Rep. Tony Wied, R-Wis., told Newsmax on Friday that severe flooding across Wisconsin is colliding with what he called Democrat obstruction on funding the Department of Homeland Security, leaving critical agencies like FEMA at risk during a crisis.
Wied, appearing on "Bianca Across the Nation," described a worsening situation in his home state as heavy rains threaten infrastructure.
"We're dealing with major flooding right now, serious risks to dams where FEMA is going to be needed," he said, warning that federal disaster support will be essential.
Wied also singled out Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., criticizing her votes against DHS funding as the state faces a growing natural disaster.
"Our senator, Tammy Baldwin, continues to vote to defund FEMA along with the Department of Homeland Security," Wied said.
Wied emphasized that he has repeatedly backed full funding for DHS, but those efforts have stalled in Washington.
"I voted four times to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, and Democrats continue to be obstructionist, continue to fight, fight, fight against President [Donald] Trump at all costs, while meanwhile putting Americans at risk," Wied said.
He added that the funding impasse is already affecting workers, noting that many DHS employees have gone without pay for weeks.
"They're not even hitting their intended target," Wied said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "They're taking away pay for the great men and women of TSA … taking away funding for FEMA."
He argued the dysfunction reflects deeper problems in Congress, particularly in the Senate.
"The Senate is broken," Wied said. "That's why we need to go through the reconciliation process, Republicans alone, and get DHS fully funded once and for all."
Wied framed Democrat opposition as politically motivated rather than policy-driven.
"In my short time here in politics … the reason that they're doing it is to be obstructionist, to stop the successes of Republicans and President Trump at all costs," Wied said. "They're willing to inflict pain on the American people. That's the only thing I can see — it is completely political."
Back home, Wied described a dire situation across multiple counties, with floodwaters rising and communities scrambling to respond.
"It is a disaster, no question," he said. "We're getting so much rain right now and it's putting many of the dams at serious risk."
Still, Wied praised residents for coming together in the face of hardship.
"We're seeing people coming from all over to help, whether they're filling sandbags, doing everything they can to help their neighbors in need," he said. "I just cannot give the people of northeastern Wisconsin enough credit. They really are sticking together and helping each other."
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.