Vice President Vance: Thank you. Thank you all. We love you all. Thank you, Wisconsin. It’s great to be here. We have a great-looking crowd. Thank you all. It’s the best-looking group of welders and steelmen and women I’ve seen in my entire life. I think this is a sharp crew.
Now, everybody behind me—I was told—volunteered to be there. So, you guys have to clap and cheer at everything I say. And if not, we’re going to have to kick you the hell out of here. A couple of people—some of the hardest-working folks in this facility—were selected to stand behind me, and I’m not going to call them out by name, but I just want to say we’re proud of you, proud of what you do, and proud that the tradition of Wisconsin craftsmanship lives on in this great facility today.
Before we get started, and before I talk about the big, beautiful bill, I want to give a few notes of appreciation and gratitude. This is probably the third or fourth time I’ve been to La Crosse, Wisconsin. I came here a lot during the campaign, and it was always great to be here. I joked that you’d get sick of me, but I promised I’d come back as Vice President of the United States. And I’m proud I got to keep that promise—thanks to you.
So, I want to thank Paul Bagnski. Paul, thank you so much—I got an A-minus on that pronunciation. He is the President and CEO of this incredible facility. We’re so thankful to be here. I also want to thank Jake Kosol and the rest of the Tough Job team for giving us such a warm welcome here in Wisconsin.
I also want to thank, as you heard from our great Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who gave a shout-out earlier. How good of a job is Doug Burgum doing? Doug, thank you. He’s doing a great job. And I want to give another shout-out to the great Representative Derrick Van Orden. Thank you, Derrick. Please stand up. Give it up for this guy. He works harder than anybody in Congress. He works so hard that he lost most of his hair over his time there. I had to poke a little fun at my good friend Derrick—but the truth is, many in Washington just show up, go along to get along, cast a vote or two, and don’t do much else. Derrick is fighting every single day for the people of this district. You should be proud of him, because I certainly am.
And I hear we’ve got the senior class from Luther High School here. Where are you all? Thank you. Now, have you started school yet? Playing hooky today? Okay, good. Well, I’m glad the Vice President coming to town got you out of class for a bit. But let’s talk about the future—because you are the future. We want to make sure you have a prosperous American future to grow up in.
Let me take you back to where I grew up: Middletown, Ohio, southwestern Ohio. My “Papa”—the reason I love welders so much—was a union welder for 42 years at a place called Armco Steel. When I was growing up, Armco Steel had shed about 80% of the workforce it employed during its heyday. And that was one of the lucky ones—because a lot of steel mills didn’t just shrink, they disappeared.
For those of us who grew up in factory towns, we were used to seeing proud, big, beautiful factories and night skies lit up by the furnaces. We were proud of what our parents and grandparents built. They were proud to earn jobs that gave us a good life. And what happened? Thanks to a generation of failed politicians and stupid decisions, those factories closed down one by one. Those proud towns became ghost towns.
Well—not anymore. President Donald Trump was elected on a promise to bring back American manufacturing, to bring back American craftsmanship. And that is exactly what he is doing every single day.
How nice is it to have a president who, instead of rewarding companies for shipping your jobs overseas, rewards companies for building factories right here in the United States of America?
How nice is it to have a president of the United States who, instead of raising your taxes, is cutting your taxes by historic margins, every single day, as we just did?
For years, American leaders would ask you to work overtime—spend more time away from your families—and then, every extra hour you spent at the job, they’d reach deeper into your pocket. How nice is it to have a president who cut taxes on overtime? Because we believe that if you spend an extra hour at work, the government ought to keep its hands the hell out of your pocket. Am I right?
We know that about 5%—one in twenty—Wisconsin workers rely on tips to bring home the bacon for their families. How nice is it to have a president, with Republican majorities in Congress, who cut taxes on tips instead of forcing waitresses and service professionals to deal with the IRS? We ought to make it easier for folks to get by—and that’s exactly what we did. We cut taxes on tips, and Wisconsin families are going to be the beneficiaries.
What the Working Families Tax Cuts did is very simple, ladies and gentlemen. It let you keep more money in your pocket. It rewarded you for building a business or working at a business right here in the United States. It made it easier for you to take home more of your hard-earned pay. And if you’re an American manufacturer or an American business, it made it easier for you to build or expand your facility here at home.
I happen to believe that one of the dumbest decisions we ever made as a country was rewarding foreign companies for putting their stuff overseas instead of here in places like Wisconsin. Well now, we have a different president with a different attitude. If you’re building in the United States, if you’re working in the United States, if you’re trying to earn a decent living here at home, we are going to fight for you every single day. But if you build crap overseas and try to undercut American workers, you’re going to pay a big fat tariff before you bring it back into the United States of America.
Now, I was talking with a Fox News host earlier—I’m going to embarrass him a little bit. I’m going to make him stand up and be recognized. You all know Will Cain, right? Will’s doing a good job. What I told Will earlier is this: all of these problems are interconnected.
Why is it that we’ve allowed Mexican drug cartels to bring poisonous fentanyl into our communities? Why is it that so many people lost hope and started taking that fentanyl? Why is it that our government seemed to care more about illegal immigrants than about its own citizens? It’s all connected.
When they shipped your jobs overseas in the last administration—or the one before that—they also allowed those cartels to come in and prey on our communities. So what the Working Families Tax Cut does is more than just put money back in your pocket. Yes, it cuts taxes on overtime. Yes, it cuts taxes on tips. But it also gives our incredible law enforcement over a hundred billion dollars to get those drug cartels the hell out of our country once and for all.
It’s very simple. Donald Trump’s Republican Party wants very simple things for this country. We want you to be able to earn a good living in your community. We want you to walk down a city street in broad daylight without getting mugged. We want you to take your family out to dinner without fear of violence from criminals—whether domestic or international cartels.
If you work hard, you ought to take home as much of your pay as possible. And if you want to raise your children in security and comfort, you ought to send them to a school that gives them an education, not an indoctrination. These are very simple things, ladies and gentlemen, and all it took was better leadership in Washington to deliver it.
Now, Representative Van Orden will tell you this, but if you didn’t know: we didn’t get a single Democrat vote for cutting taxes on tips, cutting taxes on overtime, or increasing the child tax credit. Not one. Not a single Democrat in the House or the Senate could be bothered to vote for giving you more of your hard-earned money.
And we’ve got to ask ourselves why. Because as proud as I am of what we’ve accomplished, it would honestly be a little bit easier—wouldn’t it, Derrick?—if the Democrats worked with us instead of fighting us every single step of the way.
Here’s what’s going to happen. We’re still a little early for campaign season, but in a few months—or maybe about a year—you’re going to start seeing television ads. You’re going to see Democrats lying about what’s in these Working Families Tax Cuts. I’ll tell you exactly what they’ll say:
They’ll claim that this bill, which gives you more of your money back, was something they opposed not because they wanted to raise your taxes—though they do—but because they were worried about healthcare. They are so worried about healthcare, in fact, that they want to give more and more of it to illegal immigrants. And that’s why they voted against this bill.
Now, I know we’ve got this beautiful high school class in the back. Let me give you some advice—just a little bit of relationship advice from a man who’s been happily married for eleven years. Find yourself somebody who loves you as much as national Democrats love giving healthcare benefits to illegal aliens. That’s my advice. Because as far as I can tell, that’s the reason the Democratic Party exists.
Here’s the truth: this bill makes tens of billions of dollars in investments in rural healthcare infrastructure—collapsed under the last administration. It guarantees that hardworking Americans will have access to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits.
But what this bill refuses to do—and what Republicans will never do—is give your hard-earned benefits to people who don’t even have the legal right to be in this country in the first place. That’s very simple.
If you want to protect the people’s benefits… if you want to protect rural healthcare… if you want to make sure that whether you live in a big city or a small town, you can see a doctor… then the first step is making sure that federal healthcare benefits go only to Americans. That is the first and most important step—and that’s what this legislation does.
So don’t believe the lies. Don’t believe the attacks. What we’re doing with this legislation is giving you a tax cut, rebuilding the healthcare infrastructure that was decimated under Joe Biden, and preserving the benefits you paid into your entire lives.
And to preserve them, we’re making sure they only go to fellow citizens—not to people who ought to go back to their home country because they are here illegally. It’s very simple.
Think about the math, ladies and gentlemen. You cannot keep these benefits if you allow tens of millions of people into this country who have no legal right to be here and then hand them benefits. Under Joe Biden, we were on a freight train to bankruptcy because Democrats didn’t care enough about this country to enforce its borders.
So when I hear Democrats fight against cutting your taxes and claim it’s about healthcare, I’ve got to be honest—it makes me angry. Because it’s not about your healthcare. It’s about healthcare for illegal aliens.
We believe in a different principle. If you work overtime, you ought to be rewarded. If you pay into the system, you deserve the benefits—not anyone else.
Let me say just a couple more things, and then I’ll hit the road. Maybe I’ll take some questions. Should we take some questions from the fake news, ladies and gentlemen? Would that be fun?
Okay, we can do that too. But we’ll try to focus on the local Wisconsin reporters first, because I know they’re not fake news, right? We’ve got good local reporters here in Wisconsin. Mixed reviews from the crowd, I see.
But let me just say this: this manufacturing facility represents the future of American craftsmanship. I was talking with the CEO and with Jake earlier, and you know, there’s this attitude some people have—that manufacturing is the jobs of the past. That it’s dirty. That it’s not innovative.
Well, I challenge any journalist to walk around this facility for ten minutes and not realize this is one of the most innovative companies in America. This is the future of American industry, the future of American innovation, and the future of American manufacturing.
They’re using artificial intelligence in this facility. They’re using robotics in this facility. They’re doing things today that weren’t even possible twenty years ago—and they’re doing them to build a great American future.
We’re practically a stone’s throw away from a beautiful new bridge, built with American-made steel from this very facility—because we have great American craftsmen right here in Wisconsin, and we ought to fight for them.
And I know that out in the crowd—and behind me—there are stories of proud work being done every day. Stories of good wages being earned, wages that support families. Stories of products Americans rely on being made right here, with American hands.
That makes me so proud to be your Vice President. To stand here, to take a tour, to see that the American future our children deserve is going to be built by and for American workers. And you—you are the proudest workers in that tradition.
So, God bless you, and thank you.
These folks are proud of what they do. They’re doing something amazing, something that can’t be done almost anywhere else in the world. They’re earning a good wage in the process. That’s what makes America great.
Now, I’ve told you about my Papa—he was a union welder for 42 years. A proud, hardworking man. But before he died, he used to tell me he didn’t know if American manufacturing would ever be as strong in the future as it was in his time.
And I loved him dearly, but I think that’s the wrong attitude. American manufacturing must be strong in the future—or America won’t have a future. Do you think our kids will have a future if we rely on foreign countries to make everything we need?
Do you think we’ll have a future if the pharmaceuticals we put in our children’s bodies are made by a foreign adversary? Do you think we’ll have a future if we can’t even drive over a bridge without asking permission from some foreign country? That’s no way to build a future.
The way to build a future is with American workers. And I’m proud that in Wisconsin, that’s exactly what we’re doing. So, God bless you all.
Now, I want to end on a somber note. We’ve had some fun here, but I’m mindful that we’re just a few minutes away from the Minnesota border—and yesterday, we had a terrible, terrible school shooting in Minneapolis.
I imagine, like many of you, it hits close to home. Even if you don’t know anyone directly affected, a lot of us have just taken our kids to their first day of school these past couple of weeks. In fact, my little boy—five years old, if you’re watching, buddy, Daddy loves you—he started kindergarten just two days ago. We’re so proud of him.
But for families outside Minneapolis, that wonderful, pure moment was pierced by a vicious, evil person.
So, let me just say this. First: remember, we are an American family. The children who lost their lives are your fellow Americans. Those families are your fellow citizens. Think about them. Say a prayer for them. Remember that they are as much a part of us as our neighbors right here in Wisconsin.
Second: when I first heard the news, I was worried the death toll would be even higher. Right now, there are still children in critical condition. They and their families would appreciate your prayers.
Some of the stories are heartbreaking. Ten-year-old kids laying over their friends to protect them. While yesterday was an unspeakable tragedy, it also showed the very best of America. Every friend who shielded another, every first responder, every paramedic who kept the death toll from climbing higher—we love you, we are proud of you, and we will never forget the spirit you showed.
And on that note, there will be a time for politics. A time to debate how to prevent tragedies like this. I won’t speak about that now. But I encourage you to read the statement First Lady Melania Trump put out earlier today. She has a big heart for children, and she is right: this happens too often in our country.
We really do have a mental health crisis in America. We take more psychiatric medication than any other nation on Earth. It’s time to start asking hard questions about the root causes of this violence. I’ll be part of that conversation, and so will the President and First Lady. But before that, I ask you—if you’re the praying type—to join me in prayer.
We say this prayer a lot in my church. It’s short, but it’s meaningful:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Thank you all.
Now, with that, I’ll take some questions from reporters. But thank you again for indulging that moment. It’s important for our fellow Americans to know we’re reaching out our arms around them—that we love them—and you gave me the opportunity to do that. I’m grateful.
Kaden Perry, La Crosse Tribune: A lot of investments in the steel industry—especially the signing of the Nippon and U.S. Steel merger in Pennsylvania—seem to be going to the Rust Belt and major corporations. Can you point to something in your policy that will help small businesses like this one, outside of the conventional Rust Belt hubs?
Vice President Vance: Yeah, first of all, by ensuring that facilities like this have access to American-made steel, we make sure they’re never cut off. I talked to the CEO about this earlier. We want them to always have the supplies they need. That’s critical—because as we learned during COVID, when you rely on foreign countries for critical supplies, you can’t always depend on them. But we can depend on our fellow Americans.
That’s why it’s so important—big corporation or small business—to bring this stuff back to the United States.
Now, you ask: what helps a small business like this one? First, the workers here, when they work overtime, won’t have to pay taxes on those extra hours. That helps the workers and the business.
Second, as Secretary Burgum said earlier: when a plant like this makes a big investment, we want to reward that in the tax code—not penalize it. The Working Families Tax Cut accelerates depreciation so when they buy new equipment or expand their facility, they immediately benefit in the tax code.
For 40 or 50 years, we penalized companies in the tax code for building in America. Under President Trump, we reward them for building here at home.
Charles Benson, TMJ4 Milwaukee: As you know, the President signed an executive order around the National Guard this week—wanting Guard members available for rapid mobilization and establishing a quick reaction force. Would that force be deployed for day-to-day police work? And could a governor, like Wisconsin’s, say no to a deployment?
Vice President Vance: First, the principle is simple: Americans ought to feel safe on American streets.
How many of us have crossed the street because someone was yelling at our kids on the corner? How many of us have felt unsafe walking through our own neighborhoods, in daylight or at night? How ridiculous is it that in America, we have “no-go zones” on streets you paid for with your tax dollars? You ought to be able to enjoy them as citizens.
Now, step back. Washington, D.C. got to a point where it was seeing more than a murder every other day. Carjackings, armed robberies rivaling third-world countries. The President said: “Enough is enough. This is America’s city.” He deployed the National Guard.
Look at the results: in just 14 days, armed robberies, carjackings, murders—down 40 to 90 percent. Even D.C.’s Democratic mayor admitted she was grateful. People can finally enjoy their capital city again.
That’s what this is about. It’s your city—you paid for it—you should feel safe there.
Now, as for Wisconsin: the President has said governors and mayors should ask for the help. He’s not forcing it on anyone. But yes, we do believe the federal government has the legal right to clean up America’s streets if necessary. The hope, though, is that mayors and governors invite us in.
Milwaukee, for example—beautiful city, great people, but yes, it’s had crime problems. Why is it that mayors get angrier about Donald Trump offering help than about their own residents being carjacked or murdered? It doesn’t make sense.
And let me just say this: yesterday at lunch, the President joked, “Somehow I got Democrats to come out in defense of crime.” If he said tomorrow that he loved puppies, AOC would come out and declare puppies terrible. That’s how crazy it’s gotten.
Matt Smith, WISN Milwaukee: To what you just said—Milwaukee’s mayor recently said “absolutely not” to National Guard troops. Would the administration ever enter Milwaukee without an invitation?
Vice President Vance: Again, we want to be invited in. We want to help our fellow citizens.
Look at Milwaukee’s crime rates. Look at certain neighborhoods where people are afraid to go out even during the day. We’d love to help cut crime. But the President has been consistent from the start: he wants to be asked.
And let’s remember—most violent crime is committed by a very small number of people. In Milwaukee, a few hundred people may commit 90% of the violent crime. We’d love to come in and lock them up. I hope Milwaukee’s mayor gets some common sense and fights for her residents.
Anthony De Bruisie, Spectrum News Wisconsin: Governor Evers has requested a disaster declaration from President Trump after flooding in Milwaukee. Can Wisconsinites count on financial help?
Vice President Vance: Look, we want to help. I know Wisconsin has suffered serious flooding. I haven’t spoken with the President yet—he may not even be aware the governor’s request has arrived. But I’ll take it back to Washington and make sure we respond promptly.
Daniel Gomez, WAU Eau Claire: You’ve been touring battleground districts, including Wisconsin’s 3rd. Can we expect you back next year for the midterms? And will you address local issues like agriculture, childcare, and healthcare?
Vice President Vance: Well, do you want me back? (Applause.) Okay then, yes—I’ll be back.
You ask about agriculture. The Working Families Tax Cut does a lot for farmers. If you buy a new tractor or farm equipment, the tax code now rewards you instead of penalizing you. Farmers were huge supporters of this bill.
On healthcare—our rural healthcare system is in bad shape, left broken by the last administration. This bill puts tens of billions into shoring it up. Democrats say it’s “bad for healthcare”? Were they awake the last four years, when hospitals and clinics closed under Biden? We’re fixing that.
We want citizens to access healthcare—citizens, not illegal immigrants. That’s the difference.
Laura Schulty, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How long will Milwaukee have to wait for a disaster declaration?
Vice President Vance: We got the request just yesterday. It may not have even reached the President’s desk yet—it can take more than 12 hours. Now that I’m aware, we’ll make sure it gets reviewed promptly. We love Wisconsin, and we want to help.
Adam Roberts, WTMJ Milwaukee: Why didn’t the President or you tour southeast Wisconsin after the flooding, as you did in Texas?
Vice President Vance: Simple answer: in Texas, the President waited until law enforcement said his visit wouldn’t interfere with recovery. When the President or VP travels, there’s heavy security. He didn’t want to distract from rescue efforts. He wanted to show up and help—not just for a photo op.
Jeff Morrock, Washington Times: There are still many people in prison pardoned under President Biden’s autopen. Should they be released?
Vice President Vance: Look, there’s something weird about this autopen. You had staff admitting Biden wasn’t mentally fit for office, yet allegedly signing binding presidential pardons. Raises real questions about legitimacy.
I’ll let the courts figure it out. But the bigger issue is this: how did the media and Democratic leaders conspire to hide from Americans that the President wasn’t fit to do the job? This is about more than policy. If the phone rings at 3:00 a.m. with a national security emergency, does the person answering have the ability to lead?
If the answer is no, then every American—Democrat, Republican, Independent—was defrauded. The Biden presidency is the biggest example of the media defrauding the American people.
Vice President Vance: On that note, thank you again for having us. Remember: every single day in Washington, we are fighting for you. Fighting for your jobs, your wages, your taxes, your healthcare. We believe the most important thing a President can do is put the interests of Americans first.
That’s what we’ve done for seven months, and that’s what we’ll keep doing for the next three and a half years. God bless you all, and thank you.