Congressman Gonzalez Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Abolishing the U.S. Department of Education

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

President’s Action Puts the Education and Success of South Texas Students at Risk

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, jeopardizing the long-term success of South Texas students.   

“By shuttering the doors of the Department of Education, President Trump is also shuttering the doors on our children’s futures,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “The Department of Education plays a vital role in providing critical federal funding to South Texas schools and ensuring equal access to quality education for all Americans.”  

“I believe that education is the great equalizer in our society. That it can help anyone willing to work hard achieve success and reach their American Dream. However, President Trump’s executive order will only lead to the most vulnerable, our low-income students, rural students, students of color, and English as a Second Language students at risk of losing the opportunity to better themselves – leaving total control of education to the individual states will cause inequities across the nation.” 

“The President’s announcement is filled with uncertainty over how critical programs will be implemented. Just last year, I helped secure $163 million in Title I funds for public schools in the 34th Congressional District of Texas. This money goes to hiring teachers, helping schools purchase supplies and technology for improved learning, funding training for teachers and parents, and much more. The administration has no plan for how these funds will continue to exist.”   

“Similarly, President Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education will also impact other critical federal programs such as Head Start and GEAR-UP, which fund services at high-poverty middle and high schools, and Pell Grants, which help low-income families afford higher education. There is no plan, no strategy, no preparedness for this monumental decision that will impact the future of America’s children.” 

“I will continue to fight for the people of South Texas and urge my fellow members of Congress to hold the President accountable for this action.”

###

Congressman Gonzalez Statement on Federal Funding for Rio Grande Valley Farmers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS — Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following the $280 million grant agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to support agricultural producers in the Rio Grande Valley amid water shortages. 

“I’m proud to see our agricultural producers are finally getting some relief after the prolonged droughts the Rio Grande Valley has been experiencing and failed water deliveries from Mexico,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “But let’s be clear: this funding comes from the December 2024 stop gap appropriations bill, which passed Congress thanks to Democratic votes and was signed into law by the previous administration. Our region’s agriculture producers continue to be on the brink of extinction. However, this band-aid won’t help for long. It’s past time Congress pass the Farm Bill and regular appropriations bills.”  

“On the other hand, I am appalled that the current administration and their congressional allies are not giving credit where credit is due. This issue is not a partisan issue and has long held bipartisan support.”  

“This is a shameful attempt to pull the wool over South Texans’ eyes.”  

Under the agreement, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will be responsible for the disbursal of funds to qualifying producers in Texas’ Lower Rio Grande River Valley Water District that experienced water delivery losses in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Eligible producers must have retained a certificate from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Division authorizing the diversion of water in calendar years 2023 and/or water in calendar years 2023 and/or 2024. More information will be provided by the TDA.    

###

Congressman Gonzalez Votes No on Partisan Continuing Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following his vote to oppose House Republicans’ stopgap bill that would only hurt veterans and vulnerable South Texans.  

“I would gladly vote on a bill that fulfills our government’s promise to care for our veterans,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Sadly, this bill betrays those who wore our uniform, fought for our freedom, and sacrificed greatly for our country. It fails to include the almost $23 billion needed to care for veterans. Tens of thousands of veterans in South Texas will be devastated by these massive cuts. Some of these heroes were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and many other dangerous substances. This partisan stopgap bill also strips funding for affordable housing programs for low-income South Texas families and nutrition assistance for our seniors and children. Lastly, this bill would be disastrous for our community, as it does not include Community Project Funding for vital projects throughout South Texas.” 

“In the last few years this funding has been key to providing millions of federal dollars specifically tailored to our communities’ unique and often left-behind needs. Just last year, I delivered over $15 million of Community Project Funding to improve roads and drainage, support local law enforcement, and increase economic development in South Texas. I’m ready to work with my colleagues to pass actual bipartisan legislation to fund the government and support our communities. We cannot continue to fund our government with these short-term stopgap solutions that only hurt South Texans and Americans alike.”  

 ###

Congressman Gonzalez Urges USDA to Allow Import of Eggs from Mexico to Lower Rising Food Prices

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Friday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the Trump Administration to allow the import of eggs farmed in Mexico to provide families in South Texas and throughout the United States economic relief from record-high prices.  

The letter states: “As you are aware, eggs were a cost-effective way for families to supplement their meals with nutrients and protein. This is especially important in regions like South Texas, where food security and affordability are major concerns. However, as the cost of eggs reach record highs, and other foods like meat, fruits, and vegetables continue to increase, families not just in South Texas but throughout the entire country are feeling the pinch at the checkout line…. Mexico’s supply of eggs is stable, and domestic production continues to be strong…By partnering with Mexico, we can prevent further inflationary measures and ensure that the egg supply in the United States is stabilized. “  

Egg prices continue to rise in Texas and across the country, with the USDA estimating that on average the cost of a dozen eggs will increase by up to 41 percent in 2025. The average price of a dozen eggs in Texas was $5.43 in February, which is above the national average of $4.95. Egg prices are up 53 percent from one year ago.  

Congressman Gonzalez is committed to lowering prices for South Texas families and urges the administration to allow the import of eggs from Mexico. He also urges the administration to reconsider the proposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexican imports going into effect on April 2, 2025. These tariffs will only increase prices on foods and goods for all Americans. 

Read the full letter here.  

### 

SPANISH TRANSLATION: 

El Congresista Gonzalez  

Urge al Departamento de Agricultura de EE.UU.(USDA) que permita la importación de huevos de México para reducir el precio de los alimentos  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – El viernes pasado, el Congresista Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) envió una carta a la secretaria del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés), Brooke Rollins, insistiéndole a la Administración Trump que permita la importación de huevos producidos en México para brindar familias en el sur de Texas y en todo Estados Unidos un alivio económico.   

La carta dice: “Como usted sabe, los huevos eran una forma económica para que las familias complementaran sus comidas con nutrientes y proteínas. Esto es especialmente importante en regiones como el sur de Texas, donde la seguridad alimentaria y la asequibilidad son preocupaciones significantes. Sin embargo, a medida que el costo de los huevos alcanza niveles récord, y otros alimentos como la carne, las frutas y las verduras siguen aumentando, las familias no solo en el sur de Texas sino en todo el país están sintiendo los apuros al pagar…. El suministro de huevos en México es estable y la producción nacional sigue siendo fuerte…. Al asociarnos con México podremos prevenir nuevas medidas inflacionarias y garantizar que el suministro de huevos en los Estados Unidos se estabilice.” 

Los precios de los huevos continúan aumentando en Texas y en todo el país, y el USDA estima que, el costo promedio de una docena de huevos subirá un 41 por ciento en 2025. El precio de una docena de huevos en Texas tuvo un costo promedio de $5.43 en febrero, por encima del promedio nacional de $4.95. Los precios de los huevos han subido un 53 por ciento en comparación con hace un año. 

El Congresista Gonzalez está comprometido a reducir precios para las familias del sur de Texas y urge que la administración permita la importación de huevos de México. También insiste a la administración en reconsiderar la propuesta de los aranceles del 25 por ciento a las importaciones mexicanas. Estos aranceles sólo aumentarán los precios de los alimentos y los bienes para todos los estadounidenses. 

 

###

Congressmen Gonzalez, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bill to Support Local Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) introduced the Increasing Credit Union Lending for Business Growth Act. This legislation expands the lending ability of credit unions to $100,000 from $50,000. This bipartisan bill would update the Credit Union Member Business Loan authority under current federal law to keep pace with inflation and increase access to loans for small businesses. 

“As a small business owner, I understand firsthand the importance of cash flow in keeping operations running, employees paid, and customers satisfied,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This bipartisan bill not only supports our local entrepreneurs, but our local economies as well. Credit Unions play a vital role in supporting our communities, and this bill allows them to better serve the small businesses who create jobs and drive growth in their towns.”  

“Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America’s economy, from my home district of PA-1 to communities across the country. This bipartisan, commonsense bill strengthens the ability of credit unions to fuel local economic growth through expanded lending and development opportunities,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “The Increasing Credit Union Lending for Business Growth Act ensures community credit unions have the flexibility they need to provide small business with the capital and financial support required to thrive in today’s competitive market.” 

The full bill text can be found here

###

Grothman Introduces Bill to Defend Innovation and Combat Government Overreach

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) has re-introduced the No Industrial Restrictions in Secret Act (No IRIS Act) to reduce undue red tape imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). The No IRIS Act is in the interest of protecting American safety, jobs, and ensuring chemical risk assessments conducted by EPA are driven by the best available science, rather than by political and ideological agendas.

This bill is supported by the American Chemistry Council, Hexion Specialty Chemicals, who has a manufacturing plant in Sheboygan, and over 80 manufacturers around the country. It is cosponsored by Representatives Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Julie Letlow (R-LA), and Michael Guest (R-MS), and is companion legislation to Senator John Kennedy’s (R-LA) bill in the U.S. Senate.

“Unelected bureaucrats have often disrupted the work of Wisconsin’s chemical manufacturers and inhibited the success of the industry through the abuse of the EPA’s IRIS program,” said Grothman. “Instead of grounding regulatory decisions in sound science, IRIS has demonstrated a poor track record by issuing assessments that conflict with the industry’s best available scientific expertise and methodologies. The No IRIS Act will protect American jobs, promote innovation, and hold the EPA accountable for acting against the best interest of the industry and our economy.”

For four years, the Biden administration weaponized the EPA’s IRIS program against America’s chemical industry. My bill would prevent this kind of abuse from happening again and safeguard American businesses from government overreach,” said Kennedy.

“American success relies on American chemistry,” said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. “Computer chips, national defense, modern healthcare, housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy are all made possible by America’s chemical industry. Unfortunately, the EPA’s IRIS program puts many critical chemistries in jeopardy. The IRIS program has a troubling history of being out of step with the best available science and methods, lacking transparency, and being unresponsive to peer review and stakeholder recommendations.  It’s time for Congress and EPA to take action and put sound science at the forefront of regulatory decision-making, and we applaud Senator Kennedy and Congressman Grothman for their leadership on this important issue.”

Background Information

The EPA established the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program in 1985 to gather data on how chemicals impact human health, however, it was never authorized by Congress. Under the previous administration, the EPA relied on flawed data from IRIS assessments during the rulemaking process, disregarding other relevant information and public input. Despite the program’s inherent flaws, it was used to establish chemical threshold assessments that have had severe consequences for private industries.

The No IRIS Act will prevent the EPA from using IRIS assessments as their primary source to draft its rulemakings.

In November 2023, Grothman’s amendment to restrict funding for IRIS was included in the House-passed Interior Appropriations bill.

Click here for the full text of the No IRIS Act.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman Protects Taxpayers from Rogue IRS Agents

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced legislation that will overturn a Biden-era rule that would give broad authority to nearly every IRS employee to levy fines against taxpayers.

This bill is supported by Americans for Tax Reform, the National Taxpayers Union, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and is cosponsored by Congressmen Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Greg Steube (R-FL)

“Joe Biden is gone, but the wake of his policy mistakes linger,” said Grothman. “This disastrous rule would embolden the IRS to increase the number of unjust penalties against Americans. This lame-duck rule flies in the face of President Trump’s mission to make our government more transparent and efficient. The IRS mandate should not be to levy fines as erratically as possible, it should be to treat taxpayers fairly and with respect.”

“Under President Biden, the IRS weakened a law (USC Section 6751) that requires IRS agents to get written approval from their immediate supervisors before imposing penalties on taxpayers. In the late 90s, Congressional investigators discovered years of abuse by IRS agents running up the penalty score as an intimidation tactic against taxpayers. Agents would use the threat of penalties as a bargaining chip. After these abhorrent practices were exposed, congressional Republicans enacted Section 6751. Instead of getting their immediate supervisor’s approval, the Biden rule allows agents to shop around for sympathetic supervisors anywhere in the building. Agents will abuse (and likely have abused) this and taxpayers will be the victim. All members should support Rep. Glenn Grothman’s CRA to nullify this egregious Biden-era IRS rule,” said Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform

“Congressman Grothman’s vital resolution could not have come at a more critical time for taxpayers. NTU advocated for the original law requiring supervisor approval of penalties back in 1998, not only as a taxpayer safeguard but also as a way to help the IRS document its decision making process. After being caught red-handed by a court ignoring this provision, the IRS attempted to validate its behavior with an absurd rule that defines almost anyone as a “supervisor” who can approve a penalty without documentation at almost any point in the enforcement process. When public comments from NTU and others suggested different procedures, the IRS dismissed them as ‘laborious formalities.’ Congress must step in now to reassert the letter and spirit of the law to protect taxpayers from unaccountable penalties. On behalf of taxpayers across America, NTU expresses profound gratitude to Congressman Grothman for recognizing this assault on taxpayer rights and standing up to stop it,” said Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union

“The Biden IRS produced one overreach after another, and it is crucial for leaders like Rep. Glenn Grothman to push back from Congress. This resolution is an important step to reestablish proper oversight and ensure that the agency is serving the interests of American taxpayers. It is Congress’s job to oversee and rein in bureaucrats, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance thanks Rep. Grothman for his work to ensure good governance,” said Taxpayers Protection Alliance President, David Williams

Background Information
Previously an IRS agent’s “immediate supervisor” would provide a signature of approval at the initial determination of a tax penalty. However, in December of 2024, the IRS released a final rule to significantly weaken this important taxpayer protection. In their final rule, IRS defines an “immediate supervisor” not as a person to whom an IRS agent reports, but instead as “any individual with responsibility to review another individual’s proposal of penalties.”

Rep. Grothman’s legislation nullifies this rule and returns the IRS to the previous, commonsense guidelines, providing crucial oversight in the approval of tax penalties and safeguarding the rights of hardworking American citizens. By reinstating the checks and balances originally intended, this resolution protects taxpayers and ensures that an IRS agent’s immediate supervisor personally approves the initial determination of a tax penalty.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman Reintroduces Bipartisan Air America Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) has reintroduced the bipartisan Air America Act, which will correct an inequity suffered by the brave Americans who are former employees of Air America by ensuring they receive the federal retirement benefits and recognition they have earned. This legislation was inspired by Neil Hansen, a resident of Wisconsin’s Sixth District, who was a pilot for Air America during the Vietnam War.

Between 1950 and 1976, a group of approximately 1,000 U.S. citizens worked for Air America, which was portrayed as a private company carrying out flight operations during the Cold War. However, now-declassified documents have revealed that Air America was wholly owned and controlled by the U.S. government – meaning these brave Americans were federal employees under the law. The Air America Act will ensure that those Air Americans who qualify for retirement benefits under the law will receive what they earned and deserve. Those who don’t have the years of experience required for retirement benefits will nonetheless be honored finally with the recognition that their efforts were carried out on behalf of the U.S. government. 

“Congress has twice passed corrective legislation for other covert CIA-affiliated groups,” said Grothman“It is not right to continue to ignore Air Americans. These patriots risked their lives, many of them giving their life, fighting communism in the same way members of the Air Force did.

“I am honored that so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are joining me to support these heroes. Now is the time to properly recognize Air Americans for their service to our country.”

“The Air America Association urges Congress to dedicate its efforts to passing this long overdue legislation with the same zeal that Air Americans applied to their secret and often hazardous work every single day on behalf of the United States throughout the Cold War. The Association appreciates Congressman Grothman and the legislation’s many bipartisan cosponsors and values the cooperation of the CIA to ensure that Air Americans are finally properly compensated and their legacy rightfully honored,” said Robert Noble, President of the Air America Association.

Background Information
According to now-declassified documents, we now know that Air America was not a private company and, in fact, acted as a top-secret arm of the executive branch in implementing Cold War policies under the management of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Air Americans saved tens of thousands of lives in search and rescue missions for downed U.S. military pilots, evacuations of allied refugees, and the final evacuations of Danang and Saigon in 1975. 

The Air America Act would grant the individuals who worked for Air America the federal retirement credit they rightfully earned. Air America employees have not been granted their retirement credit because of an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) rule change in 1985 that required government form SF-50/52 to prove federal employment status. While these patriots were, during their tenure working for Air America, legally defined as federal employees eligible for civil service retirement credit, the covert nature of their work resulted in a narrative that they were employees of a private entity. Moreover, for obvious reasons of secrecy in a clandestine operation, our government did not hire Air Americans using standard government forms. The unusual and unjust retroactive application of the amended regulation requiring form SF-50/52 in 1985 should never have been applied to Air Americans whose employing U.S. government entity, Air America, was dissolved in 1976.

Grothman is joined by 91 cosponsors, including Representatives Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Bill Foster (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Derek Tran (D-CA), Bryan Steil (R-WI), David Valadao (R-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Barry Moore (R-AL), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), William Timmons (R-SC), Susie Lee (D-NV), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Daniel Meuser (R-PA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Henry Johnson (D-GA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jim Costa (D-CA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Moolenaar (D-MI), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Donald Davis (D-NC), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), James Baird (R-IN), James Himes (D-CT), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), William Keating (D-MA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Jared Golden (D-ME), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Norma Torres (D-CA), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-AS-At Large), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Grothman Statement on Trump Address to Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) released the following statement after President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.

“Tonight, President Trump laid out a bold vision for the future of our country, focusing on strengthening our economy, securing our borders, protecting our children, honoring police and firefighters, and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to achieve success,” said Grothman. “His commitment to restoring law and order, prioritizing American workers, and streamlining government operations is exactly what we need to put our country back on the right track.

“On immigration, the President reaffirmed his commitment to securing the southern border and upholding the rule of law. Since taking office on January 20, 2025, his administration has taken aggressive action to curb illegal migration, leading to a significant decrease in border crossings. In February, U.S. Border Patrol arrested approximately 8,300 migrants at the southern border—the lowest monthly level on record—compared to 141,000 in February 2024.

“In 2022, Jose Ibarra entered our country illegally and on February 22, 2024, he brutally murdered Georgia nursing student Lakin Riley. We have, unfortunately, heard too many stories like this over the past four years. President Trump has brought peace of mind back to American communities by signing the Lakin Riley act into law, which will ensure criminal illegal migrants like Jose Ibarra do not remain in the country.

“Over the past four years, our brave men and women in uniform have been disparaged. Tonight, President Trump honored them and highlighted both the great sacrifices police officers make and the great work they do to protect our communities.

“I was also glad to hear acknowledgement of firefighters’ dedication to duty. On July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Trump almost lost his life to an assassin. It was by the grace of God that he survived and I believe it is part of His plan to get America back on track. That day, unfortunately, we lost firefighter Corey Comperatore—a true American patriot. I will continue to pray for his family and highlight the great work done by our local firefighters.

“While it is amazing that we have gotten to this point in our country, I was glad to see President Trump once again discuss commonsense policies to affirm there are two genders, protect women in sports, and stop the mutilation of children in the name of ‘gender affirming care’.

“Elon Musk was in attendance tonight and I applaud the work of the DOGE committee in finding waste, fraud and abuse within our government—and the speed at which they are doing it. Our bloated federal government has spent millions on LGBT issues in Lesotho, making mice transgender, and DEI contracts in the Department of Education. I look forward to working with the DOGE committee through my position on the House Oversight Committee, Budget Committee, and the DOGE Caucus in ending brazen and absurd wastes of your tax dollars.

“I was honored to be in attendance for tonight’s Joint Address to Congress and congratulate the President on his clear, concise speech about restoring American greatness. I look forward to the great work of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to produce an American comeback and will work with them and the whole Administration to help create the greatest four years of American prosperity in my lifetime.”

Grothman’s Bipartisan Bill to Halt Waste, Protect Taxpayers Passes Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) bill, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) Protection Act, passed out of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with bipartisan support and now awaits consideration on the House floor.

This legislation will help to stop government waste by strengthening oversight of the FEHB program to ensure eligible federal employees and their dependents receive the benefits they have paid into, while decreasing the number of improper payments.

“With a renewed focus on government efficiency, now is the time to examine all programs big and small,” said Grothman. “Improper payments are rife within the federal government and on top of being a gross misuse of taxpayer’s money, they can threaten the viability of programs that people who play by the rules depend on. The FEHB Protection Act will cut waste with commonsense changes, like adding eligibility checks and fraud risk assessments. I look forward to this legislation coming before the full House for a vote so we can save taxpayers up to $5.2 billion over the next decade.”

Background
The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) covers approximately 8.2 million individuals, including 2.2 million federal employees, 1.9 million retirees, and an estimated 4.1 million family members costing approximately $59 billion of combined annual premiums paid by the government and enrollees.

However, a December 2022 Government Accountability Office report raised serious concerns regarding the lack of controls for verifying the eligibility of covered family members in the FEHBP. The lack of controls is costing taxpayers an estimated $250 million to $3 billion annually in fraudulent and improper payments.

To address this challenge, the FEHB Protection Act requires federal agencies to verify that an employee is eligible to add a family member to their FEHBP health coverage plan. This bill also requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to consider coverage of ineligible individuals when conducting FEHBP fraud risk assessments. It further requires a comprehensive audit be conducted of employee family members currently enrolled in the FEHBP—including a review of eligibility verification documentation such as marriage certificates and birth certificates—and requires OPM disenroll or remove from enrollment any ineligible individual found to be receiving FEHBP coverage. Finally, the bill would centralize FEHBP administration, including the enrollment process, at OPM and provide continued oversight funding to the OPM Inspector General in order to prevent such fraud in the future.

-30-

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.