so faithfully. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, his community, and the entire Oneida Nation. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional man who recently celebrated 30 years of dedicated service to Waupaca County and the citizens of northeast Wisconsin.

Last week, Waupaca County Sheriff Timothy Wilz reached a milestone of three decades of service in law enforcement. From his time as a jailer and dispatcher to his current role as sheriff, Timothy Wilz's dedication to public service is an inspiration to us all.

It is especially fitting that his 30-year anniversary fell during National Police Week, a time when we honor the hard work of our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

Throughout his impressive career, Sheriff Wilz has served in multiple roles that have been essential to maintaining the safety of Waupaca County residents.

Sheriff Wilz began his career in law enforcement with the Manawa Police Department in 1991 and became a corrections officer in 1995 with the

Waupaca County Sheriff's Office. Given his leadership, he was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2007, where he also served as a training coordinator.

In 2018, he was elected to serve as the sheriff of Waupaca County due to his wide-ranging skill set, ample knowledge, and unwavering service to the people of Waupaca County.

I had the privilege of getting to know Sheriff Wilz personally over the last year, and I know that he is a man of integrity who is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the people of Waupaca County.

On behalf of the people of Waupaca County and Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District, I thank Sheriff Wilz for his decades of honorable service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Green Bay local legend, Bill Jartz, who is retiring from WBAY after more than four decades, including 27 years at the evening anchor desk.

Bill grew up right in Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District in Clintonville and started his career with WBAY as a sports reporter in 1983. He made the jump to evening news in 1998.

Bill's legacy extends far beyond the newsroom. It lives in his warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication to our community. In fact, Bill is known for not being able to say no to any charitable cause where he can make a difference.

He has been a familiar voice emceeing, speaking, or judging countless local fundraisers and events for charitable organizations, including the CP Telethon and Make-A-Wish's Gourmet Wishes. Throughout his career, it is estimated that he dedicated more than 5,000 hours of community service.

While all of us in northeast Wisconsin will miss Bill's news coverage, thankfully, we will still get to hear the voice of Lambeau Field during Green Bay Packer home games.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for his many years of service to northeast Wisconsin and congratulations on his retirement. May this next chapter be as fulfilling as the legacy he leaves behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues to address an issue that has plagued our Nation over the last 4 years and to let the American people know that the House GOP is working alongside President Trump to secure our border and make the safety of American citizens our number one priority.

When President Trump left office 4 years ago, our border was secure, and significant progress was being made on the border wall. On the first day of the Biden administration, Joe Biden unilaterally reversed nearly all of the successful policies of the Trump administration and invited an invasion at our southern border.

Every State became a border State, including my home state of Wisconsin. Every county became a border county. Every town became a border town. We saw unprecedented numbers of illegal aliens crossing our border and invading our country. Many of these individuals have committed violent felonies and other serious crimes since entering this country.

As I traveled through all 11 counties in Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District, I heard from citizens who wanted the lawlessness to end. I also heard from sheriffs who had gang members taking up spaces in their jails with no plans to deport them.

Make no mistake, this crisis was a policy choice of Joe Biden and the Democrats. They purposely shredded President Trump's successful border security playbook and allowed unmitigated illegal immigration to continue uninterrupted and unimpeded for 4 straight years.

In just over 2 weeks since President Trump has taken office, he has done more to secure our border and protect

Americans than President Biden did in 4 years.

As you can see, over the past 2 years, there was an average of more than 1,500 illegal migrants encountered at our border every single day.

In President Trump's first days in office, that number had fallen to fewer than 50 encounters. Since then, we have continued to see a 63 percent drop in illegal encounters at the border on average.

This is what happens when you have a President who prioritizes the safety of American citizens.

President Trump has reinstated the remain in Mexico policy, and I am proud to cosponsor a bill by Representative Brandon Gill to make this policy permanent so that future, radical administrations cannot undo our progress.

We also passed the Laken Riley Act and the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act. These bills ensure that anyone in this country illegally who commits a crime, whether it be a theft or sexual assault, will have an ICE detainer placed on them immediately.

The House of Representatives just passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, permanently criminalizing fentanyl.

In 2023, 70 percent of the 107,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. involved a synthetic opioid such as fentanyl.

Every single life lost is more than a statistic. Families should not have to feel this heartbreak, and this legislation will prevent future lives from being lost to this deadly drug.

This is just the beginning. We will not rest until our border is secure again and Americans feel safe in their communities again.

My pledge to the people of Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District and to citizens all across the United States is that House Republicans will never relent in our mission to make America safe again.

I thank President Trump and my Republican colleagues for their leadership on this issue. A nation without borders is no nation at all.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday next, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.