Thank you for reading my newsletter. Here's a summary of last week:

Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald

Good morning! Last week was a busy one in Washington, DC, so let’s dive into the biggest moments.

The Judiciary Committee had a full week with two important oversight hearing conducted with FBI Director Christopher Wray and FTC Chair Lina Khan. These hearings are held to fulfill the Committee’s oversight responsibility and give Congress an opportunity to ensure the agencies are appropriately working on behalf of the American people. Of course, there’s a lot of work to do at both the FBI and FTC in that regard. Unfortunately, at the DC-power center of both agencies, politics has been more important than serving the American people for the last several years.  

On the House floor, there are a couple of notable updates. I voted to help pass the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included an amendment I proposed. This is a crucial piece of legislation to protect our national interests and the servicemembers who bravely keep us safe. 

I also introduced a bill to keep politics out of America’s boardrooms. The Performance over Politics Act will help protect retail investors from repeat ESG proposals that activist shareholders levy against publicly traded companies. A 2009 study noted that costs directly incurred by companies due to such proposals were estimated at $87,000 per proposal, totaling $90 million annually. The goal of the bill is to rein in overzealous actors and to empower shareholders focused on the strategic direction and long-term goals of the company.

Have a great week!

- Scott

Judiciary Oversight with FBI Director Wray and FTC Chair Khan

Click above to watch my exchange with FBI Director Wray. I asked about the actions the agency is taking to restore American trust following the Durham Report's disturbing evidence of political bias at the agency.

Joined the Committee for Justice to Talk Congress & the FTC

Following the Judiciary Committee’s hearing with FTC Chair Khan, I had the opportunity to join a panel hosted by the Committee for Justice alongside former FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips to talk about the relationship between Congress and the FTC. It was great to reconnect with Commissioner Phillips who worked with me to draft and pass the bipartisan Foreign Merger Subsidy Disclosure Act.

I also had an opportunity to speak about a bill I introduced to make the FTC a more effective and accountable agency. My bill, the Fair and Balanced FTC Act, prohibits the FTC from acting unless there is at least one Commissioner from a different party from the Chair. A balanced board of members is critical to foster constructive policies, and as it stands the FTC has been operating with only Democrat members since March.

Introduced a Bill To Keep Politics Out of the Boardroom

The Performance over Politics Act will help protect retail investors from repeat ESG proposals that activist shareholders levy against publicly traded companies.

A 2009 study noted that costs directly incurred by companies due to such proposals were estimated at $87,000 per proposal, totaling $90 million annually.

This bill would permit issuers to set aside for three years resubmission of shareholder proposals that are substantially similar to proposals that received less than 10% of the vote once in the previous five years, received less than 20% twice in the previous five years, or received less than 40% three times in the previous five years. 

The goal of the bill is to rein in overzealous actors and to empower shareholders focused on the strategic direction and long-term goals of the company.

Voted to Pass the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act

I voted to help pass the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)—a crucial piece of legislation to protect our national interests and the servicemembers who bravely keep us safe. This year’s NDAA includes a number of important proposals to boost servicemember pay and benefits, counter and deter Chinese aggression, and end politically charged ideology.

I proposed, and passed, an amendment to that end to require DoD operated elementary and secondary schools to publish their curriculum online. It’s an important step toward curriculum transparency and empowering parents, and I’m pleased to see it included in the final bill text. To read my full amendment, click here.

Important Update on USDA Disaster Designations in WI-05 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Jefferson, Dodge, Walworth, and Waukesha counties as disaster areas due to drought declarations. I strongly encourage farm operators in the affected counties to learn more here or to contact your local FSA office. You may be eligible for assistance.

That’s a wrap for this week’s eNewsletter! Follow me on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on my work for the 5th District of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Scott Fitzgerald
Member of Congress