Bill hung up since 2018-19 session by Republican opposition.

MADISON – Today, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) echoed Senator Bob Wirch’s (D-Somers) call for Republicans to stop obstructing needed funding for the MIA Project. Since 2015, UW-Madison has run this program which assists with the recovery of remains of MIA service members. Senator Wirch introduced a bipartisan bill in the 2018-19 session to provide $180,000 for the MIA project but the Republican majority would not hold a vote on the bill. In his latest budget, Governor Evers included the same level of funding but Republicans removed it. The GOP also rejected a standalone bill authored by Senator Wirch this session.

In appreciation of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Senator Agard released the following statement on this important program and continued Republican obstruction:

“MIA families deserve closure and the ability to heal on their own terms. The MIA Project is an important service to these families who have lost so much. I fully support Senator Wirch and Governor Evers’ efforts to provide additional state funding for the MIA Recovery Project. It’s time for Republicans to stop playing politics and simply support the families of our lost service members.”