U.S. Representative Tony Wied (R-8th District) has taken significant legislative action since January, introducing and supporting bills that impact veterans, semi-truck drivers, Second Amendment rights, and the cheese industry. In a newsletter released on March 14, Wied detailed his efforts to address critical issues affecting his constituents and the nation.
Veterans First Act
Rep. Tony Wied joined forces with Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02) to introduce the Veterans First Act of 2025. This bill seeks to redirect $2 billion from USAID funds to renovate aging State Veterans Homes across the country.
“Many of these facilities are outdated and desperately need upgrades,” Wied stated. “While the U.S. spends tens of billions of dollars overseas, our veterans are living in substandard conditions. That’s unacceptable.”
The bill aims to fund all Priority 1 projects — those with secured state funding but awaiting federal support. For Wisconsin, this includes a $7 million investment in HVAC, water, and electrical system upgrades at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. Wied emphasized that providing top-quality care for veterans should be a national priority.
Addressing the truck parking crisis
Truck drivers face a growing shortage of safe and legal parking spaces, often forcing them to park along highway shoulders and ramps, creating dangerous situations for both truckers and motorists.
To combat this issue, Wied co-sponsored the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12). This legislation directs the Department of Transportation to create a grant program aimed at expanding truck parking capacity nationwide. The bill would support the construction of new rest areas with truck parking and fund projects to convert existing locations, such as weigh stations and inspection sites, into additional truck parking zones.
Wied, who serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, stated, “Truckers are the backbone of our supply chain. We need to ensure they have safe places to rest while keeping our roads secure.”
Protecting Second Amendment Rights
Rep. Wied also joined Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27) in co-sponsoring the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act, aimed at preventing federal overreach in firearm regulation.
The bill responds to recent federal attempts to classify gun violence as a public health crisis, which Wied and his colleagues see as a pathway for sweeping gun restrictions. The legislation ensures that neither the President nor the Secretary of Health and Human Services can use emergency declarations to enforce nationwide gun bans, limit firearm sales, or confiscate lawfully owned weapons.
“This is about protecting law-abiding citizens from government overreach,” Wied stated. “In times of uncertainty, people need their constitutional rights protected — not taken away.”
Supporting Wisconsin’s Cheese Industry
As a representative from America’s Dairyland, Wied has also turned his attention to Wisconsin’s renowned cheese industry. He co-sponsored the Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions (CURD) Act, introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01). The bill would officially define “natural cheese” for labeling purposes, distinguishing it from processed cheese products.
“This term has been used for generations by cheesemakers to describe real, pasteurized milk cheese,” Wied said. “By codifying this definition, we’re helping consumers make informed choices and supporting our dairy industry.”
Wisconsin remains the nation’s top cheese-producing state, and dairy is a crucial economic driver. Wied’s support for this legislation underscores his commitment to protecting Wisconsin farmers and cheesemakers from misleading labeling practices.
Contact Rep. Tony Wied
Constituents interested in discussing these legislative efforts or other issues can reach Rep. Wied’s offices at: De Pere Office 920-301-4500, or Washington, D.C. Office 202-225-5665.