Tammy Baldwin

“The President is breaking the law by cancelling spending that Congress already approved. He is cutting money for healthcare research and national security education while spending tax dollars on himself and a war in Iran. I want Congress to block these cuts and protect the funding we agreed on.”

“Madam President, I rise today because for the second year in a row, the President is trying to illegally steal money from the people I work for. Eight months ago, Congress overwhelmingly passed bipartisan appropriations bills, and the President signed them into law. Democrats negotiated those bills in good faith. With this pocket rescission, the Trump administration is saying those laws and the agreements we made when negotiating them don’t matter, and he is saying the investments we made into the American people don’t matter. That is going to make negotiating future appropriations bills significantly harder. How can one side make concessions if they know that the other side will tear them up along with the deal months later? But I want to spend some time talking about the specific funding in this rescissions package that the President considers wasteful. Now, mind you, Donald Trump is spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on prime-time commercials promoting Donald Trump. He is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a gold-encrusted ballroom and an arch--a monument to himself--over the objections of veterans and their families due to its proximity to Arlington National Cemetery. He is spending tens of billions of dollars on a war in Iran which is raising gas prices and home heating costs for American families. But none of that is what Trump or Office of Management and Budget Director Vought consider wasteful. No, no, no. They consider that a priority. What Trump and Russell Vought consider wasteful is $28 million for research to reduce healthcare costs and improve Americans’ health. What they consider wasteful is $70 million in education funding that supports national security priorities and helps ensure we remain competitive globally. First, let me talk about the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality--what we often refer to as AHRQ. The Agency is ``critically important, it helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we have opportunities to improve.’’ Now, that is not me saying that about AHRQ; that is what HHS’s Deputy Secretary nominee told me at a hearing just 2 weeks ago. Ten days later, the Trump administration said it was going to illegally impound funding for this ``critically important’’ work. AHRQ has funded advancements in telehealth to help doctors better treat patients in rural areas and help lung cancer survivors monitor for recurrence. AHRQ has supported work to reduce the rate of hospital- acquired infections and to make sure that kids waiting for a heart transplant can get one. It has funded work to improve healthcare for older Americans coming home from the hospital. This little but mighty Agency has saved literally billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives, but President Trump has decided that this research is wasteful and that his personal vanity projects are more important. Let me turn to the Department of Education. There, the President is illegally cutting funding that supports important national security interests. It funds training in less commonly taught languages that the U.S. Government determines are a national priority. It helps educate students that go on to serve in national security and U.S. intelligence roles. These are just a few examples of what President Trump considers wasteful. It is not tens of billions of dollars lit on fire for an illegal war in Iran or taxpayer-funded commercials to promote himself; no, it is funding for Americans’ healthcare and education he deems wasteful. This pocket rescission is illegal. It is also throwing away opportunities to improve Americans’ health and make our country safer. These are small but important investments that we should be making. There is plenty we don’t agree on, but I wish all my colleagues would stand up for the laws we pass and the agreements we make as part of them and stop this President and any President, Democrat or Republican, from so blatantly breaking those laws. That is what Senate Democrats have been fighting for, and that is why we didn’t vote to confirm Director Russell Vought, who said this was exactly what he would do if confirmed. It is why we have tried to enact laws to prevent this nonsense idea of a pocket rescission so we don’t get to this point. Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side have refused to do that again and again. But I am not going to stop fighting to uphold the law and for these programs that benefit the people of my State and the United States of America. I yield the floor.”

“I want the Senate to block this new healthcare rule. It would push up to two million people off their insurance and let companies sell junk plans that cover almost nothing.”

“Madam President, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in stopping President Trump from terminating healthcare for up to 2 million Americans on the Affordable Care Act. Let’s back up for a second. President Trump has made it clear that he does not like the Affordable Care Act. He has vowed and tried to repeal it for over a decade with absolutely no plan to replace it. That would leave 23 million Americans without insurance. We are talking about hourly employees and contractors in the gig economy. We are talking about small business owners on our Main Streets. And we are talking about the one in four farmers who are already being pummeled from every side by higher costs brought on by President Trump. Americans banded together and, so far, we have stopped President Trump and congressional Republicans from completely repealing the Affordable Care Act. But that hasn’t stopped the President from doing everything he can to chip away at, and hollow out, marketplace coverage. Republicans and President Trump refuse to keep tax credits that help working families afford their coverage. This alone is causing premiums to double for 22 million Americans and has pushed more than 2\1/2\ million Americans off their care because they simply could not afford it. They have slashed the funding by 90 percent for navigators, the very experts who help people find affordable health insurance. Just last week the Trump administration kicked hundreds of thousands of Americans off their insurance with no details as to why. That brings us to this rule that undermines Americans’ healthcare, jacks up cost, terminates coverage for millions more Americans. President Trump’s policy will promote catastrophic health plans with extremely high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, luring Americans into selecting plans that cover next to nothing when they get sick or injured. We call these junk plans. The effort will also loosen physician network requirements, leaving Americans with fewer providers who will take their insurance. And it will allow insurers to offer nonnetwork plans to make it easier for insurers to raise out-of-pocket costs, sell new kinds of junk insurance coverage, increase deductibles, cover fewer services, and kick more providers out of network. The result will be more Americans buying worse care that does not cover necessary services, from routine checkups to life-threatening emergencies. It will leave working families holding the bag for medical expenses. The Trump administration itself says that this will kick 2 million Americans off their Affordable Care Act coverage while jacking up costs on millions more. Benefits could be reduced for tens of millions of Americans, meaning folks could lose access to coverage for addiction treatment, hearing aids, or other critical services. Plus, the rule would pile on redtape, increasing the paperwork burden of nearly 5 million Americans. Americans understand what a lifeline this program is for a cancer patient, Americans with disabilities, working families, and entrepreneurs. On behalf of the 23 million Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health insurance, we cannot allow this administration to continue the attack, raise their costs, and undermine their ability to access quality care. Right now, Americans are unequivocal: they cannot bear the high costs of life. The war in Iran is causing gas and grocery prices to skyrocket, our farmers are struggling from needless trade wars, and now the President is raising the costs of healthcare for millions of Americans. I urge my colleagues to stand with the vast majority of Americans who support the Affordable Care Act and stop this misguided rule that would jeopardize care for millions of Americans. I yield the floor.”

“I want the Senate to pass my amendment. The bill could let the NCAA argue that state health and safety laws no longer apply. That could delay or throw out athlete lawsuits over brain injuries and sexual assault. My amendment fixes this problem.”

“Mr. President, look, as currently drafted--because the Protect College Sports Act includes health, safety, and wellness standards--the NCAA and athletic conferences could argue that State health and safety protection for athletes conflict with and prevent compliance with this bill. As a result, student athletes bringing such cases, including things like brain injuries or sexual assault, could face unnecessary prejudicial delay fighting the NCAA or institutions’ preemption argument or even have their cases preempted and kicked out of court. This bipartisan amendment addresses that, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”

“I want the Senate to pass this resolution to end the war in Iran. The war has killed 18 American servicemembers and cost taxpayers 43 billion dollars. It is also raising prices on fuel, groceries, and supplies for families, businesses, and farmers back home.”

“Mr. President, today, I rise, once again, in strong opposition to Donald Trump’s illegal war in Iran. For more than 6 months now, American families have paid the price for this President’s war of choice. This conflict has cost the lives of 18 of our servicemembers. It has cost American taxpayers $43 billion, and it has cost families, small businesses, and manufacturers, as the price of just about everything has skyrocketed. I have been traveling across Wisconsin to hear from my constituents as to just what this war has cost them. In Milwaukee, I have heard from veterans about the cost of war on our soldiers, their families, and their communities. In Madison, I have heard from parents who are seeing a 20-percent increase in the cost of back-to-school essentials, like lunch boxes and notebooks and paper. In La Crosse, I heard from a hardware store owner about the impact of the rising costs on goods in his store and what that means for his customers. In Green Bay, one manufacturer told me that his supplier of raw aluminum in the Middle East--a product that he can only get overseas-- was literally bombed. That is on top of the hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased costs from tariffs and the war generally. Our Wisconsin farmers are just getting hammered. They had higher fertilizer costs at the planting season, higher fuel costs just to run their equipment, and because of Trump’s trade wars, they have fewer places to sell their produce. During this year’s planting season alone, Wisconsin farmers spent nearly $44 million more on diesel fuel than they did last year. As of today, the price of diesel in Wisconsin is a whopping $6.59 a gallon for our farmers and our truckers. The devastating impact of this war cannot be overstated. These families are trying to put food on the table. Small business owners are trying to stay afloat. Farmers are just trying to break even. Wisconsinites never wanted this war. Yet they continue to pay for it every day. They are paying more at the pump, more at the grocery store, and more to keep their businesses and farms running. The American people deserve better than an endless war that is costing American lives and making it harder for them to get by at home. I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in bringing an end to this war of choice and vote yes on this resolution. With that, I yield the floor.”

“I am honoring the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, on its 75th anniversary. I want to recognize its history of caring for our veterans and thank its staff.”

“Mr. President, today I rise to honor the 75th anniversary of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI. I am pleased to celebrate this hospital and to commemorate this historic milestone. Since 1951, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital has served Wisconsin veterans with care and compassion. When the hospital was first opened, it was the first of the VA’s designated tuberculosis hospitals. After years of providing tuberculosis care, in 1960, the facility was redesignated to provide general medical and surgical care. In 1976, the U.S. Congress renamed the hospital after Dr. William Shainline Middleton, an accomplished veteran, physician, and academic. Dr. Middleton served as an Army captain during World War I and served with distinction in the Office of the Chief Surgeon during World War II. Following his military service, Dr. Middleton returned to the University of Wisconsin Medical School, where he taught generations of future physicians and served for 20 years as its dean. In 1955, Dr. Middleton was appointed as the Chief Medical Director for the Veterans Administration. Throughout his career, he was a tireless advocate for the advancement of veterans’ healthcare and was a champion for medical research. Over the past 75 years, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital has continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the veterans it serves. Its longstanding partnership with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health supports medical education, research, and innovation that help advance the care available to veterans. Today, it is a state-of-the-art teaching hospital with many accreditations and achievements that allow the hospital to provide world-class healthcare to our Nation’s veterans. As we honor this significant milestone, I am particularly grateful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who are committed to serving our veterans every day. I look forward to the continued success of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and its important work on behalf of Wisconsin veterans for generations to come.”

“I want to congratulate John Yingling on his retirement. He was the head of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board. He helped fix the fair's money problems and made it better for visitors.”

“Mr. President, today I rise to honor John Yingling on his retirement after his distinguished service as chair of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board. During his tenure, Mr. Yingling helped lead one of the most transformative periods in Wisconsin State Fair history, helping create lasting memories for millions of fairgoers. In 2011, then-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker appointed Mr. Yingling to serve on the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board. During his time as chair, the State fair expanded year-round operations, hosted the largest Clydesdale horse show in North America, and welcomed INDYCAR racing back to the historic Milwaukee Mile. These accomplishments, along with many others, have strengthened the State fair and helped spur investment in the greater Milwaukee community. When Mr. Yingling became chair, the State fair faced significant financial challenges. He was instrumental in helping move the fair from the red into the black, and under his leadership, those gains were reinvested in the fair and the community. Mr. Yingling also helped foster innovation and creativity that have become hallmarks of the Wisconsin State Fair. Through the annual Sporkies and Drinkies competitions, State Fair vendors compete to create unique foods and drinks that attract visitors from across Wisconsin and beyond. As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Fair, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Yingling’s distinguished service and his many contributions to the people of Wisconsin. His leadership has helped ensure that the State fair remains a treasured Wisconsin tradition for generations to come. I congratulate Mr. Yingling on his retirement and wish him all the best.”

“I am honoring the life of Al Labelle. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and spent over 20 years fighting for veterans through the Disabled American Veterans.”

“Mr. President, today I rise to honor the life of Al Labelle, a dedicated servicemember who held an unwavering lifelong commitment to the advancement of veterans’ services. Wisconsin mourns his loss, and his service and legacy will be remembered for years to come. Mr. Labelle served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) from 1965 to 1967. The USS Okinawa deployed to the Vietnam war zone in 1967, and during that deployment, Mr. Labelle participated in nine amphibious landing operations. Mr. Labelle was honorably discharged from Active service but continued his service in the Naval Reserves until 1972. After returning home, Mr. Labelle’s commitment to serving others did not waver. While his career was diverse, his work remained rooted in his desire to connect with and serve others. From caring for patients as a respiratory therapist, to working as an assistant manager of warehouse operations and even owning a bowling alley, Mr. Labelle’s professional life reflected his tireless work ethic. Throughout these endeavors, he remained a steadfast advocate for his fellow veterans. For more than 20 years, Mr. Labelle was a dedicated leader of the Disabled American Veterans DAV, at the local, State, and national levels. He joined the DAV in 2005, becoming a life member of Chapter 57 in Marshfield. He held numerous leadership positions, including benefits protection team leader and chairman of the national interim legislation committee. His advocacy often brought him to our Nation’s Capital, where he fought to ensure that our country’s veterans received the support and services they earned. His lifetime of advocacy for veterans was nationally recognized when he received the DAV Outstanding Performance in Advocacy Award for 7 consecutive years. Mr. Labelle’s determination to fight for veterans was easy to see, and his impact will be felt by veterans and their families for years to come. I was fortunate to see Mr. Labelle’s dedication firsthand through my work with him, and I know Wisconsin’s veterans were fortunate to have a champion like him in their corner. Veterans in Wisconsin and across the country have benefited from Mr. Labelle’s devoted advocacy, and I am grateful for his lifetime of service. His legacy will live on through the veterans and families he helped and the countless people he inspired throughout his life.”

“I want to honor David Stacy for his work. He spent more than 30 years fighting for equal rights for LGBTQ people in Wisconsin and across the country.”

“Madam President, I rise today to recognize the work of David Stacy, former government affairs director at the Human Rights Campaign, HRC. For more than 30 years, Mr. Stacy has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community in Wisconsin and across the United States. His vital work has helped to ensure that LGBTQ people across the country and the world are treated as full and equal citizens and human beings. Mr. Stacy earned his bachelor of arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1990 and served two terms as president of the United Council of University of Wisconsin Students, the statewide student association for the UW system. He later received his master of arts in history, U.S. foreign relations, and civil rights history from New York University in 1991. In 1994, Mr. Stacy was instrumental in helping me to found Fair Wisconsin. Fair Wisconsin is a statewide advocacy organization with the mission of protecting and advancing the civil rights of LGBTQ individuals through legislative advocacy and electoral involvement. He worked on the 1996 Clinton-Gore campaign and various other State and local races throughout Wisconsin, as well as on nearly all of my own campaigns for public office during this time. He began his work in the legislative branch as an intern and then a legislative staffer for representatives in the Wisconsin State Assembly. In 1999, he joined my staff in Washington, DC, as a legislative assistant after I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. For the 6 years he spent on my staff, he worked on a variety of issues including telecommunications, defense, LGBTQ issues, foreign policy, education, veterans, intellectual property, and homeland security. I valued David’s thoughtful counsel and his dedication to his work and passion for the issues he covered. In November of 2005, Mr. Stacy joined HRC as their senior public policy advocate during a time in which our Nation was hotly debating a proposed amendment to our Constitution that would have defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Through more than 20 years of hard, dedicated work, Mr. Stacy has steadily built support and coalitions to advance the cause of equality. Discriminatory bans such as ``Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’’ have been repealed, ensuring that gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans who want to serve their country can do so openly and proudly. Later, when Federal marriage equality was established by the courts, he worked alongside me and my staff to pass and codify into law the Respect for Marriage Act, ensuring a critical backstop against an activist court. He built a model for how sustained work and partnership can bring about meaningful change to the lives of our fellow citizens. He was and is a vital partner in the continued fight for a more, not less, equal country. I am proud to call him a friend and a trusted partner in the fight for equality. I wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

“I want Congress to end the war in Iran. The administration is asking for another $70 billion for it. We should spend that money on housing, childcare, and healthcare instead of a war that is costing American lives and raising prices at home.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to, once again, try to end President Trump’s war of choice in Iran. We are nearly 5 months into this war, with no end in sight. President Trump and Pete Hegseth have spent at least $37.5 billion on a war that Americans overwhelmingly oppose. Americans are footing the bill with their tax dollars and at the pump, as higher prices continue. We have lost 18 American servicemembers, with hundreds more wounded. My heart is with the military families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Now, after months of chaos, Secretary Hegseth wants Congress to sign off on nearly $70 billion for this illegal war--nearly $70 billion more of our money to fund a war that Americans did not choose. That is $70 billion that we could be using to bring down the cost of housing and help folks get their foot in the door to buy their very first home. That is $70 billion that we could be using to help families afford childcare and allow parents to get back to work. And that is $70 billion that we could be using to lower Americans’ health insurance premiums, fund our rural hospitals, or put some of the damage from Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid to rest--in other words, restore that money. Instead, this President wants nearly $70 billion for a war that is spiraling further out of control. That is his priority, not Americans’ housing costs or insurance premiums, but rather a war across the globe that nobody asked for. Even worse, we are 5 months into this war, and this administration refuses to give us straight answers about when this conflict will end. It does not have to be this way. It is clear the only way to stop this war and find a political solution through diplomacy and tough negotiations is for Congress to force President Trump’s hand. He started this war, and he is clearly incapable of ending it on his own. So on behalf of all of our constituents who are paying the price, I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in bringing an end to this war before another American life is lost. I yield the floor.”

“I am honoring the Gaynor Cranberry Company in Wisconsin for its 150th anniversary. This family farm helped build our state's cranberry industry, which now produces more than half of the world's cranberries.”

“Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Gaynor Cranberry Company, located in Wood County, WI. I am pleased to honor this family farm and commemorate this historic milestone. The roots of the Gaynor Cranberry Company trace back to when brothers John Alexander Gaynor and James Gaynor immigrated to the United States from Ireland. Their journeys eventually led them to Wood County, where they established a cranberry farm in 1876 that became a foundational force in the industry. With John Alexander’s legal expertise and James’ agricultural acumen, the brothers helped transform Wisconsin’s cranberry industry from a wild harvest into the highly structured, scientifically advanced, billion-dollar powerhouse it is today. The practices they established and championed on their town of Cranmoor marsh built the legal, business, and operational foundations that have enabled Wisconsin to become the Nation’s leading cranberry-producing State, producing more than half of the world’s cranberry supply. The Gaynor farm also hosted the first Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station from 1903 to 1917. It was my distinct honor as a U.S. Senator to play a role, 100 years later, in helping establish the second Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station to support the long-term success of our State’s cranberry industry. Margaret Gaynor became the sole heir following the deaths of John Alexander and James. In 1927, she named Charles Dempze as her successor, establishing a multigenerational family legacy. His son Gordon, who was born in the old experimental station house, assumed control of the company in 1968. He was later succeeded by his sons James and Gary. Today, the Gaynor Cranberry Company is owned and operated by Gary Dempze and his wife Susan, alongside their children Jenna Dempze and Heidi Slinkman, who represent the fourth generation of this family farm. Just as it did 150 years ago, the Gaynor Cranberry Company continues to move the industry forward. Its 200-acre cranberry crop is 100- percent verified sustainable. The farm remains committed to land stewardship, innovation, and community impact. It plays an active role in agricultural education for residents, researchers, and policymakers, while also inspiring the next generation to learn about cranberries and explore potential career pathways. The Gaynor Cranberry Company’s roots are deeply embedded throughout the Wisconsin cranberry industry. I congratulate all those who have played a role in this remarkable 150th anniversary, and I wish the Gaynor Cranberry Company continued success for generations to come.”

“I am honoring Sherman Stock, who died at age 98. He was an Army veteran and a public servant who helped protect Wisconsin lands and helped start Earth Day.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Sherman E. Stock, who passed away on May 26, 2026, at the age of 98. As a dedicated public servant and lifelong advocate for our environment, Mr. Stock demonstrated his commitment through his involvement in important environmental projects such as Earth Day and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the establishment of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. Mr. Stock was born in Milwaukee and attended Rufus King High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 70 years, Sally. The two settled in Hales Corners, WI. Mr. Stock continued his education at Marquette University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his military service, Mr. Stock rose to the rank of captain and was stationed in Oklahoma, Texas, and northern New York. He then returned to Marquette, where he earned his juris doctor in 1958 and connected with then-State Senator Gaylord Nelson, whom he would eventually serve as legal counsel in the U.S. Senate. During his 18 years in the Senate, Mr. Stock worked closely with Senator Nelson, sharing ideas about environmental projects, working zealously to protect our planet, and building a close friendship. Mr. Stock went on to work for Wisconsin Governor Tony Earl, serving as his Veterans Affairs adviser, cribbage opponent, and fishing partner. Following Governor Earl’s departure from office, Mr. Stock worked for the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers in Madison until he retired. Throughout his decades of public service, Mr. Stock made a lasting impact not only on the people and natural lands of Wisconsin, but on communities across the Nation and around the world. While his most notable project may be Earth Day, he will be remembered by friends and family for his artistic expression, his love of travel, and his dedication to his community. Mr. Stock is an inspiring example of putting your beliefs into action and leaving the world better than you found it. His passing is a great loss to all who knew him and worked alongside him, but the legacy will live on for generations to come. As we honor his remarkable life, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him.”