Thomas P. Tiffany

Wisconsin Congressmen Introduce Fair Air Standards Act, Addressing Ozone Nonattainment, Vehicle Emissions Testing

Position: The congressmen oppose current federal ozone nonattainment designations and emissions testing requirements for Wisconsin, arguing that the state should not be penalized for pollution originating in neighboring states and that the Clean Air Act framework is outdated and burdensome.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Fair Air Standards Act addressing Southeastern Wisconsin’s classification as an Ozone Nonattainment Area. “Because of outdated federal rules, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin drivers in seven counties are forced to complete emissions tests every two years just to renew their registration. Wisconsin families should not be punished with costly and time-consuming mandates because of pollution drifting in from Illinois and Indiana. Four decades later and with cleaner vehicles on the road, it is time to end this non-attainment zone mandate and stop burdening drivers with a system that cannot prove it works,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany. “Families in Wisconsin shouldn’t be paying for pollution originating from outside the state, in places like Chicago,” said Congressman Steil. “The Fair Air Standards Act ensures that Wisconsin’s non-attainment status is tied to activity originating in our state not those in other areas. Our bill reduces burdens for families, employers, and workers across Southeast Wisconsin while holding out-of-state polluters responsible for their actions.” “Wisconsin communities should not be financially punished for pollution they did not create,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The Fair Air Standards Act gives states a fair chance to prove when air quality problems are caused by emissions from outside their borders and ensures EPA bases its decisions on facts. This legislation will restore fairness for our region and help us move forward without unnecessary federal barriers.” “This is a topic we’ve been working on for 25 years, as the poorly drafted Clean Air Act has punished industries in Wisconsin, making them less competitive, especially compared to other states and factories around the world,” said Congressman Grothman. “I’m proud to be championing this bill alongside Congressman Steil to restore the ozone attainment designation that Wisconsin rightfully deserves.” Background: Portions of Wisconsin are currently designated as an Ozone Nonattainment Area due to pollution originating outside of Wisconsin, including cities like Chicago. The SE WI Regional Planning Commission and Wisconsin DNR have reported that Wisconsin sources contribute to no more than 10% of the ozone emissions monitored in the current nonattainment area. Under current federal law, when an ozone attainment area misses its deadline, its status automatically bumped up to a higher non-attainment classification. This occurs regardless of whether that status is driven by pollution originating outside of this area. That designation triggers stricter permitting requirements and additional regulatory burdens on families, employers, and workers through higher regulatory standards and emissions testing mandates, including vehicle emissions testing requirements. Nine of out ten vehicles in Wisconsin pass the current emissions testing requirements, however inspections continue to cost Wisconsin families time and money. The Fair Air Standards Act creates a process for states to petition to the EPA that any non-attainment status is driven by pollution originating outside its boundaries. If proven, the EPA would then be required to redesignate that area as an ozone attainment area. This process would help end Southeast Wisconsin’s nonattainment status, ending ongoing federally mandated compliance burdens including vehicle emissions testing. The Fair Air Standards Act would not otherwise affect Wisconsin’s compliance with air quality or environmental standards. You can read the bill here. ### Issues:CongressEconomy

Rep. Tiffany Introduces SAFER Act to Crack Down on Asylum Fraudsters

Position: Rep. Tiffany introduced legislation to tighten asylum eligibility by prohibiting asylum grants to individuals who return to their claimed country of persecution, and to impose removal and denaturalization on asylum recipients who voluntarily return to that country, with limited exceptions for national security or verified regime change.

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced the Stopping Asylum Fraudsters Enforcement and Removal Act, also known as the SAFER Act. This legislation restores integrity to the asylum system by reserving it for those with legitimate claims of persecution. Under this legislation, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General are prohibited from granting asylum to any individual who has returned to the country they claim to be fleeing. In addition, any individual granted asylum who voluntarily returns to that country will face termination of status, denaturalization, and be subject to inadmissibility or removal. “If someone claims they are fleeing danger and seeking asylum in the U.S., they should not be turning around and vacationing in the very country they said they had to escape. Those who are truly fleeing danger don’t book round-trip tickets back to it. The SAFER Act stops asylum fraudsters from exploiting the system and ensures they are removed from the United States,” said Congressman Tiffany. BACKGROUND: The SAFER Act addresses growing concerns that the asylum system is being exploited by individuals making fraudulent claims to gain entry into the United States. This legislation follows reports that Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, was granted asylum in 2019 and later received a green card under the Biden administration, despite returning to Iran at least four times. Under the SAFER Act, individuals who claim asylum in the U.S. cannot return to the country they said they were fleeing without facing serious immigration consequences. The bill includes limited, case-by-case exceptions. The President may authorize travel for national security purposes, or the Secretary of State may certify that a legitimate transfer of power has occurred in the applicant’s home country, eliminating the original threat and permitting lawful return. You can read the full text of the SAFER Act here, and the Fox News exclusive here. ### Issues:Congress

Tiffany Statement on Trump Administration Delivering Over $1.05 Billion to Rebuild Blatnik Bridge Connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced over $1.05 billion for the replacement of the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge on I-535, which connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. The project has received bipartisan support from both the Wisconsin and Minnesota congressional delegations. "More than 33,000 vehicles rely on the Blatnik Bridge each day, making it a vital link for workers, families, and businesses across the Twin Ports. After decades of use, replacing this bridge is critical to ensuring safe and dependable travel across the St. Louis Bay. With federal funding now secured, this project can move forward to deliver modern, reliable infrastructure that supports good-paying union jobs, strengthens supply chains, and provides safer commutes," said Congressman Tiffany. ### Issues:Congress

Rep. Tiffany Introduces One Nation, One Visa Policy Act to End Obama-Era Program Allowing Visa-Free Chinese Nationals to Infiltrate U.S. Territories

Position: The release advocates for legislation to eliminate visa-free travel programs for Chinese nationals to U.S. territories, citing concerns about birth tourism and national security.

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Reps. Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Chip Roy (TX-21) introduced the One Nation, One Visa Policy Act to stop Communist Chinese nationals from entering the United States without a valid visa and to bar them from any visa-free travel program, including the Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Visa Waiver Program. This legislation follows Rep. Tiffany’s recent letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging the shutdown of Biden- and Obama-era programs that allow Chinese nationals to travel to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory, without obtaining a visa. Under these programs, Chinese citizens have been able to bypass the legal requirement to obtain a tourist visa before entering the CNMI, allowing them to give birth on U.S. soil and secure U.S. citizenship for their children. This loophole has fueled a dramatic rise in birth tourism as foreign visitor births jumped from fewer than 10 in 2009 to nearly 600 in 2018. In recent years, births to Chinese nationals have even outnumbered births to U.S. residents on the islands. The One Nation, One Visa Policy Act has also been introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). Congressman Tom Tiffany said, "U.S. citizenship is valuable, not something foreign holidaymakers should be able to pick up like a hotel gift-shop souvenir. For far too long, a dangerous loophole opened during the Obama administration and widened under the Biden administration has allowed pregnant women from China to travel visa-free to the Northern Mariana Islands to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children. It’s time to end this abuse by Communist China. America’s laws must not be gamed, our generosity must not be exploited, and our national security must not be compromised." Senator Rick Scott said, "Communist China has a track record for exploiting America’s weaknesses to advance its interests and undermine our national security, and the horrific reports of how they have exploited an Obama-era visa program is a prime example. This program provided Chinese nationals a visa-free fast-track to U.S. territories allowing them to establish a backdoor breeding ground to infiltrate our nation. My One Nation, One Visa Policy Act makes it crystal clear that no part of the United States, including our territories, will be abused by Communist China. It’s time to shut Communist China’s back door into our nation by eliminating this reckless program and ensuring the full vetting of any Chinese national who wishes to come to our nation. I’m grateful to have Congressman Tiffany leading this effort in the House of Representatives." You can read the full text of the One Nation, One Visa Policy Act here and the Breitbart exclusive here. ### Issues:Congress

Rep. Tiffany’s Bill to Create Wisconsin’s First National Park Clears House Committee

Position: Rep. Tiffany supports upgrading the Apostle Islands from National Lakeshore to National Park status, arguing the designation would protect the area's natural resources, honor Wisconsin's heritage, and provide economic benefits to local communities.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced today that his Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources on a 20-17 vote. H.R. 5497 would grant the Apostle Islands the prestigious designation of Wisconsin’s first National Park. “The Apostle Islands are one of Wisconsin’s greatest natural treasures. With their sandstone cliffs, historic lighthouses, and iconic ice caves, they are worthy of becoming our state’s first National Park. Upgrading them from a National Lakeshore to a National Park would honor our heritage, protect these Lake Superior gems, and strengthen local communities for generations,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany. “The Apostle Islands are Wisconsin’s Crown Jewel. By elevating this special area to a National Park, more Americans will experience the joys of visiting this natural wonder and nearby communities will reap the economic benefits. I applaud Rep. Tiffany for his leadership to designate Wisconsin’s first and only national park in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). Background: Designated as a National Lakeshore in 1970, the Apostle Islands are among Wisconsin’s most cherished public lands. Rep. Tiffany’s legislation would raise the current Lakeshore to National Park status without changing its existing boundaries. Sand Island would become a National Preserve to ensure continued hunting access (view map here), and management and protection of the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve would remain under the National Park Service. Importantly, the legislation affirms all treaty rights and Tribal sovereignty, stating: “Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting any rights granted, reserved, or established pursuant to treaty, statute, or executive order pertaining to any Tribe, including, but not limited to, rights to hunt, trap, fish, and gather on lands included within the boundary of Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve or any other rights asserted by any Tribe.” You can learn more about the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act here. You can watch Rep. Tiffany’s remarks in the House Committee on Natural Resources here. ### Issues:Congress

Tiffany Reintroduces Bill to Prohibit Campaign Funds from Going to Spouses

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would prohibit federal candidates from using campaign funds to pay their spouses and would require disclosure of campaign-related payments to immediate family members.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps. Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Tony Wied (WI-08) introduced the Oversight for Members And Relatives Act, known as the OMAR Act. The legislation would end the practice of federal candidates using campaign funds to financially benefit their spouses. It would also require disclosure of any campaign-related payments made to immediate family members. "Public office should never be used to pad a family’s bank account. For years, members of both parties have blurred ethical lines by paying their spouses with campaign funds and labeling it 'campaign work.' The OMAR Act ends this practice and restores integrity to a system that’s been abused for far too long," said Congressman Tom Tiffany. "Members of Congress are sent to Washington to represent the interests of their constituents—not to line their spouses’ pockets with campaign funds," said Congressman Tony Wied. "We’ve seen far too many egregious examples of politicians exploiting loopholes for personal gain, and the American people are sick of it. I’m proud to stand with Rep. Tiffany to introduce the OMAR Act and put a stop to these shady practices once and for all." Background: For years, lawmakers from both parties have exploited a loophole that allows candidates to pay their spouses with campaign funds, effectively pocketing political donations by labeling them as campaign expenses. Fox News reported that one incumbent House member from Minnesota, Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), "paid nearly $2.8 million to her husband’s political consulting firm" during the 2019-2020 cycle, accounting for nearly 70% of her third-quarter disbursements. To put that number in perspective, it exceeds the total amount all members of Congress paid their immediate relatives during the entire 2012 election cycle combined. In 2007, Rep. Adam Schiff called for a ban on campaign payments to spouses, describing it as "an important step forward in restoring the public’s confidence that elected officials are working in the public’s interest and not their own." The bill is modeled on a bipartisan proposal introduced in the 110th Congress, which passed the House without opposition and was supported at the time by members of the House Democratic leadership. The full text of the OMAR Act can be found here. You can read more from Blaze Media here. ### Issues:Congress

Tiffany-Backed Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, legislation cosponsored by Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07). This bill restores whole and 2% milk, both flavored and unflavored, to schools and protects students’ access to flavored milk. After the Biden administration attempted to eliminate flavored milk last Congress, Rep. Tiffany fought back and successfully blocked the effort. "Whole milk supports bone growth and development, and schools should offer nutritious options kids enjoy. With most kids not getting enough daily dairy intake, this is a win for our children, dairy farmers, and America’s Dairyland," said Congressman Tiffany. Under previous Obama-era rules, schools participating in the National School Lunch Program were required to comply with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which restricted schools from offering whole and 2% milk to students. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act provides schools with the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2% milk options. Having long supported this legislation, Congressman Tiffany is glad to see it across the finish line with President Trump’s signature today. ### Issues:Congress

Congressman Tiffany Visits School District of Crandon, Highlights Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools

CRANDON, WI – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) visited the School District of Crandon to meet with school administrators, teachers, and students to discuss the recent reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. The visit followed the passage of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which passed the U.S. House in December with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18th. Congressman Tiffany was a cosponsor of this legislation, which provides critical funding to rural school districts and communities impacted by federal land ownership. Earlier this year, students from the School District of Crandon traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the reauthorization of the SRS program. During today’s visit, Congressman Tiffany was pleased to share the good news in person that the program has been reauthorized. Congressman Tiffany met with District Administrator Jason Bertrand, Middle/High School Principal Josh Jaeger, and students to discuss how SRS funding will continue supporting local schools and strengthening rural communities. You can view pictures from the visit here. "This is what civic engagement looks like. Students from Crandon traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for legislation that affects their school and community, and their voices made a difference. Reauthorizing Secure Rural Schools ensures rural students and families aren’t left behind because of where they live, and I thank the leadership of the School District of Crandon for their engagement and commitment to getting this important legislation signed into law," said Congressman Tom Tiffany. Background: First enacted in 2000, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was designed to stabilize funding for rural counties affected by declining timber revenues and the loss of long-standing federal revenue sharing dating back to 1908. The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act provides critical funding for rural areas to keep schools open, roads maintained, and emergency services up and running. In many rural areas, large portions of land are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and are tax-exempt. The SRS program helps replace that lost funding, so counties aren’t forced to cut essential services. Wisconsin has more than 1.5 million acres of federal forest land, much of it in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and 11 counties rely on this program. Without SRS reauthorization, counties would lose this funding and be left scrambling to keep schools open, roads maintained, and emergency services operating. ### Issues:CongressEconomy