Tammy Baldwin

Just devastating news coming out of Sauk County. My heart breaks for the six lives lost and all of their loved ones. I am keeping everyone impacted in my thoughts. https://t.co/EgSUSh9XKC

This won’t just take away opportunity to innovate and grow their businesses; this will also add more financial hurdles for our dairy farmers. https://t.co/VYuM4blxRL

Republicans have successfully ripped away tax breaks that help working families afford health care while also kicking millions of folks off their health care coverage. And the kicker is that they STILL don’t have a health care plan.

Supporting dairy shouldn't be a partisan issue. That's why my Republican colleague and I created a program to help dairy farmers and cheesemakers develop new products and grow. Now, @POTUS is trying to shut down the program. I'm fighting to save it. https://t.co/LTGaVoX4Cb

WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced she successfully secured $15 million in federal funding to boost highway safety, improve two rest areas, and expand truck parking along Interstate 41 in Dodge County. Senator Baldwin advocated for the funding to the Trump Administration, citing the corridor’s essential role in connecting Wisconsin manufacturing and agricultural industries to markets and the need to keep truck drivers and roadways safe. The funding comes through the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA) grant program, which received an influx of resources through the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “Wisconsin truck drivers work hard every day to deliver the goods we rely on, support our farmers and manufacturers, and keep our Made in Wisconsin economy moving forward,” said Senator Baldwin. “But when truck drivers can't find a safe place to pull over and rest, it puts them and everyone else on the road at risk. That's why I am proud to bring home this investment that will give truck drivers more safe places to rest, help prevent accidents that clog up our highways and put folks in harm’s way, and make our roads safer for everyone who uses them.” “WisDOT is thrilled to receive this grant to help transform two more safety rest areas in Wisconsin into modernized, safer, and accessible facilities,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “We’ve already seen success applying previously awarded federal grants to upgrade safety rest areas with accessible facilities and extra truck parking in Sparta, Denmark, and Maribel. We know access to truck parking is critical to the success of Wisconsin’s manufacturers, farmers, and businesses. WisDOT’s recently completed truck parking study documented a lack of truck parking in areas of the state. This grant will help directly address that issue by adding more than 100 truck parking spaces between the two safety rest areas along a rural stretch of I-41 in Dodge County. We’re excited to get to work and make these improvements.” The funding will be used to: Add approximately 106 commercial truck parking spaces across two safety rest areas, Safety Rest Area 63 Lomira and Safety Rest Area 64 Theresa, along I-41, including a new staging area for oversized and overweight vehicles. Improve highway safety by adding lighting to parking areas and entrance and exit ramps and modernizing ramp designs to meet current standards. Upgrade rest area facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and add family-friendly amenities, including changing stations. According to WisDOT, the I-41 corridor carries approximately 35,400 vehicles per day, with commercial trucks accounting for 33-37% of traffic, connecting Wisconsin's manufacturing and agricultural industries to domestic and global markets. However, a lack of reliable truck parking contributes to unauthorized shoulder or ramp parking, putting truck drivers and American families at risk. Per WisDOT, in Wisconsin between 2017 and June 2025, approximately 93% of fatal crashes and 92% of injury crashes involving a parked CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) occurred when the CMV was parked in an unauthorized location. The Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law increased INFRA’s budget over five years by 78%, investing approximately $8 billion into the grant program. In July, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging him to support this project. ###

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! Today, we honor the Native Nations and Indigenous peoples who came before all of us. Wisconsin is home to rich Indigenous culture, tradition, and many contributions from our Tribal neighbors that have made our state and country stronger.

WISCONSIN – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is demanding the Trump Administration reverse course on a policy that threatens to shut down the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, a program Senator Baldwin created to help small- and medium-sized dairy businesses expand their product line and diversify their revenue streams. On September 30, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out a new unattainable requirement that the four Dairy Business Innovation Initiative Centers, one of which is in Wisconsin, provide a 25 percent match for federal funding. All four centers – through which DBII funding is awarded – have warned they do not have the capital to comply with this requirement, threatening their ability to provide grants to family farms and small dairy businesses. “By requiring each Dairy Business Innovation Center to provide a match that Congress never intended and centers do not have the resources to meet, USDA is threatening the program’s survival and the success of the farmers and producers that it supports,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This new financial hurdle comes at a time when dairy farmers are already struggling financially with fewer market opportunities and record-high fuel prices amid President Trump’s trade war and war in Iran. I urge USDA to reverse this new requirement and ensure that the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives may continue providing a lifeline for dairy farmers and processors when they need it most.” Last month, USDA issued the Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity to the four Dairy Business Innovation Centers in Wisconsin, Vermont, Tennessee and California, and for the first time, attached a new requirement that the centers provide a 25 percent cash match—up to $1 million from each center—in order to receive federal funds that support dairy businesses. The centers have indicated they do not have the capital available to meet this new matching requirement, putting the future of the program at risk. This comes after the Trump Administration chose to freeze funding for the program in early 2025. USDA finally released funds after Baldwin demanded they restart payments that had already been awarded to farmers. In her letter, Senator Baldwin requested that USDA reissue the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives without the new matching requirement. Senator Baldwin also highlighted how this new requirement comes as President Trump’s war in Iran and tariffs are jacking up the cost of diesel, fertilizer, and transportation for Wisconsin farmers. “The Administration’s decision to put new barriers in the way of assistance for dairy farmers comes when they can afford it the least. Wisconsin farmers do backbreaking work to produce world-class products that feed the world. The President came into office promising to support our farmers but instead has taken every opportunity to make their livelihoods increasingly more difficult. Between the trade war and unnecessary war in Iran, Wisconsin farmers are paying more for everything. I request that the Administration reverse course on this decision,” Senator Baldwin concluded. DBII is a lifeline for dairy farmers and processors, providing direct farm technical assistance, business consulting, strategic planning, marketing, product development, and distribution. DBI centers have awarded more than $106 million in grants to 911 dairy businesses since 2019. Additionally, a significant portion of Dairy Business Innovation funds are dedicated as small-dollar grants to small- and medium-sized, family-owned businesses. Senator Baldwin successfully created the DBI Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. “Many dairy farmers and processors are struggling to make it right now, faced with soaring fuel prices, the volatility of trade and tariffs, and a labor shortage. They need the support Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives provide now more than ever – and they know that adding a cost-share provision to the program will end it,” said Rebekah Sweeney, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association senior director of programs and policy. “We are grateful Sen. Baldwin is giving voice to this concern, and we urge every member of Congress to work to see this provision removed – and full funding restored.” Full text of the letter can be found here. Dear Secretary Rollins, I am writing to raise serious concerns about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) newly imposed matching requirement on the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII), which threatens to undermine a proven resource of funding that supports dairy farmers and processors in Wisconsin and across the country. By requiring each Dairy Business Innovation Center to provide a match that Congress never intended and centers do not have the resources to meet, USDA is threatening the program’s survival and the success of the farmers and producers that it supports. This new financial hurdle comes at a time when dairy farmers are already struggling financially with fewer market opportunities and record-high fuel prices amid President Trump’s trade war and war in Iran. I urge USDA to reverse this new requirement and ensure that the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives may continue providing a lifeline for dairy farmers and processors when they need it most. Last month, USDA issued the Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity to the four Dairy Business Innovation Centers in Wisconsin, Vermont, Tennessee and California, and for the first time, attached a new requirement that the centers provide a 25 percent cash match—up to $1 million from each center. USDA indicated in their notice that the agency would only accept cash and would refuse any in-kind contribution, such as technical assistance, to meet the requirement. The centers do not have the capital available to meet this new matching requirement, putting the future of the program at risk. Congress has consistently supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives on a bipartisan basis and has provided funding for the program without requiring centers to provide a cash match. By imposing this new requirement, USDA is adding a financial condition that Congress never intended and that could effectively bring a successful, bipartisan program to an end. I request that USDA reissue the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives without the new matching requirement. These initiatives are a lifeline to dairy farmers and processors in over 40 states by providing direct farm technical assistance, business consulting, strategic planning, marketing, product development, and distribution. Additionally, a significant portion of Dairy Business Innovation funds are dedicated as small-dollar grants to small- and medium-sized, family-owned businesses. These dairy businesses provide job opportunities in rural communities and help their economies thrive. The Administration’s decision to put new barriers in the way of assistance for dairy farmers comes when they can afford it the least. Wisconsin farmers do backbreaking work to produce world-class products that feed the world. The President came into office promising to support our farmers but instead has taken every opportunity to make their livelihoods increasingly more difficult. Between the trade war and unnecessary war in Iran, Wisconsin farmers are paying more for everything. I request that the Administration reverse course on this decision Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. ###

As if high diesel costs because of the war in Iran weren’t enough, the president is adding more stress for our farmers with his chaotic trade war. https://t.co/73iXNoKQIr

Americans don’t want ICE at our election sites.

This upgrade for Appleton would have cut energy costs for years to come. Wisconsin families deserve to have their hard-earned dollars invested back in their communities, but President Trump is playing politics. https://t.co/mwK8ecA8M0

WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is calling out the Trump Administration for canceling $1.5 million in federal funding for the Appleton International Airport that would have helped the airport cut energy costs and improve resiliency. “The Appleton International Airport plays a critical role for the Fox Valley economy – bringing visitors and tourism dollars into our communities, connecting local businesses to customers and markets, and supporting good-paying jobs,” said Senator Baldwin. “Now, President Trump is playing politics and shutting down a commonsense project that would modernize the airport and lower energy costs for years to come. This is flat out wrong, and the administration should reverse this decision immediately. Wisconsin families deserve to have their hard-earned dollars invested back in their communities, and I’m going to keep fighting to do just that.” The $1.5 million was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and would have been used to install a solar array and microgrid system with battery storage. The project would enhance sustainability and ensure that the Airport remains operational during grid outages and adverse weather conditions. The Trump Administration’s Department of Transportation (DOT) discontinued the grant, claiming that the project did not meet agency priorities. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) demanded answers from Verizon CEO Dan Schulman regarding the company’s plan to transition away from copper-based voice service, raising concerns that some Wisconsinites could be left without reliable phone service if an adequate alternative is not in place, particularly in rural areas where wireless or other replacement services may be limited. Baldwin’s call comes as Verizon plans to retire copper facilities at 136 Wisconsin wire centers and discontinue traditional landline service. "While I recognize the need to modernize aging telecommunications infrastructure, I am concerned that some affected Wisconsinites, particularly those in rural areas, may not have access to an immediate, adequate and reliable replacement service,” wrote Senator Baldwin in the letter to Verizon CEO Dan Schulman. “These concerns are especially important where customers rely on landline service for emergency communications." "I request that Verizon commit to ensuring that no Wisconsin customer loses copper-based voice service until an adequate replacement has been successfully installed and activated,” Baldwin concluded. Despite Verizon’s assurances, Wisconsin communities remain concerned that available alternatives may be inadequate because of geographic limitations, high costs associated with certain replacement options, and existing gaps in reliable cellular coverage. In her letter, Senator Baldwin pressed Verizon to answer several questions about its plans to retire copper-based telephone service across Wisconsin, including: How many Wisconsin customers currently receive voice service over copper facilities Verizon intends to retire? Please provide the number of residential and business customers, broken down by county and wire center. What replacement voice services has Verizon identified for affected Wisconsin customers, including fiber, fixed wireless, mobile wireless, cable/VoIP, or service provided by another carrier? How many customers are expected to rely on each type of replacement? How many affected Wisconsin customers, if any, do not currently have a verified replacement voice service available? How will Verizon verify that replacement service is available at a customer’s location? Does verification mean map coverage, an address-level serviceability check, confirmation that service can actually be ordered and installed, on-site testing, or some other standard? What process is available when a customer disputes Verizon’s determination that an adequate replacement exists? Will Verizon maintain existing copper service while such a dispute is resolved? What protections will replacement services provide for reliable 911 access during power outages and other emergencies? What battery-backup capabilities will Verizon provide, and for how long are those systems expected to operate during an outage? How will the cost of replacement services, including installation, equipment, and recurring charges, compare with the cost of customers’ existing copper-based voice service? Are any affected customers located in areas where Verizon or Frontier plans to deploy fiber or other upgraded infrastructure? If so, will Verizon maintain existing copper voice service until that planned network is operational and available to the customer? Full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Mr. Schulman, I am reaching out regarding Verizon’s planned discontinuance of legacy telecommunications services, including Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) and Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), and the related retirement of copper facilities across Wisconsin. As part of Verizon and Frontier Communications’ Section 214 discontinuance application (WC Docket No. 26-170), Verizon may begin discontinuing covered TDM/POTS voice services on or after November 16, 2026. Separately, Verizon has announced plans to retire remaining copper facilities at 136 wire centers across Wisconsin. While I recognize the need to modernize aging telecommunications infrastructure, I am concerned that some affected Wisconsinites, particularly those in rural areas, may not have access to an immediate, adequate and reliable replacement service. These concerns are especially important where customers rely on landline service for emergency communications. To better understand how Verizon intends to protect affected customers during this transition, I request that you provide answers to the following questions: How many Wisconsin customers currently receive voice service over copper facilities Verizon intends to retire? Please provide the number of residential and business customers, broken down by county and wire center. What replacement voice services has Verizon identified for affected Wisconsin customers, including fiber, fixed wireless, mobile wireless, cable/VoIP, or service provided by another carrier? How many customers are expected to rely on each type of replacement? How many affected Wisconsin customers, if any, do not currently have a verified replacement voice service available? How will Verizon verify that replacement service is available at a customer’s location? Does verification mean map coverage, an address-level serviceability check, confirmation that service can actually be ordered and installed, on-site testing, or some other standard? What process is available when a customer disputes Verizon’s determination that an adequate replacement exists? Will Verizon maintain existing copper service while such a dispute is resolved? What protections will replacement services provide for reliable 911 access during power outages and other emergencies? What battery-backup capabilities will Verizon provide, and for how long are those systems expected to operate during an outage? How will the cost of replacement services, including installation, equipment, and recurring charges, compare with the cost of customers’ existing copper-based voice service? Are any affected customers located in areas where Verizon or Frontier plans to deploy fiber or other upgraded infrastructure? If so, will Verizon maintain existing copper voice service until that planned network is operational and available to the customer? I request that Verizon commit to ensuring that no Wisconsin customer loses copper-based voice service until an adequate replacement has been successfully installed and activated. Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and I look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###

$43 billion in taxpayer money could have been spent on making childcare more affordable or helping families afford their health care, but instead, the president chose to spend your money on another war in the Middle East.

We can't let baseless lies and intimidation tactics from the Trump Administration stop folks from casting their ballots. That’s why I’m on the ground talking to the election officials who work hard to keep Wisconsin elections safe and secure. https://t.co/YcJ3SURDlt

I’ve been meeting with election workers across Wisconsin who keep our elections safe, fair, and free — including the Clerks here in La Crosse. We had a great conversation about what they are doing to make sure Wisconsinites’ votes are counted and your voices are heard. https://t.co/gT78Do3yse

The cost of housing is crushing our families. And instead of helping Wisconsinites afford the roof over their heads, the Trump Administration is choosing to slash resources that help families in our rural communities afford a home. https://t.co/5CSOnyPiZo

Today, we mark three years since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel that killed 1,200 innocent people, held hundreds more hostage, and ignited a conflict that is still impacting people worldwide. I'm mourning those who were killed and keeping the hostages, survivors, and victims’ families in my thoughts.

Game 3 tonight! Let's keep the winning streak going, @Brewers. #ThisIsMyCrew

When towns and cities spend more on gas for garbage trucks, fire trucks, and snowplows, they have to make cuts elsewhere. Wisconsinites want their tax dollars going to public safety, schools, and parks – not higher gas prices from Trump’s war in Iran. https://t.co/05aU3RFTQL

Americans' health and well-being must come before the president’s political agenda. That means taxpayer funds should be spent on what experts think is the best bet for medical breakthroughs, not spent on pet projects for Trump and his loyalists. I will keep fighting these threats to your health care.

What a game! #WinOurWay

Wisconsin elections are safe and secure because of our local election officials on the ground. While the president continues to undermine their work and avoid accountability, I met with folks in Green Bay who are working hard to make sure Wisconsinites’ voices are heard. https://t.co/Ts1JNdQe42

My job is to look out for our farmers and work to give them a fair shot. They are being robbed of that opportunity with these high diesel costs because of the President’s war in Iran, and it’s got to end now. https://t.co/4uXqJ9g582

WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is calling out the Trump Administration for slashing $11 million in federal funding that helps low-income families in rural Wisconsin afford to buy a home. This year, despite the Trump Administration having the resources to fully fund the program across the country, Wisconsin received roughly $2 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program, compared to an average of $13.1 million in previous years – a decrease of more than $11 million. Democrats and Republicans in Congress passed a law to provide $1 billion for the program, but President Trump’s USDA refused to allocate nearly half of it. “Wisconsin families are working harder than ever, but too many folks feel stuck or are falling behind with the rising costs of just about everything. The price of housing is crushing families and is putting the dream of homeownership further and further out of reach,” said Senator Baldwin. “And for folks in our rural areas – which is about 1 in 4 Wisconsinites – this pinch can drive them out of the places they love and out of Wisconsin’s iconic agriculture economy. Instead of helping these folks afford the roof over their heads, the Trump Administration is making matters worse by slashing resources that help working families in our rural communities afford a home. The Trump administration has the money, but they are making an active choice not to use it and not to invest in rural America. I’m fighting to bring housing costs down and make sure every Wisconsinite, no matter where they live, has every opportunity to live a good life and own a home.” The USDA’s Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program helps low-income families in rural communities get the financing they need to afford a home. The drastic drop in funding for Wisconsin comes as the Trump Administration failed to spend nearly half of the $1 billion Congress provided for the program nationwide. While $250 million of the nearly half billion in unspent funds can be used in the next fiscal year, the Administration allowed more than $230 million in funding to expire, resources that could have helped approximately 850 more rural families across the country afford to buy a home. Senator Baldwin has long worked to lower housing costs and expand access to affordable homeownership for Wisconsin families. Earlier this year, the Baldwin-backed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan bill to build more affordable housing and bring down housing costs, became the law of the land. A state-by-state breakdown comparing funding the Trump Administration has gotten out to help rural families buy homes this year versus the prior-year average is available here. ###

Our farmers didn’t ask for higher diesel costs and an expensive trade war, but that’s what President Trump delivered. https://t.co/09iL15PQtw