On August 28, 2025, Vice President JD Vance made his first trip back to Wisconsin since the November 2024 election, speaking at Mid-City Steel, a steel fabrication company, in La Crosse.

His visit aimed to highlight President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a major tax and spending law signed on July 4, 2025.

Vance focused on how the bill supports American workers and boosts manufacturing, especially in Wisconsin, a key swing state.

Why Did Vance Visit Wisconsin?

Vance chose Mid-City Steel, a steel fabrication facility in La Crosse, to promote the bill’s benefits for manufacturing and working families.

Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector is vital, employing nearly half a million people and contributing over $70 billion annually to the state’s economy.

The visit was part of a broader tour of swing states, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, to reshape public opinion on the bill ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Wisconsin’s close 2024 election, where Trump and Vance won by less than 1%, made it a strategic stop to rally support.

Vance emphasized the bill’s tax cuts, including no taxes on overtime and tips, which he said helps workers keep more of their earnings. He stated, “If you spend an extra hour at work, the government ought to keep its hands the hell out of your pocket.”

This quote reflects his push to frame the bill as a win for the middle class, despite criticism from Democrats who argue it harms low-income families by cutting Medicaid and food assistance programs.

During his 20-minute speech, Vance praised the bill for encouraging U.S. manufacturing and supporting local jobs.

He highlighted its tax policies, saying, “What the working families tax cuts did is simple, ladies and gentlemen.

It let you keep more money in your pocket.” He also defended the bill’s controversial cuts to healthcare for immigrants, stating, “This legislation guarantees that hardworking Americans are going to have access to their Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits, but what this bill refuses to do is to give your hard-earned benefits to people who don’t have the legal right to be in this country.”

These remarks aimed to appeal to highlight the administration’s “America First” approach.

Why Mid-City Steel and La Crosse?

La Crosse, located in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, is a competitive area for the 2026 midterms, making it a key spot for Vance’s visit. Mid-City Steel was chosen to showcase the bill’s focus on revitalizing American manufacturing.

The facility represents Wisconsin’s strong industrial tradition, and Vance used the setting to connect with workers, local students, and Republican supporters. He was joined by Rep. Derrick Van Orden and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, reinforcing the event’s political weight.

The visit also addressed local issues, like Vance’s promise to review Wisconsin’s request for federal flood relief aid after recent Milwaukee flooding.

Wisconsin Steel Production: 1995 vs. Today

Wisconsin’s steel industry has changed significantly since 1995. Back then, the state’s manufacturing sector, including steel, was a powerhouse, driven by companies like Charter Steel and Nucor.

While exact steel production figures for 1995 are hard to pin down, the industry employed around 500,000 workers and contributed billions to the economy, similar to today.

However, economic challenges like inflation and labor shortages have impacted growth. In 2025, manufacturing, including steel, still employs nearly 500,000 people and adds over $70 billion to Wisconsin’s GDP annually.

Steel production remains steady but faces hurdles like global competition.

The early 2000s were a peak period for U.S. steel output, with Wisconsin benefiting from high demand.

For a detailed look at Wisconsin’s manufacturing history, check the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Today, steel fabrication, like at Mid-City Steel, focuses on specialized products, supported by policies like Trump’s tariffs, which Vance claimed would boost local jobs by discouraging overseas manufacturing.

More Important Information

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes tax cuts for workers and corporations but also cuts to Medicaid and food assistance.

Protesters at the La Crosse event called the bill the “Big Ugly Bill,” accusing it of favoring the wealthy.

Despite this, Vance framed it as a “Working Families Tax Cut,” promising benefits like $3,183 in savings for Wisconsinites in 2026 and $10,000 more take-home pay for a family of four.

A Marquette University Law School poll showed 59% of voters opposed the bill, highlighting Vance’s challenge in winning public support.

Vance also touched on public safety, claiming the bill’s $100 billion for law enforcement would combat drug cartels and reduce crime.

He referenced a recent drop in violent crime in Washington, D.C., as proof of the administration’s success.

JD Vance’s visit to Mid-City Steel in La Crosse on August 28, 2025, was a strategic move to promote Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” in a key swing state.

By focusing on tax cuts and manufacturing, Vance aimed to connect with Wisconsin workers while addressing local concerns like flood relief.

Despite opposition, he stood firm on the bill’s benefits, saying, “The American future that our children rely on is going to be built by and for American workers.”

As Wisconsin’s steel industry navigates modern challenges, Vance’s visit underscores its importance to the state’s economy and the 2026 midterms.

Reference: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation