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Working to Reopen the Government
I started this week in Washington, working to reopen the government and advance other important policy priorities. I spoke with CNN about the need to reopen the government and bring down costs for working families. You can watch our interview below or at the link here.
Ending Congressional Pay During Shutdowns
Today is the 38th day of the federal shutdown.
Like you, I am frustrated by the ongoing shutdown. Over a month ago, I voted for, and the House of Representatives passed, legislation to continue government operations and prevent the shutdown. Unfortunately, that bill has not passed the Senate.
At my request, I have had my pay withheld during the ongoing shutdown and believe every other member should do the same. During the shutdown, members of our military, federal law enforcement and essential employees like air traffic control, do not receive pay. Unlike every other federal employee, members of Congress are still paid during shutdowns. This is wrong.
I introduced legislation to prohibit members of Congress from receiving pay during the shutdown.
My bill, the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act, prohibits members of Congress from collecting pay during the current shutdown. This ensures members of Congress see the same impact on their pay as every other federal employee during a shutdown.
I want to hear from you:
I joined WKOW this week to discuss this legislation. We also discussed ways to end the ongoing shutdown. You can watch our discussion at the link here.
Supporting Housing Affordability
Despite the ongoing shutdown, I continue working in Wisconsin and in Washington to help Wisconsin families.
Housing costs keep rising. This can put homeownership out of reach for many Wisconsin families. In fact, from 2017 to 2022, the median price of a home in Wisconsin increased from $172,900 to $265,000. That is an increase in cost by more than 53% in just five years.
In Congress, I am working to lower costs for Wisconsin families.
This week I joined Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) to introduce the nonpartisan Accelerating Home Building Act, H.R. 5907.
The Accelerating Home Building Act helps communities that want to try an innovative process called pattern zoning. Pattern zoning allows architects and local governments develop "pattern books" full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs for use in their community.
This approach reduces zoning delays and lowers overhead design costs, saving time and money for homebuyers. Pattern zoning allows communities to expedite the building process while strengthening neighborhood character.
H.R. 5907 establishes a pilot grant program to fund the creation of these pattern books. The program will be administered by HUD. Additional funds within this program will be set aside for rural communities. Funds will also prioritize areas where municipalities are working to reduce barriers to housing development.
It's important we take steps to streamline housing construction, lower costs, and support working families. I introduced this legislation to make life more affordable for Wisconsin families.
To learn more about the bill, click here.
Working for Wisconsin
 This week, I met entrepreneurs at the Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC) and toured the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. This is a new innovation hub built on the site of the former Chrysler engine manufacturing plant and opened on November 3. The KIC takes up just over 3 acres of the 107-acre Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. The innovation center will serve as a hub for startups and entrepreneurs in our community.
Tuesday, November 11 is Veterans Day. Today, I joined Christian Life School in Kenosha for their Veterans Day Ceremony. Click here to watch.
Be sure to attend a Veterans Day event near you and thank a veteran for their service.
As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, want to share an opinion, or are having trouble with a federal agency.
On Wisconsin,
Bryan Steil
Member of Congress
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