{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"MI\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399223", "Adrian Daily Telegram: A look at 2016's accomplishments and some of 2017's opportunities", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As 2016 draws to a close, and we look expectantly to the New Year, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve Michigan's 7th District and pause to reflect on the previous 12 months. In the past year, we hosted more than 40 coffee hours and townhall meetings in every corner of the district to listen to the people's priorities.\u00a0Here in Lenawee County, we held these public forums in places like the Lenawee ISD Tech Center, Family Kitchen in Adrian, Big Boy in Tecumseh, Karen's Uptown Kafe in Hudson and more locations.My office worked nonstop in 2016 to provide first-class constituent services. We organized multiple senior resource fairs, veterans fairs, and our sixth annual job fair - which, with more than 50 local employers and organizations in attendance, was our largest one to date.When constituents faced difficulties with federal agencies, my dedicated casework team was there to cut through red tape. In total, we assisted with more than 1,000 individual cases, helping to navigate Social Security, secure veteran benefits, resolve passport issues and more.In the House of Representatives, we advanced meaningful bipartisan initiatives to create good-paying jobs, combat the heroin epidemic, accelerate medical breakthroughs and keep the American people safe.To boost workforce development and manufacturing, I helped champion and pass the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This bipartisan bill would modernize and expand CTE programs to help more students obtain the in-demand skills and jobs of the future.In so many of our communities, opioid and heroin addiction is tearing families apart. Working alongside health care professionals, law enforcement and recovery groups, we passed, and President Obama signed into law, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act to tackle this alarming epidemic from every angle.The life-saving 21st Century Cures Act also became law this year. It is a landmark initiative to invest in medical research, streamline outdated bureaucracy, and expedite the development of new cures and treatments. Significantly, the law included long-sought reforms to improve our nation's mental health care system.In 2016, we also enacted a series of measures to enhance care and resources for veterans, including my Medal of Honor Priority Care Act, and gave our troops their biggest pay raise in six years.The close of one year brings new opportunities for the next. As we look ahead to 2017, significant work remains:- The tax code is complex and unfair and needs to be overhauled to increase take-home pay and encourage economic growth.- Obamacare is unaffordable and unworkable and needs to be replaced with patient-centered solutions to lower costs and increase competition.- Excessive, overreaching regulations are stifling innovation and need to be reduced to help workers, farmers and small businesses succeed.With a new president and Congress, 2017 promises to be an exciting and productive year.The stage is set to focus on restoring the people's voice, providing relief from heavy-handed policies, and growing jobs and opportunity for a healthy economy here at home.The American people are ready for real change and real results, and in 2017, we are ready to deliver.U.S. House Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, represents Michigan's 7th Congressional District. This op-ed originally appeared in the December 28 edition of the Adrian Daily Telegram.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-following-united-nations-security-council-vote-on-israel", "Senator Stabenow Statement Following United Nations Security Council Vote on Israel", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement Following United Nations Security Council Vote on Israel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 27, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following the United Nations Security Council\u2019s vote regarding Israel:\r\n\u201cI strongly disagree with the United States\u2019 abstention which allowed a one-sided resolution concerning Israel to be adopted. This resolution is not the way to achieve peace and undermines opportunities for direct negotiations.\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-nominates-45-michigan-students-to-military-academies", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 45 Michigan Students to Military Academies", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 45 Michigan Students to Military Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMonday, December 26, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced today that she has nominated 45 Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMichigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cHaving demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.\u201d\r\nStudents seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenow\u2019s office went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.\u00a0\r\nThe following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region):\r\nSoutheast Michigan:\r\nFarzad Baghaie \u2013 Northville, Naval Academy\r\nOlivia Bennett \u2013 Clarkston, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nTyler Blythe \u2013 Howell, Air Force Academy\r\nGurjiwan Chahal \u2013 Shelby Township, West Point\r\nMatthew Dahn \u2013 Warren, Air Force Academy\r\nMulgetta Fritz \u2013 Birmingham, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJason Hires \u2013 Ann Arbor, Air Force Academy\r\nJared Jenkins \u2013 Detroit, Air Force Academy\r\nDaniel Keith \u2013 Saline, Air Force Academy\r\nTristan Klein \u2013 Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy\r\nJason Kopp \u2013 Grosse Ile, West Point\r\nJohn Libcke \u2013 West Bloomfield, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJordan McGinnis \u2013 Ann Arbor, Naval Academy\r\nShreyans Munot \u2013 Rochester Hills, West Point\r\nJessica Reimchen \u2013 Lake Orion, West Point\r\nCharles Renfroe \u2013 West Bloomfield, Air Force Academy\r\nKadie Sardo \u2013 Holly, Air Force Academy\r\nNathan Schubring \u2013 Plymouth, Naval Academy\r\nFaith Van Havel \u2013 Hudson, Air Force Academy\r\nDaniel Vela \u2013 Novi, Air Force Academy\r\nPeter Veltigian \u2013 Oxford, Air Force Academy\r\nWest Michigan:\r\nLuke Ensing \u2013 Grandville, West Point\r\nConnor Fischer \u2013 Grandville, West Point\r\nTyler Friend \u2013 Grant, Air Force Academy\r\nLydia Kamps \u2013 Zeeland, Air Force Academy\r\nCreston Martin \u2013 Mattawan, Air Force Academy\r\nJoseph Murphy \u2013 Grand Rapids, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nEric Petoskey \u2013 Centreville, Air Force Academy\r\nClaire Podiak \u2013 Portage, Naval Academy\r\nStephanie Rauhoff \u2013 Richland, Air Force Academy\r\nJarrod Torr \u2013 Kentwood, Naval Academy\r\nUpper Peninsula:\r\nLeigha Woelffer \u2013 Gladstone, West Point\r\nCali Holmes \u2013 Menominee, Air Force Academy\r\nNorthern Michigan:\r\nSawyer Hodson \u2013 Indian River, Air Force Academy\r\nCamille Madion \u2013 Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\nChristian Stellin \u2013 Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\nMid-Michigan:\r\nZachary Calderone \u2013 Jackson, West Point\r\nIsaac Coolidge \u2013 Eaton Rapids, Air Force Academy\r\nByron Gallagher III \u2013 East Lansing, Naval Academy\r\nAnthony Stone \u2013 Lansing, Naval Academy\r\nFlint/Great Lakes Bay Region:\r\nIsabelle Hynan \u2013 Flint, Air Force Academy\r\nJacob Kelly \u2013 Flint, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJack Lee \u2013 Frankenmuth, Air Force Academy\r\nElizabeth Mansour \u2013 Grand Blanc, West Point\r\nAnnMarie Moolenaar \u2013 Midland, West Point\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-united-nations-security-council-resolution-vote-on-israel", "Peters Statement on United Nations Security Council Resolution Vote on Israel", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.16\n\t\t\t Peters Statement on United Nations Security Council Resolution Vote on Israel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement ahead of the United Nations Security Council's vote regarding Israel:\r\nI am concerned that one-sided actions against Israel at the United Nations would undermine any future efforts to bring Israelis and Palestinians to the table. We need to focus on achieving a two-state solution that would bring peace and security to Israel and a future Palestinian state. The resolution currently being considered by the United Nations Security Council would mark a significant step backwards with respect to the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian people, and I urge the Administration to do everything to ensure this resolution is not considered or adopted by the Security Council.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-fairness-for-veterans-amendment-signed-into-law", "Sen. Peters Fairness for Veterans Amendment Signed into Law", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters' Fairness for Veterans Amendment Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan Veterans Provision, Championed by Peters, Passed by Congress Earlier this Month\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  Today, President Obama signed into law a bipartisan provision introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military due to negative behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The Fairness for Veterans amendment, which Peters authored, was included in the final National Defense Authorization Act conference report that passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this month.\r\nThis legislation will give our brave men and women who are suffering from the invisible wounds of war an opportunity to access the benefits they've earned through their service, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I applaud President Obama for signing this critical provision into law, and I will continue fighting so that servicemembers transitioning back to civilian life have the support they need.\r\nA less than honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments  behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. A less than honorable discharge renders servicemembers ineligible for certain benefits, including Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans.\r\nThe provision signed into law codifies the principles of the 2014 Hagel memo to give liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. Additionally, the amendment extends the policy to PTSD or TBI that is related to military sexual trauma.\r\nThe legislation, which Peters introduced with Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), has broad support from major veteran groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Soldiers and Sailors of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Swords to Plowshares. Congressmen Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Tim Walz (D-MN) introduced similar legislation and led the effort to pass the provision in the House of Representatives.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-passing-mandell-bill-berman", "Levin Statement on Passing of Mandell (Bill) Berman", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today released the following statement on the passing of Mandell (Bill) Berman:\n\u201cBill Berman brought home from his active service in World War II a deepened determination to live a good life and help others from all walks of life be able to do so.\n\u201cWhat followed was an incomparable role with his beloved wife Madge in assisting and ennobling life in Jewish communities in greater Detroit and far beyond, and in a huge variety of other communities throughout his beloved nation.\n\u201cBill Berman helped in innumerable ways to build a better world, and for many, many of us the world will now be a very different place without him.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398737", "2016: The Year in Review and A Look Ahead", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a new report titled \u201c2016: The Year in Review and A Look Ahead\u201d which outlines legislative and policy priorities his office tackled in 2016 and sets priorities for the new year ahead in 2017. \r\n\u201cWe had a busy 2016 focusing on common-sense, bipartisan solutions to problems facing families and businesses here in Southwest Michigan and across the country,\u201d said Upton. \u201cWe were able to make enormous progress and I\u2019m looking forward to the new year as we still have much work to do. In 2017, we plan on pursuing an ambitious agenda that will tackle issues of great importance. Working together, I\u2019m excited and optimistic about the opportunities before us as we continue to get the job done for folks in Southwest Michigan.\u201d \r\nThe report breaks down 10 specific policy areas in which Congressman Upton has been a bipartisan community leader; 21st Century Cures, jobs and the economy, healthcare, national security and veterans, education, the Great Lakes and our environment, energy, the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic, infrastructure, and good government and oversight. \r\nClick HERE to read the report. \r\nClick HERE to read Upton\u2019s top 16 success stories of 2016 \r\nClick HERE to see Upton\u2019s photos of the year. \r\nClick HERE to read the six must-read op-ed\u2019s from Upton this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-miller-lahood-great-lakes-legislation-signed-law", "Dingell, Miller, LaHood Great Lakes Legislation Signed into Law", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 President Obama signed into law the bipartisan Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act introduced by U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Candice Miller (MI-10), and Darin LaHood (IL-18) to provide critical resources and funding to conserve and restore fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes. The legislation was included as a provision of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, and it reauthorizes the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act for the first time since 2006.\n\u201cWater is a part of who we are in Michigan, and as someone who grew up on the St. Clair River, protecting the Great Lakes is personal to me and to so many who call our state home,\u201d said Rep. Dingell. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the President signed into law this critical legislation that will protect the wildlife habitats that make our state unique and provide countless opportunities for recreation, support economic development, create jobs and benefit our environment. I\u2019d like to thank Reps. Miller and LaHood for their partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line and for their dedication to protecting the Great Lakes for future generations.\u201d\n\u201cThose of us who grew up along the shores of the Great Lakes understand that they are more than just a recreational joy, they are a way of life,\u201d said Rep. Candice Miller. \u201cSupporting billions of dollars in commercial and recreational industries per year, they are how we put food on the table, how we pay the mortgage. The recent reauthorization of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is critical to protecting the ecosystems that provide us with not only our way of life, but 20% of the world\u2019s fresh drinking water supply. This critical legislation will help preserve the habitat of the entire Great Lakes basin for generations to come.\u201d\n\u201cI am pleased to see legislation that I introduced in the House earlier this year signed into law by the President. As a father who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, modernizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will revamp conservation efforts for outdoorsmen and increase economic opportunities for our fishermen,\u201d stated Rep. LaHood. \u201cI want to thank my colleagues, Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Candice Miller, for joining me in introducing this legislation and for their bipartisan efforts to protect our Great Lakes and wildlife conservation efforts. The Midwest is the fortunate home of the beautiful Great Lakes region, and improving its conservation will surely improve the state\u2019s commercial, recreational, and preservation activities throughout our waterways.\u201d\n\u201cDucks Unlimited is pleased that the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act was reauthorized in WIIN, and we appreciate Reps. Dingell, Miller and LaHood\u2019s roles and all the bipartisan support the act garnered,\u201d said Gildo Tori, director of public policy for Ducks Unlimited\u2019s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. \u201cThis act will ensure much-needed fish and wildlife habitat restoration will continue for the benefit of sportsmen and women, and all Great Lakes basin residents.\u201d\n\u201cThe Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is premier legislation that devotes important funds to the protection and recovery of the region\u2019s living natural resources,\u201d said Great Lakes Fishery Commission chair David Ullrich. \u201cFor more than twenty-five years, officials from the eight Great Lakes states and the tribes have used the act to identify top priorities for restoration and direct funds to where they are most needed to get the best return on investment. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission looks forward to working with Congresswoman Dingell, Congresswoman Miller, Congressman LaHood, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the basin\u2019s many partners in implementing this legislation.\u201d\nThe Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016 authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide assistance to local groups for cooperative conservation, restoration, and management of fish and wildlife and their habitats. It also makes it easier for local groups to come up with matching funds, which means more conservation and restoration projects that improve water quality, protect species habitat, and improve access for outdoor recreation.\nSince 1998, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act has provided federal funding to 157 research and restoration projects in the Great Lakes Basin \u2013 from restoring habitat for the Kirtland Warbler, an endangered species, to detecting the successful reproduction of Lake Trout in southern Michigan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-naming-dr-peter-navarro-head-white-house-national-trade-council", "Levin Statement on Naming of Dr. Peter Navarro as Head of White House National Trade Council", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (MI-09) today released the following statement after it was announced that Dr. Peter Navarro will head the White House National Trade Council:\n\u201cAs someone who has been critical of past U.S. policy regarding China and its gross manipulation of currency and repeated and massive unfair trade practices, the challenge now is to move beyond the bluster and often dangerous suggestions of the President-elect and develop effective, responsible polices that make things better for the U.S. workers and businesses in the global economy, not worse.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398733", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Top 16 Success Stories", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of his top 16 success stories of 2016. \r\n\u201cWe had a busy year, and despite the odds, we were able to accomplish big things in 2016,\u201d said Upton. \u201cFrom top-notch constituent service operations, to legislative accomplishments such as a national defense bill that aims to provide the largest pay-raise to our troops in six years, water infrastructure improvements and updates that specifically helped Flint residents, meaningful mental health reforms, and, of course, the groundbreaking 21st Century Cures Act that will bring faster cures to patients in need, Congress worked together in 2016 to accomplish tremendous things for the American people.\u201d\r\nBelow are 16 examples of that bipartisan success from 2016: \r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Game-changing medical innovation bill, 21st Century Cures, now law \r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Unmatched constituent services \u00a0\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Federal aid for Flint \r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sweeping, bipartisan opioid abuse package signed into law \r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Landmark, bipartisan mental health reform legislation signed into law \r\n6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 President Obama signs bipartisan pipeline safety legislation into law \r\n7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The most meaningful chemical safety reforms in a quarter century signed into law\r\n8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Upton/Peters defense legislation signed into law \r\n9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bipartisan legislation to protect sexual assault survivors signed into law\r\n10.\u00a0 A significant victory for Ibrahim Parlak to stay in the United States \r\n11.\u00a0 Critical defense bill aims to give our troops their biggest pay-raise in six years \r\n12.\u00a0 Michigan delegation continues bipartisan fight for Fort Custer \r\n13.\u00a0 Funding to fight the Zika virus \r\n14.\u00a0 Local FIRST Robotics teams take center stage in Washington, D.C.\r\n15.\u00a0 Advancing bipartisan legislation to support the health of our Great Lakes \r\n16.\u00a0 Bipartisan, bicameral legislation to honor South Haven Vietnam War veteran with Medal of Honor moves forward\r\n\u00a0BONUS: The Chicago Cubs winning the World Series", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-pocan-lead-24-heartland-members-urging-leadership-expand", "Dingell, Pocan Lead 24 Heartland Members in Urging Leadership to Expand Economic Opportunities in Manufacturing Communities Harmed by Outsourcing", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) led a letter with 24 House Members from Heartland states to Majority Leader McConnell, Leader-elect Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi urging immediate action in the upcoming Congress to expand economic opportunities in manufacturing communities harmed by the outsourcing of American jobs.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThe frustration and despair felt by workers in our region is palpable, and the discourse during the year\u2019s election detailing the lack of opportunity for the working class underscores the need for solutions to these challenges. Congress has a responsibility to address their concerns and work together to strengthen the economic stability of these communities,\u201d the letter states. \u201cToo many working class families in our districts have been left behind because of the outsourcing of American jobs. It is critical Congress takes immediate action to jumpstart the economic prosperity of these communities.\u201d\nThe letter to Congressional Leadership was signed by Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-IL), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI), Sander M. Levin (D-MI), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Gwen S. Moore (D-WI), Richard M. Nolan (D-MN), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Pete Visclosky (D-IN). \u00a0\nThe text of the letter is below, and you can find an electronic copy here.\nDear Majority Leader McConnell, Leader-elect Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi:\nWe write today to urge immediate action in the 115th Congress to expand economic opportunity in communities harmed by the outsourcing of American jobs.\nOur states encompass communities that once served as thriving hubs for manufacturing and development, providing the opportunity for working class families to achieve the American Dream. In recent decades, the livelihoods of these workers have been pulled out from beneath them. We have watched too many factories shutter their doors and too many workers lose their jobs, decimating these neighborhoods and leaving families behind.\u00a0\nThe frustration and despair felt by workers in our region is palpable, and the discourse during the year\u2019s election detailing the lack of opportunity for the working class underscores the need for solutions to these challenges. Congress has a responsibility to address their concerns and work together to strengthen the economic stability of these communities.\nFor these reasons, we urge Congress to prioritize the consideration and passage of legislation consistent with the following principles:\n1. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should close loopholes in our tax code which reward companies that ship jobs overseas and punish companies that stay in the United States and invest in American workers.\n2. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Federal contracting and procurement policies should give preference to American labor and domestic-made goods so our taxpayer dollars benefit working class families in the United States.\n3. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should increase investments in education and prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing and other industries that will be pivotal in the 21st century economy.\n4. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Trade Adjustment Assistance and retraining programs should be improved and expanded to give workers the opportunity to get back on their feet when confronting job displacement.\n5. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should expand access to quality broadband services and increased telecommunications connectivity so all communities have the digital resources that are necessary to compete in our digital economy.\n6. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The promise of a secure retirement must be upheld by preserving benefits that workers have paid into and earned, including Social Security, Medicare, and workplace pension guarantees.\nToo many working class families in our districts have been left behind because of the outsourcing of American jobs. It is critical Congress takes immediate action to jumpstart the economic prosperity of these communities by passing legislation that adheres to the principles listed above.\u00a0\nWe hope you will stand with us and our constituents during the 115th Congress to advance these goals and revive the American Dream for workers across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://trott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-trott-fights-protect-egypt-s-coptic-community", "Rep. Trott Offers Solidarity in Egypt's Fight to Protect Coptic Christian Community", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Dave Trott", "T000475", "trott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC:\u00a0 U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11), Michigan\u2019s only Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, recently led a bipartisan effort in Congress condemning multiple terrorist attacks targeting local security and Coptic Christians, as well as vowing to continue protecting religious minorities in the Middle East.\u00a0\n\u201cAs the representative of a vibrant Coptic Christian population in Southeast Michigan, I was deeply saddened by the recent terror attacks in Egypt targeting local security and Coptic Christians. Christianity in the Middle East has been under increasing attacks from groups like ISIS and it\u2019s critical that protect these indigenous populations and all vulnerable communities from further attacks. I am encouraged by the bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined me in writing to the Egyptian Ambassador to express our condolences and I am also encouraged by the cooperation we\u2019ve seen from the Egyptian government to stand against these kinds of disgraceful terror attacks,\u201d said Rep. Trott.\u00a0\nRep. Trott and other lawmakers wrote Egyptian Ambassador Yasser Reda, following the December 11 suicide attack, targeting Coptic Christians inside St. Peter\u2019s Church adjacent to the Coptic Cathedral. As many as 25 people were killed, with dozens injured.\nBelow is the text of the letter sent to Ambassador Reda:\nHis Excellency Ambassador Yasser Reda\n\tEmbassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt\n\t3521 International Court NW\n\tWashington, DC 20008  \n\t\u00a0\nDecember 20, 2016\nDear Ambassador Reda,\nFor decades, our two countries have sustained a strong relationship rooted in deep cultural, economic, and security ties and shared interests. Due to the rapidly changing dynamics in the world, the strength of the United States-Egypt relationship is critical in maintaining a balance in the Middle East. \nFrom the establishment of diplomatic relations in the 1920s, to the signing of the historic Camp David Accords in 1979, to our current fight in the War on Terror, our relationship has transcended history, armed conflicts, and various crises. We\u2019ve established a firm relationship built on an unbreakable bond of respect, trust and honesty. \nWe write today to extend our condolences and deepest sympathies regarding the multiple terrorist attacks that have taken place in Cairo within the past weeks. On December 9th, six police officers were killed and three were wounded in an attack targeting local security outside of a mosque in Giza. Two days later on December 11th, a public holiday celebrating the birth of The Prophet, a suicide bomber targeting Coptic Christians detonated explosives inside St. Peter\u2019s Church adjacent to the Coptic Cathedral. Reports indicate that at least 25 were killed, with dozens injured. The vile evil of terrorism spares no religion. \nWe are very encouraged that President Sisi regularly promotes a narrative that stresses inclusiveness amongst all Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike. This has been well documented with his leadership in becoming the first Egyptian President to attend a Christmas Liturgy this past January, promising to rebuild all the Coptic Churches and religious institutions that were victims of terrorism in August 2013, and his regular calls to purge religious discourse of extremism. In a strong show of national unity, the Egyptian Government immediately called for a 3 day mourning period and gave the martyrs of the December 11th attack a State funeral procession attended by the President and other high-ranking officials.\nIn the next three weeks, Egyptians all over the country will celebrate various events. Recently, ISIS and Muslim Brotherhood affiliated groups have threatened to continue their attacks and specifically target local police and Coptic Christian communities. With a recent uptick in terrorism spreading from the Sinai Peninsula to the more crowded metropolitan areas of Egypt, it is our hope and belief that your security forces will ensure the utmost protection and security for all Egyptians as they begin a festive time of the year. \nAs always, we look forward to cooperating with you on these matters as Egypt fends off its various challenges and our unmistakable relationship grows even stronger.\nVery Respectfully,\nDave Trott\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBrad Sherman\nJeff Fortenberry\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nAlbio Sires\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nSteve Chabot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nLee Zeldin\nDana Rohrabacher\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nChris Smith\nMike Bishop\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBill Huizenga\nAnna Eshoo\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nSteve King\nSince coming to Congress, Rep. Trott has been Michigan\u2019s leading voice on foreign affairs and\nHas introduced legislation to require the U.S. State Department to report on the status of Christian properties that were burned, damaged, or otherwise destroyed in Egypt, during the period of sectarian violence in August 2013.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-tours-omega-plastics-holds-roundtable-with-local-manufacturers", "Peters Tours Omega Plastics, Holds Roundtable with Local Manufacturers", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.16\n\t\t\t Peters Tours Omega Plastics, Holds Roundtable with Local Manufacturers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Peters' Bill Supporting Small and Medium Manufacturers to be Signed into Law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) today toured Omega Plastics in Clinton Township and held a roundtable with local manufacturers to highlight bipartisan legislation he introduced, which was unanimously approved by Congress, to improve advanced manufacturing by strengthening the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)  a public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\nSmall and mid-sized manufacturers are using advanced technologies to build innovative products that change lives, create jobs and grow our economy, said Senator Peters. I'm pleased my bipartisan legislation supporting manufacturers like Omega Plastics will soon be signed into law, so that programs like the Manufacturing Extension Partnership can continue to support even more Michigan businesses looking to grow and succeed.\r\nOmega Plastics' work with MMTC has provided additional awareness and marketing exposure we have had the opportunity to benefit from, said Jeff Kaczperski, President of Omega Plastics. With the support of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, our company continues to focus on providing our customers with innovative solutions and services that ultimately produce new products intended to help make people's lives better. We were honored to welcome Senator Peters to our facility, and we support his efforts to ensure American small manufacturers can keep pace with our international competitors.\r\nPeters, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, is a strong supporter of Michigan's manufacturing industry. Peters' bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which recently passed unanimously in the Senate and the House, helps expand and strengthen the MEP program to reach more small and medium-sized manufacturers. MEP centers across the country offer resources that enable manufacturers to compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Michigan's MEP affiliate, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has provided advice and technical expertise to Michigan businesses like Omega Plastics for 25 years.\r\nMMTC is proud to work with businesses like Omega Plastics that are keeping Michigan at the forefront of innovation and advanced manufacturing, said Mike Coast, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. MMTC has been working for 25 years to support Michigan's small and mid-sized manufacturers, and Senator Peters' legislation to expand the Manufacturing Extension Partnership will help us provide services and resources to additional businesses across the state. I appreciate Senator Peters' leadership on this issue, and I am pleased his legislation was recently approved by Congress so MMTC can continue offering tools to keep Michigan businesses globally competitive.\r\nFounded in 1984, Omega Plastics is a recognized leader in quick turnaround plastic injection mold manufacturing and injection molding for the medical, automotive, commercial/consumer, electrical/electronic, aerospace and defense industries. The company specializes in functional prototype/development, short runs and low to mid volume applications for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurs launching a new product.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-applauds-nearly-10-million-public-investment-for-two-land-and-water-conservation-projects-in-michigan", "Stabenow Applauds Nearly $10 Million Public Investment for Two Land and Water Conservation Projects in Michigan", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow Applauds Nearly $10 Million Public Investment for Two Land and Water Conservation Projects in Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Support made possible by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, created by Stabenow\u2019s 2014 Farm Bill \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s announcement of nearly $10 million in federal funding, that will be matched by private investments, to support land and water conservation in the Lower Grand River Watershed and Huron River Watershed. Support for these two projects \u2013 as well as six ongoing projects in Michigan \u2013 comes through the 2014 Farm Bill\u2019s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, authored by Stabenow.\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is great news for our farmers and local partners who are committed to restoring the Lower Grand River and Huron River watersheds and builds on the historic investments in land and water conservation that we have already made across Michigan,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cWhen we established this program in the Farm Bill, it was exactly these types of innovative partnerships \u2013 along with the ongoing partnerships to protect the Saginaw Bay, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, St. Joseph, and others \u2013 that we envisioned.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Grand Valley Metro Council is very pleased to hear that funds were awarded through the RCPP program to further our conservation efforts in the Lower Grand River Watershed,\u201d said John Weiss, Executive Director of the Grand Valley Metro Council. \u201cThe funds will restore habitat in the Grand River and address resource concerns in agricultural areas upstream. We are excited to be working with so many partners on this regionally significant project.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cThis opportunity to bring funds to our region for conservation speaks to the capabilities of the partners and their desire to leverage actions as individual organizations into a partnership that benefits the entire Huron River watershed and the Great Lakes,\u201d said Douglas Koop, Executive Director of the Legacy Land Conservancy.\r\n\r\nDetails of the Michigan projects:\r\n\u00a0\r\n$8 Million \u2013 Lower Grand River Watershed Habitat Restoration \u2013 Farmland Conservation Project\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Farmland Conservation Project will receive $8,000,000 to help farmers and landowners address water quality concerns, restore habitats for fish and wildlife, and revitalize 2.5 miles of the Lower Grand River Watershed. The Grand Valley Metro Council and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will partner with over 20 local organizations on this project. The Lower Grand River Watershed includes the City of Grand Rapids as well as Northern Kent, Newaygo and Muskegon Counties.\r\n\u00a0\r\n$1.8 Million \u2013 The Huron River Initiative \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Huron River Initiative will receive $1,825,880 to help farmers and landowners address soil and water quality concerns in the upper Huron River Watershed. The Legacy Land Conservancy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will partner with five local organizations on this project. The Huron River Watershed spans a land area of more than 900 square miles and drains water to the Huron River through hundreds of tributary creeks and streams. The Huron River\u2019s drainage area includes seven Michigan counties including: Oakland, Livingston, Ingham, Jackson, Washtenaw, Wayne and Monroe.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-criminal-charges-in-flint-water-crisis/", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Criminal Charges in Flint Water Crisis", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Criminal Charges in Flint Water Crisis \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after additional criminal charges were filed in the Flint water crisis:\n\u201cJustice for Flint families is important and I support ongoing investigations, led by the facts, which seek to hold those who caused this crisis responsible. Today\u2019s criminal charges, including against two of Governor Snyder\u2019s state-appointed emergency managers, is an indictment not only of their decisions, but an indictment against the administration\u2019s failed emergency manager law that contributed to this crisis.\n\u201cThere are many forms of justice; one of them is certainly holding accountable the state officials who created this crisis. Another form of justice is the state stepping up to provide more resources to families who continue to live without access to clean drinking water. The state and the Governor must act in a bigger way to help in Flint\u2019s recovery.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398731", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Photos of the Year", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Photos of the Year\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      From the desk of Congressman Fred Upton\r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 20, 2016 | \r\n      Tom Wilbur/Lynn Turner\r\n      (202-225-3761/269-385-0039) | \r\n       comments\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n        \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n    \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of his top 16 photographs from 2016. Please click HERE to see all 16 of the photographs on Upton\u2019s Facebook page.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n        Tags:\r\n        \r\n            \r\n              Health Care,\r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Economy & Jobs\r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    Related News\r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              ICYMI: Holland Sentinel: Michigan receives $16M in federal funding to battle opioid addiction\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Fred in the News on\r\n            April 25, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Upton: \u201cHelp is on the Way\u201d in Opioid Epidemic Fight\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Press Releases on\r\n            April 20, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              \u201cDon\u2019t mess with the Great Lakes:\u201d GOP Rep. Upton opposes rumored EPA Region 5 closure\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Fred in the News on\r\n            April 20, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Upton Statement on Potential Closing  of EPA Region 5 Office\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Press Releases on\r\n            April 17, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398732", "Upton Statement on New Stryker Facility in Portage", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, tonight released the following statement after Stryker Corp. announced plans to build a state-of-the-art, $130-million corporate campus in Portage, Michigan.\r\n\u201cThis exciting news is a win-win for local patients and job creators. Thanks in part to our bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, we will now see more accelerated approvals of life-saving drugs and critical medical devices and they will be manufactured right here at home. With this state-of-the-art project now in place, our entire Southwest Michigan region remains well positioned to stay on the cutting edge of medical research and innovations so we can improve our local quality of life.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399222", "President Obama Signs Walbergs Medal of Honor Priority Care Act into Law", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Obama Signs Walberg\u2019s Medal of Honor Priority Care Act into Law \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 20, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Jackson, Mich. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg\u2019s (MI-07) bipartisan legislation to ensure living Medal of Honor recipients receive timely access to their health benefits was signed into law by President Obama this past weekend. The Medal of Honor Priority Care Act was included as part of a larger bill to enhance care and resources for veterans, the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act.\r\n\u201cEvery veteran who answers America\u2019s call to service is owed our deepest respect and access to high quality care,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cThere are an elite few, the bravest of the brave, who displayed extraordinary heroism and selflessness in going above and beyond the call of duty. For the service members who were awarded our nation\u2019s highest military decoration, it is only fitting that they should be placed in the highest priority group that the VA has to offer.\u201d\r\nThe Medal of Honor is the nation\u2019s highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Under the current system, Medal of Honor recipients are allocated to Priority Group 3 in the VA\u2019s priority scale to determine eligibility for health care services. With Congressman Walberg\u2019s legislation, Medal of Honor recipients will now be placed in Priority Group 1.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-and-jackson-lee-make-russian-hacking-investigation-your-top", "Conyers and Jackson Lee: Make Russian Hacking Investigation Your Top Priority & Release Investigative Docs to the Committee", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) sent a letter today to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) calling for safeguards to be put in place to ensure the investigation into Russian hacking is made a top priority and is completed in a thorough and bipartisan manner throughout the Presidential transition. Conyers and Jackson Lee also called for DOJ and the FBI to be transparent in their investigation of Russian hacking, by releasing copies of all relevant investigative materials regarding the investigation to the House Judiciary Committee, in the same way it did during its investigation of Secretary Clinton\u2019s private email server.\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\u00a0\nDecember 20, 2016\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Loretta E. Lynch\nAttorney General\nUnited States Department of Justice\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\nWashington, D.C., 20530\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable James B. Comey, Jr.\nDirector\nFederal Bureau of Investigation\n935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\nWashington, D.C., 20535\nDear Attorney General Lynch and Director Comey:\nWe write concerning efforts by the Russian government to disrupt our recent federal elections.\u00a0 In that regard, we strongly and urgently request that safeguards be put in place\u2014prior to the completion of the presidential transition\u2014to ensure that any criminal investigation into these matters is conducted in an independent manner and free of improper partisan influence.\u00a0\nIn addition, to begin, we ask that you confirm that there is, in fact, a criminal investigation into the activities of the Russian government and the start date of any such investigation.\u00a0 To the extent that this investigation extends to any U.S. persons\u2014including any associate of President Elect Donald Trump -- we ask that you confirm this as well.\u00a0 We also ask that the investigation receive all necessary financial and personnel resources, and that it be treated as the highest priority for the Department of Justice and the FBI.\u00a0 At the conclusion of this investigation and any related enforcement actions, we ask that your offices provide the House Judiciary Committee with copies of all relevant investigative materials, from the start date forward -- including copies of any primary evidence or interview notes, a summary of resources and agents devoted to the investigation, and preexisting instances of political or related cyberattacks involving the Russian government or its agents \u2014 in a similar manner as you did relating to your investigation into Secretary Clinton\u2019s private email server.\nWe make these requests for several reasons. First, as you are no doubt aware, a series of recent reports and disclosures have made clear that Russia was seeking to not only diminish our democratic process, but to influence specific electoral outcomes.\u00a0 The Washington Post reported on December 16 that the FBI and Director of National Intelligence are in agreement with the CIA that there is a \u201cstrong consensus \u2026 on the scope, nature, and intent of Russian interference in our presidential election.\u201d\u00a0 It was also reported by The New York Times last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin was directly involved in this effort, and that Russian cyberattacks were also directed at several Democratic U.S. House candidates as well as Secretary Clinton.\u00a0 Prior to the election, Mr. Trump appeared to encourage hacking by the Russian government, when he declared \u201cI will tell you this, Russia: If you\u2019re listening, I hope you\u2019re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.\u201d\u00a0\nThis occurs at a time when there are also concerns that President Elect Trump may have a number of financial and other conflicts involving Russian entities.\u00a0 Although he has not yet released his tax returns, which would include specific information on financial entanglements, Mr. Trump\u2019s son Donald Trump, Jr. stated in 2008 that \u201cRussians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets.\u00a0 We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.\u201d\u00a0 It also has been reported that former Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort has received millions of dollars in payments from pro-Russian elements in the Ukraine, and maintained connections to Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, including one with ties to organized crime and Vladimir Putin. Following the election, Sergei A. Ryabkov, Russia\u2019s deputy foreign minister, acknowledged that the Russian government had maintained contacts with members of Mr. Trump\u2019s \u201cimmediate entourage\u201d during the American presidential campaign, informing the Interfax news agency \u201cThere were contacts \u2026 we continue to do this and have been doing this work during the election campaign.\u201d\nTaken at face value, these facts could implicate a variety of U.S. criminal statutes within your purview, including: the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 USC 1030), which prohibits accessing or conspiring or attempting to access a computer network without authorization, or exceeding authorization to do so; the Logan Act (18 USC 953), which prohibits U.S. citizens from working with foreign governments to influence \u201cdisputes or controversies within the United States\u201d; and 18 USC 373(a), which prohibits solicitation to commit a crime against property located in the United States.\u00a0\nSecond, President Elect Trump has taken a number of public positions that would seem to threaten the impartiality of any investigation carried out under his administration.\u00a0 Upon initially learning of the CIA\u2019s determination that Russia was responsible for disruptive hacking in an effort to influence the outcome, Mr. Trump characterized such assertions as \u201cridiculous\u201d and \u201cjust another excuse.\u201d\u00a0 Last week, Mr. Trump went so far as to praise the hacks when he tweeted: \u201cAre we talking about the same cyberattack where it was revealed that the head of the DNC illegally gave Hillary questions to the debate?\u201d\nThird, your investigations will be taking place at a precarious moment for federal law enforcement and the public\u2019s perception of its commitment to impartiality.\u00a0 Testifying before our Committee in September, Director Comey took the position that \u201cexceptional circumstances,\u201d including \u201cwhere there is a need for the public to be reassured\u201d warrant additional transparency regarding federal law enforcement investigations.\u00a0 At the same time, he refused to confirm whether the FBI was investigating illegal hacking by Russia and possible connections with the Trump campaign.\u00a0 Director Comey then decided in late October to forward a letter to Congress that the FBI had re-opened its investigation of Secretary Clinton\u2019s private email server, directly contravening long standing DOJ policy to not comment on investigations so close to an election.\u00a0\nBy contrast, last week, The New York Times reported that when the FBI learned of the Russian cyberattack on the DNC in September 2015, it somehow failed to personally follow up on the breach in security with senior DNC representatives.\u00a0 And it was disclosed on Sunday that the Russian cyberattacks on the DNC continued right up through Election Day.\u00a0 These and other incidents concerning investigatory actions\u2014or lack thereof\u2014in the run up to the recent election have deeply shaken the reputation for fairness previously enjoyed by federal law enforcement and reinforce the need to appropriately handle any pending criminal investigation.\nCovert efforts by the Russian government to disrupt our elections undermine confidence in our electoral system and, if not met with a proper response, constitute a direct threat to our democratic form of government.\u00a0 That is why it is vital that, among other things, Congress create an independent and bipartisan commission to fully examine the breadth of Russian interference into the U.S. election and make policy recommendations going forward.\u00a0 At the same time, these are unquestionably \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d requiring your agencies work to fully and fairly mete out justice with regard to any criminal misconduct associated with these events, including reassuring the public that you are doing so.\u00a0\nFor these reasons, the Department and the Bureau must take immediate actions to ensure that your criminal investigators are free to proceed wherever the facts and law may take them, and that they have all necessary resources to complete their work expeditiously and fairly.\u00a0\u00a0 Justice demands \u2013 and the American people deserve -- no less.\nWe thank you for your time and attention to this request and look forward to your prompt response.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\ncc:\u00a0 The Hon. Bob Goodlatte, Chairman, House Committee on the Judiciary", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-criminal-charges-flint-water-crisis-0", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Criminal Charges in Flint Water Crisis", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after additional criminal charges were filed in the Flint water crisis:\nJustice for Flint families is important and I support ongoing investigations, led by the facts, which seek to hold those who caused this crisis responsible. Today's criminal charges, including against two of Governor Snyder's state-appointed emergency managers, is an indictment not only of their decisions, but an indictment against the administration's failed emergency manager law that contributed to this crisis.\nThere are many forms of justice; one of them is certainly holding accountable the state officials who created this crisis. Another form of justice is the state stepping up to provide more resources to families who continue to live without access to clean drinking water. The state and the Governor must act in a bigger way to help in Flint's recovery.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-obama-signs-walberg-s-medal-honor-priority-care-act-law", "President Obama Signs Walbergs Medal of Honor Priority Care Act into Law", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackson, Mich.  Congressman Tim Walberg's (MI-07) bipartisan legislation to ensure living Medal of Honor recipients receive timely access to their health benefits was signed into law by President Obama this past weekend. The Medal of Honor Priority Care Act was included as part of a larger bill to enhance care and resources for veterans, the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act.\n\"Every veteran who answers America's call to service is owed our deepest respect and access to high quality care,\" said Walberg. \"There are an elite few, the bravest of the brave, who displayed extraordinary heroism and selflessness in going above and beyond the call of duty. For the service members who were awarded our nation's highest military decoration, it is only fitting that they should be placed in the highest priority group that the VA has to offer.\"\n The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Under the current system, Medal of Honor recipients are allocated to Priority Group 3 in the VA's priority scale to determine eligibility for health care services. With Congressman Walberg's legislation, Medal of Honor recipients will now be placed in Priority Group 1.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-signs-into-law-peters-heitkamp-heller-bipartisan-bill-to-give-small-businesses-and-startups-a-seat-at-the-table", "President Signs into Law Peters, Heitkamp, Heller Bipartisan Bill to Give Small Businesses & Startups a Seat at the Table", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t President Signs into Law Peters, Heitkamp, Heller Bipartisan Bill to Give Small Businesses & Startups a Seat at the Table \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators' Bill Will Ensure Small Businesses have a Voice as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Creates Rules that Impact How Companies Access Capital, Expand Operations\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan bill to make sure small businesses and startups have a voice when new federal rules are written on how they can raise funding and access the resources they need to succeed. Michigan is home to over 850,000 small businesses, which hire locally, give back to their communities, and boost economic growth across the state, said Peters. The SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help ensure these small businesses have a seat at the table when critical decisions impacting them are made, and I'm pleased that this bipartisan legislation has now been signed into law.\r\nWe can do more to level the playing field for small businesses and startups in rural America by making sure they have a seat at the table when it comes to federal rulemaking, said Heitkamp. Small businesses make up 96 percent of North Dakota's employers, but when it comes to the rules of private enterprise, they don't always have a voice  and are many times swept up in rules aimed at larger, more powerful players  putting them at an immediate disadvantage. With a little North Dakota commonsense, we can change that. Now law, my bipartisan bill will make sure the challenges small businesses and startups face are considered when it comes to writing the rules that impact them. We can encourage innovation and entrepreneurial growth, and we can do it by making sure our small businesses and burgeoning startup communities are heard.\r\nNevada's small businesses employ over 428,000 jobs for its workers. Yet, these economic engines rarely have their voice heard in the regulatory process. I teamed with Senators Heitkamp and Peters on bipartisan legislation to ensure that the more than 230,000 small businesses in the state get a fair shake from the SEC. I'm proud to say the SEC Small Business Advocate Act has now been signed into law. This is a prime example of how putting the needs of small businesses first encourages hiring of new employees and growth of our nation's economy, said Heller.\r\nAcross the country, small businesses make up almost half of the country's private-sector workforce and created about two-thirds of the nation's net new jobs. Now law, the senators' bipartisan legislation will make sure small businesses have a clear voice when it comes to federal rulemaking that applies to private enterprises nationwide  which too often fail to distinguish between large and small businesses, leaving small businesses at a disadvantage.\r\nBy creating an Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)  the nation's regulatory authority on protecting investors, facilitating capital formation and keeping the U.S. marketplace fair and efficient  the senators' SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help small businesses and startups advocate for policies that help them build investments as well as jobs across the country.\r\nThe legislation, which unanimously passed in both the House and Senate, was initially introduced by U.S. Representative John Carney (D-DE) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The senators introduced their bipartisan companion bill in the U.S. Senate in April.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-and-other-senators-ask-trump-to-take-action-in-bringing-down-prescription-drug-prices", "Stabenow and Other Senators Ask Trump to Take Action in Bringing Down Prescription Drug Prices", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow and Other Senators Ask Trump to Take Action in Bringing Down Prescription Drug Prices \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today joined 18 of her colleagues and sent a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump outlining specific steps his Administration should take to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cIt is undeniable that more and more families are struggling to access medications, and in many cases, are forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs and other necessities, like food and shelter. The American public is fed up, with roughly 8-in-10 Americans reporting that drug prices are unreasonable, and that we must take action to lower costs,\u201d said the Senators in the letter. \u201cYou now have the authority to push for a future that prioritizes patients. We are ready to advance measures to achieve this goal and we urge you to partner with Republicans and Democrats alike to take meaningful steps to address the high cost of prescription drugs through bold administrative and legislative actions.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn a letter sent to Trump today, Senator Stabenow and 18 of her colleagues expressed their shared frustration over the cost of drugs and outlined several ways Trump can make good on his promise to lower the rising cost of prescription drugs for consumers including: allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate better prices for Medicare recipients; requiring drug companies to disclose costs associated with creating drugs so prices are more transparent; putting an end to abusive price gouging; and ensuring competition and innovation that will lead to greater competition and more affordable, effective drugs.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe letter was cosigned by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Al Franken (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Angus King (I-ME).\r\n\r\nDecember 20, 2016\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nPresident-Elect Donald J. Trump\r\nPresidential Transition Headquarters\r\n1800 F Street, N.W., Room G-117\r\nWashington, D.C. 20270\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear President-Elect Trump:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDuring your campaign, you promised to implement bold reforms to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. In fact, you acknowledged that \u201cCongress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America.\u201d You also supported allowing consumers\u2019 access to imported, safe, and dependable drugs from overseas and vowed to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors. And earlier this month you again promised to \u201cbring down drug prices.\u201d While there are many different policy options to achieve lower drug prices, it\u2019s clear that we all agree that all Americans deserve access to safe, effective, and affordable lifesaving medications. As Members of Congress, we are ready to advance bipartisan reforms that will help achieve the goal we all share: reducing the burden exorbitant drug prices are placing on hard-working Americans.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPrescription drugs can work wonders \u2013 curing diseases and helping those with chronic illness live longer, healthier lives. Drug companies, however, have often engaged in abusive tactics that price lifesaving drugs out of reach for those in need. It is time to enact policies that improve transparency and competition in the commercial market and make the government a smarter purchaser of prescription drugs.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIt is undeniable that more and more families are struggling to access medications, and in many cases, are forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs and other necessities, like food and shelter. The American public is fed up, with roughly 8-in-10 Americans reporting that drug prices are unreasonable, and that we must take action to lower costs. The public\u2019s concern is well founded, just last week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid\u2019s Office of the Actuary published that, in 2015, prescription drug spending grew faster than any other category of medical spending for the second year in a row. This evidence comes despite claims from the drug industry that high drug spending in 2014 would only be a temporary blip.\r\n\u00a0\r\nYou now have the authority to push for a future that prioritizes patients. We are ready to advance measures to achieve this goal and we urge you to partner with Republicans and Democrats alike to take meaningful steps to address the high cost of prescription drugs through bold administrative and legislative actions, including but not limited to the following actions:\r\n\u00a0\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give the Secretary of HHS the Authority to Negotiate Drug Prices. As you noted on the campaign trail, permitting the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices under Medicare could not only produce savings but would bring the largest payer in America in line with the activities of the rest of the insurance industry. In fact, you promised that \u201c(w)hen it comes time to negotiate the cost of drugs, we are going to negotiate like crazy.\u201d However, under current law, the Secretary is prohibited from doing so. We urge you to work with Congress to pass a law that lifts the current ban and gives the Secretary the authority to take immediate action and negotiate better prices for prescription drugs for our nation\u2019s more than 40 million Medicare Part D beneficiaries.\r\n\u00a0\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Increase Transparency. Throughout your campaign, you also endorsed price transparency for the entire healthcare system. Patients should know drugs\u2019 true cost, not just the price that the drug companies and insurance companies choose to charge. We already have measures in place to require hospitals, providers, and other sections of the healthcare system to report on different cost measures; drug companies should be held to the same standards. We urge you to take immediate administrative action to require drug companies to publicly disclose costs associated with research and development, materials and manufacturing, and the federal benefits they receive in the form of tax credits, government grants, and government-funded research on which their products are based.\r\n\u00a0\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stop Abusive Pricing. We urge you to protect consumers from abusive pricing practices \u2014not only gouging consumers with the 5,000-percent overnight price hikes that have made recent headlines, but also the persistent, unjustified double-digit price increases that drug corporations have levied on the American people year after year. As members of Congress, we are ready to work on legislation to combat these abusive practices.\r\n\u00a0\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Protect and Incentivize True Innovation. Taxpayers, through the federal government, are deeply involved with every step of the drug development process, from supporting basic scientific research and clinical trials, to granting exclusive monopolies, tax incentives, and fee waivers. However, taxpayer funds need to be better targeted to deliver what we all want: safe, innovative, affordable, and effective drugs to address our most pressing public health issues and unmet medical needs. We urge you to work with Congress to pass commonsense reforms that better protect and incentivize innovation with the greatest need and health benefits to ensure affordable access and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\r\n\u00a0\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ensure True Competition. It is past time to end the rigging of the prescription drug marketplace. Brand-name drug companies, for example, should not be allowed to take actions that block generic competitors from bringing their products to market. We urge you to task the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice with aggressively enforcing laws that currently exist and push for new provisions to ensure timely entrance of generics to the marketplace.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDuring your campaign, you promised to address the high prescription drug prices that the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats expressed as a top concern in the election. In this letter, we have listed tangible ways your Administration can lead bipartisan work on this issue and fight for the millions of Americans who rely on prescription drugs to lead healthy lives. There will be ample opportunities to make good on these promises as Congress considers the Prescription Drug, Generic Drug, and Biosimilars User Fee Agreement reauthorizations and other health-related legislative priorities, and we look forward to your leadership on this issue by steering both sides of the aisle to work together to pass concrete reforms. We stand ready to support meaningful changes to the status quo and are committed to a future when all Americans can access lifesaving treatments when they need them.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe hope that you will join with Congress in living up to the expectations of the American people and prioritize this issue as President of the United States.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398728", "WSW: Upton Says New Law Means Faster Cures", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "West Michigan Congressman Fred Upton says the 21st Century Cures Act means \u201cwe will find cures for these diseases\u2026years before we otherwise would have.\u201d\r\nUpton was the lead sponsor of the bill that was signed into law last week by President Obama. The Saint Joseph Republican says it accelerates approval of drugs and devices that can lead to cures for diseases like cancer. Upton sat down with WMUK\u2019s Gordon Evans to discuss the Cures Act and other issues.\r\n21st Century Cures Act\r\nSome patient advocacy groups have raised concerns about drugs reaching the market too quickly, compromising safety. But Upton says lawmakers consulted with experts from the Food and Drug Administration past and present to find faster cures with safety and keep standards in place. Upton says the FDA has been losing good people, who have been hired away by drug companies. He says the Cures Legislation gives the FDA more resources to hire more people and pay them more.\r\nYou can listen to the entire interview here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398729", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Top 6 Must-Read Op-Eds", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of his top six op-eds published in 2016. \r\n\u201cKeeping America\u2019s Grid Safe\u201d via Real Clear Politics \u2013 February 1, 2016 \r\nKey excerpt: \u201cWhen it comes to keeping our country safe, nothing is more under-the-radar yet crucial to the nation\u2019s well-being than our electric grid infrastructure. Everything from cyber-attacks to electromagnetic pulse waves, severe weather to seismic events has the potential to shut down or disrupt parts of the grid. The results of these disruptions or shut downs would have far-reaching economic and public health impacts.\u201d\r\n\u201cWorking together to strengthen Medicaid for the most vulnerable\u201d via The Hill \u2013 March 11, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cToday Medicaid is an important lifeline for so many in Michigan and across the country. It is estimated the program will expand to cover 83 million people this year \u2013 that\u2019s one in four Americans. Given its rapidly growing size, it is imperative the program is working as intended \u2013 providing care for folks who need it most.\u201d\r\n\u201cDeciphering the Encryption Debate\u201d via Medium \u2013 April 26, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cIt is important that we move beyond the \u2018us versus them\u2019 mentality that has encompassed this discussion for too long. This debate is not about picking sides \u2013 it is about evaluating options.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Energy and Commerce Committee: getting the job done\u201d via The Hill \u2013 June 28, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cLegislation to protect seniors\u2019 access to their Medicare doctors, to strengthen and improve chemical and pipeline safety, to reform our nation\u2019s mental health system, and to revolutionize our healthcare ecosystem to facilitate 21st Century Cures. What do all of these have in common? One thing: Big, bipartisan votes in the House Energy and Commerce Committee to help usher these critical pieces of legislation through regular order here in the House, and eventually into law.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cAddressing the opioid crisis\u201d via South Bend Tribune \u2013 July 27, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cThe simple truth is that we\u2019re in the middle of an opioid abuse epidemic. Nearly every 12 minutes, someone in America dies of a drug overdose and the Centers for Disease Control reports that more than a quarter billion opioid prescriptions were written alone in 2012. Abuse of opioids has impacted every community. In my home state of Michigan, we are enduring 10 times as many deaths today as there were 15 years ago.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s time to deliver #CuresNow\u201d by Rep. Upton and Rep. DeGette via Morning Consult \u2013 November 30, 2016\r\n\u00a0Key excerpt: \u201cEvery single American has been touched by disease in some fashion, whether directly or indirectly, and the toll is painfully all too familiar. But from the rarest diseases to the more common, there is a reason for all to have hope this year. While bipartisan collaboration has been less than abundant in Washington recently, it has been the driving force for us, a Republican from Michigan and a Democrat from Colorado. We came up with the 21st Century Cures Act, an innovative game-changer providing a way to safely speed the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures.\u201d\u00a0\r\nStay tuned for more end-of-the-year content from Upton\u2019s office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-visits-huron-area-technical-center-in-bad-axe-to-highlight-bipartisan-legislation-to-make-college-more-affordable-and-accessible", "Peters Visits Huron Area Technical Center in Bad Axe to Highlight Bipartisan Legislation to Make College More Affordable & Accessible", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Peters Visits Huron Area Technical Center in Bad Axe to Highlight Bipartisan Legislation to Make College More Affordable & Accessible \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBAD AXE, MI  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured the Huron Area Technical Center (HATC) in Bad Axe and highlighted bipartisan, bicameral legislation he introduced to expand options for high school students to obtain college credit, making higher education more affordable and accessible while improving high school and college graduation rates. Peters' Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA) would expand access to dual and concurrent enrollment programs and early/middle college programs by providing grants to institutions of higher education. Peters was joined today by Clark Brock, Principal of the HATC, and Joseph Murphy, Superintendent of the Huron Intermediate School District.\r\nThe increasing cost of higher education should not be a barrier that prevents students from pursuing their careers, said Senator Peters. Programs like those offered at the Huron Area Technical Center are giving students a head start at earning college credits while equipping students with tools needed to become the next generation of leaders in a global economy.\r\nWe were pleased to welcome Senator Peters to Huron County and we appreciate his efforts to expand dual enrollment programs and curriculums, said Clark Brock, Principal of the Huron Area Technical Center. Dual enrollment programs are an opportunity for high school students to afford a higher education while earning career development skills, and we thank Senator Peters for visiting HATC.\r\nMEAA, which Peters introduced with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Congressmen Jared Polis (D-CO) and Tom Reed (R-NY), provides grants to institutions of higher education that can be used to:\r\n \r\nCarry out dual and concurrent enrollment programs as well as early/middle college programming  this includes covering tuition and fees, books, and required instructional materials for a program so that students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses;\r\nProvide teachers in these programs with professional development; and\r\nSupport activities such as course design, course approval processes, community outreach, student counseling and support services.\r\n \r\nThe Huron Intermediate School District and HATC provides a wide variety of career technical education (CTE) programs for students and residents of Huron County, including automotive technology and mechanical, architectural, engineering and design technology programs where students can earn dual enrollment credits. Additionally, nearly 70 students are dual enrolled in non-CTE general education classes, where students can earn up to 9-11 college credits per semester. These credits are through a partnership with Mid Michigan Community College.\r\nAccording to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) early college students on average earn 36 college credits, and 30% of early college students earn an associate's degree. There are 23 early/middle college high schools and 67 early/middle college programs in Michigan alone. The National Alliance on Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships estimates 1.9 million high school students enrolled in a college course during the 2014-2015 school year.\r\nLast year, Peters introduced an amendment with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) to the bipartisan Every Child Achieves Act, which was signed into law in December. The amendment allows Title I funds to be used to support concurrent and dual enrollment programs at eligible schools, enabling high school students to simultaneously receive college-credit from courses taught by college approved teachers in secondary education. It also allows school districts to use fifth-year program partnerships to allow students to participate in concurrent enrollment in the year after their senior year.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-to-join-senate-armed-services-committee", "Sen. Peters to Join Senate Armed Services Committee", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters to Join Senate Armed Services Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Gary Peters announced he has been appointed to the Senate Committee on Armed Services for the 115th Congress, subject to ratification by the Democratic Caucus. Peters will also continue to serve on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and the Joint Economic Committee.\r\nAs a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I am proud to be carrying on Michigan's strong military tradition by joining the Senate Armed Services Committee. Michigan helped build the Arsenal of Democracy that defeated tyranny in World War II, beginning a defense legacy that stretches into present day as Michigan airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines are supporting the fight against ISIS, said Senator Peters.\r\nI look forward to being a strong voice in the Senate for Michigan's servicemembers, veterans, military installations and the defense manufacturers that help our military complete their mission safely and effectively, continued Senator Peters. Through my work on both the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, I will be focused on keeping the American people safe and secure from security threats at home and abroad.\r\nMichigan's National Guard footprint stretches across the globe with servicemembers serving in some of the military's most cutting-edge missions and participating in and supporting operations in every region of the world, said Major General Gregory Vadnais, The Adjutant General, Michigan National Guard. It's an honor to lead and work with the professional, high-caliber men and women of the Michigan National Guard, and I am pleased Michigan will now have such a strong representation on the Senate Armed Services Committee.\"\r\nSenator Peters has been a champion in Washington for the Battle Creek Air National Guard base, passing legislation to maintain the base's RPA mission and strongly supporting the 110th Attack Wing's new cyber operations squadron, said Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc. With his seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Peters will be able to continue his good work advocating for Battle Creek's defense community, boosting our economy and strengthening Michigan's role in our national defense.\r\nAs a U.S. Navy Reserve sailor who drilled at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Senator Peters understands the impact of the base and its unique position as a joint facility that plays multiple roles in America's security at home and abroad. We appreciate his strong support for maintaining and advancing Selfridge's fighter mission and know he will be a strong representative of the Selfridge community and Macomb County on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Grace Shore, CEO of the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce.\r\nPeters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve at age 34, where he earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, he volunteered again for drilling status.\r\nThere are seven military installations in the State of Michigan: Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center; Battle Creek Air National Guard Base; Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center; the Defense Logistics Agency at Hart-Doyle-Inouye Federal Center; Fort Custer Training Center; Selfridge Air National Guard Base; and U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal. Additionally, Michigan is home to over 16,900 servicemembers, 9,100 civilian Department of Defense employees, 650,000 veterans and a vibrant defense manufacturing sector.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-flint-congressional-hearings/", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Congressional Hearings", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Congressional Hearings \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, under Chairman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), closed its investigation into the Flint water crisis before the panel had all of the information it requested from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder:\n\u201cJustice for Flint families comes in many forms. One form of justice is getting aid to the city of Flint to help it recover, and I am glad that Congress acted to provide over a hundred million dollars in real relief for families still suffering from this crisis. Another form of justice is restoring Flint families\u2019 confidence in their government, particularly their state government, which caused this crisis in the first place. That justice will not happen unless there is full transparency from Governor Rick Snyder.\n\u201cSadly, the Governor and his administration continue to use taxpayer-funded criminal defense attorneys to obstruct, delay and even refuse to turn over documents that would help answer questions of what the Governor knew before, during and after this crisis became public. Flint families deserve nothing but the truth from state government officials \u2013 including Governor Snyder \u2013 to ensure that Flint gets the resources it needs to recover and a similar crisis never happens elsewhere.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/state%E2%80%99s-automated-fraud-system-wrong-93-reviewed-unemployment-cases-2013-2105", "States Automated Fraud System Wrong in 93% of Reviewed Unemployment Cases from 2013-2105", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today called on the State of Michigan to broaden their review of unemployment insurance fraud cases after a re-review of cases found an error rate of 93% in auto-adjudicated cases between October 2013 and August 4, 2015.\n\u201cThis high level of error rate in accusations of fraud is outrageous for any government program, especially one for unemployed workers trying to stay afloat while they find another job. Running a fully automated system that spit out fraud determinations for such a long period of time was in violation of federal law and completely reckless.\u00a0 In addition, the Auditor General\u2019s report makes it clear that the agency\u2019s due process requirements were severely lacking during this period.\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m pleased that a small subset of the cases has been reviewed, the state has a responsibility to look at the additional 30,000 fraud determinations made during this same time period.\u00a0\n\u201cFinally, with an Unemployment Insurance contingency fund that has grown so dramatically, the state must do a full accounting of the monies that have flowed into this account. While I am pleased that $5 million has been repaid, it strikes me as small compared to the amount of money that was collected at the time.\u00a0 Only a full audit will ensure the public that the problem has been fully rectified.\u201d\nRep. Levin called on the State to investigate the Michigan Integrated Data Automated System (MiDAS) system in a letter\u00a0 to the Governor on April 25th. The recent review was required by the U.S. Department of Labor and initiated after a February 2016 Michigan Auditor General report found that computer-determined fraud was affirmed in only 8 percent of cases that were appealed.\nThe Numbers:\nTotal Fraud Determinations, October 2013 \u2013 August 2015\n53,633\nTotal Cases Reviewed by State\n22,427\nTotal Fraud Determinations Upheld\n1,462\nTotal Fraud Determinations Overturned\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n20,965\nIndividuals Requiring Repayment\n2,571\nAmount Repaid to Individuals\n$5,431,821\nData provided by the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/detroit-free-press-americans-deserve-better-electoral-college", "Detroit Free Press: Americans deserve better than the Electoral College", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "John Conyers Jr. 7:27 a.m. EST December 16, 2016\nWith the Electoral College electors scheduled to meet Monday \u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0 formally elect Donald Trump as our 45th president, it is time that we reconsider whether a political compromise approved in 1787 bears any principled or practical reason for being today.\nSeveral serious concerns were raised at a forum I organized earlier this month about the Electoral College featuring leading experts in history, constitutional law and political science. Most obviously, we learned that the Electoral College is anti-democratic. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has so far received more than 2.8 million more popular votes than \u00a0Trump \u2014 the largest divergence between the popular and electoral votes in history.\u00a0This is the second time there has been a divergence between the popular vote and the Electoral College in the last five elections, and the fifth time since 1824.\nWe also learned that the Electoral College is rooted in slavery.\u00a0 At our forum, Yale law professor Akhil Amar explained, slave states opposed direct elections for President because \u201cin a direct election system, the North would outnumber the South, whose many slaves . . . could not vote.\u00a0 But the Electoral College . . . instead let each southern state count its slaves, albeit with a two-fifths discount, in computing its share of the overall count.\u201d\nOur forum also made clear that many of the arguments in defense of the Electoral College are anachronistic. Electoral College defenders argue that it serves to check the passions of ordinary voters, pointing to Alexander Hamilton\u2019s view in \u201cThe Federalist Papers,\u201d that the Electoral College would help ensure \u201cthat the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.\u201d\nHowever, the Electoral College does not formally meet to deliberate about who should be president.\u00a0 The general public does not even know the electors\u2019 identities, and the Electoral College\u2019s choice for president has largely been reduced to mere formality.\u00a0Members of the Electoral College are party loyalists who are subject to various state laws, some of which prohibit them from even exercising independent judgment.\u00a0 This is why, notwithstanding recent protestations concerning the impact of Russian hacking during the election season, over time there have been very few faithless electors, and none that have decided an election\u2019s outcome.\nRather than protect small-population states and rural areas from domination by large- population states and urban areas, the current system encourages candidates to overlook a majority of states and focus nearly all their campaign efforts on the small number of so-called swing states.\u00a0 In 2016, for instance, both major-party candidates largely bypassed three of the four largest states by population during the campaign.\u00a0 They also skipped 12 of the 13 smallest states, from \u201cBlue\u201d Rhode Island to \u201cRed\u201d Wyoming.\nFinally, some Electoral College defenders argue that direct elections for president could lead to messy nationwide vote recounts.\u00a0Our experience in Florida in 2000, and Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin this year, have taught us that statewide recounts under differing and confusing rules bring neither clarity nor finality to our electoral process.\u00a0By contrast, a national popular vote is historically far more likely to establish a clear winner, avoiding the necessity of recounts altogether.\nMany voters have told me that the political obstacles to reform are insurmountable, with a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate and ratification by three-quarters\u00a0of the states.\u00a0The fact that in 1969 I was one of 338 members of the House of Representatives who voted on a bipartisan basis to amend the Constitution to eliminate the Electoral College shows under the right circumstances the political will for reform can exist. However, other options are available, with 11 states accounting for 165 electoral votes having already entered an interstate compact to cast their electoral votes for the national popular vote winner.\u00a0Legislation to enter the compact has been recently passed by at least one legislative chamber in four more states, potentially bringing us even closer to the 270 vote threshold needed for the interstate agreement to kick in.\nThe Supreme Court has long held that the \u201cconception of political equality from the Declaration of Independence, to Lincoln\u2019s Gettysburg Address, to the 15th, 17th, and 19th Amendments can only mean one thing \u2014\u00a0one person, one vote.\u201d\nIt is time that the election of our nation\u2019s president and vice president reflect those principles as well.\u00a0 The greatest democracy on Earth deserves no less.\nJohn Conyers Jr., a Democrat from Detroit, represents Michigan's 13th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is the ranking member of the\u00a0House Judiciary Committee.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nLink to online version of the oped available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-flint-congressional-hearings", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Congressional Hearings", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, under Chairman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), closed its investigation into the Flint water crisis before the panel had all of the information it requested from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder:\nJustice for Flint families comes in many forms. One form of justice is getting aid to the city of Flint to help it recover, and I am glad that Congress acted to provide over a hundred million dollars in real relief for families still suffering from this crisis. Another form of justice is restoring Flint families' confidence in their government, particularly their state government, which caused this crisis in the first place. That justice will not happen unless there is full transparency from Governor Rick Snyder.\nSadly, the Governor and his administration continue to use taxpayer-funded criminal defense attorneys to obstruct, delay and even refuse to turn over documents that would help answer questions of what the Governor knew before, during and after this crisis became public. Flint families deserve nothing but the truth from state government officials  including Governor Snyder  to ensure that Flint gets the resources it needs to recover and a similar crisis never happens elsewhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-gardner-american-innovation-and-competitiveness-act-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act to be Signed into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act to be Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen R&D, Boost Manufacturing\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, a bicameral, bipartisan legislative compromise originallyintroduced by U.S Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with John Thune (R-SD), and Bill Nelson (D-FL), that maximizes basic research opportunities, reduces administrative burdens for researchers, encourages scientific entrepreneurship, and promotes oversight of taxpayer-funded research. The legislation also promotes diversity in STEM fields, incentivizes private-sector innovation, and aims to improve advanced manufacturing and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a public-private partnership to support small and medium-sized manufacturers. The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the legislation last week.\r\nThis legislation marks the first major update to federal research and technology policy to originate in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in more than a decade.\r\nCutting-edge innovation and scientific research drive our economy forward by supporting new advances in manufacturing, creating new jobs and promoting our nation's competitiveness, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee.I am pleased that the House passed this bipartisan legislation that maximizes federal investments in basic science research, strengthens STEM education programs to build a skilled workforce and supports services that make small and medium-sized manufacturers globally competitive. I was honored to work with Senator Gardner to craft this legislation to help America stay ahead of the curve in our increasingly competitive world.\r\nThe House's passage of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act is a major step forward for the science and research community, and I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson for working in good faith with the Senate to achieve this success, said Senator Gardner. We've worked for more than 18 months with the scientific community, industry, universities, and other interested stakeholders to craft a bill that reflects the needs of America's science and technology enterprise and I will continue to work to ensure their needs are addressed in Congress. The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act has made science bipartisan again, and I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law and helping to keep America competitive across the globe.\r\nHighlights of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act Maximizing Basic Research\r\n \r\nHighlights Peer Review: Reaffirms the appropriateness of the National Science Foundation's (NSF's) intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria used to evaluate grant proposals.\r\nKeeps Government Accountable to Taxpayers: Promotes transparency by requiring public notices of grants to justify the project's expenditures and confirm that they align with NSF's priorities.\r\nBroadens Research Opportunities: Updates NSF's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to continue promoting groundbreaking research in states that receive relatively little federal research money.\r\nModernizes Existing Programs: Includes updates to the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) programs, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) laboratory and education outreach programs.\r\n \r\nAdministrative and Regulatory Burden Reduction\r\n \r\nReduces Paperwork Burdens: Establishes an inter-agency working group to provide recommendations on eliminating unnecessary paperwork for researchers and institutions.\r\nStreamlines Government: Repeals obsolete agency reports and unfunded government programs.\r\n \r\nScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics\r\n \r\nEnhances Scientific Community Input: Establishes a STEM Advisory Panel composed of academic and industry representatives to provide recommendations on federal STEM programs.\r\nPromotes Diversity in STEM Fields: Creates a working group to study how to improve inclusion of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM fields and reaffirms the necessity of broadening participation in STEM fields through NSF programs.\r\n \r\nLeveraging the Private Sector\r\n \r\nIncentivizes Private-Sector Innovation: Updates prize competition authority to encourage greater participation in federal prize competitions.\r\nExpands Opportunities for Public Involvement: Permits federal science agencies to use crowdsourcing as a tool to conduct agency projects.\r\n \r\nManufacturing\r\n \r\nEncourages Improved Manufacturing: Adjusts the federal cost-share ratio and implements new accountability and oversight provisions within NIST's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.\r\n \r\nInnovation and Technology Transfer\r\n \r\nBolsters Scientific Entrepreneurship: Authorizes the successful I-Corps program to help scientists move their research from the laboratory to the marketplace.\r\nReaffirms Importance of Commercialization: Directs NSF to continue awarding translational research grants and strengthen public-private cooperation.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-tours-xg-sciences-highlights-legislation-supporting-small-and-medium-manufacturers", "Peters Tours XG Sciences, Highlights Legislation Supporting Small and Medium Manufacturers", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Peters Tours XG Sciences, Highlights Legislation Supporting Small and Medium Manufacturers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLANSING, MI  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) today toured XG Sciences in Lansing to highlight bipartisan legislation he introduced, which unanimously passed the Senate, to improve advanced manufacturing by strengthening the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)  a public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\nMichigan manufacturers are pioneering groundbreaking research and developing innovative new products that will dramatically improve our lives, said Senator Peters. I'm pleased the Senate unanimously approved my bipartisan legislation that helps manufacturers and their employees innovate and thrive. Manufacturers like XG Sciences help drive economic growth and hire locally, and I'm proud to support programs like MEP that give Michigan businesses the tools they need to compete and succeed.\r\nXG Sciences is a leading supplier of graphene nanoplatelets and value-added products containing graphene nanoplatelets, creating products that can be used in everything from lightweight composite materials to thermal coatings and energy storage, said Dr. Phillip Rose, CEO of XG Sciences, Inc. Our company has been honored to work with MMTC to improve our efficiency and streamline our production process so we can focus on making high quality materials for our customers. We were happy to welcome Senator Peters to XG Sciences, and we appreciate his efforts to help small manufacturers access the resources and support they need to grow, innovate and compete.\r\nPeters, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, is a strong supporter of Michigan's manufacturing industry. Peters' bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which recently passed unanimously in the Senate, helps expand and strengthen the MEP program to reach more small and medium-sized manufacturers. MEP centers across the country offer resources that enable manufacturers to compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Michigan's MEP affiliate, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has provided advice and technical expertise to Michigan businesses like XG Sciences since 1991.\r\nMMTC is proud to work with businesses like XG Sciences that are keeping Michigan at the forefront of innovation and advanced manufacturing, said Mike Coast, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC). In just the last year, MMTC's clients have created or retained more than 2,400 jobs, and Senator Peters' efforts to strengthen the Manufacturing Extension Partnershipwill help us continue that work with more businesses across the state. I thank Senator Peters for his efforts to pass this legislation in the Senate so that Michigan manufacturers can continue to improve their performance, create new jobs and succeed on a global scale.\r\nFormed in 2006, XG Sciences is a market leader in the design and manufacture of graphene nanoplatelets used in lightweight composite materials, energy storage systems and thermal coatings. Graphene nanoplatelets consist of ultrathin particles of graphite that are short stacks of graphene. Graphene, which was first discovered in 2014, is the thinnest material known, harder than diamonds, stronger and lighter than steel and more conductive than copper.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398726", "ICYMI: Ground broken for Glen Oaks residence hall", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Ground broken for Glen Oaks residence hall \r\nBy Michael Patrick \r\nSturgis Journal\r\nGlen Oaks Community College officially broke ground Wednesday for a 108-bed student housing project.\r\n The ceremony follows the recent vote by the college's board of trustees to approve a $5.3 million bid, submitted by Frederick Construction of Vicksburg, to construct a new dormitory on the Glen Oaks campus.\r\n Construction is expected begin in the coming weeks, weather permitting, with plans for the project to be complete prior to the fall 2017 semester, which begins in late August.  \r\nPlans for the three-story student housing project include two- and four-suite units that share kitchen and living areas and two bathrooms. The facility will be located on the north side of the main parking lot, west of the main facility.\r\n GOCC is the first Michigan community college to use a low-cost (2.38 percent) USDA Rural Development federal 30-year loan to finance the housing project.  \r\nThe groundbreaking ceremony began with a welcome and long list of introductions by Glen Oaks president David Devier.\r\n Next, several people spoke, including U.S. Rep. Fred Upton.\r\n \"Community colleges today are more relevant than ever before,\" Upton said. \"And this has been a real landmark institution in St. Joseph County. Seeing it expand to include housing units ... to be able to do this and be able to have kids in their dorms literally by next fall is really terrific and a credit to the folks that are here.\"\u00a0\r\n Read the full story online, via the Sturgis Journal, HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/editorials/serving-you-michigan-and-washington", "Serving You in Michigan and Washington", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Serving you in Michigan and Washington \nBy Congressman John Moolenaar\nOne of the joys of serving as your congressman is honoring our current soldiers and veterans for their service to our country.\nThis month, I voted to give our troops their largest pay increase in six years. They make sacrifices every day to keep us safe and the raise they have earned is a small part of thanking them and their families for their service to our nation.\nThis year, I have also had the privilege of presenting our veterans with their military service awards. I believe courage is given where courage is honored and these ceremonies are an important part of making sure our veterans and future generations of veterans know we will always be grateful for their service.\nI have hosted ceremonies across the Fourth District to honor our Vietnam veterans with the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Lapel Pin.\nThis is part of the federal government\u2019s effort to recognize all Vietnam veterans for their service. Veterans who have not received a lapel pin should contact the Midland office at (989) 631-2552.\nCurrent members of the military and our veterans have defended our way of life and our freedoms, including ensuring that we are able hold our government officials accountable.\nTo be accountable to you, I have made it a priority to be available, meeting constituents in all 15 counties of the district in 2016. At listening sessions, we discussed current events and your concerns about issues before Congress. You passionately care about the future of our country and I appreciate your input while representing you in Washington.\nI also communicated with the district by sending more than 900,000 emails to share news and upcoming events. Meeting notices were also published in media outlets. Constituents who wish to receive email communications from my office can subscribe to my newsletter at moolenaar. house.gov/newsletter.\nI also used traditional mail to reach residents, and in August I mailed a survey on critical issues before Congress. In response to the survey, I received thousands of comments on issues ranging across the entire political spectrum.\nIf you would like to share your views on policies that are being debated in Congress, you can visit my website at moolenaar.house.gov/contact/ email. This year, my office responded to 27,515 emails and letters from constituents.\nI am also committed to making sure my office does everything it can to help the hardworking residents of our district when they need assistance with a federal agency. This year, my office helped more than 1,000 people with agencies, including the IRS, Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration.\nIf I may be of assistance to you, please let me know. As mentioned, the phone number for the office in Midland is (989) 631-2552. In Cadillac, it is (231) 942-5070 and in Washington it is (202) 225-3561.\nIt is an honor to serve as your representative and I look forward to hearing from you.\nU.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, represents Michigan\u2019s Fourth Congressional District which is made up of Clare, Clinton, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, Shiawassee and Wexford counties, and parts of Montcalm and Saginaw counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-applauds-general-motors-announcement-to-build-their-first-autonomous-vehicle-in-michigan", "Sen. Peters Applauds General Motors Announcement to Build Their First Autonomous Vehicle in Michigan", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters Applauds General Motors Announcement to Build Their First Autonomous Vehicle in Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t GM Building Autonomous Chevy Bolt in Orion Township Assembly Plant, Testing Autonomous Vehicles on Michigan Roads\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Smart Transportation Caucus, released the following statement regarding General Motors' announcement that they will begin testing autonomous vehicles on Michigan's roads and build their first autonomous Chevy Bolt in Michigan:\r\nMichigan is the birthplace of the automotive industry, and our state led the way in putting America, and the rest of the world, on wheels. I'm proud to see that General Motors and Michigan UAW workers will continue to lead the next transformational shift in the automotive industry by building their first driverless car in Michigan.\r\nAutomated vehicles and advanced vehicle technologies that allow cars to communicate with each other will help eliminate traffic congestion, prevent accidents and most importantly, save hundreds of thousands of lives. Today's announcement is another positive step forward for Michigan's efforts to take the automotive industry into the future. Along with exciting projects like the American Center for Mobility, these steps will help keep Michigan at the cutting-edge of innovation and testing of the automotive technologies that will once again revolutionize the way we get around.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-2016-fish-and-wildlife-study-showing-barges-could-inadvertently-carry-asian-carp-into-great-lakes", "Senator Stabenow Statement on 2016 Fish and Wildlife Study Showing Barges Could Inadvertently Carry Asian Carp into Great Lakes", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement on 2016 Fish and Wildlife Study Showing Barges Could Inadvertently Carry Asian Carp into Great Lakes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 15, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement on results from the 2016 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study providing further evidence that barges could inadvertently carry Asian Carp into the Great Lakes:\r\n\r\n\u201cIt is deeply alarming that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has found further evidence that barges could inadvertently carry Asian Carp through the electric barrier in the Chicago Area Waterway System.\u00a0 I will examine all options to prevent Asian Carp from reaching our Great Lakes in this manner.\u201d \u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398374", "The Fed's Ad-Hoc Anchor Continues to Drag on Our Economy", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Fed's Ad-Hoc Anchor Continues to Drag on Our Economy \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 14, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the Federal Reserve announced its decision to raise short-term interest rates: \"The normalization of rates is inevitable, however the Federal Reserve continues to slow walk the process by maintaining artificially low rates,\" said Huizenga. \"Adopting a rules-based strategy for monetary policy would not only strengthen our economy but improve opportunity for millions of Americans.  The ad-hoc approach currently being employed by the Fed continues to create uncertainty for consumers and investors alike which acts as an anchor on our economy. I am hopeful that with a Trump Administration soon in the White House, House-passed legislation such as the FORM Act and the Financial CHOICE Act will gain even greater traction as positive ways to improve our nation's monetary policy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-perdue-introduce-no-heroes-left-untreated-act", "Senators Peters, Perdue Introduce No Heroes Left Untreated Act", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Senators Peters, Perdue Introduce No Heroes Left Untreated Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Creates Pilot Program to Treat Veterans with PTSD, Mental Health Issues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and David Perdue (R-GA) today announced they introduced the No Heroes Left Untreated Act, legislation that would create a pilot program for innovative medical care for veterans to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other mental health issues.\r\nThe effects of traumas, like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, chronic pain and opiate addiction weighs heavily on many of American's veterans, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy technology has significant potential to successfully treat these conditions, and establishing a pilot program with the Department of Veterans Affairs will allow our veterans to benefit from this new medical advancement.\r\nOur veterans sacrificed everything to defend our freedoms and it is our responsibility to make sure they get the care they were promised, said Senator Perdue. The No Heroes Left Untreated Act would establish a pilot program that explores innovative treatment options touted by many leaders in our active forces community. If successful, this pilot program could set a new treatment standard for veterans dealing with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is our duty to support our veterans and improve their health care options, and I look forward to doing all I can to advance this pilot program.\r\nThe No Heroes Left Untreated Act would establish a pilot program at two medical centers within the VA network and enroll up to 50 veterans in Magnetic EEG/ECG-Guided Resonance Therapy for a one-year period. This is an individualized non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive neuromodulation procedure that applies magnetic stimulation to help facilitate neurorestoration of proper brain function. Over 400 veterans have reported a marked improvement in symptoms associated with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, chronic pain, and opiate addiction. The senators' bill is companion legislation to Congressman Steve Knight's No Heroes Left Untreated Act, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.\r\nThe following organizations have expressed their support in the No Heroes Left Untreated Act: U.S. Special Operations Command, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Blue Star Families, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans Advantage, American Legion Post 281, 12th Calvary Regiment Association, Patriot Project, Rally Point 6, SEALink Inc, West Care.\r\nAs a former Lt. Commander in the Navy Reserve, Senator Peters has been a strong voice in Congress for Michigan's veterans and servicemembers. A provision of his bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act was recently signed into law. This legislation will help veterans erroneously given an administrative, or bad paper, discharge due to behavior resulting from mental trauma or PTSD. An administrative discharge can prevent some veterans with PTSD from accessing VA mental health services. Peters also cosponsored the bipartisan Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention For American Veterans Act to improve mental health care and suicide prevention for veterans, and the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act to ensure every call, text message or email from a veteran in crisis to the VA's Veterans Crisis Line is answered quickly by a live person.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398723", "21st Century Cures Signed into Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marking the culmination of a three-year journey, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law. The House passed the game-changing medical innovation bill 392 to 26 on November 30, and the Senate followed suit, voting 94 to 5 on December 7. Last week, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch (R-UT) signed the bill at an enrollment ceremony before formally sending it to the president. \r\nU.S. Reps Fred Upton (R-MI) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) authors of the 21st Century Cures Act released the following statement: \r\n\u201cWorking together, we got the job done. Patients needed a game-changer \u2013 and it is our hope that history will look back at the Cures effort as the moment in time when the tide finally turned against disease. Today\u2019s milestone is not the end, it\u2019s just the beginning for #CuresNow.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-hoyer-engel-thompson-cummings-smith-schiff-joint-statement", "Conyers, Hoyer, Engel, Thompson, Cummings, Smith, & Schiff Joint Statement Calling For a Comprehensive Investigation of Russian Interference in the 2016 Election", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) joined\u00a0 Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) released the following joint statement in response to news reports about intelligence assessments of Russian interference in the 2016 election, and comments by the House Republican leadership downplaying the need for a thorough investigation:\n\u201cAll Americans should be deeply concerned by the reports that Russian agencies have interfered with a U.S. election. As Speaker Ryan noted, \u2018any foreign intervention in our elections is entirely unacceptable.\u2019\n\u201cThe first duty of the United States government is to safeguard the American people and the integrity of our free society from attacks by foreign adversaries. Cyberattacks on our political institutions are direct threats to their integrity and are just as menacing as attacks on our economic, physical, and military infrastructure.\n\u201cGiven the gravity of these unprecedented attacks by a foreign state, we need a congressional investigation that is truly bipartisan, that is comprehensive, that will not be restricted by jurisdictional lines, and that will give the American people a complete and full accounting of what happened consistent with safeguarding our national security.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmett-till-unsolved-civil-rights-crimes-reauthorization-act-passed", "Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act Passed By Congress", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014During its final session of the 114th Congress, the Senate passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act of 2016 (S.2854/H.R.5067).\u00a0 In the Senate, the bill was led by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).\u00a0 In the House, original sponsors were Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI). The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law.\nBACKGROUND\nBefore the passage of major civil rights legislation in the 1960s, hundreds of racially suspicious crimes were committed in this country, and few attempts to prosecute them were ever pursued.\u00a0 Tuskegee Institute once kept a record of verified lynchings in the United States from 1877 to 1950.\u00a0 The institute documented that nearly 4000 mainly unprosecuted civil rights crimes occurred during that period.\u00a0 Many American families continue to pass down stories of loss and disappearance even today without knowing the truth about what actually happened to their loved ones.\u00a0\nPRIMARY GOALS OF THE BILL\nThe Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act represents a critical opportunity to right these wrongs committed, primarily against African Americans, but also against people of diverse backgrounds.\u00a0 In some cases, individuals still remain who were witnesses to these crimes or who can help provide evidence regarding these incidents.\u00a0 This bill reauthorizes and updates the original legislation that was signed into law in 2008.\u00a0 It seeks to respond to the concerns of victims' family members and strengthen collaboration between the Justice Department, the FBI, State and local law enforcement, and advocates to pursue these cold cases.\u00a0 There is a collective goal to seek the truth about this long-standing tragedies and hold the perpetrators and orchestrators of these atrocities accountable.\u00a0\u00a0 This reauthorization also seeks to respond to the concerns of advocates regarding the implementation of the original legislation.\u00a0\nBI-PARTISAN and BI-CAMERAL STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT\n\"As we work to address current questions about racial violence and civil rights, we should be mindful of our history and why so many in the African-American community raise the issue of whether black lives matter.\u00a0 Passage of the original Emmett Till Act represented a commitment to resolving the unanswered questions from one of the darkest periods in modern American history.\u00a0 This bipartisan reauthorization represents further investment in our history and will allow the Department of Justice to resolve remaining issues.\"\u00a0 Rep. John Conyers, Jr.\u00a0 - MI\n\"When this bill was signed into law, family members, academics, historians, lawyers, advocates began working to develop a full accounting for these long-standing, gross human and civil rights atrocities.\u00a0 The reauthorization passed by Congress is a response to their appeals to make the law a better tool in their quest for justice. We also worked across the aisle and across the Dome to develop a bill that fulfills our promise to remain committed to the pursuit of truth on behalf of victims and their families.\u00a0 I am very pleased that Congress has passed this legislation and I look forward to the signature of President Barack Obama.\"\u00a0 Rep. John Lewis - GA\n\u201cI am pleased that this bill is now finally heading to the President\u2019s desk. Investigators can now work to discover the truth and to seek justice under our legal system for the families of these victims. Every American is worthy of the protection of our laws. I want to thank the Till family, Alvin Sykes, Congressman John Lewis, and all of the civil rights activists who helped make this law a reality. Today\u2019s victory is theirs.\u201d\u00a0 Sen. Richard Burr - NC \n\u00a0\u201cToo many families suffer from the unsolved murders of their loved ones during the civil rights era without receiving justice.\u00a0 The way to best serve these families is to provide our Federal government with the tools it needs to investigate these unsolved crimes, and to hopefully, bring some sense of closure for these families.\u00a0 I thank Congressman Lewis for his tireless work on behalf of the families of these victims of unsolved murders from the civil rights era and I am proud to stand with him on this effort.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Sen. Patrick Leahy - VT\n\u201cThis legislation brings justice and closure to the families and communities affected by the heinous acts of violence and hatred that are a stain on our nation\u2019s history. The bill will help us continue the critical work of better investigating and solving these crimes, no matter how long ago they occurred, and I\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve finally been able to carry it across the finish line.\u201d Sen. Claire McCaskill - MO\n\u201cThe Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act sets out to investigate racially-motivated murders. Sadly, there is still more work to be done and it\u2019s important that we reauthorize this bill so that the FBI and DOJ can continue investigating unsolved crimes.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sen. Roy Blunt - MO\n\u201cAs an original cosponsor of the Emmett Till Reauthorization Act, I\u2019m pleased to see my colleagues came together and supported this important bill. This bipartisan legislation will provide for a sustained, well-coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute unsolved civil rights-era crimes. There are hundreds of cold cases from the civil rights era that have never been solved and it is my hope that we are able to bring justice to the victims\u2019 families.\u201d\u00a0 Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner - WI\n\u00a0\nMAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE LEGISLATION\n This bill requires the Department of Justice and FBI to consult with civil rights organizations, universities, and other entities that have also been gathering evidence in these cold cases;\n  Provides clearer direction and improved coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement and the activists, advocates, and academics working on these issues;\n  Strengthens the Department of Justice\u2019s reporting requirements;\n  Expands the time span of cases to be considered by ten years, to include all cases that occurred not later than December 31, 1979;\n  Eliminates the sunset provision in the original bill;\n  Encourages the Department of Justice to review specific closed cases that warrant further investigation;\n  Maintains the previous investigation structure and funding levels; and\n  Clarifies the law\u2019s intent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-applauds-release-v2v-rule", "Dingell Applauds Release of V2V Rule", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration\u2019s (NHTSA) issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to mandate the use of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technologies and vehicles.\u00a0\n\u201cNHTSA and DOT deserve our thanks for releasing an NPRM enabling the use of V2V technologies, which have the promise of saving lives and improving auto safety. V2V technologies will help make drivers aware of threats they would otherwise be unable to see, such as warnings if an unseen car is approaching an intersection or when it is unsafe to make a left turn, and could help eliminate up to 80 percent of non-impaired accidents on the road today. NHTSA estimates that a red light warning system enabled by V2V technologies could help avoid over 250,000 crashes and 2,000 fatalities annually. Today\u2019s announcement moves the ball forward on auto safety and will also help ensure the United States remains on the cutting edge of developing these potentially life-saving technologies. \u00a0\n\u201cIn order for these technologies to work properly, we must ensure that auto makers are using V2V devices that \u2018speak the same language\u2019 as the NPRM proposes. It is important to note that the 5.9 GHz band of spectrum has already been allocated for Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) radios that will be used to implement this technology. It is crucial that the FCC ensure that any potential sharing of the band does not interfere with DSRC so these potentially life-saving technologies can reach consumers as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-elected-vice-chair-congressional-women-s-caucus", "Congresswoman Lawrence Elected as Vice Chair of Congressional Womens Caucus", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released a statement regarding her appointment as Vice Chair of the Congressional Women\u2019s Caucus for the 115th Congress:\n\u201cI am honored to be a part of this bipartisan caucus advocating on behalf of women nation-wide.\u00a0 Working together to support the needs of women and families is a cornerstone to our country\u2019s overall success. \u00a0I am committed to collaborating in creating legislation that supports the needed and necessary goals of this Caucus.\u00a0 When women succeed America succeeds, and I\u2019m excited to be a part of this Caucus and this movement supporting fairness and equality for all women.\u201d\n##\nBackground:\nFounded in 1977, the Congressional Women\u2019s Caucus has been a leading advocate on issues advancing the lives of women and families. Caucus members have helped pass legislation securing tougher child support enforcement, promoting women\u2019s health, helping women business owners, and protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-colleagues-call-for-national-intelligence-estimate-of-russian-tampering-in-us-election-request-confirmation-of-justice-dept-investigation-", "Peters, Colleagues Call for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in U.S. Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Dept. Investigation", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Colleagues Call for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in U.S. Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Dept. Investigation  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In letters to Director James Clapper, Attorney General Lynch, Senators push Administration on Russian hacks\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today joined eight of his colleagues in calling for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 United States presidential election, accompanied by an unclassified summary of its key judgments by January 20th, 2017. An NIE is the formal, authoritative assessment of the Director of National Intelligence related to a particular national security issue, which reflects the collective judgment of the nation's sixteen intelligence agencies.\r\nThe senators also called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to publicly confirm that nonpartisan career Justice Department officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and if not, to open one immediately. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the election to assist Donald Trump. Senator Peters joined Sens. Dick Durbin (IL), Patrick Leahy (VT), Ben Cardin (MD), Al Franken (MN), Brian Schatz (HI), Bob Casey (PA), Tom Udall (NM), and Ed Markey (MA) in sending the letters.\r\nDirect and deliberate interference in our election is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national securityit is absolutely critical that information about these matters be disclosed to the public and to Congress, wrote the Senators. We strongly support calls for bipartisan investigations by Congressthis issue requires the full attention of the executive and legislative branches alike, and a conclusive, public national intelligence estimate will lay out the facts for the American people. The public also needs transparency and reassurance that federal law enforcement is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\r\nFull text of the senators' letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper (PDF Link):\r\nDecember 13, 2016\r\nThe Honorable James Clapper\r\nDirector of National Intelligence\r\nWashington, D.C. 20511\r\nDear Director Clapper:\r\nWe request an immediate National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) regarding Russian efforts to manipulate the recent U.S. presidential election, including public release of its key judgments no later than January 20, 2017. Recently disclosed U.S. intelligence findings as publicly reported that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election and sought to undermine our democratic institutions  and the consequences thereof (including possible future such attacks on the United States)  are deeply concerning. They make it imperative that information be provided to the public and Congress. Quite simply, deliberate interference in our election to favor a particular candidate is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\r\nOn Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help a particular candidate win the election. It further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton's campaign chair. Russia was also reported to have had a role in cyber intrusions in at least two U.S. state election systems. These were described as individuals or actors known to the intelligence community and part of a wider Russian operation to boost one candidate over the other. The Post quoted a senior U.S. official briefed at an intelligence presentation made to some U.S. senators as saying, It is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia's goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected. Also reported was that intelligence agency briefers told some senators as recently as last week that it was now quite clear that electing Trump was Russia's goal. In fact, you were quoted in early October as saying, We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.\r\nUnder President Putin, Russia has taken aggressive actions that are contrary to American interests and those of its key allies. Its military has seized land in Georgia and Ukraine and aggressively tried to sow disinformation and instability in European democracies. It plants false news, promotes a distorted and false narrative about threats to Russia and ethnic Russians in border states, funds political parties sympathetic to Russian interests, and reportedly conducts cyberattacks against key Western interests. Its proxies were recently implicated in a coup plot in Montenegro and were involved in murdering more than 300 innocent civilians in a downed commercial airline over occupied eastern Ukraine. Russian military forces have aggressively probed NATO-member airspace and waters, and conducted reckless intercepts of U.S. aircraft in international airspace. It has reportedly tried to manipulate upcoming German elections. Finally, Russian State TV host and Putin confidant Dmitry Kiselyov  also known as the Kremlin's Chief Propagandist  warned this year that impudent U.S. behavior towards Russia may have nuclear consequences. Quite simply, Russia is determined to foster political chaos and institutional mistrust in the West and may have alarmingly succeeded in the United States.\r\nGiven the serious nature of these matters, with unprecedented national security implications, we believe that our intelligence community must prioritize a conclusive, public NIE to lay out the facts of this serious matter for the American people. Threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process must not become hostage to partisanship and narrow political interests. We know that Russia continues to make a concerted effort to undermine democratic institutions in the West and we fear we have fallen victim to their agenda. Such an attack on the United States must not go undisclosed. \r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\r\n--\r\n\r\nFull text of the senators' letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch (PDF Link):\r\n\r\nDecember 13, 2016\r\nThe Honorable Loretta Lynch\r\nAttorney General\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\nWashington, D.C. 20530\r\n\r\nDear Attorney General Lynch:\r\nWe urge the Department of Justice to publicly confirm that objective career Department professionals are conducting a criminal investigation into whether officials in the Russian government intervened in, or directed others to intervene in, the 2016 U.S. presidential election to help one candidate over the other. If such an investigation is not ongoing, we urge you to open one without delay.\r\nOn September 28, 2016, Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified before the House Judiciary Committee and was asked about the Department's standard for commenting on whether an investigation is underway. Director Comey stated that [o]ur standard is we do not confirm or deny the existence of investigations, but he cited examples of exceptional circumstances that he said justified commenting on the existence of investigations, including when there is a need for the public to be reassured and where the public needed transparency.\r\nSurely this is just such an exceptional circumstance. On December 9, the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Russia moved deliberately to help elect one candidate as president of the United States. The Post further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to Russia's government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from one U.S. party's national political committee and campaign chairman. Deliberate hacking of national political party and campaign staff email systems in order to tilt the election results in favor of the candidate deemed more sympathetic to Russian interests is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security. The public needs transparency and reassurance that the Department of Justice is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\r\nThe American people need to know that threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process will not go unexamined and unchallenged by the Department of Justice. We must ensure that a foreign government cannot undermine our democratic institutions and elections as a means to serve its own interests. We urge you to publicly confirm that a criminal investigation into these matters is underway or will immediately be opened.\r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-applauds-dot-proposed-rule-requiring-vehicle-to-vehicle-communications-technology-in-new-vehicle-models", "Sen. Peters Applauds DOT Proposed Rule Requiring Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications Technology in New Vehicle Models", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters Applauds DOT Proposed Rule Requiring Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications Technology in New Vehicle Models \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications Allow Cars to Communicate Wirelessly to Avoid Crashes\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the bipartisanSenate Smart Transportation Caucus, released the following statement on the Department of Transportation's (DOT) announcement of a proposed rule requiring vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology (V2V) to be included in all new light-duty vehicles:\r\nI'm pleased that DOT is continuing to build on their efforts to bring advanced vehicle technologies to our nation's roads by requiring vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology to be included in all new light-duty vehicle models. This technology could dramatically reduce the number of accidents and traffic fatalities on our roads, especially when combined with vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology and automated vehicles. It is also important that this proposed rule encourages developers and government to collaborate and ensure all vehicles can communicate with each other using a standard language. At a time when more than 35,000 people lose their lives on American roads every year, vehicle-to-vehicle communications could help save hundreds of thousands of lives.\r\nVehicle-to-vehicle communication devices will use dedicated short range communications (DSRC), and in order to reach their full safety potential, we must ensure these technologies are able to function without interference in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I'm pleased the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently testing proposals for sharing to eliminate possible interference between DSRC used in connected vehicle technologies and unlicensed Wi-Fi devices in the 5.9 GHz band. I have urged the FCC to complete this testing in a thorough, transparent and urgent manner to allow unhindered deployment of life-saving communication technologies on our roads.\r\n\r\nPeters' letter to the FCC on testing in the 5.9 GHz band isavailable here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399215", "Walberg, Dingell Seek Answers on Poor Detroit VA Ranking", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (MI-07) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald seeking answers about steps that are being taken to improve performance and quality of care at the Detroit VA. The letter follows press reports that the Detroit VA Medical Center has become a one-star facility based on an internal rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database.\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\u201d the Representatives wrote. \u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u201dThe Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. The Representatives are requesting information about how VA Headquarters intends to ensure the Detroit VA improves on each target area, the timeline for doing so, and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and patients are safe. The Representatives also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the SAIL database.\u201cAs you know, this information is not released to the public,\u201d they wrote. \u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\u201dWalberg and Dingell will meet with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and will continue working with the VA to address the problems and ensure veterans are receiving the best possible care.The full letter can be read here and below.December 12, 2016The Honorable Robert McDonald  \r\nSecretary  \r\nU.S. Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs  \r\n810 Vermont Avenue, NW  \r\nWashington, DC 20420Dear Secretary MacDonald:  \r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \r\nThis letter is regarding the poor rating of the Detroit VA Medical Center which we learned of last Friday following the public release of an internal rating system used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assess the performance of VA hospitals. \u00a0We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility. \u00a0 The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. \u00a0We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u00a0Part of the issue is the lack of transparency surrounding the quality rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database. \u00a0As you know, this information is not released to the public. \u00a0Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. \u00a0Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. \u00a0To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.In regards to the current situation, we are committed to working with you and the leadership at the Detroit VA to address these problems so veterans know they are receiving the best possible care. We request answers to the following questions:  \r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \r\n1. Please provide us with a complete and un-redacted copy of the latest SAIL star rankings, as well as a list of all rankings going back 5 years. \u00a0 As you are aware, our only knowledge of the star rankings is coming from press reports.\u00a02. The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their HEDIS score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. \u00a0How does VA Headquarters intend to ensure that the Detroit VA improves on each of these important targets? \u00a0 What is the timeline for these improvements? \u00a0How will we be kept informed of their progress?3. Does the Detroit VA have to submit a formal plan to VA Headquarters for how they intend to improve their performance and quality of care? \u00a04. What assistance and resources is VA Headquarters offering the Detroit VA, or any other one-star facility, to ensure all necessary and appropriate measures to improve care at the facility are occurring?5. In general, are there any penalties or punishment in place for one-star hospitals in the VA system? \u00a0If so, please provide a detailed explanation of the penalties. \u00a0If not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals. \u00a0\u00a06. How is the public informed if a hospital in their area only has one star? What type of accountability systems are in place for a hospital which stayed at one-star status for over a year to ensure performance is immediately improved? \u00a0How many hospitals nationwide have been one-star hospitals for over a year?7. How are the metrics used in the SAIL system determined? \u00a0How often are these metrics reviewed and updated?\u00a08. Will both VA Headquarters and the Detroit VA commit to providing our offices with regular briefing and updates on your progress in improving the star rating of the Detroit VA?9. How do we ensure that veterans that are currently receiving treatment at the Detroit VA are being properly cared for and are not in danger?\u00a0We are deeply disturbed to read this report in last Friday\u2019s newspaper. Providing for our veterans is a critical responsibility for you and us. \u00a0It is absolutely essential that we ensure veterans at the Detroit VA are receiving the good, quality healthcare which they were promised and that it not be impaired in any way. \u00a0We are meeting with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and must be kept informed of how this will be fixed moving forward. \u00a0We all must come together to address the problems at the Detroit VA so our veterans can have confidence that they are receiving the best possible care which they were promised. \u00a0 Providing prompt answers to our questions and working to improve transparency at the VA will help us achieve these critical goals. \u00a0We look forward to receiving your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399216", "Detroit Free Press: Dingell, Walberg want answers on Detroit's VA center", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A USA TODAY/Free Press report last week revealing a low quality rating at Detroit\u2019s John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center led two members of Congress today to ask the agency for assurances that veterans are \u201cbeing properly cared for and are not in danger.\u201dU.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, wrote VA Secretary Robert McDonald today asking for copies of the agency\u2019s secret star-ratings of hospitals going back five years as well as for plans for improvements at the Detroit center and when they will be implemented.\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\u201d they wrote. \u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving health care at the facility not be harmed in any way.\u201dWhile the VA refuses to release star-ratings for its facilities, USA TODAY, a sister publication of the Free Press, recently obtained a list of one- and five-star rated facilities based on quality of care measurements compiled by the agency.In an interview, VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin cautioned against using the internal star ratings \u2014 which are based on dozens of factors \u2014 as a way to compare hospitals but he acknowledged that out of all the system\u2019s hospitals given a one-star rating earlier this year, Detroit\u2019s was the only one to see overall quality deteriorate instead of improve.There was no indication, however, that veterans were in any specific danger, despite the facility\u2019s low ranking on certain quality of care measurements, which officials said they were working to improve.In their letter, Dingell and Walberg chided the VA for keeping the star ratings under wraps, saying that, \u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA.\u201dDingell and Walberg also asked the VA head if there are \u201cpenalties or punishment\u201d in place for one-star hospitals and what resources are being committed to the Detroit center to help it improve. They also asked for a commitment for updates and said they planned to meet with center officials this week.Officials at the Detroit center, which was renamed for Dingell\u2019s husband, retired U.S. Rep. John Dingell, acknowledged to the Free Press last week that it had slipped to one-star due in part to \u201cperformance deteriorations\u201d in health care measures that included hypertension and diabetes control, as well as in wait times for specialty care appointments and some heart disease and medical readmission rates.Dr. Pamela Reeves, medical center director for the Dingell VA Center, also told the Free Press that its decline was also due in part to changes in the way the VA collects and measures data. She said the hospital\u2019s leadership team was working \u201cto address the opportunities identified by the \u2026 data.\u201dThis article originally appeared in the December 12 edition of the Detroit Free Press.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399217", "Detroit News: Reps: Why did Detroit VA facilitys rating drop?", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two members of Congress wrote to the U.S. Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs on Monday demanding answers about why the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit has fallen to a one-star facility out of five stars based on an internal rating by the VA.Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, said they were \u201cdisturbed\u201d by the news and asked Secretary Robert McDonald how his agency intends to swiftly improve the performance and quality of care.\u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling, and we must ensure that veterans receiving health care at the facility not be harmed in any way,\u201d Dingell and Walberg wrote. \u201cWe must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u201dThe Detroit VA ratings fell in categories including its wait time for specialty care appointments as well as readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts.Dingell and Walberg asked McDonald for details about how the agency intends to improve targets in each area, the timeline for doing so and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and ensure patients\u2019 safety.They also raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the database used for the ratings system \u2013 the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning database, which is not public.The pair requested five years worth of SAIL star rankings that are free of redaction. They also requested details about the metrics used in the SAIL system and asked how often the measurements are updated and reviewed.\u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cHaving a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide.\u201dThey asked McDonald about what assistance and resources the VA is offering the Detroit VA and other one-star facilities to ensure they are taking action to improve care and wanted to know whether such facilities are punished or penalized in any way.\u201cIf not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals,\u201d they wrote.Dingell and Walberg introduced a bill this year that would require each VA medical facility to issue quarterly reports on the rate of surgical infections, as well as the number of canceled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals.This article originally appeared in the December 12 edition of the Detroit News.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-walberg-seek-answers-poor-detroit-va-ranking", "Dingell, Walberg Seek Answers on Poor Detroit VA Ranking", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Tim Walberg (MI-07) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald seeking answers about steps that are being taken to improve performance and quality of care at the Detroit VA. The letter follows press reports that the Detroit VA Medical Center has become a one-star facility based on an internal rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database.\n\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\u201d the Representatives wrote. \u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u201d\nThe Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. The Representatives are requesting information about how VA Headquarters intends to ensure the Detroit VA improves on each target area, the timeline for doing so, and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and patients are safe. The Representatives also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the SAIL database.\n\u201cAs you know, this information is not released to the public,\u201d they wrote. \u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\u201d\nDingell and Walberg will meet with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and will continue working with the VA to address the problems and ensure veterans are receiving the best possible care.\nThe full letter can be read here and below.\nDecember 12, 2016\nThe Honorable Robert McDonald  \n\tSecretary  \n\tU.S. Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs  \n\t810 Vermont Avenue, NW  \n\tWashington, DC 20420\nDear Secretary McDonald:  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 This letter is regarding the poor rating of the Detroit VA Medical Center which we learned of last Friday following the public release of an internal rating system used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assess the performance of VA hospitals. \u00a0We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility. \u00a0 The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. \u00a0We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Part of the issue is the lack of transparency surrounding the quality rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database. \u00a0As you know, this information is not released to the public. \u00a0Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. \u00a0Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. \u00a0To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 In regards to the current situation, we are committed to working with you and the leadership at the Detroit VA to address these problems so veterans know they are receiving the best possible care. We request answers to the following questions:  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\t1.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Please provide us with a complete and un-redacted copy of the latest SAIL star rankings, as well as a list of all rankings going back 5 years. \u00a0 As you are aware, our only knowledge of the star rankings is coming from press reports.\u00a0\n2.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their HEDIS score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. \u00a0How does VA Headquarters intend to ensure that the Detroit VA improves on each of these important targets? \u00a0 What is the timeline for these improvements? \u00a0How will we be kept informed of their progress?\n3.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Does the Detroit VA have to submit a formal plan to VA Headquarters for how they intend to improve their performance and quality of care? \u00a0\n4.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0What assistance and resources is VA Headquarters offering the Detroit VA, or any other one-star facility, to ensure all necessary and appropriate measures to improve care at the facility are occurring?\n5.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0In general, are there any penalties or punishment in place for one-star hospitals in the VA system? \u00a0If so, please provide a detailed explanation of the penalties. \u00a0If not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals. \u00a0\u00a0\n6.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0How is the public informed if a hospital in their area only has one star? What type of accountability systems are in place for a hospital which stayed at one-star status for over a year to ensure performance is immediately improved? \u00a0How many hospitals nationwide have been one-star hospitals for over a year?\n7.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0How are the metrics used in the SAIL system determined? \u00a0How often are these metrics reviewed and updated?\u00a0\n8.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Will both VA Headquarters and the Detroit VA commit to providing our offices with regular briefing and updates on your progress in improving the star rating of the Detroit VA?\n9.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0How do we ensure that veterans that are currently receiving treatment at the Detroit VA are being properly cared for and are not in danger?\u00a0\nWe are deeply disturbed to read this report in last Friday\u2019s newspaper. Providing for our veterans is a critical responsibility for you and us. \u00a0It is absolutely essential that we ensure veterans at the Detroit VA are receiving the good, quality healthcare which they were promised and that it not be impaired in any way. \u00a0We are meeting with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and must be kept informed of how this will be fixed moving forward. \u00a0We all must come together to address the problems at the Detroit VA so our veterans can have confidence that they are receiving the best possible care which they were promised. \u00a0 Providing prompt answers to our questions and working to improve transparency at the VA will help us achieve these critical goals. \u00a0We look forward to receiving your response.\u00a0\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Debbie Dingell \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Tim Walberg  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-dingell-seek-answers-poor-detroit-va-ranking", "Walberg, Dingell Seek Answers on Poor Detroit VA Ranking", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (MI-07) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald seeking answers about steps that are being taken to improve performance and quality of care at the Detroit VA. The letter follows press reports that the Detroit VA Medical Center has become a one-star facility based on an internal rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database.\"We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\" the Representatives wrote. \"The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\" The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. The Representatives are requesting information about how VA Headquarters intends to ensure the Detroit VA improves on each target area, the timeline for doing so, and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and patients are safe. The Representatives also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the SAIL database. \"As you know, this information is not released to the public,\" they wrote. \"Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\" Walberg and Dingell will meet with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and will continue working with the VA to address the problems and ensure veterans are receiving the best possible care. The full letter can be read here and below. December 12, 2016 The Honorable Robert McDonald  \nSecretary  \nU.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs  \n810 Vermont Avenue, NW  \nWashington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary MacDonald:  \n       \nThis letter is regarding the poor rating of the Detroit VA Medical Center which we learned of last Friday following the public release of an internal rating system used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assess the performance of VA hospitals. We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility.  The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner. Part of the issue is the lack of transparency surrounding the quality rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database. As you know, this information is not released to the public. Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing. In regards to the current situation, we are committed to working with you and the leadership at the Detroit VA to address these problems so veterans know they are receiving the best possible care. We request answers to the following questions:  \n       \n1. Please provide us with a complete and un-redacted copy of the latest SAIL star rankings, as well as a list of all rankings going back 5 years.  As you are aware, our only knowledge of the star rankings is coming from press reports. 2. The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their HEDIS score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. How does VA Headquarters intend to ensure that the Detroit VA improves on each of these important targets?  What is the timeline for these improvements? How will we be kept informed of their progress? 3. Does the Detroit VA have to submit a formal plan to VA Headquarters for how they intend to improve their performance and quality of care?  4. What assistance and resources is VA Headquarters offering the Detroit VA, or any other one-star facility, to ensure all necessary and appropriate measures to improve care at the facility are occurring? 5. In general, are there any penalties or punishment in place for one-star hospitals in the VA system? If so, please provide a detailed explanation of the penalties. If not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals.  6. How is the public informed if a hospital in their area only has one star? What type of accountability systems are in place for a hospital which stayed at one-star status for over a year to ensure performance is immediately improved? How many hospitals nationwide have been one-star hospitals for over a year? 7. How are the metrics used in the SAIL system determined? How often are these metrics reviewed and updated? 8. Will both VA Headquarters and the Detroit VA commit to providing our offices with regular briefing and updates on your progress in improving the star rating of the Detroit VA? 9. How do we ensure that veterans that are currently receiving treatment at the Detroit VA are being properly cared for and are not in danger? We are deeply disturbed to read this report in last Friday's newspaper. Providing for our veterans is a critical responsibility for you and us. It is absolutely essential that we ensure veterans at the Detroit VA are receiving the good, quality healthcare which they were promised and that it not be impaired in any way. We are meeting with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and must be kept informed of how this will be fixed moving forward. We all must come together to address the problems at the Detroit VA so our veterans can have confidence that they are receiving the best possible care which they were promised.  Providing prompt answers to our questions and working to improve transparency at the VA will help us achieve these critical goals. We look forward to receiving your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-peters-gardner-american-innovation-and-competitiveness-act", "Senate Approves Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Senate Approves Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate approved the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, a bicameral, bipartisan legislative compromise originallyintroduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with John Thune (R-SD) and Bill Nelson (D-FL), that maximizes basic research opportunities, reduces administrative burdens for researchers, encourages scientific entrepreneurship, and promotes oversight of taxpayer-funded research. The legislation also promotes diversity in STEM fields, incentivizes private-sector innovation, and aims to improve advanced manufacturing and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a public-private partnership to support small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\nBeginning in July of 2015, Peters and Gardner led the Senate Commerce Committee's innovation and competitiveness working group on ways to update federal science and technology research policy. The working group was designed to facilitate a dialogue between leaders on federal science and technology research and gather feedback to consider in developing the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act.\r\nResearch and innovation are the cornerstones of the American economy, generating new discoveries that become major industries, create jobs and keep our nation internationally competitive,said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee.I was honored to work with Senator Gardner, Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson on this bipartisan legislation that takes important steps to improve STEM education efforts, boost small and medium sized manufacturers, and encourage entrepreneurs to turn their discoveries into new businesses that strengthen America's competitive edge and keep us at the forefront of the global economy.\r\nAmerica is at its best when it empowers our entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools they need to keep America competitive and at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development, said Senator Gardner. The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act has made science bipartisan again. It is a collaborative, bipartisan effort that updates and enhances federal research and technology policy. It highlights STEM education and incentivizes entrepreneurship and private sector development, while at the same time enhancing oversight of federal agencies to ensure the most effective use of resources. This legislation paves the way for our country to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs, and its passage represents a significant step forward.\r\nThe bill most directly affects programs within the National Science Foundation (NSF), the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which oversees MEP. MEP centers across the country offer resources that enable manufacturers to compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Michigan's MEP affiliate, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has been working for 25 years to support Michigan businesses.\r\nHighlights of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act Maximizing Basic Research\r\n \r\nHighlights Peer Review: Reaffirms the appropriateness of the National Science Foundation's (NSF's) intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria used to evaluate grant proposals.\r\nKeeps Government Accountable to Taxpayers: Promotes transparency by requiring public notices of grants to justify the project's expenditures and confirm that they align with NSF's priorities.\r\nBroadens Research Opportunities: Updates NSF's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to continue promoting groundbreaking research in states that receive relatively little federal research money.\r\nModernizes Existing Programs: Includes updates to the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) programs, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) laboratory and education outreach programs.\r\n \r\nAdministrative and Regulatory Burden Reduction\r\n \r\nReduces Paperwork Burdens: Establishes an inter-agency working group to provide recommendations on eliminating unnecessary paperwork for researchers and institutions.\r\nStreamlines Government: Repeals obsolete agency reports and unfunded government programs.\r\n \r\nScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics\r\n \r\nEnhances Scientific Community Input: Establishes a STEM Advisory Panel composed of academic and industry representatives to provide recommendations on federal STEM programs.\r\nPromotes Diversity in STEM Fields: Creates a working group to study how to improve inclusion of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM fields and reaffirms the necessity of broadening participation in STEM fields through NSF programs.\r\n \r\nLeveraging the Private Sector\r\n \r\nIncentivizes Private-Sector Innovation: Updates prize competition authority to encourage greater participation in federal prize competitions.\r\nExpands Opportunities for Public Involvement: Permits federal science agencies to use crowdsourcing as a tool to conduct agency projects.\r\n \r\nManufacturing\r\n \r\nEncourages Improved Manufacturing: Adjusts the federal cost-share ratio and implements new accountability and oversight provisions within NIST's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.\r\n \r\nInnovation and Technology Transfer\r\n \r\nBolsters Scientific Entrepreneurship: Authorizes the successful I-Corps program to help scientists move their research from the laboratory to the marketplace.\r\nReaffirms Importance of Commercialization: Directs NSF to continue awarding translational research grants and strengthen public-private cooperation.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/senate-passes-agreement-to-provide-critical-help-for-flint-and-other-communities-clearing-way-for-presidents-signature/", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for President\u2019s Signature \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 10, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities that\u00a0was\u00a0appropriated as part of the government funding bill\nCongress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead.\u00a0 The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Stabenow, Senator\u00a0Peters\u00a0and Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21\u00a0tonight\u00a0as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.\u00a0 This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3.\u00a0 It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature.\nThe agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint\u2019s drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the public\u00a0within 24 hours\u00a0of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\n\u201cThis is a very long, hard-fought victory,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cThis agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginning\u2014pass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis.\u201d\n\u201cThough the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Peters.\u00a0\u201cFor nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes.\u201d\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Kildee.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint\u2019s water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\u201d\n\u201cI am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need,\u201d\u00a0said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint.\u00a0\u201cOur tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future.\u201d\nBipartisan Agreement Summary:  \n$100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure\nThe agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water.\nState Option for Debt Forgiveness\nThe State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint\u2019s debts incurred prior to\u00a0fiscal year\u00a02017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans.\nAt least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund\nThe agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan.\n$50 Million for Public Health\nThe agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed to\u00a0lead,\u00a0and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure.\nAnother $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure.\nPublic Notification\nThe agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-passes-agreement-provide-critical-help-flint-and-other-communities", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities thatwasappropriated as part of the government funding bill Congress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead. The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Stabenow, SenatorPetersand Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21tonightas part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3. It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature. The agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint's drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the publicwithin 24 hoursof high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so. This is a very long, hard-fought victory,said Senator Stabenow. This agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginningpass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis. \"Though the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,said Senator Peters.For nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes. \"Today's vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis,said Congressman Kildee. I am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint's water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\" I am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need,said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint.Our tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future. Bipartisan Agreement Summary:  $100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure The agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water. State Option for Debt Forgiveness The State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint's debts incurred prior tofiscal year2017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans. At least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund The agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan. $50 Million for Public Health The agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed tolead,and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure. Another $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure. Public Notification The agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-agreement-to-provide-critical-help-for-flint-and-other-communities-clearing-way-for-presidents-signature", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for President's Signature \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities that was appropriated as part of the government funding bill\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead. The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Peters, Senator Stabenow and Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21 tonight as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3. It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature.\r\nThe agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint's drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\r\n\"Though the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,said Senator Peters.For nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes.\r\nThis is a very long, hard-fought victory, said Senator Stabenow. This agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginningpass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis.\r\n\"Today's vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis, said Congressman Kildee. I am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint's water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\"\r\nI am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need, said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint. Our tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future.\r\nBipartisan Agreement Summary:      $100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure\r\nThe agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water.\r\nState Option for Debt Forgiveness\r\nThe State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint's debts incurred prior to fiscal year 2017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans.      At least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund      The agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan.      $50 Million for Public Health      The agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed to lead, and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure.      Another $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure.       Public Notification      The agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senate-passes-agreement-to-provide-critical-help-for-flint-and-other-communities-clearing-way-for-presidents-signature", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for President\u2019s Signature \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities that was appropriated as part of the government funding bill \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 10, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tCongress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead.\u00a0 The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Stabenow, Senator Peters and Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21 tonight as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.\u00a0 This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3.\u00a0 It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature.\u00a0\r\nThe agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint\u2019s drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\r\n\u201cThis is a very long, hard-fought victory,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cThis agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginning\u2014pass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis.\u201d\r\n\"Though the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cFor nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes.\u201d\r\n\"Today's vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis,\u201d said Congressman Kildee.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint's water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\"\r\n\u201cI am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need,\u201d said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint. \u201cOur tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future.\u201d\r\nBipartisan Agreement Summary:   \u00a0   $100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure\u00a0\r\nThe agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water.\r\nState Option for Debt Forgiveness\r\nThe State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint\u2019s debts incurred prior to fiscal year 2017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans.   \u00a0   At least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund   \u00a0   The agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan.\u00a0   \u00a0   $50 Million for Public Health   \u00a0   The agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed to lead, and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure.   \u00a0   Another $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure.\u00a0    \u00a0   Public Notification   \u00a0   The agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-joins-bipartisan-call-for-president-elect-trump-to-stand-against-russian-aggression-and-support-nato-ukrainian-sovereignty", "Peters Joins Bipartisan Call for President-Elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, & Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Peters Joins Bipartisan Call for President-Elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, & Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a bipartisan group of Senators to call on President-elect Donald Trump to continue America's tradition of support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.\r\nIn light of Russia's continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine, wrote Peters and his colleagues. This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, U.S. leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.\r\nIn August, Senator Peters joined a Congressional delegation traveling to Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Iceland, where the delegation discussed with allies national security issues, including the threat from Russian aggression and the importance of U.S. partnerships with European allies. While in Ukraine, Peters learned more about the Ukrainian people's battle to combat Russian aggression in the Donbass region and rid their government and civil institutions of rampant corruption. The delegation met with a number of civic, business and military leaders, including Ukraine's National Guard, Patrol Police and Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin.\r\nFull text of the senators' letter is below and available here.\r\nDecember 8, 2016\r\nDear President-elect Trump,\r\nAs Members and friends of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, advocates for a strong US-Ukrainian relationship, and backers of NATO, we write to convey strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States Senate. We look forward to working with you and your new administration to support our ally Ukraine and help it secure a peaceful and democratic future.\r\nAlmost three years after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and military aggression in eastern Ukraine, daily ceasefire violations along the line of contact make a mockery of the Minsk Agreement and demonstrate that this conflict in the heart of Europe is far from over. Russia has yet to withdraw its heavy weapons and continues its sabotage and subversion efforts. It has not halted its disinformation war against Ukraine and the West, nor stopped its economic and political pressure aimed at undermining the Ukrainian government. According to conservative estimates from the United Nations, approximately 10,000 people have been killed, over 20,000 wounded, and more than two million internally displaced since the conflict began. And, unfortunately, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observers still do not have full, unimpeded access to the Ukrainian-Russian border while Russia continues to supply weapons, equipment, and personnel to the separatists.\r\nQuite simply, Russia has launched a military land-grab in Ukraine that is unprecedented in modern European history. These actions in Crimea and other areas of eastern Ukraine dangerously upend well-established diplomatic, legal, and security norms that the United States and its NATO allies painstakingly built over decades  a historically bipartisan global security framework that has greatly served US security and economic interests. We believe it is in our vital national security interest to uphold these norms and values, and prevent America's commitment to its allies and ideals from being called into question.\r\nIn light of Russia's continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine. This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, US leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.\r\nWe look forward to continuing the tradition of bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, which has authorized meaningful assistance programs through the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and other pieces of legislation. We stand ready to work with you and your new administration on strengthening the US-Ukrainian relationship and look forward to learning more about your plans to engage on this important issue.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-us-manufacturers-create-more-american-jobs", "Senator Stabenow Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Create More American Jobs", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Create More American Jobs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFriday, December 09, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) joined Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in introducing legislation amending our tax laws to support American manufacturers and to create jobs here at home.\u00a0 The bill makes it clear that both companies using contract manufacturers and the contract manufacturers themselves are eligible to claim tax deductions that reward domestic manufacturing activities in the United States.\r\n\u201cWe don\u2019t have an economy or a middle class unless we make things and grow things,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cThis bill makes a commonsense change to our tax policies that will encourage manufacturers to create more jobs here at home.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis legislation will help ensure our tax code encourages good-paying manufacturing jobs right here in the United States,\u201d said Senator Portman.\u00a0 \u201cThe IRS\u2019s interpretation of the section 199 regulations has resulted in disputes and litigation between the IRS and contract manufacturers, and, as a result, the law\u2019s incentive to promote domestic manufacturing has been diminished.\u00a0 This legislation will end those disputes so that businesses can focus on creating jobs.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhen U.S. manufacturers provide American jobs with good benefits, they should be rewarded,\u201d said Senator Brown. \u201cThis simple fix will promote job creation by making sure American manufacturers can get the tax deduction they need to grow.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nSection 199 is one of the largest tax incentives that benefits domestic manufacturing. It provides companies with a 9% deduction on their income from domestic manufacturing activities, giving those activities a lower effective tax rate and making U.S. manufacturing a more attractive investment.\u00a0\r\n\r\nUnder current tax law, it is unclear whether a company using a contract manufacturer or the contract manufacturer itself is eligible to claim the deduction.\u00a0 Senator Stabenow\u2019s legislation would clarify tax law to allow both entities to claim the Section 199 tax incentive for domestic manufacturing.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/969-2/", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildee\u2019s Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Water Resources Bill \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city\u2019s ongoing water crisis.\nBelow is a transcript of Congressman Kildee\u2019s remarks, as delivered:\n\u201cThank you Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend Mr. Tonko for yielding and his work advocating on behalf of the people of my hometown of Flint. I also want to thank colleagues on both sides of the aisle \u2013 Leader Pelosi, our Whip Mr. Hoyer, the Speaker who committed to help make sure we get this Flint provision through, as well as other colleagues who have stood with me as I have fought now for a year and a half for the people of my hometown.\n\u201cA city of 100,000 people that still can\u2019t drink their water. This is not a question of access to water \u2013 the water flowing through the pipes in Flint has poisoned that city. 100,000 people \u2013 9,000 children under the age of six \u2013 affected permanently by high levels of lead being delivered to them through their municipal water system. Caused by careless, thoughtless decisions based on an obsession with austerity by the state government. And then they were told the water was safe to drink when that same state government knew it was not. \n\u201cLook, we know where we stand. No bill is perfect; this bill is far from perfect. Many of the provisions included in this legislation I disagree with. But I have been fighting for my hometown and been told to wait and wait and wait. And the people of my community can wait no longer. \n\u201cDrinking water is a basic human right. And that should be a human right exercised by the people everywhere, including the people of my hometown of Flint.\n\u201cEvery day that passes, every week that passes, every month that passes that Flint does not get the relief they so deserve, is a day we don\u2019t get back. More people leave, more businesses fail, the city gets more poor and poor and poor, and incapable of moving forward. That has to stop, and it has to stop right now. It has to stop before this Congress adjourns. We cannot count on the next Congress to get this done. \n\u201cTime matters. This bill would provide relief to my hometown. It\u00a0would put it on a path and it would send a signal that it\u2019s okay to invest in Flint. That it\u2019s okay to stay. That the water will be fine. That it is a responsibility we have. This is a moral obligation that we have.\n\u201cBut it also make sure that there are no more Flints, by including in this legislation the Kildee-Upton bill that passed this House nearly unanimously. \n\u201cIt is long past time for us to act. I ask that you join me in supporting this legislation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/house-passes-170-million-flint-aid-package-championed-by-congressman-dan-kildee/", "House Passes $170 Million Flint Aid Package Championed by Congressman Dan Kildee", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes $170 Million Flint Aid Package Championed by Congressman Dan Kildee \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tRelief Would Help Replace Lead Pipes, Remove Lead from Homes and Expand Health Care for Those Exposed to Lead\nThe U.S. House of Representatives today passed $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city\u2019s ongoing water crisis. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), who for over a year has advocated for congressional action for Flint, applauded the action on two House bills related to Flint that now move to the U.S. Senate.\n\u201cGetting aid for my hometown of Flint, which continues to recover from the ongoing water crisis, has been my top priority in Congress, and I am happy to see this aid package move forward,\u201d Congressman Kildee said. \u201cFlint families have waited far too long for their government to act but I am pleased that over a hundred million dollars in real federal aid for Flint is a big step closer to becoming reality.\u201d\nThe House today passed both a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which included authorizing language regarding Flint aid, by a vote of 360-61, and the Continuing Resolution (CR), the end-of-year government spending bill that included the appropriations money for Flint, by a vote of 326-96. Congressman Kildee urged swift action on both bills in the U.S. Senate to get the two bills to the President\u2019s desk and signed into law. Both Michigan U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters support the bills passed by the House.\n\u201cI applaud the House for passing our bipartisan agreement to provide long-awaited assistance for families in Flint and other communities affected by lead.\u00a0 It\u2019s absolutely critical that the Senate do the same and pass both the Water Resources Development Act and the government funding bill.\u00a0 That is the only way we can guarantee that families affected by this terrible crisis get the assistance they need. The people of Flint have waited far too long for their water system to be fixed so they can have confidence that their water is safe!\u201d U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow said.\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has passed legislation with critical provisions to help the residents of Flint, who have waited entirely too long for assistance in the wake of this water crisis. It is critical that the Senate act swiftly to pass not just the year end spending bill, but also the water infrastructure bill which is the only way to get Flint the support it needs on its road to recovery,\u201d U.S. Senator Gary Peters said.\nThe aid, which is a result of weeks of bipartisan negotiations between Congressman Kildee, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01) and others, includes:\n \n$100 million for the Safe Water Drinking Act State Revolving Loan Fund, which Flint could use to replace lead service lines and other water infrastructure improvement needs.\n$50 million for expanded health care, including the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Healthy Start Program and money to create a lead exposure registry.\n$20 million in loans available through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which would be available to Flint and other communities for water infrastructure improvement projects to address lead and other water contamination issues.\n \nAbout Congressman Kildee\u2019s Advocacy for Flint:\nCongressman Kildee has been a tireless advocate for Flint families and has led the fight in Congress to bring federal funding to the city in the wake of the water crisis. Since learning of the water crisis, Congressman Kildee has never stopped working with his colleagues in Congress \u2013 both Democrats and Republicans \u2013 and the Obama Administration to make sure that Flint receives the resources it needs to recover.\nBringing Attention to the Crisis\nSince September 2015, when the world learned of Flint\u2019s man-made lead in water crisis, Congressman Kildee vocally fought for resources for the city. He immediately spoke out, calling on Governor Rick Snyder, President Barack Obama and House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI-01) to bring attention to the crisis and urge them to bring resources to Flint.\nPushing for Federal Aid\nCongressman Kildee has worked with the Obama Administration to already bring hundreds of millions in federal dollars to Flint.\nIn January 2016, at Congressman Kildee\u2019s request, President Obama declared the water crisis in Flint a state of emergency. Immediately following, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supplied bottled water and water filters with replacement cartridges for Flint families. Later that same month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocated $80 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to Michigan to help Flint.\nIn March 2016, at Congressman Kildee\u2019s request, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Medicaid expansion for thousands of children and pregnant women in Flint so that they could have access to the health care that they need to recover from lead exposure. Furthermore, HHS awarded $3.5 million to expand Head Start for Flint children.\nIn June 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture expanded healthy food assistance benefits for over 23,000 children to help purchase fruits and vegetables.\nAdvocating for Flint in Congress\nThroughout the crisis, Congressman Kildee has refused to let Flint families be forgotten; he frequently took to the floor of the House of Representatives to remind Congress that Flint families continue to struggle to recover from the ongoing crisis, and that Congress needed to act on federal aid immediately.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee testified before the U.S. House of Oversight and Government Reform Committee to tell Flint\u2019s story and make sure Flint families received the justice they deserved.\nThe same month, Congressman Kildee, along with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), held a Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing where they heard from public health experts, including Dr. Mona Hanna Attisha, and local officials on the causes and lessons of the water crisis. Congressman Kildee invited Governor Rick Snyder to testify at the hearing, but the Governor declined.\nCongressional Delegations to Flint\nFrom February to September of 2016, Congressman Kildee hosted four separate congressional delegations to Flint, hosting over 30 Members of Congress \u2013 both Democrats and Republicans \u2013 in Flint. During the trips, Congressman Kildee led Leader Pelosi, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (SC-06), Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06), leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus and others to meet with families, business owners and community leaders in Flint to see first-hand the crisis there.\nLegislative Actions\nWhile keeping Flint in the national spotlight, Congressman Kildee introduced several pieces of legislation to provide relief for Flint families to recover from the water crisis and ensure that another lead in water crisis doesn\u2019t happen in other communities.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee introduced the Families of Flint Act, a comprehensive bill that sought to address the immediate and long-term investments in Flint. This legislation started a national conversation about Flint in Congress and provided the basis and starting point for the passage of today\u2019s passed Flint aid package. The Families of Flint Act had the support of 173 Members of Congress.\nAdditionally, in February 2016, Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen requirements to have the EPA more quickly notify the public when concentrations of lead in drinking water are above federal requirements, working to ensure the Flint tragedy can never happen again. This bill passed the House on February 10, 2016, with an overwhelming 416-2 bipartisan vote and was included in today\u2019s passed Flint aid package.\nIn July 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two amendments offered by Congressman Kildee allowing Flint to be relieved of existing loan burdens more quickly and provide $3 million to fund the city of Flint\u2019s share of a testing pipe loop that would allow for testing of water from a future source, the Karegnondi Water Authority, before the water source is changed. Language to allow loan forgiveness is included in the Continuing Resolution.\nIn September 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives, by a strong bipartisan vote of 399-25, passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which included \u00a0Congressman Kildee\u2019s amendment with Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04), which authorized $170 million to help repair Flint\u2019s water infrastructure. The Kildee-Moolenaar amendment passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 284-141, with support from 101 Republicans and 183 Democrats.\nToday\u2019s passage of Flint aid in the House as part of a broader water resources bill is a culmination of over a years\u2019 worth of engagement, advocacy and work by Congressman Kildee for the residents of his hometown. In the face of opposition, Congressman Kildee never let Congress forget about Flint families and worked with all of his colleagues to deliver bipartisan funding to the city of Flint.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/transcript-congressman-dan-kildees-remarks-in-support-of-flint-aid-package-in-budget-bill/", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Budget Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildee\u2019s Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Budget Bill \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support the Continuing Resolution, the short term budget bill, which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city\u2019s ongoing water crisis\nBelow is a transcript of Congressman Kildee\u2019s remarks, as delivered:\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend and colleague, the Ranking Member for yielding and for her work on behalf of my hometown of Flint. She has been one of the strong advocates. \n\u201cNo piece of legislation that I have yet seen in the four years I\u2019ve been in Congress that has come before this floor is perfect. And this bill is included. But the people of Flint, the people of my hometown, today cannot drink their water. Because of action by the state government and frankly as we know, failure of the federal government through the EPA to alert the citizens of Flint to the crisis, to the fact that their water had been poisoned, has caused this community to face the biggest crisis that it\u2019s faced in all its years.\n\u201cI am a product of Flint, Michigan. I grew up in Flint, everything I have, everything I am, I owe to that community. And it has faced some terrible struggles over the years. Loss of manufacturing jobs \u2013 90 percent of those manufacturing jobs gone. The loss of half of its population. Blight and abandonment. It\u2019s a community that just began to rebuild itself when this water crisis has caused Flint to face the toughest time it has ever faced. It needs every level of government to step up to provide relief.\n\u201cThis bill includes necessary funding to put Flint back on the path that allows its citizens to have the basic human right of clean drinking water. \n\u201cSo I ask my colleagues as we go forward, obviously consider all the elements of all legislation. But also to keep in mind this is the last day of this session of Congress in the House of Representatives. This is our last chance to provide the much needed help to my hometown.\n\u201cThis is why I was sent to Congress. To fight for the people that I represent. To make sure they have what they need. And to make sure at this moment of their greatest need, that every level of government responds to them, and that\u2019s why I\u2019ll support this bill and I\u2019d hope my colleagues would join me in that. Thank you.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398372", "House Passes Flint Aid Package, Huizenga led-effort to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Flint Aid Package, Huizenga led-effort to Strengthen Great Lakes EconomyToday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after supporting multiple bipartisan bills to keep the government funded, strengthen Michigan's \"Blue Economy,\" and provide aid to Flint:\r\n\"By passing Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Congress is holding the federal government accountable to communities in West Michigan and across the Great Lakes region,\" said Huizenga.  \"Not only does this important legislation permanently prioritize funding for the Great Lakes Navigational System, it goes a step further by ensuring that a greater portion of the revenues intended for water infrastructure and harbor dredging from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund actually get used for that purpose. Ports and harbors across the Great Lakes are engines of economic growth that generate over $18 billion in economic activity and support 130,000 good-paying jobs, and this bill will strengthen Michigan's 'Blue Economy' even further.\"\r\n\"What happened in Flint is a failure of government at all levels,\" said Huizenga. \"My focus has been on advancing a bipartisan solution to help the people of Flint recover. I am proud to see my colleagues in the Michigan delegation put party affiliation aside, unify, and focus the conversation in Congress on achieving meaningful and positive results for Flint. I believe the legislation passed today achieves that goal.\"\r\nBack in September, Rep. Huizenga authored an amendment to permanently prioritize Army Corps funding for the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS). The Great Lakes System is a critical international waterway that extends from the western end of Lake Superior to the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of over 2,400 miles. The U.S. portion of the system includes 140 harbors and over 600 miles of maintained navigation channels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398719", "Upton Statement on Decommissioning of  Palisades Nuclear Power Plant", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement on the announcement that Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, owned by Entergy Corporation and located in Covert, Michigan, would be decommissioned and closed in 2018: \r\n\u201cPalisades has been part of the fabric of our Southwest Michigan community since 1971. They\u2019ve employed thousands of workers \u2013 who in turn became respected leaders and so it\u2019s important we do not turn our back on these hardworking folks now. They\u2019ve also invested in our local schools and charities, had an enormous positive impact on our economy, and powered homes and businesses throughout the Midwest. But, as with all nuclear power plants across the country, there is always an end date. This safe transition is governed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and should not be interfered with. I strongly urge Entergy to remain committed to our community and I will continue working with them throughout this time of transition.\u201d \r\nSince 2011, Upton has served as Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over nuclear energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In 2013, Upton toured Palisades and met with officials alongside representatives of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In 2014, Upton toured Palisades again with then-NRC Chairman Alison M. Macfarlane.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398721", "Speaker Ryan Signs Bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following the Senate\u2019s passage of the 21st Century Cures Act on Wednesday by a vote of 94 to 5, the bill was sent today to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) before moving to the White House for the president\u2019s signature. The House passed the game-changing medical innovation bill on November 30, by a vote of 392-26. Both Speaker Ryan and Senate Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch (R-UT) officially signed the bill at this morning\u2019s Enrollment Ceremony. \u00a0  \r\n\u201cThis effort has always been about the patients, and I\u2019m so glad that we could have our friend, all-star Cures advocate Max with us today. Not letting rare disease hold him back, this pint-sized dynamo has been with us every step of the way on the #Path2Cures,\u201d said Upton. \u201cWe look forward to seeing President Obama make 21st Century Cures law next week. As Max said today, \u2018Cures is more than hope, its action.\u2019 Next stop, the White House!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398722", "Upton, Stabenow, Peters Announce Passage of Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that legislation to make Vietnam War veteran James C. McCloughan eligible for our nation\u2019s highest military honor \u2013 the Medal of Honor \u2013 has passed in Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the House of Representatives on December 2nd and cleared the U.S. Senate today. It now goes to the desk of the President for signature. \r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969. McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5).\r\n\u201cThis has been a long-time coming,\u201d said Upton. \u201cAnd now, thanks to our bipartisan efforts in the House and Senate, we\u2019re closer than ever to getting Private First Class McCloughan, and his family, the recognition he duly earned on the battlefield.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful for Private First Class James McCloughan\u2019s service to our country,\u201d Said Stabenow. \u201cToday, we are one step closer to awarding him the long overdue recognition he deserves.\u201d\r\n\u201cPrivate First Class James McCloughan put his life on the line to save his fellow service members, and the passage of this legislation will help ensure his bravery and sacrifice are properly recognized,\u201d Said Peters\r\nMedal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award. The Department of Defense recently recommended that James McCloughan receive this honor. This legislation waives the five-year requirement and when signed into law, will make it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to him.\r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan was highly decorated receiving the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with \u201cV\u201d device for valor, the U.S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republican of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palms and one oak leaf cluster and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399213", "Walberg Votes to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy, Invest in Waterway Infrastructure", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walberg Votes to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy, Invest in Waterway Infrastructure \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 8, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today voted for the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, a comprehensive water resources infrastructure bill to address the needs of our ports, harbors, and other waterway infrastructure critical to Michigan\u2019s economic competitiveness. The bipartisan agreement also includes provisions to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, dedicate resources to the Great Lakes Navigation System, and provide support for the people of Flint.\u201cMaintaining and improving water infrastructure, including ports and harbors like the Port of Monroe, is incredibly important to the growth of Michigan\u2019s economy,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cOur state\u2019s livelihood depends on the long-term health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, and this bipartisan bill also makes continued investments in the preservation and rejuvenation of our precious lakes and waterways. In addition, with today\u2019s vote, we came together to provide resources to help the Flint community recover from the heartbreaking water crisis.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/rep-john-conyers-donald-trump-next-richard-nixon", "Rep. John Conyers: Donald Trump Is the Next Richard Nixon", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "John Conyers, Jr., is a U.S. representative for Michigan. \n'Democrats must publicly push for accountability'\nNearly four decades ago, former President Nixon told us that \u201cwhen the President does it, that means it\u2019s not illegal.\u201d Recently, President-elect Donald Trump echoed those comments when he declared, \u201cThe president can\u2019t have a conflict of interest,\u201d a statement that disregards all customs and norms of the modern presidency. As someone who has endured numerous undeclared wars, two presidential impeachments, the attacks of 9/11 and passage of the PATRIOT Act, this mindset causes me to fear that our nation may again be veering towards a constitutional crisis, but with far fewer safeguards than we have had in the past.\nAs one who experienced the toxic politics of Vietnam and the riots of the 1960\u2019s, I have never witnessed mindless name-calling, insults or demagoguery on the scale or scope of the Trump campaign. Among other things, Trump accused Democrats of \u201ctry[ing to] rig the election at the polling booths, where so many cities are corrupt and voter fraud is all too common.\u201d He has intermittently called for a \u201ctotal and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,\u201d and sought to intimidate the media, promising to \u201copen up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.\u201d During the presidential debates, he told Secretary Hillary Clinton that if he wins \u201cyou\u2019d be in jail.\u201d\nNot only does such \u201cloose cannon\u201d rhetoric divide our nation, but if acted upon is flatly inconsistent with our Constitution and our values. Throwing around reckless and unsubstantiated accusations of election fraud undermines our democracy, the Voting Rights Act and the 15th Amendment. Banning Muslim entry or creating a registry would violate First Amendment freedom of religion. Legislatively targeting news outlets based on their views would abrogate freedom of press. Promising to lock up political opponents upends long-held notions of fairness and due process. And changing your mind about prosecution after the election does not make things better\u2014it just illustrates a continued misunderstanding of the proper role of federal law enforcement.\nThe potential threat to our democracy comes at a time when our incoming president will have lost the popular vote by more than 2 million votes and many of the controls and safeguards that allowed our nation to weather prior constitutional storms have been severely weakened. One-party control of Washington means tepid oversight of a Republican President. Our independent judiciary is seen as increasingly politicized in the aftermath of Bush v. Gore and the determination by Senate Republicans to deny President Obama the opportunity to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. The media may well be compromised due to President-elect Trump\u2019s continuing efforts to attack, undermine and humiliate his critics.\nThis set of circumstances means that if and when we face a constitutional crisis\u2014perhaps Trump\u2019s Administration will have taken actions with respect to a foreign government to benefit his financial interests; or his Attorney General will have secretly authorized unlawful torture or surveillance\u2014we will be operating without our usual institutional or structural safety nets.\nThere will be no Sam Ervin or Peter Rodino to investigate executive misconduct as there was during Watergate. Nor can we expect a Republican in the mold of Howard Baker to step forward (risking a Tea Party primary challenge the next election), or an Attorney General such as Elliot Richardson to resign rather than participate in a White House cover up. And we can only wonder whether there are any more Woodwards or Bernsteins willing to risk their careers or the solvency of their employer by challenging a Trump Administration.\nIn the absence of subpoena authority, Democrats must publicly push for accountability. We still have the authority to pursue independent investigations by the GAO and Agency Inspectors General. And we will need to hold our own informal forums and issue minority reports documenting the inevitable abuses. Even if we cannot prevent excesses, our job will be to make sure our citizens are fully aware of what is happening and why.\nOf course, in the end, it\u2019s the people themselves who have the most important role in safeguarding our constitutional form of government. I witnessed firsthand how the 1963 March on Washington galvanized the civil rights movement and led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. With the party in power typically losing 30 House seats or more during midterm elections, we can\u2019t lose sight of the fact that a more meaningful legislative check may not be that far away.\nI truly hope that we can avoid the constitutional abyss. After all, it was Gerald Ford who appointed the esteemed jurist Edward Levi as Attorney General, helping to restore faith in the Justice Department after the stain of Watergate. And it was George H.W. Bush who began his campaign with race baiting against Willie Horton before eventually signing legislation reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act.\nUnfortunately, as of yet, we have seen no such meaningful olive branch from Trump\u2014only more angry and unpresidential tweets, more attacks on the press, appointments of divisive figures such as Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions and Michael Flynn, and an ongoing risk to our nation\u2019s values.\nRead the full article on TIME.com here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-170-million-flint-aid-package-championed-congressman-dan-kildee", "House Passes $170 Million Flint Aid Package Championed by Congressman Dan Kildee", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Relief Would Help Replace Lead Pipes, Remove Lead from Homes and Expand Health Care for Those Exposed to Lead\nThe U.S. House of Representatives today passed $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city's ongoing water crisis. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), who for over a year has advocated for congressional action for Flint, applauded the action on two House bills related to Flint that now move to the U.S. Senate.\nGetting aid for my hometown of Flint, which continues to recover from the ongoing water crisis, has been my top priority in Congress, and I am happy to see this aid package move forward, Congressman Kildee said. Flint families have waited far too long for their government to act but I am pleased that over a hundred million dollars in real federal aid for Flint is a big step closer to becoming reality.\nThe House today passed both a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which included authorizing language regarding Flint aid, by a vote of 360-61, and the Continuing Resolution (CR), the end-of-year government spending bill that included the appropriations money for Flint, by a vote of 326-96. Congressman Kildee urged swift action on both bills in the U.S. Senate to get the two bills to the President's desk and signed into law. Both Michigan U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters support the bills passed by the House.\nI applaud the House for passing our bipartisan agreement to provide long-awaited assistance for families in Flint and other communities affected by lead. It's absolutely critical that the Senate do the same and pass both the Water Resources Development Act and the government funding bill. That is the only way we can guarantee that families affected by this terrible crisis get the assistance they need. The people of Flint have waited far too long for their water system to be fixed so they can have confidence that their water is safe! U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow said.\nI am pleased that the House has passed legislation with critical provisions to help the residents of Flint, who have waited entirely too long for assistance in the wake of this water crisis. It is critical that the Senate act swiftly to pass not just the year end spending bill, but also the water infrastructure bill which is the only way to get Flint the support it needs on its road to recovery, U.S. Senator Gary Peters said.\nThe aid, which is a result of weeks of bipartisan negotiations between Congressman Kildee, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01) and others, includes:\n $100 million for the Safe Water Drinking Act State Revolving Loan Fund, which Flint could use to replace lead service lines and other water infrastructure improvement needs.\n\t$50 million for expanded health care, including the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Healthy Start Program and money to create a lead exposure registry.\n\t$20 million in loans available through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which would be available to Flint and other communities for water infrastructure improvement projects to address lead and other water contamination issues.\n About Congressman Kildee's Advocacy for Flint: Congressman Kildee has been a tireless advocate for Flint families and has led the fight in Congress to bring federal funding to the city in the wake of the water crisis. Since learning of the water crisis, Congressman Kildee has never stopped working with his colleagues in Congress  both Democrats and Republicans  and the Obama Administration to make sure that Flint receives the resources it needs to recover.\nBringing Attention to the Crisis Since September 2015, when the world learned of Flint's man-made lead in water crisis, Congressman Kildee vocally fought for resources for the city. He immediately spoke out, calling on Governor Rick Snyder, President Barack Obama and House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI-01) to bring attention to the crisis and urge them to bring resources to Flint.\nPushing for Federal Aid Congressman Kildee has worked with the Obama Administration to already bring hundreds of millions in federal dollars to Flint.\nIn January 2016, at Congressman Kildee's request, President Obama declared the water crisis in Flint a state of emergency. Immediately following, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supplied bottled water and water filters with replacement cartridges for Flint families. Later that same month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocated $80 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to Michigan to help Flint.\nIn March 2016, at Congressman Kildee's request, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Medicaid expansion for thousands of children and pregnant women in Flint so that they could have access to the health care that they need to recover from lead exposure. Furthermore, HHS awarded $3.5 million to expand Head Start for Flint children.\nIn June 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture expanded healthy food assistance benefits for over 23,000 children to help purchase fruits and vegetables.\nAdvocating for Flint in Congress Throughout the crisis, Congressman Kildee has refused to let Flint families be forgotten; he frequently took to the floor of the House of Representatives to remind Congress that Flint families continue to struggle to recover from the ongoing crisis, and that Congress needed to act on federal aid immediately.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee testified before the U.S. House of Oversight and Government Reform Committee to tell Flint's story and make sure Flint families received the justice they deserved.\nThe same month, Congressman Kildee, along with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), held a Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing where they heard from public health experts, including Dr. Mona Hanna Attisha, and local officials on the causes and lessons of the water crisis. Congressman Kildee invited Governor Rick Snyder to testify at the hearing, but the Governor declined.\nCongressional Delegations to Flint From February to September of 2016, Congressman Kildee hosted four separate congressional delegations to Flint, hosting over 30 Members of Congress  both Democrats and Republicans  in Flint. During the trips, Congressman Kildee led Leader Pelosi, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (SC-06), Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06), leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus and others to meet with families, business owners and community leaders in Flint to see first-hand the crisis there.\nLegislative Actions While keeping Flint in the national spotlight, Congressman Kildee introduced several pieces of legislation to provide relief for Flint families to recover from the water crisis and ensure that another lead in water crisis doesn't happen in other communities.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee introduced the Families of Flint Act, a comprehensive bill that sought to address the immediate and long-term investments in Flint. This legislation started a national conversation about Flint in Congress and provided the basis and starting point for the passage of today's passed Flint aid package. The Families of Flint Act had the support of 173 Members of Congress.\nAdditionally, in February 2016, Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen requirements to have the EPA more quickly notify the public when concentrations of lead in drinking water are above federal requirements, working to ensure the Flint tragedy can never happen again. This bill passed the House on February 10, 2016, with an overwhelming 416-2 bipartisan vote and was included in today's passed Flint aid package.\nIn July 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two amendments offered by Congressman Kildee allowing Flint to be relieved of existing loan burdens more quickly and provide $3 million to fund the city of Flint's share of a testing pipe loop that would allow for testing of water from a future source, the Karegnondi Water Authority, before the water source is changed. Language to allow loan forgiveness is included in the Continuing Resolution.\nIn September 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives, by a strong bipartisan vote of 399-25, passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which included Congressman Kildee's amendment with Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04), which authorized $170 million to help repair Flint's water infrastructure. The Kildee-Moolenaar amendment passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 284-141, with support from 101 Republicans and 183 Democrats.\nToday's passage of Flint aid in the House as part of a broader water resources bill is a culmination of over a years' worth of engagement, advocacy and work by Congressman Kildee for the residents of his hometown. In the face of opposition, Congressman Kildee never let Congress forget about Flint families and worked with all of his colleagues to deliver bipartisan funding to the city of Flint.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/transcript-congressman-dan-kildee-s-remarks-support-flint-aid-package-budget", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Budget Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support the Continuing Resolution, the short term budget bill, which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city's ongoing water crisis Below is a transcript of Congressman Kildee's remarks, as delivered: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend and colleague, the Ranking Member for yielding and for her work on behalf of my hometown of Flint. She has been one of the strong advocates.  No piece of legislation that I have yet seen in the four years I've been in Congress that has come before this floor is perfect. And this bill is included. But the people of Flint, the people of my hometown, today cannot drink their water. Because of action by the state government and frankly as we know, failure of the federal government through the EPA to alert the citizens of Flint to the crisis, to the fact that their water had been poisoned, has caused this community to face the biggest crisis that it's faced in all its years. I am a product of Flint, Michigan. I grew up in Flint, everything I have, everything I am, I owe to that community. And it has faced some terrible struggles over the years. Loss of manufacturing jobs  90 percent of those manufacturing jobs gone. The loss of half of its population. Blight and abandonment. It's a community that just began to rebuild itself when this water crisis has caused Flint to face the toughest time it has ever faced. It needs every level of government to step up to provide relief. This bill includes necessary funding to put Flint back on the path that allows its citizens to have the basic human right of clean drinking water.  So I ask my colleagues as we go forward, obviously consider all the elements of all legislation. But also to keep in mind this is the last day of this session of Congress in the House of Representatives. This is our last chance to provide the much needed help to my hometown. This is why I was sent to Congress. To fight for the people that I represent. To make sure they have what they need. And to make sure at this moment of their greatest need, that every level of government responds to them, and that's why I'll support this bill and I'd hope my colleagues would join me in that. Thank you.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/transcript-congressman-dan-kildee-s-remarks-support-flint-aid-package-water", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city's ongoing water crisis. Below is a transcript of Congressman Kildee's remarks, as delivered: Thank you Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend Mr. Tonko for yielding and his work advocating on behalf of the people of my hometown of Flint. I also want to thank colleagues on both sides of the aisle  Leader Pelosi, our Whip Mr. Hoyer, the Speaker who committed to help make sure we get this Flint provision through, as well as other colleagues who have stood with me as I have fought now for a year and a half for the people of my hometown. A city of 100,000 people that still can't drink their water. This is not a question of access to water  the water flowing through the pipes in Flint has poisoned that city. 100,000 people  9,000 children under the age of six  affected permanently by high levels of lead being delivered to them through their municipal water system. Caused by careless, thoughtless decisions based on an obsession with austerity by the state government. And then they were told the water was safe to drink when that same state government knew it was not.  Look, we know where we stand. No bill is perfect; this bill is far from perfect. Many of the provisions included in this legislation I disagree with. But I have been fighting for my hometown and been told to wait and wait and wait. And the people of my community can wait no longer.  Drinking water is a basic human right. And that should be a human right exercised by the people everywhere, including the people of my hometown of Flint. Every day that passes, every week that passes, every month that passes that Flint does not get the relief they so deserve, is a day we don't get back. More people leave, more businesses fail, the city gets more poor and poor and poor, and incapable of moving forward. That has to stop, and it has to stop right now. It has to stop before this Congress adjourns. We cannot count on the next Congress to get this done.  Time matters. This bill would provide relief to my hometown. Itwould put it on a path and it would send a signal that it's okay to invest in Flint. That it's okay to stay. That the water will be fine. That it is a responsibility we have. This is a moral obligation that we have. But it also make sure that there are no more Flints, by including in this legislation the Kildee-Upton bill that passed this House nearly unanimously.  It is long past time for us to act. I ask that you join me in supporting this legislation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-dingell-unveils-2016-holiday-jingle", "Congresswoman Dingell Unveils 2016 Holiday Jingle", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today continued a Dingell holiday tradition, releasing the 2016 edition of the annual Dingell Jingle. Full text of the jingle can be read below.\n\u2018Twas the day before the government would shut down for business  \n\tWhen the House came together \u2013 we passed a budget before Christmas!\u00a0  \n\tWhile Congress moved slowly, in its usual fashion  \n\tOne issue in particular wasn\u2019t getting much traction\u00a0  \n\t\u201cSell ice to an Eskimo,\u201d some said with a glint  \n\tDo that and then finally we\u2019ll give you money for Flint\nWe fought tooth and nail and reason finally prevailed\u00a0  \n\tWe passed funding for Flint families, the waiting curtailed  \n\tNow that the partisan tug of war is complete  \n\tWe reflect on a year of both challenges and treats  \n\tFrom Cures to Great Lakes, we did make some progress  \n\tA Medal of Honor for a hero was done in the process\u00a0\nIn Rio, we showcased the best of the best  \n\tFor Team USA, Simone vaulted above all the rest  \n\tMichael Phelps took home his 23rd gold medal  \n\tFrom basketball to rowing our team was incredible  \n\tWe were all celebrating, but then turned to despair\u00a0  \n\tWhen Lochte showed up with bad behavior, and worse hair\u00a0\nAt home, Michigan\u2019s sports teams continue to shine  Jumpman debuted while Harbaugh racked up some fines  \n\tWhile EMU and the Lions have newfound success  \n\tWe know that first down in Columbus was truly a mess  \n\tBut not to worry, this holiday we have two bowl games to see  \n\tEMU in the Bahamas and in Miami, the Wolverines\nAs the New Year approaches, we\u2019ve seen stark divisions  \n\tOur country has spoken, we\u2019ve made big decisions  \n\tWe all have moved forward in our own way  \n\tIn our office, we chose a Christmas display  \n\tBut good news for Trump and his Twitter vice  \n\tEven at 90, the Dean\u2019s still tweeting advice\nSo we say goodbye to a President who lifted us up  \n\tTo be sure in these eight years, he\u2019s earned his new look\u00a0  \n\tNo one will be sadder to see him go  \n\tThan his friend and our favorite Vice President Joe\u00a0  \n\tBut maybe just maybe a new announcement we\u2019ll see\u00a0  \n\tHappy holidays to all, and Biden 2020", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-approval-year-end-bills-provide-aid-flint-avoid", "Dingell Statement on Approval of Year-End Bills that Provide Aid for Flint, Avoid Government Shutdown", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on House passage of a continuing resolution that funds the government through April 2017, and the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The WIIN Act authorizes $170 million in aid to Flint, while the continuing resolution appropriates the funding.\n\u201cI am pleased that today, the House finally came together to provide resources to help address the water crisis in Flint. Flint families have been living a nightmare for more than two years and are still unable to turn on their taps without worrying about lead exposure. They have waited long enough, and while neither of the bills we passed today is perfect, they provide the critical resources Flint needs to begin to recover from this horrific man-made crisis and address the contaminated public drinking water system. I\u2019d like to thank Dan Kildee and Fred Upton for their bipartisan leadership in ensuring aid for Flint families was included in these packages. We always help our fellow Americans during a time of need, and helping Flint is the right and decent thing to do \u2013 and we shouldn\u2019t have to pay a ransom to get it done.\u00a0\n\u201cYet this is exactly what we are being asked to do in both of these bills. While I am pleased that the WIIN Act also includes bipartisan legislation I introduced to support fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, I have serious concerns about a provision to address the drought in California that would weaken critical Endangered Species Act protections. It is also disappointing that Congress once again departed from regular order by failing to pass a budget or appropriation bills this year and is instead funding the government though a short-term continuing resolution. Our government should not be run on auto-pilot. The continuing resolution does not provide certainty to families or businesses, and fails to adequately address a critical problem that threatens pensions for miners and their families. Working men and women deserve better.\u00a0\n\u201cWhile there are parts of these packages I do not support, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Passing these bills will avoid a government shutdown and provide vital resources for Flint families, who need and deserve our support. We cannot turn our backs on the people of Flint in this time of need, which is why these bills have my support.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-secures-michigan-priorities-final-votes-114th-congress", "Bishop Secures Michigan Priorities in Final Votes of 114th Congress", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In the final House votes of the year, Congressman Mike Bishop joined in passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (S. 612) and government funding legislation (concurring in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2028). The two measures were approved with strong bipartisan support.\n\u201cThese votes were about securing Michigan priorities,\u201d said Bishop. \u201cRepresenting this district and state means fighting for our families \u2013 and that includes getting the people of Flint the long-overdue help they need. We are finally about to make that happen.\n\u201cThe Great Lakes are an important focus of these bills, as well. Formally authorizing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative allows us to protect our environment for future generations to enjoy. We\u2019re also investing in water infrastructure projects, which will make a big difference for Michigan jobs and the economy.\n\u201cThere was no going home without getting all of this done. The Better Way agenda sets the right tone for 2017 and I\u2019m looking forward to being part of that effort.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-legislation-keeping-government-open", "House Passes Legislation Keeping Government Open", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House of Representatives passed\u00a0a continuing resolution\u00a0funding the government through April 28, 2017.\nThe legislation funds the government at current levels and ensures that payments to American troops and seniors will not be interrupted. By extending funding until April 28, the legislation allows the next president and the new Congress to begin working on a federal budget in 2017.\nThe legislation also includes $170 million in\u00a0funding for Flint water infrastructure that was initially proposed by Congressman John Moolenaar and Congressman Dan Kildee in September.\nCongressman Moolenaar voted for the legislation today and released the following statement:\n\"I supported this critical legislation to keep the government open and to provide certainty to our troops and our seniors. I am glad this legislation included\u00a0much needed federal aid to Flint to rebuild its water infrastructure. There was a failure in Flint by all levels of government and today the federal government does its part to assist in the city's recovery.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-passing-john-glenn", "Moolenaar Statement on the Passing of John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "John Glenn, the former astronaut and U.S. senator from Ohio, passed away today.\nCongressman John Moolenaar, a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, released the following statement:\n\u201cJohn Glenn was an American pioneer and a committed public servant. He first served our country in the Navy, then NASA, then the U.S. Senate, and he even went back to space at the incredible age of 77. John Glenn was the first American into space and our efforts to learn more about the solar system will stand on his shoulders forever.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-strengthen-great-lakes-economy-invest-waterway-infrastructure", "Walberg Votes to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy, Invest in Waterway Infrastructure", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today voted for the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, a comprehensive water resources infrastructure bill to address the needs of our ports, harbors, and other waterway infrastructure critical to Michigan's economic competitiveness. The bipartisan agreement also includes provisions to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, dedicate resources to the Great Lakes Navigation System, and provide support for the people of Flint.\"Maintaining and improving water infrastructure, including ports and harbors like the Port of Monroe, is incredibly important to the growth of Michigan's economy,\" said Walberg. \"Our state's livelihood depends on the long-term health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, and this bipartisan bill also makes continued investments in the preservation and rejuvenation of our precious lakes and waterways. In addition, with today's vote, we came together to provide resources to help the Flint community recover from the heartbreaking water crisis.\"  \n  Congressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-daines-tillis-and-gillibrand-fairness-for-veterans-provision-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters, Daines, Tillis & Gillibrand Fairness for Veterans Provision to Be Signed into Law", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Daines, Tillis & Gillibrand Fairness for Veterans Provision to Be Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Provision Included in Final National Defense Authorization Act\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today applauded Senate passage of their bipartisan provision to help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military due to negative behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The Fairness for Veterans amendment was included in the final National Defense Authorization Act conference report, which passed the House of Representatives last week with widespread bipartisan support and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO) introduced similar legislation and led the effort to pass the provision in the House of Representatives.\r\nServicemembers suffering from the invisible wounds of war should not lose access to benefits they've earned through their service, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I am thrilled that my Fairness for Veterans amendment will be signed into law so that veterans are given the consideration they deserve when petitioning for an upgraded discharge status. This provision will help keep America's promise to our veterans and ensure they have the support needed as they transition to civilian life.\r\nThe men and women who served our nation in uniform and suffer from the invisible wounds of war should not be penalized with a loss of benefits they've earned, Senator Daines stated. With today's vote, veterans who were erroneously discharged due to a side effect related to mental traumas will have the ability to petition to receive their benefits.\"\r\nSo many of our servicemembers have developed PTSD and brain injuries while on active duty, many of whom were undiagnosed until long after their service was completed, said Senator Tillis. I am pleased this bipartisan provision is included in the NDAA so we can provide a fair opportunity for brave men and women to regain the benefits they lost as a result of conditions we now know were caused by the effects of the trauma they sustained during their service to our nation.\r\nToo many service members have lost access to their VA benefits because of mental health injuries that were not recognized when they left the military, said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Personnel Subcommittee. This provision will ensure that veterans who have PTSD or have experienced Military Sexual Trauma can more easily have their discharges upgraded more easily so that they can get the care they need and the benefits they earned. I was proud to fight for this provision, I'm very pleased that it passed the Senate with bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing it signed by the President into law as soon as possible.\r\nAs a retired Marine and a combat veteran myself, I know how stressful combat deployments are and the impact they can often have years after returning to civilian life, Rep. Coffman said. Many of our soldiers develop PTSD while deployed in a combat zone and then get kicked out of the military for minor behavioral problems directly linked to their combat-related PTSD. Today's vote on NDAA is a critical step in ensuring that we take care of those who have served our nation and now need our nation to help them.\r\nA less than honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments  behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. A less than honorable discharge renders servicemembers ineligible for certain benefits, including Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans.\r\nThe provision included in the final NDAA conference report codifies the principles of the 2014 Hagel memo to give liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. Additionally, the amendment extends the policy to PTSD or TBI that is related to military sexual trauma.\r\nThe legislation has broad support from major veteran groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Soldiers and Sailors of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Swords to Plowshares.\r\nTo see the most important provision of the Fairness for Veterans Act become law as part of this year's NDAA is incredibly gratifying said Kristofer Goldsmith, Assistant Director for Policy & Government Affairs of Vietnam Veterans of America and founder of High Ground Veterans Advocacy. Senator Peters has shown the value of electing veterans to Congress  and with this law he's ensured that all future generations of veterans will have PTSD and related illnesses recognized by Discharge Review Boards. Fairness for Vets' isn't just a billit's a movement. We're going to keep working with Senator Peters to ensure that we do everything we can to get every veteran with PTSD the care that they deserve.\r\n\"The VFW commend Senator Peters and Rep Coffman on their commitment to get final passage of the bipartisan Fairness For Veterans provision that was included in the Fiscal Year 2017 NDAA, said Bob Wallace, Adjutant General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Veterans who honorably served but struggled with their behavior due to conditions caused by their time in service, shouldn't be excluded from receiving VA health care. This provision will ensure these veterans have a second chance at receiving the care they need.\r\nThe Fairness for Veterans provision is an important step towards ensuring our men and women in uniform with a less than honorable discharge as a result of mental health concerns have timely and efficient access to benefits and services, said Tom Porter, Legislative Director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.The IAVA applauds Senators Peters, Daines, Tillis and Gillibrand for their efforts and commitment to addressing this critical issue.\r\nThank you Senators Peters, Daines, Tillis and Gillibrand for your leadership and persistence in pursuing justice for servicemembers facing these very real and difficult challenges. Your dedication to America's servicemembers and veterans will make a difference in the lives of those who have struggled to obtain the recognition and resources they need and deserve, said Lieutenant General Dana Atkins  U.S. Air Force, Ret., President of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).\r\nUnited Soldiers and Sailors of America is very proud to have been a part of a larger coalition of veteran service organization that advocated for the passage of the Fairness for Veterans Act, said John P. Yori III, President of the United Soldiers and Sailors of America. This piece of legislation reflects the ever growing sense of awareness and overwhelming commitment that the American people have to ensuring that our veterans, ALL veterans are treated as our greatest national treasures. I applaud and thank the many other VSO's and Senators Peters, Daines, Tillis and Gillibrand who have remained steadfast in support of the dignity and just rights of all veterans who have served our great nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-pass-major-defense-bill-with-key-provisions-for-michigan", "Peters Helps Pass Major Defense Bill with Key Provisions for Michigan", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Peters Helps Pass Major Defense Bill with Key Provisions for Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t National Defense Authorization Act Supports Servicemembers, Veterans, Michigan Manufacturers, Small Business Cyber Defense\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today helped pass critical defense legislation that will support veterans suffering from mental trauma, as well as Michigan's manufacturers and small businesses. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets policy for the Department of Defense (DoD) for Fiscal Year 2017, passed the House of Representatives last week and is now headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. Also included in the NDAA is a 2.1% pay raise for servicemembers -- the largest pay increase in six years.\r\nOur brave men and women put their lives on the line in defense of our nation, and this bill will provide the necessary tools and resources for our military while ensuring that those suffering from the invisible wounds have the support they need after their service, said Senator Peters. I'm also pleased that this bill also includes provisions to bolster the Michigan manufacturers and workers who are producing goods to help America's servicemembers complete their mission and ensures small businesses are better prepared to protect themselves from ever-evolving cyber threats.\r\nWolverine Worldwide is proud to manufacture high-quality footwear in Big Rapids to support both America's servicemembers and West Michigan's economy, said Wolverine Worldwide Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Blake Krueger. We thank Senator Peters for supporting this legislation to create jobs by expanding opportunities for manufacturers like Wolverine Worldwide.\r\nNDAA Provisions Important to Michigan:\r\n \r\nA bipartisan provision to help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge due to behavior resulting from metal traumas including PTSD. The bipartisan Fairness for Veterans provision gives liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. A less than honorable discharge prevents veterans from accessing Post-9/11 GI Bill opportunities, VA home loans and other benefits. Michigan is home to over 600,000 veterans, including 50,000 post-9/11 veterans.\r\n \r\n \r\nLegislation requiring that the DoD provide American-made athletic footwear to new military recruits. DoD already applies this policy  known as the Berry Amendment  to uniforms and combat boots, but not athletic footwear. This legislation would boost manufacturers like Wolverine Worldwide in Big Rapids, which produces Saucony athletic shoes and is a major manufacturer of footwear for the U.S. military. Peters visited Wolverine Worldwide in Big Rapids in August to announce a 16,000 square foot facility expansion.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvisions to maintain the construction of two Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), including one in Marinette, off the Menominee River. The facility that produces the LCS employs hundreds of Michiganders. The USS Detroit, an LCS that was commissioned in October, was built in Marinette.\r\n \r\n \r\nLanguage enabling the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assist small businesses in planning for and protecting against cyber security attacks. Peters, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, introduced the Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act earlier this year with Senator David Vitter (R-LA). Michigan is home to 11 SBDC regional offices, which worked with over 5,000 business in Michigan in 2015 alone.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-and-upton-announce-passage-of-legislation-to-honor-vietnam-war-veteran-james-c-mccloughan", "Stabenow, Peters, and Upton Announce Passage of Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters, and Upton Announce Passage of Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The bill now goes to the desk of the President for his signature \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 08, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) announced that legislation to make Vietnam War veteran James C. McCloughan eligible for our nation\u2019s highest military honor \u2013 the Medal of Honor \u2013 has passed in Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.\u00a0 The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House of Representatives on December 2nd and cleared the U.S. Senate today.\u00a0 It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature. \u00a0\r\n\r\nPhoto of Private First Class James McCloughan during his service in the Army.\r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969.\u00a0 McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5). \u00a0\r\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful for Private First Class James McCloughan\u2019s service to our country,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cToday, we are one step closer to awarding him the long overdue recognition he deserves.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u201cPrivate First Class James McCloughan put his life on the line to save his fellow servicemembers, and the passage of this legislation will help ensure his bravery and sacrifice are properly recognized.\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.\r\n\u201cThis has been a long-time coming,\u201d said Congressman Upton. \u201cAnd now, thanks to our bipartisan efforts in the House and Senate, we\u2019re closer than ever to getting Private First Class McCloughan, and his family, the recognition he duly earned on the battlefield.\u201d\r\n\r\nPhoto of Private First Class James \u201cDoc\u201d McCloughan\r\nMedal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award.\u00a0 The Department of Defense recently recommended that James McCloughan receive this honor. This legislation waives the five-year requirement and when signed into law, will make it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to him.\r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan was highly decorated receiving the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with \u201cV\u201d device for valor, The U. S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, The National Defense Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palms and one oak leaf cluster and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398371", "Huizenga: Maybe Just This Once, the Oracles at the Fed Should Listen to George Costanza", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) held a hearing surrounding the unconventional monetary policies being employed by the Federal Reserve and how they are limiting economic growth and opportunity for generations of Americans. During his opening remarks, Congressman Huizenga brought to light how the current ad-hoc policymaking by the Fed is jeopardizing our children's standard of living, and with it their ability to attain the American Dream.\r\n\"The American dream is at risk,\" said Huizenga. \"Pre-recession productivity meant that living standards could double every generation. Under today\u2019s opaque and distortionary monetary policies, however, productivity has been cut in half. The oracles call this is the new normal. They are wrong \u2013 it is neither normal nor acceptable.\r\n\"Not too long ago, our children could reliably look forward to a doubling of their living standards,\" stated Huizenga. \"Under today\u2019s monetary and economic policies, a doubling of living standard must instead wait for our children\u2019s children.  With logic and evidence having left their side, perhaps the oracles should embrace a strategy from Seinfeld\u2019s George Costanza: 'If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.'\"\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChairman Huizenga:\r\nLacking logic or evidence, today\u2019s macroeconomic oracles endorse unsustainable deficits and unconventional monetary policies.\r\nThe oracles say the economy would be booming, except for fiscal austerity. However, as the debt-clock in this hearing room clearly shows, fiscal policy is anything but austere.\r\nDenying that their prescriptions created a heavy drag on our economy, the oracles point to ever-changing \u201cheadwinds.\u201d For example, they tell us that an aging population is causing labor force participation to plumb bottoms last seen in the 1970's.\r\n  \r\nTheir hypothesis is short on facts, however. For example, median age in the 1970s is a decade lower than today\u2019s. So if aging is problematic, then the oracles would predict strong labor participation in the 1970's, even though it is the same disappointing level as today.\r\nThe 1970's is also similar to the 2010's on another important dimension \u2013 separated by four decades, they both suffered from distortionary economic and monetary policies.\r\nRefusing to let facts get in the way of fantasy, the oracles tell us that American households would be even worse off, except for unsustainable deficits and unconventional monetary policies.\r\nThe evidence?  We are doing better than the likes of Japan and the European Union. That story might fly in the faculty lounge, but it certainly doesn\u2019t around the dinner table. The star pupil in a class of central banks gone wild has nothing to brag about.\r\nThe American dream is at risk. Pre-recession productivity meant that living standards could double every generation. Under today\u2019s opaque and distortionary monetary policies, however, productivity has been cut in half.\r\n  \r\nThe oracles call this is the new normal. They are wrong \u2013 it is neither normal nor acceptable.\r\nNot too long ago, our children could reliably look forward to a doubling of their living standards. Under today\u2019s monetary and economic policies, a doubling of living standard must instead wait for our children\u2019s children.\r\n  \r\nWith logic and evidence having left their side, perhaps the oracles should embrace a strategy from Seinfeld\u2019s George Costanza:\r\n\u201cIf every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.\u201d\r\nThe oracles tell us that, without their seat-of-the-pants response to the Great Recession, our economy would be even further below potential almost 8 years post-recession. The opposite would have had a hard time doing worse.\r\nToday\u2019s macroeconomists aim policies at highly aggregated variables that have little if anything to do with what drives our economy. Their answer for economic fluctuations is to further distort spending on consumption, investment, or government.\r\nBut just as businesses cannot hide mismanagement for long behind income statement manipulations, governments cannot mask malaise by diverting money into politically favored national income accounts.\r\nThis pretense of knowledge has grown from a macroeconomic orthodoxy where repeated failures of unconventional monetary and economic policies count as evidence that we didn\u2019t do enough.\r\nEconomic opportunity reliably increases when monetary policy adheres to its vital duty \u2013 that is, facilitating commerce, wherever it shows promise. Throughout our current economic malaise, monetary policy has not only ignored this duty, it continues to ignore the consequences of ignoring this duty.\r\nAnnually since 2007, the Fed\u2019s monetary policy committee predicted that its principle-free decisions would trigger a more resilient economy. Each year, reality fell further from prediction. According to the Fed\u2019s own researchers, the FOMC did not anticipate the Great Recession \u2026 underestimated the severity of the downturn \u2026 and consistently over-predicted the speed of the recovery.\r\nA decade of economics-free monetary policy is not working because it cannot work. Returning to a robust economy requires a more firmly grounded and transparent policy.\r\nThat transition cannot happen until the Fed shrinks its balance sheet, bringing interest rate and credit risks out of the bureaucratic shadows. In that same vein, policy distortions will remain elevated until the Fed also returns to a monetary policy that does only what it can \u2013 produce an efficient exchange medium so that goods and services (which include labor) can easily find their most promising opportunities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398718", "\"21st Century Cures is Ready for the President\"", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), sponsors of the 21st Century Cures Act,\u00a0issued the following statement after the Senate passed the medical innovation bill by a vote of\u00a094-5.\r\n\u201cAfter three years, our legislative work is finally complete. 21st Century Cures is ready for the president. With this innovation game-changer, a new day for medical research is on the horizon. Today\u2019s vote is for patients and their loved ones. We all have more reason for hope.\u201d\u00a0\r\nLearn about the 21st Century Cures Act\u00a0HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-lewis-sensenbrenner-applaud-house-passage-emmett-till-unsolved", "Conyers, Lewis & Sensenbrenner Applaud House Passage of Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2854/ H.R. 5067, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act. The Till bill's primary purpose is to provide federal resources to local jurisdictions in the resolution of civil rights era cold cases.\u00a0 This reauthorization represents a recommitment to the original goals of the bill as well as the strengthening and clarification of the law, as called for by interested civil rights groups and families.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe lead House sponsors of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act released the following statements after House passage of the legislation: \n\u00a0\n\u201cWe must never forget our nation\u2019s dark past and should be mindful of our history and why so many in the African-American community raise the issue of whether black lives matter.\u00a0 Many civil rights era crimes were barely noted or investigated, and I believe the perpetrators of those crimes should be brought to justice, even 50 years later. We passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act in 2007 to help bring these cases to light and seek justice for victims and their families. The Till Reauthorization Act will further empower the Department of Justice and cold case advocates to share information and review the status and closure of cases through 1980.\u00a0 I applaud House passage of this legislation and urge my Senate colleagues to quickly pass the legislation, so that it can be signed into law.\u201d \u00a0ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR - Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhen this bill was signed into law, family members, academics, historians, lawyers, advocates began working to develop a full accounting for these long-standing, gross human and civil rights atrocities.\u00a0 The reauthorization that the House passed this evening is a response to their appeals to make the law a better tool in their quest for justice. We took the time to research and study what happened after the original bill was signed into law.\u00a0 We listened to and were guided by the advocates, by law professors, by families, and by the press.\u00a0 We worked across the aisle and across the Dome to develop a bill that fulfills our promise to never give up on this effort \u2013 to never abandon the pursuit of truth.\u00a0 I am very pleased by House passage tonight and look forward to passage in the Senate and the signature of President Barack Obama.\u201d ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR - Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs an original cosponsor of the Emmett Till Reauthorization Act, I\u2019m pleased to see my colleagues came together and supported this important bill. This bipartisan legislation will provide for a sustained, well-coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute unsolved civil rights-era crimes. There are hundreds of cold cases from the civil rights era that have never been solved, and it is my hope that we are able to bring justice to the victims\u2019 families.\u201d\u00a0 ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR -\u00a0 Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI)\n\u00a0\nSenate action on the amended bill is anticipated before the end of the 114th Congress, and sponsors are hoping it will be signed into law in 2016.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n This bill requires the Department of Justice and FBI to consult with civil rights organizations, universities, and other entities that have also been gathering evidence in these cold cases;\u00a0\n\tProvides clearer direction and improved coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement and the activists, advocates, and academics working on these issues;\u00a0\n\tStrengthens the Department of Justice\u2019s reporting requirements;\n\tExpands the time span of cases to be considered by ten years, to include all cases that occurred not later than December 31, 1979;\n\tEncourages the Department of Justice to review specific closed cases that warrant further investigation;\u00a0\n\tMaintains the previous investigation structure and funding levels; and\n\tClarifies the law\u2019s intent.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRep. Conyers\u2019 floor statement in support of the bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/floor-statement-honorable-john-conyers-jr-consideration-house-amendment", "Floor Statement of the Honorable John Conyers, Jr. For The Consideration of House Amendment to S. 2854 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, in June of 2007, this body passed and the President subsequently signed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act.\u00a0 Since that time, the Department of Justice and cold case advocates have reviewed hundreds of cases in a search for justice and a sense of closure for the families of those who fell victim to racial violence in one of the most tumultuous periods of this nation\u2019s history.\u00a0\u00a0\nFor those who did not live through the civil rights era, it is difficult to understand the combined climate of excitement for change that co-existed with one of fear and violence.\u00a0 Simply for acting on their ideals of racial equality, innocent people \u2013 young and old, black and white\u00a0 \u2013 were struck down.\u00a0\u00a0\nIn some cases, state and local law enforcement colluded with the perpetrators of anti-civil rights violence.\u00a0 And attempts at justice often proved to be a charade - ending with jury nullification or tampering by racist citizens\u2019 councils.\nThe civil rights community has reported that for every infamous killing that tore at the South in the 1950s and \u201960s, there were many more that were barely noted or investigated. We passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act in 2007 to help bring these cases to light and seek justice for victims and their families.\nEven after nearly a decade of effort by advocates and the Justice Department, it remains clear that much work remains to heal the wounds of this period of history.\u00a0 To that end, the Till Reauthorization Act will create a formal framework for public engagement between the Department of Justice and cold case advocates to share information and review the status and closure of cases through 1980.\u00a0\nThe legislation further authorizes appropriations and tasks the Department\u2019s Community Relations Service with bringing together law enforcement agencies and communities to address the tensions raised by Civil Rights Era crimes.\nThe title of this bill serves as a reminder of one of the many lives that was cut much too short as a result of racially motivated hate and violence. Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African American young man from Chicago who allegedly whistled at a white woman.\u00a0 Shortly thereafter he was found murdered and tortured.\u00a0\nThough his accused killers were tried, they were acquitted by an all-white jury.\u00a0 Despite attempts at gaining a Federal indictment in the case, his torture and murder remain unpunished.\u00a0 While his family still grieves, they have channeled their sorrow into activism for those victims still seeking justice.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nI believe that it remains important that the perpetrators of civil rights era crimes be brought to justice, even 50 years later.\u00a0 While justice has been delayed for the victims of these crimes, the fact that we are raising these cold cases breathes new life into our justice system.\u00a0 Ultimately, that commitment bodes well for our collective future and reconciliation within these communities.\u00a0\nAccordingly, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation and I reserve the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mi-congressional-democrats-introduce-resolution-mark-15th-anniversary", "MI Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution to Mark 15th Anniversary of Underground Railroad Memorial Monument in Detroit", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Members of the Michigan Congressional delegation introduced H.Res. 946, a resolution in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate 15 years since the opening of the International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument (IURMM).\u00a0\nLed in the House of Representatives by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-9), and Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-5); and the Senate by Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, the resolution honors Detroit\u2019s role as a crossing point into Canada for those traveling the Underground Railroad.\u00a0 Comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit, Michigan, and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, the IURMM opened in October 2001 as a way for the region to honor the sacrifices and the courage of those who fought to secure freedom for themselves, their families, and others.\n\u201cThese two monuments\u2014in Detroit and Windsor\u2014stand as reminders of what we have been through, the obstacles we\u2019ve overcome, and the strength we have to address present injustices,\u201d said Rep. Conyers.\u00a0 \u201cAmericans must never forget the parts of our history that we regret, or the heroic actions of those who fought to change the future. The International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument plays an important part in that, here in Detroit.\u201d\n\u201cThe City of Detroit played a critical role in the Underground Railroad, serving as the doorway to freedom for African Americans seeking refuge in Canada,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m honored to join my Michigan colleagues to recognize these monuments that stand as a symbol of the people who fought for their own freedom and the freedom of others during a dark chapter in our nation\u2019s history.\u201d\nThe International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument represents a cross-border partnership that seeks to educate the next generation about our history, and help the current generation remember the sacrifices others have made to provide us the opportunities we need to succeed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-air-force-announcement-of-selfridge-angb-as-finalist-for-f-35-mission", "Peters Applauds Air Force Announcement of Selfridge ANGB as Finalist for F-35 Mission", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Peters Applauds Air Force Announcement of Selfridge ANGB as Finalist for F-35 Mission \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Air Force's announcement today that Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County is among five candidates to host the Air National Guard's new F-35 mission:\r\nThe airmen of the Selfridge Air National Guard base have always stood ready to protect our nation against those that would do us harm, and today's announcement is a testament to the critical role these brave men and women play in our nation's defense. Given Selfridge's current strategic participation in the fight against ISIS and its strong history of hosting and operating military fighter jets, including the A-10 and F-16, I believe this new F-35 mission would be a perfect fit. I strongly support Selfridge as a host for the F-35 mission, and I will continue working to build support for the base and the servicemembers who work there.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-michigan-congressional-democrats-introduce-resolution-to-mark-15th-anniversary-of-underground-railroad-memorial-monument-in-detroit", "Peters, Michigan Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution to Mark 15th Anniversary of Underground Railroad Memorial Monument in Detroit", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Michigan Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution to Mark 15th Anniversary of Underground Railroad Memorial Monument in Detroit \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Members of the Michigan Congressional delegation introduced H.Res. 946, a resolution in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate 15 years since the opening of the International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument (IURMM).\r\n\r\nLed in the Senate by Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow; and the House of Representatives by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-9), and Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-5), the resolution honors Detroit's role as a crossing point into Canada for those traveling the Underground Railroad. Comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit, Michigan, and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, the IURMM opened in October 2001 as a way for the region to honor the sacrifices and the courage of those who fought to secure freedom for themselves, their families, and others.\r\nThe City of Detroit played a critical role in the Underground Railroad, serving as the doorway to freedom for African Americans seeking refuge in Canada, saidSenator Peters. I'm honored to join my Michigan colleagues to recognize these monuments that stand as a symbol of the people who fought for their own freedom and the freedom of others during a dark chapter in our nation's history.\r\n\r\nThese two monumentsin Detroit and Windsorstand as reminders of what we have been through, the obstacles we've overcome, and the strength we have to address present injustices, said Rep. Conyers. Americans must never forget the parts of our history that we regret, or the heroic actions of those who fought to change the future. The International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument plays an important part in that, here in Detroit.\r\nThe International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument represents a cross-border partnership that seeks to educate the next generation about our history, and help the current generation remember the sacrifices others have made to provide us the opportunities we need to succeed.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-benishek-applaud-passage-of-bill-to-honor-michigan-veteran-by-naming-traverse-city-va-clinic", "Peters, Stabenow, Benishek Applaud Passage of Bill to Honor Michigan Veteran by Naming Traverse City VA Clinic", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow, Benishek Applaud Passage of Bill to Honor Michigan Veteran by Naming Traverse City VA Clinic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today applauded the passage of bipartisan legislation to name the Traverse City Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after Army Colonel Demas T. Craw, Medal of Honor recipient and a Traverse City-area native. The legislation unanimously passed the Senate last week and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nColonel Demas Craw is a true American hero, who served our country in two world wars with honor and dignity, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. The passage of this legislation naming a VA clinic in Colonel Craw's honor is a tribute to his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation.\r\nNaming this clinic after one of Traverse City's own heroes is a fitting tribute to Colonel Craw and to the thousands of local veterans who will receive care at this facility, said Senator Stabenow. It represents the commitment and fulfillment of promises we have made to our veterans.\r\n\"This effort began at the local level, where citizens, veterans organizations, and many others came together in support of renaming the Traverse City clinic\", said Representative Benishek. \"Because of their efforts, it now stands as testament to the bravery and courage of Colonel Demas Craw's legacy, and to the spirit and dedication of Northern Michigan's veterans.\"\r\nA Traverse City based VA health clinic is scheduled to be built and completed in 2017, replacing the current undersized facility. The new clinic will provide additional health care services for thousands of Northern Michigan veterans from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau and Manistee counties.\r\nColonel Craw was born in 1900 near Traverse City in Long Lake Township, and attended Traverse City Central High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1918. Craw served in both World Wars, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, and rose to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Craw served in the U.S. Army Air Service as a military attach to Greece where he reportedly came under fire 136 times and participated in 21 Royal Air Force bombing sorties. He received numerous commendations for his career of service, including the WWI and WWII Victory Medals, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart. Craw was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after he was killed in action near Port Lyautey, French-Morocco in November 1942 while attempting to broker a cease-fire.\r\nA broad coalition of veterans groups support naming the Traverse City VA Clinic after Colonel Craw, including the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition, VFW Cherryland Post #2780 and Auxiliary, Fife Lake American Legion Post #219, Michigan American Legion Post #35, the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, American Military League Post #1, Northwestern Michigan College, and Project Cherry Tree.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-announcement-that-selfridge-air-national-guard-base-is-a-finalist-for-new-f-35-platform", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a Finalist for New F-35 Platform", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a Finalist for New F-35 Platform \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow applauded the U.S. Air Force announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base has been selected as one of five finalists for the new F-35 fighter platform. The Air Force will be making site visits early next year with a final decision to follow.\r\n\u201cThere is no question that Selfridge Air National Guard Base is the right choice for the new F-35 platform, and it is not surprising Selfridge is on the final list for consideration. I recently spoke with the Secretary of the Air Force about how our Airmen are well-suited for a new fighter mission and the vital role they have in protecting our nation. I strongly encourage the Air Force to select Selfridge for this new mission, which will secure the future of the installation and the thousands of jobs it supports for decades to come.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/scott-levin-pallone-statement-court-order-delay-house-v-burwell", "Scott, Levin, Pallone Statement on Court Order to Delay House v. Burwell", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Ranking Members Bobby Scott (D-VA), Sander Levin (D-MI), and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) of the House Committees on Education and the Workforce, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce respectively, made the following joint statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued an order to delay the consideration of House v. Burwell:\n\u201cThis decision to delay the consideration of House v. Burwell until after Inauguration Day puts millions of Americans at risk of losing their health insurance coverage next year. Republicans have relentlessly attempted to repeal and undermine the Affordable Care Act since the law was enacted. If the incoming Trump Administration decides not to defend the legality of the ACA\u2019s cost-sharing subsidies in court, the lower court ruling stands; and we would see the undermining of the insurance market as a whole \u2013 both the coverage of those American families who rely on the financial assistance, as well as those who purchase coverage on their own. President-elect Trump promised to stand up for working Americans, but this action would make people worse off, not better, and he hasn\u2019t even taken office yet. Instead of rallying behind partisan attacks without proposing a real replacement to strengthen the law, we urge the incoming Trump Administration and Republican-led Congress to stand on the side of America\u2019s families, students, and working people.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398717", "Upton Applauds Passage of STAR Act", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, made the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3381, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research Act (STAR), by a unanimous vote. \r\n\u201cJust about everyone\u2019s life has been impacted by cancer in some way. The most heartbreaking situation of them all is when a young child is diagnosed with cancer \u2013 which, tragically, remains the leading cause of death in American children. These childhood cancer patients and their families deserve a stronger voice and more resources to help combat this deadly disease. That\u2019s what this bipartisan legislation will do: Improve research, treatments, and care for childhood cancer patients, survivors, and their families. I was proud to support this legislation and hope the Senate will move quickly to pass it.\u201d \r\nThe Childhood Cancer STAR Act would improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, ensure publicly accessible expanded access policies that provide hope for patients, and identify opportunities to expand the research of therapeutics necessary to treat the more than 15,000 children diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. \u00a0\r\nIn September, Upton spoke at a childhood cancer vigil at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo where he pledged his support for the STAR Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-hoyer-ranking-members-send-letter-president-obama-urging", "Conyers, Hoyer & Ranking Members Send Letter to President Obama Urging Briefings on Russian Interference in U.S. Election", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. joined Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel, Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson, Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith, and Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff sent a letter today to President Obama asking for Administration officials to brief all Members of Congress on Russian efforts to influence or interfere in the recent federal election.\nCiting concerns that \u201cRussia may have succeeded in weakening Americans\u2019 trust\u201d in our democratic institutions through its actions, the authors of the letter call attention to the hacking of American organizations, publication of private emails sent to or from campaign officials, as well as disclosures by WikiLeaks and fabricated news stories.\u00a0\n\u201cBy eroding Americans\u2019 and foreigners\u2019 trust in U.S. institutions,\u201d the letter states, \u201cRussia both weakens our country and sows global instability and uncertainty.\u00a0 \u2026To evaluate Congress\u2019s response appropriately, we would like all Members\u00a0 to have a comprehensive understanding of what the U.S. Intelligence Community knows regarding Russia\u2019s involvement in these actions and attempts to interfere in our election.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter can be read here and below.\n--\nDear Mr. President:\nWe are deeply concerned by Russian efforts to undermine, interfere with, and even influence the outcome of our recent election.\u00a0 This Russian malfeasance is not confined to us, but extends to our allies, our alliances and to democratic institutions around the world.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe integrity of democracy must never be in question, and we are gravely concerned that Russia may have succeeded in weakening Americans\u2019 trust in our electoral institutions through their cyber activity, which may also include sponsoring disclosures through WikiLeaks and other venues, and the production and distribution of fake news stories.\nForeign interference presents a win-win for Russia\u2014which we must counter.\u00a0 By eroding Americans\u2019 and foreigners\u2019 trust in U.S. institutions, Russia both weakens our country and sows global instability and uncertainty.\u00a0 Both present a boon for Russia and a loss for those working to maintain peace and prosperity around the world through the leadership of the United States and its allies.\u00a0\nTo evaluate Congress\u2019s response appropriately, we would like all Members\u00a0 to have a comprehensive understanding of what the U.S. Intelligence Community knows regarding Russia\u2019s involvement in these actions and attempts to interfere in our election.\u00a0 Specifically, we are requesting a classified briefing that will provide details regarding Russian entities\u2019 hacking of American political organizations; hacking and strategic release of emails from campaign officials; the WikiLeaks disclosures; fake news stories produced and distributed with the intent to mislead American voters; and any other Russian or Russian-related interference or involvement in our recent election.\nWe thank you for your attention to this matter.\nSincerely,\nSTENY H. HOYER\nDemocratic Whip\nJOHN CONYERS\nRanking Member, Committee on Judiciary\nELIOT ENGEL\nRanking Member, Committee on Foreign Affairs\nBENNIE G. THOMPSON\nRanking Member, Committee on Homeland Security\nELIJAH E. CUMMINGS\nRanking Member, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform\nADAM SMITH\nRanking Member, Committee on Armed Services\nADAM SCHIFF\nRanking Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-chairman-goodlatte-and-ranking-member-conyers-discuss-policing-and", "Icymi: Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers Discuss Policing and Criminal Justice Reform", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.) joined C-SPAN Newsmakers to discuss the bipartisan Policing Strategies Working Group and the Committee\u2019s efforts to reform our nation\u2019s criminal justice system. C-SPAN\u2019s co-CEO Susan Swain moderated the interview and Kimbriell Kelly of the Washington Post and Jesse Holland of the Associated Press interviewed Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers.\n\u00a0\nBackground on the Working Group: In July 2016, Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Ranking Member John Conyers announced the establishment of a working group to examine police accountability, aggression towards law enforcement, and public safety concerns related to these issues. The bipartisan working group is in the process of holding a series of roundtables to candidly discuss the issues fueling excessive force used by law enforcement and attacks against police officers. Read Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers\u2019 op-ed on the working group in The Hill here.\n\u00a0\nWatch the interview here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-nomination-dr-ben-carson-secretary-hud", "Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on the Nomination of Dr. Ben Carson for Secretary of HUD", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released a statement regarding the nomination by the Trump administration of Dr. Ben Carson as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development:\n\u201cThe United States of America faces extreme challenges as it relates to housing needs and concerns.\u00a0 The American people deserve quality and qualified leadership as we move forward in this new administration and every appointment from the administration of President-elect Trump is critical to a successful future.\n\u201cShould the nomination of Dr. Ben Carson be accepted and confirmed, I will be working tirelessly to ensure that the needs of Michigan\u2019s 14th district are heard loud and clear.\u00a0 Dr. Carson is notably a man of intelligence and skill; however, this country needs a leader who will boldly tackle heavy housing issues such as urban development, fighting homelessness and housing discrimination and promoting equal opportunity.\u00a0\n\u201cWhile I question how Dr. Carson\u2019s skills and expertise align with the position of HUD Secretary, it is my hope that he would work passionately for the people with sincere care and consideration for the needs of urban areas in our major cities, including his hometown of Detroit, Michigan.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-jackson-lee-commend-president-obama-additional-commutations-0", "Conyers, Jackson Lee Commend President Obama for Additional Commutations of Sentences; Call For Congressional Action on Sentencing Reform", "2016-12-04", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) today released the following statements after the White House announced the commutation of the sentences of 72 individuals:\n\u201cI welcome the continued work by the President and his administration in commuting sentences, but the need to do so indicates the depth of the problem with our Federal sentencing laws,\u201d said Ranking Member Conyers. \u201cCongress must address this issue, to make sentences more fair at the front end. \u00a0\u00a0We know that we can do this in a way that still imposes appropriate sentences but does not rely on mandatory minimums, which ignore the facts and circumstances of each case.\u00a0 With the growing bipartisan recognition of the need to act, I am hopeful that we will do so in the near future.\u201d\n\u201cI commend President Obama\u2019s commutation of sentences of 72 individuals \u2013 who were all victims of unjust sentencing,\u201d said Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson Lee.\u00a0 \u201cNearly all of these men and women would have been released and contributing back to society already had they been convicted under today\u2019s laws or reform proposals. I welcome and applaud the commutations of the sentences of these individuals.\u00a0 Incarcerating people for unwarranted lengths of time serves no constructive purpose.\u00a0 The President has recognized this, as has Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and I am pleased that the Administration\u2019s Clemency Project continues to address the multitude of cases in which sentence reductions are appropriate.\u00a0 Of course, the need to engage in such a broad review of sentences exists largely because our sentencing laws and policies, particularly for drug offenses, urgently need to be changed.\u00a0 We need to eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing and let judges impose appropriate sentences based on the facts and circumstances of each case, and we should eliminate the higher penalties for crack cocaine relative to powder cocaine offenses.\u00a0 I am heartened that there is a growing, bipartisan recognition of the problem of over incarceration and I hope this will lead to sentencing reform this Congress.\u201d\nCongressman Conyers and Congresswoman Jackson Lee are cosponsors of the\u00a0Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which is the first bill that is a result of the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s criminal justice reform initiative. \u00a0The\u00a0Sentencing Reform Act of 2015\u00a0reduces certain mandatory minimums for drug offenses, reduces the three-strike mandatory life sentence to 25 years, broadens the existing safety valve for low-level drug offenders, and provides judges with greater discretion in determining appropriate sentences.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/congressman-dan-kildee-receives-award-from-equality-michigan-for-civil-rights-work/", "Congressman Dan Kildee Receives Award from Equality Michigan for Civil Rights Work", "2016-12-03", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee Receives Award from Equality Michigan for Civil Rights Work \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 3, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has received the Catalyst Award from Equality Michigan, a civil rights and advocacy organization, for his work to promote civil rights and equality for all Americans. Equality Michigan presented Congressman Kildee with the award at their Fall Reception Friday, which brought together community and state leaders to honor the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocates in Michigan.\n\u201cEvery Michigander deserves to live a life free from discrimination, and I am proud to be an ally in the fight for greater acceptance and equality of all people, including LGBT Americans,\u201d Congressman Kildee said. \u201cThank you to Equality Michigan for presenting me with this year\u2019s award and to all of the leaders in the community who are continuing to build on the progress we have made.\u201d\nCongressman Kildee, a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, has been a life-long champion for LGBT Americans. In Congress, he was in the forefront of pushing to strike down the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), extending civil rights protections to LGBT Americans and supporting marriage equality. Before the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s landmark ruling in 2015, Congressman Kildee\u00a0filed an\u00a0amicus curiae\u00a0brief\u00a0urging the High Court to strike down Michigan\u2019s decades-old discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage. In Congress, he has also championed the Equality Act, which would amend the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity, making it illegal to discriminate in business, education, employment, federal programs and housing.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-receives-award-equality-michigan-civil-rights-work", "Congressman Dan Kildee Receives Award from Equality Michigan for Civil Rights Work", "2016-12-03", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has received the Catalyst Award from Equality Michigan, a civil rights and advocacy organization, for his work to promote civil rights and equality for all Americans. Equality Michigan presented Congressman Kildee with the award at their Fall Reception Friday, which brought together community and state leaders to honor the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocates in Michigan. Every Michigander deserves to live a life free from discrimination, and I am proud to be an ally in the fight for greater acceptance and equality of all people, including LGBT Americans, Congressman Kildee said. Thank you to Equality Michigan for presenting me with this year's award and to all of the leaders in the community who are continuing to build on the progress we have made.Congressman Kildee, a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, has been a life-long champion for LGBT Americans. In Congress, he was in the forefront of pushing to strike down the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), extending civil rights protections to LGBT Americans and supporting marriage equality. Before the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling in 2015, Congressman Kildeefiled anamicus curiaebriefurging the High Court to strike down Michigan's decades-old discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage. In Congress, he has also championed the Equality Act, which would amend the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity, making it illegal to discriminate in business, education, employment, federal programs and housing.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398370", "Huizenga: NDAA Vote Strengthens Military, Boosts Michigan Manufacturing", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strengthen our national defense, provide our troops with a pay-raise, and support manufacturing in Michigan.\r\n\"The National Defense Authorization Act is vital to ensuring our troops have the resources they need to complete their mission. This year's NDAA includes a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, reforms the military acquisitions process to improve results for taxpayers, and maintains the prohibition on transferring detainees at Guantanamo Bay to American soil.\r\n\"Specifically for Michigan, this legislation opens the door for hardworking manufacturers to compete for the honor of supplying our troops with the best American-made footwear available. This means more good-paying manufacturing jobs can be created right here in Michigan.\"\r\nSince 1941, federal law has required our servicemen and women to be outfitted with equipment and uniforms made in America to the greatest extent possible. Until recently, that was not possible with athletic shoes supplied to recruits during training. Today, multiple American companies can produce 100% made in America shoes. One of these companies, Bates Footwear, is located in Big Rapids, Michigan.The National Defense Authorization Act conference report passed with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 375-34.\r\nTo learn more about Congressman Huizenga efforts\u00a0to support our troops and Michigan manufacturing, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398714", "Upton Applauds Passage of Critical Defense Bill", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 by a bipartisan vote of 375-34. \u00a0\r\n\u201cSupporting our national defense, our active duty military personnel, and their families is of the utmost importance. Right here in Southwest Michigan we not only have active military instillations and soldiers who require the resources and equipment authorized, but also many families who depend on this legislation to provide consistency in their daily lives. This bipartisan legislation enhances our military readiness and includes the largest pay raise for our troops in six years, while also alleviating any bonus recoupment activities for our National Guard members who volunteered to serve during a time of need. Also of great importance, we maintain status quo on prohibiting the closure and the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States and elevate U.S. Cyber defense to a unified Combatant Command to protect against emerging cyber threats. I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation and look forward to its swift passage in the Senate.\u201d\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017 is the primary way Congress meets its most important constitutional obligation to \u201cprovide for the common defense.\u201d It advances the vital funding and authorities America\u2019s military requires to protect our nation and the brave men and women serving around the globe. Today\u2019s vote was the Conference Report to H.R. 4909, which passed the House in May with a vote of 277-147 and S. 2943, which passed the Senate in June with a vote of 85-13. \r\nThe NDAA supports $619 billion for national defense, which exceeds President Obama\u2019s original budget request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398716", "ICYMI: Its time for Congress to erase party lines and deliver a fix for Flint water", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It\u2019s time for Congress to erase party lines and deliver a fix for Flint water\r\nBy U.S. Reps. Dan Kildee and Fred Upton\r\nBefore the 114th Congress comes to an end in less than a month, we in Congress need to come together, Republicans and Democrats, to step up and help the people of Flint.\r\nFamilies in Flint have not been able to trust the drinking water coming out of their tap in more than two years. A federal judge recently ruled that the state of Michigan must deliver bottled water to Flint residents who lack access to safe drinking water. Bottled water and filters, however, are only temporary solutions.\r\nSimply put, Flint needs action now. It is time for Congress to make the necessary investment to repair the water infrastructure in Flint. The Flint water crisis represents a failure of government. Considering the federal government's failure to blow the whistle on what was happening in Flint, Congress needs to use its power to immediately deliver much needed relief that the families in Flint deserve.\r\nThis is why both of us will continue to fight to make sure our colleagues in Congress understand the importance of passing legislation that includes aid for Flint before the end of the year. This will be a continuation of more than a year of our work together to help Flint. These efforts serve as an example to our colleagues in Congress that helping Flint families and children is not a partisan issue.\r\nJust this past August, we were in Flint together. No matter where we went, we both heard firsthand the same voices. Folks are tired of the partisan blame game. They want answers. And they want results.\r\nEarlier this year, we\u00a0jointly introduced\u00a0the\u00a0Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Awareness Act, a commonsense bill that would require state and federal government officials to notify citizens immediately when the government learns of lead contamination in drinking water. This bill passed in the House of Representatives overwhelmingly with a vote of 416 to 2.\r\nIn addition, we both requested that the federal government declare Flint a federal emergency, which allowed significant resources like millions of bottles of water, thousands of filters, hundreds of federal health and water experts and over $400 million in federal grants to reach the ground and people in need.\r\nMoreover, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a forward-looking\u00a0hearing on the Flint water crisis\u00a0in April to hear from health experts like Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha about the medical needs of the community.\r\nFinally, nearly the entire Michigan delegation in the House voted for an amendment to send\u00a0$170 million in aid\u00a0to Flint. This amendment passed the House by a vote of 284 to 141, with more than 100 Republicans in support. While each of these steps forward has been important for Flint, they are not enough.\r\nNow that Congress is back, we will have one goal -- ensuring our colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, join us in sending much needed aid to the people of Flint. We both plan on continuing to vigorously pursue these funding efforts -- whether that is part of a bipartisan water infrastructure package or in any year-end legislation to keep the government funded.\r\nBefore we are Republican or Democrat, we are Americans. And part of being an American is helping those in need -- be it the people impacted by the flooding in Louisiana and Texas or those harmed by the water crisis in Flint. When their fellow citizens are in need, Americans come together, and we are committed to making sure their Congress will do the same to help the people of Flint. We will not stop until the work is done.Read online, via MLive, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399210", "Walberg Votes to Raise Troop Pay, Strengthen Military Readiness", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walberg Votes to Raise Troop Pay, Strengthen Military Readiness \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 2, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted today for the House-Senate conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which funds the military, gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise, and helps keep the American people safe. Congressman Walberg served as a member of the bipartisan conference committee charged with producing the final agreement that passed the House today by a 375-34 margin.\u201cIn a world of dangerous and emerging threats, our nation's defense capabilities and military readiness must remain second to none,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cThis bipartisan defense bill is a critical step towards rebuilding our military for the 21st century and ensuring our troops have the training, equipment, and resources in whatever they are asked to do. The men and women who protect our country deserve our unwavering support, and this legislation also gives our troops their largest salary increase in six years.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1307, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "MI", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 878, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI&year=2016&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 429, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI&year=2016&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1307, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 1307, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 1307, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-12-02,http~3A~2F~2Fwalberg~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D399210", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MI&year=2016&_next=2016-12-02%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fwalberg~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D399210&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 345.2298939228058, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}