{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"MI\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-votes-to-help-pass-the-social-security-fairness-act", "Senator Peters Votes to Help Pass the Social Security Fairness Act", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act to ensure that public sector workers, such as teachers, postal workers, police officers, and firefighters, receive the full Social Security benefits they have paid into and earned. The bipartisan legislation, which Peters cosponsored and pushed for, will restore the full Social Security benefits of tens of thousands of Michigan workers and retirees. The bill previously passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cFolks who dedicate their careers to the public good, whether it\u2019s teaching our kids or keeping our communities safe, deserve to receive the full Social Security benefits that they paid into and earned once they retire,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI was proud to help pass this commonsense bill that will restore and protect the benefits of thousands of hardworking Michiganders.\u201d\n\nThe Social Security Fairness Act will repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions that reduced Social Security payments for certain retirees who also received pension income. The WEP currently impacts about 2 million Social Security beneficiaries and the GPO impacts nearly 800,000 retirees across the country.\n\nPeters has long fought to protect Americans\u2019 hard-earned benefits and ability to retire with dignity and security. Earlier this year, Peters urged the Social Security Administration to address mistaken overpayments that placed undue financial burdens on social security recipients. Peters is also a proud cosponsor of, and has urged Congress to pass, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the federal laws that protect workers\u2019 right to form a union to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-peters-urging-senate-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-authorities-to-address-drone-threats-from-expiring", "At Peters\u2019 Urging, Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Authorities to Address Drone Threats from Expiring", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters?(D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to prevent the current authorities used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to disable drones that pose a security threat from expiring tonight at midnight. Peters\u2019 Counter-UAS Authority Extension Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), extends the counter-drone authorities through September 30, 2025.\n\n\u201cAs we near the deadline to fund the government tonight without a clear path from my Republican colleagues in the House, it appears that we're once again on the brink of a government shutdown. And when the clock runs out at midnight, the current authorities that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have to safely disable drones that pose a security threat will also expire, and we simply cannot let that happen,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI just received unanimous consent to pass a bill that will extend the current authorities for one year. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for joining me in passing this legislation so that our federal law enforcement agencies can continue to protect against dangerous drones while giving us additional time to work on bipartisan legislation that Senator Johnson and I have authored to strengthen counter drone efforts.\u201d\n\nTo watch video of Senator Peters\u2019 remarks, click here.\n\nThere are currently more than 1 million drones registered in the United States. This rapidly growing number of drones create a higher risk of both unintentional disasters and malicious activity from foreign adversaries or criminal organizations that seek to weaponize drones or engage in illegal activities. Recent reports of menacing drones in New Jersey and communities across the country have highlighted the need to pass and expand the ability of law enforcement agencies to be able to safely disable drones that pose a risk to public safety. Drones have also posed serious safety risks to airports, critical infrastructure and large public gatherings like football games.\n\nPeters has been fighting to expand authorities to ensure our nation is prepared to address public safety threats from drones. Earlier this week, he pressed his colleagues to pass long overdue, bipartisan legislation he authored that would address the growing safety threats posed by drones \u2013 including by providing technology that safely disables a threatening drone to state and local law enforcement so they can protect their communities. Peters\u2019 legislation is supported by a wide range of stakeholders including the National Football League, airports and law enforcement organizations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-urges-commerce-department-to-finalize-new-rule-to-protect-national-security-and-secure-us-automotive-supply-chains", "Senator Peters Urges Commerce Department to Finalize New Rule to Protect National Security and Secure U.S. Automotive Supply Chains", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to finalize its recently announced rule that would protect American consumers and companies against the national security threats posed by allowing vehicles and technologies controlled by Chinese Community Party-backed (CCP) companies to be imported or sold in the United States. The letter underscored the significant national security concerns associated with key Chinese-controlled vehicles and connected technologies in vehicles. This rule would also help to secure the U.S. automotive supply chain and protect the United States\u2019 global leadership in automotive innovation as China seeks to flood the global automotive market with highly subsidized Chinese vehicles.\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow technologies from foreign entities of concern on our roads that can store and share Americans\u2019 personal data, commit espionage, and even manipulate our cars,\u201d Peters wrote. \u201cThe Department of Commerce, and your Office in particular, is at the forefront of the Administration\u2019s effort to protect and defend Americans from vehicles that could compromise our national security. I welcomed the work of your team in recent months to propose a comprehensive rule that protects against the urgent and significant national security threat posed by the sale and import of vehicles and vehicle technology controlled or vulnerable to manipulation by our adversaries. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain, keep the United States at the forefront of global mobility innovation, and create more good-paying jobs here at home.\u201d\n\nThe letter continued: \u201cNow that the public comment period for the proposed rule has closed, I urge you to quickly consider stakeholder input and take the necessary steps to finalize this rule. I look forward to our continued work together to secure our supply chains and support American manufacturing on a level playing field.\n\nPeters has consistently worked to combat the national security and economic threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. Peters applauded the Commerce Department\u2019s decision to open an inquiry into the development of this regulation in March, and then wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and the United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai reiterating his support for the Department\u2019s investigation. Peters also urged Secretary Raimondo to ensure the Commerce Department takes further action to combat threats posed by vehicles and high-risk technologies controlled by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing earlier this year. Peters applauded the Commerce Department\u2019s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other goods across numerous key sectors, including steel and aluminum imports, lithium batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, semiconductors, and medical equipment. Peters additionally sent a letter to several Chinese automakers in September pressing for more transparency into their ties to the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nPeters has also consistently worked to boost American development of connected vehicles and other critical roadway safety technologies to support Michigan\u2019s auto industry and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Last year, Peters \u2013 who Chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports \u2013 called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow the deployment of safe, secure Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology in order to accelerate the use of this lifesaving mobility safety technology and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind other countries in its development and adoption. Following this bipartisan call from Peters, the FCC approved the deployment of C-V2X technology \u2013 which is an intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology that enables data sharing between vehicles, the infrastructure they operate on, and nearby road users \u2013 improving roadway safety and efficiency. In 2022, Peters welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s $52.2 million investment in the Global Epicenter of Mobility to drive and advance mobility innovation across Michigan\u2019s automotive sector. Peters secured this funding through the American Rescue Plan he helped enact.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nAlan F. Estevez\n\nUnder Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security\n\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n\nDear Under Secretary Estevez:\n\nI write to urge the Bureau of Industry and Security to work quickly to evaluate comments, make any necessary revisions, and finalize your proposed rule banning certain vehicles and technologies controlled or vulnerable to manipulation to our adversaries to be imported or sold in the United States (Docket No. 240919-0245).\n\nI applaud the Administration for its important work to protect American citizens and critical infrastructure from the serious national security threat posed particularly by Chinese and Russian vehicles and their enabling technologies. We cannot allow technologies from foreign entities of concern on our roads that can store and share Americans\u2019 personal data, commit espionage, and even manipulate our cars. As identified by the Bureau and other sources, finished vehicles manufactured or controlled by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies present a heightened national security risk, adding to longstanding concerns about how China\u2019s unfair trade practices threaten U.S. economic competitiveness, intellectual property, and automotive manufacturing.\n\nExperts have sounded the alarm regarding the control of data for connected vehicles manufactured by companies incorporated in China, particularly when it comes to the potential for these vehicles to enable the unauthorized collection, transmission, and storage of Americans\u2019 data, as well as serve as potential vectors for espionage or disruption of critical infrastructure here in the United States. Furthermore, the CCP has made clear that they intend to make the 21st century a \u201cChinese Century,\u201d with domination of the global automotive market being a key piece of their strategy. The United States has a responsibility, for the sake of the next generation of Americans and the world at large, to ensure that does not become a reality.\n\nThe Department of Commerce\u2014and the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services in particular\u2014is at the forefront of the Administration\u2019s effort to protect and defend Americans from vehicles that could compromise our national security. I welcomed the work of your team in recent months to propose a comprehensive rule that protects against the urgent and significant national security threat posed by the sale and import of vehicles and vehicle technology controlled or vulnerable to manipulation by our adversaries. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain, keep the United States at the forefront of global mobility innovation, and create more good-paying jobs here at home.\n\nNow that the public comment period for the proposed rule has closed, I urge you to quickly consider stakeholder input and take the necessary steps to finalize this rule. I look forward to our continued work together to secure our supply chains and support American manufacturing on a level playing field.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-meets-with-intended-secretary-of-transportation-nominee-sean-duffy-to-discuss-michigan-priorities", "Peters Meets with Intended Secretary of Transportation Nominee Sean Duffy to Discuss Michigan Priorities", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports, released the following statement after meeting with former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee to serve as Secretary of Transportation:\n\n\u201cMichigan is the capital of the auto industry \u2013\u2013 our workers keep Americans on the road. I made it clear to former Congressman Duffy that a top priority of mine is making sure that the future of the auto industry is built in my home state and pressed him to commit to working with me towards that goal if he\u2019s confirmed as Secretary of Transportation.\n\n\u201cWe specifically discussed steps we can take to bolster America\u2019s competitive advantage over China, how we can make our roads safer for everyone, including through the responsible deployment of critical safety technologies, and additional developments we can foster to keep Michigan and our entire country at the forefront of automotive innovation and manufacturing.\n\n\u201cI also raised additional Michigan priorities like keeping our Great Lakes healthy for future generations, protecting resources that I secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to restore our roads, bridges, railroads, maritime ports and airports, and the need to continue providing the resources Michigan needs for efficient, state-of-the-art infrastructure.\n\n\u201cI appreciate former Congressman Duffy\u2019s openness and readiness to have a conversation about these and other issues, and I look forward to learning more about his vision to lead the Department of Transportation as his confirmation process continues.\u201d\n\nSenator Peters has an extensive track record of fighting for Michigan\u2019s transportation needs. He has pushed to counter the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. He also worked to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already invested $13 billion to upgrade Michigan\u2019s aging infrastructure like roads and bridges. In July, Peters convened a field hearing in Lansing to examine the impact of the legislation in Michigan. He also worked to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and support Michigan\u2019s airports through his role on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-azerbaijan-for-human-rights-violations-against-armenians-in-nagorno-karabakh", "Senator Peters Leads Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Azerbaijan for Human Rights Violations Against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the government of Azerbaijan for committing human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing, torture, restrictions on freedom of movement, and the illegal detention of political prisoners, against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.\n\n\u201cAzerbaijan cannot go without consequences for the atrocities it has inflicted on the Armenian people,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis resolution demonstrates our continued commitment to standing with the Armenian people in the face of Azerbaijan\u2019s unprovoked aggression on Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. I'll also keep working to pass my bipartisan legislation to end U.S. assistance to the Azerbaijani government and to hold the Azeri officials who have been involved in these attacks accountable.\u201d\n\nWithin two weeks after Azerbaijan\u2019s large-scale military offensive on September 19, 2023 against the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians \u2013 nearly the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh \u2013 fled to Armenia in fear of further persecution. The attack also took the lives of hundreds of soldiers and dozens of civilians. Before the attack, Azerbaijani forces blockaded the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world, to prevent imports of essential goods, humanitarian convoys, and all passages of food, fuel, and medicine from the Red Cross to the ethnic Armenians that lived in the territory. Since the 2023 attack, dozens of Armenian prisoners of war, civilian captives, and political leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh continue to be unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan on politically motivated charges or no charges at all. Azerbaijani forces also systemically destroyed Armenian cultural heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh, including churches, monasteries, cemeteries, and other cultural monuments.\n\nSenator Peters has been a strong and continued advocate for Michigan\u2019s vibrant Armenian community. Peters recently met with President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Elise Stefanik, where he raised the dire need to support ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Peters visited the Armenia-Azerbaijan border last year and viewed firsthand the 10-month long blockade of the Lachin corridor. In response to his visit, he introduced the Armenian Protection Act, which passed in the Senate in November 2023. The Armenian Protection Act would end U.S. assistance to the Azerbaijani government that is currently allowed under a waiver to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Peters also joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in calling for the U.S. Treasury Department and U.S. State Department to impose sanctions on certain Azerbaijani government officials associated with the military attacks against and brutal blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh.\n\nPeters also joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Department of State to prioritize the release of Armenian political leaders currently being held illegally by Azerbaijan as prisoners, including as a condition of any peace deal reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan, which the United States is helping to facilitate. The letter also calls on Secretary Blinken to advocate for the right of Nagorno-Karabakh's Armenians to return to their homes under international guarantees, as well as to impose sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the human rights violations perpetrated by Azerbaijan during its attack on the region in September 2023.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters also led and secured a provision in the annual national defense bill that would encourage the Department of Defense to strengthen engagement with Armenia, including through bilateral training opportunities and other security cooperation activities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-secures-funding-in-national-defense-bill-to-replace-chinese-made-telecom-equipment-protect-us-broadband-networks-against-cyber-threats", "Senator Peters Secures Funding in National Defense Bill to Replace Chinese-made Telecom Equipment, Protect U.S. Broadband Networks Against Cyber Threats", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters has secured robust funding in the recently passed national defense bill for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Plan, otherwise known as the \u201cRip and Replace\u201d program. This federal program helps American internet service providers remove and replace compromised Chinese-made telecommunications equipment currently being used in the United States, which can pose a serious threat to our national security. It also enables many rural broadband providers, including those in Michigan, to improve and expand their network coverage for the first time in years.\n\nIn total, this program directs more than $57 million to Michigan, where more than 300 sites have been found to be compromised by Chinese-made equipment and require new, more secure technologies. This specific provision provides $27 million to Northern Michigan University to upgrade their Educational Access Network, enabling them to expand broadband access beyond the thousands of students and families they serve in communities across the Upper Peninsula.\n\n\u201cUsing this Chinese-made telecommunications equipment provides our adversaries with an entry point to infiltrate our networks or launch cyberattacks that can steal information or harm our people, infrastructure or institutions,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis robust funding will allow us to rid our networks of this risky technology, helping to bolster our national cybersecurity defenses while ensuring service providers across Michigan can continue to provide essential internet service to some of the most rural and underserved areas of our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Senator Peters\u2019 support in helping secure $27 million to support Upper Peninsula residents who desperately need and who do not always have access to affordable broadband that supports their educational, e-commerce, and healthcare needs. This funding ensures continued internet service for the 16,000 families served by Northern Michigan University and delivers secure wireless broadband connections to some of the most rural corners of the Upper Peninsula,\u201d said NMU Vice President for Finance & Administration Gavin Leach.\n\nThe national defense bill sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has become law for more than 60 consecutive years. Both the House and Senate have now passed this bill, and it is headed to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. When signed, this bill will close the existing shortfall in the Rip and Replace program, and deliver the resources needed to remove and replace any at-risk telecommunications equipment that was produced by the Chinese-owned Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) and ZTE Corporation (ZTE).\n\nSenator Peters has previously led efforts to strengthen the Rip and Replace program. In 2021, Peters\u2019 Ensuring Network Security Act was signed into law, helping to expand access to federal funding for telecommunications providers and educational institutions for the removal and replacement of prohibited telecommunications equipment from dangerous sources, including Huawei and ZTE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-pass-national-defense-bill-with-provisions-to-strengthen-michigans-defense-footprint-support-servicemembers-and-veterans", "Senator Peters Helps Pass National Defense Bill with Provisions to Strengthen Michigan\u2019s Defense Footprint, Support Servicemembers & Veterans", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate has passed the annual national defense bill, which includes numerous provisions secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to strengthen Michigan\u2019s defense footprint and support our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Peters led and supported provisions to invest in Michigan\u2019s military facilities, advance PFAS removal efforts, give servicemembers a pay raise, and combat aggression by U.S. foreign adversaries like the Chinese and Russian governments.\n\n\u201cI fought to secure policies in this bill that will help ensure Michigan\u2019s first-rate military installations, like Selfridge, continue to play an essential role in our national defense operations,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis bill also makes needed investments to clean up harmful PFAS contamination near military bases, get our servicemembers a well-earned pay raise, and support Michigan\u2019s robust defense sector as our workers produce the cutting-edge technologies that keep our servicemembers safe.\u201d\n\nPeters continued, \u201cI\u2019m also proud that this bill includes my provision to establish a Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge to support the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s efforts to train personnel and test new technologies that will protect Americans from the security threats we face along the Northern and Southern Borders, like drug and human trafficking.\u201d\n\nThe national defense bill sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has become law for more than 60 consecutive years.?Both the House and Senate have now passed this bill, and it heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nBelow are provisions in the bill that Senator Peters successfully led or supported:\n\nInvesting in Michigan\u2019s Military Facilities\n\nSupporting New Fighter Mission for Selfridge: Peters secured language in the bill that encourages the Air Force to plan for replacement of the 25 Air National Guard fighter aircraft squadrons across the country with advanced fighter aircraft \u2013 including the A-10 squadron based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.\n\nNorthern Border Mission Center: Peters secured language in the bill to expand the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center to strengthen Northern Border security. Earlier this year, Peters secured $3 million to establish and operate the Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.\n\nReport on Multi Domain Task Force and Force Structure in the National Guard: Peters secured language directing the Army to provide a report on its Multi Domain Task Force stationing plan and Force Structure in the National Guard. With China, Russia, and North Korea continuing to impact global stability, the U.S. military is adapting its capabilities to meet these rising threats. The Army\u2019s new Multi-Domain Task Forces are the centerpiece of the Army\u2019s efforts to respond to these global challenges in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. When forward positioned, the Multi-Domain Task Forces will enable the U.S. military to freely operate within contested environments. Peters has consistently advocated for Michigan to be selected as a location for a Multi Domain Task Force. A Michigan-based Multi-Domain Task Force will capitalize on the state\u2019s exceptional location, force structure, training opportunities, and strategic investments, strengthening Michigan\u2019s National Guard assets and bringing additional personnel to the state.\n\nSupporting Our Servicemembers and Their Families\n\nPay Raise for Servicemembers: This bill includes pay raises of 4.5 percent for military servicemembers and 2 percent for the DOD civilian workforce. The bill also includes a 14.5 percent increase in monthly basic pay for junior enlisted servicemembers in the grades of E-1 through E-3, in addition to the force-wide pay raise.\n\nIncrease to Basic Needs Allowance: The bill expands eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, a stipend meant to tackle food insecurity among active duty servicemembers and their families. A quarter of military families report difficulties affording enough food for their children.\n\nIncreased Child Care Access: The bill fully funds child care assistance programs and increases DOD child care staff pay to be competitive with non-DOD providers. Servicemembers move across the country and around world to keep us safe, often leaving military spouses responsible for caring for their kids. The bill will help families access affordable child care.\n\nAddressing PFAS Contamination\n\nPFAS Remediation at Camp Grayling: The bill includes $30 million in funding for the Army\u2019s PFAS remedial investigation efforts at Camp Grayling in Northern Michigan. Peters has used his role as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to advance PFAS remediation efforts in communities across Michigan. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Peters pressed Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth to address PFAS contamination at Camp Grayling. Earlier this year, Peters applauded DOD\u2019s announced plans to expand use of PFAS mitigation strategies pioneered in Northern Michigan at more than 30 DOD installations and National Guard facilities nationwide, including Camp Grayling.\n\nSupporting Michigan\u2019s Defense Sector\n\n$37 Million for Manned/Unmanned Tactical Vehicle Lab in Southeast Michigan: The bill includes $37 million for the construction of a manned/unmanned tactical vehicle lab in Macomb County. This builds on funding Senator Peters previously secured for the planning and design of this lab. The work of this new center will be critical to the Army\u2019s efforts to develop the next generation of unmanned ground vehicle technologies. Specifically, this funding would provide the necessary facility space to allow engineers and scientists to develop and integrate hardware and software technologies onto advanced unmanned and autonomous ground combat and tactical vehicle systems. This space will also allow the ability to test these systems more efficiently and effectively in a System Integration Lab, located on Macomb County\u2019s Defense Industrial Corridor. This will improve the product and enhance rapid improvement and collaboration with private sector partners.\n\nModernizing High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs): Peters helped secure language in the bill, based on his bipartisan legislation, to encourage the Army to upgrade Humvees with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems that will help prevent rollovers, which have claimed the lives of far too many servicemembers. These kits are made in Troy, Michigan and the provision Peters secured would help support more than 150 jobs.\n\nAccelerate Infantry Squad Vehicle Production at GM Defense: Peters led and secured a provision that would provide increased funding to accelerate fielding of the Infantry Squad Vehicle produced by General Motors Defense. Peters has championed this program including highlighting the importance of the Infantry Squad Vehicle during an Airland Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing in May.\n\nIdentifying DOD\u2019s Reliance on Foreign Critical Drug Supply Chains: Peters secured language in the bill that would require DOD to expand its analyses into DOD\u2019s reliance on high-risk suppliers for critical drug supply chains. The provision directs DOD to identify the key materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and drug products manufactured in high-risk foreign countries and update its plan to address this overreliance on foreign suppliers that present a national security risk. Last year, as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters released a report detailing the results of his investigation into continued shortages of critical medications. The report found our nation\u2019s continued overreliance on foreign suppliers for many of the key materials used to manufacture critical drugs presents national security risks.\n\nSupporting Autonomous Vehicle Research: The bill authorizes $9 million to support collaboration between Michigan universities and the U.S. Army to build a prototype of a lightweight autonomous vehicle platform to fuse different technologies into a unified system. This ongoing research project will support Michigan\u2019s global leadership in automotive manufacturing.\n\nStrengthening Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology Capabilities\n\nDeveloping American Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Capabilities: The bill would provide increased funding for the development of new and innovative design, and production of, low-cost, uncrewed systems. The bill would also require a strategy to develop a secure domestic supply chain of critical components for small UAS systems.\n\nAdvancing Counter-UAS Technologies: The bill would authorize increased funding for various counter-UAS activities, and require a strategy for countering drone technologies and assessing resources or authorities needed for drone incursion response to ensure we are equipped for the future of warfare.\n\nSupporting U.S. Security Interests at Home and Abroad\n\nRip and Replace Funding: The bill provides robust funding to protect the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, otherwise known as the \u201cRip and Replace\u201d program. This federal program helps American broadband companies remove and replace any telecommunications equipment that was produced by the Chinese-owned Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) and ZTE Corporation (ZTE), which poses a serious threat to U.S. national security. The funding secured in this bill will deliver more than $35 million in total to Michigan, where more than 300 sites have been found to be compromised by Chinese equipment and require new technologies. Northern Michigan University will receive $27 million of this funding to upgrade their equipment, enabling them to expand their broadband network beyond the roughly 7,000 students and 16,000 families they serve in the Upper Peninsula.\n\nSecuring Federal Buildings from Unauthorized Access: Peters successfully secured language in the bill requiring the federal government to assess whether property located near federally leased space could provide opportunities for espionage attempts, cyber-attacks, or unauthorized access. This provision would establish a security assessment process that would ensure adjacent federal property is screened for potential risks and will help secure sensitive office space.\n\nStreamlining Law Enforcement Threat Information Sharing: The bill includes a provision Peters led to improve the system DHS uses to share information about potential security threats with its law enforcement, government, private sector, and nonprofit partners to better protect our communities.\n\nSupport Israel\u2019s Defense Against Emerging Threats: Peters secured $47.5 million in the bill to help increase U.S. collaboration with Israel to develop emerging defense technologies to meet the warfare challenges of the future. Peters introduced bipartisan legislation last year to bolster collaboration between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies by creating the U.S.-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund, authorized at $50 million annually through Fiscal Year 2028, to enable the U.S. and Israel to scale up cooperation efforts in these fields.\n\nStrengthen Efforts to Combat Anti-Tunneling Activity: The bill authorizes additional funding to strengthen current collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to combat Hamas and strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza strip. As part of the DOD\u2019s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with the DOD and Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. This provision is based on Peters\u2019 United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Act.\n\nSupport for Taiwan: This bill would help ensure that Taiwan is aligned with the U.S. national defense industrial strategy to increase global defense production, strengthen our supply chain resilience, and support Taiwanese defense needs.\n\nCounter Chinese Communist Party Aggression: The bill includes numerous provisions to counter aggression from the Chinese government, including a provision requiring a report on the military cooperation between the People\u2019s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Iran, and North Korea, and the implications of such cooperation on U.S. national security.\n\nEnhance Security Cooperation with the Republic of Armenia: The bill includes a provision Peters led encouraging DOD to strengthen engagement with Armenia, including through bilateral training opportunities and other security cooperation activities. Michigan is home to a large and active Armenia diaspora community. Peters visited the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in September 2023 and viewed firsthand the blockade of the Lachin corridor. In response to his visit, he introduced the Armenian Protection Act, which unanimously passed in the Senate in November 2023.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-national-safety-system-for-commercial-drivers-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law", "Senator Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen National Safety System for Commercial Drivers Heads to President to Be Signed into Law", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The House recently passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to strengthen the national safety system for commercial drivers. Peters\u2019 Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), will protect funding for the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS), a crucial, nationwide computer system that ensures commercial drivers have only one license and one complete driver record. State driver licensing agencies utilize the CDLIS to complete safety procedures such as sharing out-of-state convictions and withdrawals, transferring the driver record when a commercial driver license holder moves to another state, and responding to requests for driver status and history. The bill, which unanimously passed the Senate in September, now heads to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cCDLIS is an essential system used in Michigan and nationwide to make sure commercial drivers are approved to operate on our roads. However, recent changes to its funding source could jeopardize the system\u2019s effectiveness,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m proud that this commonsense, bipartisan bill to permanently reinstate the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators\u2019 authority to operate CDLIS will soon become law. This needed step will help improve safety in the commercial driving industry, which impacts communities throughout Michigan and every state.\u201d\n\nUp until 2022, states paid fees to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to operate the system. However, a statutory review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees CDLIS, found that fees cannot legally go to AAMVA under current law. If not addressed, FMCSA will be forced to operate the program with limited available resources. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill would reinstate the previous funding structure through AAMVA to protect this critical system and ensure FMCSA is not forced to reallocate federal tax-payer dollars away from its own safety priorities to support CDLIS.\n\n\u201cAAMVA applauds the Senate for taking this crucial action on behalf of the states,\u201d said Ian Grossman, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) President and CEO. \u201cThe Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System Act provides the states with assurances that commercial motor vehicle safety is a priority and that the necessary continuity in preserving safety on the nation\u2019s roadways will be achieved. By moving this legislation, Congress reinforces the lifesaving role states play when they identify and take action against convicted drivers that should not be operating commercial vehicles under any circumstances. AAMVA thanks the Senate for its action in maintaining the essential elements of roadway safety, of which CDLIS plays an integral role.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, Peters\u2019 Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) Act would codify existing processes for the administration of the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) in three ways:\n\nAuthorizes the Department of Transportation to select a qualified entity to operate, collect fees for, and use fees to maintain CDLIS. The operator would remain AAMVA, and the Department of Transportation would not be charged a fee to use CDLIS.\n\nClarifies that fees paid by states would go toward the purpose of operating, maintaining, developing, modernizing, or enhancing the information system.\n\nEnsures that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is not charged for accessing CDLIS and receives quarterly reports on fee statements.\n\nPeters\u2019 bill is supported by the Michigan Department of State, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), American Trucking Associations, and the National Safety Council (NSC).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-federal-building-security-heads-to-presidents-desk-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Building Security Heads to President\u2019s Desk to be Signed into Law", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to improve security for federal employees and members of the public who use federal buildings passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Every day, federal facilities face a wide range of threats, including active shooters, cyber-attacks, hostile surveillance, improvised explosive devices, and more. The bipartisan Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 will require federal agencies to adequately respond to security recommendations issued by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) within 90 days.\n\n\u201cMillions of dedicated federal employees and the Americans who are accessing critical government services visit federal buildings across the nation every day \u2013 and they deserve to feel safe and secure in those spaces,\u201d said Senator Peters.\u201cOnce signed into law, this bill will help ensure federal agencies are following the most up-to-date security recommendations to protect both these facilities and the people in them.\u201d\n\nMore than 9,000 federal facilities hosting 1.4 million employees and countless visitors are protected by the FPS within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While FPS plays a key role in keeping federal facilities safe, agencies can be vulnerable to security threats when they do not adopt FPS\u2019 facility security recommendations. In fiscal years 2017 through 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that FPS submitted over 25,000 facility security recommendations, yet agency facility security committees completely ignored 57 percent of those recommendations. When agencies did acknowledge the FPS guidance\u2013 they only implemented 27 percent of the recommended security measures. Chairman Peters convened a hearing in November 2023 on the growing threats to federal buildings where witnesses testified that agencies are currently ignoring more than half of FPS recommendations to improve building security.\n\nThe legislation requires federal agencies to adequately respond to security recommendations issued by FPS within 90 days. Agencies may choose to adopt or reject FPS recommendations. However, agencies must provide an explanation to DHS detailing the reasons for any rejected recommendations. The legislation also requires DHS to develop a method to monitor the responses to FPS security assessments and take reasonable actions to ensure agency responses, holding agencies accountable to adopting sound, defensible security decisions. DHS would report annually to Congress on agency responses to FPS security assessments, which would provide a regular snapshot of the threat and security landscape.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-meets-with-intended-homeland-security-secretary-nominee-kristi-noem-to-discuss-michigan-and-national-security-priorities", "Peters Meets with Intended Homeland Security Secretary Nominee Kristi Noem to Discuss Michigan and National Security Priorities", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after meeting with Governor Kristi Noem, President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:\n\n\u201cAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am focused on strengthening the safety and security of Michigan communities. Today, I met with Governor Noem, where we discussed our shared commitment to keeping our nation safe, Michigan\u2019s unique security needs and the most pressing national security threats facing our homeland.\n\n\u201cI pressed Governor Noem for her commitment to ensure that, if confirmed, she will make security at our Northern Border a priority along with the Department\u2019s ongoing efforts to address needs at the Southern Border, including by continuing to build on the Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. We also discussed the work underway to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge next year and expand the customs plaza at the Blue Water Bridge, which represents two of the nation\u2019s busiest trade corridors, and the need for the Department to provide adequate staffing at these ports of entry.\n\n\u201cI also raised concerns I have heard from my constituents about the Department\u2019s travel screening processes, the need to increase transparency and accountability around these screenings, and the need to reform the redress process to provide Americans with a meaningful path to resolve their travel concerns. It is essential that the Department prioritize these reforms to ensure that the programs are effective in protecting our national security and the civil liberties of Americans.\n\n\u201cFinally, we discussed the importance of countering rapidly evolving threats, including cyber-attacks and the threats posed by unmanned drones. I appreciate Governor Noem\u2019s willingness to have an open discussion about these and other homeland security issues, and I look forward to learning more about how she intends to lead the Department through the course of her confirmation process.\u201d\n\nDuring today\u2019s meeting, Peters also pressed Governor Noem on how she would lead the Department through some of the reported policy changes that President-elect Trump is considering, including mass immigration enforcement policies that could lead to families being separated.\n\nThis week, Peters announced that his bipartisan legislation to strengthen Northern Border security was included as a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which the House and Senate are currently working to pass. The provision, based on Peters\u2019 bipartisan Northern Border Coordination Act, expands the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center. Peters secured $3 million in March to establish and operate this Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.\n\nLast December, Peters released a report identifying how screening practices at airports that build on and expand beyond the terror watchlist have ballooned over time. Peters\u2019 report found that these practices, which repeatedly ensnare travelers who may pose no danger to national security, could be diverting critical counterterrorism resources away from identifying other serious security threats.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-provision-in-national-defense-bill-to-support-northern-border-security-operations", "Peters Secures Provision in National Defense Bill to Support Northern Border Security Operations", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters secured his bipartisan legislation to strengthen Northern Border security as a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which the House and Senate are currently working to pass. The provision, based on Peters\u2019 bipartisan Northern Border Coordination Act, expands the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center. Peters secured $3 million in March to establish and operate this Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.\n\n\u201cThe Northern Border Mission Center will help strengthen our Northern Border security by supporting current Department of Homeland Security operations, including personnel training and testing for new border security technologies right here in Michigan,\u201d said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. \u201cThis Center will be a critical tool to help the Department of Homeland Security better track threats along the Northern Border, including illicit drug trafficking and the rise of illegal drone use across the border. After securing the funding needed to launch the Center earlier this year, I\u2019m pleased to have secured this provision in the annual national defense bill to expand the Center\u2019s role and further cement its future as a key component in homeland security efforts. Most importantly, I\u2019m proud this Center will help ensure Selfridge Air National Guard Base continues to play a pivotal role in our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base will be an epicenter where our service women and men, civilian personnel and public safety professionals will continue to protect our borders and our freedoms for years to come. Thank you, Senator Peters, for your continued work to establish and expand the Center\u2019s important role at Selfridge to improve our Northern Border security,\u201d said Mark Hackel, Macomb County Executive.\n\n\u201cThis is great news. The Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base will help meet the need for additional attention to boost national security at our Northern Border, and it will be an excellent addition to the various components at Selfridge. We applaud Senator Peters for his advocacy and diligence on the importance of the Northern Border in our nation\u2019s defense. This important mission will be embraced by Selfridge and open our community to other opportunities for border security efforts,\u201d said Candice S. Miller, the Macomb County Public Works commissioner and former member of Congress who is an honorary commander at Selfridge and member of the Air and Space Forces Civic Leaders Program.\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act, which sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD), has been signed into law for more than 60 consecutive years. Peters\u2019 provision in the legislation requires DHS to establish and expand the duties of the Northern Border Mission Center, to be collocated with an existing U.S. Border Patrol sector headquarters, an Air and Marine Operations Branch, and a U.S. Coast Guard air station, and other existing DHS activities at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Center will serve as a coordination mechanism for implementing, evaluating, and updating the Northern Border Security Strategy, and any successor strategy. It also requires the Center to serve as a training location for personnel, act as a testing ground for border security technology, and to support counter-unmanned aircraft systems along the Northern Border. The Center will support DHS\u2019s ongoing border security work to address the evolving threats and challenges at the Northern Border, including the bi-directional flow of illicit drugs, like fentanyl, and other contraband, as well as human smuggling and trafficking. Transnational criminal organizations continually adapt their drug smuggling methods to evade U.S. law enforcement.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-secure-government-buildings-from-foreign-adversaries", "Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Government Buildings from Foreign Adversaries", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to help ensure federal agencies are better able to prevent unauthorized access to buildings leased by the federal government has passed the Senate. The Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act will require the federal government to assess whether property located near federally leased space could provide opportunities for espionage attempts, cyber-attacks, or unauthorized access. The legislation builds off a law authored by Peters in 2020 that required the federal government to determine if office space it leases is owned by foreign entities.\n\n\"Federal agencies often store sensitive materials in office buildings. By ensuring the government is vigilant about security threats to these physical spaces, we can strengthen national security and prevent foreign adversaries and other malicious actors from stealing critical information,\" said Senator Peters.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly raised concerns that federal agencies are vulnerable to espionage and other intrusions because individuals could exploit security loopholes to gain unauthorized access to spaces used for classified operations or to store sensitive data. The senators\u2019 legislation would ensure there is government-wide guidance for agencies to ensure spaces located near high-security leased federal properties do not pose a threat to the safety and security of sensitive materials.\n\nThe Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to coordinate an interagency study with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and other relevant federal agencies to establish a security assessment process on space adjacent to high-security space leased by the federal government. The process would be used to screen for potential risks in occupancies and help secure sensitive office space.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-equip-female-dhs-officers-with-next-generation-body-armor-technology", "Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Equip Female DHS Officers with Next Generation Body Armor Technology", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters to provide next generation body armor tailored to best meet the coverage, fit, and functionality needs of female law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has passed the Senate. Recent ballistic testing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified that body armor typically used by DHS officers can allow bullets to deflect off the chest of the armor and hit the throat area, leaving female officers, and some male officers, vulnerable. The bill would require all agencies under DHS to provide law enforcement personnel with appropriately fitting improved ballistic body armor to keep them safe. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the House for consideration.\n\n\u201cLaw enforcement officers deserve protective body armor that keeps them as safe as they keep us. My bill will ensure that all officers, regardless of gender or body type, will have access to the most advanced and effective safety equipment,\u201d said Senator Peters.\n\nIn 2022, the FBI conducted ballistic testing using updated procedures and improved body molds that accounted for different body types. The testing found that the commonly used body armor, when tested on female and certain male molds, was vulnerable to a bullet, or other projectile, ricocheting off the top center of the front armor panel and into the throat area, which could kill an officer. Since the testing, improved ballistic body armor has been created and is available, but DHS does not provide this potentially life-saving body armor to their officers.\n\nThe bipartisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act would require all agencies under DHS to provide their female law enforcement officers, and any law enforcement personnel, with improved ballistic body armor to better protect them in the line of duty.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-senator-peters-featured-in-new-tv-segment-on-national-center-of-expertise-peters-established-to-protect-the-great-lakes-from-potential-oil-spills", "ICYMI: Senator Peters Featured in New TV Segment on National Center of Expertise Peters Established to Protect the Great Lakes From Potential Oil Spills", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) was recently featured in a new TV segment produced by Detroit PBS and Great Lakes Now, a public media program covering issues affecting the future of the Great Lakes. The segment highlights the critical work of the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise, which Peters established in 2018 through legislation he authored and passed into law. Peters created the Great Lakes Center of Expertise to study the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses to protect the Great Lakes from a potential spill, given current oil spill response technologies are primarily designed for saltwater environments.\n\nDetroit PBS / Great Lakes Now: Oil Spills and Buried Rivers\n\nClick HERE or on the image above to watch the segment.\n\nPeters led the effort to establish the Great Lakes Center of Expertise after the then-Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard told Peters at a committee hearing in 2017 that the agency was not prepared for an oil spill in the Great Lakes, saying that more science and research was needed. After establishing the Great Lakes Center of Expertise, Peters successfully secured $4.5 million in total to kick-start the initiative. Peters then announced that the Great Lakes Center of Expertise would be dual headquartered in Michigan at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor to maximize its research and operational capabilities. Peters led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Center for Freshwater Research and Education at LSSU, which is home to the Center of Expertise, in 2022. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has continued to advocate for additional funding to support the Great Lakes Center of Expertise\u2019s work.\n\nThe Great Lakes Center of Expertise is responsible for identifying gaps in Great Lakes oil spill research, including providing assessments of major scientific or technological deficiencies in responses to past spills in the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies, and seeking to fill those gaps, as well as monitoring and assessing the current state of knowledge regarding freshwater oil spill response technologies. The center also conducts research, development, testing, and evaluation for freshwater oil spill response equipment, technologies, and techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in the Great Lakes. It helps to train first responders on the federal, state, and local level on the incident command structure system and response technologies and strategies. Finally, the center is responsible for working with academic and the private sector to develop and standardize maritime oil spill response training.\n\nPeters has made protecting the Great Lakes one of his top priorities in the U.S. Senate. In 2019, Peters secured a bipartisan provision that was signed into law to provide the first-ever increase in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) since the program was established. In 2020, Peters authored the law to reauthorize and expand the GLRI. Peters also helped enact the single-largest-ever investment in the GLRI through the bipartisan infrastructure law to accelerate the restoration of nine high-priority areas in Michigan whose lakes, rivers and watersheds flow into the Great Lakes. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to update the Environmental Sensitivity Maps for the Great Lakes was signed into law in 2021. The new maps provide more accurate assessments of coastal resources that are at risk of severe damage or a natural disaster, including endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats, and widely used community resources such as beaches, parks, and boat ramps.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-advance-us-manufacturing-policy-and-competitiveness", "Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters\u2019 (MI) bipartisan legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Peters\u2019 National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act \u2013 which he reintroduced with U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mike Braun (R-IN) \u2013 would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy.\n\nThe National Manufacturing Advisory Council would be made up of manufacturers, labor representatives, and academic experts. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce. The Advisory Council would then advise the Secretary of Commerce and Congress annually on how to ensure the U.S. remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing by providing lawmakers with a national strategic plan \u2013 including recommendations to address workforce issues, supply chain interruptions, and other logistical and emerging challenges.\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that the United States remains a global powerhouse for advanced manufacturing to continue to drive economic growth and outcompete countries like China,\u201d said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and experts in the industry to help strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming years.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation\u2019s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfast, unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,\u201d said Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senator Gary Peters for leading this bill to improve the federal government\u2019s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,\u201d said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. \u201cRecent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) applauds the Senate's passage of the National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act, and commends Sen. Gary Peters and Sen. Marco Rubio for their continued bipartisan leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,\u201d said Kip Eideberg, AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. \u201cOur economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe commend Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for passing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,\u201d said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). \u201cThis council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and global and domestic trends. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.\u201d\n\nThe Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year to advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that affect manufacturing and would propose solutions to problems facing manufacturers in the United States. Specifically, the Advisory Council would be required to:\n\nIDENTIFY AND ASSESS the impacts of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging defense needs on the manufacturing competitiveness of the United States.\n\nSOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing.\n\nPROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary regarding global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on areas to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing \u2013 as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of burgeoning technology and worker training and education priorities.\n\nIDENTIFY REGULATORY ISSUES encountered by the domestic manufacturing sector and provide advice to the Secretary on how to mitigate issues by fostering a favorable environment for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.\n\nPeters\u2019 National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act is also supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC). American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), and Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).\n\nPeters has made strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains a top priority. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and create good-paying American jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally authorized increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis, and create millions of American jobs.\n\nIn May 2024, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act to help strengthen federal efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and support American workers. Last year, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-on-veterans-day-senator-peters-presents-military-medals-to-mid-michigan-gold-star-family-of-vietnam-veteran-at-saginaw-valley-state-university", "PHOTOS: On Veterans Day, Senator Peters Presents Military Medals to Mid-Michigan Gold Star Family of Vietnam Veteran at Saginaw Valley State University", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 On Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) presented a Mid-Michigan Gold Star family with several military medals awarded to their late father, Captain James McClain, for his service in the Vietnam War. After serving in the Michigan National Guard, Captain McClain enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a Civic Action Advisor in the U.S. Army\u2019s 7th Infantry Division in South Vietnam from February to July of 1964, where he helped build roads and provide support to local innocent civilians impacted by the war. Captain McClain was tragically killed when he and fellow servicemembers were ambushed by Viet Cong forces while returning from a mission. Captain McClain was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his service, as well as the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam National Order Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman Badge, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.\n\n\u201cCaptain McClain was a true American hero. He risked and ultimately gave his life in service to our nation and democracy, and he did so while seeking to build connection and understanding between two peoples,\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \u201cThis Veterans Day, I am honored to help recognize his profound bravery and selflessness, as well as the sacrifices of his family.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are honored to have been given the opportunity to welcome Captain McClain\u2019s family and to see his service medals awarded on campus,\u201d said SVSU President George Grant Jr. \u201cWe are home to many military-affiliated students at SVSU, and ceremonies such as this remind us of the value and importance of their military service to our nation.\u201d\n\nCaptain McClain\u2019s daughter contacted Peters\u2019 office for assistance acquiring her family\u2019s Gold Star Lapel Button, through which the office discovered and shared her father\u2019s numerous accolades from the service. During the event, Peters presented Captain McClain\u2019s daughter with his military medals, as well as the Gold Star Lapel Button, to recognize both his heroic service to our nation and the profound sacrifices made by his family.\n\nThe ceremony was held at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in conjunction with the SVSU\u2019s annual Veterans Day Breakfast, which recognizes SVSU students, staff, and faculty who have served or are currently serving in the United States. In October, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) awarded SVSU its new Education Innovator Award for the university\u2019s exceptional support of military-affiliated students. Peters also released a video statement to commemorate Veterans Day.\n\nTo download photos from the ceremony, click HERE.\n\nAs the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation\u2019s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. In 2022, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act \u2013 which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans \u2013 and their survivors \u2013 for the first time in our nation\u2019s history. As of August 2024, nearly 43,000 veterans across Michigan have applied for the benefits made available under this law.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual defense legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan\u2019s military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation\u2019s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-peters-releases-statement-ahead-of-veterans-day", "VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of Veterans Day", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today released a video to honor Veterans Day on Monday, November 11th, 2024.?\n\n\u201cThroughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life. Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cAs we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes.\u201d\n\nClick here for video of his remarks and see below the text as delivered:\n\n\u201cThroughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life.\n\n\u201cVeterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.\n\n\u201cAnd as we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes.\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to ensure that veterans have access to the benefits that they have earned, including access to quality health care, education and workforce opportunities and a dignified burial.\n\n\u201cMy father was a World War II veteran. His service inspired me to join the United States Navy Reserve when I was honored to serve alongside dedicated men and women and eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.\n\n\u201cSupporting our nation's veterans is personal to me. So to all of our nation's veterans, thank you. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. I will never stop working to fulfill the promises we made to you and to your families.\n\n\u201cGod bless you. God bless all those currently serving, and God bless the United States of America.\u201d\n\nAs the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation\u2019s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. Last year, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act \u2013 which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans \u2013 and their survivors \u2013 for the first time in our nation\u2019s history. As of August of 2024, nearly 43,000 veterans across Michigan have applied for the benefits made available under this law.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual defense legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan\u2019s military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation\u2019s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-following-months-of-advocacy-peters-applauds-dhs-decision-to-designate-lebanon-for-temporary-protected-status", "ICYMI: Following Months of Advocacy, Peters Applauds DHS Decision to Designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauds the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) decision to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 11,000 Lebanese individuals currently in the United States. This decision follows months of advocacy by Peters calling on DHS to take this action that will allow Lebanese nationals who are approved to remain safely in the United States due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region.\n\n\u201cThe concerning and rapidly changing situation in Lebanon presents a serious safety risk for the many Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis announcement is very welcomed news. I pressed the Administration to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status to ensure that the nearly 11,000 workers, students and tourists will be able to remain safely in the United States and work legally to support themselves and their families during the ongoing conflict in the region.\u201d\n\nPeters previously sent a letter in June and in early October urging the Administration to make the TPS designation. Following Peters\u2019 first letter, the Administration authorized Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals in the United States. DHS then issued guidance outlining the application process for eligible individuals to apply for DED-based employment authorization. The recent TPS designation for Lebanon will allow eligible individuals to remain safely in the United States for 18 months and give them the ability to work legally to support themselves.\n\nBelow are statements in support of Peters\u2019 calls for Lebanon to be designated for TPS.\n\n\u201cNNAAC welcomes the decision to extend TPS for Lebanon designation that we have pursued along with Senator Peters while we grieve the loss of so many loved ones in Lebanon. Our priority remains an immediate ceasefire however we will continue pursuing all pathways to protect the safety of our community members,\u201d said Rima Meroueh, Director, National Network for Arab American Communities.\n\n\u201cThese are important protections extended by the Biden-Harris Administration, and a welcomed reprieve for the thousands of Lebanese nationals currently in the country because of the ongoing war on Lebanon. Ensuring that Lebanese nationals in the U.S. are not forced back into harm's way is an important step,\u201d said Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). \u201cADC thanks Senator Peters for his commitment to providing these protections.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is a great relief that the Biden Administration has provided protection to Lebanese nationals here in the United States through TPS, DED, and special student relief. Using the Secretary of Homeland Security\u2019s immigration authority to protect individuals is a positive step that will undoubtedly save lives and keep families together,\u201d said American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Executive Director Ben Johnson.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-lead-legislation-to-protect-access-to-quality-affordable-health-care", "Senator Peters Helps Lead Legislation to Protect Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) cosponsored legislation to protect access to quality, affordable health care for millions of Americans. The Healthcare Affordability Act would make permanent the Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) that were created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and enhanced by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, two historic laws that Peters helped enacted. These highly effective tax credits have encouraged more than 21 million Americans to register for health care insurance coverage to afford routine doctors\u2019 visits, prescription drugs, unexpected medical emergencies, preventative services, and more, with lower out-of-pocket costs. Enhanced PTCs have also protected Americans against rising health care costs and provided stability for providers, particularly in rural areas.\n\nEnhanced PTCs were extended by the Inflation Reduction Act that Peters also helped enact but are set to expire in 2025. Nearly 80 percent of Michiganders who are enrolled in an ACA health insurance plan are qualified for enhanced PTCs. If they are allowed to expire more than 63,000 Michiganders could lose their health care coverage entirely, about 31,000 Michiganders could lose access to the benefits of the tax credit, and 177,000 Michiganders would remain insured but face higher costs. In fact, it would also lead to an average increase of $66 per month in health care premiums for Americans across the country. The Healthcare Affordability Act would ensure Americans continue to have access to affordable health care options by permanently extending this tax cut.\n\n\u201cEvery American, no matter their socioeconomic status, deserves access to quality, affordable health care,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI am proud to cosponsor this legislation that would permanently protect this coverage, which has helped more than one million Michiganders secure the health care they need. I\u2019ll keep fighting to lower health care and prescription drug costs for families in Michigan and across the country.\u201d\n\nPeters has long fought to expand Americans\u2019 access to quality, affordable health care. Peters helped enact the Inflation Reduction Act which took historic action to lower the cost of health care as well as prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and capping out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 annually. The law has also reduced the cost of insulin, capping it at $35 per month co-pays for seniors on Medicare plans. In addition to cosponsoring the Health Care Affordability Act, Peters also joined his colleagues in urging Senate leadership to request the immediate extension of the enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) earlier this year.\n\nPeters is also a cosponsor of the Telemental Health Care Access Act which would increase Americans\u2019 access to telemental health care services, particularly supporting Americans living in rural areas. Peters also cosponsors the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, which would also expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare. Earlier this year, Peters introduced legislation to expand Michiganders\u2019 access to critical health care services by helping to prevent rural emergency room closures. In 2023, his bipartisan provision to expand access to opioid addiction treatment for adolescents advanced in the Senate. Last year, Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation that would reduce health care costs for individuals at risk for diabetes and extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to Americans with pre-diabetes.\n\nThe Health Care Affordability Act is supported by key stakeholders including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Federation of American Hospitals, Alliance of Community Health Plans, Center for American Progress, Families USA, National Health Council, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-nearly-119-million-in-federal-funding-to-improve-rail-infrastructure-across-michigan", "Senator Peters Announces Nearly $119 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Rail Infrastructure Across Michigan", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is investing $119 million to support five major commercial and passenger rail improvement projects across Michigan. These projects are funded by the FRA\u2019s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which was funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law Peters helped enact.\n\n\u201cMichigan communities and businesses depend on rail infrastructure for safe and efficient transportation of essential goods across the state, as well as to regional and global partners,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThese five projects will strengthen our railways and expand shipping capacity while creating jobs and spurring economic growth.\u201d\n\nBelow are descriptions of each project:\n\nDetroit RECHARGED - Realizing Environmental Changes Happening Around Railroads Generating Equitable Development: The Michigan Department of Transportation will receive $67,440,000 to improve and expand capacity of the Livernois Intermodal Facility by installing 17,200 feet of new rail track. The project will also make important site enhancements on at the Livernois Intermodal Facility, including new pavement and replacing aging diesel gantry cranes with new hybrid and fully electric models.\n\nHuron Subdivision Track & Service Improvement Program: The Lake State Railway Company will receive $27,130,810 to install approximately 52 miles of continuous welded rail between Pinconning and Alpena. Funding will also improve 34 highway-rail crossings and upgrade train signal devices at 13 locations along the route.\n\nLeveraging Ludington: The City of Ludington will receive $16,400,000 to make improvements along a key rail route between Ludington and Grand Rapids, and enhance the Ludington Rail yard to improve efficiency and reliability of safe movement of goods throughout the area.\n\nWolverine and Blue Water Capacity Enhancement: The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) will receive $8,384,000 to restore functionality of the historic double-track on Amtrak\u2019s Michigan Line between Glenwood Road and Niles in Wayne Township. This project will maximize performance and improve service speed.\n\nEnhancing Grade Crossing Safety in Rural Areas through FRA\u2019s LiDAR Data, Machine Learning, and Collaborative Risk Assessment for Railroads and Highway Agencies: Michigan State University will receive $428,133 to conduct research aimed at improving the safety of rural rail crossings. Researchers will utilize Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data provided by the Federal Railroad Administration to analyze rural crossings and develop new approaches for identifying roadway hazards.\n\nThe CRISI grant program invests in railroad infrastructure projects that improve safety, efficiency and support economic development in communities across the country. Peters has consistently advocated for the CRISI program and fought for Michigan applicants. Last year, he announced a $20 million CRISI grant awarded to MDOT for replacement of the Manistee River Bridge in Manton. As Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports, Peters held a field hearing in Lansing earlier this year to highlight the importance of the bipartisan infrastructure law and grant programs like CRISI for improving Michigan\u2019s transportation infrastructure across the state. More information about the CRISI program can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-michigan-will-receive-nearly-134-million-to-upgrade-water-infrastructure", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce Michigan Will Receive Nearly $134 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced Michigan will receive $133,663,000 in federal funding to upgrade Michigan\u2019s outdated water infrastructure and keep communities safe. This funding will support local projects to improve wastewater management systems, protect freshwater resources, and deliver safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses. This investment comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, that the senators helped enact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history.\n\n\u201cThis robust investment will help our state make great strides in upgrading Michigan\u2019s outdated water infrastructure, addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, and safeguarding our state\u2019s unmatched freshwater resources,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI was proud to play a role in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made these upgrades possible, and I\u2019m glad that this support will go to the communities in our state who need it most. We must continue working to ensure that every Michigander has access to safe drinking water.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for Michigan,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThis new investment will improve our water systems, clean up pollution, keep our drinking water safe, fix old pipes, and more. Step-by-step, this law is making our state a safer, better place for families to live.\u201d\n\n\u201cWater keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people\u2019s health, peace of mind, and the environment,\u201d said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. \u201cWith the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges\u2014from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.\n\nThese Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for Michigan \u2013 specifically $106,994,000 in Clean Water General Supplemental funding, $9,236,000 in Clean Water Emerging Contaminant funding, and $17,433,000 in Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant funding \u2013 will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF). The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. These critical programs help communities minimize pollution, invest in clean infrastructure projects, address emerging contaminants like PFAS, and implement systems to provide clean drinking water to residents.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-applaud-196-million-in-federal-funding-to-replace-river-raisin-bridge-revitalize-i-75-in-monroe", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Applaud $196 Million in Federal Funding to Replace River Raisin Bridge, Revitalize I-75 in Monroe", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) applauded an announcement that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive more than $196 million in federal funding to replace the River Raisin Bridge and revitalize three miles of Interstate 75 corridor in Monroe. This project will also promote travel into Downtown Monroe by reconfiguring existing Front Street and Elm Avenue Interstate 75 interchanges and improving access to the non-motorized River Raisin Heritage Trail.\n\nFunding for this project comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program, which has received historic levels of funding thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law the senators helped enact.\n\n\u201cReplacing the River Raisin Bridge is essential for ensuring the long-term stability of our state and regional transportation network,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI was proud to support MDOT\u2019s application for this funding, which will improve roadway safety and make travel more efficient for the estimated 61,000 vehicles that cross the bridge every day to get to work and deliver essential commodities throughout the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis project is another example of how this administration\u2019s investments are making a difference in communities across Michigan,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cFrom the thousands who cross the bridge every day, to businesses that rely on the bridge to ship their goods, this is a critically important federal investment in Michigan\u2019s infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThis project was announced as part of a larger $4.2 billion U.S. Department of Transportation investment made from both the INFRA and National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) grant programs, supporting 44 infrastructure projects across the United States that aim to improve safety and mobility of people and goods.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-raskin-call-for-robust-census-bureau-funding-to-ensure-accurate-count-of-every-community", "Peters & Raskin Call for Robust Census Bureau Funding to Ensure Accurate Count of Every Community", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, calling for robust funding for the U.S. Census Bureau as they work to finalize the final fiscal year 2025 (FY25) appropriations bills. Peters and Raskin stressed that the Census Bureau needs adequate funding as it prepares for the 2030 Decennial Census, which will help control long-term costs and ensure accurate counts of all populations, including rural and urban areas. Communities across the country, including Michigan and Maryland, depend on accurate census data for everything from school funding and classroom sizes to resources for road construction and Congressional representation.\n\n\u201cWhile we understand the pressures of this fiscal year, we request that you keep in mind the timeliness of adequate Census Bureau funding to help control long-term costs and meet critical national data needs,\u201d wrote Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Raskin. \u201cGiven our oversight over the Census Bureau, we understand FY25 funding is particularly crucial for 2030 Census preparations and efficiency, as well as necessary economic data and crucial national surveys.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, Peters and Raskin call for robust funding for the Census Bureau at a time when the Bureau is required to ramp up 2030 Census preparations. The Bureau needs sufficient funding this year to complete critical planning and testing for the 2030 Census, which is essential to ensure an accurate count. For the 2020 Census, inadequate funding forced the Bureau to cancel multiple key tests, including every planned test in a rural area and on American Indian reservations. These populations were then undercounted in the 2020 Census. Additional populations were undercounted in 2020, including children, African Americans, and the Hispanic or Latino populations, and adequate funding for preparations now will help reduce those undercounts in 2030. It will also help the Bureau better plan for long-term costs and avoid costly problems later in the census cycle. Sufficient funding is also crucial for other Census Bureau programs such as the Economic Census, supporting statistics that underlie the nation\u2019s leading economic indicators.\n\nThe text of the letter is copied below and available here.\n\nDear Chair Murray, Vice Chair Collins, Chair Cole, and Ranking Member DeLauro:\n\nIn our leadership roles on the authorizing committees with jurisdiction over the U.S. Census Bureau, we are writing to express our support for ensuring the Census Bureau receives the highest possible level of funding in the final Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations bill\u2014specifically the amount advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee, $1.577 billion. While we understand the pressures of this fiscal year, we request that you keep in mind the timeliness of adequate Census Bureau funding to help control long-term costs and meet critical national data needs.\n\nGiven our oversight over the Census Bureau, we understand FY25 funding is particularly crucial for 2030 Census preparations and efficiency, as well as necessary economic data and crucial national surveys. In particular, 2025 marks the midpoint in the decade-long preparations for the 2030 Census and is a critical turning point for an efficient and accurate census. The decennial census is required under the U.S. Constitution and accurate results are necessary for every community in the nation. Investing in the 2030 Census now is essential for controlling costs and reducing risks later in the census cycle. The Census Bureau must finalize long-term planning and testing this fiscal year, which in turn will allow it to execute the census and manage lifecycle costs over the next five years most efficiently. In FY25, the Bureau must establish the census operational design, plan for key contracts, and finalize preparations for the 2026 Census Test\u2014the first of two major field tests. These tests will inform key facets of the 2030 Census and mitigate problems.\n\nIt is important to avoid funding shortfalls like those that occurred early in the 2020 Census cycle, which forced the Bureau to scale back testing and adversely affected the 2020 Census. Due to inadequate funding for 2020 Census planning in Fiscal Years 2012-2017, the Census Bureau had to cancel every planned test in a rural area and on American Indian reservations, including two of three dress rehearsal sites in 2018. After the census, the Bureau\u2019s own accuracy estimates showed gaps including a net undercount of 5.64% on American Indian reservations, and a net undercount of 2.58% in rural areas (those counted using the \u201cUpdate Leave\u201d method). Due to the funding shortfall and cancelled 2020 tests, the Bureau was also unable to test new methods for electronically counting Group Quarters (e.g. nursing homes, college dorms, military quarters, and correctional facilities), which led to implementation problems and forced the Bureau to fall back on more costly and time-consuming procedures. These challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, created significant issues with Group Quarters data and led the Bureau to create a special program to review Group Quarters that were not correctly counted.\n\nAdequate support for decennial census preparations now will reduce the risk of unplanned costs later in the census cycle and will help ensure the 2030 Census is conducted accurately and efficiently. In addition to the decennial census, FY25 funding is crucial for the Economic Census, supporting statistics that underlie the nation\u2019s leading economic indicators. It will also keep Bureau programs on-schedule, fund essential surveys that countless communities and businesses rely on, support secure Census Bureau IT infrastructure, and ensure effective communication with states and jurisdictions.\n\nThis is a pivotal year to ensure robust support for the Census Bureau. The funding levels recommended by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees pose divergent outlooks for the Census Bureau. The funding level recommended by the House Appropriations Committee, $1.354 billion, falls below the agency\u2019s enacted FY24 level, jeopardizing critical data and future planning. We support the amount advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee and encourage you to keep in mind the essential nature of the Bureau\u2019s programs.\n\nThank you for considering our views as you negotiate the final FY25 appropriations measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-tours-detroit-olympia-armory-to-highlight-ongoing-facility-improvements-to-better-accommodate-women-servicemembers", "PHOTOS: Senator Peters Tours Detroit Olympia Armory to Highlight Ongoing Facility Improvements to Better Accommodate Women Servicemembers", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) toured the Michigan National Guard\u2019s Detroit Olympia Armory to highlight the ongoing facility improvements being made on site to better accommodate women servicemembers. National Guard armories provide spaces for servicemembers to conduct trainings and carry out missions with access to the necessary equipment and logistical resources. Many armories were first designed for an all-male force, however, women servicemembers now make up nearly 18 percent of the Michigan Army National Guard. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters secured nearly $26 million in federal funding last year for the National Guard Bureau to modernize armories across Michigan, including $2,570,000 specifically for upgrades at the Detroit Olympia Armory. During the event, Peters underscored how providing adequate facilities for women servicemembers will help bolster recruitment as well as Michigan\u2019s defense capabilities.\n\n\u201cThe growing the number women in our Armed Forces makes us stronger and better prepared to tackle the challenges of the future,\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \u201cAs more women enter the National Guard, we must modernize facilities to ensure they have the same resources and opportunities as their male counterparts. These needed upgrades will ensure that women serving at the Detroit Olympia Armory have the appropriate and up-to-date amenities they need to effectively carry out their missions.\u201d\n\n\u201cModernizing our Michigan National Guard armories is a testament to Senator Peters\u2019 commitment to improving the lives of service members and their families,\u201d said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. \u201cOur National Guard armories are the cornerstone of our local communities, where thousands of Soldiers live, work and serve every day.\u201d\n\nPeters included a provision in the annual bill to fund the Department of Defense that directed the National Guard Bureau to allocate modernization funding to update armories for women facilities like showers, bathrooms and lactation rooms. Peters then secured an increase of $75 million in modernization funding \u2013 nearly $26 million of which he secured specifically for upgrading Michigan\u2019s military installations and helping start projects that are shovel-ready. Peters also led a call for the National Guard Bureau to match the $55 million allocated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the State of Michigan for modernization efforts. During his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan this year, Peters also toured the Michigan National Guard\u2019s Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming to see similar upgrades being made to the armory\u2019s showers, bathrooms, and lactation rooms to better accommodate women servicemembers.\n\nAs the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual defense legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan\u2019s military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation\u2019s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\nIn 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation\u2019s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. Last year, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act \u2013 which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans \u2013 and their survivors \u2013 for the first time in our nation\u2019s history.\n\nTo download photos from Peters\u2019 event in Detroit, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-leads-senate-colleagues-in-urging-stellantis-to-keep-its-promises-to-uaw-autoworkers", "Peters Leads Senate Colleagues in Urging Stellantis to Keep Its Promises to UAW Autoworkers", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) led a group of 21 colleagues in urging Stellantis to keep promises it made to its autoworkers. In a letter to Stellantis CEO Carlos Taveras, the senators expressed the need for the automotive manufacturing company to honor the collective bargaining agreement signed last year with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and deliver on its commitments to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America.\n\n\u201cWe are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year\u2019s collective bargaining agreement,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cWe urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.\u201d\n\nIn the contract ratified last year, Stellantis committed to:\n\nMake nearly $19 billion in new investments and product commitments in the U.S.\n\nContinue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025.\n\nManufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.\n\nRe-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was \u201cindefinitely idled\u201d last year.\n\nEstablish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere.\n\nInstead, Stellantis has taken actions that undermine the obligations made to the UAW and leave \u201cbehind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today,\u201d wrote the senators. These actions may include plans to move production of the next generation Dodge Durango out of the U.S. and into \u201clow-cost\u201d countries like Mexico, as well as delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant.\n\nThis year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world. The company has also benefited from billions of dollars in financial assistance from American taxpayers and the federal government. In July, the Department of Energy announced Stellantis would receive nearly $335 million in federal dollars to support Belvidere Assembly Plant\u2019s conversion to electric vehicle production.\n\n\u201cWe believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cThis is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.\u201d\n\nJoining Peters on the letter are Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D- CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Tina Smith (D-MN).\n\nPeters grew up in a union household, where his mother was a Service Employees International Union (SEIU) steward and his father was a member of the National Education Association (NEA). Peters is a proud cosponsor of and has urged Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the federal laws that protect workers\u2019 right to form a union freely and fairly. During UAW negotiations last year, Peters met with United Auto Workers (UAW) members in Lansing to show his support and discuss priorities that are important to autoworkers. Peters also joined UAW members on the picket line across Michigan as they negotiated for better wages, benefits, and job security. Following the UAW\u2019s historic contracts last fall, Peters led his colleagues in sending a letter to 13 non-unionized automakers urging them not to illegally block UAW unionization efforts at their manufacturing plants. Peters was joined by UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English as his guest for President Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address earlier this year.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Tavares:\n\nWe are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year\u2019s collective bargaining agreement.\n\nIn that contract, ratified by UAW members, Stellantis committed to \u201cestablish long-term stability and job security\u201d for its workforce. The agreement includes nearly $19 billion in new investment and product commitments in the United States, including promises to:\n\n\u00b7 Re-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was \u201cindefinitely idled\u201d last year;\n\n\u00b7 Establish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere;\n\n\u00b7 Continue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025; and\n\n\u00b7 Manufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.\n\nWe are deeply concerned that Stellantis is not keeping the promises it made to strengthen and expand good paying-union jobs in America.\n\nSpecifically, Stellantis is now delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant, leaving behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today. We are also concerned with reporting that Stellantis is planning to move production of the next generation Dodge Durango out of the United States, after previously announcing layoffs that threaten the economic security and well-being of thousands of autoworkers. Moreover, Stellantis has stated publicly that it plans to source 80% of supply from \u201clow-cost countries\u201d like Mexico. By your own admission, Stellantis\u2019s growth plan hinges on shifting \u201cindustrial production into cost competitive countries\u201d like Mexico, where workers are making substandard wages. These actions violate the obligations Stellantis made to the UAW. We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.\n\nThis year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. Last year, while blue collar auto workers in Belvidere were being laid off indefinitely, you were able to receive a 56 percent pay raise boosting your total compensation to $39.5 million, which made you the highest paid executive among traditional auto companies. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world.\n\nWe believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can and it must live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW. This is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.\n\nFor example, the Department of Energy announced in July that nearly $335 million in federal dollars would be going to supporting Belvidere Assembly Plant\u2019s conversion to electric vehicle production. With hundreds of millions of dollars of federal support going towards ensuring strong union jobs stay in the U.S., Stellantis must honor the promises it made to UAW workers and the Belvidere community.\n\nWe urge you to deliver on the commitments you made to the UAW in your 2023 national agreement without further delay.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-michigans-hemlock-semiconductor-will-receive-major-federal-grant-from-chips-and-science-act", "Peters & Stabenow Announce Michigan\u2019s Hemlock Semiconductor Will Receive Major Federal Grant from CHIPS and Science Act", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) will receive up to $325 million in federal funding to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on its existing campus in Hemlock, Michigan. The new facility will allow the company to expand production of hyper-pure polysilicon needed to manufacture semiconductor chips, which are used to make a wide variety of products including vehicles, cell phones, washing machines, medical devices, agricultural equipment, solar panels, and defense technologies. The funding comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation Peters and Stabenow helped craft and pass into law to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips, create American jobs, and strengthen U.S. national security by lessening our dependence on foreign companies for these critical technologies. This investment is expected to create 180 good-paying manufacturing jobs, as well as thousands of construction jobs, in Michigan.\n\nHemlock Semiconductor (HSC) is the nation\u2019s leading producer of hyper-pure polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries and one of only five companies in the world capable of producing the highest quality polysilicon for semiconductor chips.\n\n\u201cIn Michigan, our workers know how to make things well and with precision. That\u2019s why I\u2019m thrilled to announce this major investment that is going to keep Michigan at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, nationally and globally, and create thousands of good-paying jobs in our state,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cAs one of just five companies worldwide and the only company headquartered in the U.S. that produces hyper-pure polysilicon for semiconductors, Hemlock Semiconductor plays a critical role in both our economy and national security. I\u2019m proud to have authored the provision in the CHIPS and Science Act that ensured HSC would be eligible for this grant and have since continued to advocate for HSC as they work to ramp up production here at home. This funding will be a catalyst to that effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cMichigan knows all too well what happens when we are dependent on semiconductor chips made halfway around the world. That\u2019s why, as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, I led the effort with Senator Peters and Representative Kildee to make sure semiconductor chips are manufacturing here in the United States and there is no better place to make them than Michigan. This important federal investment will boost Michigan manufacturing, fix our broken supply chains, lower costs, and bring jobs home,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cI applaud Hemlock Semiconductor\u2019s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and improving our supply chains.\u201d\n\n\u201cHSC is proud to be a manufacturing powerhouse for two vital industries of the future\u2014semiconductor and solar. Bolstered by the CHIPS Act, we are planning for a once-in-a-generation investment in advanced technologies to continue serving as a top polysilicon supplier to the leading-edge semiconductor market,\u201d said HSC Chairman and CEO AB Ghosh. \u201cOur customers want high quality and sustainably made polysilicon. This proposed investment demonstrates that the Biden-Harris Administration, Governor Whitmer and our Michigan congressional champions understand HSC\u2019s unique ability to meet those demands and our crucial role in strengthening American interests. As the United States works to reshore critical supply chains, we hope to make additional investments.\u201d\n\nPeters and Stabenow have made strengthening American manufacturing and securing domestic supply chains a top priority. The CHIPS and Science Act includes a provision Peters and Stabenow authored to support the domestic production of mature semiconductor technologies and ensure that projects supporting critical manufacturing industries are given priority status, which would include the automotive sector. This is in addition to $50 billion already in the bill to incentivize U.S. production of all types of semiconductors \u2013 for a total of $52 billion. The CHIPS and Science Act also included Peters\u2019 bipartisan Investing in Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing Act, which ensures federal incentives to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing include U.S. suppliers that produce the materials and manufacturing equipment that enable semiconductor manufacturing \u2013 including HSC. This provision authored by Peters ensured HSC would be eligible for the grant funding announced today. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally authorized increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters and Stabenow.\n\nLast year, the Senate unanimously passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. Peters\u2019 Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s SelectUSA program, in collaboration with other federal agencies and state economic development organizations, to develop strategies that would attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.\n\nPeters and Stabenow also helped enact the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes a provision authored by Stabenow and supported by Peters to strengthen Buy American requirements and close loopholes to ensure the federal government is spending taxpayer dollars on American-made products that support American companies and workers. The law also requires federal infrastructure projects to use domestically produced materials, promotes domestic production of personal protective equipment, directs the creation of a BuyAmerican.gov website, and creates a Made in America Office in the White House. Finally, the law strengthens the Manufacturing Extension Partnership to boost opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses to sell products to federal agencies. Peters and Stabenow additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies, help combat the climate crisis and create millions of American jobs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-tours-genesee-countys-ignite-initiative-to-highlight-funding-he-secured-to-support-initiatives-success", "Senator Peters Tours Genesee County\u2019s IGNITE Initiative to Highlight Funding He Secured to Support Initiative\u2019s Success", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "FLINT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) toured the Genesee County Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE) initiative\u2019s facilities today to highlight the need for additional funding to support the initiative\u2019s success. Founded in 2020 by Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson, IGNITE has shown to reduce recidivism rates by providing incarcerated individuals with valuable education and skills training opportunities needed to obtain meaningful employment after completing their sentence. In 2022, Peters secured $768,000 in federal funding that enabled the launch of IGNITE. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Peters is now working to deliver additional resources to support the initiative\u2019s growing success. Most recently, Peters secured $500,000 for IGNITE in the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. If passed into law, this funding would be used to modernize the Genesee County Jail\u2019s facilities to improve culinary and computing education classes offered under IGNITE.\n\n\u201cReentry initiatives like IGNITE are a proven success. By providing access to education and career training, not only do they significantly lower the chances of individuals returning to the justice system, they also support local law enforcement and help keep our communities safe,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIt was rewarding to see the transformational opportunities being provided here in Genesee County to help returning citizens embark on a fresh start on life, and I\u2019ll keep fighting to ensure the initiative has the funding it needs to continue bolstering and expanding its services.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe cannot expect someone to leave the jail and be a better person if we don\u2019t do something different. IGNITE is changing the way we do corrections by transforming lives, and when we transform lives, we transform communities. This couldn\u2019t be accomplished without support from elected officials like Congressman Kildee and Senator Peters,\u201d said Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson.\n\nPeters was joined by Ilona Curry, a returning citizen and IGNITE graduate who utilized the program\u2019s culinary training opportunities to obtain local employment.\n\nPeters is also working to pass his bipartisan Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Act, which would protect a critical grant program that supports individuals reintegrating back into their communities after incarceration. Peters\u2019 bill would codify the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program into law, strengthening reentry initiatives that center on offering employment preparation, pre-workforce training, and vocational apprenticeship prospects by equipping individuals transitioning back into their communities after incarceration with the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment. Peters witnessed the REO program\u2019s success firsthand earlier this year while visiting the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation\u2019s (DESC) Growth Opportunities Program, supported by funding from the REO program, where he heard from current participants how the program has helped them expand their career opportunities and establish economic independence.\n\nPeters has led numerous efforts to expand access to skills training and apprenticeship opportunities to strengthen local workforce development. Peters has secured federal funding for community colleges throughout Michigan, including Mott Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, and Macomb Community College, to strengthen their skills training programs, create state-of-the-art training facilities, and expand apprenticeship programs. In 2020, Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to allow more veterans to use their GI bill benefits toward securing a registered apprenticeship was signed into law. In 2018, Peters\u2019 legislation to expand career and technical education was also signed into law, which strengthens school counselor training and awareness of career and technical education so they can help inform students of post-high school education opportunities outside of the traditional four-year college degree.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-introduce-legislation-to-protect-michigan-small-businesses-impacted-by-low-snowfall", "Senator Peters Helps Introduce Legislation to Protect Michigan Small Businesses Impacted by Low Snowfall", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce legislation to protect small businesses that have been harmed by milder winters and low snowfall levels in recent years. The Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act would ensure small businesses that rely on strong winters are eligible for disaster relief through the Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program during winters with below average snowfall or snow cover.\n\n\u201cWith visitors traveling from around the world to experience the benefits of Michigan winters, snowfall is a critical component of our state\u2019s economy, particularly for communities Up North,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m proud to help lead this commonsense bill that would not only protect Michigan small businesses and workers, but also the unique character of the communities they support.\u201d\n\nThe EIDL program provides small businesses with the resources they need to remain operational while recovering from a disaster. Under current law, disasters that qualify for assistance include droughts, ice storms, and blizzards, but do not account for winters without enough snow. However, last winter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared 42 Michigan counties as drought disaster areas due to lack of snow. As a result, small businesses across Michigan suffered severe losses and were forced to cut staff or close their doors completely due to lack of visitors or demand for their services. The State of Michigan has lost millions of dollars in revenue and Michigan\u2019s ski hills lost an estimated $41 million last season. Additionally, according to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, over 3,400 employees that operate Michigan\u2019s ski hills were laid off due to the unseasonably warm winter.\n\nMichigan\u2019s winter recreation industry is driven by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sleigh rides, as well as snowboard manufacturers and snow removal services. By extending a crucial safety net to these small businesses, the Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act would help protect the livelihoods of Michiganders, particularly in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, by ensuring they are eligible for federal relief during unseasonably warm winters.\n\nPeters introduced the bill with U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-at-us-ports", "Senator Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity at U.S. Ports", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to strengthen cybersecurity at U.S. ports. Port security is critical to the success of our nation\u2019s economy, supply chains, industrial base, and national security. However, cybersecurity vulnerabilities continue to threaten their security. For instance, many U.S. ports, including strategic ports used by the military, utilize Chinese-made cranes that could expose the port to malicious cyber activity and disrupt port operations. The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act would strengthen the security of U.S. ports by requiring all applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to have necessary digital infrastructure or software in place to address cybersecurity threats.\n\n\u201cThis commonsense, bipartisan bill would help strengthen our nation\u2019s defenses against cyberattacks by making sure ports have the necessary digital infrastructure and safeguards in place to protect both U.S. national security and supply chains as goods move throughout our waterways,\u201d said Senator Peters.\n\n\u201cSenator Peters\u2019 steadfast approach to legislating in a technology driven age will continue to provide critical protections for U.S. Ports and the infrastructure investments being made by the American taxpayer. The Senator clearly understands that as Port investment evolves with technology, that proactive cybersecurity planning must accompany federal spending,\u201d said Captain Paul C. LaMarre III, President of the American Great Lakes Ports Association.\n\nThe PIDP, which falls under the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) Maritime Administration, helps ports on our Great Lakes, coasts, and rivers improve the movement of goods and services. The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act would ensure applicants of the program have certified that they have an approved National Maritime Transportation Security Plan to reduce cybersecurity risks. Peters introduced the legislation with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).\n\nIn 2021, Peters helped Congress pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided robust funding for transportation and port infrastructure projects across the country. The historic law invested more than $17 billion in U.S. port infrastructure to make needed repairs and upgrades, reduce congestion to strengthen our supply chains and expedite commerce, and lower harmful emissions near ports to reduce environmental impacts on local communities.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led also numerous efforts to ensure our nation is better prepared to defend against cyberattacks. His historic, bipartisan provision to require critical infrastructure owners and operators to report to CISA if they experience a substantial cyberattack or if they make a ransomware payment was signed into law. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to enhance cybersecurity assistance to K-12 educational institutions across the country was also signed into law. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bills to bolster cybersecurity for state and local governments, strengthen the federal cybersecurity workforce, and help secure federal information technology supply chains have been signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-bills-to-name-post-offices-after-distinguished-michiganders-signed-into-law", "Peters & Stabenow Bills to Name Post Offices After Distinguished Michiganders Signed into Law", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Three bills authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to name U.S. Postal Service facilities after distinguished Michiganders have been signed into law.\n\nOne bill will designate the post office located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan as the \u201cSojourner Truth Post Office.\u201d Sojourner Truth was an African American woman, born enslaved in 1797. She became one of our nation\u2019s most preeminent abolitionists and women\u2019s suffragists, advocating throughout the nation and later settling in Michigan. Another bill will designate the post office located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan as the \u201cRobert Hayden Post Office.\u201d Robert Hayden was the first African American national Poet Laureate, the first Black faculty member at the University of Michigan\u2019s English department, and an Ann Arbor resident. The final bill will designate the post office located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the \u201cLieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office.\u201d Jefferson was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Forces with the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, and an educator with the Detroit Public Schools.\n\n\u201cThese three courageous Americans are owed an immense debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifices. By naming these post offices in their communities, I hope this serves as an added daily reminder of the legacies they leave behind in Michigan and our nation,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThe lives of these brave Michiganders will be remembered for many generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs our nation\u2019s first African American Poet Laureate, Robert Hayden made an incredible impact on our country, providing extraordinary contributions to American history, culture, and education. Serving as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II and later as a Detroit-area educator, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was a role model and mentor who inspired others to serve and pursue their dreams. Sojourner Truth escaped slavery and went on to help African Americans transition into a free life after the Civil War, dedicating her life to women\u2019s rights, racial equality and social justice. Naming these post offices after these three extraordinary Michiganders is a fitting tribute to their incredible lives,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\n\nSojourner Truth was born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. She escaped slavery in 1827 and took her new name \u2013 Sojourner Truth \u2013 in 1843 before embarking on a path to preach for emancipation. After meeting Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1850, Truth began to passionately advocate for women\u2019s rights. Throughout her life, Truth fought bravely against racial injustices and spoke up for women\u2019s suffrage. In 1851, Truth gave her famous \u201cAin\u2019t I a Woman?\u201d speech to criticize race and gender discrimination at a convention in Akron, Ohio. In 1857, Truth moved to Harmonia, a former utopian community that was later incorporated into Battle Creek, Michigan. She spent the rest of her life advocating in various spheres and died in 1883 at the age of 86.\n\nRobert Hayden was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1913. Hayden attended Detroit City College (now Wayne State University) and went on to earn a Master of Arts degree at the University of Michigan. Hayden married Erma Inez Morris in 1940 and they moved to Ann Arbor in 1941. Hayden published nine collections of poetry during his lifetime, as well as essays and other works of literature, with much of his work touching on the Black American experience as part of the greater human experience. Hayden also taught at Fisk University in Tennessee. He returned to teach at the University of Michigan in 1969, becoming the first Black faculty member in the university\u2019s English department. Hayden achieved national and international recognition for his poetry. In 1976, he became the first African American to be appointed Consultant in Poetry by the Library of Congress \u2013 a role that is now known as Poet Laureate. Hayden passed away in Ann Arbor in 1980.\n\nAlexander Jefferson was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1921. Jefferson completed combat training at Selfridge Field in Mount Clemens and pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. He served in the military during World War II. During his time with the Tuskegee Airmen, Jefferson was shot down in France and captured by Nazi ground troops. He was a prisoner of war in German-occupied Poland before he was freed by General George Patton\u2019s U.S. Third Army. Jefferson returned to Michigan, where he became a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, earned a teaching certificate, and obtained a master\u2019s degree in education from Wayne State University. He was discharged from active duty in 1947 and retired from the Reserves in 1969 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jefferson taught elementary school science in Detroit, was appointed assistant principal, and retired in 1979 after 31 years of service to Detroit Public Schools. In 2016, Senator Peters helped honor Jefferson at a ceremony for France\u2019s Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal. This award is the highest honor France bestows on people who have carried out actions of great value to their nation. In 2016, Senator Stabenow also awarded Jefferson the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service and meritorious achievements as a Tuskegee Airman and POW during World War II at the 61st Annual Detroit NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-urges-department-of-defense-inspector-general-to-conduct-additional-oversight-of-pfas-remediation-efforts-in-michigan", "Peters Urges Department of Defense Inspector General to Conduct Additional Oversight of PFAS Remediation Efforts in Michigan", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to the Department of Defense\u2019s (DoD) Office of the Inspector General calling for additional oversight and a comprehensive report on the department\u2019s efforts to remediate harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the surrounding communities of Oscoda and Grayling, Michigan.\n\nPeters\u2019 letter follows a 2019 request from U.S. Representative Dan Kildee (MI-08) to examine DoD\u2019s use of PFAS at military sites across the country, as well as how military personnel and civilians living near those sites are affected by PFAS exposure, which the DoD Inspector General detailed in a 2021 report. Peters convened an oversight hearing on that report, where he called for DoD to do more to help clean up contaminated sites.\n\nSince that 2021 report, the Biden Administration announced new, stronger standards to limit exposure to PFAS in drinking water, and DoD has announced additional clean up efforts, including a expansion of remediation strategies developed by the Oscoda community. Given those developments, Peters is calling for the DoD Inspector General to conduct additional reviews and provide new information about DoD\u2019s PFAS cleanup efforts. Representative Kildee is leading the Michigan delegation in a companion letter to further the request.\n\n\u201cPFAS chemicals remain a grave danger to the health of our communities and environment. Residents of Oscoda and Grayling, Michigan, continue to cope with exposure from toxic PFAS chemicals stemming from the decades of extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire suppressant at Wurtsmith and Camp Grayling,\u201d wrote Senator Peters. \u201cWhile I am pleased that we have been able to increase resources and personnel to remedy these harmful chemicals, I remain concerned for the health and well-being of my constituents in these communities.\u201d\n\nPeters continued: \u201cWith the recent progress on developing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and viable cleanup methods for PFAS, some Interim Remedial Actions (IRAs) are now underway at Wurtsmith and Camp Grayling. These IRAs are not the final solution, and more work is required to fully address these contaminated sites. Therefore, I request an updated analysis of the DoD\u2019s efforts to address PFAS contamination at current and former military bases across the country that build on questions originally brought to your office\u2019s attention in 2019.\u201d\n\nPeters has worked with communities across Michigan for years on PFAS remediation efforts. In 2022, Peters convened a field hearing in East Lansing with officials from the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. This hearing examined federal efforts and coordination with state and local governments to clean up and prevent contamination from PFAS, and to examine the impacts exposure to these toxic chemicals has had on servicemembers, first responders, families, and other Michiganders. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, which assessed the federal government\u2019s response to PFAS contamination and remediation efforts. In 2022, Peters\u2019 bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law.\n\nText of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-resolution-to-recognize-national-chemistry-week", "Senator Peters Leads Resolution to Recognize National Chemistry Week", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing October 20-26 as National Chemistry Week to celebrate chemistry\u2019s important role in addressing critical challenges around the world. The resolution was introduced alongside fellow Congressional Chemistry Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n\u201cEach year, National Chemistry Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements in chemistry innovation that improve our everyday lives and support good-paying jobs in Michigan,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m honored to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan resolution to recognize chemistry professionals and encourage students to pursue a career in STEM fields.\u201d\n\nNational Chemistry Week is a community-based program of the American Chemical Society that unites students, professional communities, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. The event aims to motivate young people, especially women and members of underrepresented groups, to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and pursue science-related careers. This year\u2019s National Chemistry Week theme is \u201cPicture Perfect Chemistry.\u201d\n\nPeters helped create the Senate Chemistry Caucus in 2017 to provide a bipartisan forum to discuss issues dealing with the science of chemistry and America\u2019s chemical business sector, which play a critical role in our economy and the creation of innovative products vital to everyday life.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/us-senate-unanimously-passes-peters-backed-bipartisan-resolution-to-commemorate-national-community-policing-week", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Peters-Backed Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate National Community Policing Week", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 A bipartisan resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to commemorate National Community Policing Week has unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the service and sacrifice of the law enforcement community and underscores the importance of community policing. Additionally, the resolution encourages civilians, law enforcement agencies and public servants to work together to find solutions to improve public safety and strengthen community relationships. Full text of the bipartisan resolution is available here.\n\n\u201cBuilding trust between residents and local law enforcement is key to the safety of our communities,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Community Policing Week and recognize the important work being done to strengthen our neighborhoods and keep people safe.\u201d\n\nPeters has consistently worked to enhance public safety by supporting the brave men and women who sacrifice their own lives protecting our communities. Last year, the Senate passed Peters\u2019 Strong Communities Act, which aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and their communities by providing recruits with federal grants to attend school or academy if they agree to serve in a law enforcement agency in their respective communities. In 2023, the Senate also passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Peters to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program \u2013 a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-introduce-legislation-to-grant-federal-recognition-to-the-grand-river-bands-of-ottawa-indians", "Peters, Stabenow Introduce Legislation to Grant Federal Recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation that seeks to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB). In addition to granting federal recognition to the GRB, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would make its members eligible for benefits and services provided by the federal government, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. U.S. Representative Scholten (D-MI-03) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe GRB is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The GRB originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Today, most of the GRB\u2019s membership resides in Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties.\n\n\u201cFor decades, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians has been working to gain federal Tribal recognition,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis bill would finally give them the recognition they deserve, bringing federal resources to its members and protecting their Tribal lands for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have deep roots in Michigan going back generations,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThe tribe is recognized by the State of Michigan, but not by the Department of Interior. This legislation would finally grant federal recognition to this tribe.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, I thank Sen. Peters and the delegation members who introduced and co-sponsored this bill. After decades of delays, this bill brings renewed hope that our Tribe will achieve federal recognition and our members will gain access to the resources they deserve, including critical funding for social services, education, housing, elder care, exercising our treaty rights and weighing in on federal legislation that impacts tribes. We are grateful to Sen. Peters for his leadership and dedication to justice for the Grand River Bands,\u201d said Ron Yob, Chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.\n\nThis legislation is supported by community partners and local government leaders including the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds; the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades; and other key stakeholders throughout Michigan. Rep. Scholten\u2019s House companion legislation is supported by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Tim Walberg (R-MI-05), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), and John James (R-MI-10).\n\nPeters and Stabenow have previously led efforts to support Tribal communities across Michigan. In August, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced legislation authored by Peters that would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to accept requests from Tribal governments to receive Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declarations. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced by Peters and Stabenow to settle the longstanding land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and clear the title of current landowners in the community. The bill authorizes federal funds through the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that may be used by the KBIC for governmental services, economic development, natural resource protection, and land acquisition.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-legislation-to-increase-support-for-victims-of-human-trafficking-signed-into-law", "Peters Legislation to Increase Support for Victims of Human Trafficking Signed into Law", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) ability to combat human trafficking has been signed into law. The IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act will make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program and provide support to individuals impacted by human trafficking. The law will also make permanent an existing program that ensures the wellbeing of HSI employees and partners who are exposed to repeated stress and associated trauma through their work to support victims and investigate these horrific crimes.\n\n\u201cProviding support to those affected by human trafficking is an important step in the effort to counter human trafficking,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis new law will ensure that resources for victims of human trafficking, as well as the professionals assisting them, will be more readily available.\u201d\n\nThousands of men, women, and children are trafficked every year in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises of jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims. Based on calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project found that in 2020 there were at least 16,658 sex trafficking victims and survivors in the United States. However, the actual number of these crimes may be much larger because these crimes often go unreported. The legislation will provide increased resources and support to these victims, as well as HSI employees and partners who work to bring them recovery, stabilization, and justice.\n\nThe IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act will make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) program within HSI that provides outreach and training to investigators, forensic interviewers, victim assistance specialists, task force officers, and other partners who have been exposed to trauma while working with victims of human trafficking. The legislation will additionally require HSI to provide training, through the program, to these employees on available resources to help cope with burnout, compassion fatigue, and trauma. It also makes permanent and expands the HSI Victim Assistance Program that provides guidance on victim assistance, including training and technical assistance, and monitors compliance with federal crime victim statutes. The law increases the number of Victim Assistant Specialists to ensure every office participating in a human trafficking or child exploitation task force will have an assigned Victim Assistant Specialist, and also ensures that victims are provided with referrals for support services throughout the investigative and prosecutorial process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-one-year-anniversary-of-october-7th-attack-on-israel", "Senator Peters\u2019 Statement on One-Year Anniversary of October 7th Attack on Israel", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel:\n\n\u201cOne year ago, the world witnessed the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists slaughtered innocent Israeli mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and grandparents who were visiting family, attending a music festival, or simply going about their daily lives. We will never forget the horrors of October 7 and the more than 1,200 lives lost that day. One year later, we are still working to secure the release of the 101 hostages who have yet to return home safely. The United States will always stand with Israel and support its right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.\n\n\u201cThis past year has been difficult for many Michiganders, who have been faced with rising antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab hate, ongoing fears about potential violence and their families\u2019 safety at home and in the region, and who have seen little progress made towards ending the conflict sparked by Hamas\u2019 actions.\n\n\u201cAs we remember and honor the victims of that tragic day, as well as the hostages and civilians who remain in harm\u2019s way, we must also come together to forge a path forward, to condemn the hate that has become so pervasive since that day, and to continue our pursuit of enduring peace, security, and stability in the region.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-efficiency-of-legislative-process-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Efficiency of Legislative Process Signed into Law", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has been signed into law. The CBO Data Access Act will provide the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) with timely access to information they need to complete estimates on the budgetary impacts of legislation before it can be voted on in the Senate. CBO estimates are required to advance almost all legislation through Congress, but procedural issues can delay this office\u2019s ability to obtain the information needed from federal agencies to complete these analyses. The delays in CBO\u2019s receipt of agency information and data can also adversely impact their ability to provide the most accurate analyses.\n\n\u201cThe Congressional Budget office ensures that lawmakers clearly understand the financial impacts of proposed reforms. Thanks to a bipartisan effort to move this critical legislation, we have removed roadblocks that will allow the Congressional Budget Office to more readily access data, issue reports and inform Congress,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis law is an important step to help Congress make timely, informed decisions on legislation that will benefit all Americans.\u201d\n\nPeters\u2019 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Data Access Act will eliminate procedural delays in CBO\u2019s ability to access information from federal agencies by providing CBO with the same exemption to the Privacy Act granted to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and both chambers of Congress. Similar to the GAO\u2019s exemption, CBO would still be required to maintain agencies\u2019 data at the same level of confidentiality that is required of the agency from which the data originated. This law\u2019s passage exemplifies Peters\u2019 efforts to improve the lives of Michiganders, and by making the Congressional process more efficient, he makes meaningful progress for all Americans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-resolution-led-by-peters-to-honor-james-earl-jones", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Led by Peters to Honor James Earl Jones", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that honors the late actor James Earl Jones, who passed away in early September 2024. Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi then moved to Manistee, Michigan, and later attended the University of Michigan. He was widely known for his roles in The Lion King, Star Wars, Field of Dreams, and more.\n\nPeters led the resolution with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).\n\nSee the full text of the resolution here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-peters-convenes-hearing-to-examine-potential-conflicts-of-interest-in-federal-contracting-that-put-national-security-at-risk", "ICYMI: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine Potential Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting that Put National Security at Risk", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine the national security risks posed by federal contractors with conflicts of interest. Specifically, the hearing examined conflicts that can arise when federal contractors, such as consulting firms and technology providers, do business with both the U.S. government and foreign adversaries or have clients with connections to adversarial nations. During the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed examples of recent troubling conflicts of interest from some federal contractors, and highlighted the need to prevent future conflicts of interest. Prior to the hearing, Peters sent a letter urging the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council to issue a rulemaking to prevent conflicts of interest in government contracting after missing its deadline by more than three months. This overdue guidance was required by Peters\u2019 Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, which was signed into law in 2022.\n\n\u201cFrom modernizing and enhancing the safety of our infrastructure and power grid \u2013 to providing critical intelligence that safeguards our nation from foreign and domestic threats \u2013 the scope of government contractors\u2019 support is immeasurable. To ensure that government contractors are truly working in the best interests of Americans \u2013 we must ensure they are meeting the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and transparency by removing conflicts of interest from their work,\u201d said Peters during his opening statement.\n\nPeters continued: \u201cI am confident that we can all agree that Americans deserve full assurance that federal contractors are providing transparency and avoiding any potential conflicts before they are awarded taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nTo watch video of Senator Peters\u2019 questions, click?here.\n\nDuring the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed what steps Congress should take to mitigate future risks relating to federal procurement and how federal agencies are currently addressing potential conflicts of interest in federal contracting. The committee discussed the importance of enforcing requirements and monitoring contracts to avoid risks, especially in relation to data, while also stressing the need to ensure the procurement process remains competitive. The witnesses highlighted that conflicts of interest can pose serious threats to our national security and warned that not addressing these concerns could potentially harm U.S. interests.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Signed into Law", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property has been signed into law. Federally-owned personal property includes physical items such as office supplies, furniture, automobiles, and heavy machinery. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and this law will ensure agencies are looking to excess property \u2013 available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation \u2013 before buying new products in order to save taxpayer dollars.\n\n\u201cAgencies should always consider reusing excess goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles rather than buying them new, and this law will ensure they do just that,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis law will hold the federal government more accountable by ensuring they only spend taxpayer dollars on essential items. The American people know what it means to be frugal and reuse what they own: it\u2019s time federal agencies do the same.\u201d\n\nThe Reuse Excess Property Act will update existing requirements for agencies to report their excess personal property to the General Services Administration (GSA) by making those reports available to the public as well. This will help agency officials and taxpayers better understand the extent to which agencies are working to cut wasteful spending through the use of excess property. The bill also requires agencies publicly report on their guidance on the use of excess personal property and designate an employee to be responsible for searching through available excess personal property for items that meet agency needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bill-to-extend-department-of-homeland-security-joint-task-forces-authority-signed-into-law", "Peters Bill to Extend Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Forces Authority Signed into Law", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 A bill authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to reauthorize Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Joint Task Forces (JTF) authority has been signed into law. Joint Task Forces allow DHS to establish joint operations using DHS personnel and resources to secure U.S. land and maritime borders, address homeland security threats, and establish regional operations to tackle ongoing homeland security challenges like drug smuggling and trafficking. Peters\u2019 law extends this authority for an additional two years to enable DHS to maintain the existing Joint Task Force and continue efforts to protect the homeland.\n\n\u201cJoint Task Forces are an important tool to help DHS protect the homeland and combat transnational crime,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy new law will ensure DHS can continue to coordinate effectively across agencies, and with critical international partners, to address these complex security challenges.\u201d\n\nCongress codified DHS Joint Task Forces as part of its yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in fiscal year 2017. DHS currently uses this authority through its Joint Task Force-East, which works to strengthen coordination of U.S. government agencies as well as international partners to combat transnational criminal organizations and address maritime migration. Joint Task Force-East has led efforts to improve intelligence and information sharing among these partners to coordinate operations more effectively, better identify suspicious vessels, such as those potentially involved in drug trafficking, and target pathways used for smuggling.\n\nThe DHS Joint Task Force Reauthorization Act will extend the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and operate Joint Task Forces for two more years. The law will require the Secretary to develop a staffing plan for these JTFs and include it in reports to Congress. It will also require the Secretary to give Congress an annual briefing on Joint Task Force-East\u2019s staffing and resource needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs-heads-to-senate", "Peters Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs Heads to Senate", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program has advanced in the Senate. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAmericans across the nation are experiencing the devastation caused by more frequent and catastrophic natural disasters. These individuals must have swift access to federal resources in order to piece their lives back together,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA individual disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to survivors for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to strengthen our federal disaster preparedness and response. Earlier this year, Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to create one deadline to apply for two FEMA disaster assistance programs was signed into law. Peters' bipartisan bill to simplify the federal application process by creating a universal FEMA application across federal agencies passed in the Senate. Peters secured $500 million in funding as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill for a program he created to help states establish revolving loan programs for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce the risk of shoreline erosion, extreme flooding, and other natural disasters. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to protect FEMA Reservists from losing their full-time employment when they are called up to assist communities with disaster response was also signed into law. Finally, Peters\u2019 bill to help protect pets and other animals during and in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies was also signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Heads to President to be Signed into Law", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The House passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property. Federally-owned personal property includes physical items such as office supplies, furniture, automobiles, and heavy machinery. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and this bill would ensure agencies consider excess property \u2013 available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation \u2013 before buying new products to save taxpayer dollars. The bill passed the Senate in December 2023 with an amendment by unanimous consent before heading to the House. It now heads to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cFederal agencies must use taxpayer dollars responsibly. Agencies should consider reusing excess goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles rather than buying them new,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan legislation would hold the federal government more accountable by ensuring agencies consider goods that have already been purchased when looking for new personal property. The American people deserve smarter federal agency spending practices, and this bill helps ensure that.\u201d\n\nThe Reuse Excess Property Act would update existing requirements for agencies to report their excess personal property to the General Services Administration (GSA) by making those reports available to the public as well. This would help agency officials and taxpayers better understand the extent to which agencies are working to cut wasteful spending through the use of excess property. The bill would also require agencies to publicly report on their guidance on the use of excess personal property and designate an employee to be responsible for searching through available excess personal property for items that meet agency needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-lankford-and-klobuchar-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-transparency-of-the-senate-confirmation-process", "Committee Passes Peters, Lankford & Klobuchar Bipartisan Bill to Improve Transparency of the Senate Confirmation Process", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, James Lankford (R-OK), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to improve transparency of the Senate confirmation process for Congress and the public has advanced in the Senate. This bill would create a dashboard to identify and track the status of nominations for the more than 1,300 Senate-confirmed, executive branch positions including which positions that are vacant or held by an official in an acting role. The number of political appointees subject to confirmation continues to grow, and delays in the confirmation process have led to increased vacancies and discouraged qualified individuals from seeking these roles. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve to know that there is a transparent, responsible nomination and confirmation process within the Senate. Too many political nominations are getting stuck in a cumbersome process, which leads to vacancies and less time for the Senate to work on moving legislation. In some cases, vacant administration positions take hundreds of days to confirm,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan bill will ensure the Senate is held accountable, while also enhancing the Senate\u2019s ability to efficiently process pending confirmations and swiftly push legislation forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cInstead of confronting the real economic and national security problems facing America, much of the Senate\u2019s time is taken up by confirming a seemingly endless number of political nominees. This bill will allow us to identify and address the causes for chronically vacant positions and ultimately free up floor time for the Senate to debate the issues Oklahomans care about,\u201d said Senator Lankford.\n\n\u201cThe Senate has a critical role under the Constitution to provide a check on the executive branch by requiring advice and consent over key positions that serve the American people in government,\u201d said Senator Klobuchar, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. \u201cThis has taken an increasing amount of time under presidents of both parties, and this common sense legislation will strengthen transparency and accountability for the Senate confirmation process as we continue working to improve it.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Partnership has long supported increased transparency in the Senate confirmation process, particularly the data around appointments, acting officials and newly created positions requiring Senate confirmation. We applaud the bill sponsors for continuing to identify ways to increase access to this data as an important step in reforming the confirmation process,\u201d said Max Stier, Founding president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.\n\nWith more than 1,300 positions subject to Senate confirmation, in recent Congresses the Senate has spent more time voting on nominations than on legislation according to analysis by the Partnership for Public Service. Despite the time spent voting on nominations, the Senate has been confirming fewer nominees than ever before. While confirmations for Cabinet Secretaries, critical national security roles and other high-profile positions are often prioritized, confirmations for lower-level positions can be indefinitely delayed, and some positions never receive nominations. This legislation will help identify reforms that would help reverse these trends and provide the Senate with the appropriate resources and time to both legislate and ensure that qualified candidates are being confirmed to serve in these key roles.\n\nThe bipartisan Improving Senate Confirmation and Vacancy Oversight Act of 2024 would require GAO to create a new data dashboard for tracking Senate-confirmed positions, that includes information collected by OPM on its existing PLUM website which currently tracks all political appointments. There is currently no central location for the public or Congress to identify which positions are vacant, the names of those serving in those positions, and the time it takes the Senate to confirm those roles. The data dashboard created by this legislation would provide critical data on the information gaps listed above. Additionally, the bill would institute new requirements for capturing the number of Presidential appointees requiring Senate confirmation (PAS) positions created and removed each year through legislation, so that Congress and the public can better understand new positions added to and removed from agencies by law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-and-lankford-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-transparency-and-improve-the-federal-permitting-process", "Committee Passes Peters and Lankford Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency and Improve the Federal Permitting Process", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and James Lankford (R-OK) to update the federal permitting process and increase Congressional oversight of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) has advanced in the Senate. This bill would make technical and commonsense improvements to the authorities of the Permitting Council which has been charged with improving the permitting and environmental review process for certain critical infrastructure projects. Since its authorization in 2015, the Permitting Council has struggled to coordinate projects due to ambiguities in its authority and scope as an independent agency. This bill would bolster the Permitting Council\u2019s ability to coordinate projects, clarify which projects can be covered, and strengthen Congressional oversight. The bill follows an oversight hearing Peters convened on the Permitting Council in July. The bill was passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAs we invest in our nation\u2019s infrastructure, it\u2019s crucial that we optimize our permitting processes to ensure projects move forward efficiently, while still conducting the appropriate environmental reviews,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan bill will empower the Permitting Council to better coordinate between agencies and streamline approvals for critical infrastructure projects. By improving this process, we\u2019re not just cutting red tape \u2013 we\u2019re accelerating the development of projects that will create jobs, boost our economy, and improve quality of life for Americans across the country, while maintaining our commitment to robust environmental stewardship.\u201d\n\nThe Permitting Council, established by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in 2015 aims to streamline permitting for critical infrastructure projects. However, its effectiveness has been limited, with only 37 projects successfully coordinated since its creation. The Council\u2019s narrow scope for eligible projects and lack of authority to hold agencies accountable for timely permitting has contributed to its difficulty in meeting established performance targets. Additionally, through a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act, the Council has taken on new priorities and authorities without parallel increases in Congressional oversight.\n\nThe bipartisan Permitting Council Improvement Act would enhance the Council\u2019s authorities and oversight, enabling more efficient and coordinated permitting decisions without modifying or reducing underlying environmental, historical, or cultural protections. The bill would clarify the Council\u2019s scope and allow for increased coordination on Tribal, rural broadband, and port and maritime projects. The bill would also expand the role and responsibilities of the Council\u2019s Executive Director, clarifying authority to coordinate projects, improve the dispute resolution process between agencies, and streamline funding and fee structures. To ensure greater transparency and accountability in the Council\u2019s operations, the bill strengthens Congressional oversight by requiring new reports about the Council\u2019s funding transfers and its work supporting agencies. The bill also requires that the President consult with Congress when appointing a new Executive Director.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-tillis-lankford-and-welch-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs-heads-to-senate", "Peters, Tillis, Lankford, & Welch Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs Heads to Senate", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program has advanced in the Senate. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAmericans across the nation are experiencing the devastation caused by more frequent and catastrophic natural disasters. These individuals must have swift access to federal resources in order to piece their lives back together,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA individual disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to survivors for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time we end the \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019 approach to disaster relief and cut the red tape that prevents many communities from accessing the relief they desperately need,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis common-sense legislation provides greater flexibility for communities in need, saves tax-payer dollars, and helps communities recover faster.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen disaster strikes, red tape shouldn\u2019t get in the way of Oklahomans getting assistance from federal agencies,\u201d said Senator Lankford. \u201cThe Disaster Survivors Fairness Act streamlines the process to get resources to those who need it most.\u201d\n\n\u201cOnce-in-a-generation disasters are now happening every year because of climate change. We've seen it in Vermont with back-to-back floods, and in so many other disaster-impacted communities across the country. These extreme weather events don\u2019t discriminate between red states and blue states. We need bipartisan solutions that give communities more flexibility to provide housing resources after a crisis,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cThe Disaster Survivors Fairness Act is a commonsense way to bridge crucial gaps in FEMA funding and help victims of natural disasters get the resources needed to rebuild and recover.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-and-lankford-bill-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-and-reduce-government-bureaucracy-by-eliminating-outdated-advisory-committee", "Committee Passes Peters and Lankford Bill to Save Taxpayer Dollars and Reduce Government Bureaucracy by Eliminating Outdated Advisory Committee", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and James Lankford (R-OK) to save taxpayer dollars and reduce government bureaucracy has advanced in the Senate. The legislation would eliminate the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress (ACRC), which would save tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. The ACRC was created in 1990 to report on the preservation of congressional records, but its members believe that NARA, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives now effectively manage congressional records issues on their own without the need for the committee\u2019s advisory role. In its place, the legislation would require the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to submit an annual report to Congress.\n\n\u201cWhen federal advisory committees have outlived their original purpose, Congress must act to save taxpayer dollars and improve government efficiency,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cBy eliminating this outdated and unnecessary Advisory Committee, we can streamline how Congress manages its records while ensuring they are appropriately preserved for future generations.\u201d\n\nThe Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress Sunset Act of 2024 would require the Director of the Center for Legislative Archives of the National Archives to submit an annual report on the management and preservation of the records of Congress during the previous year to the Archivist of the United States, the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and the Committee on House Administration. The Archivist, Secretary, and Clerk would then meet to review this report within 60 days of submission. The Advisory Committee would sunset 60 days after this bill is enacted.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-bills-to-name-post-offices-after-distinguished-michiganders-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters & Stabenow Bills to Name Post Offices After Distinguished Michiganders Heads to President to be Signed into Law", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Three bills authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Debbie Stabenow (MI) to name U.S. Postal Service facilities after distinguished Michiganders have passed the House. The bills now head to the President to be signed into law.\n\nOne bill would designate the post office located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan as the \u201cSojourner Truth Post Office.\u201d Sojourner Truth was an African American woman, born enslaved in 1797. She became one of our nation\u2019s most preeminent abolitionists and women\u2019s suffragists, advocating throughout the nation and later settling in Michigan. Another bill would designate the post office located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan as the \u201cRobert Hayden Post Office.\u201d Robert Hayden was the first African American national Poet Laureate, the first Black faculty member at the University of Michigan\u2019s English department, and an Ann Arbor resident. The final bill would designate the post office located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the \u201cLieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office.\u201d Jefferson was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Forces with the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, and an educator with the Detroit Public Schools.\n\n\u201cWe owe these three courageous Americans a debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifices. Naming these post offices in their communities is just one small, daily reminder of the legacies they leave behind in Michigan and our nation,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMay the lives of these Michiganders be remembered for many generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs our nation\u2019s first African American Poet Laureate, Robert Hayden made an incredible impact on our country, providing extraordinary contributions to American history, culture, and education. Serving as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II and later as a Detroit-area educator, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was a role model and mentor who inspired others to serve and pursue their dreams. Sojourner Truth escaped slavery and went on to help African Americans transition into a free life after the Civil War, dedicating her life to women\u2019s rights, racial equality and social justice. Naming these post offices after these three extraordinary Michiganders is a fitting tribute to their incredible lives,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\n\nSojourner Truth was born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. She escaped slavery in 1827 and took her new name \u2013 Sojourner Truth \u2013 in 1843 before embarking on a path to preach for emancipation. After meeting Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1850, Truth began to passionately advocate for women\u2019s rights. Throughout her life, Truth fought bravely against racial injustices and spoke up for women\u2019s suffrage. In 1851, Truth gave her famous \u201cAin\u2019t I a Woman?\u201d speech to criticize race and gender discrimination at a convention in Akron, Ohio. In 1857, Truth moved to Harmonia, a former utopian community that was later incorporated into Battle Creek, Michigan. She spent the rest of her life advocating in various spheres and died in 1883 at the age of 86.\n\nRobert Hayden was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1913. Hayden attended Detroit City College (now Wayne State University) and went on to earn a Master of Arts degree at the University of Michigan. Hayden married Erma Inez Morris in 1940 and they moved to Ann Arbor in 1941. Hayden published nine collections of poetry during his lifetime, as well as essays and other works of literature, with much of his work touching on the Black American experience as part of the greater human experience. Hayden also taught at Fisk University in Tennessee. He returned to teach at the University of Michigan in 1969, becoming the first Black faculty member in the university\u2019s English department. Hayden achieved national and international recognition for his poetry. In 1976, he became the first African American to be appointed Consultant in Poetry by the Library of Congress \u2013 a role that is now known as Poet Laureate. Hayden passed away in Ann Arbor in 1980.\n\nAlexander Jefferson was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1921. Jefferson completed combat training at Selfridge Field in Mount Clemens and pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. He served in the military during World War II. During his time with the Tuskegee Airmen, Jefferson was shot down in France and captured by Nazi ground troops. He was a prisoner of war in German-occupied Poland before he was freed by General George Patton\u2019s U.S. Third Army. Jefferson returned to Michigan, where he became a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, earned a teaching certificate, and obtained a master\u2019s degree in education from Wayne State University. He was discharged from active duty in 1947 and retired from the Reserves in 1969 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jefferson taught elementary school science in Detroit, was appointed assistant principal, and retired in 1979 after 31 years of service to Detroit Public Schools. In 2016, Senator Peters helped honor Jefferson at a ceremony for France\u2019s Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal. This award is the highest honor France bestows on people who have carried out actions of great value to their nation. In 2016, Senator Stabenow also awarded Jefferson the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service and meritorious achievements as a Tuskegee Airman and POW during World War II at the 61st Annual Detroit NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-legislative-process-efficiency-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Legislative Process Efficiency Heads to President to be Signed into Law", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Susan Collins (R-ME) to provide the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) with timely access to information they need to complete estimates on the budgetary impacts of legislation that has passed the Senate. CBO estimates are required to advance almost all legislation through Congress, but procedural issues can delay this office\u2019s ability to obtain the information needed from federal agencies to complete these analyses. The delays in CBO\u2019s receipt of agency information and data can also adversely impact their ability to provide the most accurate analyses. The senators\u2019 bipartisan legislation would make the legislative process more efficient by reducing the time it takes for CBO to obtain data from federal agencies. The bill passed the Senate in June 2023 with unanimous consent before passing out of the House. It now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThe Congressional Budget Office provides critical information to lawmakers to help them best understand the financial impacts of proposed reforms. By cutting red tape to provide CBO with timely access to data, we can ensure Congress is making informed decision and advancing legislation that works for the American people,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will streamline how CBO accesses information, issues reports, and informs Congress on the budgetary impacts of proposed legislation.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Data Access Act would eliminate procedural delays in CBO\u2019s ability to access information from federal agencies by providing CBO with the same exemption to the Privacy Act granted to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and both chambers of Congress. Similar to the GAO\u2019s exemption, CBO would still be required to maintain agencies\u2019 data at the same level of confidentiality that is required of the agency from which the data originated.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-national-safety-system-for-commercial-drivers", "Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen National Safety System for Commercial Drivers", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters\u2019 (MI) bipartisan legislation to strengthen the national safety system used for commercial drivers. Peters\u2019 Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) Act would protect funding for the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS), a crucial, nationwide computer system that ensures commercial drivers have only one license and one complete driver record. State driver licensing agencies utilize the CDLIS to complete safety procedures such as sharing out-of-state convictions and withdrawals, transferring the driver record when a commercial driver license holder moves to another state, and responding to requests for driver status and history. Peters introduced the bill in December 2023 with U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN). The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the bill in July 2024.\n\n\u201cThis essential system is used nationwide to make sure commercial drivers are approved to operate on our roads, but recent changes to its funding source could jeopardize the system\u2019s effectiveness,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis commonsense, bipartisan bill would reinstate and make permanent the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators\u2019 authority to operate CDLIS to improve safety in the commercial driving industry which impacts communities throughout Michigan and every state.\u201d\n\nUp until 2022, states paid fees to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to operate the system. However, a statutory review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees CDLIS, found that fees cannot legally go to AAMVA under current law. If not addressed, FMCSA will be forced to operate the program with limited available resources. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill would reinstate the previous funding structure through AAMVA to protect this critical system and ensure FMCSA is not forced to reallocate federal tax-payer dollars away from its own safety priorities to support CDLIS.\n\n\u201cAAMVA applauds the Senate for taking this crucial action on behalf of the states,\u201d said Ian Grossman, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) President and CEO. \u201cThe Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System Act provides the states with assurances that commercial motor vehicle safety is a priority and that the necessary continuity in preserving safety on the nation\u2019s roadways will be achieved. By moving this legislation, Congress reinforces the lifesaving role states play when they identify and take action against convicted drivers that should not be operating commercial vehicles under any circumstances. AAMVA thanks the Senate for its action in maintaining the essential elements of roadway safety, of which CDLIS plays an integral role.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, Peters\u2019 Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) Act would codify existing processes for the administration of the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) in three ways:\n\nAuthorizes the Department of Transportation to select a qualified entity to operate, collect fees for, and use fees to maintain CDLIS. The operator would remain AAMVA, and the Department of Transportation would not be charged a fee to use CDLIS.\n\nClarifies that fees paid by states would go toward the purpose of operating, maintaining, developing, modernizing, or enhancing the information system.\n\nEnsures that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is not charged for accessing CDLIS and receives quarterly reports on fee statements.\n\nPeters\u2019 bill is supported by the Michigan Department of State, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), and the National Safety Council (NSC).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-paul-blumenthal-and-johnson-release-bipartisan-report-examining-us-secret-service-security-failures-and-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-trump", "Peters, Paul, Blumenthal and Johnson Release Bipartisan Report Examining U.S. Secret Service Security Failures and Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Johnson, (R-WI), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released a bipartisan interim report on the U.S. Secret Service\u2019s (USSS) security planning, communications and coordination failures that contributed to the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald. J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The interim report includes key findings and recommendations to address those failures and ensure the Secret Service can effectively carry out its protective mission.\n\n\u201cFrom planning missteps, to the siloed and flawed communication to the lack of effective coordination between law enforcement, to the breakdowns in technology, the Secret Service\u2019s failures that allowed an assassination attempt on former President Trump at his July 13 rally were shocking, unacceptable, and preventable \u2013 and they led to tragic consequences,\u201dsaid Chairman Peters. \u201cMoving forward, our bipartisan interim report makes recommendations for needed reforms to address these serious failures, provide accountability and transparency for the American people, and ensure that the Secret Service has the tools and resources they need to prevent another disaster like this from happening.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur initial findings clearly show a series of multiple failures of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and an inexcusable dereliction of duty,\u201d said Ranking Member Paul. \u201cNot only did USSS fail to ensure the AGR roof was adequately covered, they were also aware of a suspicious individual with a rangefinder for at least 27 minutes and did not delay proceedings or remove former President Trump from the stage, even after being informed that the suspicious individual was on the roof of the AGR building. Someone needs to be held accountable for these egregious failures by the USSS, and despite USSS, DHS, FBI, ATF, and other federal agencies\u2019 continued obstruction of our bipartisan investigation, I will continue to push for answers and accountability.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhat happened on July 13 was an accumulation of errors that produced a perfect storm of stunning failure,\u201d said Chairman Blumenthal. \u201cIt was a tragedy and completely preventable from the outset. There was both a failure to provide resources \u2013 like a working radio, drone detection system, or counter surveillance team \u2013 and lack of an effective chain of command. Looking forward, we need structural reform in the agency itself. The Secret Service is filled with dedicated and skilled men and women who serve our country at great risk to themselves and personal sacrifice, and they deserve better leadership. Today\u2019s report is only an interim step, and I look forward to our continuing pursuit of evidence to help understand what went so catastrophically wrong and how we can prevent an event like this from ever happening again.\u201d\n\n\u201cShortly after the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, PA, I released preliminaryfindings detailing some of the significant security failures that occurred on that day,\u201d said Ranking Member Johnson.\u201cToday\u2019s interim report expands on those security failures, but the investigation is not complete. Federal agencies like the Secret Service, FBI, and DOJ continue to withhold records that are vital to this Committee\u2019s work. There is still much more information that the public and Congress deserve to know. Going forward, this Committee must be prepared to use compulsory process to ensure that the American people have a complete and thorough understanding of the security failures that resulted in the multiple attempts on former President Trump\u2019s life.\u201d\n\nREAD THE INTERIM REPORT: \u201cExamination of U.S. Secret Service Planning and Security Failures Related to the July 13, 2024 Assassination Attempt\u201d\n\nThe interim report\u2019s key findings of failures include:\n\nUSSS failed to clearly define responsibilities for planning and security at the July 13 rally: USSS personnel responsible for planning in advance of the July 13 rally denied that they were individually responsible for any planning or security failures and deflected blame. USSS Advance Leads told the Committee that planning and security decisions were made jointly, with no specific individual responsible for approval.\n\nUSSS failed to ensure the AGR Building was effectively covered: USSS identified the AGR building as a concern due to the line-of-sight from the roof to the stage, but did not take steps to ensure sufficient security measures were in place. USSS knew that local snipers planned to set up inside the AGR building and USSS did not express objections or concerns about that placement. USSS personnel, including the USSS Counter Sniper Team Leader, did not enter the AGR building or go on the roof prior to the shooting. One USSS counter sniper team, whose responsibility included scanning the area around the AGR building for threats, had an obstructed view of the AGR roof.\n\nUSSS failed to effectively coordinate with state and local law enforcement: USSS did not give state or local partners any specific instructions for covering the AGR building, including the positioning of local snipers. USSS did not adequately consider state and local law enforcement operational plans. Communications at the July 13 rally were siloed and USSS did not ensure it could share information with local law enforcement partners in real time.\n\nUSSS failed to provide resources for the July 13 rally that could have enhanced security: USSS denied specific requests for additional Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems capabilities and a Counter Assault Team liaison. A USSS Counter Surveillance Unit \u2013 which could have helped patrol the outer perimeter that included the AGR building \u2013 was not requested by USSS Advance Leads.\n\nUSSS failed to communicate information about the suspicious person to key personnel and failed to take action to ensure the safety of former President Trump: At approximately 5:44 pm, USSS personnel were notified that local law enforcement observed a suspicious person with a rangefinder near the AGR building. By 5:52 pm, at least eight USSS personnel had been informed. Approximately two minutes before shots were fired, the USSS Security Room, located on the rally grounds, was told that there was an individual on the roof of the AGR building. Shortly before shots were fired, a USSS counter sniper observed local officers running towards the AGR building with guns drawn.\n\nUSSS\u2019s counter drone system experienced technical problems that left it inoperable for hours: With no backup system, the USSS agent responsible for overseeing the C-UAS capabilities at the July 13 rally called a toll-free 888 tech support hotline \u201cto start troubleshooting with the company,\u201d which took several hours. That agent had only three months of experience working with that equipment and lacked knowledge about it.\n\nSeveral USSS officials reported experiencing technical problems with their radios at the rally, and told the Committee such problems are common for USSS: A USSS Hercules 1 counter sniper was offered a local radio on July 13 but said he did not have time to pick it up because he was occupied fixing technical problems with his USSS radio. In addition, at the Pittsburgh airport before the motorcade left for the rally, the USSS Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) of the Pittsburgh field office gave the Lead Agent his radio because the Lead Agent\u2019s radio was not working.\n\nThe interim report\u2019s key recommendations include:\n\nPlanning and Coordination: Congress should require USSS to identify defined roles and responsibilities for USSS personnel responsible for advance planning of any protective event. For all protective events, USSS should improve coordination and specify roles and responsibilities between and among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. USSS policies and protocols should require advance planning leads to request and review state and local operational plans in advance of any protective event to ensure a shared understanding of security responsibilities and vulnerabilities as well as other critical planning and security components.\n\nResponsibility: In advance of each protective event, USSS should designate a single individual responsible for approving all plans, including the responsibility for approving security perimeters.\n\nCommunications: DHS and USSS should ensure communications plans between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and first responders are properly executed and should ensure records retention capabilities. Congress should require that USSS record its radio transmissions at all protective events. Congress should require DHS and USSS to evaluate the steps it needs to take to ensure communications plans with state and local partners are fully executed when conducting law enforcement and/or first response activities at a given location. Congress should require that DHS and USSS report to Congress any steps taken to remedy past failures to execute communications plans and to ensure compliance with those plans in the future.\n\nIntelligence: USSS should consider sending additional assets, including counter snipers, to all future outdoor protective events as it evaluates intelligence and threats against protectees. USSS should also ensure that the appropriate agents working protective events are informed of relevant intelligence and threats against protectees.\n\nResources: Congress should evaluate USSS budget and resources. Security requirements should be determined depending on various threat levels, ranging from less severe threat environments to the highest level of security at National Special Security Events. Congress should require that USSS allocate assets and resources based on the threat level, not the position or title of the protectee.\n\nPeters and Paul announced a bipartisan investigation to examine the security failures that led to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in the days following the attack. Peters and Paul also convened a joint hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee, where the senators heard testimony from Ronald Rowe, Acting Director of the U.S. Secret Service and Paul Abbate, the Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Peters, Paul, Blumenthal and Johnson\u2019s Committee staff traveled to Butler, Pennsylvania in July to speak with local law enforcement officials and examine the Butler Farm Show grounds and AGR building with law enforcement. Peters, Paul, Blumenthal and Johnson pressed federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to provide additional information related to the security preparations for and response to the attack during the campaign rally in Pennsylvania.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-support-for-victims-of-human-trafficking-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Support for Victims of Human Trafficking Heads to President to be Signed into Law", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The House passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) ability to combat human trafficking. The legislation would make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program that helps provide emotional support to individuals impacted by human trafficking. The bill would also improve and make permanent an existing program that ensures the wellbeing of HSI employees and partners who are exposed to repeated stress and associated trauma through their work to support victims and investigate these horrific crimes.\n\n\"It is crucial that individuals impacted by human trafficking receive support after the trauma they have endured,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cWe must also ensure that HSI personnel have resources and tools available to manage the vicarious trauma they are exposed to doing their critical work. We must continue the fight against human trafficking and improve DHS\u2019 ability to end these heinous crimes.\u201d\n\nThousands of men, women, and children are trafficked in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. Based on calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project found that in 2020 there were at least 16,658 sex trafficking victims and survivors in the United States. However, the actual number of these crimes may be much larger because these crimes often go unreported. The senators\u2019 legislation will provide increased resources and support to these victims, as well as HSI employees and partners who work to bring them recovery, stabilization, and justice.\n\nThe IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act would make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) program within HSI that provides outreach and training to investigators, forensic interviewers, victim assistance specialists, task force officers, and other partners who have been exposed to trauma while working with victims of human trafficking. The legislation would require HSI to provide training, through the program, to these employees on available resources to help cope with burnout, compassion fatigue, and trauma. The bill also makes permanent and expands the HSI Victim Assistance Program that provides guidance on victim assistance, including training and technical assistance, and monitors compliance with federal crime victim statutes. The bill increases the number of Victim Assistant Specialists to ensure every office participating in a human trafficking or child exploitation task force will have an assigned Victim Assistant Specialist. The legislation also ensures that victims are provided with referrals for support services throughout the investigative and prosecutorial process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-transparency-of-the-senate-confirmation-process", "Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Transparency of the Senate Confirmation Process", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve transparency of the Senate confirmation process for Congress and the public. This bill would create a dashboard to identify and track the status of nominations for the more than 1,300 Senate-confirmed, executive branch positions including which positions that are vacant or held by an official in an acting role. The number of political appointees subject to confirmation continues to grow, and delays in the confirmation process have led to increased vacancies and discouraged qualified individuals from seeking these roles.\n\n\u201cThe Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on presidential appointees, but unfortunately the cumbersome confirmation process and growing number of nominees is cutting into the amount of time Congress can devote to moving legislation that benefits the American people,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan bill will ensure there is more transparency and accountability in the nomination and confirmation process, help identify and address the backlog of vacant positions waiting to be filled, and enhance the Senate\u2019s ability to swiftly process pending confirmations.\u201d\n\nWith more than 1,300 positions subject to Senate confirmation, in recent Congresses the Senate has spent more time voting on nominations than on legislation according to analysis by the Partnership for Public Service. Despite the time spent voting on nominations, the Senate has been confirming fewer nominees than ever before. While confirmations for Cabinet Secretaries, critical national security roles and other high-profile positions are often prioritized, confirmations for lower-level positions can be indefinitely delayed, and some positions never receive nominations. This legislation will help identify reforms that would help reverse these trends and provide the Senate with the appropriate resources and time to both legislate and ensure that qualified candidates are being confirmed to serve in these key roles.\n\nThe bipartisan Improving Senate Confirmation and Vacancy Oversight Act of 2024 would require GAO to create a new data dashboard for tracking Senate-confirmed positions, that includes information collected by OPM on its existing PLUM website which currently tracks all political appointments. There is currently no central location for the public or Congress to identify which positions have been nominated, the names of those serving in those positions, and the time it takes the Senate to confirm those roles. The data dashboard created by this legislation would provide critical data on the information gaps listed above. Additionally, the bill would institute new requirements for capturing the number of Presidential appointees requiring Senate confirmation (PAS) positions created and removed each year through legislation, so that Congress and the public can better understand new positions added to and removed from agencies by law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-young-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-modernize-federal-agency-data-management", "Peters and Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Federal Agency Data Management", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize federal agencies and ensure they have the proper data protections and governance in place to adopt and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. This legislation would extend the Chief Data Officers Council and require the Council to examine the federal government\u2019s data management practices to improve data quality, access and transparency - and ultimately to enable better services and potential cost savings.\n\n\u201cAs the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow, federal agencies must have strong data practices and protections in place to better provide efficient and effective services to the American people,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cExtending the Chief Data Officers Council will ensure that the federal government is able to pursue best practices to manage and protect data, especially as agencies increasingly adopt AI and other technologies to improve government operations.\u201d\n\n\"I worked with former Speaker Paul Ryan to establish the Chief Data Officer (CDO) Council, via the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, to better coordinate data sharing and best practices across the federal government,\u201d said Senator Young. \u201cOur bill builds on the Council\u2019s existing efforts and makes AI readiness part of the Council\u2019s purpose, while requiring the CDO Council and the OMB Director to report detailed recommendations on data policy changes. This bill will help the federal government operate more effectively and provide taxpayers with better service.\u201d\n\nSince it was established in 2018, the CDO Council has successfully released toolkits, reports, and pilot programs aimed at improving data sharing practices. It is currently set to expire in 2025. The bipartisan Modernizing Data Practices to Improve Government Act would extend the CDO Council for 7 years to help address new data management challenges raised by the adoption of technologies like AI. The bill would also require OMB to provide a report recommending ways to clarify and enhance the roles of Chief Data Officers across government, including identifying the resources and skills needed to support data governance and AI adoption at federal agencies. The legislation would also require the CDO Council to report to OMB and Congress on key data governance issues for agencies, including recommendations for best practices to ensure agency data is reliable, transparent, and high quality, as well as an assessment of data challenges preventing AI adoption across agencies. The CDO Council would also be required to provide recommendations for data ownership and retention policies to include in contracts for procuring AI, and guidance about how agencies should define and use synthetic data created by AI systems.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs", "Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs.\n\n\u201cSevere weather and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more catastrophic and more costly, leaving people across the country in need of swift federal resources to help assist their recovery,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to individuals for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to strengthen our federal disaster preparedness and response. Earlier this year, Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to create one deadline to apply for two FEMA disaster assistance programs was signed into law. Peters' bipartisan bill to simplify the federal application process by creating a universal FEMA application across federal agencies passed in the Senate. Peters secured $500 million in funding as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill for a program he created to help states establish revolving loan programs for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce the risk of shoreline erosion, extreme flooding, and other natural disasters. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to protect FEMA Reservists from losing their full-time employment when they are called up to assist communities with disaster response was also signed into law. Finally, Peters\u2019 bill to help protect pets and other animals during and in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies was also signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-applauds-new-biden-administration-rule-banning-chinese-vehicle-software-and-technologies-to-protect-national-security", "Senator Peters Applauds New Biden Administration Rule Banning Chinese Vehicle Software and Technologies to Protect National Security", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s new rule banning key Chinese and Russian-controlled software and hardware in vehicles. The proposal would help safeguard American consumers and companies against the national security threat posed by allowing certain vehicles and technologies made by Chinese Community Party-backed (CCP) companies to be imported or sold in the United States:\n\n\u201cI applaud the Administration for taking this needed step to protect American citizens and critical infrastructure from the serious national security threats posed by Chinese and Russian vehicle components. We simply cannot allow technologies controlled by foreign entities of concern on our roads that are capable of storing and sharing Americans\u2019 personal data, committing espionage, and even manipulating our cars.\n\n\u201cVehicle technologies made by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies, assisted by China\u2019s unfair trade practices, also present a real threat to U.S. economic competitiveness, intellectual property, and automotive manufacturing. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain and keep Michigan at the forefront of global mobility innovation and the creation more good-paying, union jobs here at home.\u201d\n\nPeters has consistently worked to combat the national security and economic threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. Peters recently sent a letter to several Chinese automakers pressing for more transparency into their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The letter highlighted the significant national security concerns associated with importing vehicles made by companies with CCP ties into the U.S, such as allowing the CCP to access Americans\u2019 sensitive personal data and gathering information about our critical infrastructure by leveraging certain connected vehicle technologies. During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing earlier this year, Peters urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to ensure the Commerce Department takes further action to combat threats posed by vehicles and high-risk technologies controlled by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies. In March, Peters also wrote a letter to Secretary Raimondo and the United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai highlighting the need for continued application of Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and supporting the Department of Commerce\u2019s announcement of an investigation into the national security concerns posed by Chinese-made vehicles which led to this proposed rule. Peters then applauded the Commerce Department\u2019s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other goods across numerous key sectors, including steel and aluminum imports, lithium batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, semiconductors, and medical equipment.\n\nPeters has also consistently worked to boost American development of connected vehicles and other critical roadway safety technologies to support Michigan\u2019s auto industry and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Last year, Peters \u2013 who Chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports \u2013 called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow the deployment of safe, secure Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology in order to accelerate the use of this lifesaving mobility safety technology and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind other countries in its development and adoption. Following this bipartisan call from Peters, the FCC approved the deployment of C-V2X technology \u2013 which is an intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology that enables data sharing between vehicles, the infrastructure they operate on, and nearby road users \u2013 improving roadway safety and efficiency. In 2022, Peters welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s $52.2 million investment in the Global Epicenter of Mobility to drive and advance mobility innovation across Michigan\u2019s automotive sector. Peters secured this funding through the American Rescue Plan he helped enact.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-reduce-dependence-on-china-and-other-adversarial-nations-for-critical-minerals", "Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Dependence on China and Other Adversarial Nations for Critical Minerals", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Mitt Romney (R-UT), and James Lankford (R-OK) to reduce the United States\u2019 reliance on China and adversarial nations for critical minerals. Critical minerals and rare earth metals are used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries, military equipment, and other technology that is vital to American economic competitiveness and homeland security. China remains the largest source for more than half of the critical minerals on the U.S. Geological Survey\u2019s 2022 list that the United States imports, such as lithium and cobalt. The senators\u2019 bill would address this threat to our manufacturing supply chains by creating an intergovernmental task force to identify opportunities to increase domestic production and recycling of critical minerals. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.\n\n\u201cAmerica must reduce its reliance on China and other adversaries for critical minerals and rare earth metals in order to stay competitive on the global economic stage \u2013 especially when it comes to the future of electric vehicles and the auto industry,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cOur nation\u2019s dependence on foreign sources for these materials creates a serious threat to our national and economic security. My bipartisan legislation will mitigate this growing threat by strengthening our domestic supply chain and creating more good paying jobs here at home.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act creates a presidential task force with representatives from federal agencies who must consult with state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to determine how to address national security risks associated with America\u2019s critical mineral supply chains. The task force will also identify new domestic opportunities for mining, processing, refinement, reuse, and recycling of critical minerals. The legislation would also require the task force to publish a report to Congress and publish findings, guidelines, and recommendations to combat the United States\u2019 reliance on China and other foreign nations for critical minerals.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to reduce dependency on critical mineral import. Earlier this year, Peters pressed the Department of Energy to prioritize efforts to facilitate battery recycling that would reduce dependence on adversarial foreign nations for critical minerals. He also introduced and passed out of committee a bipartisan bill to create an intergovernmental task force to identify opportunities to increase domestic production and recycling of critical minerals. Additionally, Peters applauded the Commerce Department\u2019s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other goods across numerous key sectors, including steel and aluminum imports, lithium batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, semiconductors, and medical equipment.\n\nBelow are statements in support of the senator\u2019s bipartisan legislation:\n\n\u201cThis government-wide critical minerals task force is a smart and necessary plan from Senators Peters, Romney and Lankford to boost national and economic security. They understand that when it comes to the mining and processing of critical minerals \u2013 a key component to electric vehicle batteries \u2013 when China dominates, America doesn\u2019t control its own destiny. The U.S. just doesn\u2019t mine and process nearly enough of these materials. This bipartisan bill is a good step toward a national strategy to ensure more critical mineral supply chains run through the U.S. and our allies,\u201d said John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation.\n\n\u201cUnder the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 plan, we are targeting 50% of U.S. sales to be battery electric vehicles by 2030. Critical minerals are the key to unlocking a clean, affordable electric vehicle future. Stellantis currently meets the IRA\u2019s critical minerals requirements for electrified vehicle tax credits and applauds Senator Peters and the other sponsors for working to ensure a safe, secure, and reliable EV supply chain and for working to expand U.S. production of critical minerals,\u201d said Shane Karr, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs North America, Stellantis.\n\n\u201cGeneral Motors applauds the bipartisan support for the Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Taskforce Act. Global competition for the transportation technologies of the future has never been higher, and the development of secure, sustainable, scalable, and cost-competitive supply chains is critical to establishing the U.S. as a global leader in electrification. GM is making historic investments in the U.S. to transform our portfolio, strengthen American manufacturing and jobs, and localize and build more secure and resilient supply chains. We thank Senators Peters, Romney, and Lankford for their leadership and look forward to continuing to engage with the U.S. Congress on this important issue,\u201d said Omar Vargas, Vice President, Global Public Policy, General Motors.\n\n\u201cFord applauds Senators Peters, Lankford and Romney\u2019s bipartisan leadership to strengthen our domestic supply chains for the critical minerals needed to power the EV revolution. This intergovernmental task force will bolster American manufacturing and assure that the United States is on the forefront of automotive and energy innovation for years to come,\u201d said Christopher Smith, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Ford.\n\n\u201cFor our American Automakers \u2013 Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis \u2013 there are few issues that are more important than reliable and secure access to the critical minerals that will help power our industry\u2019s transition to EVs,\u201d said Governor Matt Blunt, President of the American Automotive Policy Council. \u201cWe applaud Chairman Peters\u2019 leadership, joined by Senators Romney and Lankford, in this bipartisan effort to enhance critical mineral supply chain coordination at all levels of government. This effort, along with several other EV-related policy initiatives, will leverage federal, state, and local resources to help our automakers make good on their steadfast commitments to an EV future in America. Chairman Peters and his Senate colleagues clearly understand that our nation must strengthen its domestic supply chains for critical minerals to prevent an overreliance on other markets for EVs and the batteries that power them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Sierra Club applauds Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs Chairman Gary Peters for working with Republicans to make sure governments and environmental, Tribal, and labor stakeholders at every level identify opportunities to ensure that essential tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act are fully utilized. It's time to modernize our antiquated mining laws to spur a just transition to clean energy. The Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act forges a path to create the greatest possible climate and public health benefits, while mobilizing investments in frontline communities to create good union jobs in the American clean energy industry,\u201d said Harry Manin, Deputy Legislative Director, Living Economy, Sierra Club.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-355-million-in-funding-for-michigans-battery-manufacturing-sector", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce $355 Million in Funding for Michigan\u2019s Battery Manufacturing Sector", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced $355 million in federal funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to boost the domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials in Michigan. The funding will create good-paying jobs in Michigan, strengthen our supply chain, and support our national security. This investment comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Peters and Stabenow helped enact in 2021.\n\n\u201cThese investments are a game-changer for battery manufacturing in Michigan and will create hundreds of good-paying jobs in communities throughout our state,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to announce this funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help ensure we have a strong, domestic battery supply chain to support Michigan\u2019s auto companies and workers as they build the vehicles of the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cMichigan workers and manufacturers are the best in the world. That\u2019s why our state will continue to lead the way as we transition to electric vehicles and a clean energy future,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThese exciting investments will help strengthen our domestic supply chains and create more good-paying jobs right here at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Michigan ethos is embedded in America\u2019s industrial fabric, and the Biden-Harris Administration is deepening that proud manufacturing legacy,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. \"Thanks to the Investing in America agenda, Michigan is poised to see over $1 billion more in public-private investment creating hundreds of new jobs for workers across the state who are essential to ensuring our national energy security.\u201d\n\nThe recipients include:\n\nRevex Technologies, Inc.: Revex Technologies Inc. will receive $145 million to strengthen the domestic nickel supply chain and create good-paying clean tech jobs in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula. This project is a partnership between Revex, a next-generation critical mineral processing company, and Eagle Mine, the only operating U.S. primary nickel mine, to turn battery waste into valuable critical minerals.\n\nNanoGraf Corporation: NanoGraf Corporation will receive $60 million to transform the electric vehicle sector with the establishment of an advanced silicon anode manufacturing facility. This project will strengthen our domestic battery supply chain, support the transition to electric vehicles, and enhance national security.\n\nCabot Corporation: Cabot Corporation will receive $50 million to build and operate a plant to support the domestic lithium-ion battery supply chain. This project will revitalize, retrofit, and restore a brownfield site in Wayne County, Michigan, and create good-paying jobs.\n\nMitra Future Technologies, Inc.: Mitra Chem will receive $100 million to accelerate the domestic production of affordable, high-performance iron-based cathode materials to support the growing domestic battery supply chain for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and defense applications. This project will help build a domestic battery supply chain that is cleaner, safer, and more affordable.\n\nAdministered by DOE\u2019s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), these investments will support domestic battery manufacturing. Batteries are critical to strengthening the U.S. grid, powering American homes and businesses, and supporting the electrification of the transportation sector. More information about MESC can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bill-to-reform-traveler-redress-process-and-improve-screening-practices", "Committee Passes Peters Bill to Reform Traveler Redress Process and Improve Screening Practices", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to improve screening practices at airports and ports of entry that repeatedly affect individuals who pose no danger to national security and ensure counterterrorism resources are used effectively has advanced in the Senate. The bill will help evaluate a ballooning set of screening processes, some related to the terror watchlist, by improving transparency about these processes and by requiring the Homeland Security Secretary to reform the redress process to allow affected Americans, who are not a national security threat, to seek an effective remedy. The bill was passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAmericans who pose no threat to national security should not face a maze of travel screenings and a flawed redress process,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy legislation will bring more transparency and accountability to our travel screening practices to ensure that the government is effectively protecting the nation, and agencies can carry out their missions while also protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of travelers.\u201d\n\nIn December 2023, Chairman Peters published a report that revealed that well-intentioned screening practices at airports and other ports of entry have ballooned over time, often at the expense of travelers who pose no threat to national security. Members of the Arab, Muslim, and South Asian American communities report that they are unfairly targeted by these screening practices; however, federal agencies do not effectively assess whether discrimination occurs in these processes. These practices are intended to protect the U.S. from terrorists and other security threats, but these practices have expanded into a layered and duplicative screening system that is difficult for the government to explain, and for American citizens to understand why they have been flagged for secondary screening or how they can seek real redress.\n\nThe Enhanced Oversight and Accountability in Screening Act would require DHS to provide Congress with a plan to meaningfully reform the redress process and improve the experience of individuals who believe they have been wrongly subjected to additional screenings or have experienced delays in travel. The bill establishes a DHS Screening and Watchlisting Advisory Committee, comprised of both governmental and non-governmental representatives, to advise the Secretary on the development, refinement, implementation, and evaluation of security processes. To enhance transparency, the bill also mandates the DHS Secretary to provide Congress with a report assessing the effectiveness of secondary screenings and inspections by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).\n\nBelow are statements in support of the senator\u2019s legislation:\n\n\u201cWe are grateful for Chairman Peters and the Committee\u2019s ongoing efforts to shed light on the government\u2019s risk assessment and watchlisting practices. Twenty years in, the public knows little about how DHS screens travelers, whether the programs even work, and how they impact our rights and privacy. This legislation is an important step toward bringing the scrutiny that these practices require to ensure they are effective and bias-free,\u201d said Faiza Patel, Senior Director of the Brennan Center for Justice\u2019s Liberty and National Security Program.\n\n\u201cThis much-needed reform balances national security with civil rights, ensuring those wrongly flagged can seek timely and fair redress. Establishing the Screening and Watchlisting Advisory Committee, with representatives from civil society, is a significant step toward accountability and fairness. Integrating community feedback ensures affected voices are heard. The Enhanced Oversight and Accountability in Screening Act provides a path for a more equitable and accountable system. Emgage Action supports this legislation and will remain vigilant in protecting the rights and liberties of all individuals,\u201d said Wa\u2019el Alzayat, CEO of Emgage Action.\n\n\u201cThis legislation is an important first step in addressing the many issues surrounding the US Government\u2019s watchlisting enterprise. For far too long our community has been directly impacted by these unconstitutional policies. We thank Sen. Peters and the staff of the Homeland Security Committee for persevering and pushing this legislation, and we look forward to working towards real progress,\u201d said Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-the-doobie-act", "Committee Passes the DOOBIE Act", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 A bill authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to ensure applicants for federal positions or security clearances are not being denied solely on the basis of past recreational and medical marijuana use has advanced in the Senate. Under current law, qualified candidates may be denied federal employment or security clearances due to past use of marijuana or cannabis products, despite legalization of these products at the state level throughout the nation, including in Michigan. While federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), have issued guidance stating that past marijuana use alone should not disqualify candidates, many potential applicants remain hesitant to pursue federal positions due to a fear of automatic disqualification. The Dismantling Outdated Obstacles and Barriers to Individual Employment (DOOBIE) Act would align federal hiring practices with current guidance on past marijuana use, broaden the applicant pool by providing clarity for prospective federal employees, and help the government compete with the private sector for talent. The bill was passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cThe federal government must adapt its hiring practices to reflect the evolving legal and social landscape of our nation,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bill takes a crucial step by aligning federal policy with existing agency guidance, ensuring that past marijuana use alone doesn\u2019t automatically disqualify talented individuals from public service. This approach will expand our talent pool and create a fairer, more inclusive hiring process.\u201d\n\nCurrent federal law allows highly qualified individuals to be denied federal employment or security clearances based on past use of marijuana or cannabis products, despite legalization at state levels. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana use, with an additional 14 states permitting medical use. This misalignment between evolving state laws, federal guidance, and actual hiring practices has created a barrier for talented individuals seeking federal employment, which could limit the government\u2019s ability to compete for top talent.\n\nPeters\u2019 bill would align federal law with the current OPM and ODNI guidance on past marijuana use, providing clarity for prospective federal employees. The bill would prohibit federal agencies from using past marijuana use as the sole factor in determining employment suitability, qualification standards, or eligibility for security clearances and federal credentials. The bill would also exempt marijuana from a blanket denial in security clearance statutes and add statutory clarification that past marijuana use alone cannot disqualify candidates from federal employment. The bill would require OPM and ODNI to update their regulations and guidance to convey that past marijuana use is not an automatic disqualifier. The bill is a companion to the bipartisan Cannabis Users Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act in the House.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-convenes-hearing-to-examine-roles-of-nonpartisan-civil-servants-and-political-appointees-in-national-security-and-federal-operations", "VIDEO: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine Roles of Nonpartisan Civil Servants and Political Appointees in National Security and Federal Operations", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine the roles of nonpartisan civil servants and political appointees in national security and federal operations. The hearing examined the impact of Schedule F, an Executive Order that would put thousands of federal employees' jobs on the line, and how this proposal could lead to a less effective workforce and undermine national security. The committee heard from expert witnesses on what steps Congress must take to strengthen the civil service and ensure the federal government is not at risk of losing the expertise of nonpartisan civil servants through proposals like Schedule F.\n\n\u201cRight now, people are hired for the civil service because of their ability to do the job, not their political connections. They are career civil servants, who serve across Presidential administrations regardless of political party. This ensures that our civil service is highly trained and able to deliver for our citizens. But some Presidential administration officials, and organizations advising Presidential administrations, have pursued sweeping changes to this system\u201d said Peters during his opening statement.\n\nPeters continued: \u201cMost recently, the prior administration sought to replace at least 50,000 nonpartisan career civil servants with appointees who followed the former President\u2019s politics. This change would not only hinder our government\u2019s efficiency, it would be disastrous for the American people. It would drain the federal government of institutional knowledge, expertise, and continuity. It would slow down services, make us less prepared when disaster strikes, and erode public trust in government.\u201d\n\nTo watch video of Senator Peters\u2019 opening remarks, click here. For text of Peters\u2019 opening remarks as prepared, click here.\n\nTo watch video of Senator Peters\u2019 questions, click here.\n\nDuring the hearing, Peters and the witnesses raised concerns that proposals like Schedule F could impact the willingness of whistleblowers to come forward and lead to dramatic increases in agency vacancies. Removing protections for nonpartisan civil servants would also mean they could be fired over political differences regardless of their workplace performance. The committee also discussed the importance of retaining nonpartisan civil servants to maintain expertise and properly secure our nation against threats. The witnesses also highlighted the need for continuity across presidential transitions and how the Schedule F Executive Order could impact long-standing government operations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-michigan-will-receive-173-million-from-femas-safeguarding-tomorrow-revolving-loan-fund-program", "Senator Peters Announces Michigan will Receive $17.3 Million from FEMA\u2019s Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced today that Michigan will receive $17.3 million \u2013 the largest allocation of the 12 states awarded \u2013 from the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program\u2019s fiscal year 2024 cycle. This funding will be used to help communities across Michigan invest in projects that will protect against severe flooding, rising water levels, coastal erosion, and other natural hazards. The program was created by Senator Peters\u2019 Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, which was signed into law in 2021. As a part of the bipartisan infrastructure law, Peters secured the first federal funding to help kick start the program.\n\n\u201cAs severe weather becomes more frequent and challenging for communities across Michigan, it\u2019s more important than ever that we ensure our state has the resources needed to protect our residents, our businesses, and our critical infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI passed legislation to create the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program to address serious challenges across our state, and I\u2019m excited that Michigan is receiving the largest investment from the program to help build more resilient infrastructure and help our communities prepare for extreme weather events in the future.\u201d\n\nSevere storms, extreme flooding, rising water levels and high winds \u2013 exacerbated by climate change \u2013 are causing more destructive and costly natural hazards than ever before. Communities in Michigan and across the country are facing serious flooding, coastal erosion and high-water level challenges that have destroyed homes and beaches and have even forced residents to relocate.\n\nPeters\u2019 STORM Act created the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program, which provides capitalization grants to states to fund low-cost loans to support local disaster mitigation and resilience projects in a cost-effective way. Last year, Peters helped secure $5.1 million in funding for communities across Michigan from the program. Studies have shown that investments in resilience and mitigation projects, such as those the RLF provides funding for, saves taxpayers an average of $6 for every $1 invested.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-peters-releases-statement-after-republicans-again-block-legislation-to-protect-the-right-to-access-ivf", "VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement After Republicans Again Block Legislation to Protect the Right to Access IVF", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement after Senate Republicans again blocked passage of legislation that would guarantee the right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) services that American families depend on to start a family. The Right to IVF Act, which Peters cosponsored, was introduced earlier this year in response to continued efforts across the country to limit access to reproductive health care, including access to IVF and ART services.\n\n\u201cIVF is a vital resource that helps hundreds of thousands of Americans start or grow their families. But extremist Republicans are trying to eliminate this reproductive freedom,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support the Right to IVF Act, which would establish IVF as a statutory right, require employer-sponsored and other public insurance plans to cover fertility treatments, expand options for veterans and servicemembers, and protect Americans against excessive out-of-pocket costs.\u201d\n\nPeters continued, \u201cI\u2019m incredibly disappointed that my Republican colleagues have once again blocked this critical legislation. But I\u2019ll never stop standing with Americans who simply want a chance to start their family.\u201d\n\nClick HERE to watch the video.\n\nThe Right to IVF Act is a package of bills that together would protect the ability to receive \u2013 and for health care professionals to provide \u2013 IVF services. Additionally, the package would expand IVF insurance coverage, making it more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans.\n\nSpecifically, the Right to IVF Act includes:\n\nThe Access to Family Building Act, which Peters also cosponsored, that would ensure individuals have the right to access IVF and ART services. It would also protect the right of insurance providers and insurers to cover these services.\n\nThe Veteran Families Health Services Act, which would allow servicemembers to preserve gametes both before deployment to a combat zone or hazardous duty assignment and after an injury or illness. Additionally, it would enhance fertility treatment and counseling options for veterans and servicemembers.\n\nThe Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act, which would make fertility care, including IVF, more affordable by requiring employer-sponsored and other public insurance plans to cover fertility treatments to protect Americans against expensive out-of-pocket costs.\n\nThe Family Building Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Fairness Act, which would require employer-sponsored health insurance plans, including the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program, to cover assisted reproductive technology, including IVF.\n\nThe Right to IVF Act is supported by numerous key stakeholders, including the National Women\u2019s Law Center, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Reproductive Freedom For All, National Council of Jewish Women, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA).\n\nPeters has been a staunch advocate for protecting Americans\u2019 access to essential care and the right to make health care decisions privately with their doctors and family. Peters spoke on the Senate floor in February to urge his colleagues to support the Access to Family Building Act. Peters also cosponsored and spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Right to Contraception Act, which would guarantee the right to access contraceptives. Last year, Peters joined his colleagues in introducing the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act of 2023, legislation seeking to restore the right to comprehensive health care for millions of Americans following the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization which repealed Roe v. Wade. In 2020, Peters was the first U.S. Senator to publicly share his family\u2019s personal abortion story.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-klobuchar-durbin-murray-and-warner-call-on-agencies-to-prioritize-election-security-in-advance-of-the-2024-presidential-election", "Peters, Klobuchar, Durbin, Murray, and Warner Call on Agencies to Prioritize Election Security in Advance of the 2024 Presidential Election", "2024-09-13", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chair of the Rules Committee; Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Judiciary Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; and Mark Warner (D-VA), Chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence, are calling on the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Director of National Intelligence to do everything in their power to ensure the security of our elections. As the threat to our election security continues to evolve, agencies must have the proper capabilities and resources in place to combat potential threats like cyberattacks, foreign influence operations, and physical violence against election workers and infrastructure.\n\n\u201cWith less than two months remaining before the November 5, 2024, Presidential election, we write to express concerns about threats posed to the election and to encourage each of your agencies to do everything necessary to ensure the election is conducted in a safe, secure, free, and fair manner,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cFree and fair elections are the cornerstone of American democracy, yet election officials at the state, local, Tribal, and territorial level have expressed concerns for the safety of our nation\u2019s elections infrastructure and the physical security of election workers.\u201d\n\nThe senators continued: \u201cHowever, more must be done to counter the persistent threats outlined above and ensure that election workers can accomplish our shared goal of free, fair, and secure elections. For these reasons, we urge you to continue to prioritize preparations to detect, prevent, and mitigate threats against election systems, officials, and workers.\u201d\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has long fought to ensure the United States has safe and secure elections. As a part of the bipartisan infrastructure law \u2013 Peters secured $1 billion to help state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments modernize their election systems. The Senate has also passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments. In 2020, Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to strengthen local government cybersecurity defenses by encouraging adoption of the .gov domain for websites and email accounts was signed into law. Peters has also cosponsored legislation to protect the right to vote and ensure election workers can do their jobs safely.\n\nThe text of the letter is copied below and available here.\n\nDear Attorney General Garland, Secretary Mayorkas, Director Wray, and Director Haines:\n\nWith less than two months remaining before the November 5, 2024, Presidential election, we write to express concerns about threats posed to the election and to encourage each of your agencies to do everything necessary to ensure the election is conducted in a safe, secure, free, and fair manner. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of American democracy, yet election officials at the state, local, Tribal, and territorial level have expressed concerns for the safety of our nation\u2019s elections infrastructure and the physical security of election workers.\n\nBased on malign actors\u2019 activity in past elections, potential threats to this year\u2019s election include cyberattacks on election systems, officials, and candidates; efforts to undermine trust in our elections, including post-election processes, through the propagation of mis- and disinformation; efforts by both domestic and foreign actors to intimidate voters; and physical violence towards voters, election workers, and candidates, as recently evidenced by the attempted assassination of former President Trump.\n\nThe Intelligence Community\u2019s 2023 and 2024 Annual Threat Assessments stated that Russia, China, and Iran are all actively trying to meddle in U.S. elections. In the last month, a number of your agencies have taken steps to disrupt election threats from Iran and Russia, including through a mix of indictments, sanctions designations, domain seizures, and public exposure.\n\nOngoing testing of election devices and networks continues to show vulnerabilities that may be exploited. The election security community has not, as of yet, seen any indication of foreign efforts to target election infrastructure, and though there have been no foreign cyberattacks impacting election results or taking voting machines offline on election day, security researchers say the risk exists. While the election security community remains confident that such efforts would be unlikely to manipulate election processes \u201cat a scale large enough to impact the outcome of a federal election without detection by intelligence collection, post-election audits, or physical and cybersecurity monitoring,\u201d even minor successes could undermine public confidence in election processes. Without concentrated efforts to engage the private sector responsible for securing our voting machines and election infrastructure, we risk future incidents.\n\nThe election cycle of 2024 is also vulnerable to artificial intelligence (AI) enabled capabilities, which could impact the security and integrity of elections and election infrastructure. Mitigation of generative AI and traditional cyber threats will require election officials across the nation to apply the same security best practices that experts have recommended for years, and which were emphasized over the past 18 months in interagency products and joint federal and state exercises\u2014implementation of security controls like multifactor authentication on election infrastructure; education of employees and volunteers on the potential risks and how to identify and respond to cyberattacks; and active planning and training of election officials for different cyberattack scenarios, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) or ransomware.\n\nGenerative AI also risks escalating the threats from mis- and disinformation related to the election, both ahead of election day and in the weeks after. Both foreign adversaries and election deniers alike are attempting to undermine confidence in the election, with most of the voting public unable to discern the origin of the information. Election falsehoods spread rapidly on social media, with platforms unable or unwilling to intervene at times, fueling threats to election systems. In 2022, 64% of election officials reported that the spread of false information made their jobs more dangerous.\n\nAn increase in physical threats to election workers and election infrastructure has further complicated efforts to ensure fair and free elections. The Brennan Center for Justice conducted a survey of election administrators and found that the majority are preparing additional steps to protect voters, election workers, and polling locations in the run up to the 2024 election. In May 2024, the Brennan Center found that 38% of state and local election workers experienced threats and harassment for doing their job. More than half were concerned about their safety and that of their colleagues or staff. In addition, the Brennan Center found that four in ten election officials were concerned about being doxed, and one in four were concerned about being swatted. In many instances across the country, these fears have been realized, and the proliferation of AI has not only increased the incidents of swatting but made them more difficult to trace, predict, and mitigate through the accessibility of voice manipulation and other AI tools.\n\nThe increase in threats and harassment can lead to election workers, often retirees, quitting altogether. Six in 10 poll workers are over the age of 61, with more than 25% over the age of 71. The increased frequency and severity of threats has come with increased turnover, leading to less experienced- or even hyper-partisan- individuals running elections. This turnover leads to a shortage of workers and less faith in the electoral process. According to the Pew Research Center, most U.S. registered voters trust their poll workers more than the state officials who run the elections. Further, these same threats, particularly those that draw large crowds, media attention, and violence, have caused many civic institutions to discontinue service as polling locations. The school system in Maricopa County, Arizona, barred the use of its schools for polling locations. In other states, churches and other community institutions have chosen not to participate in elections to avoid disruption to normal business and ensure the safety of their employees.\n\nWe appreciate and support the steps that your agencies have taken to address these concerning threats, and the important work that the Intelligence Community is doing to track threats to our elections. We are aware of the steps that the Department of Justice Election Threats Task Force has taken in holding people accountable when they threaten election workers. We appreciate that the Department of Homeland Security has made election security a national priority and that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are providing state and local election officials with support through tabletop exercises, protective security advisor support, and access to resources, tools, and planning guidance. We also know that the people on the ground \u2013 election and law enforcement officials \u2013 are working every day to ensure that these elections run smoothly and safely.\n\nHowever, more must be done to counter the persistent threats outlined above and ensure that election workers can accomplish our shared goal of free, fair, and secure elections. For these reasons, we urge you to continue to prioritize preparations to detect, prevent, and mitigate threats against election systems, officials, and workers.\n\nThank you for your efforts to protect our elections to ensure they are free, fair, and secure.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-urges-chinese-automakers-to-provide-transparency-into-chinese-communist-party-ties", "Senator Peters Urges Chinese Automakers to Provide Transparency into Chinese Communist Party Ties", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, along with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), are pressing several Chinese automakers for more transparency into their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a letter, the Senators highlight the significant national security concerns associated with importing vehicles made by companies with CCP ties into the U.S, which could potentially allow the CCP to access Americans\u2019 sensitive personal data and gather information about our critical infrastructure by leveraging certain connected vehicle technologies.\n\n\u201cThese sensors can collect data about road conditions, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and individuals in the car to be used for safety and convenience applications, but\u2014in the hands of our adversaries\u2014they could be used to map our critical infrastructure and roads, track the movements of U.S. citizens, provide access to the electric grid, and generally surveil Americans,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nThe Senators continued: \u201cAs the potential national security threat posed by connected vehicles becomes more acute, we believe you must make clear the depth and nature of your ties to the CCP, as well as your future plans to potentially import vehicles into the U.S. market.\u201d\n\nChina became the second largest exporter of vehicles in the world last year, as the global automotive market has recently been flooded with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). The letter was sent to leaders of Geely Holding, Great Wall Motors Group, SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, BYD, and GAC Group.\n\nPeters has previously underscored the need to combat the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. In March, Peters wrote a letter to Secretary Raimondo and the United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai highlighting the need for continued application of Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and supporting the Department of Commerce\u2019s announcement of an investigation into the national security concerns posed by Chinese-made vehicles. Peters applauded the Commerce Department\u2019s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other goods across numerous key sectors, including steel and aluminum imports, lithium batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, semiconductors, and medical equipment. During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing following the decision, Peters asked U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo what steps the Commerce Department will take to prevent CCP-backed companies from evading these tariffs, which are meant to create a level playing field for American workers.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nTo whom it may concern:\n\nWe write regarding the Chinese automobile industry and the potential national security threats posed by these vehicles. The global automotive market is being flooded with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, in 2023, China became the second largest exporter of vehicles in the world. Given the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)\u2019s control of industry in the nation, we are deeply concerned that Chinese automakers are beholden to the regime and that the technology used in Chinese-made automobiles, including EVs, could be leveraged by the CCP for nefarious purposes. The data security of both American citizens and the critical infrastructure of our nation must be prioritized.\n\nIt is well documented that the CCP and Chinese intelligence agencies are provided access to data stored in China or accessible by companies incorporated in China for the purpose of \u201cnational security.\u201d Specifically, experts have sounded the alarm regarding the control of data for connected vehicles manufactured by companies incorporated in China, particularly when it comes to the potential for unauthorized access by the CCP to vehicle systems, data collection, and surveillance capabilities embedded within the vehicle\u2019s technology.\n\nModern vehicles are equipped with video cameras and sensors both within and outside the vehicle that are capable of continuously monitoring the vehicle\u2019s surroundings and passengers. These sensors can collect data about road conditions, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and individuals in the car to be used for safety and convenience applications, but\u2014in the hands of our adversaries\u2014they could be used to map our critical infrastructure and roads, track the movements of U.S. citizens, provide access to the electric grid, and generally surveil Americans. These features may foster safety, technological innovation, and convenience when they are deployed by trusted automotive partners in a secure and responsible manner. However, we do not have this same confidence in automotive manufacturers based in the People\u2019s Republic of China. Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems found in Chinese-made vehicles also raise security concerns. OTA updates\u2014or the digital software updates intended to ensure that a vehicle runs efficiently and safely\u2014in a Chinese-made vehicle would be vulnerable to malicious activity, opening a window for an adversary to push compromised software to Americans\u2019 vehicles. If Chinese-made EVs proliferate in the U.S., the CCP could theoretically control or disable vehicles in the United States at will.\n\nThe CCP has made clear that they intend to make the 21st century a \u201cChinese Century,\u201d with domination of the global automotive market being a key piece of their strategy. The United States has a responsibility\u2014for the sake of the next generation of Americans and the world at large\u2014to ensure that does not become a reality. We recognize the Department of Commerce\u2019s recent advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on the national security threat posed by foreign adversary involvement, particularly Chinese government involvement, in the connected vehicle supply chain.\n\nAs the potential national security threat posed by connected vehicles becomes more acute, we believe you must make clear the depth and nature of your ties to the CCP, as well as your future plans to potentially import vehicles into the U.S. market.\n\nWith that in mind, we request you transmit responses to the following questions to our offices by September 30, 2024:\n\nAre you currently importing or selling vehicles, or do you intend to import or sell vehicles into the U.S. market in the next 5 years?\n\nPlease provide an organizational chart detailing your current corporate ownership structure, noting any material changes in that structure which have occurred within the last seven years.\n\nIs information your company collects from vehicles or individuals subject to the People\u2019s Republic of China National Intelligence Law, or any other law in China requiring your company to provide sensitive information to any agency or government authority in China, upon request or otherwise? If your answer is no, please explain.\n\nDoes your company store or transmit vehicle or consumer data using servers, satellites, or networks located in or under the jurisdiction of the People\u2019s Republic of China?\n\nIf you have sold vehicles currently operating in the U.S., please state the nature of CCP access to or the total number of requests you have received from any agency or government authority in China for access to information collected from vehicles or individuals located in the United States. For each request, provide:\n\nThe date of the request;\n\nThe type of information requested, including but not limited to odometer data; LiDAR images; driving characteristics data; geolocation or other mapping-related data; camera data; microphone data; biometric data; other types of personal information, including name, VIN, address, phone number, occupation, financial information;\n\nThe number and types of vehicles or individuals subject to the request; and\n\nWhether your company provided any notice to those individuals or vehicle owners that their information was provided to a CCP official.\n\nPlease outline the steps you have taken, or would take, if you learned that actors supported by or affiliated with the CCP have accessed your company\u2019s network or databases, or are using your company to spy on, surveil, or observe individuals or groups.\n\nPlease document all meetings, communications, or interactions you\u2014or any other senior company executives\u2014have had with members of the CCP relating to current or future operations in the United States.\n\nPlease describe Chinese-made information and communication technology and services systems that are used in vehicles you export\u2014including software, telematics systems, advanced driver assistance systems, automated driving systems, battery management systems, and braking systems\u2014given that these systems are at greater risk of CCP-directed monitoring, control, manipulation, or sabotage.\n\nPlease describe any collaboration agreements, partnerships, or other business relationships your company has with Chinese data and technology companies or cloud service providers to support the operations of, or provide products or services via, your vehicles that are exported to or made in the United States, as these relationships could provide CCP-controlled actors with technical access vectors to the vehicles or the data they gather.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-the-23rd-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks", "Peters Statement on the 23rd Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:\n\n\u201cOn this somber day, 23 years ago, a terrorist attack took the lives of 2,977 Americans and forever changed our nation. The day of the attack, our nation felt immense sorrow and heartbreak, but in the aftermath, Americans rallied to show our enemies that we are stronger when we come together. As time goes on, we must never forget those who lost their lives that horrific day and the heroic first responders who risked their safety and ran headfirst into danger, as well as the servicemembers and veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the years since this horrific attack, the threats that face our nation have continued to evolve. We must be prepared to protect American communities from harm, and I am committed to ensuring that our federal government has the appropriate tools to address persistent and emerging security threats \u2013 both foreign and domestic \u2013 while building a resilient democracy that respects the civil rights and civil liberties of Americans at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn September 11th, 2001, our nation experienced one of our darkest moments. As we remember this tragic anniversary and think of the families whose loved ones never came home, we must continue to stand together to solve the tough challenges of tomorrow and defend our freedoms for future generations.\u201d\n\nPeters serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as well as a member of the Armed Services Committee. Peters 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, he volunteered again for drilling status and served overseas as part of his Reserve duty. He later earned a diploma from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-bipartisan-resolution-designating-patriot-week", "Senator Peters Leads Bipartisan Resolution Designating Patriot Week", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 For the 6th consecutive year, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) has introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September 11th through September 17th as Patriot Week. Co-founded by Oakland County Judge Michael Warren, Patriot Week aims to honor and remember the lives lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks, commemorate Constitution Day on the 17th, and encourage students to engage in American history.\n\n\u201cPatriot Week is a time to honor those who died during the horrific terrorist attacks on 9/11, and recognize the profound bravery of the first responders and servicemembers who answered the call to defend our nation in one of our darkest moments,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cJust as we came together in those days following September 11th, this resolution encourages us to always stay unified and remember our core values as Americans, in order to address the challenges we face ahead. I continue to be thankful for Judge Warren\u2019s efforts to help champion this important initiative each year.\u201d\n\n\u201cRemembering what makes America the greatest nation in world history is extraordinarily important if we hope to maintain our freedoms and liberty,\u201d said Patriot Week co-founder Judge Michael Warren. \u201cPatriot works to do just that. Co-founder Leah, my then 10-year-old daughter, and I applaud Senators Peters and Kennedy for reaching across the aisle to promote another Patriot Week resolution in the world\u2019s greatest deliberative body.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn this very divisive time, we can too often overlook what unites all of us as Americans. Patriot Week is a nonpartisan initiative that helps us embrace the Constitution and our foundational First Principles that we should all support,\u201d said Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement of the Michigan Supreme Court. \u201cBy deepening our appreciation for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and our commitment to the rule of law, equality, limited government, and our unalienable rights, Patriot Week is sorely needed to help renew the spirit of America.\u201d\n\nPeters introduced the resolution with U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA). The full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.\n\nPeters serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as well as a member of the Armed Services Committee. Peters 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 and served overseas as part of his Reserve duty. He later earned a diploma from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-more-than-2-million-in-federal-support-for-southeast-michigan-fire-departments", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce More Than $2 Million in Federal Support for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments", "2024-09-06", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that local fire departments across Southeast Michigan will receive more than $2 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. Earlier this year, Peters led passage of bipartisan legislation to extend these programs, helping to ensure local fire departments have the resources necessary to continue protecting their communities and responding effectively to emergencies.\n\n\u201cOur firefighters and first responders are an essential part of every Michigan community. It\u2019s imperative that they have the resources they need to keep themselves and Michiganders safe during an emergency,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThat\u2019s why I passed legislation to extend these critical grant programs so we can continue to invest in our local fire departments in the years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThese new resources will help keep us safe and give our first responders the equipment and training they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.\u201d\n\nBelow are descriptions of each project:\n\nDearborn Fire Department: The City of Dearborn Fire Department was awarded $798,146 to upgrade portable radio equipment and purchase equipment needed to keep turnout gear clean and safe. The funding will also be used to provide staff trainings on issues related to emergency response and wellness.\n\nWayne Fire Department: The City of Wayne Fire Department will receive $96,190 to purchase a new power load and stretcher system. Funding will also be used to upgrade an existing department vehicle with an improved exhaust capture system.\n\nLivonia Fire Department: The Livonia Fire Department will receive $71,371 to upgrade its thermal imaging cameras on all department apparatus. These cameras enable firefighters to see trapped victims through thick smoke and help to quickly extinguish the blaze.\n\nWest Bloomfield Township Fire Department: The West Bloomfield Township Fire Department will receive $43,584 to fund live fire training exercises for all department personnel.\n\nSterling Heights Fire Department: The Sterling Heights Fire Department will receive $208,863 to expand access to health screenings and preventative health care for department staff.\n\nNorth Oakland County Fire Authority: The North Oakland County Fire Authority will receive $71,428 to purchase two Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) devices, which will be used to administer CPR to firefighters in cardiac arrest. This funding will also be used to purchase equipment necessary to more effectively fight brush fires in the area.\n\nPort Sanilac Fire Department: The Port Sanilac Fire Department was awarded $98,698 to purchase new masks and air packs for its firefighters, replacing gear that is nearly approximately 20 years out of compliance.\n\nUtica Fire Department: The Utica Fire Department was awarded $71,371 to purchase upgraded fire attack lines and nozzles.\n\nPenn Township: The Penn Township Fire Department is receiving $333,337 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.\n\nSuperior Township Fire Department: The Superior Township Fire Department was awarded $142,182 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.\n\nCaledonia Township Fire Department: The Caledonia Township Fire Department will receive $95,238 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.\n\nBloomfield Township Fire Department: The Bloomfield Township Fire Department was awarded $44,809 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Senator Peters for his support in securing this funding,\u201d said Joseph Murray, Fire Chief of the Dearborn Fire Department. \u201cThis grant will allow us to fund new equipment and firefighter trainings so we can respond to emergencies safely and efficiently.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe City of Wayne is thankful for this Assistance to Firefighters Grant award,\u201d said Michael Stradtner, Fire Chief of the Wayne Fire Department. \u201cThis funding will allow the department to replace one of the state\u2019s oldest power load systems that was purchased in 2012 and to update the current source capture exhaust system that was originally installed in 2003. Both of these upgrades will improve the health and safety of our firefighters.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis funding will play a crucial role in supporting the fire service by investing in equipment, training, and operational improvements that ensure community safety,\u201d said Robert Jennison, Fire Chief of the Livonia Fire Department. \u201cSecuring these grants often requires a collaborative effort, and Livonia Fire & Rescue was grateful for Sen. Peters\u2019 support in helping us win this grant funding.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe funding received through the AFG program helps local public safety departments better protect their communities,\u201d said Gregory Flynn, Fire Chief of the West Bloomfield Township Fire Department. \u201cProtecting the homeland begins at the community level.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe AFG program helps reduce risk for the Port Sanilac Department's fire department personnel by ensuring their equipment is in good working order as they work to protect and serve the community,\" said Doug Moran, Fire Chief of the Port Sanilac Fire Department.\n\nPeters\u2019 Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes the SAFER and AFG programs, as well as the United States Fire Administration (USFA), until 2028. It reauthorizes $95 million for USFA \u2013 a nearly $20 million increase from current authorized levels \u2013 and extends the authorization for the SAFER and AFG programs. Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and retain additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also use the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters. More information about these grants can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-bipartisan-central-asia-caucus", "Senator Peters Announces Bipartisan Central Asia Caucus", "2024-09-05", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee, announced the formation of the Senate Central Asia Caucus. This bipartisan caucus \u2013 which Peters will co-chair with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) \u2013 will focus on strengthening the United States\u2019 relationship with our strategic partners in Central Asia, increasing bilateral trade and investment, and supporting regional stability and security as Central Asia becomes increasingly vulnerable to the influence of Russia, China, and Iran.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to help establish this bipartisan coalition to strengthen and reaffirm the United States\u2019 commitment to our strategic partners throughout Central Asia,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cLast year, I visited Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to meet with top officials and deepen the trust and partnership between our nations. This caucus will seek to build on those efforts and others, with the goal of improving U.S. trade relations, creating bilateral economic opportunity, bolstering our security against the rising threats posed by China, Russia, and Iran, and strengthening our counterterrorism cooperation.\u201d\n\nPeters has consistently worked to strengthen U.S. national security and address rising global threats posed by U.S. foreign adversaries, specifically China, Russia, and Iran. Last year, Peters returned from a congressional delegation to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to demonstrate U.S. engagement and commitment, and to help counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Peters met with government officials and civil society leaders throughout the region to discuss shared security, economic and political concerns.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-telemental-health-care", "Senator Peters Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Telemental Health Care", "2024-09-04", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a group of his colleagues in leading bipartisan legislation to help increase Americans\u2019 access to telemental health care services. Currently, Medicare patients can be treated virtually for mental health concerns, but are first required to be seen in-person by a health care professional within six months before they receive telemental health services. The Telemental Health Care Access Act Peters cosponsored would remove this barrier for Medicare beneficiaries by eliminating the requirement that patients must be regularly seen in-person. Peters joined U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Mike Braun (R-IN) in leading the legislation.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill to remove a barrier that is preventing Americans from receiving the mental health care they need,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cEliminating this outdated requirement is especially needed to support older Americans and folks living in rural communities, who often have more difficulty accessing in-person services on a regular basis.\u201d\n\nA study conducted by the University of Michigan found that 1 in 5 Michiganders who have mental health care needs have utilized telehealth, compared to 1 percent of such visits before the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to telehealth services is particularly needed in Michigan, where 38 of Michigan\u2019s 83 counties currently lack a behavioral health provider.\n\nThe Telemental Health Care Access Act would additionally require the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the utilization of mental and behavioral health services through telehealth. The bipartisan bill is supported by numerous stakeholders, including the American Counseling Association, American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association on Health and Disability, Clinical Social Work Association, Federation of American Hospitals, Health Innovation Alliance, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, Nurses Association, and the Wounded Warrior Project.\n\nPeters has fought to improve access to essential health care for Michiganders and Americans across the country. Peters also cosponsors the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, which would also expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare. Earlier this year, Peters introduced legislation to expand Michiganders\u2019 access to critical health care services by helping to prevent rural emergency room closures. In 2023, his bipartisan provision to expand access to opioid addiction treatment for adolescents advanced in the Senate. Last year, Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation that would reduce health care costs for individuals at risk for diabetes and extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to Americans with pre-diabetes.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-nearly-15-million-in-federal-support-for-northern-michigan-fire-departments", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce Nearly $1.5 Million in Federal Support for Northern Michigan Fire Departments", "2024-08-29", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that local fire departments across Northern Michigan will receive nearly $1.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. Earlier this year, Peters led passage of bipartisan legislation to extend these programs, helping to ensure local fire departments have the resources necessary to continue protecting their communities and responding effectively to emergencies.\n\n\u201cFirefighters and first responders risk their lives to protect our communities and families. It\u2019s essential that we make sure they have the tools necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI was proud to lead the charge to extend these critical grant programs so we can continue to invest in our local fire departments in the years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur firefighters in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThese new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.\u201d\n\nBelow are descriptions of each project:\n\nCity of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department: The City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department was awarded $234,666 to promote wellness among its firefighters, such as by providing cancer screenings and physicals. Funding will also be used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and an air monitoring device.\n\nChippewa County Regional Grant Award: Six Chippewa County fire departments will receive $666,045 to purchase more than 100 new portable radios. This funding will improve communications for each of the participating agencies: the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department; Soo Township Fire Department; Bay Mills Township Fire Department; Sugar Island Township Fire Department; Dafter Township Fire Department; and Pickford Township Fire Department.\n\nMentor Township Fire Department: The Mentor Township Fire Department will receive $296,960 to purchase 800 MHz portable radios, which will help improve emergency response across Oscoda County.\n\nDafter Township Fire Department: Dafter Township Fire Department was awarded $44,041 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for use specifically in wildland areas.\n\nMorton Township Rescue Department: Morton Township Rescue Department will receive $130,000 to support recruitment and retention of firefighters.\n\nBurleigh Reno Whittemore Fire Department: The Burleigh Reno Whittemore Fire Department will receive $118,666 to help replace equipment that will help keep its firefighters safe and improve emergency response.\n\n\u201cWe could not accomplish our goal of health and wellness among our firefighters without the support of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program,\u201d said Ed Miller, Fire Chief of the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department. \u201cWe are extremely appreciative of Senator Peters for his support of this grant program, as well as the first responders who are direct beneficiaries of his work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to this grant funding, we will be able to outfit all of our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe when responding to wildland emergencies,\u201d said Austin Conway, Fire Chief of the Dafter Township Fire Department. \u201cWe are very thankful for this assistance of Senator Gary Peters as he continues to advocate for the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Program.\u201d\n\nPeters\u2019 Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes the SAFER and AFG programs, as well as the United States Fire Administration (USFA), until 2028. It reauthorizes $95 million for USFA \u2013 a nearly $20 million increase from current authorized levels \u2013 and extends the authorization for the SAFER and AFG programs. Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and retain additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also use the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters. More information about these grants can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-senator-peters-leads-annual-motorcycle-tour-across-michigan", "ICYMI: Senator Peters Leads Annual Motorcycle Tour Across Michigan", "2024-08-28", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) led his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan this month to hear firsthand from Michiganders and highlight ways he is delivering for Michigan communities. Peters\u2019 \u2018Kalamazoo to the Soo\u2019 tour made stops in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Traverse City, Sault Ste. Marie, Grayling, and Sanford. In total, Peters rode more than 800 miles across Michigan on this year\u2019s tour, and was joined by veterans, motorcycle safety advocates, union workers, and constituents. Peters is an avid and long-time motorcycle rider who founded the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus.\n\nWWMT CBS 3 Kalamazoo: Michigan Sen. Peters champions workers\u2019 rights on 800-mile motorcycle tour\n\n\u201cSen. Gary Peters (D-MI) has once again hit the road in his annual Motorcycle Tour across Michigan.\n\n\u201cSpanning about 800 miles, the ride helmed by Peters, an avid motorcyclist, looks to \u2018underscore the need to protect workers\u2019 right to collectively bargain for the wages, benefits and job security they deserve,\u2019 according to organizers.\n\n\u201cStarting at Kalamazoo\u2019s IBEW Local 131 Wednesday morning, Peters met with union workers and retirees to hear their concerns and what the U.S. Senate should be addressing.\n\n\u201c\u2018The ride across Michigan that I do every year allows me to see firsthand what\u2019s happening in communities across the state, how federal investments are making a difference,\u2019 Peters said. \u2018It\u2019s a great opportunity to be out to talk to folks, and as an avid motorcyclist, as I do these meetings across the state, if I have to go from point A to point B, why not do that on a motorcycle,\u2019 Peters said. \u2018I\u2019m blessed to be joined with a lot of other folks who enjoy your motorcycling as well as we travel across the state.\u2019\n\n\u201cWhen asked what it takes to have a strong middle class in Michigan, Peters explained there needs to be a \u2018strong union movement,\u2019 citing that approval ratings for unions are the highest they\u2019ve been since 1965.\n\n\u201c\u2018People understand that being a part of a union is important for wages and benefits, and the ability to retire with dignity, and what we also see is that when unions are successful in their organizing drives, and then their collective bargaining and raise wages, that raises wages for everybody in the community as well,\u2019 Peters said.\n\n\u201cHe continued, \u2018We saw that with the UAW strike. UAW was very successful last year and what happened after the strike, other companies raised their pay because they needed to compete with those higher wages. That\u2019s why unions are so important. That\u2019s why it was important for me to start this tour here and hear directly from these union members who talk about what the union has done for them and their families.\u2019\u201d\n\nWMUK 102.1 FM Kalamazoo: Senator Peters kicks off Michigan motorcycle tour in Kalamazoo\n\n\u201cMichigan Sen. Gary Peters and other riders took off from a Kalamazoo union hall Wednesday morning to begin his ninth annual state motorcycle tour.\n\n\u201cGary Peters rolled up with a posse of cyclists early Wednesday morning. But he wasn\u2019t just there to show off his bike, he was there to talk about unions and other topics he plans to highlight on his Michigan tour.\n\n\u201cPeters calls this year\u2019s ride from Kalamazoo to Sault Sainte Marie the \u2018Zoo to the Soo.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018The ride across Michigan, that I do every year, allows me to see firsthand what\u2019s happening in communities across the state, how federal investments are making a difference, as well as just hearing from folks as to concerns that they have.\u2019\n\n\u201cBefore he began his journey across the mitten, Peters spoke to a crowd at the Kalamazoo Branch of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. During the speech, Peters touched on the topics he planned to address during the tour.\n\n\u201cOne major focus was the importance of unions, which Peters said were key to a strong middle class.\n\n\u201cJonathan Current is with the IBEW. He said Peters\u2019 pro-union message will be especially important for rural areas.\n\n\u201c\u2018If you're a small-town worker, knowing that you have that right and how to how to protect it, that they're representatives out there, like me, who you can come and ask questions to on how to organize and how to hold a vote. That's essential.\u2019\n\n\u201cIn addition to Kalamazoo and Sault Sainte Marie, Peters will stop in Wyoming, Sanford and Traverse City.\n\n\u201c\u2018I always say, if I have to go from point A to point B, why not do that on a motorcycle,\u2019 Peters said.\u201d\n\nWXMI FOX 17 Grand Rapids: Senator Peters embarks on 2024 motorcycle tour around Michigan\n\n\u201cSen. Gary Peters set off on his annual motorcycle tour around Michigan Wednesday. He is expected to ride around 800 miles this week.\n\n\u201cThe tour began in Kalamazoo, and the National Guard\u2019s Grand Valley Armory was one of his first stops. Peters raised close to $26 million last year to help the National Guard Bureau modernize its armories throughout the state. The goal is to ensure their facilities are equipped to support female National Guard members.\n\n\u201c\u2018Back when these facilities were designed, women were not part of the National Guard,\u2019 says Peters. \u2018Now they represent nearly 20 percent, and in order to retain members as well as to recruit women into the service, it\u2019s important to make sure that they have facilities that are equal to everyone else who is in the building.\u2019\u201d\n\nClick HERE to watch more.\n\nWPBN NBC 7&4 Traverse City: Senator Peters visits Traverse City to see progress of FishPass Project\n\n\u201cSenator Gary Peters was on day two of his annual motorcycle tour Thursday, and he made a stop in Traverse City to see the progress of the FishPass Project.\n\n\u201cThe project will replace the Union Street Dam and reconnect the Boardman River to Grand Traverse Bay. Once it's complete, FishPass will sort and pass desirable fish through the dam and keep invasive species out.\n\n\u201cSenator Peters highlighted the benefits the project will have on the Great Lakes\u2019 ecology and fisheries.\n\n\u201c\u2018Right now, you\u2019re seeing the economic development of this construction and dollars coming in. But in the long run, to make sure that the Boardman River continues to be vibrant and healthy is just a tremendous value,\u2019 Senator Peters said.\n\n\u201c\u2018This is also going to be a research place for scientists to understand Great Lakes fisheries and it's going to be a learning place where students and others can come and visitors can come to see and learn more about the Great Lakes,\u2019 Senator Peters said.\n\n\u201cSenator Peters has secured $6.4 million in funding for the project.\u201d\n\nClick HERE to watch more.\n\nWLUC NBC 6 Marquette: Senator Gary Peters visits Soo Locks as new lock project continues\n\n\u201cU.S. Senator Gary Peters visited Sault Ste. Marie Thursday afternoon as part of his annual motorcycle tour of the state.\n\n\u201cPeters arrived in Sault Ste. Marie around 2:30 p.m., joined by 25 other riders.\n\n\u201cThis is Peters\u2019 ninth year for his annual state-wide motorcycle tour. He visited the Soo Locks for a tour and update on the $3.2 billion project that would build a new Soo Lock. Peters, who is on the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure $450 million for that project.\n\n\u201cIf the budget is approved, the project can then begin phase three. Peters says there\u2019s a strong chance the funding will come through.\n\n\u201c\u2018I was able to insert it into the appropriations language, certainly there was some give and take behind the scenes but, we basically put it in the package and it was passed unanimously out of committee, so that bodes very well for us to get it through the Senate as well as to get it through the House and get it signed into law,\u2019 Sen. Gary Peters, (D) Michigan, said.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen trying to get funding for the Soo Locks project, Senator Peters explained there was a study done by the Department of Homeland Security that showed if the locks were shut down for any reason, it could negatively impact the entire U.S. economy.\n\n\u201c\u2018They did a study to look at what the impact would be if for some reason the Locks were shut down, perhaps a terrorist attack or some other event that shut it down, what would that mean for the whole economy, and as a result of that study, they said within a matter of two or three months the U.S. economy would be severely impacted and shortly thereafter you could actually see the economy go into a recession,\u2019 Peters said.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeters began this year\u2019s statewide tour in Kalamazoo.\u201d\n\nClick HERE to watch more.\n\nSoo Leader: Sen. Gary Peters tours the Soo Locks expansion project\n\n\u201cSen. Gary Peters (D) visited the Soo Locks Thursday as part of his 9th annual motorcycle trip across Michigan.\n\n\u201cHe was joined with around two-dozen other riders, including veterans, union workers, motorcycle safety advocates and constituents. The tour around the state started Wednesday in Kalamazoo and took him to Sault Ste. Marie Thursday afternoon.\n\n\u201cPeters, who is on the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure $450 million for the Soo Locks expansion project in the fiscal year 2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act.\n\n\u201cIf passed into law, the funding should allow the Army Corps to award construction for Phase III.\n\n\u201c\u2018This is clearly a national security, national economic security issue,\u2019 Peters said. \u2018They did a study to look at what the impact would be if for some reason the Locks were shut down, perhaps a terrorist attack or some other event that shut it down, what would that mean for the whole economy, and as a result of that study, they said within a matter of two or three months the U.S. economy would be severely impacted, and shortly thereafter you could actually see the economy go into a recession.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018It\u2019s why we need the redundancies in the Locks and why we need to make sure these Locks are able to operate efficiently and know that the country is relying on them doing that.\u2019\n\n\u201cPeters said that legislatures understand the importance of getting the funding to finish the project.\n\n\u201c\u2018I was able to insert it into the appropriations language, certainly there was some give and take behind the scenes but, we basically put it in the package and it was passed unanimously out of committee, so that bodes very well for us to get it through the senate as well as to get it through the house and get it signed into law,\u2019 Peters said.\u201d\n\nWNEM CBS 5 Flint: Motorcycle tour promotes Sen. Gary Peters\u2019 natural disaster bill\n\n\u201cSen. Gary Peters rolled into Sanford Friday afternoon, Aug. 9, in style on his motorcycle along with a host of other riders right beside him.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s another year of Kalamazoo to the Soo and this year, Peters is also promoting a special bill that would see a simpler process for people to sign up for federal disaster assistance.\n\n\u201cWhat better place to stop than a community still trying to recover after a massive flood, caused by the Edenville and Sanford Dam failures, four years ago.\n\n\u201c\u2018Shows that they\u2019re paying attention to us, because I keep raising my hand and saying small towns need more help with this whole process,\u2019 said Dolores Porte, the Village of Stanford president.\n\n\u201cPeters ending his cross-state motorcycle tour in Sanford on Friday, highlighting a bipartisan bill that could help those affected by natural disasters \u2013 a bill that could pique the interest of many in the Sanford community.\n\n\u201c\u2018Imagine yourself a homeowner, you just had your house destroyed, you need help from FEMA and other agencies, the last thing you want to be doing at that time is filling out a whole bunch of, sometimes, complicated questionnaires,\u2019 Peters said.\n\n\u201c\u2018That application process is grueling,\u201d said Porte. \u2018If you say FEMA to anyone, that\u2019s what they talk about is how horrible the application process is.\u2019\n\n\u201cA process that Peters is pushing to streamline. He\u2019s promoting his Disaster Assistance Simplification Act.\n\n\u201cIt would establish a universal application process across all agencies, speeding up how soon resources could get to victims of natural disasters.\n\n\u201c\u2018Right now, there are a number of federal agencies that can be there to help someone, and yet every single agency requires you to fill out an application,\u2019 Peters said.\n\n\u201cThe President of the Midland Business Alliance, Tony Stamas, said a bill like this could really make the difference for small communities trying to rebuild.\n\n\u201c\u2018Whether it\u2019s an individual, whether it\u2019s businesses, whether it\u2019s organizations, having that assistance and having it in timely manner is just really critical,\u2019 said Stamas.\n\n\u201cFour years removed from the flood that devastated several communities in mid-Michigan, supporters of Peters\u2019 bill are optimistic about its chances being signed into law.\n\n\u201c\u2018We\u2019ve got a bill that\u2019s passed out of committee, it\u2019s gotten passed out of the Senate, and we\u2019re hoping to get it signed by the President as soon as we can,\u2019 Peters said.\u201d\n\nClick HERE to watch more.\n\nWJRT ABC 12 Flint: Senator Gary Peters stops in Sanford to highlight disaster relief bill\n\n\u201cPeters started his ride in Kalamazoo, then made stops in Wyoming, Traverse City and Sault Saint Marie before concluding his tour in mid-Michigan.\n\n\u201cWhile at Sanford Village Park, he talked about the need to pass the bipartisan Disaster Assistance Simplification Act of 2023, of which he is a sponsor.\n\n\u201cHe said it would help improve the process of applying for federal disaster aid to support communities suffering from floods and storms.\n\n\u201cSanford and nearby communities were devastated by dam breaks and catastrophic flooding in 2020.\u201d\n\nClick HERE to watch more.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-more-than-14-million-in-security-grants-for-faith-based-and-other-nonprofit-institutions-across-michigan", "Senator Peters Announces More Than $14 Million in Security Grants for Faith-Based and Other Nonprofit Institutions Across Michigan", "2024-08-28", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced that more than $14 million in grant funding will be awarded to nonprofits and faith-based organizations across Michigan to help them protect their facilities against potential attacks. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which helps religious institutions, including synagogues, churches, mosques, gurdwaras, and other nonprofits, strengthen their security in the face of rising threats and attacks.\n\n\u201cAs houses of worship in Michigan and across the country continue to face threats and attacks, it\u2019s imperative that our communities have the resources they need to ensure people can worship safely and peacefully,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis funding is essential and will help houses of worship throughout Michigan protect both their facilities and their congregations. I\u2019ll keep fighting to secure increased funding to bolster this critical program, particularly as the number of hate crimes in our country continues to rise.\u201d\n\nThe number of hate crimes in the United States in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, increased 7.2% over 2021, including more than 2,042 hate crimes categorized as anti-religious. Hate crimes motivated by religious bias comprised an increased proportion of hate crimes overall, up from 15.1% of total hate crimes in 2021 to 18.1% in 2022. Further, hate incidents against Jewish, Arab, and Muslim Americans have reached historic highs since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza. Funding from the NSGP can be used by religious and other nonprofit institutions for securing facilities, personnel training, and other activities to help protect against attacks.\n\nPeters has been a champion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Peters helped lead reauthorization of the program last Congress. He has also helped secure substantial funding increases for the program in recent years, including an increase of $400 million for NSGP in the national security supplemental package Peters helped pass into law earlier this year. This announcement also comes after Peters announced last year that Michigan received $7.5 million from the NSGP. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters also convened a hearing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas earlier this year to examine what resources and authorities DHS needs to address evolving and persistent security threats and domestic terrorism, where Peters emphasized the importance of providing resources specifically for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).\n\nIn addition to securing this critical funding, Peters has also long worked to help secure American communities from domestic terrorist attacks. Last Congress, he released an investigative report that found the federal government is not adequately addressing the threat of domestic terrorism, including white supremacist violence. The report offered several recommended actions on how our nation can better counter the threat of domestic extremism. Peters also previously convened a two-part hearing with experts representing faith-based, civil rights, and academic and policy research organizations on the impacts of domestic extremism, including white supremacist and anti-government violence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-lead-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-retirement-security-for-non-profit-employees", "Senator Peters Helps Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Retirement Security for Non-Profit Employees", "2024-08-27", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to expand retirement savings opportunities for workers at non-profit organizations. The Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act \u2013 which Peters introduced with U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) \u2013 would allow employees that are enrolled in 403(b) retirement savings plans to invest in collective investment trusts (CITs). A CIT is a tax-exempt investment vehicle that provides a diversified, pooled investment option, similar to a mutual fund. Under current law, unlike 401(k) holders, 403(b) plan participants are not able to use this stable, lower-cost investment option in their plan. This commonsense legislation would create parity between 403(b) and 401(k) retirement savings plans to help improve retirement security for more than 15 million hardworking employees of non-profit organizations, such as hospitals, universities, and charities. According to the Michigan Nonprofit Association, as of December 2021, Michigan had over 53,000 nonprofit organizations that employed almost 11 percent of the state\u2019s workforce.\n\n\u201cHardworking charity and non-profit employees who support our healthcare and human services, arts and culture, civic engagement, and more deserve access to all available financial tools that can help them plan for retirement,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis legislation would put those using a 403(b) plan on a level playing field with other retirement plan participants by allowing them to invest in collective investment trusts, giving them an equal opportunity to achieve their financial goals.\u201d\n\nThe Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act is supported by the American Retirement Association, Investment Company Institute, American Heart Association, American Council of Life Insurers, Habitat for Humanity, Principal Financial Group, Prudential, Stable Value Investment Association, State Street Global Advisors, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, National Council of Nonprofits, Council on Foundations, and United Way.\n\nPeters has long fought to ensure that every American worker can retire with dignity. Peters led passage of the historic Postal Service Reform Act, which set the U.S. Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing and protected the retirement benefits of thousands of dedicated postal workers in Michigan and across the country. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters also authored and advanced bipartisan legislation to ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers (CBPOs) can receive the retirement benefits they were promised when starting their service.\n\nPeters has also been a steadfast defender of workers\u2019 right to join a union and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits and a dignified retirement. Peters is a proud cosponsor of, and has urged Congress to pass, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the federal laws that protect workers\u2019 right to form a union freely and fairly. Peters joined UAW members on the picket lines in Michigan numerous times as they negotiated for better wages, benefits, and job security last year. Peters grew up in a union household, where his mother was a Service Employees International Union (SEIU) steward and his father was a member of the National Education Association (NEA).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-concludes-annual-motorcycle-tour-in-sanford", "PHOTOS: Senator Peters Concludes Annual Motorcycle Tour in Sanford", "2024-08-09", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "SANFORD, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) concluded his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan today. Peters first rode to Camp Grayling where he welcomed top U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) officials to showcase Michigan\u2019s first-rate military facilities and defense capabilities. Peters then rode to Sanford where he was joined by local leaders to underscore the importance of supporting communities in the wake of natural disasters. Peters made stops in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Traverse City, and Sault Ste. Marie before concluding his tour in Sanford. Peters \u2013 an avid and longtime motorcycle rider \u2013 rode about 800 miles across Michigan on this year\u2019s tour.\n\nAt Camp Grayling, Peters welcomed U.S. Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo to Camp Grayling \u2013 a key component of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. Peters and Camarillo observed Exercise Northern Strike \u2013 the National Guard\u2019s largest joint service, multicomponent training exercise \u2013 which takes place annually in Michigan and helps strengthen our nation\u2019s military readiness and warfighting capabilities. The group viewed various training scenarios, including exercises for defense against unmanned aerial systems. Peters underscored how Michigan\u2019s military facilities are critical to our nation\u2019s defense.\n\n\u201cIt was great to have Under Secretary Camarillo in Michigan today to witness firsthand the world-class facilities and training available here at Camp Grayling,\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Armed Service Committee. \u201cMichigan plays a critical role in our national defense, and I\u2019ll continue working to bring top military leaders to our state to showcase these contributions and unique abilities. I\u2019ll also keep fighting to deliver the federal resources our state needs to support our servicemembers and keep Michigan\u2019s military installations on the cutting-edge.\u201d\n\nPeters has been a longtime supporter of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, which includes both Camp Grayling and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. During the 2022 summer iteration of Northern Strike, Peters welcomed U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth to Camp Grayling and U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to Alpena to view the operational capacities of the bases and discuss how Michigan\u2019s military facilities are critical to our nation\u2019s defense. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Peters secured $23.5 million in funding last year to support Exercise Northern Strike. Peters secured an increase in funding for Northern Strike in this year\u2019s defense appropriations bill, which would provide a record $24.1 million for Exercise Northern Strike if signed into law.\n\nIn January, Peters announced that the U.S. Air Force selected Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to host a new squadron of twelve KC-46A refueling tankers \u2013 next-generation tankers, which will be deployed by the Air Force for the next 50 years.\n\nTo download photos from Peters\u2019 visit to Camp Grayling, click HERE.\n\nIn Sanford, Peters highlighted the need to pass his Disaster Assistance Simplification Act which would simplify the application process for federal disaster recovery assistance. Peters\u2019 bill would establish a universal application across federal agencies for those seeking federal assistance to recover from natural disasters such as severe storms, floods, wildfires, and more. Currently, individuals must fill out separate and detailed applications depending on what agency they need help from \u2013 a process that can take weeks or even months. Peters\u2019 legislation, which passed the Senate last year, would significantly streamline this process to reduce the burden on disaster survivors.\n\n\u201cThanks to the resilience and grit of this community and its leaders, Sanford continues to fight, not just to come back, but to come back stronger. They have shown us what it means to come together in the wake of a disaster,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThroughout my time in the Senate, it has been a top priority of mine to get our communities the resources they need to recover from natural disasters, and to simplify the overcomplicated and often confusing application process for federal disaster relief. I\u2019ll keep working to see my bill become law to better support communities like Sanford moving forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecovering from a flood is a difficult task from an emotional point of view, from a personal loss point of view, as well as funding and rebuilding a whole town. These bills are extremely important because it will help simplify the paperwork required to gain help from FEMA,\u201dsaid Dolores Porte, Village of Sanford President.\n\n\u201cIn the wake of disaster, communities depend on federal support to rebuild stronger than before. The rate and success of this process is critical to local businesses and workers,\u201d said Tony Stamas, President and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance (MBA).\u201cThese commonsense bills will help communities effectively recover after some of their darkest days, and I\u2019m grateful to Senator Peters for his continued efforts to support Michiganders and the business community here in Midland County and across our state.\u201d\n\nPeters also authored legislation signed into law earlier this year that merged the application deadlines for two key Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs that provide federal disaster assistance to individuals. Peters\u2019 law helps prevent confusion for disaster survivors and aims to reduce the burden on people who need to rebuild their lives after disasters.\n\nTo download photos from the event, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-stops-in-traverse-city-and-sault-ste-marie-on-day-2-of-annual-motorcycle-tour", "PHOTOS: Senator Peters Stops in Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie on Day 2 of Annual Motorcycle Tour", "2024-08-08", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "TRAVERSE CITY, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited the FishPash construction project in downtown Traverse City today during his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. Peters then rode to Sault Ste. Marie to visit the Soo Locks and discuss the ongoing construction of a critical new lock system. Peters \u2013 an avid and longtime motorcycle rider \u2013 was joined by guest riders on his tour. Peters made stops in Kalamazoo and Wyoming yesterday and will ride to Sanford tomorrow. Peters will ride about 800 miles across the state on this year\u2019s tour.\n\nIn Traverse City, Peters highlighted how the FishPass project will support Great Lakes ecology and fisheries. FishPash serves as the capstone of the nearly 20-year project that has brought together federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to restore more than 100 miles of the Boardman (Ottaway) River. The project will replace the deteriorating Union Street Dam and reconnect the Boardman (Ottaway) River to Lake Michigan\u2019s Grand Traverse Bay. Once completed, FishPash will have the ability to sort and selectively pass desirable fish through the dam while blocking harmful invasive species, such as sea lamprey, from traveling up the river. The project will also support local restaurant and recreation businesses by supporting recreational opportunities on the river. Peters helped secure $6.4 million in federal funding for FishPass through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).\n\n\u201cThis project is a reflection of the passion and commitment that Michiganders have for protecting our Great Lakes and their waterways,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThe Great Lakes aren\u2019t just a feature of our state, they are in our DNA, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative plays a vital role in ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant for future generations. It\u2019s among my top priorities to make sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to have the resources it needs to support critical projects like FishPash.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to be surrounded by freshwater in Traverse City, and this community has always worked to be a good steward of these treasured resources,\u201d said Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe. \u201cI want to thank Senator Peters for helping to secure funding for FishPass, which will help protect our waterways and bring new opportunities for research and education to downtown Traverse City.\u201d\n\n\u201cFishPash is the final step that will help us achieve our goal of reconnecting the waters of Grand Traverse Bay to the more than 100 miles of river that lie above it,\u201d said Carl Platz, Great Lakes Program Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. \u201cI want to thank Senator Peters for working alongside the Army Corps to help us get to this point, and I look forward to officially seeing FishPash come online.\u201d\n\n\u201cDams stop dangerous invasive species in their tracks but they also deny beneficial species access to rivers,\u201d said Marc Gaden, Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. \"Innovative solutions like FishPash will help us 'smarten up' dams by sorting good species from bad and allowing desirable fish back into our rivers. This project is of utmost importance to Great Lakes and stream ecosystems, and we are thankful to have a partner like Senator Peters who helped us secure the resources needed to get this project started.\u201d\n\n\u201cFishPass provides us with an opportunity to protect our natural resources and enable native fish to travel back into our Tribal lands once again,\u201d said Sandra Witherspoon, Chairwoman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. \u201cWe thank Senator Peters for supporting this project, which will help our preserve our Tribal cultures and traditions for future generations.\u201d\n\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) has provided roughly $4 billion to fund more than 8,000 projects throughout the Great Lakes Basin to combat the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, harmful algal blooms, and loss of fish and wildlife habitats. Since 2010, the GLRI has provided over $1.4 billion to fund more than 3,000 projects in Michigan alone. Peters has championed the GLRI throughout his time in the Senate, including by enacting the single-largest-ever investment in the GLRI through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2022. In 2019, Peters led the effort that secured the first increase in GLRI funding since the program was established a decade ago. Peters introduced legislation earlier this year to reauthorize the GLRI through 2031 and increase the program\u2019s annual funding level.\n\nTo download photos from Peters\u2019 Traverse City event, click HERE.\n\nIn Sault Ste. Marie, Peters highlighted the $450 million he secured as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee for the ongoing Soo Locks construction project. If passed into law, the funding Peters secured in last week\u2019s Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act should allow the Army Corps to award construction for Phase 3 (New Lock) of the Soo Locks project, putting it on a path towards timely completion. The new lock would improve efficiency of operations, supporting economic growth across Michigan and the country and ensuring our national security by strengthening critical supply chains. Peters was joined by Don Gerrie, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, and LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Locks Operations Manager.\n\n\u201cThe Soo Locks are not only important to Sault Ste. Marie\u2019s economy, they are central to our identity as a community,\u201d said Don Gerrie, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie. \u201cIt is crucial that the Soo Locks remain operational in the Saint Mary\u2019s River, and Senator Peters has been a key partner in our efforts to get this new lock built.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Soo Locks are a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers No-Fail mission, the Poe Lock is noted as being one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in the nation with 88% of the nation\u2019s iron ore being restricted to the Poe Lock due to vessel size,\u201d said LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Locks Operations Manager. \u201cThe New Lock project will provide much needed resiliency, essential for the Nation\u2019s Manufacturing Supply Chain, Economy, and National Security.\u201d\n\n\u201cNearly 500,000 visitors travel to Sault Ste. Marie to see ships pass through the Soo Locks each year, helping to support the local businesses that keep our economy strong,\u201d said Linda Hoath, Executive Director of the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. \u201cI want to thank Senator Peters for his work to secure the funding needed for this project, and I look forward to welcoming visitors to Sault Ste. Marie to see the new lock once completed.\u201d\n\nThe Soo Locks are vital to both Michigan\u2019s and our nation\u2019s economy. The Soo Locks allow ships carrying essential cargo \u2013 such as iron ore pellets used to make steel for autos, construction and appliances \u2013 to travel between Lake Superior ports and those in the lower Great Lakes. Reports have indicated that if the existing 55-year-old Poe Lock were to suffer a long closure for any reason, it could lead to a national recession. The new lock system will be the same size as the Poe Lock, the only lock capable of handling the largest vessels that travel through the Great Lakes.\n\nLast week\u2019s funding announcement builds on a $257.4 million federal investment Peters helped secure in Fiscal Year 2024 to support ongoing construction of the new lock. Peters has long fought to fund upgrades for the Soo Locks. In January 2022, Peters joined with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) to secure $479 million for modernizing the Soo Locks through the bipartisan infrastructure law. In December 2022, they helped pass the bipartisan Water Resources and Development Act as part of the annual national defense bill, including needed funding flexibility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep building a new lock at the Soo on schedule.\n\nTo download photos from Peters\u2019 Sault Ste. Marie event, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-kicks-off-annual-motorcycle-tour-across-michigan", "PHOTOS: Senator Peters Kicks Off Annual Motorcycle Tour Across Michigan", "2024-08-07", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "KALAMAZOO, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) kicked off his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan today with local unions members and retirees at IBEW Local 131 in Kalamazoo. Peters then rode to the Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming to highlight the facility upgrades being made to better accommodate women servicemembers. Peters \u2013 an avid and longtime motorcycle rider \u2013 was joined by guest riders on the tour. Peters will ride about 800 miles across the state on this year\u2019s tour, making additional stops in Traverse City, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sanford.\n\nIn Kalamazoo, Peters underscored the need to protect workers\u2019 right to collectively bargain for the wages, benefits, and job security they deserve. Peters also highlighted how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that he helped pass, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is creating good-paying union jobs across the state by supporting projects to upgrade Michigan\u2019s critical infrastructure. Peters additionally helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act into law, which enacted some of the strongest labor protections to date, and is expected to create more than 1.5 million American jobs over the next decade by investing in clean infrastructure projects and onshoring U.S. manufacturing and supply chains.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no better place to start this trip than in Kalamazoo,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis community is a great example of the work going on across Michigan to strengthen our communities, and to do it with union labor. IBEW Local 131 and other building trade unions in West Michigan are executing critical projects that create good jobs for Michiganders and boost our economy. I\u2019ve always been proud to stand with unions and will continue doing everything I can to help working people throughout Michigan.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re grateful for Senator Peters\u2019 efforts to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and other historic federal investments that will protect and create good-paying jobs for union workers here in West Michigan and across our state in the coming decades,\u201d said Morris Applebey, Business Manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 131. \u201cWe\u2019re witnessing a labor movement in our country right now because Americans recognize that when unions are strong, everybody benefits. So, we\u2019re grateful for the Senator\u2019s continued work over the years to ensure that every American has the opportunity to organize their workplace and join a union.\u201d\n\nPeters grew up in a union household, where his mother was a Service Employees International Union (SEIU) steward and his father was a member of the National Education Association (NEA). Peters is a proud cosponsor of and has urged Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the federal laws that protect workers\u2019 right to form a union freely and fairly. During last year\u2019s motorcycle tour, Peters met with United Auto Workers (UAW) members in Lansing to show his support and discuss priorities that are important to autoworkers. Peters also joined UAW members on the picket line in Michigan as they negotiated for better wages, benefits, and job security. Following the UAW\u2019s historic contracts last fall, Peters led his colleagues in sending a letter to 13 non-unionized automakers urging them not to illegally block UAW unionization efforts at their manufacturing plants. Peters was joined by UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English as his guest for President Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address earlier this year.\n\nTo download photos from Peters\u2019 event in Kalamazoo, click HERE.\n\nPeters then toured the Michigan National Guard\u2019s Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters secured nearly $26 million in federal funding last year for the National Guard Bureau to modernize armories across Michigan to ensure they have adequate facilities for women servicemembers. National Guard armories provide spaces for servicemembers to conduct trainings and carry out missions with access to the necessary equipment and logistical resources. Many armories were designed for an all-male force, however, women servicemembers now make up nearly 18 percent of the Michigan Army National Guard. Peters toured the armory\u2019s facilities to see where upgrades will be made to showers, bathrooms, and lactation rooms to better accommodate women servicemembers. Peters highlighted how the upgrades and similar improvements being made at other facilities will help bolster recruitment and Michigan\u2019s defense capabilities.\n\n\u201cIt goes without saying that growing the number women in our Armed Forces will make us stronger, more equipped, and more prepared to tackle the challenges of the future. It\u2019s critical that women servicemembers have the same resources and opportunities as their male counterparts,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cWe need to make sure Michigan is at the forefront of those operations, which is why I fought to deliver this funding to ensure the Grand Valley Armory has the resources to make these needed updates. I\u2019ll continue working to support every servicemember\u2019s ability to effectively carry out their missions.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe facility upgrades occurring throughout the state at Michigan Army National Guard armories represent our legislators dedication and commitment to our servicemembers,\u201d said Brigadier General Scott House, Deputy Commanding General of the 46 Military Police Command and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Construction and Facilities Management Officer. \u201cThese are significant investments in time and funding that will result in drastic improvements to our facilities which will positively impact the lives of our servicemembers and their overall readiness.\u201d\n\nAs the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan\u2019s military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation\u2019s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\nIn 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation\u2019s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. Last year, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act \u2013 which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans \u2013 and their survivors \u2013 for the first time in our nation\u2019s history.\n\nTo download photos from Peters\u2019 event in Wyoming, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-secures-helps-advance-funding-to-support-michigans-defense-footprint-strengthen-national-security-and-support-servicemembers-in-senate-appropriations-defense-bill", "Senator Peters Secures, Helps Advance Funding to Support Michigan\u2019s Defense Footprint, Strengthen National Security, and Support Servicemembers in Senate Appropriations Defense Bill", "2024-08-06", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Act, bipartisan legislation that supports servicemembers, Michigan defense installations, and funds high-impact local projects in Michigan that are vital to national security.\n\nMeanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation takes a number of critical steps towards strengthening our national defense,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIt supports servicemembers and their families, expands Michigan\u2019s defense footprint, harnesses the power of America\u2019s military manufacturing sector, and bolsters our national security. These are commonsense priorities that go beyond partisan lines \u2014 and I will do everything I can to see this agreement passed into law.\u201d\n\nThe bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including:\n\nSupporting Servicemembers and Families:\n\nPay Raise for Servicemembers: The bill fully funds the 4.5% pay raise for servicemembers requested in the President\u2019s budget request. For junior enlisted personnel, it provides funding to support a larger 5.5% pay raise. It fully funds the basic allowance for subsistence, basic allowance for housing, and includes $251 million for basic needs allowance for members of the military and their families with a household income that is less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines. It also fully funds the President\u2019s budget request to address ongoing recruiting challenges.\n\nChild Care & Early Education: The bill fully funds the President\u2019s budget request for the operation, renovation, and repair of child development centers, and it supports full-day, universal pre-K for military families.\n\nSuicide Prevention and Response: The bill fully funds the President\u2019s budget request of $261.2 million for suicide prevention and response including implementation of the recommendations of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee. It also designates suicide prevention as a research area within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs\u2019 Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program\n\nSexual Assault Prevention: The bill provides $47 million above the budget request for the Special Victims\u2019 Counsel program to help survivors of sexual assault.\n\nSupporting Michigan\u2019s Defense Installations:\n\nFunding for Exercise Northern Strike: Peters helped secure a record $24.1 million for Exercise Northern Strike \u2013 the National Guard Bureau\u2019s largest joint service, multicomponent exercise which takes place annually in Michigan. Northern Strike takes place at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), which utilizes both the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness Center, which are both based in Northern Michigan.\n\nSupporting PFAS Remediation in Grayling: The bill includes $30 million to support PFAS remediation efforts at Camp Grayling. This funding will extend municipal water to new residential areas and begin remediation at the Army Airfield to protect the municipal wells in the City of Grayling and the AuSable River. Earlier this year, Peters applauded DOD\u2019s announced plans to expand use of PFAS mitigation strategies pioneered in Northern Michigan at more than 30 DOD installations and National Guard facilities nationwide, including Camp Grayling.\n\nConnected Vehicle Cyber Security Center at Selfridge: The bill includes $7 million to help create a one of kind DOD Connected Vehicle Center to be located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This funding will leverage Michigan\u2019s premier automotive manufacturing capabilities and the Department of Defense\u2019s expertise in wheeled and tracked vehicle development at the Detroit Arsenal.\n\nProcurement of Six F-15EX Fighter Jets: The bill includes funding to procure six additional F-15EX fighter jets. This funding continues the production of this important fighter which is critical for our national defense. Peters has long advocated for additional fighter aircraft, such as the F-15EX, to be stationed at Selfridge.\n\nSupporting New Fighter Mission for Selfridge: Peters advocated for inclusion of language outlining the inadequacy of the Air Force\u2019s current and projected fighter acquisition strategy. The language also expresses concerns about the Air Force\u2019s lack of a viable plan for sustaining production and fielding of fighter aircraft. Peters has repeatedly expressed concerns with the Air Force\u2019s plans to retire the A-10 squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the resulting impacts on Michigan and our national defense. Peters also led the effort to secure a new KC 46-A tanker mission for Selfridge, which was announced earlier this year.\n\nRefueling Tanker and Collaborative Combat Aircraft Teaming: Peters secured language encouraging the Air Force to study the use of refueling tankers for integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), the unmanned fighter concept the Air Force is developing. This language requires the Air Force to provide a report to Congress on their ongoing efforts to integrate communication nodes on refueling tankers. It also requires an assessment of future research required for current and future refueling tankers. CCAs are the future of warfare and when paired with refueling tankers like the KC-46s which Peters helped secure for Selfridge in January, Selfridge Air National Guard Base will be well positioned as an installation with significant long-term value for the Air Force.\n\nDefense Communities and Environmental Mitigation: The bill makes substantial investments in defense communities to help limit environmental impacts associated with military activities. This includes funding for PFAS cleanup, munitions response programs, and environmental protection initiatives.\n\nBolstering Michigan\u2019s Defense Economy:\n\nStrengthening Michigan Marine Workforce: The bill would provide funding for new ship construction, including one Constellation-class frigate to be built at the Marinette Marine shipyard, which is located along the Menominee River and employs hundreds of Michiganders. The bill also includes $100 million to support the frigate industrial base. These funds will be used to hire hundreds of additional skilled trades people.\n\nModernizing High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs): Peters helped secure $50 million to upgrade Humvees with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems that will help prevent rollovers, which have claimed the lives of far too many servicemembers. These kits are made in Troy, Michigan and this funding would help support more than 150 jobs.\n\nAdvanced Manufacturing Centers: Peters helped secure $5 million for research and development of critical materials processing to support scaling up commercialization of ceramic-related technology. This vital research is done by LIFT, a Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institute based in Detroit.\n\nExpanding Michigan's 3D Printing Network: The bill includes $3 million to create a statewide network of 3D printers available for small and medium-sized defense manufacturers to use to scale up production and expand their businesses. With this funding Michigan will remain on the cutting edge of additive manufacturing.\n\nSupporting Autonomous Vehicle Research: The bill includes $5 million to support Michigan universities\u2019 collaboration with the U.S. Army to build a prototype of a lightweight autonomous vehicle platform to fuse different technologies into a unified system. This ongoing research project will support Michigan\u2019s leadership in the global automotive marketplace.\n\nFunding to Improve the Safety of Stryker Vehicles: Peters helped secure $3 million for the Army to update Stryker vehicles with driver-assistance technology. This funding would help ensure that Made in Michigan ground vehicles like the Strykers are operating with cutting edge technology designed to keep our servicemembers safe.\n\nReport on Multi Domain Task Force and Force Structure in the National Guard: Peters secured language directing the Army to provide a report on its Multi Domain Task Force stationing plan and Force Structure in the National Guard. With China, Russia, and North Korea continuing to impact global stability, the U.S. military is adapting its capabilities to meet these rising threats. The Army\u2019s new Multi-Domain Task Forces are the centerpiece of the Army\u2019s efforts to respond to these global challenges in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. When forward positioned, the Multi-Domain Task Forces will enable the U.S. military to freely operate within contested environments. Peters has consistently advocated for Michigan to be as a location for a Multi Domain Task Force. A Michigan-based Multi-Domain Task Force will capitalize on the state\u2019s exceptional location, force structure, training opportunities, and strategic investments, strengthening Michigan\u2019s National Guard assets and bringing additional personnel to the state.\n\nAccelerate Infantry Squad Vehicle Production at GM Defense: Peters led and secured a provision that would accelerate fielding of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) produced by General Motors Defense. Peters has championed this program, including by highlighting the importance of the ISV during an Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee hearing in May.\n\nInfantry Squad Vehicle Variant for Experimentation: The bill also includes $2 million in funding to support research of additional variants of General Motors Defense\u2019s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). This funding will support research and develop of the ISV two seat, four seat, and five seat variants which can accommodate a broad range of missions including fire support, command and control, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), reconnaissance, logistics, and casualty evacuation.\n\nStrengthening our National Security, Supporting Allies Around the World:\n\nGlobal Readiness: The bill provides $2 billion above the President\u2019s budget request to improve military readiness across the services. It provides $1.9 billion above the budget request to counter the influence of the Chinese government through initiatives in the Indo-pacific and investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and hypersonic technologies. It also delivers $500 million for the Indo-Pacific Security Assistance Initiative (IPSA-I). It also provides $400 million for enhanced cooperation and advance interoperability in Africa and Central/South America in the face of increased aggression by the Chinese government.\n\nStrategic Partnerships with Baltic Nations: Would provide $225 million in funding for the Baltic Security initiative to help strengthen our national security ties with our Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian partners. Latvia has been a State Partner of the Michigan National Guard since 1992.\n\nStrengthen Efforts to Combat Anti-Tunneling Activity: The bill includes $47.5 million in funding to strengthen current collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to combat Hamas and strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza Strip. As part of DOD\u2019s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with DOD and the Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. This provision is based on Peters\u2019 United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Act.\n\nUkraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI): The bill sustains $300 million in funding for USAI to continue support for Ukraine.\n\nNational Guard and Reserves: The bill includes $1 billion, to be divided proportionately among the military services and the National Guard and Reserve, to improve readiness, including providing for increased training and maintenance activities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-safeguard-taxpayer-dollars-and-improve-independent-auditing-of-federal-grant-recipients", "Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard Taxpayer Dollars and Improve Independent Auditing of Federal Grant Recipients", "2024-08-05", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to improve the quality, usability, and completeness of independent audit data has advanced in the Senate. State, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments receiving over $1 million in federal grants must submit annual independent audits of their financial controls, but the resulting public data is often fragmented, limiting federal oversight and informed decision-making in grant allocation. This bill would enhance the federal government\u2019s responsiveness to audit findings, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and improve fraud risk identification by making audit data more accessible. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cEffective oversight of federal grants is crucial to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan bill will improve the quality and accessibility of audit data, which will enhance our ability to fight fraud and increase transparency of\n\nfederal grant program spending for the American public.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am very pleased that the bill incorporates multiple GAO recommendations to help improve the quality and completeness of information on single audit results. It is a step in the right direction in helping to ensure federal award recipients are complying with the requirements of their awards. If effectively implemented, the provision in the bill will strengthen accountability and transparency over federal funds,\u201d said Eugene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).\n\nA recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted issues affecting the reliability and usefulness of independent audits for state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments receiving over $1 million in federal grants. These issues include inconsistent audit data quality, instances of noncompliance with auditing requirements, and difficulties in accessing and analyzing the resulting data. This fragmented financial information hinders federal agencies\u2019 ability to conduct effective oversight and make informed decisions about grant allocations.\n\nThe bipartisan Financial Management Risk Reduction Act would act on key recommendations from the GAO\u2019s report to streamline how the government analyzes independent audit data. The bill would improve the federal government\u2019s ability to combat fraud by leveraging existing single audit data to minimize financial risk. The bill directs the Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration to additionally identify fraud risk with a new cross-governmental strategy and advanced analytical tools. To improve the quality of independent audit data, the bill requires periodic government-wide reviews of audit quality that incorporate findings from federal oversight entities. The bill would also increase federal agency coordination to ensure recipients of federal awards are complying with regulation and submitting their required audits.\n\nPeters has led numerous efforts to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently. His bipartisan bill to save taxpayer dollars by ensuring federal property assets are disaster resilient has been signed into law. Another law written by Peters to reduce duplicative software purchases called the MEGAByte Act has saved taxpayers more than $450 million since 2016.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-funding-to-support-local-economic-development-initiatives-and-improve-access-to-health-care-in-senate-appropriations-bills", "Peters Secures Funding to Support Local Economic Development Initiatives & Improve Access to Health Care in Senate Appropriations Bills", "2024-08-05", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured federal funding to support economic and workforce development initiatives and expand access to quality health care while helping the Senate Appropriations Committee pass both the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act.\n\nMeanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation would fund important local projects and make key investments to strengthen Michigan\u2019s workforce training programs, health care and community services,\u201d said Peters. \u201cI\u2019ll continue working to get this bill passed into law to deliver these important resources to communities across our state.\u201d\n\nThe bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including:\n\nGrowing Workforce Development and Educational Opportunities:\n\nMasonry Workforce Partnership in Livonia: Peters secured $2 million for the Schoolcraft Community College District. Funding will be used in partnership with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers to create a collaborative learning model to prepare students for a trades career while earning college credit.\n\nExpanding Opportunities for Youth Summer Employment in Detroit: Peters secured $2 million for the City of Detroit to help expand its Grow Detroit\u2019s Young Talent program, which addresses youth unemployment among Detroit's young population through fostering partnerships, increasing outreach, and providing comprehensive support to participants.\n\nAviation Workforce Training in Battle Creek: Peters secured $909,000 for Western Michigan University to purchase training equipment necessary to prepare qualified graduates for the aviation industry.\n\nCareer Tech Center in Grand Rapids: Peters secured $750,000 for the Kent Intermediate School District\u2019s Career Tech Center. Funding will be used to increase enrollees at the Kent Career Tech Center (KCTC) to ensure that all students have access to courses that prepare them for high-demand careers in fields such as health care, manufacturing, information technology, and skilled trades.\n\nExpanding Educational Opportunities in Western Michigan: Peters secured $1 million for Grand Valley State University to develop and expand curricula to veterans and underserved students by blending regional campuses across Michigan with flexible online learning.\n\nSupporting Flint Students through Graduation: Peters secured $660,000 for Mott Community College to expand child care, mental health services, and non-academic resources at the Lenor Croudy Family Life Center. These programs aim to provide support to students as they work to complete their degree.\n\nPreparing Students for Great Lakes Careers in Sault Ste. Marie: Peters secured $600,000 for Lake Superior State University to support the Great Lakes Sustainability Project, which will prepare students for jobs that contribute to sustaining the Great Lakes freshwater supply, including natural resources, fisheries and wildlife management, conversation biology, parks and recreation, and education.\n\nStudent Retention and Success Program at Ferris State: Peters secured $500,000 for Ferris State University to create the Finish Line Retention and Completion Program. The program will implement and scale a data-driven emergency financial aid intervention to ensure that at-risk students do not drop out due to financial hardship and are able to complete their credentials.\n\nSupport Lake Huron Research at SVSU: Peters secured $1.5 million for Saginaw Valley State University. The funding will support equipment and technology upgrades for its Lake Huron Environmental Sciences Research Station, which will serve as the headquarters of the Saginaw Bay Environmental Sciences Institute, the Science and Sustainability Education Center, and the Mobile Sciences Laboratory.\n\nImproving Student Success in Warren: Peters secured $230,000 for Macomb Community College to support its Student Success Center. Funding will help further implement and scale up student tutoring and academic support to reduce achievement gaps and improve student success rates.\n\nImproving Cybersecurity Education in the Upper Peninsula: Peters secured $606,000 for Northern Michigan University to construct an advanced cybersecurity classroom and laboratory. The project will upgrade the school\u2019s Auto and Truck Cyber educational program and add a mobile cybersecurity lab that can be brought to K-12 students.\n\nPreparing Students in Jackson for AI Workforce: Peters secured $600,000 for Jackson College to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Incubator Center, which will offer specialized training to students to help them prepare for the AI workforce. This program will also provide collaborative opportunities for K-12 partners, as well as entrepreneurs and local industries.\n\nSupporting Job Training and STEM Research in Alpena: Peters secured $750,000 for Alpena Community College to improve its STEM Innovation and Education Center. This funding will help improve Alpena Community College\u2019s outreach efforts to improve enrollment and help to advance its research into innovative clean energy solutions.\n\nSupporting Economic Development and Small Businesses:\n\nSupporting Michigan Communities through \u201cLow Snow\u201d Winters: Peters secured language in the bill that would seek to assist small businesses affected by a \u201clow snow\u201d winter by identifying reforms that would allow these businesses to secure federal assistance to help them through extreme weather situations that have impacted their economic well-being. In recent years, Michigan has faced record-high temperatures and drought conditions during winter months, impacting communities who depend on winter recreation and tourism to support the local economy.\n\nImproving Small Business Support in West Michigan: Peters secured $3.2 million for the City of Grand Rapids to support its Westside Service Center Renovation Initiative. The project will modernize the current office space of West Michigan Works!, enhancing services for small businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, and job seekers across the region.\n\nStrengthening the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: The bill includes $354 million for the CDFI Fund, a major increase over FY2024 levels. Peters has previously championed efforts to support this program, which provides credit, capital and financial services to underserved populations and communities in Michigan and across the country.\n\nSupporting Michigan Small Businesses: Peters secured $42 million for the Small Business Administration\u2019s Microloan Technical Assistance Program, which provides support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in underserved markets.\n\nShiawassee County Career Readiness Center: Peters secured $267,000 for the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District. This funding will help upgrade equipment used in its Career and Technical Education training programs, helping to ensure students are prepared to fill good paying, in-demand jobs with regional employers.\n\nSupporting Wayne County Small Businesses: Peters secured $1 million for Wayne State University, which will support expansion of its entrepreneurial training and businesses development services, which are available across Wayne County.\n\nPreserving Historically Significant Lansing Publication: Peters secured $210,000 for Michigan State University, which will support the digital preservation of the Lansing Labor News. The project will digitalize the entire publication\u2019s history, preserving local union history for future generations.\n\nImproving Access to Health Care:\n\nBehavioral Health Center in Saginaw: Peters secured $2 million for the City of Saginaw to construct a behavioral health center. In partnership with the Central Michigan College of Medicine, the center will seek to improve health outcomes for underserved populations across northern lower Michigan.\n\nCombating Youth Opioid Addiction: Peters pressed for $3 million to be included for the Youth Prevention and Recovery Initiative, a substance abuse program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) that expands access to medication to treatment for adolescents suffering from opioid addiction. Peters helped establish the program in 2018, and has introduced legislation that would reauthorize this critical program.\n\nAddressing Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health: The bill includes new investments to address the rising toll of opioid overdoses fueled by fentanyl, improve access to substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and improve access to mental health services.\n\nStrengthening Public Health Response: The bill includes a $30 million increase in funding for the Strategic National Stockpile, the nation\u2019s largest reservoir of potentially life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies designated for use in a public health emergency.\n\nBiomedical Research: The bill provides $50.224 billion in base discretionary funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It also includes $127 million in Cures Act authorized funding to propel life-saving and life-changing cures and treatments across NIH\u2019s 27 institutes and centers and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).\n\nStrengthening Pharmeceutical Supply Chains: The legislation includes a provision secured by Peters that seeks to develop and implement a plan for how to mitigate the national security risks associated with supply chains for critical drug products, as well as the key ingredients needed to make finished drug products. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has previously supported efforts to limit our reliance on foreign suppliers, and introduced bipartisan legislation this year to better understand the Department of Defense\u2019s reliance on high-risk foreign suppliers for critical medications.\n\nImproving Access to Mental Health Resources in Grand Rapids: Peters secured $130,000 that will help the City of Grand Rapids Police Department\u2019s Mental Health Crisis Co-Response Pilot Program. The program deploys a trained crisis intervention team officer and a trained mental health professional into the field to respond to calls where a mental health crisis exists.\n\nProviding Behavior Health Services in Kent County: Peters secured $750,000 for Kent County to support its Crisis Stabilization Unit, which delivers behavioral health services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis.\n\nImproving Access to Senior Services: The bill includes $115,000 in funding for the City of Livonia, which will support relocation of its senior center to a new community center. This project will help improve access health, wellness, and recreation programs for Livonia\u2019s seniors.\n\nChild Care and Early Learning Programs: The bill provides a $2.3 billion increase for early learning programs within HHS over fiscal year 2024. It provides $10.35 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)\u2014a $1.6 billion or 18% increase over fiscal year 2024\u2014which will help more families across the country find and afford the child care they need. It also provides $12.97 billion for Head Start, a $700 million increase over fiscal year 2024, which will support Head Start teachers and staff as local programs face ongoing staffing challenges. Sustained annual increases to our federal investments in child care and Head Start are critical in tackling the child care crisis holding back families, businesses, and our economy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-designate-the-mastodon-as-americas-national-fossil", "Senate Unanimously Passes Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Legislation to Designate the Mastodon as America\u2019s National Fossil", "2024-08-05", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to designate the Mastodon as the United States\u2019 first-ever national fossil has unanimously passed the Senate. Currently, nearly every state has a designated state fossil \u2013 including Michigan \u2013 which named the Mastodon as its state fossil in 2002. The National Fossil Act aims to highlight the Mastodon\u2019s importance to American natural history and celebrate discoveries of Mastodon fossils throughout Michigan and the country. Peters introduced this bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN).\n\n\u201cMichigan made history when we uncovered one of the most complete skeletons of the Mastodon ever found, and we continue to find traces of this prehistoric giant all throughout our state,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThe Mastodon represents a unique piece of both Michigan\u2019s and our nation\u2019s history. By establishing the Mastodon as our national fossil, we can better preserve that history and inspire a new generation of scientists and researchers to continue their pursuit of discovery.\u201d\n\nThe Mastodon lived more than 13,000 years ago, predominantly in an area that would eventually become the United States of America. Standing at over 10 feet tall, weighing more than 11 tons, and carrying a pair of 16-foot-long tusks, the Mastodon bears resemblance to its distant cousin, the Mammoth. Mastodon fossils are uniquely exclusive to North and Central America and its bones have been unearthed in every state across the continental U.S.\n\nMastodon fossils have been found in more than 250 locations across Michigan. One of the most complete Mastodon skeletons ever found was discovered near Owosso, Michigan, and is currently displayed at the University of Michigan\u2019s Museum of Natural History. The longest and most intact trail of Mastodon footprints ever uncovered, about 30 footprints, were also detected in Michigan near Ann Arbor. Most recently in 2022, a historic discovery was made in Kent County when a juvenile Mastodon skeleton was found roughly 75-80 percent intact. The remains are now on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.\n\nMichigan designated the Mastodon as its state fossil after the idea was proposed by a Washtenaw Community College geology professor. The professor solicited support from K-12 students and teachers throughout the state, collecting thousands of petition signatures in support of the designation and staging a pro-Mastodon rally at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-senate-energy-and-water-development-appropriations-bill-with-investments-for-upgrading-soo-locks-protecting-great-lakes-and-strengthening-domestic-supply-chains", "Peters Helps Advance Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill with Investments for Upgrading Soo Locks, Protecting Great Lakes and Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would fund Michigan priorities including upgrading the Soo Locks and improving ports, mitigating the spread of invasive carp, and preventing flooding, as well as supporting scientific discovery and bolstering U.S. manufacturing and innovation. The bill now advances to the full Senate.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation will deliver on key priorities in Michigan and across the country,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIt will help protect our natural resources, build more resilient infrastructure, support innovative research, and safeguard our critical supply chains. I'll continue working toward its passage in the Senate and will doing whatever I can to ensure U.S. energy security and support our water infrastructure.\u201d\n\nMeanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\nThe bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including:\n\nStrengthening Michigan\u2019s Infrastructure:\n\nDelivering Resources to Complete Soo Locks Project: Peters secured $450 million in federal funding for the Soo Locks construction project. Funding in this bill comes from $264 million included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 budget, as well as an additional $186 million Peters secured in a congressionally directed spending request. This combined funding should deliver the remaining resources needed to complete construction of the new Poe-sized lock.\n\nSupporting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: The bill provides $10.344 billion in total funding for the Corps of Engineers to support critical engineering projects for our nation\u2019s waterways.\n\nBrandon Road Lock and Dam Funding: Peters secured language in the bill that delivers nearly $18 million for operation and maintenance of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a critical choke point to stem the spread of invasive species in the Great Lakes.\n\nMenominee River Deepening: Peters secured $219,000 in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and City of Menominee to complete a feasibility study for potential harbor infrastructure improvements in the Menominee-Marinette Harbor waterway.\n\nFunding to Support South Haven Harbor: The bill provides funding to support ongoing dredging operations at South Haven Harbor and supports extending efforts to the former Turning Basin. This project will ensure that large vessels can safely navigate to the Michigan Maritime Museum dock.\n\nPorts and Harbors: The bill provides a historic $3.147 billion\u2014a $319 million increase over fiscal year 2024\u2014for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to improve navigation by dredging ports, maintain our nation\u2019s waterways, and ensure goods and people can get to where they need to be. The bill also includes funding for critical inland waterway navigation projects, which transport important commodities like grain, iron, and petroleum.\n\nBuilding Resilient Water Infrastructure, Protecting the Great Lakes:\n\nProtecting Communities from Extreme Weather: The bill continues investments in critical construction projects to protect communities from extreme weather events and more frequent flooding. This funding supports projects and programs that use natural infrastructure and environmental restoration efforts to support keystone species.\n\nFlood Management and Prevention Measures for Midland, Michigan: Peters helped secure $600,000 for Flood Risk Management Prevention Measures in Midland and Southeast Michigan. Funding will help restore ecosystems and prevent future flood disasters.\n\nGreat Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study: The bill provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with $3 million to continue conducting its Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, which is developing a coordinated strategy to protect 5,200 miles of Great Lakes coastline against flooding, and erosion, and identify aging infrastructure.\n\nBolstering U.S. Manufacturing and Innovation, Michigan\u2019s Automotive Sector\n\nSupporting Scientific Discovery: The bill provides $8.6 billion in new directed funding\u2014$360 million over fiscal year 2024\u2014for the Office of Science. This funding will help continue implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The Office of Science is the largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences and supports 22,000 researchers at 17 national laboratories and more than 300 universities. The bill continues to advance the highest priorities in materials research, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, biology, and clean energy research to maintain and strengthen our global competitiveness. It also boosts funding for the Office\u2019s work on artificial intelligence and advanced computing to help the Department of Energy implement the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for Science, Security, and Technology computing initiative.\n\nStrengthening Domestic Critical Mineral Supply Chains: The bill includes language that supports ongoing efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals, due to environmental, economic, human rights and national security concerns. This provision directs the Department of Energy to prioritize funding efforts to research, develop, prototype, and deploy technology to improve the circularity of battery supply chains and battery recycling in such a way to address critical mineral sustainability and reliability concerns. Peters recently pressed the Department of Energy to prioritize efforts to facilitate battery recycling that would reduce dependence on adversarial foreign nations for critical minerals. He also introduced and passed out of committee a bipartisan bill to create an intergovernmental task force to identify opportunities to increase domestic production and recycling of critical minerals.\n\nSupporting Clean Energy Transition: Peters secured $20 million for the Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, which Peters helped establish under the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate America\u2019s clean energy supply chains through strategic investments in manufacturing and workforce development.\n\nAdvancing Vehicle Electrification Technologies: The bill includes $45 million to support the Department of Energy\u2019s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). This funding will enable the VTO to continue performing critical research and development work necessary to get more clean vehicles on the road and decarbonize our transportation system. Michigan has previously benefited from this program, which has funded research projects at businesses and research institutions across the state.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-create-leasing-program-for-underutilized-space-held-by-federal-agencies", "Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Create Leasing Program for Underutilized Space Held by Federal Agencies", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to create a program that allows federal agencies to lease underutilized properties with approval from the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), and to use the rent payments to help fund capital projects and facilities maintenance. Currently, many federal agencies hold underused property that they need and cannot sell \u2013 but could be fully utilized by other public or private entities.\n\n\u201cThe federal government has a duty to limit wasteful spending and use taxpayer dollars effectively. By leasing underused space at federal properties, we can ensure the government is considering every opportunity to generate additional revenue,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis commonsense, bipartisan bill will help save taxpayer dollars and help agencies reduce costs.\u201d\n\nFederal agencies routinely hold property that could be used more effectively by other public and private entities. For example, an agency campus could have extra space they cannot sell, but could provide an optimal home for solar panels. Some agencies could also have space and equipment they need part time, but could otherwise be well-suited to university or private partnerships. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation would allow federal agencies to explore ways to fully utilize their property, and generate revenue to fund other projects such as long-needed maintenance, revitalization, and other improvements, as well as deficit reduction.\n\nThe Saving Money and Accelerating Repairs Through Leasing (SMART Leasing) Act would create a pilot program to allow federal agencies to sublease underutilized non-excess real property and related personal property to any person or entity at fair market value, including another department or agency of the federal government or an entity of a state or local government. The legislation requires the GSA Administrator to certify that any lease will not have a negative impact on the mission of the federal agencies, and that the terms and conditions of the lease protect the interests of the country. The bill limits the number of leases to six per year for the first two years after enactment to determine the impacts of this program, at which point GSA can advise Congress on whether the program should be extended or expanded. The legislation would provide 50 percent of revenue generated from leases to capital improvements and maintenance, and the other 50 percent would go towards reducing the deficit. The legislation was modeled on a similar program used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) \u2013 which has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the agency to use on capital projects and facilities maintenance.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to save taxpayer dollars. His bipartisan bill directing the General Services Administration (GSA) to install the most cost effective and energy-efficient lighting in public buildings was signed into law last Congress. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by ensuring federal property and assets are disaster resilient was also signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-authorize-fema-to-accept-tribal-government-requests-for-fire-management-assistance-grants", "Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Authorize FEMA to Accept Tribal Government Requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced that requires FEMA to accept requests from Tribal governments to receive a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declaration has advanced in the Senate. Currently, FEMA can accept Emergency and Major Disaster Declaration requests from Tribal governments, but the agency is not authorized to accept FMAG requests directly from Tribes. This limitation impedes Tribes\u2019 capacity to access federal resources for wildfire management directly and undermines Tribal independence by forcing them to work through state governments rather than having the option to interact directly with federal authorities for this specific type of assistance. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAs natural disasters like wildfires become more frequent, Tribal governments must have a clear and direct path to request for federal funding,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cCurrent regulations prevent FEMA from accepting FMAG Declarations from Tribes, but my bipartisan bill will close this gap and ensure Tribal governments have the option to directly access FEMA funding when emergencies strike.\u201d\n\nCurrently, FEMA offers three types of declarations for wildfire disaster assistance: Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declarations, Emergency Declarations, and Major Disaster Declarations. While the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act granted federally recognized Tribal governments the authority to directly request Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations from the President or go through a state request, this does not extend to FMAG Declarations. As a result, FEMA is not authorized to accept direct requests from Tribal governments, which means Tribes can only receive FMAG assistance as subrecipients of state-approved declarations, despite their status as sovereign nations.\n\nThe bipartisan Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require FEMA to accept Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) requests directly from Tribal governments that are affected by a fire. The bill would ensure FEMA is authorized to accept Tribal governments requests for a FMAG Declaration directly or through a state request, making it the same for all three declaration types.\n\nBelow are statements in support of the senator\u2019s bipartisan legislation:\n\n\u201cThe National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) thanks Senators Gary Peters and Mike Rounds for introducing the Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act. This critical legislation recognizes the need to bring tribal governments to full parity with state governments in requesting assistance to manage and prevent wildfires,\u201d said Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. \u201cNCAI appreciates the Senators' commitment to addressing this oversight, acknowledging the authority and capability of tribal governments to declare disasters and protect their citizens from imminent threats. These amendments ensure that emergency disaster assistance requests from tribal governments will be treated with the same urgency and consideration as those from states. NCAI looks forward to the regulatory amendments that will follow the passage of this bill, fostering robust discussions on enhancing partnerships between tribal governments and federal agencies to safeguard Indian Country from the escalating threat of wildfires.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation will allow Tribal Governments to request all three types of disaster declarations: Emergency, Major, or Fire Management. Currently, Tribes must go through a state for a Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration, but have the option to request their own Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations,\u201d said Gary Edwards of the Chief Executive Office of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association. \u201cOnce this legislation becomes law, the Tribes will stand on equal footing with states in making all three Disaster Declaration. We thank Senators Peters and Rounds for their leadership on this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen disasters strike, county officials and emergency responders play a critical role in the immediate response and longer-term efforts to help our communities and residents recover,\u201d said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. \u201cCounties work closely with our tribal partners to ensure that necessary resources are available after a disaster. The bipartisan Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act would allow tribal governments to request a fire management declaration directly from FEMA, which would result in assistance reaching the ground more efficiently. We thank Senators Peters and Rounds for introducing this legislation and urge its swift consideration.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-harmonize-federal-cybersecurity-regulations", "Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Harmonize Federal Cybersecurity Regulations", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to establish a comprehensive framework for streamlining cybersecurity regulations across the federal government has advanced in the Senate. The bill would mitigate challenges associated with conflicting, contradictory cybersecurity compliance requirements by establishing an interagency Harmonization Committee at the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). Last month, Chairman Peters held a hearing to examine the current federal efforts to align overlapping federal cybersecurity standards. Witnesses emphasized the significant impact that duplicative or contradictory requirements have on businesses and the need for Congress to take swift action to standardize regulations across critical infrastructure sectors and bring all federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies, together. The bill was passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cCybersecurity is one of the greatest challenges we face, but overlapping and conflicting federal cybersecurity regulations can hinder our ability to protect against and respond to rapidly-evolving cyberattacks,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan bill will streamline the federal cybersecurity environment and address challenges that our businesses and critical infrastructure operators may face while working with federal agencies to ensure we can effectively respond to cybersecurity threats.\u201d\n\nAs cyberattacks grow in intensity and frequency, the cybersecurity compliance environment has become increasingly complex as agencies and regulatory bodies work to prevent online attacks. In many instances, rather than promoting increased cybersecurity, the complex, contradictory, and convoluted compliance landscape has forced companies to spend time, money, and expertise on regulatory examinations. By some estimates, cybersecurity teams are spending 40 to 70% of their time on compliance rather than improvements to their cybersecurity.\n\nThe bipartisan Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act would address the challenges associated with multiple regulatory regimes by establishing an interagency Harmonization Committee at the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). The bill requires the committee, headed by ONCD, develop a framework for the alignment of cybersecurity and information security regulations, rules, examinations, and other compliance requirements. Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program to test the developed framework on substantially similar regulations. It also requires all federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies, to consult with the committee before issuing or updating regulations.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led efforts to ensure our nation is better prepared to defend against cyberattacks. His historic, bipartisan provision to require critical infrastructure owners and operators to report to CISA if they experience a substantial cyberattack or if they make a ransomware payment was signed into law. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to enhance cybersecurity assistance to K-12 educational institutions across the country was also signed into law. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bills to bolster cybersecurity for state and local governments, strengthen the federal cybersecurity workforce, and help secure federal information technology supply chains have been signed into law.\n\nBelow are statements in support of the senator\u2019s legislation:\n\n\u201cThere is strong, longstanding, widely agreed- upon, and bipartisan consensus on the need to harmonize cybersecurity regulations. We applaud Senators Peters and Lankford for their work on the Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act, which will help identify cybersecurity federal regulations that are excessively burdensome, conflicting, or ineffective and empower the U.S. National Cyber Director to take action to eliminate those barriers,\u201d said John Miller, ITI Senior Vice President of Policy, Trust, Data, and Technology.\n\n\u201cBSA commends Chairman Peters for his work to take up S. 4630, the Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act. The Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act would empower the Office of the National Cyber Director to evaluate and identify how cybersecurity regulations can be harmonized across government. Harmonizing cybersecurity regulations is a priority for BSA, an issue that enjoys bipartisan support, and an opportunity highlighted by experts to improve the nation\u2019s overall cybersecurity posture. BSA welcomes this effort to better facilitate ONCD\u2019s work and support more meaningful oversight by Congress,\u201d said Henry Young, The Software Alliance.\n\n\u201cThe Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act would mark an important first step toward aligning unnecessarily duplicative or divergent cyber regulatory requirements. The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) is ideally suited to lead a Harmonization Committee and the development of a framework for achieving harmonization between regulatory agencies given its government-wide remit and previous work on this topic. We appreciate the legislation\u2019s requirement that all agencies\u2014including independent regulators\u2014 consult with the Harmonization Committee before prescribing any cybersecurity regulation, which will help minimize duplicative or unhelpful requirements in the future,\u201d said Greg Baer, President and CEO of the Bank Policy Institute.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports S.4630, the \u201cStreamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act,\u201d which would establish an interagency committee to address the overlapping, duplicative, and often contradictory federal cybersecurity regulatory structure.\n\nThe Chamber believes regulatory harmonization and reciprocity are critical to allowing cybersecurity professionals to focus on protecting digital and critical infrastructure. We look forward to working with Congress \u2013 particularly the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee \u2013 the Office of the National Cyber Director, and federal regulatory agencies to promote an efficient and productive regulatory environment,\u201d said Christopher Roberti, Senior Vice President of Cyber, Space, and National Security Policy at U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-annual-motorcycle-tour-across-michigan", "Senator Peters Announces Annual Motorcycle Tour Across Michigan", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that he will begin his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan next Wednesday, August 7th. Peters\u2019 \u201cKalamazoo to the Soo\u201d tour will make stops in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Traverse City, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sanford. Throughout the tour, Peters will be joined on the ride by veterans, union workers, motorcycle safety advocates, and constituents.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no better way to see our beautiful state than on a motorcycle,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the opportunity this tour brings each year to meet with Michiganders and talk about how, together, we are making our state a better place to work, live, and raise a family. This year, I\u2019m looking forward to our ride from the \u2018Zoo to the Soo.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to be talking about everything from protecting workers\u2019 rights, to strengthening Michigan\u2019s defense assets and critical infrastructure, to boosting local economic development and ensuring Michigan communities can quickly recover when struck by disaster,\u201d Peters continued.\n\nPeters will start the tour in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, August 7th and conclude the tour in Sanford on Friday, August 9th. Additional information regarding his stops will be announced in the coming days.\n\nPeters, an avid and long-time motorcycle rider, who founded the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, will ride about 800 miles across the state on this year\u2019s tour.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-releases-statement-after-republicans-block-legislation-to-cut-taxes-for-hardworking-families", "Senator Peters Releases Statement After Republicans Block Legislation to Cut Taxes for Hardworking Families", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would have provided tax cuts to hardworking Michigan families by expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The legislation also would have provided additional tax relief to businesses for research and development and small business expensing, as well as Americans impacted by major natural disasters:\n\n\u201cToday, I voted for commonsense legislation that would have delivered a much-needed tax break to hardworking families in Michigan and across the country, and would have helped address Michigan\u2019s affordable housing shortage. It would also have provided financial relief to small businesses, and expanded disaster relief for Americans whose lives have been upended by natural disasters. I am deeply disappointed that despite these clear benefits that would have created jobs, spurred economic growth, and bolstered our nation\u2019s global competitiveness, Republicans voted overwhelmingly to block this bill from becoming law.\u201d\n\nThe Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which would boost affordable housing tax credits, and significantly increase the supply of affordable housing units nationwide. The bill would also restore several tax provisions to support businesses, including tax cuts for small businesses that invest in research and development (R&D), expand tax breaks for those impacted by natural disasters, and create a framework with Taiwan to further strengthen economic ties between our nations. The legislation passed the House of Representatives in January 2024 with overwhelming bipartisan support in a 357-70 vote.\n\nPeters has repeatedly fought to deliver tax breaks to hardworking families. Peters helped lead the effort to expand the CTC through the American Rescue Plan, which specifically provides critical support to low- and middle-income working parents. According to the Center on Budget and Policy, the expansion of the CTC included in the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would benefit more than 80 percent of American children in its first year, which translates to about 16 million children nationwide, including about 474,000 kids in Michigan. Peters has also fought to strengthen the LIHTC, which is the nation\u2019s primary source of financing for the construction and preservation of affordable housing. According to estimates, the LIHTC provision in this legislation would support the production of more than 200,000 affordable homes nationwide. According to Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Michigan is lacking about 141,000 housing units to meet the current demand. Peters has additionally supported restoring tax cuts for businesses investing in R&D that boost innovation and growth.\n\nPeters recently introduced legislation \u2013 called the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act \u2013 to make better use of vacant or underutilized commercial properties by creating a federal tax credit to help convert unused buildings into affordable housing. As a member of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus (CDFC), Peters has also been a champion for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund which helps spur investment and economic growth in low-income urban and rural communities across the country. He also supports the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program which supports investments in low-income communities and businesses and generates $8 of private investment for every $1 invested by the federal government.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-release-of-michigander-paul-whelan", "Senator Peters Statement on Release of Michigander Paul Whelan", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the release of Michigander Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who was unjustly detained and sentenced by Russian authorities in December 2018:\n\n\u201cToday is a joyous and long overdue day for Paul, his family, and all who have been working tirelessly to get him back home to Michigan. For the past several years, I have worked with Administration officials, my colleagues, and Paul\u2019s family to press for his release, and I\u2019m beyond relieved that today marks the end of this unimaginable nightmare for Paul and his loved ones. Michigan welcomes him home with open arms.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also relieved that American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was wrongly imprisoned by Russian authorities for simply doing his job, will too be coming home to him family and friends.\u201d\n\nPeters has continuously pressed for Whelan\u2019s release since he was detained in Russia more than five years ago and has worked with Paul\u2019s family as well as the Administration and U.S. Department of State to secure his release and safe return to Michigan. During the Trump Administration, Peters led several efforts calling for \u201call appropriate\u201d action to be taken to obtain Whelan\u2019s release. Peters also lead a bipartisan resolution calling for the immediate release of Whelan from authorities under the Russian government, which passed in the U.S. Senate unanimously in 2021. Peters again led a bipartisan coalition in introducing a resolution calling for the immediate release of Whelan, which again passed the Senate unanimously last year. Peters additionally raised the issue of securing Whelan\u2019s release with top Cabinet officials in both the Trump and Biden Administrations, including current National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-secure-450-million-in-federal-funding-in-senate-appropriations-bill-to-fully-fund-soo-locks-project", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Secure $450 Million in Federal Funding in Senate Appropriations Bill to Fully Fund Soo Locks Project", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) secured the $450 million in federal funding included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for the Soo Locks construction project. Peters and Stabenow pushed for more than $264 million for the project in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 budget. Peters and Stabenow then additionally secured more than $186 million in congressionally directed spending for the completion of the project. Once passed into law, the funding secured in this bill should allow the Army Corps to award all remaining construction contracts for the Soo Locks project, putting the project on a glidepath towards timely completion. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters voted to advance the bill to the full Senate.\n\n\u201cThe Soo Locks are critical not only to Michigan but to our entire country. Even a temporary shutdown of just one lock would have catastrophic impacts on U.S. jobs, supply chains, and national security,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cBuilding this new lock is necessary to protecting this vital gateway for transporting goods throughout the Great Lakes and beyond, and I was proud to secure the funding needed that will finally see this project across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn Michigan, we know how vital the Soo Locks are. We are on borrowed time until something happens that shuts them down, which would have devastating consequences for the economy and our national security,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019ve been fighting in the Senate for over 15 years to ensure the Army Corps has the resources and flexibility they need to build a new lock. This funding is a crucial step in keeping this project on track and finally finishing a second Poe-sized lock.\u201d\n\nThe new lock system will be the same size as the existing 55-year-old Poe Lock, the only lock capable of handling the largest vessels that travel through the Great Lakes. The Soo Locks allow ships carrying essential cargo \u2013 such as iron ore pellets used to make steel for autos and appliances \u2013 to travel between Lake Superior ports and those in the lower Great Lakes. Reports have indicated that if the Poe Lock were to suffer a long closure for any reason, it could lead to a national recession.\n\nIn 2007, Senator Stabenow authored language in the Water Resources Development Act making construction of the new lock 100 percent federally funded, eliminating the need for Michigan to foot the bill. In 2015, Senator Stabenow requested a study and a report that led the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the Soo Locks project. In 2017, Senator Stabenow led a bipartisan Congressional delegation on a tour of the Soo Locks, highlighting the importance of the Locks to our state\u2019s and nation\u2019s economy and national security and the urgent need for modernization.\n\nIn 2018, Senator Stabenow\u2019s Soo Locks Modernization Act, which Peters cosponsored, was signed into law as part of the America\u2019s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, authorizing Congress to provide the necessary funding to build another Poe-sized lock.\n\nPeters and Stabenow were instrumental in enacting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $479 million they announced in January 2022 for modernizing the Soo Locks. In December 2022, they helped pass the bipartisan Water Resources and Development Act as part of the annual national defense bill and it included needed funding flexibility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep building a new lock at the Soo on schedule. Peters and Stabenow additionally secured a $257.4 million federal investment to support ongoing construction of the new lock.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-the-federal-government-safely-and-responsibly-purchases-and-uses-artificial-intelligence", "Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Ensure the Federal Government Safely and Responsibly Purchases and Uses Artificial Intelligence", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 A bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to establish guardrails to ensure the federal government can harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, while safeguarding against potential harms, has advanced in the Senate. As federal agencies are seeking to ramp up their purchase and use of AI systems, there is a pressing need to set standards and safeguards that will ensure the adoption of safe, secure and trustworthy AI to serve the American public. The legislation requires agencies to assess and address the risks of their AI uses prior to buying and deploying the technology. Additionally, the bill ensures the federal government reaps the benefits of this technology through the creation of pilot programs to test more flexible, competitive purchasing practices. This landmark legislation builds on requirements in the Advancing American AI Act, led by Peters, which became law in 2022. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cWhile AI has the capacity to greatly enhance federal services, we must be vigilant about its deployment,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThese new measures will guide agencies in adopting AI technologies responsibly, ensuring that taxpayer-funded systems are not only effective but also trustworthy.\u201d\n\nThe federal government is already using AI to interact with and make decisions about the public, and use of the technology is only expected to grow. While AI technology can help improve government efficiency, it can also pose risks if deployed improperly. The bipartisan Promoting Responsible Evaluation and Procurement to Advance Readiness for Enterprise-wide Deployment (PREPARED) for AI Act will guide the federal government\u2019s activities, personnel and processes to effectively and responsibly procure and use AI. The bill requires agencies to determine whether their AI uses are high risk, with a focus on protecting the public\u2019s rights and safety. The bill will require government contracts for high risk AI to include safety and security terms for data ownership, civil rights, civil liberties and privacy, adverse outcome reporting and other key areas. It also requires agencies to identify, test, and monitor potential risks before, during, and after they buy AI for high risk uses \u2013 including through ongoing testing and evaluation to mitigate potential risks. The bill also requires agencies to establish AI governance structures, including through Chief AI Officers, to lead and coordinate these efforts. The legislation would also establish pilot programs to better enable agencies to purchase technology including AI, which would bolster innovative adoption. Finally, the bill includes key provisions to encourage transparency of the government\u2019s use of AI systems through public disclosures and reporting.\n\nThe PREPARED For AI Act is supported by the Center for Democracy and Technology, Transparency Coalition, the AI Procurement Lab, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA), and the U.S. Federal Market for IBM Technology. Below are statements in support of the legislation:\n\n\u201cAs agencies consider incorporating AI into government services and other processes, they must do so responsibly \u2013 working to protect people\u2019s rights and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars,\u201d said Alexandra Reeve Givens, President & CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology. \u201cThe bipartisan PREPARED for AI Act lays a strong foundation by codifying transparency, risk evaluation, and other safeguards that will help agencies make smarter and more informed procurement decisions. We look forward to working with Senators Peters and Tillis to advance best practices and accountability in the government\u2019s use and procurement of AI.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Transparency Coalition.Al writes to express our firm support of the proposed PREPARED for Al Act, which will provide much needed guidance for Federal Government agencies using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of their operations. The PREPARED for Al Act deftly addresses the need for transparency around inputs, protecting data privacy while encouraging innovation, growth, and competition within this rapidly emerging industry,\u201d said Rob Eleveld, TCAI Chairman.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. must ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of its citizens. Historical values that procurement promotes\u2014price, competition, and innovation\u2014do not adequately address the transparency, expertise, and oversight needed to manage AI risk. The PREPARED for AI Act helps to address these government challenges,\u201d said Gisele Waters, Ph.D., and Dr. Cari Miller Co-Founders of the AI Procurement Lab.\n\n\u201cWhile AI can promote innovative societal and economic benefits, it must be acquired and used within risk-mitigating frameworks that prevent potential harms such as critical failures and even loss of life. The requirements set forth in this bill provide the best path forward to help mitigate those harms,\u201d said Keith Moore, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA) President. \u201cWe believe that the PREPARED for AI Act, which recognizes the role that standards play in providing necessary best practices, will provide federal agencies with the AI governance framework they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI can enhance government service delivery, improve efficiency, and accelerate decision making. Strong governance is critical for responsible adoption of AI by federal agencies and to allow for proper accountability and transparency on how AI is being used,\u201d said Susan Wedge, managing partner, and Vanessa Hunt, general manager, U.S. Federal Market for IBM Technology. \u201cIt\u2019s in this vein that IBM is proud to support the bipartisan Promoting Responsible Evaluation and Procurement to Advance Readiness for Enterprise-wide Deployment (PREPARED) for AI Act, as it takes a risk-based approach to governance and gives federal agencies a clear framework for holding AI creators and users accountable for taking steps to protect against potential harms. The federal government\u2019s purchasing power can set the bar for adopting trustworthy AI.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-senate-appropriations-bill-with-important-investments-to-strengthen-public-safety-economic-competitiveness-and-great-lakes-protections", "Peters Helps Advance Senate Appropriations Bill with Important Investments to Strengthen Public Safety, Economic Competitiveness, and Great Lakes Protections", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, bipartisan legislation to fund Michigan priorities, high-impact local projects and federal programs that support manufacturing, the economy and environment, public safety and law enforcement as well as cutting-edge research.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation advances critical projects in Michigan and across the country,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIt will enhance public safety, boost economic competitiveness, and help safeguard our most important natural resources. It will also deliver on two of the priorities that Michiganders care about most: supporting local law enforcement and protecting the Great Lakes. I\u2019m proud to have helped secure this funding and look forward to getting it across the finish line.\u201d\n\nMeanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\nThe bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including:\n\nStrengthening Michigan\u2019s Manufacturing Sector\n\nCHIPS and Science Act: The bill includes a significant increase in funding for science and technology programs to continue implementation of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act that Peters helped craft and pass into law to help drive U.S. economic competitiveness. The funding provided in this bill for scientific research will ensure the U.S. remains competitive with the Chinese government and other foreign competitors in the fields that will dominate the global economy in the coming years, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, microelectronics, and clean energy.\n\nTrade Restrictions on Chinese EVs: Peters secured language in the bill to protect U.S. automotive manufacturing jobs. The bill recognizes the threat posed by the potential for highly subsidized Chinese-made vehicles to flood the U.S. market, which would threaten U.S. automotive manufacturing jobs and our national security. The bill directs the Bureau of Industry and Security to brief the committee within 90 days on the agency\u2019s progress on its Information and Communications Technology Services investigation into the national security implications of Chinese-made vehicles in the U.S. as well as plans to prevent Chinese companies from circumventing existing tariffs or utilizing the USMCA to gain a foothold in the U.S. market.\n\nNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): The bill invests heavily in the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These resources will help NIST advance research in cutting-edge fields like carbon dioxide removal, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and cybersecurity. NIST will also develop standards, tools, and tests to help ensure AI systems operate safely.\n\nSupporting the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center: The bill also includes $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program \u2013 a program that has been a priority for Peters \u2013 which helps small and medium manufacturers grow their business and works to strengthen our domestic manufacturing supply chain. Last year, Peters announced the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Michigan\u2019s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, was awarded $400,000 in federal funding made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act. For every dollar of federal investment, MEP generates $26.20 in new sales growth for manufacturers and $34.50 in new investment. This translates into $4.9 billion in new sales annually.\n\nMaking Michigan Communities Safer\n\nPAWS Act: Peters previously secured $3 million in FY2025 funding for the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program, which was established by Peters\u2019 Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act. The grant program, administered by the Department of Justice, provides emergency and transitional shelter options for domestic violence survivors with companion animals. The Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations legislation encourages the Department of Justice to continue awarding grants under the program.\n\nCity of Flint Solar-Powered Pole Camera Project: Peters secured $135,000 in funding to support sustainable security measures throughout Flint that will enhance public safety.\n\nCure Violence Grand Rapids: Peters secured $500,000 in funding for Cure Violence, an evidence-based violence reduction and intervention program in Grand Rapids, to support the expansion of an evidence-based violence reduction and intervention program. Last year, the Senate passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program \u2013 a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.\n\nKalamazoo Department of Public Safety Patrol Vehicles: Peters secured more than $960,000 in funding for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to support upgrades to public safety vehicles to respond to service calls.\n\nWestland Police Technology Upgrade: Peters secured $75,000 in funding to help Westland replace aging police car computer systems.\n\nPortable Radio Communication Devices for Pinconning Police Department: Peters secured $26,000 in funding to help the Pinconning Police Department purchase radio systems critical to police communications.\n\nDNA Analysis Technology for Van Buren County: This Peters secured $576,000 in funding for Van Buren County to purchase a system to rapidly process DNA throughout the region, helping to address a current DNA processing backlog and enabling crime to be solved more quickly.\n\nCLEMIS Modernization and Transformation Project: Peters secured $2 million in funding for Oakland County to upgrade a management information system, which will result in improved community policing and greater transparency and oversight.\n\nMarquette Police Department Portable Radio Upgrades: Peters secured $286,000 in funding for the Marquette Police Department to purchase portable radios critical to police communications.\n\nEastern Michigan University Police & Fire Leadership Training: Peters secured $750,000 in funding for Eastern Michigan University to expand leadership training for police officers and emergency responders throughout Michigan.\n\nPatrol Vehicles Replacement for Aging Fleet: Peters secured $385,000 in funding for Houghton to replace an aging patrol vehicle fleet to continue to serve residents and protect their community.\n\nWarren Police Department: Peters secured $38,000 in funding for the Warren Police Department to support the purchase of officer safety equipment to aid officers during traffic stops and investigations.\n\nHowell Police Department Axon Fleet In-Car Camera System Implementation: Peters secured $146,000 in funding to support the purchase of in-car camera systems for the Howell Police Department.\n\nWarren Police Department: Peters secured $38,000 in funding for the Warren Police Department to support the purchase of officer safety equipment to aid officers during traffic stops and investigations.\n\nGenesee County IGNITE Program: Peters secured $500,000 in funding through the Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (I.G.N.I.T.E.) Program for the Genesee County Sheriff\u2019s Office to support recidivism reduction programming.\n\nPreventing Violence Against Women: The bill contains the highest funding level ever for the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and its lifesaving programs. Grants from OVW programs support training for police officers, state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, rape prevention programs, homicide reduction initiatives, domestic violence hotlines, women\u2019s shelters, transitional housing, and rural support services. In addition, Peters secured language in the bill directing the Department of Justice to develop best practices, in consultation with Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community-based organizations, for the investigation and prosecution of violence against MENA women.\n\nImproving Police-Community Relations: The bill provides funding for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office grant programs which aim to strengthen police-community relations. The bill also provides funding to train law enforcement on how to appropriately respond to situations when individuals are mentally ill or disabled.\n\nAddressing Substance Use Disorder in Our Communities: The bill provides significant funding to help our communities and first responders address substance use disorders, including opioids, and to address drug trafficking.\n\nCourt Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program: Peters helped secure increased funding for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. This program is critical to the 250,000 abused or neglected children who have highly trained and extremely dedicated advocates appointed on their behalf, and to the nearly 400,000 child victims who are still waiting for the presence of a consistent, caring adult to speak for their best interests in the courtroom and in the community. This funding will help improve outcomes for every abused and neglected child, as was the intention of Congress when it enacted the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.\n\nInvesting in Sustainable Solutions to Protect Michigan\u2019s Environment, Natural Resources\n\nGreat Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Peters secured language in the bill recognizing the importance of continued support for the work of the Great Lakes Center of Expertise for Oil Spill Preparedness and Response, which examines the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and develops effective responses. Peters-led efforts made the Great Lakes Center of Expertise a reality. Peters authored and passed legislation into law establishing the Great Lakes Center of Expertise in 2018, and then successfully secured $4.5 million in total to kick-start the initiative the following year. Peters then announced the Great Lakes Center of Expertise will be headquartered in two Michigan locations to maximize research and operational capabilities. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Peters has continued to secure funding to support the Center\u2019s work.\n\nImproving the Census Process to Ensure Michigan Communities Are Accurately Represented\n\nCensus Bureau: Peters helped secure a significant increase in funding for the U.S. Census Bureau. The census and other key federal surveys are tied to important outcomes for communities in Michigan and across the country, including federal resources for education, health care and infrastructure. The bill provides $1.58 billion for the Census Bureau, fully funding the budget request. The resources allocated by this bill will give the Census Bureau the tools it needs to prepare for the 2030 Census, produce critical economic data, and ensure the public can access high-quality data that keeps pace with the needs of our nation. This funding is essential to ensuring the Bureau does not fall behind on crucial preparations and can control long-term costs. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which Peters chairs, is responsible for conducting oversight of the Census Bureau. Peters previously convened a hearing in downtown Detroit to examine impacts of the 2020 Census on Michigan. Peters also convened a hearing in 2021 with senior federal officials to examine how lawmakers can work to improve operations at the Census Bureau. Peters has also pressed the Census Bureau to ensure it addresses 2020 Census undercounts and improves annual population data.\n\nInvesting in Science, Innovation, and the STEM Workforce\n\nMichigan Technological University AI Program: Peters secured $2.5 million in funding from the Safe and Secure AI Manufacturing Implementation Program for Michigan Technological University to support research into and deployment of AI standards and practices to support small and medium manufacturers.\n\nNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): The bill provides $25.4 billion for NASA, which is a $559 million increase above fiscal year 2024. The bill includes funding Peters secured to support the Artemis Mission, which will send Americans \u2013 including Michigander Chistina Koch \u2013 back to the Moon as well as, eventually, to Mars. The Artemis Mission is supported by the Michigan aerospace manufacturing supply chain, which creates good paying manufacturing jobs across the state.\n\nAI Scholarship for Service Act: Peters secured language in the bill underscoring the importance of attracting, educating, and retaining a strong pipeline of students and workers from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds in STEM fields, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). The bill directs the National Science Foundation to work quickly to implement Peters\u2019 AI Scholarship for Service Act, which passed as part of the CHIPS and Science Act in 2021 and would support the training and recruitment of the next generation of qualified workers in AI.\n\nImplementation of Peters\u2019 PROSWIFT Act: Peters secured $5million for the pilot program Peters created through his Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow (PROSWIFT) Act. The program aims to strengthen our nation\u2019s ability to predict severe space weather events and mitigate their harmful impacts on Earth \u2013 work being spearheaded at Michigan\u2019s own Universities.\n\nImproving Access to Reentry: Peters secured language in the bill directing Residential Reentry Centers, where individuals often go between prison and full return to their communities, to better collect ID-related data. A 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that opportunities exist to better assist incarcerated people with obtaining ID documents prior to release. Peters\u2019 language requires an assessment from BOP regarding the feasibility of contracting with additional state DMVs to provide identification document services to qualifying individuals prior to release.\n\nNational Marine Fisheries Services: The bill recognizes the threat posed by the concentration of PFAS detected in fish tissue. The bill directs NOAA to conduct fish tissue sampling and monitoring of PFAS to evaluate the impacts on aquatic health.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-state-and-foreign-operations-appropriations-bill-secures-investments-to-strengthen-our-national-security-and-promote-human-rights-globally", "Peters Helps Advance State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, Secures Investments to Strengthen Our National Security and Promote Human Rights Globally", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2025 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. This bipartisan legislation advances America\u2019s foreign policy objectives and works to address growing threats and ongoing conflicts across the globe.\n\nThe House of Representatives, meanwhile, is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cToday, we are faced with an increasingly dangerous world \u2014 one in which our interests and allies are under threat,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation responds to those challenges. It will help safeguard human rights, boost global health outcomes, support our international partners, and strengthen democracy around the world. I look forward to passing these resources into law \u2013 and will continue working to strengthen our global standing and national security.\u201d\n\nThe bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including:\n\nSupporting Allies and Partners and Countering Malign Actors: The bill helps ensure the U.S. delivers on its commitments to our allies and partners, including by delivering critical funding for economic, security, and other assistance for allies across the globe, supporting Ukraine, and fully funding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israel and the MOU with Jordan. The bill also increases funding for the Countering People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) Influence Fund, enhances strategic investments to counter Russian influence and aggression, and increases funding for partner military financing, training, and education globally.\n\nStopping the Flow of Fentanyl: The bill includes $1.4 billion to strengthen law enforcement cooperation between governments and to counter drug trafficking, which includes $170 million\u2014 $45 million more than fiscal year 2024\u2014to support efforts to stop global flows of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, as well as their precursor materials, including through implementation of the FENTANYL Results Act.\n\nSpecial Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs: The bill includes funding for the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA), which is appointed by the President and reports to the Secretary of State. The office coordinates the Department of State\u2019s diplomatic, family, congressional, and external engagements related to overseas hostage-taking and wrongful detentions. This office has been critical in assisting Paul Whelan\u2019s family while he has been wrongfully detained in Russia.\n\nProtecting American Embassies and Diplomats Around the Globe and Accelerating Modernization of Armored Vehicle Fleet: The bill includes $3.89 billion in funding for the Department of State to ensure Embassy and Diplomatic Security have sufficient resources for training, equipment, and support to react to ever-changing security threats. As part of this funding increase, this provision also directs the Secretary of State to submit a report including an assessment of its current fleet of armored vehicles, the availability of alternatives for new armored vehicles, and a cost-benefit analysis, including funding required, to modernize its existing fleet.\n\nProviding Military Education and Training for Our Allies: The bill includes $125.4 million to support the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which is a key component of the United States\u2019 security cooperation with its allies.\n\nSupporting Allies, Bolstering Defense Against Russian Threats: The bill includes $902.794 million in funding for countries in Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia facing intensified Russian aggression and severe economic disruption due in part to Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine. This assistance will be used to support programs that promote democracy in the region, provide resources to counter disinformation and strengthen economic and societal development.\n\nProtecting Civilians in War Zones by Removing Explosive Hazards: Peters secured a provision in the bill that supports Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) activities that help prevent casualties in conflict zones. Humanitarian demining is critical for protecting civilians, including Ukrainian civilians, and also supports reconstruction efforts throughout the region. CWD weapons security programs also secure government weapons stockpiles, combat the global black-market arms trade, keep weapons out of the hands of terror groups, and protect U.S. national and global security.\n\nResources to Respond to Emerging Global Threats: The bill includes $60 million for the Complex Crisis Fund, which supports activities that prevent conflict or respond to emerging or unforeseen complex crises overseas and contribute to U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. The program provides flexibility to address conflicts as they arise and seeks to mitigate the risk of larger-scale intervention.\n\nFunding for the Middle East Partnership Initiative: The bill includes $27.2 million for the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), which seeks to support inclusive economic growth, government responsiveness, democratic decision-making, and greater opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized communities.\n\nSupporting American Media Across the Globe: The bill includes $861.72 million for the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which seeks to combat anti-democratic efforts by combating misinformation, disinformation, and weaponized corruption in countries across the globe. The USAGM is an independent federal agency that supports a network of international broadcast operations including: Voice of America; Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; Radio Free Asia; the Middle East Broadcasting Networks; and the Open Technology Fund.\n\nPromoting Democracies and Human Rights Globally: The bill supports the United States Agency for International Development\u2019s (USAID) Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG). This program leads efforts that promote democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-passage-of-the-kids-online-safety-act-and-childrens-online-privacy-protection-act", "Senator Peters\u2019 Statement on Passage of the Kids Online Safety Act and Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement after helping to pass the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act:\n\n\u201cThese two bipartisan bills represent the most significant child online safety legislation in years. They will help keep kids safe on social media and ensure that their personal data is private and protected. I was proud to support this commonsense legislation and am heartened to see it pass with such overwhelming bipartisan support.\u201d\n\nPeters is a cosponsor of both the Kids Online Safety Act and Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act. The Kids Online Safety Act \u2013 which Peters helped advance in the Senate as a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee \u2013 would protect children online by providing young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to help safeguard against online harms. The bill would require social media platforms to put the well-being of children first, ensuring an environment that is safer by default. It also would require independent audits by experts to ensure the platforms are taking meaningful steps to address risks to kids.\n\nCOPPA 2.0 would update the landmark Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) \u2013 enacted in 1998 \u2013 to strengthen privacy protections for young people, ban targeted advertising to kids and teens, and create an Eraser Button for parents and kids by requiring companies to permit users to delete information.\n\nPeters, who also serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, last year convened a hearing to examine how social media platforms continue to prioritize increased user engagement and revenue over safety and security. Peters also released an investigative report that found social media companies\u2019 current incentive structures contribute to the spread of extremist content. He previously led a hearing with independent social media experts to discuss how the spread of extremist content on social media platforms translates to real-world violence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-senate-appropriations-bill-secures-investments-to-improve-water-infrastructure-protect-our-waterways-and-support-michigans-national-parks", "Peters Helps Advance Senate Appropriations Bill, Secures Investments to Improve Water Infrastructure, Protect our Waterways and Support Michigan\u2019s National Parks", "2024-07-30", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would fund Michigan priorities and high-impact local projects that make key investments to strengthen water infrastructure and improve access to clean drinking water for Michiganders. The legislation also includes funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which plays a critical role in protecting and restoring Great Lakes waterways and habitats.\n\nThe House of Representatives, meanwhile, is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cEvery American has a fundamental right to clean drinking water,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIn Michigan, we\u2019ve seen firsthand the damage that is done when we fail to protect such a critical resource. This bipartisan legislation helps meet that challenge. It will improve water infrastructure across the state and commit key resources to protecting our Great Lakes. These have been two of my top priorities throughout my time in the Senate, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation into law.\u201d\n\nThe bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including:\n\nProtecting our Great Lakes, Fisheries and Environment:\n\nFunding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Peters secured $371 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), an increase over Fiscal Year 2024. The GLRI is the largest investment in the Great Lakes\u2019 health, ecosystem, and water quality. Since the program\u2019s inception in 2010, $4 billion has been used to fund over 8,000 projects to combat the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, harmful algal blooms and loss of fish and wildlife habitats. During his time in the Senate, Peters has championed the GLRI, and earlier this year led the effort to introduce the Great Lakes Restoration Act of 2024, which would reauthorize the program and increase its annual funding levels.\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA): The bill provides $9.29 billion in essential funding for EPA\u2019s critical responsibilities to protect our environment and public health. The bill provides increases across all EPA programs\u2014including for clean water, clean air, and other programs \u2014and keeps biologists, chemists, researchers, engineers, and other specialists on the job.\n\nForest Service: The bill provides $6.45 billion for the Forest Service, excluding additional funding for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve. Of this amount, $4.02 billion is provided for the Forest Service\u2019s non-wildland fire management responsibilities and will sustain current staffing levels. The Forest Service will use these funds to improve forest restoration and fire risk reduction efforts.\n\nLand and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): The bill allocates $900 million for federal land acquisition and financial assistance to states provided through the LWCF under the Great American Outdoors Act. This program is critical for improving recreational access to our federal lands, protecting iconic landscapes, delivering grants to states and local governments to create and protect urban parks and open spaces, and providing farmers and ranchers with easements to allow them to continue to steward their private lands in the face of development pressures.\n\nFunding for the Fish Hatchery Operations Program: The bill includes more than $83 million for national fish hatchery operations, a significant increase over Fiscal Year 2024 totals. Funding is provided to fish-producing Tribes in support of associated hatching, rearing, and stocking programs. Through this program, Tribal fish hatchery facilities are provided with base funding for aquaculture and enable cost share/in-kind cooperative work with neighboring Tribes, federal agencies, and state fishery managers. This type of fish production helps achieve mandated fish recovery efforts and supports Michigan\u2019s commercial and recreational fishing andtourism industries, and larger ecosystem.\n\nSupporting Federal Wildland Firefighters: As catastrophic wildfires grow in size and frequency, it is essential that support for\u2014and investments in\u2014the federal firefighting workforce keep pace. The bill includes language establishing a permanent pay fix and job series for federal wildland firefighters and provides full funding to meet these obligations\u2014and prevent a devastating pay cut for the federal firefighting workforce. The bill also creates a $4 million health and wellness program for federal wildland firefighters to provide support to combat the real danger of injury and fatigue, which is another consequence of year-round catastrophic wildfire. It also directs the agencies to prioritize improvements to fire facilities and to spend at least $8 million on firefighter housing.\n\nWildfire Suppression: The bill fully funds essential wildfire preparedness and suppression efforts by providing $4.145 billion for wildfire suppression, of which $2.75 billion is for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund. The Reserve Fund provides the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior an assured amount of funding to be used when major fire activity requires expenditures exceeding regular base suppression operations funding. This funding level\u2014in addition to carryover balances\u2014will meet projected needs for 2025 wildfires.\n\nStrengthening Michigan\u2019s Water Infrastructure\n\nFreud & Conners Creek Pump Station Rehabilitation: The bill includes $1 million for the Great Lakes Water Authority to be used to make improvements to both the Freud and Conner Creek pump stations in Wayne County. Both pump stations have been in use for more than 70 years and are in need of critical repairs.\n\nCity of Cheboygan Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Reduction Plan: The $1 million Peters secured for the City of Cheboygan to reduce infiltration and inflow of storm drainage into the City\u2019s sanitary sewer system in order to reduce discharge of sewage into the Cheboygan River and Lake Huron.\n\nCharter Township of Royal Oak Drinking Water System Improvements: The bill includes $1 million for the Charter Township of Royal Oak to make improvements to its water system. Specifically, funding will be used to replace key water mains at the end of their useful life and build an emergency connection to a neighboring community to provide adequate fire flows to the Township's only commercial area.\n\nGrand Blanc Water Main Modernization Project: The bill includes $1.2 million for the City of Grand Blanc to modernize the water mains throughout the city and improve water reliability to residents, businesses, visitors, and schools.\n\nMacomb County for Sediment Control for Urban Watersheds: The bill includes a $1 million provision for the Macomb County Public Works. The funding would be used to establish a trash capture and sediment control system to reduce the volume of microplastics and other debris entering Lake St. Clair.\n\nCity of Fennville Well Replacement: Peters secured $350,000 in the bill for the City of Fennville, which would be used to replace a contaminated well to restore water capacity and quality for the Fennville Area Water System.\n\nOakwood District Intercommunity Relief Sewer Modification: Peters secured $2 million for the Great Lakes Water Authority to make modifications to Detroit\u2019s Oakwood Pump Station. Specifically, the project seeks to design and construct isolation of the downstream portion of the Northwest Interceptor from the Water Resources Recovery Facility (WRRF) and divert flow to the Oakwood Pump Station.\n\nMattawan Concord Water Tower Improvements: The bill includes $400,000 for the Village of Mattawan to remove the lead-based paint from the interior and exterior of the Concord Water Tower tank and repaint with epoxy paint.\n\nCaseville Water System Improvements: Peters secured $497,000 in funding for the City of Caseville that would be used to improve the quality and reliability of water services to the communities of Caseville, Caseville Township, and the Village of Pigeon.\n\nInvestments in Clean Drinking Water\n\nPellston Airport PFAS Source Remediation Project: Peters secured $775,000 for Emmet County to be used for remediation of contaminated soil at the Pellston Regional Airport to eliminate ongoing leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).\n\nRedford Charter Township Lead Service Lines Investigation and Replacement: Peters secured $1 million in the bill for Redford Charter Township. The funding would be used to identify and replace lead pipes currently in use.\n\nCity of Taylor Lead Line Replacement: Peters secured $250,000 for the City of Taylor to research, identify and replace lead lines in the City of Taylor.\n\nFenton Township Safe Drinking Water Project: The bill includes $433,000 for the Charter Township of Fenton, which would be used to connect Fenton Township, the City of Linden, and Mundy Township to the Genesee County public water distribution system for potable water.\n\nPontiac Drinking Water System Improvements: The bill includes $1 million for Oakland County, which would be used to improve drinking water quality and reliability for Pontiac residents.\n\nBolstering Lead Abatement Programs: Peters helped secure funding for critical programs that provide funding to support communities seeking to clean up lead contaminated waste sites and minimize exposure in surrounding areas. The bill includes $28 million for the Lead Testing in Schools Program; $22 million for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Program; and $15 million for STAG Grants for Lead.\n\nSupporting Establishment of Drinking Water Standards for PFAS: Peters helped secure language in the bill that encourages the Environmental Protection Agency to establish National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for all PFAS substances. Researchers and scientists have underscored the serious risks of PFAS contamination to both human health and our environment, and Peters\u2019 provision would help protect communities against its harmful impacts.\n\nDevelopment of Water Observation Systems: The bill includes $29.5 million in funding set aside for the development of Next Generation Water Observing Systems, as well as language specifically encouraging the U.S. Geological Survey to work with research institutions to support the project. Heavy rains have been increasing across Michigan, which lead to increased runoff and erosion. Rain events can also have dramatic impacts on pollution, damage to infrastructure and coastal lands, and impacts to stream and lake conditions, including fisheries. This project can help to inform how these more frequent and heavier rain events impact our streams, rivers, and lakes, to help prepare for future events.\n\nProtecting and Preserving Public Lands and Cultural Resources\n\nFunding for the National Park Service: The bill includes nearly $3 billion to support National Park Service operations. This funding will allow NPS to more effectively manage its 400 national parks, monuments, historical sites and other recreational areas that encompass nearly 84 million acres of land across the United States. Michigan is proud to be home to five National Parks, which draw more than 2.5 million visitors to the state annually.\n\nSupporting the National Heritage Areas Program: Peters helped secure more than $30 million in funding for the NPS\u2019 Heritage Partnership Program. National Heritage Areas (NHAs) across the country commemorate, conserve, and promote important natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources, delivering recreational and educational opportunities to visitors, residents, and entire regions. NHAs are key for economic development in their communities. Michigan\u2019s MotorCities NHA alone creates an economic impact every year of nearly $490 million including 5,343 jobs and $40 million in tax revenues.\n\nPromoting Access to our National Parks for All: The bill includes language authored by Peters that supports the NPS\u2019 continued efforts to make its facilities, trails, and outdoor recreation programs accessible for visitors with disabilities. This includes expanding partnerships with external organizations to ensure adaptive recreation equipment is available for visitors, providing an opportunity for more visitors to explore designated trails and access new areas of the outdoors for adaptive hiking, hunting, birding, kayaking, golfing, and other activities on snow, sand, water, uneven terrain, and more. Additional language secured by Peters supports accessibility projects at freshwater National Lakeshores such as Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks, both of which are managed by the NPS.\n\nPreservation of Detroit\u2019s Historic Freer House: The bill includes $550,000 in funding for Wayne State University to be used for preservation of the historic Charles Lang Freer House, which is an important part of Detroit\u2019s cultural heritage.\n\nProtecting Tribal Nations:\n\nTribal Programs: In total, the bill provides $12.65 billion for Tribal programs across the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service, an increase of $1.774 billion above fiscal year 2024.\n\nIndian Health Service (IHS): The bill provides $8.5 billion in total resources for IHS\u2014an increase of $1.5 billion over fiscal year 2024\u2014to maintain critically important health care services and maintain current staffing for doctors, nurses, and health services staff.\n\nSupporting Tribal Self-Governance and Essential Services: The bill provides an increase of $64.5 million for a total of $1.963 billion in funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs\u2019 operations of Indian programs. This funds essential government services in critical areas like roads and infrastructure, housing improvement, natural resources protection, Tribal courts, economic development, and social services. This funding is essential for Tribal governments exercising self-determination and crucial to upholding the federal government\u2019s trust responsibility.\n\nTribal Sovereignty Payments: The bill fully funds Tribal Sovereignty Payments, which consist of contract support costs and 105(l) lease payments, including the increased contract support costs associated with third-party billing for the Indian Health Service as a result of the June 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Becerra vs. San Carlos Apache Tribe. These are required payments that provide funding for Tribes\u2019 administrative overhead costs for self-governance under the Indian Self-Determination Education and Assistance Act.\n\nFunding for the Rights Protection Implementation Program: The bill includes $49.9 million for the Rights Protection Implementation Program, which seeks to ensure compliance with federal court orders by assisting in implementing effective Tribal self-regulatory and co-management systems. This funding is critical for Michigan Tribes that are part of either the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority or Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, both which work to implement relevant court orders and carry out co-management responsibilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-transportation-housing-and-urban-development-appropriations-bill-with-michigan-wins", "Peters Helps Advance Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Bill with Michigan Wins", "2024-07-30", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing, Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would fund Michigan priorities, high-impact local projects and federal programs that support key transportation, workforce and housing initiatives. The legislation would also help advance auto safety and innovation in addition to assistance for airports to transition from PFAS firefighting foam at airports.\n\nMeanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cFrom resources for local transportation, infrastructure and housing projects across our state to funding to improve auto safety and help airports move away from PFAS firefighting foam, this bill would help Michiganders across our state,\u201d said Senator Peters, who serves on the Appropriations Committee and as Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports. \u201cThis bill is a positive step and I\u2019ll keeping advocating for these Michigan priorities as we continue to work to fund the government.\u201d\n\nThe bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including:\n\nFunding for an I-75 overbuild in Detroit: Would provide $1,879,000 for the City of Detroit to advance the I-75 overbuild project. The project would create a nearly 5 acre cover over I-75 near Cass Corridor that would connect the community to downtown.\n\nFunding to support the renovation of Beecher High School in Flint: Would provide $2 million to support the renovation, remodeling, and reopening of a new Beecher High School building in Flint to improve facilities and opportunities for students.\n\nFunding to replace the Capital Region International Airport\u2019s terminal: Would provide $8.1 million for architectural and engineering services to replace an over 60-year-old terminal to improve functionality at the Capital Region International Airport in Lansing.\n\nFunding to support infrastructure improvements in Saginaw: Would provide $1.2 million for infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, and technology enhancements to improve capacity, safety, and service at Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services, improving transit services for local residents who rely on them every day.\n\nFunding to revitalize downtown Pontiac: Would provide $2 million to support the acquisition and redevelopment of vacant and underutilized property in downtown Pontiac to turn into a public gathering space.\n\nFunding for a new facility for Delta Schoolcraft\u2019s Career and Technical Center: Would provide $1.4 million for a new facility for Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District\u2019s Career and Technical Center to expand workforce development programs for students.\n\nFunding for Muskegon Public Schools to create a Career Exploration Center: Would provide $2 million to support creation of a grade 6 through 10 Career Exploration Center for Muskegon Public Schools students, enabling a workforce development program to offer skills training and job placement in careers in manufacturing, skilled trades, health care and information technology.\n\nFunding to replace bridges in Midland and Detroit: Would provide $2,290,000 to support the Michigan Department of Transportation\u2019s replacement of the Lemay Street bridge over I-94 in Detroit and the bridge M-30 over US10 in Midland.\n\nFunding to help address housing shortage in Portage: Would provide $1 million to develop workforce housing units in support of the City of Portage\u2019s efforts to address a local housing shortage.\n\nFunding to expand transit options in Calhoun County: Would provide $1.5 million for the City of Battle Creek to expand county-wide transit options in Calhoun County.\n\nFunding to prevent flooding at the Bay City Airport: Would provide $290,000 for improvements to the James Clements Airport's stormwater pump station in Bay City to prevent flooding.\n\nFunding to replace the Davis Street Bridge in Utica: Would provide $728,000 to go toward the replacement of the Davis Street Pedestrian Bridge on the Iron Belle Trail near its intersection with M-59.\n\nFunding for City of Dearborn housing quality improvement initiative: Would provide $1.5 million for housing improvements in high-poverty areas of Dearborn that have faced consistent issues with flooding and resulting property damage.\n\nFunding to reconstruct alleyways in Hamtramck: Would provide $965,000 to reconstruct 20 alleyways in Hamtramck to improve transportation options.\n\nFunding for affordable housing for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians: Would provide $1 million to support affordable housing units for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians tribal members and their families.\n\nAdvancing auto safety and innovation: Includes measures that are important for auto safety and innovation and would create a pathway for the safe development and development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. One Peters-led measure would require the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to finalize their expected proposed rulemaking within six months to develop a regulatory frame around AV development and deployment. It also would provide funding for the Office of Automation Safety at NHTSA to help accelerate the safe deployment of AVs by having dedicated staff to develop and set safety standards. Another Peters-led measure would direct NHTSA to create partnerships with public, private and non-profit partners to increase recall awareness and completion rates\u2014and to reduce the number of vehicles with unrepaired recalls. This would help make our roads safer by removing vehicles that have safety-related defects. For more on the measures secured that bolster auto safety and innovation, click here.\n\nAssistance for airports to transition away from PFAS firefighting foam: Would incentivize airports to quickly transition away from using toxic PFAS firefighting foam by offering additional resources to airports that do so. Experts estimate that airports will be spending approximately $30,000 for setup and $30,000 per foam truck to safely clean their existing systems of PFAS containing foams. The transition away from PFAS in firefighting foam is important to public health and safety , and FAA needs to plan to make that transition swiftly, including by offering additional resources to airports. Michigan airports could benefit from an agency-wide effort to incentivize and fund transition away from PFAS firefighting foam. This provision builds on Peters leading and enacting into law a provision in the 2018 FAA reauthorization allowing airports to phase out the use of firefighting foams that contain PFAS or similar fluorinated chemicals. Earlier this year, Peters urged the FAA to expedite a plan to transition to firefighting foams that do not contain PFAS. It also comes after Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation signed into law in December 2022 to reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at airports by allowing airports increased access to testing devices that limit exposure to these chemicals.\n\nFunding to improve port infrastructure along the Great Lakes: Would provide funding for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which awards grants to improve port infrastructure and facilities on the coasts and along the Great Lakes \u2013 facilitating economic growth, improving safety, addressing climate change, and improving efficiency of supply chains. PIDP grants are a critical source of federal assistance to reconstruct docks, improve road and rail access, expand storage capacity, and modernize cargo handling equipment. Peters has been a strong advocate for the Port Infrastructure Development Program. The bill would also provide funding for State Maritime Academies, which Peters has long supported.\n\nFunding for the Federal Aviation Administration: Would provide funding for FAA operations, which will allow the FAA to continue its air traffic controller hiring surge by adding 1,800 new controllers, improve the condition and reliability of critical IT and telecommunications legacy systems, continue to improve aircraft certification, and accelerate the deployment of new entrants into the national airspace. The bill would also provide funding for FAA facilities and equipment and data programs, which would improve the efficiency of air traffic control and lead to fewer flight delays.\n\nFunding for the Airport Improvement Program: Would provide necessary funding for the Airport Improvement Program, which supports aviation infrastructure at airports across the country, including in Michigan. The state is home to 18 commercial service airports and more than 80 general aviation airports in Michigan. Funds from this program, supplemented by state and local funds, are critical to the ongoing safety and efficiency of Michigan\u2019s aviation system. AIP grants provide funding for projects that include runway pavement upgrades and rehabilitation, approach protection and obstruction mitigation, lighting improvements, navigation aids, and many other critical safety improvements that support a vibrant Michigan aviation industry.\n\nFunding for small and rural airports in Michigan and across the country: Would provide necessary funding to support the continued success of the Essential Air Service (EAS), a federal grant program that incentivizes airlines to fly to small, rural and underserved communities. This program benefits communities that otherwise would not receive any scheduled air service\u2014and is important fo travelers, economic development and local economies. Michigan has nine communities eligible for the Essential Air Service program: Alpena, Escanaba, Hancock/Houghton, Iron Mountain/Kingsford; Ironwood, Manistee/Ludington, Muskegon, Pellston and Sault Ste. Marie.\n\nPromoting Women in Aviation: Would require further study of the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s Women in Aviation Committee\u2019s findings. This builds on Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to promote women in aviation by extending the lifespan of the Women in Aviation Advisory Committee in the FAA to make recommendations about strengthening the national aviation workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and promotion of women. This would help strengthen the aviation workforce at-large as well as address pilot shortage challenges. Women continue to be underrepresented in the aviation field, where they currently make up less than 12 percent of aerospace engineers, less than 10 percent of licensed pilots and less than 3 percent of maintenance technicians.\n\nFunding for highways and bridges: The bill would provide funding for federal highways, consistent with the bipartisan infrastructure law that Peters helped enact. This includes funding for bridges and other critical programs.\n\nFunding for rail infrastructure and safety: Would provide funding for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), including increased funds for their safety and operations budget in light of the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The bill would also provide funding for the Federal Rail Administration\u2019s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grants program for rail infrastructure updates to address safety and efficiency needs. These grants help address congestion challenges and infrastructure-in-need-of-maintenance that affect both our national freight rail system as well as our passenger rail system. Peters, as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, helped advance bipartisan rail safety legislation earlier this year. The bill would also provide funding for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration\u2019s (PHMSA) emergency preparedness grants and require the agency to conduct research to improve the survivability of placards identifying hazardous materials on trains.\n\nIncreasing the supply of affordable housing: Would make critical investments to increase the supply of affordable housing; including through the Community Development Block Grant program, which Peters has long advocated for. Other programs include the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the primary federal tool of state and local governments that produces affordable rental and owner-occupied housing, and the \u201cYes In My Back Yard\u201d grant program, which helps remove barriers to affordable housing production to keep up with market demand.\n\nStrengthening Investments in Rental Assistance Programs: Would provide critical support for HUD rental assistance programs, which assist nearly 5 million vulnerable households\u2014more than half of whom are elderly or people with disabilities. The programs supported include Section 8 vouchers, project-based rental assistance programs to renew housing contracts, and public housing.\n\nReducing homelessness: Would provide funding for Homeless Assistance Grants and investments for homeless youth and survivors of domestic violence. The bill would provide funding for permanent supportive housing, assistance to communities to connect homeless residents with health care services, and funding so providers can hire and retain qualified personnel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bill-to-improve-the-federal-governments-document-classification-and-declassification-system", "Peters Introduces Bill to Improve the Federal Government\u2019s Document Classification and Declassification System", "2024-07-29", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to streamline the government\u2019s national security classification system and reduce the massive declassification backlog. Over-classification undermines national security by limiting important information sharing between federal agencies, limits government transparency and costs taxpayers as much as $18 billion a year to maintain. This bill would strengthen the ability of the public and Members of Congress to make declassification requests, codify and strengthen prohibitions on improper classification, and ensure taxpayer dollars support an efficient system that correctly classifies and declassifies information to improve government transparency.\n\n\u201cOur current classification system is not just costly, outdated, and inefficient\u2014it\u2019s a growing crisis that undermines both our national security and government transparency,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cWe are facing an overwhelming backlog of hundreds of millions of pages awaiting declassification and experts telling us that 50 to 90 percent of classified materials could be made public without risk to our national security. This over-classification obscures truly sensitive information and erodes trust in government. My bipartisan bill will address this issue by updating the classification system to enhance our ability to safeguard critical information, while promoting the transparency that is so vital to our democracy.\u201d\n\nThe number of classified documents in the federal government\u2019s inventory is currently unknown, but government officials suggest it holds billions of records, and that as many at 50 million new classified records are created every year. This expansive classification system costs taxpayers as much as $18 billion to manage every year. Despite an executive order directing automatic declassification of records after 25 years, these measures often fall short in practice, resulting in a government-wide declassification backlog that is millions of pages long.\n\nThe bipartisan Classification Reform for Transparency Act would establish a Presidential task force to streamline the classification system, including by narrowing the criteria for classification and reducing exemptions from automatic declassification. The bill would require federal employees to justify classification decisions in writing, identifying a specific harm to national security reasonably expected to result from disclosure of the information. The bill would also create a \u201cdrop-dead date\u201d of 50 years from the time of original classification, at which point the classified status of the information would expire. This legislation improves transparency by allowing the public to make declassification requests when the public interest in disclosure outweighs potential harms to national security, and improves congressional oversight by requiring agencies to respond to declassification requests from Members of Congress in a timely manner. The bill also requires agencies to ensure that employees are not routinely over-classifying information.\n\nLast year, Peters convened a hearing on the federal government\u2019s classification system. The hearing highlighted how the procedure for declassifying documents is outdated, restricts transparency for the American people, and also burdens taxpayers with billions in annual costs. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has consistently worked to improve the efficiency and transparency of how the government manages federal documents. This year, the Committee passed his legislation to modernize federal records laws.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-us-senator-gary-peters-visits-home-of-michigan-veteran-after-connecting-him-with-local-non-profit-to-replace-aging-roof-at-no-cost", "PHOTOS: U.S. Senator Gary Peters Visits Home of Michigan Veteran After Connecting Him with Local Non-Profit to Replace Aging Roof at No Cost", "2024-07-26", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "GRAND RAPIDS, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited the home of Chris Temple, a Grand Rapids veteran to celebrate the collaborative efforts of Senator Peters\u2019 office and Home Repair Services, a local non-profit organization, that resulted in making critically needed repairs to the veteran\u2019s home.\n\n\u201cWithin a day of reaching out to Senator Peters, I was connected to the team at Home Repair Services who assisted me with these critical repairs,\u201d said Temple. \u201cI want to thank Senator Peters and his staff for making my request a priority, and for working alongside local partners to make sure I got the help I needed.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran Chris Temple wrote a letter to Senator Peters seeking assistance to make city mandated improvements to his home\u2019s roof. After hearing about Temple\u2019s situation, Peters\u2019 Grand Rapids staff notified local government, veteran, and non-profit groups to see what assistance was available. Home Repair Services quickly stepped up to make necessary roof repairs to help Temple avoid possible eviction. In all, nearly $17,000 in improvements were made to the house as part of Home Repair Services\u2019 Veteran Heroes Program. Peters and Temple were joined by representatives from Home Repair Services who highlighted their Veterans Heroes Program, which offers home improvement assistance to United States military veterans across Kent County.\n\n\u201cWhen veterans like Chris return home from service, it's our job as Americans to honor the incredible sacrifice they made to protect our freedoms,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI couldn\u2019t be more proud of the role my office played in getting Chris the help he needed, and it was great to join him today to celebrate the collaborative efforts that helped get this job done.\u201d\n\nDuring the event, Peters also encouraged Michigan residents to reach out to his office for constituent casework services, just as Temple did for help with his roof repairs. Acting as a liaison between constituents and the federal government, caseworkers on Peters staff can often help answer your questions, provide assistance with a federal agency, or connect you to local services. To learn more about casework services, click here.\n\nTo download photos from the event, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-paul-blumenthal-and-johnson-press-federal-agencies-and-local-law-enforcement-for-information-related-to-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump", "Peters, Paul, Blumenthal and Johnson Press Federal Agencies and Local Law Enforcement for Information Related to the Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump", "2024-07-25", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, are pressing the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and key local law enforcement officials to provide information related to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The bipartisan document request follows a bipartisan announcement from Peters and Paul to investigate the security failures that led to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13th.\n\n\u201cWe write to request documents and information related to the assassination attempt on former President Trump and the loss of life of one attendee and injuries to two others during a campaign rally in Butler, PA, on July 13, 2024,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cAs Senator Peters and Senator Paul indicated in their letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas and FBI Director Wray on July 15, 2024, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has initiated a bipartisan investigation into how this attack was able to occur, what security, personnel, or other failures contributed to the attempt, and steps that must be taken to ensure any mistakes are avoided in the future.\u201d\n\nThe senators are requesting information from three federal agencies and five state and local law enforcement agencies related to the security preparations for and response to the attack during the campaign rally in Pennsylvania and the failures that led to an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The senators are seeking information on security preparations, intelligence gathering on potential violence prior to the attack, and detailed explanations of the agencies\u2019 security response.\n\nThe following is an initial list of the agencies the Senators are seeking information from: U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Beaver County District Attorney, Butler County District Attorney, Butler County Sheriff, Butler Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.\n\nThe text of the letter to USSS is available here.\n\nThe text of the letter to FBI is available here.\n\nThe text of the letter to DHS I&A is available here.\n\nThe text of the letter to Beaver County District Attorney is available here.\n\nThe text of the letter to Butler County District Attorney is available here.\n\nThe text of the letter to Butler County Sheriff is available here.\n\nThe text of the letter to Butler Township Police Department is available here.\n\nThe text of the letter to Pennsylvania State Police is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-historic-first-committee-advances-peters-merkley-hawley-ossoff-and-rosen-bipartisan-legislation-to-ban-member-stock-trading", "In Historic First, Committee Advances Peters, Merkley, Hawley, Ossoff and Rosen Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Member Stock Trading", "2024-07-24", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation, negotiated by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and built off of Merkley\u2019s ETHICS Act, to ban Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependents from holding, buying, or selling stocks has advanced out of committee. This is the first time a Senate Committee has marked up legislation barring stock trading by Members of Congress. The bipartisan modified legislation, which was sponsored in committee by Peters, Hawley, Ossoff and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), would immediately ban Members of Congress from buying stocks and other covered investments and prohibit members from selling stocks 90 days after enactment. The bipartisan legislation passed by the committee also requires Members of Congress, the President and the Vice President to divest from all covered investments, starting in 2027. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cThe people we represent deserve to have complete confidence that their federal elected officials are working in Americans\u2019 best interests, and not their own personal financial interests,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cBy passing this legislation out of committee with bipartisan support, we have taken a monumental step towards getting this bill one step closer to becoming law and finally barring bad actors from taking advantage of their positions for their own financial gain. I\u2019m grateful to Senators Merkley, Hawley, Ossoff, and Rosen for their hard work to advance this commonsense legislation that will help restore Americans\u2019 faith that Congress is always working on their behalf.\u201d\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress should serve the people, not their portfolios. For the first time, a Senate committee considered and passed legislation to ban Congressional stock trading, a practice that appears deeply corrupt to the American people and erodes public respect for our government institutions. There should be no question about whether a lawmaker is voting on or writing legislation in the best interests of their constituents or the best interests of their investments,\u201d said Senator Merkley, the ETHICS Act lead sponsor. \u201cMore than 85 percent of Democrats and Republicans support it, and now banning Congressional stock trading has the momentum it needs to become law. I thank my colleagues for passing this important bill out of committee and am pushing to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress should not be here to turn a profit on the people\u2019s time. They should certainly not be trading or owning individual stocks, especially not in companies they oversee through their government work. This bill takes a giant step forward to that end, and I\u2019m proud that it has passed through Senator Peters\u2019 committee,\u201d said Senator Hawley.\n\n\u201cThis is a historic moment in efforts to reform the ethics laws that govern Congress. Georgians overwhelmingly agree that Members of Congress should not be playing the stock market while we legislate and while we have access to confidential and privileged information,\u201d said Senator Ossoff. \u201cThis is long overdue and necessary, and today we made historic progress passing this bipartisan bill out of Committee. I appreciate Chairman Peters, Senator Hawley, Senator Rosen, and Senator Merkley for their collaborative work on this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress must serve their constituents and the public interest, not take advantage of information gained through their official duties to enrich themselves through corrupt stock trading,\u201d said Senator Rosen. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have helped pass this commonsense, bipartisan legislation out of committee to clean up Washington and prevent Members of Congress from being able to abuse their position for personal financial gain. I\u2019ll continue working to strengthen congressional ethics, hold politicians accountable, and increase government transparency for Nevadans.\u201d\n\nThe modified bipartisan ETHICS Act as passed by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee would:\n\nBan Members of Congress, the President, and Vice President from buying and selling covered assets almost immediately after enactment. Covered assets include securities, commodities, futures, options, trusts, and other comparable holdings.\n\nRequire elected officials, their spouses, and dependent children to divest covered assets beginning in 2027.\n\nIncrease penalties for violations of STOCK Act disclosure requirements from $200 to $500.\n\nTo see the text of the modified bipartisan ETHICS Act as passed by the committee, click here.\n\nThe modified bipartisan legislation is supported by Public Citizen, Project on Government Oversight, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Campaign Legal Center, 20/20 Vision, Stand Up America, Issue One, P Street, Accountable.US., Indivisible, MoveOn, and National Taxpayers Union.\n\nBelow are statements in support of the bipartisan modified legislation:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s markup is an historic step towards curbing opportunities for stock market abuse and restoring trust in our government. This legislative achievement was possible only through commendable bipartisan cooperation between key members of the Senate from both sides of the aisle. After today\u2019s committee vote, Congress should immediately move forward with the bill to make the ETHICS Act law,\u201d said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen.\n\n\u201cThe Project On Government Oversight (POGO) applauds the Committee for advancing its ban on stock trading in Congress. The bipartisan ETHICS Act is an essential step to strengthening the American people's confidence in the integrity of their government. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Merkley, Senator Peters, Senator Hawley, and Senator Ossoff on this issue and urge a full Senate floor vote on this critical legislation,\u201d said Faith Williams, Director of Effective and Accountable Government at POGO.\n\n\u201cThe ETHICS Act will be an important step to restore Americans' faith that members of Congress are working in the people's interest, not to further their own financial interests,\u201d said Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. \u201cIt is the result of years of policy development and cooperation between dozens of senators and representatives on both sides of the aisle, civil society groups, and numerous nonpartisan experts. These years of discussion and collaboration have resulted in a strong, comprehensive, and bipartisan bill that meets each of CREW's critical policy requirements: prohibiting members of Congress from owning or trading any individual stocks or other similar financial assets, applying to members\u2019 spouses and dependent children and including a clear enforcement mechanism. These policies are overwhelmingly popular across partisan lines, and the people are calling on Congress to act. CREW strongly endorses the ETHICS Act and supports Sens. Peters, Merkley, Hawley, and Ossoff's effort to advance the bill through committee markup and to the floor as expeditiously as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cVoters have a right to know if federal elected officials are acting in the best interests of their constituents, or for their own financial gain,\u201d said Kedric Payne, vice president, general counsel and senior director of ethics at Campaign Legal Center. \u201cBy virtue of their positions, members of Congress, the president and the vice President are oftentimes privy to information that is unavailable to the general public. Allowing them to engage in stock trading risks fostering an environment where conflicts of interest among lawmakers lead to the deterioration of public trust. It is essential that the U.S. Senate pass this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cElected representatives in Washington should be focused on serving their constituents, not boosting their stock portfolios. The updated framework of the ETHICS Act would address the inherent conflict of interest that exists when lawmakers own and trade stocks that their decisions can influence the value of, while having access to sensitive non-public information. Prohibiting the President, Vice President and Members of Congress, along with their spouses and dependent children, from actively trading stock while in office is a commonsense fix that Americans across party lines broadly support. We applaud HSGAC Chair Peters, Senator Merkley, Senator Hawley, and Senator Ossoff for their decisive leadership and call on the Congress to pass this bipartisan proposal without delay,\u201d said 20/20 Vision.\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress take votes every day that affect the stock market. Public servants owning and trading stocks in the companies they are charged with regulating presents a massive opportunity for corruption and abuse. The American people deserve a Congress that puts their needs \u2013 not members\u2019 personal financial interests \u2013 first,\u201d said Emma Lydon, Managing Director of P Street. \u201cThe markup of the ETHICS Act is a victory for the American people and an opportunity to restore trust in our government. This is the culmination of years of work from Senators, grassroots organizations, the press, and the public. The Senate should move quickly to pass this common sense legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen members of Congress trade stocks while receiving privileged information during hearings and closed-door briefings, they create the appearance of corruption and erode Americans' confidence. Banning members from trading stocks while in office is a pragmatic and commonsense reform that Republicans and Democrats alike should get behind. The public must feel certain that their elected representatives are working for their best interests, not their own personal portfolios,\u201d said Nick Penniman, Issue One's Founder and CEO. \u201cThis bipartisan proposal will help restore public trust in Congress. It's time for our leaders to work together and pass this bill into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt's common sense. The fewer opportunities members of Congress have to use their influence to game the stock market for personal and family gain, the less it will happen. The ETHICS Act will go a long way towards preventing lawmaker self-dealing on Wall Street and restoring public trust in government,\u201d said Accountable.US' Liz Zelnick.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan legislative accomplishments of the Democratically-run Senate continue. Current law does little to actually stop members of Congress from engaging in illegal insider trading, using information they learn as our representatives for personal financial gain. This extraordinary ethical failure erodes the public\u2019s trust in Congress and undermines our democracy,\u201d said Brett Edkins, Managing Director of Policy & Political Affairs, Stand Up America. \u201cWe applaud Chair Peters, Senator Merkley, and members of the committee for advancing the ETHICS Act. This bill would prevent corruption and ensure that our elected officials act in the best interest of their constituents. We urge Leader Schumer to bring this critical legislation up for a vote.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-and-senate-judiciary-committee-to-convene-hearing-examining-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump", "Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee & Senate Judiciary Committee to Convene Hearing \r\nExamining the Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump", "2024-07-24", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chair and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, announced a joint oversight hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM to examine the security failures that led to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The committees will hear testimony from U.S. Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13th.\n\nThe following witnesses are confirmed:\n\nRonald L. Rowe, Jr, Acting Director of the U.S. Secret Service;\n\nPaul Abbate, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.\n\nThe hearing is part of a bipartisan Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs investigation led by Peters and Paul, and will follow a joint briefing for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee with U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.\n\nWHEN: Tuesday, July 30, 2024\n\nWHERE: SD-G50 or watch the livestream here and here\n\nTIME: 10:00 AM\n\nMembers of the media:\n\nIf you plan to attend, please email gabriella_zwolfer@hsgac.senate.gov andkylie_nolan@hsgac.senate.gov. Please note that media are required to display current press credentials.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 273, "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": "Senate", "p1": "MI", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 273, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2024&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 273, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 273, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 273, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-07-24,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Epeters~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsenate-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-and-senate-judiciary-committee-to-convene-hearing-examining-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MI&year=2024&_next=2024-07-24%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Epeters~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsenate-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-and-senate-judiciary-committee-to-convene-hearing-examining-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 255.83384511992335, "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"}