News from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald

Friends,

As tax filing season opens, Americans are beginning to see bigger paychecks, bigger tax refunds, and new opportunities to build long-term financial security. Taxpayers deserve transparency. These new tools will make the tax filing process easier for you.

Americans will see historic refund levels this tax season:

• Nearly $4,000 average tax refund.
• $100 billion in total tax refunds projected nationwide.
• We locked in the doubled Standard Deduction and further boosted it to $31,500 for families ($15,750 for individuals).

Sincerely,



Scott Fitzgerald
Member of Congress

Rep. Fitzgerald Votes to Reopen Government After Partial Shutdown

Last week, I issued the following statement after voting to pass the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, legislation to end the partial government shutdown.

“I’m extremely disappointed the SAVE Act was not included in the final funding package, and I remain fully committed to supporting it when it comes up for a separate vote. Election security is critical to delivering results for Wisconsin families.

“However, reopening the government was absolutely necessary as a prolonged shutdown does not help the country.

“This shutdown occurred because Democrats are demonizing ICE. ICE agents put their lives on the line every day and are working tirelessly to enforce our immigration laws and keep our communities safe.

“I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver Homeland Security funding and election security.”

Rep. Fitzgerald Discusses Vote to End Partial Government Shutdown, SAVE Act, and Crypto Legislation

Recently, I joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss my vote to end the partial government shutdown, the SAVE Act, and Crypto legislation.

Fitzgerald Questions Secretary Bessent on Reducing Risk in Financial Sector & Supporting Community Banks

I recently had the opportunity to question Secretary Bessent during a Financial Services Committee hearing examining the work of the Financial Stability Oversight Council.

Secretary Bessent is doing an excellent job reducing risk in the financial sector and ensuring community banks thrive across the United States.

Fitzgerald on Anti-ICE Riots in MN, End of Partial Government Shutdown & Netflix/Warner Bros. Merger

Last week, I joined OAN to discuss the anti-ICE riots in Minnesota, the end of the partial government shutdown, and the Netflix/Warner Bros. merger.

When it comes to long-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, we are about to find ourselves in a position where the government could partially shut down again. The U.S. Senate hasn't really delivered on the deal that was originally set, and the House has to react to that.

There's not a lot of members very pleased with the idea that there was a provision that gives President Trump 12 days to try and negotiate something with Chuck Schumer.

What is this ultimately going to look like? Can members actually support it at the end of the day? Time will tell. I'm deeply concerned about limitations or restrictions on immigration enforcement as a part of Chuck Schumer's demands.

VA Update: Verification Requirement for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) Beneficiaries

Starting in January 2026, all Department of Veterans Affairs education beneficiaries, including Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students, will be required to verify their enrollment each month to receive their benefit payments.

Please note that you must verify your enrollment for the VA to begin processing your monthly benefit. Once verified, payment processing can take five to seven calendar days. 

You can learn more about the different enrollment verification methods here. If you have questions about your enrollment, please contact your School Certifying Official. You can find their contact information listed on the GI Bill Comparison Tool.