Today and every day, we honor, support and remember our Veterans. I had the privilege of participating in Menomonie Middle School’s Veterans Day program this morning, where we were all reminded of the importance of treating our Veterans with the respect and dignity they have earned and deserved.

I am proud to have scored a 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Congressional Scorecard for the 114th Congress. The LGBTQ community has made great progress in the fight for full equality under the law, but there is still work to do.

It was great to catch up with some Chippewa Falls area veterans this week, and hear directly from them about how we all can better serve those who are fighting for our freedom.

I applaud President Obama's recently issued major disaster declaration for the state of Wisconsin following the recent flooding we experienced in the western and central parts of the State. The declaration is an important first step in delivering the resources and funds that our communities have requested, and I look forward to working to make sure the funds get to the areas that need them the most.

Today, I had the opportunity to speak to the Agriculture Policy class at UW-River Falls. I always enjoy hearing from our future farmers and policy-makers, and am proud that the University of Wisconsin system is a leader in agriculture education.

I am pleased to lead the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation in calling on President Obama to provide our communities with any resources they need to rebuild after the recent severe weather.

http://kind.house.gov/…/161004%20Signed%20WI%20delegation%2…

Today Sen. Shilling and I visited with residents, first responders, and local officials in southwestern Wisconsin about next steps and ways my office can be helpful following this week's severe weather.

If you or someone you know is looking for help or has questions call my office at 1-888-442-8040.

I hope everyone impacted by the flooding and severe weather is staying safe out there. If you need to head out for any reason be sure to check to see what roads are closed.

If you are having any issues getting touch with people to report damage or have questions call my office at 608-782-2558.

http://www.news8000.com/news/flooding-road-closures/41763030

I was honored to join La Farge, WI-based Organic Valley at the "Grass Up!" event last night in the U.S. Botanic Garden. As a co-chair of the Organic Caucus, I know firsthand the importance of supporting our farmers and making organic, healthy food accessible.

Great to see several western and central Wisconsin high school students and parents, including Elissa and Charlotte, at the annual Service Academy information day in Oshkosh. If you are interested or know someone interested in attending one of the Service Academies visit: https://kind.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations

At a beautiful memorial service for my colleague, Rep. Mark Takai of Hawaii. He had a wonderful soul and an aloha heart. We will miss you Mark. Mahalo.

At the historic swearing-in of the 14th Librarian of The Library of Congress, Dr Carla Hayden. She is our first female and African-American Librarian of Congress. Our great national treasure is in good hands.

Thank you all for bravely sharing your stories. I'm looking forward to working with you to provide funding for cancer research and prevention programs.

Today we came together to remember the 9/11 victims, families, and brave first responders. 15 years later we still remember and will never forget.

I am proud to announce that the Office of National Drug Control Policy, together with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has awarded the Dunn County Partnership for Youth, the Consortium for Substance Abuse Prevention in Eau Claire County, the La Crosse County Prevention Network, and the Monroe County Safe Community Coalition grants for $125,000 each to help combat drug abuse among Wisconsin youth. Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have, and these grants will give community organizations additional resources to help more teens and young adults stay drug-free.

You can read more about my comprehensive action plan to address the growing drug epidemic here:

https://kind.house.gov/…/rep-kind-introduces-comprehensive-…

Thank you to everyone who submitted their favorite National Park Service memories. I want to congratulate Tim and Danette Tritch, Eryn Cangi and Emma Cleveland for winning the 2016 National Park Service Photo Contest. I’ll be hanging their photos in my offices in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Washington. To join in on the fun, I’ve included two of my favorite National Park memories as well!
Don’t forget to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service this weekend! Admission to the parks is waived through this Sunday. Get out there and #FindYourPark

Don't forget to 'like' your favorite photo in the 2016 National Park Service Centennial Photo Contest! The winning photos will be shared on my Facebook and Twitter pages, and proudly displayed in my La Crosse, Eau Claire and Washington, DC offices!

Thank you to all who submitted photos to the 2016 National Parks Photo Contest! I look forward to choosing my favorite photos, and encourage everyone to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial on August 25, 2016!

The National Park Service is turning 100 on August 25, 2016! Join the celebration by sending your favorite National Park photos to WI3PHOTOS@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV by 8/22, and your favorite adventure may be featured on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! #FindYourPark #NPS100

https://youtu.be/U0-wdrG-uC0

Help me celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday by sharing your favorite National Parks photos. Your favorite memory might be featured on my Facebook page!
Send your photos to: WI3PHOTOS@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV by Aug. 22!