{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MI\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-gov-snyder-apology-over-flint-water-crisis", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Gov. Snyder Apology Over Flint Water Crisis", "2015-12-29", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today on the ongoing Flint water crisis: Governor Snyder's apology over the Flint water crisis is appropriate, as are personnel changes announced today at the Department of Environmental Quality. Through this ongoing crisis, the people of Flint did nothing wrong  they are victims of this failure of government. The State of Michigan must not only acknowledge its role in this crisis, but also take responsibility and act right away to make it right. The state can immediately step up to help the children of Flint who have suffered lead exposure. Today, the Governor alluded to more actions' in the coming days to help Flint residents. These actions by the state should include the establishment of a fund to ensure that kids  who are at the greatest risk for health problems from lead poisoning  receive the developmental, educational and nutritional support they need to help overcome the challenges associated with lead exposure. The State of Michigan can help these kids. If the state helps them now, they will have a better future. But we cannot delay  every day kids in Flint lose without support is a day they cannot get back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/officials-interfairth-and-civil-rights-activists-condemn-bigotry", "Officials, interfairth and civil rights activists condemn bigotry", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress members Brenda Lawrence (L), John Conyers and Debbie Dingell stand at the podium in front\n\t\t\t\t\t\tof a group of activists and officials at Charles Wright Museum of African American History, Dec. 21\n\t\t\t\t\n\tDETROIT  Heads of civil rights organizations, interfaith activists, government officials and religious leaders gathered at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American history to condemn the rising tides of Islamophobia, which are manifesting as hate crimes across the nation.\n\tSpeakers from the group dubbed \"One Nation, One Voice Against Bigotry and Hate Coalition\" took turns denouncing xenophobia and promoting unity at a press conference on Monday morning.\n\t\n\tNabih Ayad, chairman of the Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL), said those on the path of hate are on the wrong side of history.\n\t\"We know very well that diversity inherently is very strong for this nation and for this community,\" he said.\n\t\n\tDemocratic U.S. Reps speak out\n\tU.S. Reps. John Conyers (D-Detroit), Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) took part in the event and voiced support for the local Muslim community.\n\t\n\t\n\t\"How wonderful it is to see in this important hall a group of men and women, leaders of many different organizations, coming together to speak out and encourage the diversity that marks us a great area,\" Conyers, the dean of the House of Representatives, said.\n\tCongresswoman Lawrence urged Americans to speak up against discrimination.\n\t\"History has taught us that the biggest threat to our democracy is silence,\" she said.\n\tShe said allowing bigotry to go on against one group puts the entire society at risk.\n\t\"Collectively, if we raise our voices and not be silent, we can make a difference,\" Lawrence added. \"We can show those who are misinformed that hatred will not be tolerated; not in this country, not in southeast Michigan.\"\n\tRep. Dingell stressed that metro Detroit residents are united. She described Arab and Muslim Americans as friends and colleagues.\n\t\"They are our neighbors; they are our small business owners; they are our doctors,\" she said. \"Steve Jobs father was a Syrian and he [Jobs] was one of the greatest inventors of this country.\"\n\tShe said anti-Muslim sentiments violate the fundamental founding principles of the United States.\n\t\"Stop,\" Dingell said, addressing those who promote anti-Muslim bigotry. \"Enough is enough. It's not who we are as Americans.\"\n\tThe congresswoman said she will scream if she is asked about Muslims' denouncing terrorism again.\n\t\"They're speaking out every day, but the media is not covering it,\" she added.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBarbara McQuade\n\t\t\t\t\"False narrative\"\n\tBarbara McQuade, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, said the backlash against Arab and Muslim Americans harms national security.\n\t\"We know that terrorist organizations like ISIS use this rhetoric as propaganda,\" she said. \"They love to use that false narrative that America is at war with Islam.\"\n\tMcQuade said \"misguided stereotypes\" about Arabs and Muslims are spreading because people are afraid to interact with others who are different.\"Why is it when Timothy McVeigh commits a terrorist attack in Oklahoma City, no one blames all Catholics?\" she asked. \"When a White supremacist shoots up a Black church, no one blames all Whites. Yet, when there is a terrorist attack committed by a Muslim, we paint with a broad brush. Why is that? Because we demonize that which is different.\"\n\tMcQuade said during World War II German Americans were not put in internment camps, but Japanese Americans were \"because they look different.\"\n\tTo suggest that Muslim Americans are less American than the rest of us is insulting to all of us,\" McQuade said. \"When it comes to national security, united we stand; and divided we fall.\"\n\tWayne County Executive Warren Evans acknowledged the contributions of local Arabs and Muslims to the county.\n\t\"Diversity is important to being successful,\" he said.\n\tEvans said bigotry and lack of respect are a problem for the development of the county, state and nation.\n\tSteve Spreitzer, president of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, said people should come to know the larger human family around them.\n\t\"Dr. King marched to Selma for voting rights and to Washington for human rights,\" he said. \"What we need in southeast Michigan is to march across these artificial barriers for human relations and for people to come to know people who are different.\"\n\tNabby Yono, vice president of community relations at the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC), said prejudice is the same whether against Arabs, Chaldeans, Christians or Muslims and should be condemned.\n\t\"We're in it together,\" he said.\n\t  \"Did you get it?\"\n\tThe Arab American News Publisher Osama Siblani, who emceed the conference, reiterated Arab Americans' stance on terrorism.\n\t\"Just in case you did not hear it before, here it is again  we, the Arab and Muslim communities in the United States, condemn terrorist acts, whether they are acted by individuals, groups or governments,\" Siblani said.\n\t\"Did you get it?\" he asked reporters. \"Did everybody hear it? Should I repeat it again. Stop asking us to apologize for the terrorists, because we are their first victims.\"\n\tDearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly paid tribute to the Charles H. Wright Museum, which chronicles African Americans' historic struggles with slavery and segregation.\n\tThe mayor said it was fitting to hold the press conference at the museum because it details some of the greatest mistakes the United States has committed.\n\t\"We can't go back and we can't slide back,\" O'Reilly said. \"What I'm most concerned about particularly is our citizens who feel threatened and are afraid.\"\n\tThe mayor added that politicians with supposed credibility are promoting xenophobia at the national level, adding that Muslim citizens fear for their constitutional rights.\n\t\"We just can't let that happen,\" O'Reilly said. \"We have to protect everyone.\"\n\tDearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad stressed public safety, reaffirming his department's commitment to protecting the civil rights and liberties of all residents.\n\t\"I'm proud to stand here with our group,\" Haddad said. \"We're going to make sure that  from a public safety perspective  we do all we can.\"\n\tBrenda Rosenberg, the founder of Pathways to Peace Foundation in Action, emphasized the importance of dialogue between ethnic and religious groups.\n\tRosenberg said she sent an email last week with a list of 12 Jewish civil rights, religious and political organizations that stood with the Muslim community.\n\t\"We have to come together and stand together like we're doing today,\" she said.\n\tThe message against Islamophobia was also reiterated by Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of Detroit Chapter of the NAACP; Fatina Abdrabboh, executive director of ADC-Michigan; Shirley Stancato, president of New Detroit; Najah Bazzy, of Zaman International; and former State Rep. Rashida Tlaib, campaign manager of Take on Hate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-stabenow-peters-new-resources-fight-blight-will-help-strengthen", "Kildee, Stabenow, Peters: New Resources to Fight Blight will Help Strengthen Neighborhoods, Decrease Crime", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Studies Show Removing Blight Leads to Greater Economic Opportunity for Community and all Homeowners\nCongressman Dan Kildee, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI-05) today announced new efforts recently signed into law to help remove and repurpose thousands of abandoned properties in Flint and other cities across Michigan. Speaking in downtown Flint, the three members of Michigan's congressional delegation celebrated a provision they championed to allow the U.S. Department of Treasury to transfer $2 billion more into the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), a program that has already helped to clean up thousands of abandoned properties in cities across Michigan, including Flint, Saginaw and Detroit. Because of this provision, Treasury now has the authority to use the $2 billion to assist homeowners and eliminate blight through 2017. The provision, a part of the end-of-year omnibus bill, was passed by Congress last week and has been signed into law by President Barack Obama. One of my top priorities in Congress has been to support older, industrial communities like Flint and Saginaw so that they can compete in the new economy, Congressman Kildee said. Studies have proven that removing blight increases property values and decreases crime. But the real way I measure success is by imagining what an 8-year-old child sees when they stand on their front porch  do they see a burned-out building? Or can get they go next door to play at a new park because we have cleared away the blight? These new efforts are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of Flint residents. This is a huge win for cities like Flint and Saginaw and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our neighborhoods, said Senator Stabenow. We're already seeing how this funding is making a real difference locally, where thousands of blighted properties have already been demolished. It's important our cities have the resources they need to continue making our neighborhoods safer places to raise a family. Flint, Saginaw and cities across Michigan have been working hard to demolish blighted homes, increase property values and improve public safety in their communities, said Senator Peters. I was honored to work with Senator Stabenow and Congressman Kildee to ensure that communities across Michigan have access to additional Hardest Hit Fund resources that will help them continue to these critical efforts to revitalize their neighborhoods. The new influx of federal resources into the HHF is in addition to the over $200 millionMichigan has already received for blight demolition. Over the last three years, the rate of blighted properties being torn down has significantly increased. Since 2012, the Genesee County Land Bank (GCLB) has been able to tear down 2,087 blighted properties. According to the GCLB, there are approximately 2,400 properties still in need of demolition. Independent studies have shown that removing blight and abandonment in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit leads to greater economic opportunity for communities. According to a two-year study by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University, $3.5 million of demolition activity in Flint unlocked $112 million in improved property values for surrounding homeowners. Additionally, by removing abandoned properties in the community, crime and arson rates are reduced.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-lawrence-passses-amendment-require-federal-tracking-educational", "Rep. Lawrence passses amendment to require federal tracking of educational progress of foster youth", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Brenda Lawrence has passed an amendment requiring the U.S. Secretary of Education to track the educational progress of foster youth in America, a key measure that will protect hundreds of thousands of foster care students across America.\nThe congresswomans amendment was introduced as part of the Student Success Act, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), commonly known as No Child Left Behind. ESEA was previously reauthorized in 2002. Though there are provisions within the ESEA that Rep. Lawrence opposes, and will continue to work to address, her amendment is a positive step forward in ensuring that our foster youth are included in the tracking of all students educational progress.\nOne of my core areas of concern and commitment is the continuing fight for the benefit of American public school children, particularly those who come from less affluent communities, Rep. Lawrence said. That is why I was so proud  as a parent, as a grandparent, and as a former school board member  to see my amendment included in the ESEA Reauthorization, which has been signed into law by President Obama.\nAs a Democrat, Rep. Lawrences amendment was one of only a handful offered by the minority party that achieved support from the Republican-led chamber. The amendment requires the U.S. Secretary of Education to reject any state plan that fails to provide separate academic assessment reporting of foster care children. In 2010, there were 408,425 children placed in foster care in America, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Childrens Bureau.\nThe amendment will also benefit organizations dedicated to ensuring foster children receive the care and attention they deserve, said Lilla Weinberger, Executive Director of the National Foster Youth Institute.\nThanks to Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for ensuring that every state will be tracking the educational progress of its foster youth. These are our children, and we must make sure that they have every chance to succeed, Weinberger said.\nRep. Lawrences amendment to the ESEA was the first piece of legislation that she introduced as a freshman member of the 114th Congress and it is the third amendment she has passed this year.\nFoster care school-aged children deserve the same access to a quality education as everyone else. Unfortunately, and through no fault of their own, they often struggle to keep up in their studies due to a lack of a traditional home environment, Rep. Lawrence added. Under my amendment, foster care children will benefit from a watchful eye placed on the educational institution that serves them and we in the federal government will do whatever we can to ensure our education system does not fail them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-passes-amendment-require-tracking", "Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence passes amendment to require tracking of educational progress of foster youth", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Brenda Lawrence has passed an amendment requiring the U.S. Secretary of Education to track the educational progress of foster youth in America, a key measure that will protect hundreds of thousands of foster care students across America.\nThe congresswomans amendment was introduced as part of the Student Success Act, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), commonly known as No Child Left Behind. ESEA was previously reauthorized in 2002. Though there are provisions within the ESEA that Rep. Lawrence opposes, and will continue to work to address, her amendment is a positive step forward in ensuring that our foster youth are included in the tracking of all students educational progress.\nOne of my core areas of concern and commitment is the continuing fight for the benefit of American public school children, particularly those who come from less affluent communities, Rep. Lawrence said. That is why I was so proud -- as a parent, as a grandparent, and as a former school board member -- to see my amendment included in the ESEA Reauthorization, which has been signed into law by President Obama.\nAs a Democrat, Rep. Lawrences amendment was one of only a handful offered by the minority party that achieved support from the Republican-led chamber. The amendment requires the U.S. Secretary of Education to reject any state plan that fails to provide separate academic assessment reporting of foster care children. In 2010, there were 408,425 children placed in foster care in America, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Childrens Bureau.\nThe amendment will also benefit organizations dedicated to ensuring foster children receive the care and attention they deserve, said Lilla Weinberger, Executive Director of the National Foster Youth Institute.\n\"Thanks to Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for ensuring that every state will be tracking the educational progress of its foster youth. These are our children, and we must make sure that they have every chance to succeed, Weinberger said.\nRep. Lawrences amendment to the ESEA was the first piece of legislation that she introduced as a freshman member of the 114th Congress and it is the third amendment she has passed this year.\nFoster care school-aged children deserve the same access to a quality education as everyone else. Unfortunately, and through no fault of their own, they often struggle to keep up in their studies due to a lack of a traditional home environment, Rep. Lawrence added. Under my amendment, foster care children will benefit from a watchful eye placed on the educational institution that serves them and we in the federal government will do whatever we can to ensure our education system does not fail them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-kildee-new-resources-to-fight-blight-will-help-strengthen-neighborhoods-decrease-crime", "Peters, Stabenow, Kildee: New Resources to Fight Blight will Help Strengthen Neighborhoods, Decrease Crime", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow, Kildee: New Resources to Fight Blight will Help Strengthen Neighborhoods, Decrease Crime \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Studies Show Removing Blight Leads to Greater Economic Opportunity for Community and all Homeowners\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t FLINT  U.S. Senator Gary Peters, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today announced new efforts recently signed into law to help remove and repurpose thousands of abandoned properties in Flint and other cities across Michigan.\r\nSpeaking in downtown Flint, the three members of Michigan's congressional delegation celebrated a provision they championed to allow the U.S. Department of Treasury to transfer $2 billion more into the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), a program that has already helped to clean up thousands of abandoned properties in cities across Michigan, including Flint, Saginaw and Detroit. Because of this provision, Treasury now has the authority to use the $2 billion to assist homeowners and eliminate blight through 2017.\r\nThe provision, a part of the end-of-year omnibus bill, was passed by Congress last week and has been signed into law by President Barack Obama.\r\nFlint, Saginaw and cities across Michigan have been working hard to demolish blighted homes, increase property values and improve public safety in their communities, said Senator Peters. I was honored to work with Senator Stabenow and Congressman Kildee to ensure that communities across Michigan have access to additional Hardest Hit Fund resources that will help them continue to these critical efforts to revitalize their neighborhoods.\r\nThis is a huge win for cities like Flint and Saginaw and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our neighborhoods, said Senator Stabenow. We're already seeing how this funding is making a real difference locally, where thousands of blighted properties have already been demolished. It's important our cities have the resources they need to continue making our neighborhoods safer places to raise a family.\r\nOne of my top priorities in Congress has been to support older, industrial communities like Flint and Saginaw so that they can compete in the new economy, Congressman Kildee said. Studies have proven that removing blight increases property values and decreases crime. But the real way I measure success is by imagining what an 8-year-old child sees when they stand on their front porch  do they see a burned-out building? Or can get they go next door to play at a new park because we have cleared away the blight? These new efforts are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of Flint residents.\r\nThe new influx of federal resources into the HHF is in addition to the over $200 millionMichigan has already received for blight demolition. Over the last three years, the rate of blighted properties being torn down has significantly increased. Since 2012, the Genesee County Land Bank (GCLB) has been able to tear down 2,087 blighted properties. According to the GCLB, there are approximately 2,400 properties still in need of demolition.\r\nIndependent studies have shown that removing blight and abandonment in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit leads to greater economic opportunity for communities. According to a two-year study by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University, $3.5 million of demolition activity in Flint unlocked $112 million in improved property values for surrounding homeowners. Additionally, by removing abandoned properties in the community, crime and arson rates are reduced.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-nominates-53-michigan-students-to-military-academies", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 53 Michigan Students to Military Academies", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 53 Michigan Students to Military Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 22, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced that she has nominated 53 Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.\r\n\r\nMichigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service, said Senator Stabenow. Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.\r\n\r\nStudents seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenow's office went through a competitive application process that included interviews by community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.\r\n\r\nThe following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region):\r\n\r\nSoutheast Michigan:\r\n\r\nNicolas Bennett-Carpenter  Bloomfield Hills, West Point\r\nMolly Brabant  St. Clair Shores, Air Force Academy\r\nKayla Bruner  Lake Orion, Naval Academy\r\nMadison Burgin  Lake Orion, Air Force Academy\r\nTyler Chema  Clarkston, Naval Academy\r\nJay Cooke  Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy\r\nNoah Dobos  Chelsea, Naval Academy\r\nNaveen Fujii  Ann Arbor, Naval Academy\r\nZachary Hermosillo-Deboer  Belleville, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nHannah Homsy  Grosse Pointe, West Point\r\nAubrey Leggat  Grosse Pointe, Naval Academy\r\nJohn Libcke  West Bloomfield, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nIan MacKinnon  Plymouth, West Point\r\nRobert Martinez  Flat Rock, Naval Academy\r\nJamie Miller  Rochester Hills, Naval Academy\r\nNathanial Misra  Rochester, Air Force Academy\r\nWynter Nickless  Farmington Hills, West Point\r\nJordan Niehoff  Chelsea, West Point\r\nJames Niemeyer  Ray, West Point\r\nRoss Reason  Bloomfield Hills, West Point\r\nMiranda Reinhart  White Lake, Naval Academy\r\nRyan Rocca  Troy, West Point\r\nStephen Rumsey  Avoca, Air Force Academy\r\nJames Tweedie  Oakland Twp., West Point\r\nLogan Vish  Howell, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nMaria Viviano  Clinton Twp., Air Force Academy\r\nKara Wallace  Beverly Hills, Naval Academy\r\nWeslee Warren  Garden City, Naval Academy\r\nAlex Zhang  Troy, West Point\r\n\r\nWest Michigan:\r\n\r\nFrancine Barchett  Benton Harbor, West Point\r\nGrace Beverage  Portage, West Point\r\nBenjamin Coll  Kalamazoo, Naval Academy\r\nTiana Colovos  Comstock Park, Air Force Academy\r\nRaul Cuellar  St. Joseph, Naval Academy\r\nGeorgia Deems  Grand Rapids, West Point\r\nCharlotte Lee  Spring Lake, Naval Academy\r\nAndrew MacGregor  Grand Rapids, Naval Academy\r\nScott Nieboer  Holland, West Point\r\nGabriel Pedraza  Portage, Naval Academy\r\nGavin Poulin  North Muskegon, West Point\r\nKellen Rau  Grandville, Air Force Academy\r\nJoseph Rockwell  Marshall, West Point\r\nMariah Rossi  Grand Rapids, West Point\r\n\r\nUpper Peninsula:\r\n\r\nHannah Allen  Kingsford, Air Force Academy\r\n\r\nNorthern Michigan:\r\n\r\nLucas Catron  Ludington, West Point\r\nCecelia Richardson  Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\nNicole Roxbury  Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\n\r\nMid-Michigan:\r\n\r\nEthan Stutzman  Elsie, Air Force Academy\r\nMadison Swope  Jackson, Naval Academy\r\n\r\nFlint/Great Lakes Bay Region:\r\n\r\nMaxwell Coleman  Midland, West Point\r\nMackenzie Marshall  Fenton, Naval Academy\r\nTrace Sheerin  Goodrich, Air Force Academy\r\nBenjamin Vollbach  Standish, West Point", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/michigan-officials-announce-plans-revitalize-cities-and-neighborhoods", "Michigan officials announce plans to revitalize cities and neighborhoods", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Flexibility Makes Up to $2 Billion Available to Help Continue Blight Removal Efforts\nU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) last week announced new opportunities tohelp cities across Michigan and the country revitalize neighborhoods and keep communities safe. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through Sept. 2016, gives the U.S. Department of Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion in additional funding to the Hardest Hit Fund. The Hardest Hit Fund provides resources to states for blight removal efforts and to help struggling homeowners. Michigan has received $498.6 million since the Fund was established in 2010. Senators Stabenow, Peters and Rep. Kildee led the bipartisan effort to include this new opportunity for funding in the end-of-year deal.\nWe are seeing real progress in communities across our state from federal blight removal resources, said Senator Stabenow. This new flexibility is a huge win for Michigan cities and neighborhoods and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our communities and make sure our neighborhoods are safe places to raise a family.\nThe Hardest Hit Fund has been a vital resource for cities across Michigan working to remove blight, improve safety and increase property values in their neighborhoods, said Senator Peters. This new option to transfer funding and shore up the Hardest Hit Fund will allow Michigan communities to continue these efforts and attract new private investments to help their communities grow.\nGetting rid of abandoned homes in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit helps to strengthen neighborhoods and decrease crime, said Congressman Kildee. We have already made great progress in removing blight from our communities and this new flexibility will help to unlock more economic opportunity for all Michiganders.\nI am elated that the Department of the Treasury will have the option to bolster the crucial Hardest Hit Fund, a program I have long supported and which has already disbursed over $300 million through the Step Forward Michigan program to keep families in their homes. Over 28,000 Michiganders have received assistance from the program, including nearly 9,000 residents of Wayne County, and countless neighborhoods have benefited from additional efforts to combat blight, said Congressman John Conyers, Jr. With a potential new funding boost, the Hardest Hit Fund could continue to provide an essential safety net for struggling homeowners and communities. I thank President Obama and Treasury Secretary Lew for their past work to support Detroit, and I urge them to maintain their commitment to Michigans economic recovery.\nI have strongly supported the use of federal funds to strike at the blight that has weakened too many neighborhoods and communities within our cities, said Congresswoman Lawrence. As the congressional representative for Detroit, which has identified more than 84,000 properties beyond repair, and Pontiac, which has an estimated 400 locations awaiting demolition, one of my primary concerns has been the number of abandoned homes and businesses within my District. I have also seen, firsthand, how these federal funds can empower our communities and provide the resources needed to rebuild and prosper. As of October 28, 2015, U.S. Treasury has allowed the dedication of more than $300 million to Detroit for blight removal and awarded $3.7 million in federal blight removal funds to the City of Pontiac in 2013. I look forward to continued support from the Treasury for Detroit and Pontiac, and throughout our state.\nEarlier this year, Senator Stabenow, Senator Peters and Congressman Kildee led the effort to stop a proposed $1.7 billion cut in the Hardest Hit Fund. Cities that have benefited from this fund include Detroit, Adrian, Ecorse, Flint, Grand Rapids, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Ironwood, Jackson, Lansing, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac, Port Huron, River Rouge, and Saginaw.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/unlikely-partners-get-2b-blight-deal-done-congress", "Unlikely partners get $2B blight deal done in congress", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Detroit's road to get extra funding for blight fund included help from Jesse Jackson, Dan Gilbert, Chase's Jamie Dimon and a cast of others \n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBuy Photo\n\t\t\t\t(Photo: Regina H. Boone/Detroit Free Press)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\nWASHINGTON By Tuesday of this week, with just hours to go before congressional leaders would finalize the contents of a massive $1.15-trillion spending bill, it was still unclear whether a Detroit-led proposal to free up as much as $2 billion to help it and other cities across the U.S. demolish tens of thousands of abandoned, blighted buildings would make the cut.\nSome House Democrats were having second thoughts, concerned about other financial provisions in the bill and wondering whetherit was time to hit the pause button on those as well as the Michigan proposal to move $2 billion of unused cash into the Hardest Hit Fund, a program which, to date, has already sent the city $130 million to continue the nations most aggressive demolition effort.\nBut with the future of those anti-blight efforts in Detroit and across Michigan on the line, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, knew there might not be a second chance. Thats when Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, hearing the news, quickly cast about for someone who could intervene with Democratic leaders to help.\nThen he remembered: Several months before, the Rev. Jesse Jackson had met Duggan and said, if he ever needed Jacksons help, just to call.\nDuggan did. And so did Jackson.\nI called him, he answered and I explained the problem, Duggan told the Free Press on Friday. I told him, this could be the biggest blight removal program the federal government has ever done. He listened for 10 minutes and said, Let me see what I can do. And he made a phone call. He called me back at 11:30 p.m. and said, You have a commitment. \nHalf an hour later, Stabenow called Duggan again. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid had told her: The bill was done. Detroits plan widely expected to pay for demolitions there and in other old urban centers across Michigan and in several other states was in it.\nOn its face, the provision allowing the U.S. Treasury to transfer up to $2 billion into the Hardest Hit Fund which was sent to President Barack Obama for his signature into law on Friday along with the rest of the spending bill doesnt look terribly significant. Blight is not specifically mentioned. Nor is demolition. It is theoretically possible Treasury could use the funding for other purposes or not at all.\nBut that masks the fact that this provision was enacted with Treasurys full knowledge and that, according to those who worked on getting it passed, much of the $2 billion is likely to be committed to battle blight in at least some of the 18 states including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and others that are already part of the Hardest Hit Fund created in the wake of the last housing crisis.\nWhats also left unsaid is how big a turnaround it is considering that just five months ago, the Free Press broke the news that Senate leaders were trying to raid the fund and shut it down, and the level of effort that went into it over the course of the last two months. During that time, independent analyses indicated that Detroits demolition effort, the most aggressive in the country, was having a demonstrably positive impact and it helped sell the program's pitch.\nThis a step toward a development plan and it puts people to work in the meantime, Jackson told the Free Press on Friday, saying he was well acquainted with Detroits blight removal program but declining to say who he called to turn the tide. We need an urban policy discussion The next step now is reconstruction.\nKildee, who has long been a proponent of using federal funds to clear abandoned structures in cities across Michigan, had been pushing for some time for Treasury to move unused funds from other homeowner protection programs no longer necessary into the Hardest Hit Fund, which has increasingly been used to reimburse communities for demolitions in a handful of states as a way to stabilize neighborhoods.\nBut Treasury said it did not believe it had unilateral authority to do so.\nAnd, asthe Free Press has reported, those earlier awards wererunning out or had been otherwise allocated. Most of the $498 million already committed to Michigan is spoken for, for instance, and even with an additional $21 million commitment this fall, Detroits blight eradication program could run out of funds as soon as April, with thousands more blighted buildings still a drag on any potential neighborhood redevelopment.\nThen, in October, after the Senates unsuccessful attempt to raid the fund, Duggan approached Stabenow with the idea of not only showing people in Washington how much a success the program had been but also getting more funds for it, always a tall order in the nations capital.\nIt was the start of what Duggan, Stabenow, Kildee and others have described as an effort that not only saw them wooing leaders of both parties in Washington an effort U.S. Rep. Candice Miller of Harrison Township, a member of House Republican leadership was key to but gaining Republican allies from other states, especially Ohio, with its own blight efforts, to plug for the program.\nDuggan contacted Quicken Loans Dan Gilbert, a major force in Detroits redevelopment scene but also one withdeeptiesto Cleveland, another city with a blight removal program, where he owns the NBAs Cavaliers. Gilbert, said Duggan, not only had his Washington, D.C. lobbying team working on the proposal, he made more than 100 calls, e-mails and texts personally to push the change.\nIt wasnt just Gilbert, however: With JPMorgan Chase having already committed to invest $100 million in Detroit redevelopment, its head, Jamie Dimon, pledged his companys help as well. Dimon, who sits atop the nations largest bank, called House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to personally ask them to allow its passage. They did not stand in its way.\nOn the states delegation in Congress, U.S. Sen Gary Peters, Stabenows Democratic colleague, pitched in. So did Democratic Reps. John Conyers of Detroit and Brenda Lawrence of Southfield. In Detroit, the Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the local NAACP, made calls as well to push for it.\nTalking to the Free Press on Friday, Stabenow said it easily could have faltered, however.\nAt one point, she said, a mistaken version of the provision made it to the Congressional Budget Office, which estimated it could add to the deficit, which could have doomed it. As it turned out, however, by some methodof government accounting, the correct version actually appears to have small deficit reduction instead, making it even more attractive. The mistake was caught and corrected.\nEven as late as Tuesday and the concerns raised by House Democrats, there were worries it would fall apart. Stabenow called House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and reached out to Anthony to help with some Democratic members.Kildee, whose father had died last Saturday and who had been working on funeral arrangements while drumming up support for the provision, burned up the phone lines.\nThere were multiple moments of (near) failure, said Stabenow, who, as late as Wednesday evening, with the House Rules Committee sitting down to send the legislation to the full chamber its last substantive hurdle was nervous about talking about its passage too soon. There were many twist and turns to this.\nWhether the change and the funding comes through and not only continues to fuel Detroits demolitions but spurs a new national program of blight removal will remain to be seen. Treasury will have to determine how much to allocate to which states and for what. Blight programs historically take a long time to get going and run smoothly, as Duggan readily admits.\nBut given Treasurys involvement up front, it seems likely the funding for blight programs in Detroit and across Michigan isnt going to disappear any time too soon. Many believe it could lead to a blight eradication program unlike the nation has seen before.\nTo me the remarkable thingis, I doubt there are many bills that Dan Gilbert, Jamie Dimon and Jesse Jackson are all making calls on. It took that coalition, he said.\nI think it could transform many cities in this country, he added. I think youll see a lot more focus on this.\nContact Todd Spangler:703-854-8947 or at tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tsspangler.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-state-efforts-to-restrict-voter-access-peters-cosponsors-legislation-to-expand-opportunity-for-early-and-absentee-voting", "Following State Efforts to Restrict Voter Access, Peters Cosponsors Legislation to Expand Opportunity for Early and Absentee Voting", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.15\n\t\t\t Following State Efforts to Restrict Voter Access, Peters Cosponsors Legislation to Expand Opportunity for Early and Absentee Voting \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  After the Michigan Legislature this week passed a bill eliminating straight-ticket voting and rejected efforts to expand early voting options, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he will be cosponsoring legislation to expand access to early voting in federal elections and ensure voters in every state do not need an excuse to vote absentee.\r\n\r\nI am extremely disappointed in partisan political efforts in the Michigan Legislature that will erect barriers to the ballot box and make it harder for people to vote, said Senator Peters. The constitutional right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy, and we should be looking for ways to expand  not restrict - voter access. I will continue working in the U.S. Senate to ensure that every American has the equal opportunity to cast their ballot and make their voice heard.\r\n\r\nThe legislation Peters is cosponsoring amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by requiring every state, at a minimum, to either provide seven consecutive days of early voting during the 10-day period before a federal election, or not require voters to give an excuse in order to cast an absentee ballot by mail. The bill also ensures that states provide early voting at a sufficient number of locations statewide so all citizens have reasonable access to the polls before Election Day. Hardworking Americans who may find it difficult to make it to the polls on Tuesday will have the opportunity to vote on the day that works best for their schedules or vote absentee by mail.\r\n\r\nEvery American has the right to exercise their fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy, and they should not have to face unnecessary burdens or restrictions to do so, said Senator Peters. For many people with busy work schedules or mobility impairments, getting to the polls on Election Day can be difficult, and I'm proud to cosponsor this important legislation that will increase opportunities to vote early or absentee so that every American has the opportunity to make their voice heard at the ballot box.\r\n\r\nUnder current law, 33 states have some form of early voting, and 27 states permit voters to submit an absentee ballot without an excuse. Michigan does not have any form of early voting, and voters can request to vote absentee only if they are over 60, cannot vote in person without assistance, expect to be out of town on Election Day, cite a religious obligation, work as an election precinct inspector or are in jail awaiting trial or arraignment.\r\n\r\nSenator Peters has consistently supported legislation to expand voting rights for every American. He is a cosponsor of the Voter Registration Modernization Act, which creates uniform national standards and requirements for every state to allow online voter registration. On the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a historic piece of civil rights legislation, Senator Peters also cosponsored the Voting Rights Advancement Act, which includes a number of protections to prevent voter discrimination and curtail practices known to suppress the vote.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-dingell-s-holiday-jingle", "Congresswoman Dingells Holiday Jingle", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today continued a Dingell holiday tradition, releasing the 2015 edition of the annual Dingell Jingle. Full text of the jingle can be read below.\nTwas the day the House finally finished its business  \n\tWe passed a budget! In time for Christmas!  \n\tUnfortunately Congress waited until the last minute  \n\tBut thankfully Rubio didnt get his way in the Senate\nNow as we head home for holiday cheer and reflection  \n\tIts time to continue an important Dingell tradition  \n\tYear after year, amid clanking and clatter  \n\tJohn Dingell wrote a jingle about the issues that matter  \n\tHe wrote about the years highlights and whats in fashion  \n\tSometimes he even wrote about the Kardashians\nNow with the holiday season near  \n\tHere is a poem thats a reflection of a first year  \n\tIts true that being a freshmans not always a dream  \n\tEspecially when you follow someone like the Dean  \n\tBut we share an approach not seen in a while  \n\tWe believe in working across the Congressional aisle\nThe years been filled with challenges and treats  \n\tWe welcomed the Pope, who many wanted to meet  \n\tWe fought for American workers, to make families lives better  \n\tAlong the way, we may have ruffled the Presidents feathers  \n\tWhat Madonna said about Michigan wasnt so nice  \n\tHeres hoping that next time she might think twice\nOur Speaker retired, and we thanked him for trying  \n\tHe worked hard and did well in between all the crying  \n\tSo began the search to fill the job no one wanted  \n\tEnter Paul Ryan with a new beard he flaunted  \n\tFrom highways to schools, the last months been busy  \n\tPassing bills and making progress has left some quite dizzy \nAs 2016 approaches, we have an important decision  \n\tTheres fear that many will stand behind Trumps vision  \n\tIn Michigan theres another pressing concern  \n\tWill the Wolverines have the victory theyve earned  \n\tTo be sure, winning the Citrus Bowl is a must  \n\tHappy holidays to you and your family, and in Harbaugh we trust", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-omnibus-appropriations-bill", "Dingell Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined colleagues in the House to adopt, by a vote of 316 to 113, the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the government for 2016.\nThis comprehensive funding bill isnt perfect, but it represents a bipartisan compromise that has many victories for Americas working families. \nIt provides critical funding increases, including a $2 billion increase in funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health and up to $2 billion in funding to tear down blighted buildings, which is important for many Michigan communities. It includes a three year reauthorization and funding increase for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, our nations most vital conservation program which benefits literally every county in America; it includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; permanent health care funding for 9/11 first responders; and a two-year delay of the Cadillac tax on health plans, which matters to the working men and women of my district. In addition, Id like to thank Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey of the Appropriations Committee for including a measure I have championed to allow the President to award theMedal of Honor to Vietnam veteran Charles Kettles, a resident of Ypsilanti. \nThere are flaws with this bill as well. I have concerns about lifting the longstanding ban on U.S. oil exports, which could result in higher gas prices in the United States. I am hopeful that the extension of the wind and solar tax credits will help counteract this by havinga positive impact on our environment and energy independence while creating good paying jobs. We should have also used this legislation to address the economic crisis in Puerto Rico, and I trust the Speakers word that it will be addressed next year. I also continue to have serious concerns about the discriminatory changes being made to the visa waiver program, and will continue working to ensure we do not target anyone based on nationality or religion in this country.  \nThis bill is a true compromise, and for me compromise is not a dirty word. It isnt perfect, but it avoids a government shutdown while providing for much needed investments in critical programs which will help improve the lives of many working families in Southeast Michigan and the nation, and therefore, it is worthy of our support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-brenda-lawrence-votes-omnibus-appropriations-bill-create-jobs-and", "Rep. Brenda Lawrence Votes for Omnibus Appropriations Bill to Create Jobs and Grow the Economy with Investments in Americas Priorities", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Brenda Lawrence voted with the majority of her colleagues in the House to adopt, by a vote of 316 to 113, the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This measure funds the government for FY 2016. Today I cast my vote to avert a disastrous Republican government shutdown and to make vital investments in the future of Americas working families, Congresswoman Lawrence said. The bill implements the Bipartisan Budget Agreement adopted by Congress in October.Though it is far from perfect it is a true bipartisan compromise.It is not the bill I would have written, but it is a victory for working families over the Republican Congresss special interest priorities. My passion for protecting the core priorities of hard-working Americans  such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; community improvement programs, such as blight removal; renewable energy; education; research and development; and infrastructure  have been preserved and strengthened in this Omnibus package. Democrats won enormous improvements over the destructive FY 2016 appropriations bills Republicans wrote earlier this year.\nFor most of this year, Republicans have been trying to make devastating cuts to our investments in the future of our hard-working American families  cuts that would kill jobs and weaken our economic growth. For example, the House GOP bill would have slashed education initiatives by $2.5 billion below 2015 and cut HHS funding below the 2015 level. Instead, we have made strong investments in areas that will create jobs and grow the economy. I am deeply disappointed that Republicans insisted on lifting the oil export ban in this vital legislation to keep government open, Rep. Lawrence added. However, I am proud to say that Democrats were able to secure sweeping victories for Americas working families throughout the Omnibus. In addition to purging the bill of scores of Republicans poison pill policy riders, Democrats extended wind and solar tax credits that will eliminate around ten times more carbon pollution than the exports of oil will add.\nThe bills investments in priorities include the following:\n Renewable Energy: Provides a major boost to renewable energy by extending the wind Production Tax Credit for five years (through 2019), and extending the solar Investment Tax Credit for five years (through 2021), while phasing both credits down somewhat over time. Extending the solar tax credit is estimated to create 61,000 jobs in 2017 alone. It is also estimated that the wind industry will grow to over 100,000 jobs over four years with the renewed wind tax credit.\n\tEnergy Efficiency and Clean Energy R&D: Provides an 8 percent increase over 2015 for R&D activities in the pursuit of new clean energy and energy efficiency technologies.\n\tOverall Education: The bill restores the $2.5 billion cut in education that the GOP had proposed and also makes critical additional investments of $1.4 billion above 2015, in such areas as Title I that serves 24 million at-risk students.\n\tEarly Learning: Investing in Head Start produces results  and this bill invests nearly $400 million more than the House GOP bill and nearly $600 million more than 2015 in this vital initiative. The bill also provides $250 million for Preschool Development Grants, assisting 18 states across the country.\n\tMedical Research: Medical research at NIH has been underfunded for the last several years. This bill provides $900 million more than the House GOP bill and $2 billion more than 2015 for this life-saving research.\n\tInfrastructure: The popular TIGER grants are being used across the country to repair infrastructure and contribute to economic growth. The House GOP bill had slashed TIGER grants by 80 percent, killing jobs, but this bill restores the funding to the 2015 level of $500 million.\n\tLaw Enforcement: The bill provides $187 million for COPS hiring grants, $7 million above the 2015 level and $187 million above the House GOP bill, which had eliminated the hiring grants. The bill also provides $80 million for the Community Policing Initiative, including $22.5 million for body-worn cameras and $15 million for Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation grants.\n The measure also does not include numerous GOP ideological riders that would have had damaging impacts on Americas women, consumers, workers, and children. The damaging GOP poison pill riders that were removed from the final bill include:\n GOP riders that would have limited womens access to the full range of comprehensive health care services, including by defunding Planned Parenthood.\n\tGOP riders that would have gutted the Dodd-Frank provisions that hold big Wall Street banks accountable.\n\tGOP riders that would have undermined the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, jeopardizing the health of our children and working families.\n Finally, the Omnibus includes several other important provisions:\n Reauthorizes the key James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, making the Health Program permanent and reauthorizing the Victims Compensation Fund for five years;\n\tDelays the so-called Cadillac tax, a tax on employer-provided health plans worth over a certain threshold, for two years  from 2018 to 2020;\n\tIncludes the provisions of the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which addresses issues raised by the terrorist attacks in Paris with reforms to the program; and\n\tReauthorizes the Land and Conservation Fund, which is one of our countrys most successful outdoor recreation and conservation programs and which Republicans allowed to expire on September 30.\n By passing this bill, Congress has ended the threat of a possible government shutdown that our country has struggled with for the last several months, Rep. Lawrence concluded. I hope that the Republicans will now abandon their practice of creating one manufactured crisis after another and join Democrats in developing bipartisan legislation that creates jobs, strengthens the middle class and the economy, and enhances our national security.The enactment of this bill today is an important step in that direction and moving the country forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-extension-of-tax-credit-for-businesses-employing-military-reservists-and-national-guardsmen", "Peters Applauds Extension of Tax Credit for Businesses Employing Military Reservists & National Guardsmen", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.15\n\t\t\t Peters Applauds Extension of Tax Credit for Businesses Employing Military Reservists & National Guardsmen \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Peters Previously Introduced Bipartisan Bill Extending Tax Credit to Employers that Provide Differential Pay to Reservists Called to Active Duty\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today applauded the expansion and permanent extension of a tax credit for employers that provide differential pay to military reservists and National Guard members called to serve on active duty. The tax credit, which was included in an end-of-year government spending and tax bill, would apply to all businesses, but the extension is particularly helpful for small businesses that may find it more difficult to absorb the costs of providing differential pay. Earlier this year, Peters introduced the Military Reserve Small Business Jobs Act with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, to extend this tax credit for small businesses for five years, providing financial security for the families of Reservists and National Guardsmen serving on active duty.\r\nMichigan reservists and National Guardsmen stand ready to defend our nation at a moment's notice and play a critical role in keeping our military strong, said Senator Peters. When called to active duty, our servicemembers should not be forced to worry about how their families will pay for groceries or put gas in the car. We should reward employers and businesses that show their patriotism by providing differential pay to employees called to active duty, and I am pleased that this legislation permanently extending and expanding this important tax credit will soon be signed into law.\r\nThere are approximately 824,000 reservists and National Guard members in America, and 15,438 of them serve in units in Michigan. Since September 11, 2001, over 905,000 reservists and National Guard members have been activated in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.\r\nOriginally enacted in 2008 as part of the bipartisan Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (HEART Act), the employer wage credit for activated military reservists helps employers that provide differential pay to employees who have been called to active duty. Previously, employers with 50 employees or less received a tax credit for 20% of the differential salary payment for their workers. For example, if an employee's pay is $3,000 per month but they make $2,000 while on active duty, the employer would receive a $200 credit for paying them the $1,000 difference.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-stabenow-applaud-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-plastic-beads-out-of-great-lakes", "Senators Peters, Stabenow Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.15\n\t\t\t Senators Peters, Stabenow Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Will Go To President's Desk for Signature\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senators Gary Peters andDebbie Stabenow today applauded the U.S. Senate's unanimous passage of the bipartisanMicrobead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which will protect the Great Lakes from pollution caused by small, plastic microbeads that are ingredients in certain soaps and personal care products. The legislation, which was sponsored by Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month. It will phase out the manufacturing of products with microbeads, which get through water treatment facilities and are harmful to fish and wildlife. This bill is similar to companion legislation that Senators Peters and Stabenowintroduced earlier this year.\r\nThis commonsense, bipartisan effort to phase out microbeads in consumer products like face wash and toothpaste is an important step toward protecting our Great Lakes,said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.Synthetic plastic microbeads amplify the effects of pollution and threaten wildlife in the Great Lakes ecosystem. I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues are sending this vital measure to the President's desk to ensure our Great Lakes continue to thrive.\r\nToday's vote is great news for our Great Lakes, which are critical to our economy and Michigan way of lifesaid Senator Stabenow, co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.Microbeads pose a very real danger to our Great Lakes and threaten our fish and wildlife populations. This bipartisan bill is an important step in keeping our wildlife protected and our waters safe.\r\nMicrobeads from products like face washes and toothpaste often end up floating in the Great Lakes, where they can build up as plastic pollution and are often mistaken for food by fish. A report by the State University of New York in Fredonia found anywhere from 1,500 to 1.1 million microbeads per square mile in the Great Lakes, the world's largest source of freshwater.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenows-bill-to-protect-homeowners-from-higher-taxes-passes-senate", "Senator Stabenows Bill to Protect Homeowners from Higher Taxes Passes Senate", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow's Bill to Protect Homeowners from Higher Taxes Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Protects Homeowners from Being Hit with Extra Tax Bill \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFriday, December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, today applauded the inclusion of her legislation to protect struggling homeowners from being hit with an extra tax bill in the end-of-year spending bill. The bill, which will fund the government through 2016, includes Senator Stabenow's Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act. The Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act makes sure homeowners aren't required to pay additional taxes when they receive mortgage principal forgiveness on their homes or sell their homes in what are commonly called \"short sales.\" Senator Stabenow led the effort to include her bill in the end-of-year deal, which will go to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nSo many families across the country, including many in Michigan, are faced with having to pay for mortgages that now exceed the value of their home, said Senator Stabenow. The passage of this bipartisan agreement means that families who are willing to work with their lenders will not be forced to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in additional income tax when they sell their home.\r\nThe end-of-year deal extends through 2016 legislation originally authored by Senator Stabenow in 2007. Senator Stabenow led the effort last Congress to extend this provision in the Tax Increase Prevention Act, which extended the tax break through 2014. This bill will also add additional protections authored by Senator Stabenow to ensure that homeowners are eligible for relief as long as the agreement to reduce their mortgage debt is in writing before the date the provision expires.\r\nDeclining home prices and rising foreclosure rates have forced many families to sell their homes for less than they paid for them, and sometimes for less than the outstanding debt. The IRS previously taxed any loan forgiveness provided to homeowners as \"income,\" meaning families were paying thousands of dollars in income tax for phantom income that wasn't actual money the family had earned.\r\nWhile the housing market is recovering, short sales and foreclosures continue. More than one in six American homeowners currently have mortgages that are underwater.\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senators-stabenow-peters-applaud-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-plastic-beads-out-of-great-lakes", "Senators Stabenow, Peters Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Stabenow, Peters Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Will Go To President's Desk for Signature  \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFriday, December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today applauded the U.S. Senate's unanimous passage of the bipartisan Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which will protect the Great Lakes from pollution caused by small, plastic microbeads that are ingredients in certain soaps and personal care products. The legislation, which was sponsored by Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month. It will phase out the manufacturing of products with microbeads, which get through water treatment facilities and are harmful to fish and wildlife. This bill is similar to companion legislation that Senators Stabenow and Peters introduced earlier this year.\r\nToday's vote is great news for our Great Lakes, which are critical to our economy and Michigan way of life said Senator Stabenow, co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. Microbeads pose a very real danger to our Great Lakes and threaten our fish and wildlife populations. This bipartisan bill is an important step in keeping our wildlife protected and our waters safe.\r\nThis commonsense, bipartisan effort to phase out microbeads in consumer products like face wash and toothpaste is an important step toward protecting our Great Lakes, said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. Synthetic plastic microbeads amplify the effects of pollution and threaten wildlife in the Great Lakes ecosystem. I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues are sending this vital measure to the President's desk to ensure our Great Lakes continue to thrive.\r\nMicrobeads from products like face washes and toothpaste often end up floating in the Great Lakes, where they can build up as plastic pollution and are often mistaken for food by fish. A report by the State University of New York in Fredonia found anywhere from 1,500 to 1.1 million microbeads per square mile in the Great Lakes, the world's largest source of freshwater.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/fund-used-blight-demolition-set-receive-billions-more-under-push-congressman", "Fund Used for Blight Demolition Set to Receive Billions More Under Push by Congressman Dan Kildee", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bill expected to be passed by Congress this week includes a provision fought for by Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) to transfer $2 billion more into the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), a program that has already helped to remove and repurpose thousands of abandoned properties in cities across Michigan, including Flint and Saginaw. Additionally, these new funds would have greater flexibility and could be used to make additional progress on removing blight, including past 2017, when the funds currently expire. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, along with a bipartisan coalition of Michigan's congressional delegation in the House, have offered their support for this new provision in the year-end government-funding bill, expected to pass this week.\nGetting rid of abandoned properties in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit helps to strengthen neighborhoods and decrease crime, Congressman Kildee said. We have already made great progress in removing blight from our community, and this new flexibility will help to unlock more economic opportunity for all Michiganders.\nThe Hardest Hit Fund was originally designed  and is still working  to keep people in their homes and prevent additional foreclosures after the Great Recession. In recent years, thanks to Congressman Kildee's efforts in Congress, the U.S. Treasury Department rightfully determined that removing blight in communities helps to stabilize and strengthen neighborhoods. Since 2013, Congressman Kildee has helped to secure over $200 million for Michigan cities to help get rid of large quantities of blight, including $32.7 million most recently in October. In Flint alone, nearly 2,000 run-down properties have been torn down and their land repurposed.\nIn a House Financial Services Committee hearing in March, Congressman Kildee spoke with U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Jack Lew about transferring unused resources in the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) to the HHF for blight removal. Following up on that conversation, Congressman Kildee met with Treasury officials in April to push for additional federal resources. In September, Congressman Kildee also hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill focusing on federal policies that can help support cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit, including blight removal.\nIt is invaluable to have someone in Congress like Dan Kildee who understands the need to support America's cities, said Jim Rokakis, the former treasurer for Cuyahoga County, Ohio, who now is the Vice President of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. For over a decade, it has been great to have a partner in Congressman Kildee on these important issues and now it is even better to see changes being made at the federal level to help strengthen and revitalize communities. Dan has been instrumental in getting this change to free up additional resources for blight removal in Flint and other communities.\nIn July, Congressman Kildee, working with Senators Stabenow and Peters, also successfully fought back against a proposal introduced in the U.S. Senate to rescind the money allocated through the HHF and marked for Michigan blight demolitions. Independent studies have shown that removing blight and abandonment in cities like Detroit, Flint and Saginaw leads to greater economic opportunity for communities.\nAccording to a two-year study by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University, $3.5 million of demolition activity in Flint unlocked $112 million in improved property values for surrounding homeowners. Additionally, by removing abandoned properties in the community, crime and arson rates are reduced.\nSince being sworn into Congress, one of my top priorities has been to secure resources and ensure cities and towns are able to remove and repurpose abandoned homes. Working with Senator Stabenow, Senator Peters and others, I am pleased that our efforts have resulted in more funds to remove blight and revitalize our communities, Congressman Kildee said.\nCongressman Kildee has an extensive background in housing policy and land use issues. In 2002, as Genesee County Treasurer, he founded the Genesee County Land Bank  Michigan's first land bank  and served as its Chairman from 2002 until 2009. Congressman Kildee's successful land bank model has helped to inspire over 100 other communities to start similar models to help create opportunity and foster development, including in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Syracuse, N.Y., and Fulton County, Ga. He also previously co-founded and served as the President & CEO of the Center for Community Progress, a national non-profit organization focused on supporting America's older, industrial cities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-peters-stabenow-legislation-award-medal-honor-ypsilanti-vietnam", "Dingell, Peters, Stabenow Legislation to Award Medal of Honor to Ypsilanti Vietnam Veteran Included in Government Funding Bill", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that legislation they introduced, which would allow Major Charles S. Kettles of Ypsilanti to be awarded the Medal of Honor, will move forward as part of the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill.\nThe legislation was introduced in November following a request from the Ypsilanti Rotary Veterans History Project to review Major Kettles actions during the Vietnam War. Upon review, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter determined that Major Kettles actions merited the nations highest military honor, but because the statute of limitations has passed, Congressional action is required. The legislation waives the time limitation and allows the President to make the final decision. It is expected to be considered in the House and Senate on Friday.\nMajor Kettles is a true American hero, who courageously risked his life to ensure no soldier was left behind, said Congresswoman Dingell. His bravery, determination and unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemembers exemplify the highest values of the United States military, and it has been my honor to work with Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow to ensure his contributions to our country are properly honored. \nMajor Kettles went above and beyond the call of duty with his selfless and heroic actions that saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Im pleased to work with Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Stabenow to recognize Major Kettles exemplary service and help ensure he is awarded the Medal of Honor he deserves.\nDecades ago, Michigans own Major Kettles courageously went back into enemy territory to save the lives of 44 of his fellow servicemen, said Senator Stabenow. This legislation will help make sure Major Kettles is awarded the Medal of Honor without delay and will recognize the true selflessness and bravery of his actions in Vietnam.\nOn May 15, 1967, after an airborne infantry unit was ambushed in the Song Tra Cau riverbed in Vietnam by the North Vietnamese Army, Major Kettles led three flights into extremely hostile territory to deliver supplies, reinforcements, and evacuate the wounded and trapped. During the final flight, shortly after leaving the landing zone, Major Kettles was informed that eight soldiers remained on the ground. Without hesitating, he returned on his own, without regard for his own safety and with no other support, to rescue the remaining men. All totaled on that day, his actions saved the lives of 40 soldiers and 4 crew members from the 176th Aviation Company after their helicopter was destroyed.  \n\t  \n\tFor his voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty, Major Kettles was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1968. In 2012, a local campaign was launched by William Vollano, a coordinator with the Veterans History Project, and Major Kettles family to upgrade his award to the Medal of Honor. A number of men from his company and the 101st Airborne Division sent letters validating his heroic actions, and last year former Congressman John D. Dingell sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense asking for reconsideration of the United States of Americas highest military honor. In reviewing the facts, Secretary Carter agreed that Major Kettles actions merited the Medal of Honor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-tax-extender-package", "Dingell Statement on Tax Extender Package", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement today on the Protecting Against Tax Hikes (PATH) Act.\nFor too long, Americans of all walks of life have faced uncertainty about whether they would be able to receive important tax benefits that had been scheduled to expire. These benefits, like the earned income tax credit for low-income earners, the child tax credit for families, the American Opportunity Tax Credit for college students, the research and development tax credit for businesses, and enhanced deductions for charitable givers all provide critical financial support and incentives to deserving Americans. \nWhen we considered budget resolutions for FY16, Democrats and Republicans all agreed that these critical provisions should be extended, and we agreed any extension should be fully paid for as part of a tax reform package. Every budget proposal  from the conservative Republican Study Committee budget to the liberal Progressive Caucus budget  assumed these provisions would be offset. \nUnfortunately, this bill does not pay for the cost of making the tax cuts permanent. It violates the fundamental principal that we must pay for the cost of permanent tax changes, and as a result, it would add $622 billion to our nations debt. \nAs a Budget Committee member, I take seriously our commitment to being good stewards of our nations finances. While we should make permanent most of the expiring provisions, especially the ones mentioned above, we shouldnt do it at a price of $622 billion that is not paid for.\nReducing revenue levels to historic lows risks future cuts to critical programs like Social Security and Medicare. While this bill may be providing critical tax incentives for important causes  like encouraging scientific research  the debt we will incur to finance these tax breaks will eventually force us to make spending cuts that will hurt non-defense discretionary spending, which includes funding for job training programs, scientific research, Head Start, and countless other critical programs; programs that are already funded at the lowest level since 1962. We cannot risk further cuts to these programs. \nAmericans should have the certainty to plan their household budgets, business expenditures, and charitable giving. But, there is also a need to pay for the cost of this tax package. The bill today violates the budget principles nearly all of us agreed to just months ago, and therefore I could not support it. We need to have a real debate on tax reform and on how to responsibly make permanent these worthy provisions for working families, students, businesses, and donors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-issues-statement-tax-extenders-vote", "Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence Issues Statement on Tax Extenders Vote", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Thursday issued the following statement after voting against the tax extenders package.\nMy decision to vote no on the tax extender package was one that required careful deliberation and some difficult choices. There are provisions within the package that I support, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Enhanced Child Tax Credit, delaying the implementation of the Cadillac Tax  for two years, and providing benefits for teachers. My decision, however, came down to the knowledge that this package increases our deficit by $622 billion.\nThis program makes permanent tax breaks for corporations. Without this tax revenue, there will fewer funds available for critical government programs and services that benefit our most vulnerable citizens including seniors, veterans, and children. Without this tax revenue, we cannot make the investments needed to create jobs, grow our economy, and strengthen our national security. Detroit and Michigan are poised to become the greatest comeback story of all time. Without federal investment in critical sectors such as education and infrastructure, that comeback is severely threatened.\nAdditionally, I am strongly opposed to the inclusion of international tax provisions in this permanent package. This bill makes the Active Financing Exception permanent, increasing the deficit by $78 billion over 10 years, and extends the Controlled Foreign Corporation Look-Through Rule for five years, which increases the deficit by $8 billion over 10 years. These two provisions alone will drastically deprive Americans of its corporate tax base and will force small businesses and individuals to make up for that lost revenue.\nFinally, this tax extenders package completely undermines the chance of enacting responsible, comprehensive tax reform. This $622 billion package, that is unpaid for, will rob our communities and schools of social programs and require the American worker to bear the tax burden of international corporations and big business.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/led-by-senators-peters-stabenow-and-congressman-kildee-members-of-michigan-delegation-announce-new-opportunities-to-revitalize-cities-neighborhoods", "Led by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.15\n\t\t\t Led by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New Flexibility Makes Up to $2 Billion Available to Help Continue Blight Removal Efforts\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. SenatorGary Peters (D-MI),U.S. SenatorDebbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) today announced new opportunities tohelp cities across Michigan and the country revitalize neighborhoods and keep communities safe. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, gives the U.S. Department of Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion in additional funding to the Hardest Hit Fund. The Hardest Hit Fund provides resources to states for blight removal efforts and to help struggling homeowners. Michigan has received $498.6 million since the Fund was established in 2010. Senators Peters, Stabenow and Rep. Kildee led the bipartisan effort to include this new opportunity for funding in the end-of-year deal.\r\nThe Hardest Hit Fund has been a vital resource for cities across Michigan working to remove blight, improve safety and increase property values in their neighborhoods,said Senator Peters.This new option to transfer funding and shore up the Hardest Hit Fund will allow Michigan communities to continue these efforts and attract new private investments to help their communities grow.\"\r\nWe are seeing real progress in communities across our state from federal blight removal resources, said Senator Stabenow. This new flexibility is a huge win for Michigan cities and neighborhoods and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our communities and make sure our neighborhoods are safe places to raise a family.\r\nGetting rid of abandoned homes in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit helps to strengthen neighborhoods and decrease crime, said Congressman Kildee. We have already made great progress in removing blight from our communities and this new flexibility will help to unlock more economic opportunity for all Michiganders.\r\n\"I am elated that the Department of the Treasury will have the option to bolster the crucial Hardest Hit Fund, a program I have long supported and which has already disbursed over $300 million through the Step Forward Michigan program to keep families in their homes. Over 28,000 Michiganders have received assistance from the program, including nearly 9,000 residents of Wayne County, and countless neighborhoods have benefited from additional efforts to combat blight, said Congressman John Conyers, Jr. With a potential new funding boost, the Hardest Hit Fund could continue to provide an essential safety net for struggling homeowners and communities. I thank President Obama and Treasury Secretary Lew for their past work to support Detroit, and I urge them to maintain their commitment to Michigan's economic recovery.\r\nI have strongly supported the use of federal funds to strike at the blight that has weakened too many neighborhoods and communities within our cities, said Congresswoman Lawrence. As the congressional representative for Detroit, which has identified more than 84,000 properties beyond repair, and Pontiac, which has an estimated 400 locations awaiting demolition, one of my primary concerns has been the number of abandoned homes and businesses within my District. I have also seen, firsthand, how these federal funds can empower our communities and provide the resources needed to rebuild and prosper. As of October 28, 2015, U.S. Treasury has allowed the dedication of more than $300 million to Detroit for blight removal and awarded $3.7 million in federal blight removal funds to the City of Pontiac in 2013. I look forward to continued support from the Treasury for Detroit and Pontiac, and throughout our state.\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Peters, Senator Stabenowand Congressman Kildee led the effort to stop a proposed $1.7 billion cut in the Hardest Hit Fund. Cities that have benefited from this fund include Detroit, Adrian, Ecorse, Flint, Grand Rapids, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Ironwood, Jackson, Lansing, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac, Port Huron, River Rouge, and Saginaw.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-dingell-legislation-to-award-medal-of-honor-to-ypsilanti-vietnam-veteran-included-in-government-funding-bill-", "Peters, Stabenow, Dingell Legislation to Award Medal of Honor to Ypsilanti Vietnam Veteran Included in Government Funding Bill", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow, Dingell Legislation to Award Medal of Honor to Ypsilanti Vietnam Veteran Included in Government Funding Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), and U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12)today announced that legislation they introduced, which would allow Major Charles S. Kettles of Ypsilanti to be awarded the Medal of Honor, will move forward as part of the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill.\r\nThe legislation was introduced in November following a request from the Ypsilanti Rotary Veterans History Project to review Major Kettles' actions during the Vietnam War. Upon review, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter determined that Major Kettles' actions merited the nation's highest military honor, but because the statute of limitations has passed, Congressional action is required. The legislation waives the time limitation and allows the President to make the final decision. It is expected to be considered in the House and Senate on Friday.\r\nMajor Kettles went above and beyond the call of duty with his selfless and heroic actions that saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I'm pleased to work with Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Stabenow to recognize Major Kettles' exemplary service and help ensure he is awarded the Medal of Honor he deserves.\r\nDecades ago, Michigan's own Major Kettles courageously went back into enemy territory to save the lives of 44 of his fellow servicemen, said Senator Stabenow. This legislation will help make sure Major Kettles is awarded the Medal of Honor without delay and will recognize the true selflessness and bravery of his actions in Vietnam.\r\nMajor Kettles is a true American hero, who courageously risked his life to ensure no soldier was left behind,said Congresswoman Dingell. His bravery, determination and unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemembers exemplify the highest values of the United States military, and it has been my honor to work with Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow to ensure his contributions to our country are properly honored.\r\nOn May 15, 1967, after an airborne infantry unit was ambushed in the Song Tra Cau riverbed in Vietnam by the North Vietnamese Army, Major Kettles led three flights into extremely hostile territory to deliver supplies, reinforcements, and evacuate the wounded and trapped. During the final flight, shortly after leaving the landing zone, Major Kettles was informed that eight soldiers remained on the ground. Without hesitating, he returned on his own, without regard for his own safety and with no other support, to rescue the remaining men. All totaled on that day, his actions saved the lives of 40 soldiers and 4 crew members from the 176th Aviation Company after their helicopter was destroyed.\r\nFor his voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty, Major Kettles was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1968. In 2012, a local campaign was launched by William Vollano, a coordinator with the Veterans History Project, and Major Kettles' family to upgrade his award to the Medal of Honor. A number of men from his company and the 101st Airborne Division sent letters validating his heroic actions, and last year former Congressman John D. Dingell sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense asking for reconsideration of the United States of America's highest military honor. In reviewing the facts, Secretary Carter agreed that Major Kettles' actions merited the Medal of Honor.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-arrival-syrian-refugee-dr-refaai-hamo-and-his-family-to-michigan", "Peters Statement on Arrival Syrian Refugee Dr. Refaai Hamo & His Family to Michigan", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.15\n\t\t\t Peters Statement on Arrival Syrian Refugee Dr. Refaai Hamo & His Family to Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Below is a statement from U.S. Senator Gary Peters following the arrival of Syrian refugee Dr. Refaai Hamo and his family to Michigan. Dr. Hamo and his story were recently featured on Humans of New York.\r\nLike so many people across the world, I was heartbroken to learn of the profound loss and tragedy Dr. Refaai Hamo and his family have endured. But I was also deeply inspired by his determination  his passion to make a difference in the world. The Hamo family's perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity embodies the spirit of our country and what it means to be American.\r\nI have always been proud of the welcoming spirit and rich diversity that makes Michigan so great. Our vibrant Arab-American and Muslim communities includes some of the most patriotic individuals I know, whose contributions to our state's culture and economy are invaluable. The Muslim community is part of the fabric that weaves us all together, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of a community that embraces that diversity and makes Metro Detroit so unique - and so American.\r\nI know that in this time of great uncertainty, many people are concerned for our nation's safety. I understand that concern, and I share it. While I am committed to taking steps to keep our country secure, I do not believe the answer is shutting our doors to refugees who are fleeing brutal violence and persecution and already undergo one of the most extensive screening processes of any people entering our country.\r\nI also stand with my friends in the Arab-American community against the divisive, hateful rhetoric we have heard over the last few weeks. Our country is stronger when we join together and work side-by-side as Americans to meet the challenges we face.\r\nThe United States has always served as a beacon of hope for persecuted peoples around the world. In times of difficulty and adversity, we cannot turn away from our shared values of freedom, opportunity and hope  they are the light that guides our path forward. Nothing gives me more pride than welcoming a new American to our shores and a new resident to our state.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/led-by-senators-stabenow-peters-and-congressman-kildee-members-of-michigan-delegation-announce-new-opportunities-to-revitalize-cities-neighborhoods", "Led by Senators Stabenow, Peters and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Led by Senators Stabenow, Peters and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New Flexibility Makes Up to $2 Billion Available to Help Continue Blight Removal Efforts \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 17, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) today announced new opportunities to help cities across Michigan and the country revitalize neighborhoods and keep communities safe. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, gives the U.S. Department of Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion in additional funding to the Hardest Hit Fund. The Hardest Hit Fund provides resources to states for blight removal efforts and to help struggling homeowners. Michigan has received $498.6 million since the Fund was established in 2010. Senators Stabenow, Peters and Rep. Kildee led the bipartisan effort to include this new opportunity for funding in the end-of-year deal. We are seeing real progress in communities across our state from federal blight removal resources,said Senator Stabenow.This new flexibility is a huge win for Michigan cities and neighborhoods and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our communities and make sure our neighborhoods are safe places to raise a family. The Hardest Hit Fund has been a vital resource for cities across Michigan working to remove blight, improve safety and increase property values in their neighborhoods,said Senator Peters.This new option to transfer funding and shore up the Hardest Hit Fund will allow Michigan communities to continue these efforts and attract new private investments to help their communities grow.\" Getting rid of abandoned homes in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit helps to strengthen neighborhoods and decrease crime,said Congressman Kildee.We have already made great progress in removing blight from our communities and this new flexibility will help to unlock more economic opportunity for all Michiganders.\r\n\"I am elated that the Department of the Treasury will have the option to bolster the crucial Hardest Hit Fund, a program I have long supported and which has already disbursed over $300 million through the Step Forward Michigan program to keep families in their homes. Over 28,000 Michiganders have received assistance from the program, including nearly 9,000 residents of Wayne County, and countless neighborhoods have benefited from additional efforts to combat blight,said Congressman John Conyers, Jr.With a potential new funding boost, the Hardest Hit Fund could continue to provide an essential safety net for struggling homeowners and communities. I thank President Obama and Treasury Secretary Lew for their past work to support Detroit, and I urge them to maintain their commitment to Michigan's economic recovery.\r\nI have strongly supported the use of federal funds to strike at the blight that has weakened too many neighborhoods and communities within our cities,said Congresswoman Lawrence.As the congressional representative for Detroit, which has identified more than 84,000 properties beyond repair, and Pontiac, which has an estimated 400 locations awaiting demolition, one of my primary concerns has been the number of abandoned homes and businesses within my District. I have also seen, firsthand, how these federal funds can empower our communities and provide the resources needed to rebuild and prosper. As of October 28, 2015, U.S. Treasury has allowed the dedication of more than $300 million to Detroit for blight removal and awarded $3.7 million in federal blight removal funds to the City of Pontiac in 2013. I look forward to continued support from the Treasury for Detroit and Pontiac, and throughout our state. Earlier this year, Senator Stabenow, Senator Peters and Congressman Kildee led the effort tostop a proposed $1.7 billion cutin the Hardest Hit Fund. Cities that have benefited from this fund include Detroit, Adrian, Ecorse, Flint, Grand Rapids, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Ironwood, Jackson, Lansing, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac, Port Huron, River Rouge, and Saginaw.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/bill-text-nurse-and-health-care-worker-protection-act-2015", "Bill text for the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2015", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr.\r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative  \r\nJohn Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective  \r\nDecember 5, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions.\r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations:\r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan  \r\n2426 Rayburn HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-5126\r\nDistrict Offices in Michigan  \r\nDetroit Office  \r\n669 Federal Building  \r\n231 W. Lafayette  \r\nDetroit, MI 48226  \r\nPhone: (313) 961-5670  \r\n\r\nWestland Office  \r\n33300 Warren Road  \r\nSuite 13  \r\nWestland, MI 48185  \r\nPhone: (734) 675-4084  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Michigan:\r\nMichigan Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/executive-summary-hr-4266-nurse-and-health-care-worker-protection-act", "Executive Summary of H.R. 4266, the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr.\r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative  \r\nJohn Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective  \r\nDecember 5, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions.\r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations:\r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan  \r\n2426 Rayburn HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-5126\r\nDistrict Offices in Michigan  \r\nDetroit Office  \r\n669 Federal Building  \r\n231 W. Lafayette  \r\nDetroit, MI 48226  \r\nPhone: (313) 961-5670  \r\n\r\nWestland Office  \r\n33300 Warren Road  \r\nSuite 13  \r\nWestland, MI 48185  \r\nPhone: (734) 675-4084  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Michigan:\r\nMichigan Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-franken-reintroduce-bill-protect-nurses-and-health-care-workers", "Conyers, Franken Reintroduce Bill to Protect Nurses and Health Care Workers from Workplace Injuries", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr.\r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative  \r\nJohn Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective  \r\nDecember 5, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions.\r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations:\r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan  \r\n2426 Rayburn HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-5126\r\nDistrict Offices in Michigan  \r\nDetroit Office  \r\n669 Federal Building  \r\n231 W. Lafayette  \r\nDetroit, MI 48226  \r\nPhone: (313) 961-5670  \r\n\r\nWestland Office  \r\n33300 Warren Road  \r\nSuite 13  \r\nWestland, MI 48185  \r\nPhone: (734) 675-4084  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Michigan:\r\nMichigan Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-urges-fda-finalize-electronic-cigarette-rule-after-roadblock", "Dingell Urges FDA to Finalize Electronic Cigarette Rule after Roadblock Averted in Government Funding Bill", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today thanked negotiators for preventing a poison-pill policy rider from being included in the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill that would have exempted electronic cigarettes from regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In August, following numerous reports of injuries caused by defective electronic cigarettes, Dingell wrote a letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Dr. Stephen Ostroff urging him to finalize a proposed rule to regulate the products as soon as possible. Dingells constituent, Sgt. Jason Diekman of Wyandotte, was among those injured this summer when an exploding electronic cigarette badly burned his arms and abdomen.\nConsumers deserve to know that the products they buy are safe for use, said Dingell. Such assurances currently do not exist for electronic cigarettes, and I am pleased that by stopping this damaging proposal, negotiators have helped pave the way for improvements in consumer safety. Now that this roadblock has been averted, the FDA must move as quickly as possible to finalize the proposed rule and protect public health.\nThe proposed rule issued by the FDA would deem electronic cigarettes to be subject to FDA authority, meaning they would be regulated in the same manner as which the agency currently regulates cigarettes. Manufacturers of electronic cigarettes would be required to register with the agency, report product and ingredient listings, and include health warnings and minimum age restrictions.\nThe policy rider being pushed in the House of Representatives would have exempted electronic cigarettes that are already on the market from being retroactively reviewed for safety once the rule is approved. In her August letter, Dingell urged the FDA to maintain a provision in the final rule that would require pre-market approval of any electronic cigarette that was on the market after February 15, 2007.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-joins-fight-remove-weapons-war-our", "Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence Joins Fight to Remove Weapons of War from Our Communities", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today joined U.S. David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and other gun violence prevention advocates to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 and prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of new military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.\nMass shootings have increased four times since the 1970s, with more than half of all mass shooters using assault weapons. That is why we must work to end this epidemic driven primarily by individuals armed with weapons designed for combat zones and that have become the weapon of choice for domestic terrorists, said Rep. Lawrence. Im proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015. This bill will save lives and reduce the toll of gun violence in our country.\nThe Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 will prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of:\n Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a military-style feature that can accept a detachable magazine;\n\tSemi-automatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds;\n\tSemi-automatic shotguns with a military-style feature;\n\tAny ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds;\n\tAnd 157 specifically-named and listed firearms.\n The bill also sets new standards to prevent default proceeds  the standard that allows firearms dealers to complete a sale if a buyers background check is not completed within three days. Under the proposed law, the background check period will be extended to 14 days for the sale or transfer of an existing assault weapon. If it is determined that a gun was sold to a prohibited individual, the FBI will be required to notify federal, state, and local law enforcement so the weapon can be retrieved as quickly as possible and the buyer can be held accountable for violating federal law.\nMore than half of all mass shooters who killed four or more people used an assault weapon. Thats because the sole purpose of an assault weapon is to inflict as much damage as possible in as short an amount of time as possible, added Rep. Cicilline. This bill is an important first step that will restore some sanity to the way we treat guns in the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-applaud-facility-for-rare-isotope-beam-funding-in-government-spending-bill", "Peters, Stabenow Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding Will Support Construction of Advanced Research Facility at Michigan State University\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow applauded the year-end government spending bill released today includes $100 million in federal funding to continue constructing the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. The appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act funds the government through September 30, 2016, and Peters and Stabenow worked with their Senate colleagues to ensure this funding would be included in the final legislation.\r\nThe Facility for Rare Isotope Beams will generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the Lansing area, create thousands of jobs and play a central role in training the next generation of nuclear physics researchers, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure funding for FRIB to ensure this world-class facility will be able to deliver new scientific breakthroughs and discoveries that will drive innovation in Michigan.\r\n\"MSU continues to make terrific progress in building this state-of-the-art facility, which is critical for Michigan and our entire country, said Senator Stabenow. This new funding will bring MSU one step closer to creating thousands of jobs in our state.\r\nIn November, Peters and Stabenow sent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development requesting $100 million in funding to ensure construction of FRIB, which is running on schedule and on budget, continues through fiscal year 2016. Since 2009, FRIB has been allocated $218 million in federal funding to complete the project.\r\n\"MSU officials are pleased with the appropriation, which supports the next phase of the project. MSU appreciates that FRIB remains a national priority and thanks the Michigan Congressional delegation for their leadership and unwavering support of the project,\" said Mark Burnham, MSU Vice President for Government Affairs.\r\nFRIB will house a high-powered superconducting linear accelerator that accelerates heavy ions and produces rare isotopes, which are short-lived atomic nuclei that cannot be found on Earth. The rare isotopes produced at FRIB will allow nuclear scientists and researchers to explore a range of potential applications in the fields such as energy, medicine and national security, including diagnosing and curing diseases, improving next generation nuclear reactors for energy and finding processes to destroy nuclear waste. FRIB will create as many as 400 jobs for scientists, engineers and staff, and bring together nearly 1,400 nuclear scientists from around the world to conduct research at the new facility. Construction of the $730 million facility is expected to be completed in 2022.\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Peters toured FRIB and held a roundtable discussion with academic leaders and researchers from Michigan State University to gather input to help craft new legislation shaping federal science research and development priorities for the coming years.\r\nSenator Stabenow has been a long-time advocate for FRIB, leading the effort to secure over $200 million in federal funding that allowed Michigan State to begin facility construction in March 2014.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-stabenow-announce-over-1-billion-to-protect-great-lakes-", "Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.15\n\t\t\t Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Investments Will Help Combat Asian Carp, Improve Water Quality in Great Lakes\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced new funding and support that will bolster ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Initiative is a multi-year plan to restore and preserve the Great Lakes by eliminating toxins, combating invasive species, restoring habitats, and promoting the general health of the Lakes. Because of Sens. Peters and Stabenow's efforts, this bill not only funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, it also formally establishes the program into law. The end-of-year spending bill also directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite ongoing work and establish emergency procedures to prevent Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. Finally, this legislation includes over $1 billion in funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Both Senators Stabenow and Peters worked to include these investments and authorities in the bill.\r\nThe Great Lakes are a vital economic engine for Michigan, driving our state's tourism, agricultural and commercial shipping industries, and supporting more than half a million jobs,said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.These resources will help continue to protect the Great Lakes from serious threats ranging from industrial pollution to invasive species, and ensure the Great Lakes are healthy for the communities that rely on them for years to come.\r\nJust like generations before us, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the Great Lakes, said Senator Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. From Asian carp to water contamination, these kind of robust, bipartisan commitments from Congress will help communities in Michigan combat the numerous threats that face our Great Lakes. Michigan's economy relies on the Great Lakes' multi-billion dollar fishing, boating, and tourism industries, and this critical support will help protect those jobs and our Michigan way of life.\r\nUnder the end-of-year spending bill, Congress will provide $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative over the next year. Also included is $1.25 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which supports Great Lakes navigation projects. Senators Peters and Stabenow also played a critical role in giving the Army Corps of Engineers the authority to take immediate action to stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a crucial chokepoint in the Chicago waterway system. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senators-stabenow-peters-announce-over-1-billion-to-protect-great-lakes-", "Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Investments Will Help Combat Asian Carp, Improve Water Quality in Great Lakes    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 16, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced new funding and support that will bolster ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Initiative is a multi-year plan to restore and preserve the Great Lakes by eliminating toxins, combating invasive species, restoring habitats, and promoting the general health of the Lakes. Because of Sens. Stabenow and Peters' efforts, this bill not only funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, it also formally establishes the program into law. The end-of-year spending bill also directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite ongoing work and establish emergency procedures to prevent Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. Finally, this legislation includes over $1 billion in funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Both Senators Stabenow and Peters worked to include these investments and authorities in the bill.\r\nJust like generations before us, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the Great Lakes, said Senator Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. From Asian carp to water contamination, these kind of robust, bipartisan commitments from Congress will help communities in Michigan combat the numerous threats that face our Great Lakes. Michigan's economy relies on the Great Lakes' multi-billion dollar fishing, boating, and tourism industries, and this critical support will help protect those jobs and our Michigan way of life.\r\nThe Great Lakes are a vital economic engine for Michigan, driving our state's tourism, agricultural and commercial shipping industries, and supporting more than half a million jobs, said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. These resources will help continue to protect the Great Lakes from serious threats ranging from industrial pollution to invasive species, and ensure the Great Lakes are healthy for the communities that rely on them for years to come.\r\nUnder the end-of-year spending bill, Congress will provide $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative over the next year. Also included is $1.25 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which supports Great Lakes navigation projects. Senators Stabenow and Peters also played a critical role in giving the Army Corps of Engineers the authority to take immediate action to stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a crucial chokepoint in the Chicago waterway system.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-applaud-extension-of-perkins-student-loan-program", "Stabenow, Peters Applaud Extension of Perkins Student Loan Program", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters Applaud Extension of Perkins Student Loan Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Program Helps Students with Financial Need Pay for College \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 16, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peterstoday applauded Senate passage of the Federal Perkins Loan Extension Act of 2015, a bipartisan, two-year extension of the Perkins Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to help students with exceptional financial need pay for their education. Peters and Stabenow previously sent a letter in October urging Senate leadership to pass an extension of the Perkins Loan Program after it expired on October 1st. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a one-year extension in September.\r\nEvery child in America, no matter what their financial situation, should know that if they work hard the opportunity to attend college will be available after high school, said Senator Stabenow. The passage of today's bill means that thousands of students in Michigan will continue to have the resources and support they need to have a fair shot to get ahead in life.\r\nThousands of students in Michigan rely on Perkins Loans to help finance their education, and this extension will ensure they can stay on track to pursue their degrees, said Senator Peters. Higher education can be a pathway to the middle class and strong future for students in Michigan and across the country, and I'm proud to support this essential program that helps our colleges and universities give the neediest students the assistance they need to get ahead.\r\nThe Federal Perkins Loan Extension Act of 2015 will extend the Perkins Loan Program for two years through September 30, 2017, allowing current and new undergraduate borrowers to use Perkins Loans to pay for the 2017-2018 academic year. The lapse in the program put current students, including up to 150,000 current freshman, at risk of losing access to much-needed financial aid for the current and next academic years.\r\nSince 1958, the Perkins Loan Program has provided more than $28 billion low-interest loans through nearly 26 million awards to students with financial need across the country. The program disburses financial aid to students through campus-based revolving funds that use federal dollars to leverage investments from colleges and universities to sustain the loan fund. In Michigan during the 2013-2014 school year, more than 26,000 students received nearly $41 million in Perkins Loans.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-applaud-facility-for-rare-isotope-beam-funding-in-government-spending-bill", "Stabenow, Peters Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding Will Support Construction of Advanced Research Facility at Michigan State University \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 16, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow andGary Peters applauded the year-end government spending bill released today includes $100 million in federal funding to continue constructing the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. The appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act funds the government through September 30, 2016, and Stabenow and Petersworked with their Senate colleagues to ensure this funding would be included in the final legislation.\r\n\"MSU continues to make terrific progress in building this state-of-the-art facility, which is critical for Michigan and our entire country,said Senator Stabenow.This new funding will bring MSU one step closer to creating thousands of jobs in our state.\r\nThe Facility for Rare Isotope Beams will generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the Lansing area, create thousands of jobs and play a central role in training the next generation of nuclear physics researchers, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure funding for FRIB to ensure this world-class facility will be able to deliver new scientific breakthroughs and discoveries that will drive innovation in Michigan.\r\nIn November, Stabenow and Peterssent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development requesting $100 million in funding to ensure construction of FRIB, which is running on schedule and on budget, continues through fiscal year 2016. Since 2009, FRIB has been allocated $218 million in federal funding to complete the project.\r\n\"MSU officials are pleased with the appropriation, which supports the next phase of the project. MSU appreciates that FRIB remains a national priority and thanks the Michigan Congressional delegation for their leadership and unwavering support of the project,\" said Mark Burnham, MSU Vice President for Government Affairs.\r\nFRIB will house a high-powered superconducting linear accelerator that accelerates heavy ions and produces rare isotopes, which are short-lived atomic nuclei that cannot be found on Earth. The rare isotopes produced at FRIB will allow nuclear scientists and researchers to explore a range of potential applications in the fields such as energy, medicine and national security, including diagnosing and curing diseases, improving next generation nuclear reactors for energy and finding processes to destroy nuclear waste. FRIB will create as many as 400 jobs for scientists, engineers and staff, and bring together nearly 1,400 nuclear scientists from around the world to conduct research at the new facility. Construction of the $730 million facility is expected to be completed in 2022.\r\nSenator Stabenow has been a long-time advocate for FRIB, leading the effort to secure over $200 million in federal funding that allowed Michigan State to begin facility construction in March 2014.\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Peters toured FRIB and held a roundtable discussion with academic leaders and researchers from Michigan State University to gather input to help craft new legislation shaping federal science research and development priorities for the coming years.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/memorial-services-announced-jack-kildee", "Memorial Services Announced for Jack Kildee", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "D. Jack Kildee of Flushing, father of Congressman Dan Kildee, died on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at his home surrounded by family. He was 85. His obituary can be read here. Information on visitation, memorial services and military graveside services are below: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5  9 p.m. ET at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI. Thursday, December 17, 2015 Visitation will be held on Thursday from 1  9 p.m. ET at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI. A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI. Friday, December 18, 2015 A military graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/33-members-congress-urge-congressional-leadership-consider-improvements", "33 Members of Congress Urge Congressional Leadership to Consider Improvements To Visa Waiver Bill Provisions", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr.\r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative  \r\nJohn Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective  \r\nDecember 5, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions.\r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations:\r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan  \r\n2426 Rayburn HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-5126\r\nDistrict Offices in Michigan  \r\nDetroit Office  \r\n669 Federal Building  \r\n231 W. Lafayette  \r\nDetroit, MI 48226  \r\nPhone: (313) 961-5670  \r\n\r\nWestland Office  \r\n33300 Warren Road  \r\nSuite 13  \r\nWestland, MI 48185  \r\nPhone: (734) 675-4084  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Michigan:\r\nMichigan Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-customs-bill-christmas-tree-holiday-season", "Dingell: Customs Bill is Christmas Tree of the Holiday Season", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today voted against H.R. 644, a customs enforcement bill, which includes a number of political provisions that restrict negotiations on emissions standards and immigration and weaken existing law to deter human trafficking. Dingell spoke in opposition to the bill prior to the vote. Video is available here.\nThe full text of Dingells floor speech can be read below. \nMr. Speaker, when the Ways and Means Committee first began considering this bill, it represented a real opportunity to improve our system of trade and eliminate loopholes that allow foreign nations and bad actors to avoid our trade laws. Currency manipulation is the number one trade abuse that must be addressed. \nUnfortunately, this bill has become the Christmas tree of the holiday season, and it is being used to put lipstick on a pig that is our current trade negotiations. It ties our negotiators hands on even negotiating common emissions standards by restricting any consideration of climate issues, and prevents them from negotiating immigration related language as well. Further, it weakens existing trade laws designed to prevent human trafficking. \nAnd the ribbon on this Christmas surprise is a totally new provision on internet taxation that isnt even in the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee and could have unintended consequences that could bankrupt local governments. \nThere are good provisions at the core of this bill to help improve our customs system, but they are outweighed by the political gamesmanship that has made this legislation impossible to support. We have seen too many other examples of last minute political provisions inserted in bills over the years, and we risk unintended consequences of these political provisions as well. \nThank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-new-reports-dingell-walberg-question-patient-safety-ann-arbor", "Following New Reports, Dingell & Walberg Question Patient Safety at Ann Arbor VA", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Following reports that surgeries have resumed at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Tim Walberg (MI-07) are seeking assurances that the surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions. In November, Dingell wrote to Director Robert P. McDivitt following reports that surgeries for veterans had been canceled or moved to another facility because particulate matter was observed on sterile surgical equipment. This week, Dingells office was notified by concerned constituents that surgeries have resumed despite the continued presence of particulate matter on the equipment. \nPatient safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Dingell and Walberg wrote in a letter today to Director McDivitt. We want to work with you to ensure that you have the resources you need to fix this problem as soon as possible, and we want to be partners with you in this effort. We also want to seek your assurances that the safety of patients continues to be your top priority and that surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions.\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\nDecember 11, 2015\nMr. Robert P. McDivitt  \n\tDirector  \n\tVA Ann Arbor Healthcare System  \n\t2215 Fuller Road  \n\tAnn Arbor, MI 48105\nDear Director McDivitt:\nThank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We write as strong supporters of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mission to care for those who have made numerous sacrifices for our nation. Subsequent to our conversation today, and following Congresswoman Dingells letter on November 23, 2015, we understand you have been working to identify the source of particulate matter that is being observed on surgical equipment and have taken steps to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, we have received calls telling us that surgeries have resumed despite the continued presence of particulate matter on surgical equipment. \nPatient safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. We want to work with you to ensure that you have the resources you need to fix this problem as soon as possible, and we want to be partners with you in this effort. Please let us know how we can assist you. We also want to seek your assurances that the safety of patients continues to be your top priority and that surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions. We look forward to receiving your prompt response.\nSincerely,\nDebbie Dingell                                \n\tMember of Congress\nTim Walberg  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/key-hillarys-success", "The Key to Hillary's Success", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The purpose of the ceremony at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, last week was to mark the legendary defiance of Rosa Parks on a city bus. But the accolades from the pulpit showered down on Hillary Clinton.\nBen Crump, president of the National Bar Association, described Clinton as the \"very definition of a trailblazer\" whom he looked forward to watching his daughter see take her \"rightful place in the White House.\"\nParks' attorney, Fred Gray, induced a standing ovation when he thanked \"the next president of the United States for being here.\"\nAnd Bernice King  the youngest child of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  delivered a benediction asking for grace in this \"century of the woman.\"\nThe outpouring of reverence for Clinton, woven seamlessly throughout the commemoration of a civil rights icon, revealed the deep affection among the gathering of prominent African-Americans for the former secretary of state. Now, the Clinton campaign is attempting to harness that goodwill to achieve an onerous feat: maintaining the record-setting turnout among black voters inspired by President Barack Obama.\nEven as she navigates a primary in which she faces little competition for the African-American vote, Clinton has been nurturing the constituency with policy rollouts, private meetings and surrogate assignments. She's targeting black radio  stations in South Carolina  where more than half of the primary voters are African-American  noting her proud service in the Obama cabinet. She's met with African-American mothers who have been thrust into the national spotlight for having lost children to gun violence. She's sat for interviews with influential African-American media figures like Al Sharpton, Roland Martin and April Ryan. And she's tapped familiar faces, like former host of \"The View\" Star Jones, to campaign on her behalf inside of black churches. On Friday, her campaign's African-American director will host a conference call with black sororities to continue the process of enlisting new volunteers and emissaries.\n\"Hillary has earned the respect of the African-American community,\" says Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell, the first African-American congresswoman elected in the state of Alabama. \"She's the only one, in my opinion, who has truly delivered results for the African-American community.\"\nBarring an unforeseeable turn of events, Clinton or any Democratic nominee will easily carry the black vote in November's general election. But how big of a margin she can produce could prove decisive for her chances of capturing the White House.\nAfrican-American turnout in Obama's re-election victory over Mitt Romney in 2012 marked a milestone. It was the first time since 1968 that blacks outvoted whites, according to a U.S. Census analysis. Whereas 64 percent of eligible white voters cast ballots, the number was 66 percent for blacks.\nThe Cook Political Report calculated that African-Americans accounted for Obama's entire margin of victory in seven states, including the three most coveted battlegrounds: Florida, Ohio and Virginia.\nThe same number-crunchers believe Clinton's key to victory could be whether she can replicate Obama's numbers, or even creep close, without Obama on the ballot.\n\"It seems hard to imagine that the next Democratic presidential candidate will approach Obama's performance among black voters, but exactly how close the next Democratic candidate comes will matter a lot. In fact, African-American turnout could be more important to the outcome of the 2016 election than the ability of Republicans to rekindle their support among Latino voters,\" wrote Nate Cohn for  The New Republic just after the 2012 election.\n[READ: What Does the Black Lives Matter Movement Really Want?]\nStefanie Brown James describes Clinton's task in matching Obama as \"an uphill battle with 50-pound weights on each leg going up Mount Everest.\"\nShe would know.\nAs Obama's 2012 national African-American director, James was charged with improving on the president's historic 2008 turnout at a time when many in the community were disappointed in the level of hope and change they had seen during his first four years.\n\"I went on a 'let me take the blame and get beat up tour,'\" she recalls. \"We had to persuade. It took convincing. The same is going to be true for Hillary.\"\nJames enlisted African-American vote directors in nine battleground states, tasked with identifying community leaders block-by-block in high-concentration African-American cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati. The level of microtargeting drilled down to barber and beauty shop programs, where campaign officials would hold conference calls with updates as salons snipped hair. A \"DJs for Obama\" program ensured the campaign had a voice in front of clubgoers.\nThe multipronged, supercharged effort was a success, especially with black women, who voted at a higher rate than any other group, across gender, race and ethnic lines. African-American females turned out at a rate of 70 percent in 2012, 4 points higher than white women and 7 points higher than white men, according to the Center for American Progress. And Obama captured the votes of 96 percent of black women.\nThis, of course, is a natural constituency for Clinton to court, and she's already been devoting consistent time to outreach.\nRep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, who represents Columbus, says just last week she was in touch with Clinton's African-American director, LaDavia Drane, a former director of the Congressional Black Caucus.\nBeatty says African-American women will be just as motivated voting for the first potential female president as they were for the first black president.\n\"I think you're going to see the same thing. My mother again, who is still living at 92, never thought she would see a female as president. When you have first-time voters, young females coming out and others, she will create just as much excitement,\" Beatty says.\nBut William Frey, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who studies demography, doubts that assertion and says a more realistic goal for Clinton would be to top the African-American turnout of the last white Democratic nominee for president, John Kerry.\n\"Even though they're women they're probably more responsive to a black candidate than a female candidate,\" he says. \"[Hillary] has to assume she's not going to get that same turnout. That was kind of supersized turnout.\"\nIf Beatty is on one side of the argument and Frey is on the other, Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence  an African-American congresswoman representing Detroit  falls somewhere in the middle.\n\"Will we see the turnout of the Obama cycle? I can't predict that. The excitement of the first African-American president clearly is not repeated here. But the need for the voice and someone to have the understanding of the issues that are important to the African-American community, Hillary Clinton checks that,\" she says.\nClinton's criminal justice reform speech in April, just over a month after she launched her campaign, has resonated with African-American elites. In it, she not only renounced her husband's tough-on-crime approach to drug sentencing, but called for the end of mass incarceration and said explicitly, \"We have to come to terms with some hard truths about race and justice in America.\"\n[PHOTOS:  The Big Picture  December 2015]\nShe's also made a point at being out front when it comes to voting rights, another threshold issue of importance for minorities. Amid the flare-up over Alabama's move to close 31 government offices  mostly in black areas  that issue driver's licenses, Sewell says Clinton \"was right there, literally hours after I issued my press release, issuing hers.\"\nIt's these early moves that show Clinton will make the black vote a priority, but even campaign advisers acknowledge it may be difficult to get an early read on their success.\nIf any state would provide a gauge of Clinton's African-American outreach, it would be South Carolina, which handed Clinton arguably her most bruising defeat in 2008. In that year, Obama won 78 percent of black Democrats in the primary, throttling Clinton by nearly 30 percentage points.\nThis cycle, Clinton has nowhere near the competition.\nAn NBC national poll in October found Clinton leading Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, 62 percent to 8 percent among blacks. One CNN survey of the Palmetto State this fall pegged her advantage among African-Americans at 50 points. So when South Carolina votes on Feb. 27, there may not be as much urgency to participate.\n\"It's a tougher litmus test because the campaign doesn't have another big mainstream Democrat running to contest for those votes. This is why doing turnout is going to be hard. The contest isn't as competitive as it was last time, \" says Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons.\nSimmons says Clinton will perform just fine with traditional African-American Democrats, but her challenge will be inspiring the atypical voters who have simply shown no interest in coming to the polls for anyone but Obama.\nThis partly explains why Clinton has tethered herself to Obama more closely than many thought she would have at this point in the campaign. \"They're not tired of him, they'd vote for him for a third term,\" says Simmons of the African-American community.\nYet at the same time, there will inevitably be pressure for her to turn the page on the Obama era and carve out her own vision.\nAsked if she should distinctly portray her candidacy as Obama's third term, Lawrence swiftly rejected the notion. \"No. She is Hillary Clinton. She is not Obama. I would be disappointed if she just said, 'I'm going to continue what President Obama started.'\"\nBesides, even if Clinton eventually deploys Obama or former President Bill Clinton  once dubbed affectionately by novelist Toni Morrison as \"the first black president\"  on the trail on her behalf, a presidential candidacy can't be outsourced. It's her campaign and the emotions it triggers will determine how many African-Americans turn up or stay home.\n\"I think she can come across a little bit distant,\" James says. \"She's going to have to have some serious 'I'm in your living room' conversations, really taking the time. They want to know her better.\"\n\"What I'm worried about,\" James continues, \"is you'll have voters sit this out because they're not enthused. People got spoiled. The Obama campaign was exciting. You felt like you were making history twice.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-kildee-dingell-lawrence-release-joint-statement-visa-waiver", "Conyers, Kildee, Dingell, Lawrence Release Joint Statement on Visa Waiver Program Legislation", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Representatives John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following joint statement on H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which would, among other things, prevent dual nationals of Iraq and Syria, or individuals who have traveled to these countries, from participating in the Visa Waiver Program.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe first responsibility of government is to keep the American people safe. The American people are rightfully concerned about the threat of terrorism following the attacks in Beirut, Paris and San Bernardino. Recently, Congress and the Administration have been examining changes to the Visa Waiver Program to ensure that there are not any vulnerabilities that could put the American people at risk.\n\t\t\t\t\tThere are many provisions of H.R. 158 that we support. Specifically, requiring all travelers under the Visa Waiver Program to have an unexpired, fraud-resistant electronic passport is an important security measure to take. We also support requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to study further ways to incorporate anti-fraud and deception technology into the Visa Waiver Program. Both of these steps will help improve our security here at home.\n\t\t\t\t\tHowever, we voted against the H.R. 158 today because we are concerned that the provisions in the legislation restricting the use of the visa waiver program to individuals who have travelled to Syria or Iraq or are dual nationals of these or other covered nations are discriminatory. These more controversial provisions have never been the subject of any committee hearing or markup and deserved more review and vetting before being considered on the House Floor.\n\t\t\t\t\tWe are also concerned that these provisions contain no exceptions for journalists, researchers, human rights investigators or other professionals. There is also an issue as to whether the new requirement will result in our partner nations placing new limits on travel by U.S. citizens to their own countries.\n\t\t\t\t\tIt is because of these concerns that numerous civil rights and civil liberties groups have expressed serious concerns or outright opposition to the overall legislation, including the ACLU, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the NAACP, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Arab-American Civil Rights League, Human Rights Watch, and the League of United Latin American Citizens, among others.\n\t\t\t\t\tWe hope that these provisions will face further review and consideration before being taken up by the Senate or included in any year-end legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-cassidy-introduce-legislation-to-reform-it-management-systems-save-taxpayer-dollars", "Peters, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Reform IT Management Systems, Save Taxpayer Dollars", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Reform IT Management Systems, Save Taxpayer Dollars \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) andBill Cassidy, M.D. (LA)introduced the Making Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies (MEGABYTE) Act of 2015 to reform the federal government's management of information technology (IT) software licenses.The non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that implementing oversight and management policies of federal software licenses saved a single agency$181 million tax dollars per year. If implemented, the MEGABYTE Act could yield billions in savings across the federal government\r\nCongress has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively,said Senator Peters.The federal government could potentially save billions of dollars every year by requiring better management of federal software license purchases. I'm proud to help introduce this commonsense measure that will cut wasteful spending and save taxpayers money.\r\nBillions of taxpayer dollars could be saved if federal agencies keep track of what software they buy. It's irresponsible they don't do so already, said Dr. Cassidy. Tax dollars could be better used on our troops and our classrooms, not redundant software licenses.\r\nThe MEGABYTE Act saves tax dollars and cuts government waste through the following actions:\r\n \r\nThe OMB Director shall issue a directive requiring executive agencies to identify clear roles, responsibilities, and central oversight authority within the agency for managing enterprise software license agreements and commercial software licenses.\r\n \r\n \r\nAgencies will also establish a comprehensive inventory, including 80 percent of software license spending and enterprise licenses in the agency.\r\n \r\n \r\nRegularly track and maintain software licenses to assist the executive agency in implementing decisions throughout the software license management life cycle.\r\n \r\n \r\nAnalyze software usage and other data to make cost-effective decisions.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide training relevant to software license management.\r\n \r\n \r\nEstablish goals and objectives of the software license management program of the agency.\r\n \r\n \r\nConsider the software license management life cycle phases, including the requisition, reception, deployment and maintenance, retirement, and disposal phases, to implement effective decision making and incorporate existing standards, processes, and metrics.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-education-measures-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters Education Measures to Be Signed into Law", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Peters Education Measures to Be Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Provisions Supporting Dual and Concurrent Enrollment, Student Financial Literacy, Data on Dual Status Youth Included in Education Reform Bill\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded Senate passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), bipartisan legislation to reform the No Child Left Behind law and reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will be signed into law by the President, includes a bipartisan amendment Peters introduced with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) supporting dual and concurrent enrollment in schools. Two additional measures Peters championed are also included in the bill  one to support funding for financial literacy programming and one to strengthen efforts to better identify dual status youth. Dual status youth are young people who come into contact with both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.\r\nI'm pleased that Congress has come together on a bipartisan basis to pass long overdue education reform that will help strengthen our primary education system and give kids a greater opportunity to get ahead, said Senator Peters. My provisions in this bill will support funding for dual enrollment programs that can help make college more affordable, arm students with the tools they need to make responsible financial choices in the future and protect our most vulnerable children from falling into the school-to-prison pipeline.\r\nThe Gardner-Peters amendment will allow Title I funds to be used to support concurrent and dual enrollment programs at eligible schools, enabling high school students to simultaneously receive college-credit from courses taught by college approved teachers in secondary education. It also allows school districts to use fifth-year program partnerships to allow students to participate in concurrent enrollment in the year after their senior year.\r\nPeters also pushed for a measure included in the final bill promoting funding for financial literacy programming. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation conducted a survey in 2014 that found millennials display low levels of financial literacy, engage in problematic financial behaviors and express concerns about their debt. Peters spent 22 years working as an investment advisor helping families save for their retirement and their children's college education.\r\nAnother Peters-backed provision included in the Every Student Succeeds Act addresses the lack of data on dual status youth. Peters sent a letter in June urging Senate HELP Committee leaders to include this measure in the bill. The measure requires states to develop and submit plans for identifying dual status youth and improving intervention services that can reduce school suspensions, expulsions and referrals to law enforcement. It also makes providing targeted, evidence-based services for these at-risk children an allowable use of funding.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-pipeline-safety-provisions-move-forward-in-the-senate", "Peters Pipeline Safety Provisions Move Forward in the Senate", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Peters Pipeline Safety Provisions Move Forward in the Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Provisions Advance as Part of Bipartisan Legislation Introduced by Peters & Commerce Committee Colleagues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today approved bipartisan legislation U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced with his Commerce Committee colleagues to reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2019, and improve pipeline safety and oversight. The legislation, known as the Securing America's Future Energy: Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (SAFE PIPES) Act, included several pipeline safety provisions from the Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills (PIPS) Act that Peters introduced in September, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow.\r\nIt's taken five years and nearly $1 billion to clean up the last oil spill from a pipeline break in Michigan, and a similar spill in the Great Lakes would be devastating to our economy, environment and drinking water supply, said Senator Peters. I'm proud to work with my Commerce Committee colleagues as we move forward with bipartisan legislation that will strengthen the safety of our nation's pipelines and protect our communities and natural resources from the threat of a pipeline break.\r\n\"People in Michigan know all too well how devastating oil spills can be to our waterways, said Senator Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. Given the devastating consequences, we need to take a strong stand to prevent a spill from happening in our Great Lakes. This legislation will give the State of Michigan additional information to provide critical oversight and protections, and I applaud Senator Peters for moving this bipartisan bill forward in Committee.\r\nThe SAFE PIPES Act includes several provisions and elements from Peters' original pipeline legislation that will help ensure the Great Lakes and other water resources in Michigan and across the country are protected from the threat of pipeline spills:\r\n \r\nGreat Lakes are designated as a high consequence area. The SAFE PIPES Act designates the Great Lakes as an Unusually Sensitive Area, making pipelines in the Great Lakes subject to higher standards for operating safely.\r\n \r\n \r\nImproves oil spill response plans to address ice cover. The bill requires PHMSA and pipeline operators to consider response plans that address cleanup of an oil spill affecting waters or shorelines partially or entirely covered by ice. During the past two winters, maximum ice coverage in the Great Lakes has been well above normal levels. The Coast Guard has stated it does not have the technology or capacity for worst-case discharge cleanup under solid ice, and that its response activities are not adequate in ice-choked waters.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequires critical reviews of pipeline age and integrity. The legislation requires Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports on pipeline integrity management of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, and a review of the risks posed by age, condition, materials and construction of a pipeline. These reports will help State and Federal regulators conduct better oversight of pipelines and recommend changes to ensure that pipelines are operating safely and securely. Many elements were based on provisions from the PIPS Act introduced by Peters and Stabenow earlier this year.\r\n \r\nThe legislation increases the authorized funding levels for PHMSA by 2% annually over four years to ensure the agency has sufficient resources to conduct pipeline oversight. The bill also contains provisions to streamline the hiring process for PHMSA pipeline inspectors for one year to expedite hiring of qualified candidates for understaffed critical positions.\r\nThe legislation includes additional measures to improve the storage of hazardous materials, including directing the Department of Transportation to issue minimum safety standards for the operation and integrity management of underground natural gas storage facilities and a provision to promote mapping technology to help prevent accidental pipeline damage during underground excavations. It also includes a research and development section that encourages collaboration on research, development and technology between federal agencies, public stakeholders and industry leaders.\r\nSenator Peters has been a strong supporter of enhancing pipeline safety to protect the Great Lakes. In June, the Senate Commerce Committee approved a Peters amendment to the Coast Guard Authorization Act that would require the Coast Guard to work with partner agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct an assessment on the effectiveness of oil spill response activities in the Great Lakes.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/cyber-squadron-awarded-to-michigan-air-national-guard-in-battle-creek", "Cyber Squadron Awarded to Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cyber Squadron Awarded to Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Following Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Signed by Entire Michigan Delegation, 110th Attack Wing Earns One of Four New Units \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 09, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tSenator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI)and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) celebrated the announcement that the Michigan Air National Guard's 110thAttack Wing, stationed in Battle Creek, will be host of a new Cyber Operation Squadron distinction.\r\nGiven the dependence of our country's military, infrastructure, and economy on computers and the Internet, this new cyber squadron puts Michigan at the forefront in protecting our nation,said Stabenow.Earlier this year, Congressman Upton and I led our colleagues on a tour of Michigan's military installations  including Battle Creek Air National Guard Base  to see firsthand the important role Michigan plays in our nation's defense. Today's announcement is a credit to the men and women in Battle Creek's 110thAttack Wing and underscores our state's leadership and expertise in cyber security.\r\nWe're so proud of the effort put forth by our men and women in the Michigan Air National Guard to get the prestigious assignment,said Upton. Cyber security threats are one of the greatest national security threats we face today and our future depends on reliable cyberspace for everything from infrastructure, commerce, communications, and government. The 110thAttack Wing has demonstrated incredible skill and the team at Battle Creek, and the Michigan Air National Guard, is to be commended for the work they have done in proving their capability in the defense of our nation's cyber security.\r\nWe must remain vigilant against the evolving national security threat posed by cyber attacks on our military assets, civilian infrastructure and financial sector,said Peters. I was proud to join with the Michigan Congressional Delegation to advocate for a Cyber Squadron in Battle Creek, and today's announcement is a true recognition of the skill and accomplishments of the 110thAttack Wing and its critical role in bolstering American military cyber defense capabilities.\r\nA Cyber Operations Squadron is a 70-person dual-use squadron which conducts a multitude of cyber domain operations in support of the overall Air Force Cyber Mission Force. The 110thAttack Wing is already home to a pilot program that has trained technicians and has much of the infrastructure required to take on this new mission.\r\nIn April, Upton and Stabenow led abipartisan, bicameral letter, urging top officials at the U.S. Department of Defense to select the 110thAttack Wing in Battle Creek to host a cyber squadron. The letter was signed by the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation: Senator Peters, Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Sander Levin, Rep. Candice Miller, Rep. Tim Walberg, Rep. Justin Amash, Rep. Dan Benishek, Rep. Bill Huizenga, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. Mike Bishop, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Rep. John Moolenaar, and Rep. David Trott.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-kildee-dingell-lawrence-release-joint-statement-visa-waiver", "Conyers, Kildee, Dingell, Lawrence Release Joint Statement on Visa Waiver Program Legislation", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr.\r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative  \r\nJohn Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective  \r\nDecember 5, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions.\r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations:\r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan  \r\n2426 Rayburn HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-5126\r\nDistrict Offices in Michigan  \r\nDetroit Office  \r\n669 Federal Building  \r\n231 W. Lafayette  \r\nDetroit, MI 48226  \r\nPhone: (313) 961-5670  \r\n\r\nWestland Office  \r\n33300 Warren Road  \r\nSuite 13  \r\nWestland, MI 48185  \r\nPhone: (734) 675-4084  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Michigan:\r\nMichigan Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-donald-trump-s-proposal-ban-muslims-entering-us", "Congressman Dan Kildee on Donald Trumps Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering the U.S.", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after Donald Trump proposed banning all Muslims from entering the United States:\nDonald Trump's call to block all Muslims from entering the United States flies in the face of the values that make our country great. His comments are offensive and un-American. When I think about Muslims, I think about Amir Hekmati, a Muslim-American who served the United States honorably in the Marines. Amir risked his life for our country and now is imprisoned in Iran because of his service. To think that Amir Hekmati  a true patriot and Muslim  would be demonized in such a way by a leading presidential candidate is disgraceful. There's no room in our country for such hateful rhetoric.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-terrorist-suspects-no-fly-list-should-not-be-able-buy", "Congressman Dan Kildee: Terrorist Suspects on No-Fly List Should Not Be Able to Buy Deadly Weapons", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kildee Pushes For Vote on Republican Bill to Better Protect American People from Threat of Terror Suspects Buying Guns in U.S.\nCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today pushed the U.S. House of Representatives to take up a bill that would make it more difficult for suspected terrorists to buy weapons in the U.S. Using rarely-invoked legislative rules, including a discharge petition and motions to adjourn, Congressman Kildee is seeking a vote on a bill, supported by Democrats and Republicans, that stops suspected terrorists from buying dangerous weapons. Right now in the U.S., anyone on the FBI's Terrorist Watch list is not allowed to fly on an airplane but still can buy weapons and explosives.\nFor me, this is common sense  if you are deemed too dangerous of a threat to fly, you are too dangerous to own a deadly weapon, Congressman Kildee said. With all of the terrorist threats we face, Congress must act to close this loophole that allows terror suspects to go to a gun store and walk away with whatever weapons they want. Congress can act immediately on a bill introduced by my Republican colleague, Peter King, which would close this dangerous loophole and help better protect the American people.\nH.R. 1076, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015, is a bipartisan bill introduced by Republican Rep. Peter King (NY-02) that would prevent anyone currently on the FBI's terrorist watch list from legally purchasing a weapon.\nAccording to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, in the last 11 years, over 2,000 suspects on the FBI's Watch List have tried to legally buy guns in the U.S. 91 percent of those terror suspects have succeeded in walking away with a deadly weapon. Congressman Kildee spoke about this bill on the House floor today and yesterday. He also offered a motion to adjourn on the House floor, in an attempt to push for a vote on this important bill.\nAdditionally, Congressman Kildee also signed a discharge petition to try and force an up-or-down vote on Congressman King's bill. 218 Members of Congress a majority of the House  need to sign the discharge petition to schedule a vote on the legislation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/delauro-doggett-kildee-and-slaughter-statement-eu-parliament-gaining-access", "DeLauro, Doggett, Kildee, and Slaughter Statement on EU Parliament Gaining Access to TTIP Documents", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Dan Kildee (MI-5), and Louise Slaughter (NY-25), released the following statement regarding news that the European Commission offered European Parliament members access to all confidential documents related to trade talks with the United States:\nThe decision by the European Commission to release confidential documents related to trade talks should be commended for its transparency. In contrast, USTR discloses nothing. It continues to thrive on secrecy, hiding the details of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. And the same can be said for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Rather than make the trade documents readily available to Members of Congress for review, the Administration entered into secret negotiations with foreign countries, including many with long histories of human rights abuses, child labor violations, sex-trafficking, environmental destruction, currency manipulation, and lax food safety standards. When the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership was finally made available to Members of Congress for review, it was far too late to have any meaningful effect on the outcome of a deal that will cost Americans jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-conyers-kildee-lawrence-release-joint-statement-visa-waiver", "Dingell, Conyers, Kildee, Lawrence Release Joint Statement on Visa Waiver Program Legislation", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12),John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Dan Kildee (MI-05), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following joint statement on H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which would, among other things, prevent dual nationals of Iraq and Syria, or individuals who have traveled to these countries, from participating in the Visa Waiver Program.\nThe first responsibility of government is to keep the American people safe. The American people are rightfully concerned about the threat of terrorism following the attacks in Beirut, Paris and San Bernardino. Recently, Congress and the Administration have been examining changes to the Visa Waiver Program to ensure that there are not any vulnerabilities that could put the American people at risk. \nThere are many provisions of H.R. 158 that we support. Specifically, requiring all travelers under the Visa Waiver Program to have an unexpired, fraud-resistant electronic passport is an important security measure to take. We also support requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to study further ways to incorporate anti-fraud and deception technology into the Visa Waiver Program. Both of these steps will help improve our security here at home.\nHowever, we voted against the H.R. 158 today because we are concerned that the provisions in the legislation restricting the use of the visa waiver program to individuals who have travelled to Syria or Iraq or are dual nationals of these or other covered nations are discriminatory. These more controversial provisions have never been the subject of any committee hearing or markup and deserved more review and vetting before being considered on the House Floor.\nWe are also concerned that these provisions contain no exceptions for journalists, researchers, human rights investigators or other professionals. There is also an issue as to whether the new requirement will result in our partner nations placing new limits on travel by U.S. citizens to their own countries. \nIt is because of these concerns that numerous civil rights and civil liberties groups have expressed serious concerns or outright opposition to the overall legislation, including the ACLU, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the NAACP, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Arab-American Civil Rights League, Human Rights Watch, and the League of United Latin American Citizens, among others. \nWe hope that these provisions will face further review and consideration before being taken up by the Senate or included in any year-end legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-senate-dems-urge-congress-to-work-in-bipartisan-fashion-to-address-devastating-impacts-of-climate-change-ahead-of-senator-cruz-led-congressional-hearing-to-continue-denying-climate-change", "Peters, Senate Dems Urge Congress to Work in Bipartisan Fashion to Address Devastating Impacts of Climate Change Ahead of Senator Cruz-Led Congressional Hearing to Continue Denying Climate Change", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Senate Dems Urge Congress to Work in Bipartisan Fashion to Address Devastating Impacts of Climate Change Ahead of Senator Cruz-Led Congressional Hearing to Continue Denying Climate Change \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC Today, in advance of a controversial hearing designed to question the existence of climate change, U.S. Senators Gary Peters, Tom Udall, Brian Schatz and Ed Markey called on Republicans to work with Senate Democrats to take action to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change. While leaders from over 190 countries are gathered in Paris to negotiate an international plan to address climate change, Senator Ted Cruz is holding a Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee hearing that features controversial witnesses aiming to cast doubt on peer-reviewed data demonstrating the effects of climate change that is overwhelmingly supported by the scientific community. Additionally, 154 companies with operations in all 50 states have signaled their support for acting on climate change.\r\nThe consequences of climate change are already wreaking havoc on our planet, threatening our food supply, our national security, our economy, and our health and safety. Rather than debating the existence of climate change, which 97% of scientists agree is happening, Congress should be discussing what actions we are going to take to address it, said Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Science, Space and Competitiveness Subcommittee. Investments in clean energy, enhanced vehicle efficiency and scientific research, particularly for NASA's earth sciences, can both help combat global warming and create jobs in America, and we need to come together in a bipartisan way to tackle these challenges.\r\nWe need long term solutions on how to address climate change, not a continuation of denials that a problem even exists, said Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Bill Nelson. \r\nNew Mexico is at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change impacts. We've seen rising temperatures, drought, floods and increasingly severe wildfires. Temperatures have been rising 50 percent faster than the global average for decades. Addressing climate change is incredibly important to New Mexicans and all Americans, said Senator Udall. Like the majority of Americans, we know climate change is real and that we have to act for our future. Questioning the science is a waste of time. We need to work together on solutions -- now.\r\nWe rely on science and scientists every day, said Senator Schatz. We trust science when we're building bridges, flying planes, or finding cures to illnesses. The truth is there is scientific consensus on climate change. Ninety-eight percent of scientists agree that climate change is real and that humans significantly influence it. Let's listen to what scientists, not presidential candidates, are saying on climate and find solutions now.\r\n\"With almost 200 nations right now gathered in Paris in a shared commitment to act on climate, the only thing that requires a thorough scientific investigation is why this hearing is happening at all, said Senator Markey. It is only Congress's Republican climate deniers, informed by ideology and supported by fossil fuel interests, who are holding back action to address climate change, and they will be defeated in time by overwhelming scientific evidence.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-passing-macomb-county-treasurer-ted-wahby", "Levin Statement on the Passing of Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-09) today released the following statement on the passing of Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby:\nTed Wahby was an incomparable people's person. Whatever public office he held, for him the test always was how his actions would improve the lives of others. So in our many discussions, he was most proud how as County Treasurer he helped keep thousands with financial stress from losing their homes to foreclosure. And he was especially pleased when we could join him at functions at Mt. Clemens General Hospital, now McLaren Macomb, to see how it serves so splendidly the health needs of tens of thousands. He leaves a legacy of superb public service in its best sense. He will be deeply personally missed by so many of us privileged to be his warm friend.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-president-s-address-terrorism", "Dingell Statement on Presidents Address on Terrorism", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on the Presidents address on the tragedy in San Bernardino and the broader threat of terrorism.\nThe most fundamental duty of government is to keep the American people safe. Following the recent attacks in San Bernardino, Paris, Beirut and elsewhere, people in this country are understandably frightened, and tonight the President emphasized the urgent need to work together within our communities and alongside our allies around the world to defeat and destroy terror groups and all they stand for.\n\"It was critical that the President emphasized our values as Americans. He urged us to focus on what unites us, not what divides us  to not stigmatize our Muslim friends and neighbors, but to come together around our common ideals as Americans to combat this growing threat. If we allow fear to cause hate and division, we allow terrorism to win. As the President said, we must not forget what makes us exceptional. Freedom is more powerful than fear and we all must work together diligently to prevent another attack from happening in the United States and stand united against hate and terror, which threatens us all.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-passing-of-ted-wahby", "Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Ted Wahby", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Ted Wahby \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSunday, December 06, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement on the passing of Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby: I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Ted Wahby. For decades, he served Macomb families with distinction and was a friend to so many who had the privilege to know him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his loving wife, Yvonne, and his entire family. He will be greatly missed.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/kildee-syrian-refugees-victims-of-terror-federal-vetting-process-exhaustive/", "Kildee: Syrian refugees victims of terror, federal vetting process exhaustive", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kildee: Syrian refugees \u2018victims of terror,\u2019 federal vetting process \u2018exhaustive\u2019 \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 4, 2015\n\t\t\t\t\tKildee: Syrian refugees \u2018victims of terror,\u2019 federal vetting process \u2018exhaustive\u2019\nSyrian refugees are \u201cvictims of terror\u201d who have been conflated with perpetrators, according to U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, who criticized \u201ccynical political gestures\u201d to deny or limit resettlement opportunities in the United States.\n\u201cIf we really want to fight terror, we also have to be willing to say we\u2019ll help those people who are seeking refuge,\u201d Kildee, D-Flint, said Friday during a taping of \u201cOff The Record\u201d on WKAR-TV.\n\u201cI think it\u2019s a really dangerous place for us to go as a country when we start thinking about victims of violence who are seeking shelter from the United States, who don\u2019t happen to look like a lot of Americans perhaps \u2014 maybe that\u2019s the issue \u2014 somehow all of a sudden being the problem.\u201d\nKildee, taking questions from a media panel, criticized rhetoric from Republican presidential candidates like Donald Trump and said he disagreed with Gov. Rick Snyder\u2019s decision to pause refugee resettlement efforts in Michigan while calling for a review thorough review of the security vetting process.\n\u201cNobody has been able to show me that the process is not exhaustive,\u201d Kildee said. \u201cIt takes 18 to 24 months to get a person throughout the process, whereas just a passport held by a person of Syrian descent who might be a French citizen or a Belgian citizen could get them to New York in six hours.\u201d\nThe Obama administration, responding to the Paris attacks, this week announced a new screening process for passengers entering the U.S. under a visa waiver, flagging those who have previously traveled to a country known to harbor terrorists.\nThat type of action is more appropriate than Congressional attempts to impose restrictions on Syrian refugees, according to Kildee.\n\u201cThe vetting process does work,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat isn\u2019t working is we have a visa waiver program, the president is now addressing this, a visa waiver program that would allow person with an ominous background who happens to possess a European passport to simply get on a plane in Paris and be in New York.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/was-attack-planned-parenthood-terrorism", "Was Attack on Planned Parenthood "Terrorism?"", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, Planned Parenthood was the target of a tragic mass shooting when 57-year-old Robert Lewis Dear killed three people and injured nine others.\n\t\tDear walked into the Colorado Springs clinic on the day after Thanksgiving and opened fire on Planned Parenthood staff and patients who were there to receive care. Before being apprehended, Dear engaged in a standoff with police that involved a lengthy shootout.\n\t\tWhen in police custody, Dear reportedly hinted his motive for the shooting by saying, no more baby parts. Dear, of course, is alluding to several controversial videos that were released by the Center for Medical Progress earlier this year in which a number of officials depicted as representing Planned Parenthood were secretly videotaped negotiating the sale of fetal organs and tissue. Many critics of the video believe the footage was heavily edited and is, therefore, misleading to the public.\n\t\tNo matter where individuals fall on the issue of the validity of those videos, the anti-Planned Parenthood narrative has been played up well in the 2016 presidential race. During the second GOP Debate on CNN, Republican presidential candidate and former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina famously stated, I dare Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama to watch these tapes,\" she said on the stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library September 16th. \"Watch a fully formed fetus on the table, its heart beating, its legs kicking, while someone says, 'We have to keep it alive to harvest its brain.\n\t\tThat became one of the more memorable moments from the debate by Fiorina and has resonated with the Pro-Life movement as well as Congressional Republicans who have been seeking to defund Planned Parenthood over its use of taxpayer dollars to perform abortions.\n\t\tThe House Oversight and Government Reform committee held a hearing in late September to investigate Planned Parenthoods practices by having Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, testify before the committee.\n\t\tRichards testimony was seen as necessary by Republicans and conservatives, but viewed as a partisan witch hunt by Democrats and liberals. However, with the shooting of the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado, many are starting to wonder whether the political rhetoric coming from the Right was, if not, what instigated the mass shooting, but a contributing factor to it.\n\t\tRepresentative Brenda Lawrence (D-Michigan, 14th) believes the shooting was not only politically motivated, but that the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security should get involved in the investigation, saying to GVH Live, I believe this was a terrorist act. This should be investigated. He should be tried accordingly. We must stop this in America. Its not acceptable.\n\t\tYet, with authorities stating that Dear was acting erratically while in custody and the fact that he was not involved in the Pro-Life movement, many are starting to believe that Dear has been suffering from a mental disorder, and therefore couldnt be carrying out a politically motivated terrorist attack.\n\t\tDespite how this matter is investigated, Congress is preparing to decide what to do about how the federal government will be funded next year and whether or not to fund Planned Parenthood. If Congressional Republicans and Democrats cant negotiate and pass a massive omnibus spending bill by December 11th, they could risk another government shutdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-army-investigation-into-wrongful-discharge-of-servicemembers-with-mental-health-disorders", "Peters Applauds Army Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.15\n\t\t\t Peters Applauds Army Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Peters Joined Colleagues in Calling for Investigation after Allegations that More Than 22,000 Soldiers Diagnosed with Mental Health Disorders were Dismissed for Misconduct\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today applauded the U.S. Army's announcement that they will conduct a thorough, multidisciplinary investigation into allegations that the Army has, since 2009, wrongfully dismissed more than 22,000 soldiers for misconduct after they returned from deployment and were diagnosed with mental health disorders. The Army's announcement comes after Peters joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in requesting the investigation. In a letter to Peters, Acting Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning noted that the Assistant Secretary of the Army, The Inspector General of the Army, The Auditor General of the Army, and other senior Army leaders would conduct the investigation and report their findings.\r\nFor generations our servicemembers have answered the call of duty and defended our country, and I am very concerned that the Army may have erroneously discharged thousands of soldiers suffering from the invisible wounds of war, said Senator Peters. I am pleased that there will be a full-scale investigation into potentially incorrect dismissals, and I look forward to reviewing the U.S. Army's findings upon completion of its investigation.\r\nIn November, Peters and his colleagues wrote a letter to Acting Secretary Fanning and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Mark A. Milley, expressing serious concern that the dismissed soldiers will not receive retirement and post-service employment eligibility benefits. The Senators additionally expressed concern that it may have been easier to dismiss servicemembers for minor misconduct possibly linked to the traumas of war, rather than evaluate them for conditions that may have warranted a different discharge.\r\nSenator Peters, a member of the Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, has been a strong voice for Michigan's veterans and servicemembers. Earlier this year, Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to help former servicemembers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) who received a less-than-honorable discharge, rather than an honorable discharge. Peters' bill would create a presumption in favor of the former servicemember when petitioning the Secretary of Defense for an upgrade in discharge status based on medical evidence certified by the VA or a private physician.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-passage-of-highway-bill-including-vehicle-to-infrastructure-technology-provision", "Peters Applauds Passage of Highway Bill Including Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Technology Provision", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.15\n\t\t\t Peters Applauds Passage of Highway Bill Including Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Technology Provision \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Peters' Provision Allows States to Use Existing Funds to Invest in Safety Technology\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) applauded the passage of a five-year highway bill in the Senate last night that includes language from his bipartisan Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Safety Technology Investment Flexibility Act of 2015. The provision allows states to use existing surface and highway transportation funds to invest in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technology that has the potential to help reduce traffic congestion and accidents.\r\nAs we upgrade our nation's infrastructure, we should ensure that the United States remains a leader in the development and implementation of new technologies like vehicle-to-infrastructure communications that can prevent accidents and save lives, said Senator Peters. I am pleased that my provision allowing states to invest in these critical safety technologies was included in the highway bill, which will give states more certainty to plan long-term infrastructure and transportation projects that create jobs and support economic growth.\r\nThe highway legislation, also called the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, authorizes $305 billion in federal funding for highway programs for five years, including the National Highway Performance Program (NHPP), the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) and the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Peters' provision authorizes states to use funds from NHPP, STBGP and HSIP to incorporate V2I technology in infrastructure upgrades.\r\nV2I technologies include wireless exchanges of safety and operational information between connected vehicles and infrastructure to help prevent collisions, relieve traffic congestion and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Examples of V2I applications include monitors on bridges that communicate ice accumulation to approaching vehicles, traffic signals that warn vehicles of stopped traffic, or sensors warning of nearby emergency vehicles or work zones. A 2013 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) study found that vehicle-to-vehicle and V2I technologies could save lives by eliminating up to 80 percent of vehicle accidents involving non-impaired drivers.\r\nThe final package also includes a Peters' provision that requires the Secretary of Transportation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Amtrak to conduct a post-accident assessment of Amtrak's emergency preparedness plan and its response to families during the devastating crash in Philadelphia earlier this year that killed eight passengers and injured more than 200 others. The assessment will include a review of whether these plans adequately met the needs of passengers involved in the crash and their families, and a determination of how these plans can be improved. Peters' suggested areas of review include the notification of emergency contacts, dedication of staff for family assistance, creation of family assistance centers at the location of an accident and the creation of a single customer service entity to assist passengers and their families after a crash.\r\nFamily members of passengers who have been involved in an train derailment are filled with anxiety for the safety of their loved ones, and they should not have to worry about a lack of clear information or assistance, said Senator Peters. This measure will help ensure that Amtrak can provide passengers and family members the assistance they need in the wake of an accident.\r\nThe legislation also includes a provision to reauthorize the charter for the Export-Import Bank, which expired earlier this year. Peters has called for the renewal of the bank's charter because of the vital role it plays as a tool for economic growth. Last year, the Export-Import Bank supported more than 164,000 jobs and backed $27.4 billion in U.S. exports for businesses across the country, including $10 billion in exports by small businesses, which make up nearly 90% of Ex-Im's transactions. Since 2007, the Export-Import Bank has supported 228 Michigan exporters selling $11 billion worth of goods to places like Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Canada.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-pushes-action-flint-water-crisis-infrastructure", "Congressman Dan Kildee Pushes Action on Flint Water Crisis, Infrastructure Investments at White House Meeting of Presidents Export Council", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke at the White House about the Flint water crisis and the need for critical investments in our nation's older, industrial cities like Flint, Saginaw and Bay City, especially when it comes to improvements to our infrastructure and aging water systems. Congressman Kildee's remarks came at a meeting of the President's Export Council, where he is one of only five members of the U.S. House of Representatives appointed to advisory board. The President's Export Council is the principal advisory council to the president on trade and manufacturing,made up of both government and private sector leaders. Since his appointment in January by former Speaker of the House John Boehner, Congressman Kildee has used his position on the council to push for policies that support American workers and American cities. It has also allowed him to advocate for economic policies that create jobs and boost U.S. manufacturing exports. A lot of cities are left behind, and it's largely because we have not given them the tools that they need to succeed, Congressman Kildee said today in his remarks. It's really important that we invest in these older communities. They can do wonders for our country, they can create greater equity, and they can actually grow our economy, but we've got to unleash their capacity, and it's going to take significant investment to do that. A video of Congressman Kildee's remarks can be viewed here, starting at 1:01:25. To learn more about the President's Export Council, visithttps://trade.gov/pec. A full transcript of Congressman Kildee's remarks, as delivered at today's meeting, is below: Thank you very much, and thanks for giving us each a few minutes to comment. As Congresswoman [Suzan] Delbene said, when we leave, it will not be because we're rushing from the room due to something that [U.S. Trade Representative] Mr. [Michael]Froman said  it's because we have to go vote. Let me explain a bit. The goals of this organization are obviously critical to the success of this country and to the growth of our economy. But I want to hone in on a particular aspect of the challenge that we face, and for those of you who are not aware, I come from a town called Flint, Michigan. Flint is the birthplace of General Motors. In 1908, GM was founded in that community. But it is a city that has experienced extraordinarily difficult times in the last several decades. So the focus that I want to bring and support is the focus of the Export Council on the need to reinvest in our productive capacity. Obviously there has been an important debate on how we engage global trade, and there will continue to be, I think, a very important debate within Congress as to how we do that. But as important as that  perhaps more important  is how we support expanding the productive capacity that we have here in the United States to make, to produce those sorts of products that we then can sell, not only to our domestic market, but across the globe. Essential to that, from my perspective, is a much stronger emphasis on reinvesting in those older industrial communities. I think about some of the companies represented in this room, many of which were really born of innovation that occurred in the last century in those older industrial spaces that we have seen wither in ways that I think are really completely unacceptable. I just mentioned my own hometown of Flint, and I'll just use this one anecdote. Today, as we sit here, in Flint, Michigan  a community that put the world on wheels  that community cannot ensure to its residents clean, drinkable water. It's a city of 100,000 people, that for 14 months had lead levels in its water system that were so high that 7,000 children under the age of five  for 14 months!  were exposed to lead in a way that will affect the trajectory of their lives permanently. This, in the twenty-first century, in the wealthiest nation, at the wealthiest moment in its history, in a community that could greatly contribute to the productive capacity of this nation, but has not been able to fully realize that because we, as a nation, have allowed our older cities to atrophy.  So there is no trade agenda that can be fully realized that doesn't have us going big  going real big  investing in infrastructure, in ports, in rail, in roads and bridges, in IT, and in water infrastructure. While we will take an important step forward in sort of getting back to where we need to be, with a less than temporary approach to transportation infrastructure, I just really hope that we can, as a council, and particularly the private sector leadership which has been so critical to this question, find a way to move an agenda that has us reinventing in those places that were once really important to the development of our productive capacity, and I firmly believe are essential for that in the future. There are many cities, even during periods of economic growth, and I speak from experience  I was in local government for 33 years before I came to Congress  there are many cities that are often left behind, even during periods of great economic expansion. You go to the 1990s and see what happened in all the private sector job growth that we saw; the private sector job growth that we've seen in the last five, six years has been extraordinary, but a lot of cities are left behind, and it's largely because we have not given them the tools that they need to succeed. We see some of our competitors spending, in some cases, ten times what we are as a percentage of GDP on that basic infrastructure. And especially when we look at how difficult it is for these older cities to reposition themselves, I think it is incumbent on all of us, but particularly I'm imploring our private sector leaders, to continue to speak up on this question, because your voices are so critical. It's really important that we invest in these older communities. They can do wonders for our country, they can create greater equity, and they can actually grow our economy, but we've got to unleash their capacity, and it's going to take significant investment to do that.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-successfully-protects-michigan-afterschool-programs", "Congressman Dan Kildee Successfully Protects Michigan Afterschool Programs with Passage of New Education Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Education Bill Contains Kildee-Sponsored Provisions Protecting Funding for Successful Afterschool Programs \nCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today praised the passage of a major education bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that protects critical funding for afterschool programs in Michigan and around the nation. S. 1177, a bipartisan education reform bill containing provisions Congressman Kildee fought for, will protect funding for afterschool programs in cities across Michigan and the U.S.\nThere is no greater investment we can make than in our children and their future. Afterschool programs work  they lead to higher grades, better school attendance and better behavior among kids, Congressman Kildee said. I am glad both Democrats and Republicans joined together to pass this bill. While this bill is not perfect, its continued support for afterschool programs in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Bay City is critical for hardworking families.\nThe reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), passed late Wednesday by 359-64, is the largest reform of national education policy since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. After Senate passage of the bill, it will go to the President's desk, where he is expected to sign it into law. Among its provisions, the bill sets aside dedicated funding for before and after school as well as summer recess extra-curricular programs. These programs, in areas such as music, sports, and drug prevention, provide an outlet for mid-Michigan youth outside of the classroom so they may become better students. The ESEA also will find new efficiencies in afterschool programs to increase their value to students and protects the programs' continued existence by preventing the funding from being diverted to other unrelated programs.\nCongressman Kildee has been a champion for afterschool programs in Congress. The original House version of the ESEA, introduced in February, eliminated funds entirely for afterschool programming from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program (21st CLCC). However, on November 5, while the House and Senate versions of the ESEA were being reconciled in a Conference Committee, Congressman Kildee wrote a letter to negotiators asking them to restore the 21st CLCC and safeguard funding for afterschool programs. The final bill, which the House passed today, includes Congressman Kildee's request in its entirety.\nRep. Dan Kildee has been a passionate champion for afterschool and summer learning programs in the House of Representatives, Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant said. His leadership is a big reason the ESEA reauthorization bill that the House passed today preserves and strengthens 21st CCLC. The afterschool language in the conference bill is based on his bill, the Afterschool for America's Children Act. Thanks to Congressman Kildee, more students will be safe and constructively engaged each afternoon; more parents will be able to hold jobs; more children from food-insecure families will get healthy meals and snacks; more girls and boys will be inspired by hands-on learning of science, technology, engineering and math; and more youth will get homework help, job and college preparation, and opportunities for physical activity, community service and more. The nation owes Rep. Kildee a debt of gratitude, Grant continued.\nIn February, Congressman Kildee reintroduced the Afterschool for America's Children Act, which furthers our nation's investment in afterschool programming through the 21st CCLC. He also partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters to launch the mid-Michigan Mentoring Challenge, encouraging more local-area residents to become mentors for at-risk youth.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-five-year-highway-reauthorization-step-right-direction-nation-s", "Dingell: Five-Year Highway Reauthorization is Step in Right Direction for Nations Roads", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today said Congress has taken a step in the right direction to fix the nations roads. H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act, reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety and public transit projects for five years. The measure provides $281 billion in guaranteed funding for these programs, including $5.58 billion for Michigan  an increase of more than $495 million from current levels. The legislation also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank for four years, which plays a vital role in helping Michigan businesses compete and succeed in the global economy.\nToday, Congress took a first step towards fixing our nations aging infrastructure, said Dingell. Instead of kicking the can down the road, this legislation begins to provide the certainty needed to plan for the future, invest in Michigans crumbling roads and bridges, and jumpstart stalled construction projects. This is a good start, but we need to do more to fully address the challenge of our crumbling infrastructure.\nI am also pleased that Congress finally acted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, which levels the playing field for American workers and businesses by helping them export their products overseas and create jobs at home.\nSince coming to Congress, Dingell has called for the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank to support American manufacturing jobs. In October, she signed a discharge petition that forced a vote to revive the Ex-Im Bank on the floor. This summer, Dingell visited Hancock Enterprises, Inc. in Taylor and Polytorx, LLC in Ann Arbor to highlight the critical role the Ex-Im Bank plays in helping Michigan manufacturers compete in the global economy.\nThe bipartisan conference report includes a number of other key provisions, including:\n Increasing American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements;\n\tIncreasing the percentage of funds within the Surface Transportation Program that flow directly to local regions, a top priority of local communities; and\n\tPromoting 21st century vehicles, including by requiring the DOT to designate national electric vehicle charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling corridors to identify the near and long-term investments needed to support vehicles of the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lawrence-holds-ogr-interior-subcommittee-hearing-invasive-species", "Rep. Lawrence holds OGR Interior Subcommittee hearing on invasive species policy in Michigan and U.S.", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Tuesday held a hearing as the ranking Democratic member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Interior Subcommittee to discuss the impact of invasive species in Michigan and throughout the United States and to review the progress of the National Invasive Species Council (NISC). \nDuring the hearing, Rep. Lawrence received a commitment from Council Executive Director Jamie Reaser that the NISC will have an updated plan ready for Congressional review this spring to better address the impact of non-native plants and animals, such as Asian carp and zebra mussels.\nZebra mussels alone have caused Michigan more than $1 billion in damage by clogging pipes and filtration equipment of wastewater treatment plants. The mussels also pose economic threats to recreational and commercial fishing, activities that pump $4 billion to $7 billion into the economy every year, Rep Lawrence said. Additionally, the Great Lakes are facing threat from Asian carp which can devastate recreational fishing if not controlled. Recent reports show that these invasive fish have already caused significant ecological problems in the Ohio and Mississippi River basins.\nExperts at the hearing testified that invasive species cause an estimated $1.4 trillion worth of damage to the global economy every year and $120 billion to the U.S. economy each year. Among those who testified at the invitation of Rep. Lawrence was Dr. Alan Steinman, director and professor at the Robert B. Amis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University.\nI want to thank Mr. Steinman, Ms. Reaser, and everyone who participated in Tuesdays hearing to address this economic and environmental threat, Rep. Lawrence. It is clear that much more can and should be done, and I look forward to working with the Council in the coming year on improving our efforts to address this serious issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-miller-urge-obama-administration-to-support-funding-for-blue-water-bridge", "Peters, Stabenow, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10) today wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan urging the Administration to make the expansion of a customs plaza for the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron a high priority for funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Despite land being cleared and property demolished in Port Huron for the expansion, funding for the customs plaza construction has yet to be allocated.\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is a vital component of economic expansion for the communities of Port Huron, and St. Clair County; the state of Michigan, and the nation as a whole, wrote Peters, Stabenow and Miller. As you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is the United States' third busiest land crossing in value of shipments. In 2011, President Obama and Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined the Blue Water Bridge as a top priority in a plan to commit significant investments in physical infrastructure at key crossings to improve congestion and speed at U.S.-Canadian border crossings.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below, or click here:\r\nThe Honorable Jeh Johnson\r\nDepartment of Homeland Security\r\nWashington, D.C. 20528\r\nDear Secretary Johnson:\r\nAs you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is the United States third busiest land crossing in terms of value of shipments. Focused investment in modern infrastructure and technology at our busiest land ports of entry, such as the Blue Water Bridge, is essential to our economic well-being and security.\r\nIn 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama declared in Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness their commitment to significant investments in physical infrastructure at key crossings to relieve congestion and speed the movement of traffic across the border. The Blue Water Bridge was identified as a top priority within that plan.\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is a vital component of economic expansion for the communities of Port Huron, and St. Clair County; the state of Michigan, and the nation as a whole.\r\nLocally, delay of the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza continues to create hardship by impacting the tax bases in Saint Clair County and Port Huron. More than 100 properties were demolished to prepare the land for expansion, yet it continues to sit idle. These communities are negatively impacted by the loss of potential revenue as the land required for the plaza expansion sits vacant. Port Huron's bond rating has been negatively impacted due to a lack of revenue from the plaza. New revenue gained from construction and operation of the customs plaza would help offset the years of lost property tax revenue. \r\nNationally, it is important to the economic security and well-being of the United States to complete the planned expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza. Once fully staffed and operational, this improved border crossing will have a significant economic impact for Michigan and states across the country. This plaza will greatly expedite travel for both commercial and non-commercial traffic, as the temporary booths that were installed were not intended to be a permanent solution, and have not mitigated the traffic problems to the extent they should have.\r\nWe thank you for considering our request.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/peters-stabenow-miller-urge-obama-administration-to-support-funding-for-blue-water-bridge", "Stabenow, Peters, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters(D-MI) and Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) today wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan urging the Administration to make the expansion of a customs plaza for the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron a high priority for funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Despite land being cleared and property demolished in Port Huron for the expansion, funding for the customs plaza construction has yet to be allocated.\r\n\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is a vital component of economic expansion for the communities of Port Huron, and St. Clair County; the state of Michigan, and the nation as a whole, wrote Peters, Stabenow and Miller. As you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.\r\n\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is the United States' third busiest land crossing in value of shipments. In 2011, President Obama and Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined the Blue Water Bridge as a top priority in a plan to commit significant investments in physical infrastructure at key crossings to improve congestion and speed at U.S.-Canadian border crossings.\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below, or click here:\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Jeh Johnson\r\nDepartment of Homeland Security\r\nWashington, D.C. 20528\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Johnson:\r\n\r\nAs you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.\r\n\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is the United States third busiest land crossing in terms of value of shipments. Focused investment in modern infrastructure and technology at our busiest land ports of entry, such as the Blue Water Bridge, is essential to our economic well-being and security. \r\n\r\nIn 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama declared in Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness their commitment to significant investments in physical infrastructure at key crossings to relieve congestion and speed the movement of traffic across the border. The Blue Water Bridge was identified as a top priority within that plan.\r\n\r\nThe Blue Water Bridge is a vital component of economic expansion for the communities of Port Huron, and St. Clair County; the state of Michigan, and the nation as a whole. \r\n\r\nLocally, delay of the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza continues to create hardship by impacting the tax bases in Saint Clair County and Port Huron. More than 100 properties were demolished to prepare the land for expansion, yet it continues to sit idle. These communities are negatively impacted by the loss of potential revenue as the land required for the plaza expansion sits vacant. Port Huron's bond rating has been negatively impacted due to a lack of revenue from the plaza. New revenue gained from construction and operation of the customs plaza would help offset the years of lost property tax revenue. \r\n\r\nNationally, it is important to the economic security and well-being of the United States to complete the planned expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza. Once fully staffed and operational, this improved border crossing will have a significant economic impact for Michigan and states across the country. This plaza will greatly expedite travel for both commercial and non-commercial traffic, as the temporary booths that were installed were not intended to be a permanent solution, and have not mitigated the traffic problems to the extent they should have. \r\n\r\nWe thank you for considering our request.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-supports-major-education-bill-replace-no-child-left-behind", "Dingell Supports Major Education Bill to Replace No Child Left Behind", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today supported S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, bipartisan legislation that will improve K-12 education and replace the broken No Child Left Behind law. The agreement is a compromise between the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives reached after months of negotiations, and is the first update to federal education law since No Child Left Behind in 2002. The bill now moves to the Senate for approval before being sent to the President for his signature.\nThis legislation is a win for students, teachers and parents in Southeast Michigan and across the country, said Dingell. It ushers in a new chapter in improving our nations schools by finally fixing No Child Left Behind, which has been broken for too long. It encourages educational innovation, invests in early learning, helps improve low-performing schools, and allows flexibility at the local level while requiring the high standards our children deserve. This bipartisan compromise is a powerful example of what happens when we put partisanship aside and work together. We need more of this, and I hope it is just the beginning of a new era where we work together to solve our countrys problems.\nThe bipartisan conference agreement includes a number of key provisions:\n Repeals the one-size-fits-all adequate yearly progress federal accountability system and replaces it with a statewide accountability system;  \n\t Maintains important information about student performance;  \n\t Helps states to improve low-performing schools;  \n\t Improves accountability for learning outcomes for all students;  \n\t Targets funds to at-risk children;  \n\t Helps states increase teacher quality; and  \n\t Provides greater funding flexibility to enhance support for students and schools.\nThe legislation is supported by a broad cross-section of organizations, including the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, National Governors Association, National School Boards Association, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, STEM Education Coalition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, The Education Trust, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Council of La Raza, Democrats for Education Reform, and National Center for Learning Disabilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/planned-parenthood-cancels-detroit-event-following-colorado-shooting", "Planned Parenthood cancels Detroit event following Colorado shooting", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Planned Parenthood canceled a Detroit event scheduled Monday, just days after last week's shooting massacre at Colorado clinic.\nThe attack in Colorado Springs left three dead and several others injured.\nIn an email, Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Desiree Cooper said the cancelationwas \"not because of any specific security threats or concerns in Michigan.\"\nThe event at the Detroit Health Center was expected to discuss Planned Parenthood's role in the fight against AIDS, ahead of World AIDS Day on Tuesday.\nU.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence was scheduled to appear.\n\"As everyone else is, we are grieving the unfortunate deaths of individuals based on what I feel was an act of terrorism,\" Lawrence said.\nLawrence said she plans to reschedule the appearance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-gardner-introduce-bill-to-expand-access-to-telehealth-services", "Peters, Gardner Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Telehealth Services", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Gardner Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Telehealth Services \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) today introduced the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act, legislation thatwouldexpand access to health care in rural areas by paving the way for Medicare to cover additional telehealth services. Currently, Medicare covers limited telehealth services, setting a poor industry standard, discouraging innovation, and restricting access to specialized services.\r\nTelehealth has revolutionized healthcare, helping more patients receive life-saving treatment, and we must ensure that people living in rural areas have equal access to the care they need, said Senator Peters. I'm proud to join Senator Gardner in introducing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that takes important steps to modernize Medicare, expand access to quality care for all seniors and improve patient outcomes.\r\nPeople living in rural Colorado should have access to the samehealth care services as those living in urban areas, saidGardner. Telemedicine hasthe power to increase access to specialized services in underserved communities, and potentially lower costs and improve patient outcomes. The Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act would pave the way for Medicare to expand coverage to additional telehealth services, and potentially provide those living with life-threatening conditions in rural America with more opportunities and more options to receive the carethey need. At the same time, this legislation would incentivize the industry to develop cutting edge technology that could revolutionize health care delivery. As we work toward a health care system that lowers costs and increases choices for consumers, it isimportantthat we advance commonsense legislation like the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Actto achieve those goals.\r\nThe Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allow eligible hospitals to test telehealth services through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation(CMMI). Additionally, it directsCMMIto review and independentlyevaluate telehealth models for cost, effectiveness, andimprovementin quality of care without increasing the cost of delivery.If the telehealth model meets this criteria, then the model will be covered through the greater Medicare program.\r\nSenator Gary Peters has taken the initiative to modernize Medicare policy for telehealth services. Health care delivery must become more patient-centered, more timely and more efficient. We need to take advantage of existing technology, and be ready for the next innovations, to improve service delivery and health outcomes for Michigan seniors,saidBrian Peters, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA).\r\nTelehealth services are a vital part of the rural healthcare delivery system. Munson Healthcare, a northern Michigan health system, strongly supports expanding access to these technologies making it easier for patients to connect with qualified medical providers and in some cases protecting patient health through reducing exposure to other patients for those with compromised immune systems, said Ed Ness, President and CEO, Munson Healthcare.\r\nSparrow is appreciative of Senator Peters work to expand the use of telehealth services. By expanding access to care patients, especially in rural areas, could experience better health outcomes. saidJohn A. Shaski,Government Relations Officer,Sparrow Health System.\r\nTelemedicine dramatically improves access to health care, which means patients are more likely to seek medical attention before a condition becomes unmanageable. Plus, telemedicine saves patients time and money, said Spectrum Health Medical Group Chief Medical Officer Doug Apple, MD.\r\n\r\nDuring the last year, Spectrum Healths MedNow providers have successfully completed 3,800 secure email and video visits with patients.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-releases-statement-regarding-death-detroit", "Congresswoman Lawrence Releases Statement Regarding death of Detroit Activist Ron Scott", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Tuesday released the following statement regarding the passing of Detroit activist Ron Scott, who died on November 29th, 2015.\nRon Scott was a fiery orator who shed light on the often ignored issues of racial inequality and, specifically, police brutality. I can personally recall times when I spoke to him when he was very angry. However, that anger came from his passion and he used that anger to fuel his fight to make his community, and the world, a better place. No one can deny the impact he had on Detroit, on Michigan, and on the country.\nIt didnt surprise me, or anyone else who knew Ron, to read in the Free Press that he continued with his work and his fight up to the very end of his life at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. To the Scott Family, I offer my deepest condolences and my hope that Rons powerful and enduring legacy provides at least some small comfort during this most difficult time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-stabenow-resolution-recognizing-rosa-parks-courage-contributions-to-the-civil-rights-movement", "Senate Passes Peters, Stabenow Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.15\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Peters, Stabenow Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks' Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t On 60th Anniversary, Senators Honor Parks' Heroic Refusal to Give Up Bus Seat\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow applauded the Senate's passage last night of a bipartisan resolution to honor the 60th anniversary of when civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Ala., bus. Parks' December 1, 1955 arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a turning point in the fight for civil rights. She and her husband, Raymond, relocated to Michigan in 1957 where she lived until her death in 2005.\r\nRosa Parks is an example of how courage and determination can change the course of history,Senator Peters said.As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Rosa Parks' historic Montgomery bus ride that helped promote the fight for equality and justice during the Civil Rights Movement, we honor her legacy that inspires all Americans to stand up for justice and freedom.\r\n60 years ago today, Rosa Parks changed our nation's history by courageously sitting down in order to stand up for human dignity,said Senator Stabenow. This resolution recognizes the critical role Parks played in the civil rights movement and highlights her heroism and bravery at a time of extreme unrest and discrimination in America.\r\nParks was born in Alabama and is known as the first lady of civil rights. Her arrest led to 42,000 African Americans boycotting the Montgomery buses until the bus segregation law was changed over a year later.\r\nSenators Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Harry Reid (D-NV) and Ben Sasse (R-NE) cosponsored this resolution.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senate-passes-stabenow-peters-resolution-recognizing-rosa-parks-courage-contributions-to-the-civil-rights-movement", "Senate Passes Stabenow, Peters Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Stabenow, Peters Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks' Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t On 60th Anniversary, Senators Honor Parks' Heroic Refusal to Give Up Bus Seat \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 01, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters applauded the Senate's passage last night of a bipartisan resolution to honor the 60th anniversary of when civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Ala., bus. Parks' December 1, 1955 arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a turning point in the fight for civil rights. She and her husband, Raymond, relocated to Michigan in 1957 where she lived until her death in 2005.\r\n60 years ago today, Rosa Parks changed our nation's history by courageously sitting down in order to stand up for human dignity, said Senator Stabenow. This resolution recognizes the critical role Parks played in the civil rights movement and highlights her heroism and bravery at a time of extreme unrest and discrimination in America.\r\nRosa Parks is an example of how courage and determination can change the course of history, Senator Peters said. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Rosa Parks' historic Montgomery bus ride that helped promote the fight for equality and justice during the Civil Rights Movement, we honor her legacy that inspires all Americans to stand up for justice and freedom.\r\nParks was born in Alabama and is known as the first lady of civil rights. Her arrest led to 42,000 African Americans boycotting the Montgomery buses until the bus segregation law was changed over a year later.\r\nSenators Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Harry Reid (D-NV) and Ben Sasse (R-NE) cosponsored this resolution.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/locals-support-small-business-saturday", "Locals Support Small Business Saturday", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DETROIT -- From the city to the suburbs, Small Business Saturday is vital to so many trying to make it.\n\tThe owner of Good Cakes & Bakes on Livernois Avenue is using her business to showcase other small businesses.\n\tBryant Owens and Kummbareh Owens were there selling Everbutter Natural Hair Care.\n\tJetta Barbee was also there with her husband selling gourmet popcorn.\n\t\"This is an excellent way for us to get out there and get our product known,\" Barbee said. \"Introduce it to the world.\"\n\tIts hard work, but Small Business Saturday means giving people a taste to let customers know that theyre here.\n\tIn Detroit, attention is paid to businesses in downtown and midtown, but its the neighborhood businesses that need the focus.\n\tCongresswoman Brenda Lawrence was out helping local businesswomen get access to the resources they may need.\n\t\"Get in touch with your small-business administration,\" Lawrence told local businesswomen. \"I'm going to have a womens small business forum coming up in the months ahead.\"\n\tSmall businesses like Stephanie Whitfields handmade jewelry were there as well. Whitfield left government work for her passion and start Salikas Hancrafted Jewelry. She hopes that districts like the one on Livernois continue to grow.\n\t\"People can leave their neighborhoods and walk up and down the street and have many various businesses to shop at,\" Whitfield said. \"We want to see more of this in the city.\"\n\tSmall Business Saturday is all about residents supporting their neighbors who are trying to turn their dreams into a real business.\n\t\n\tClick here for video.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-urges-southeast-michigan-residents-join-small-business-saturday", "Dingell Urges Southeast Michigan Residents to Join in Small Business Saturday", "2015-11-25", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MICongresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today released the following statement encouraging Southeast Michigan residents to participate in Small Business Saturday, which is this Saturday, November 28.\nMichigan is home to more than 850,000 small businesses that play a key role in creating jobs and supporting our local economies. Small business owners are our friends and neighbors, and their businesses  from the local hardware store to our favorite restaurants and bookstores  are part of the fabric of our state and a large part of what makes our region such a special place to live. I will continue working in Congress on legislation that will help our small businesses grow and succeed, and this Saturday, I hope you will join me in heading to Main Street to support the small businesses you love.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-releases-statement-release-video-police-shooting", "Congresswoman Lawrence Releases Statement Regarding Fatal Police Shooting of Laquan McDonald", "2015-11-25", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Wednesday released the following statement regarding todays release of video evidence in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by a Chicago Police Officer.\nThe October 20, 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago Police officers is yet another stark and tragic reminder of the serious challenges facing our communities and law enforcement agencies.\nTodays release of video footage of the shooting, evidence that was used to sustain a charge of murder against the officer who shot and killed Laquan, are disturbing and the case is one that demands full and thorough investigation and prosecution.\nBut we must not stop there. We must cultivate better community policing policies focused on rebuilding trust between residents and law enforcement. We need greater cultural and gender diversity in our law enforcement agencies and a greater emphasis on community building and collaboration.We must end the practice of racial profiling and the overuse of lethal force. We must reaffirm for our authorities that when we allow law-abiding citizens to be treated differently based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, we are guilty of violating the U.S. Constitution.\nAs a former Mayor, I know how valuable our law enforcement agencies are to building safe and happy communities. I also know that we must be steadfast in the administration of police discipline when it is warranted.It is critical that we act now to make our communities safer for everyone.\nI have also seen first-hand the transformative effect of community-informed and community-oriented policing. I believe that we can harness that power and achieve amazing things if we are all willing to commit ourselves to taking the difficult but necessary steps to rebuild that lost trust and work toward a better future together.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/detroit-news-dingell-probes-why-ann-arbor-va-cancels-vets-surgeries", "The Detroit News: Dingell probes why Ann Arbor VA cancels vets surgeries", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Debbie Dingell is seeking answers from the director of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System following reports that surgeries for veterans were recently canceled or moved to another facility after particulate matter was observed on sterile surgical equipment.\nThe health care system was investigated last year for a similar issue, but the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the VA inspector general later verified that changes were made at the hospital to resolve the issue.\nWhile recognizing you are canceling and moving surgeries to ensure no veterans are being put at risk, this situation is still concerning and raises questions about the source of this particulate matter and what actions are being taken to correct the problem, the Dearborn Democrat Dingellwrotelate Monday in a letter to Ann Arbor Director Robert P. McDivitt.\nDerek Atkinson, public affairs officer for the health care system, said a surgery stand-down was started the week of Veterans Day this month after staffers noticed a speck of micro-particulates  inorganic material  in a surgical equipment case. The matter is believed to have originated with a water main break in the hospital sterilization processing area but was not on the surgical tools, he said.\nThis was after the sterilization process and before they were used in the OR, so no veterans were ever in harm's way, Atkinson said. This was proactive and really focusing on patient safety.\nConsequently, surgeries were not performed for several days and experts were brought in to evaluate the sterilization process and some equipment was replaced, he said. Meanwhile, patients were offered the option of undergoing surgery at the University of Michigan Health System or rescheduling the procedures later, he said.\nSurgeries have since resumed on a limited basis until we decide whats going on here, Atkinson said. Were still working through some things to get back up to where we want them to be.\nOfficials hope to resume full caseloads soon.\nClick here to read the full story.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-announces-99m-cutting-edge-energy-technology-projects-ann-arbor", "Dingell Announces $9.9M for Cutting-Edge Energy Technology Projects in Ann Arbor", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MI  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today announced that three Ann Arbor energy projects will receive more than $9.9 million from the Department of Energys (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The grants were awarded through the ARPA-Es OPEN 2015 program and come in advance of the COP21 U.N. Climate Negotiations in Paris next week. Accio Energy, Inc. in Ann Arbor, and two projects at the University of Michigan were selected to receive funding.\nOur scientists and engineers in Southeast Michigan are developing entirely new ways to generate, store and use energy, said Dingell. These cutting-edge technologies have the potential to solve some of our nations most pressing energy challenges, and this important investment will support efforts to combat climate change and enhance energy security around the globe.\nARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. The OPEN 2015 projects come from 21 states and encompass 10 technical categories, including transportation, electricity generation and delivery and energy efficiency.\nLocal projects receiving funding are below. For a full list of recipients, please click here.\nAccio Energy, Inc., Ann Arbor  $4,500,000  \n\tProject Title: EHD Innovative Low-Cost Offshore Wind Energy  \n\tAccio Energy, Inc. will develop and demonstrate an Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) turbine-less wind energy system that harvests energy through physical separation of charge. The technology uses the wind to separate a mist of positively charged water droplets from excess electrons that form a high voltage direct current source. The teams innovative approach could create an entirely new option for low-cost offshore wind.\nUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor  $3,500,000  \n\tProject Title: Transitioning Advanced Ceramic Electrolytes into Manufacturable Solid-State EV Batteries  \n\tThe University of Michigan will develop new electrode structures and manufacturing techniques to incorporate Lithium (Li)-conducting ceramic electrolytes into solid-state batteries. Solid-state Li batteries could double the energy density of todays Li-ion cells and also eliminate the use of conventional flammable electrolytes, increasing abuse tolerance and reducing the need for battery thermal management systems.\nUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor  $1,923,845  \n\tProject Title: Split Micro-hybrid Boosting Enabling Highly Diluted Combustion  \n\tThe University of Michigan will develop a high-efficiency engine system that integrates a compact micro-hybrid configuration of a supercharger with an electric waste heat recovery system and employs high rates of recirculated exhaust gases. When combined with sophisticated control strategy, this approach provides a solution for suboptimal engine breathing that is typical of transient engine operation. The performance is projected to match that of a naturally aspirated engine, and have a 20% increase in fuel efficiency compared to a turbocharged downsized engine, at a cost that is half that of a mild-hybrid system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-stands-veterans-questions-cancellation-surgeries-ann-arbor-va", "Dingell Stands Up for Veterans, Questions Cancellation of Surgeries at Ann Arbor VA", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MI  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Director Robert P. McDivitt following reports that recent surgeries for veterans were canceled or moved to another facility because particulate matter was observed on sterile surgical equipment. The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System was investigated in 2014 for a similar issue, and the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the VA Inspector General later issued a report verifying that changes were made at the VA to solve the problem.\nWhile recognizing you are cancelling and moving surgeries to ensure no veterans are being put at risk, this situation is still concerning and raises questions about the source of this particulate matter and what actions are being taken to correct the problem, wrote Dingell. We want to work with you to ensure you have the necessary resources to identify and rectify the problem so everyone can have the highest confidence in the condition of the facilities which our veterans rely on. \nDingell requested information about the status of construction of the new Sterile Supply Service area, which was a focus of the 2014 investigation, as well as steps and procedures put in place to ensure that patient safety is not compromised. \nOur veterans have made numerous sacrifices for our nation, and we have an obligation to make sure they are properly cared for, she continued.\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\nNovember 23, 2015\nMr. Robert P. McDivitt  \n\tDirector  \n\tVA Ann Arbor Healthcare System  \n\t2215 Fuller Road  \n\tAnn Arbor, MI 48105\nDear Director McDivitt:\nThank you for speaking to me earlier today in response to a phone call I received from a concerned party about the recent cancellation of surgeries for veterans at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. It is my understanding that nurses in the operating room first began noticing particulate matter on sterile surgical equipment and, as a result of their vigilance and the administrations actions to ensure the safety of all patients, surgeries have been cancelled or moved to the University of Michigan. Staff at the hospital deserves credit for their awareness and for recognizing and diligently reporting these incidents. While recognizing you are cancelling and moving surgeries to ensure no veterans are being put at risk, this situation is still concerning and raises questions about the source of this particulate matter and what actions are being taken to correct the problem.  \n\t  \n\tThis situation is even more concerning in light of the fact that the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the Veterans Affairs Office of the Medical Inspector investigated allegations of improper sterilization of surgical equipment at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Ann Arbor last year. We want to work with you to ensure you have the necessary resources to identify and rectify the problem so everyone can have the highest confidence in the condition of the facilities which our veterans rely on. Therefore, I respectfully request answers to the following questions.  \n\t  \n\t1. To the best of your knowledge, what is the source of the particulate matter that is being seen on surgical equipment? What resources are you committing to this investigation? What outside expertise have you brought in to help identify the problem?\n2. How many veterans have had surgeries cancelled or moved to another facility because of this issue? What actions are being taken to help facilitate those impacted by these changes?\n3. What steps and procedures have you put in place to ensure that patient safety is not compromised at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center? Please provide a detailed response.\n4. The 2014 investigation by the Office of Special Counsel focused in part on the construction of the new Sterile Supply Service area. Has this construction been completed? Could this be the source of the particulate matter being seen on surgical equipment? How will this new area improve operations at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center?\n5. What is the penalty for a staff member who accidentally or purposefully contaminates sterile equipment? What policies and training procedures do you have in place for operating room staff to prevent these incidents from happening before they occur?\n6. Do you have the resources you need to complete this investigation and to take remedial action to correct this problem? If not, what resources do you need to do a complete and thorough investigation?\nThank you for your attention to these critical issues. Our veterans have made numerous sacrifices for our nation, and we have an obligation to make sure they are properly cared for. Your answers will help ensure that all appropriate actions are being taken to ensure this issue is properly addressed and that you have the resources you need to do the job. I look forward to receiving your response and working with you to ensure our veterans are receiving the highest level of care.  \n\t  \n\tSincerely,\nDebbie Dingell  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-brenda-lawrence-introduces-promote-startups-act", "Rep. Brenda Lawrence Introduces Promote Startups Act", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) recently introduced H.R. 4068, The Promote Startups Act of 2015, which would permanently increase the limitations on deductions for startup and organizational expenditures that entrepreneurs face. The Act seeks to raise the current tax deduction limit for startup expenses from $5,000 to $15,000 and raise the deduction limit for organizational expenses from $5,000 to $10,000.\n\tMy bill sends a message to entrepreneurs across America that the cost of starting a new business must not get in the way of the ambition and innovation that drives entrepreneurs to create jobs and boost our economy, Rep. Lawrence said.\n\tRep. Lawrence was joined by the bills original co-sponsors, the Ranking Democrat of the House Small Business Committee Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), and Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10).\n\tSmall businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, Rep. Velzquez said.This legislation will lower barriers for entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures, creating greater economic opportunity in our communities.I applaud Congresswoman Lawrence for authoring this bill and am proud to support her efforts.\n\tAccording to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses continue to add more net new jobs than large businesses nationwide. Through the first three quarters of 2014, small businesses added 1.4 million net new jobs to the American economy.\n\tEntrepreneurship offers the opportunity for families to enter the middle class and the build wealth. By increasing tax deductions for small business owners, the Promote Startups Act of 2015 has the potential to increase the number of people who start small businesses and the percentage of small businesses that succeed, Rep. Clarke said. As a member of the Committee on Small Business, I will continue my work in support of entrepreneurs in Brooklyn and across the United States.\n\tIn addition to the significant findings reported by the SBA, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundations annual report  which tracks entrepreneurship across the U.S.  revealed that startup activity rose in 2015, reversing a five-year downward trend. Furthermore, the report showed that startup activity between 2014 and 2015 represented the largest year-over-year increase over the past two decades.\n\tReducing the costs associated with starting a business is critical to job creation and economic prosperity, said Rep. Payne, Jr. With this legislation, entrepreneurs will be able to innovate, hire American workers, and grow our economy for years to come.\n\tH.R. 4068 has also received the endorsement of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce PAC. Ken. L. Harris, President and CEO of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. said the bill will undoubtedly have a positive impact on minority-owned businesses in Michigan and across the nation.\n\tThe Michigan Black Chamber PAC believes that this type of progressive policy, which supports small and medium-sized businesses, is essential to the long-term economic stability of urban communities where the majority of Black and minority businesses operate, Mr. Harris said.\n\tRep. Lawrence added that the bill is one important step toward increasing federal support for entrepreneurs and American businesses, but that more needs to be done to promote this important segment of the American economy.\n\tCongress must come together to support Americas entrepreneurial trailblazers and foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship so that the next generation of business leaders are motivated to put great ideas into action and, in the process, become pioneers of business innovation and job creation while contributing to our economy, Rep. Lawrence said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/heavy-duty-trucking-house-bill-would-advance-clean-vehicle-technologies", "Heavy Duty Trucking: House Bill Would Advance Clean Vehicle Technologies", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bill that would earmark funds for research and development of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies as well as create truck-specific programs within the Department of Energy (DOE) has been introduced in the House by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) as the Vehicle Innovation Act (VIA), H.R. 4106.\nSen. Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the legislation in the Senate earlier this year with cosponsors Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN). Their bill was passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as part of a larger package of energy legislation.\nAccording to the Senate and House sponsors, VIA legislation will promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies to create more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce dependence on foreign oil and support American auto manufacturers and suppliers.\nRep. Dingell said the act would reauthorize the Department of Energys Vehicle Technologies Program, which works with light-duty automobile and medium- and heavy-duty commercial truck manufacturers and suppliers to conduct research and development to improve fuel efficiency in vehicles.\nShe said examples of these technologies include mild hybrid, engine downspeeding, power pack modeling and testing, advanced boosting systems, new vehicle sensing and communication, hydrogen and natural gas refueling, and electric vehicle charging technology.\nIn addition, the bill includes provisions that would encourage the development and use of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications systems that have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic accidents and congestion.\nOur nations vehicle suppliers and manufacturers have made major advances in cutting-edge fuel efficiency technologies in the last decade, and we need to keep that progress going, said Dingell. The Vehicle Innovation Act will build on successful research programs that have resulted in large savings for consumers at the pump and keep the U.S. and Southeast Michigan in the lead in developing high-tech, energy efficient vehicles.\nClick here to read the full story.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-introduces-vehicle-innovation-act", "Dingell Introduces Vehicle Innovation Act", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MI  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) introduced the Vehicle Innovation Act, legislation that will promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies that will create more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce our nations dependence on foreign oil and support American auto manufacturers and suppliers. Dingell recently announced the bill at Leggett and Platt Commercial Vehicle Products in Taylor, Michigan along with Senator Gary Peters, who introduced the companion bill in the Senate.\nMichigan has always been a leader in the automotive industry, and our vehicle suppliers and manufacturers are already driving the future of high-tech, energy-efficient vehicles, said Dingell. The Vehicle Innovation Act will keep that progress going by building on successful research programs to improve vehicle efficiency  saving consumers money at the pump, improving our energy security and keeping the U.S. and Southeast Michigan at the forefront of vehicle innovation. I am proud to work with Senator Peters on this critical legislation that will ensure the cars and trucks of the future continue to be produced here in Michigan.\nThe Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) applauds Rep. Dingell for todays introduction of the Vehicle Innovation Act, said Steve Handschuh, President and Chief Executive Officer, of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. This legislation encourages public-private partnerships that help motor vehicle suppliers innovate and develop new vehicle technologies for cars and trucks to be more fuel efficient with lower emissions. The programs in this bill will support domestic research and manufacturing activities and lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies.\nThe work truck industry relies on research and development of advanced technologies to compete in a global marketplace and continue to meet the needs of vocational truck owners and fleet managers, said Steve Carey, Executive Director of NTEA-the Association for the Work Truck Industry. NTEA thanks Representative Dingell for her leadership on this effort, which will drive research and promote public-private partnerships that will help the industry deploy more alternatively fueled trucks and support good paying jobs in Michigan and across the country.\nThe Auto Alliance welcomes introduction of the Vehicle Innovation Act of 2015 by Representative Debbie Dingell, said Mitch Bainwol, Auto Alliance President & CEO. Long-term efforts to address our nations energy security and environmental concerns will require the mass market commercialization of advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles. Automakers and our suppliers are focused on the introduction and deployment of these fuel-efficient vehicles. This legislation will help support these ongoing efforts as well as the research and design of the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicle technologies. We appreciate Rep. Dingells hard work on this important issue.\nThe Vehicle Innovation Act reauthorizes the Department of Energys Vehicle Technologies Office, which works with manufacturers and suppliers to research, develop and deploy advanced vehicle technologies that improve energy efficiency. Just this week the Vehicle Technologies Office announced a research partnership with the University of Michigan to study connected vehicles and whether they can help people drive more efficiently. The bill also provides the Department of Energy with clear direction to build on successful research programs, such as the SuperTruck program that has produced a model tractor trailer with 115 percent increase in fuel efficiency, and encourages the development and use of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications systems that have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/natural-resources-hearing-dingell-says-new-draft-bill-would-turn-tap", "At Natural Resources Hearing, Dingell Says New Draft Bill would Turn off the Tap on Federal Conservation", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), ranking member of the Natural Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, expressed concerns this week about Chairman Rob Bishops (UT-01) draft legislation that would weaken and dramatically restructure the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Congress allowed the LWCF, the nations premier recreation and conservation program, to expire on September 30 for the first time in its 50 year history. Chairman Bishops proposal would end the LWCFs historic flexibility to fund areas of greatest need. It would also distort the original intent of the law by restricting federal land acquisition to only 3.5 percent of annual LWCF funding and diverting 35 percent to non-conservation purposes.\nI guess I have a very unique perspective here as the spouse of the man who wrote the original law, Dingell said during the committee hearing. Much has changed since then -- recreation demand has grown by leaps and bounds, and so have the development pressures on lands we need in our local, state, and federal parks and recreation areasWhat hasn't changed, at least until now, is the flexibility Congress gave ourselves in that original LWCF Act to spend more or less money year by year to one LWCF program or another based on the most pressing real-time needs. Even back in the 1960's, Congress made use of that flexibility and adjusted the balance of state and federal spending from year to year.\nFor video of Dingells questions and answers from witnesses Kristen Sarri, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy Management and Budget at the Department of the Interior; and Travis Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Far Bank Enterprises, please click here.\nCreated by Congress in 1965, the LWCF has safeguarded natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage sites in every state in the country. In Michigan, LWCF money was used to support the acquisition of the 410 acre Humbug Marsh unit to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. This investment protected the last mile of natural shoreline along the U.S. portion of the Detroit River, a deal Dingell said never could have happened without investment from the LWCF.\nDingell is a cosponsor of H.R. 1814, legislation introduced by Natural Resources Ranking Member Ral M. Grijalva, which would permanently reauthorize the LWCF. The legislation currently has 195 bipartisan cosponsors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-legislation-to-encourage-charitable-foundation-investments-to-boost-economic-recovery", "Peters Introduces Legislation to Encourage Charitable Foundation Investments to Boost Economic Recovery", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.15\n\t\t\t Peters Introduces Legislation to Encourage Charitable Foundation Investments to Boost Economic Recovery \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters announced today that he joined Republican Senator Cory Gardner (CO) to introduce the Philanthropic Facilitation Act, legislation to streamline the approval process for charitable foundations to expand investments in local communities, increase economic development and create jobs. In Michigan, private organizations like the Kresge Foundation, Skillman Foundation, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Family Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation have helped boost economic recovery by providing financing, loans and grants to entrepreneurs and small businesses that grow local economies and revitalize communities.\r\nCharitable foundations are playing a significant role in the economic recovery of cities across Michigan by branching out into investment in economic development, said Senator Peters. This legislation will encourage philanthropic investments in our hardest hit urban and rural areas across the country to help organizations grow, create new jobs and continue giving back to our communities. I'm honored to work with Senator Gardner on this commonsense measure to help streamline the process for charitable foundations so they can expand the ways they serve our communities.\r\nEncouraging investment in both rural and urban settings is vital to growing our economy and creating jobs. The Philanthropic Facilitation Act benefits rural economies in particular by cutting red tape and removing barriers between philanthropists and small businesses, ultimatelyleading to more job creation, said Senator Gardner. \"Private charities are more than willing to invest in and grow the economy but are too often deterred by government bureaucracy. Simply put, it's often too hard for philanthropists to identify qualified recipients for their charitable dollars. This legislation is a common-sense solution that gets government out of the way and encourages more investment where it's needed most.\"\r\nThe Philanthropic Facilitation Act simplifies and expedites the approval process to encourage charitable foundations to make Program-Related Investments (PRIs), which are investments in various organizations, including certain for-profit businesses undertaking activities consistent with charitable missions. The legislation creates a streamlined, voluntary application and approval process that must be reviewed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) within 120 days to determine if an applicant meets the standards for a PRI.\r\nUnder current law, private foundations are required to make charitable distributions to keep their tax-preferred status, which often come in the form of grants to nonprofit organizations. PRIs can also count toward a private foundation's charitable distributions, but are rarely used due to a complicated and costly IRS approval process. A study from Stanford University found that applying for IRS approval for a PRI requires a $19,000 fee plus additional attorney costs, and can take months to review.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-urge-funding-for-great-lakes-heavy-icebreaker", "Peters, Stabenow Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.15\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security calling for robust funding in the fiscal year 2016 appropriations legislation for the U.S. Coast Guard to design and build a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes region. Heavy ice cover seen in recent winters has seriously impaired commercial shipping and economic activity in the Great Lakes. Last winter, cargo shipping decreased by 3.2 million tons, costing $355 million in lost revenue and nearly 2,000 jobs.\r\nHeavy ice cover disrupts shipping and commerce on the Great Lakes, resulting in a severe loss of economic activity, revenue and jobs that depresses both the regional and national economy, wrote the Senators in the letter. It is essential that Congress provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to keep open shipping lanes in the Great Lakes and to conduct search and rescue missions to keep ships and their crews safe during winter's cruelest months.\r\nThe U.S. Coast Guard currently operates nine icebreaking-capable cutters on the Great Lakes, some of which date back to the 1970s. With only one heavy icebreaker in the Great Lakes fleet, the USCG MACKINAW, the Coast Guard has struggled to combat near record-breaking ice cover on the Great Lakes in recent winters. The letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (WI), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Al Franken (MN), Bob Casey (PA), Joe Donnelly (IN) and Sherrod Brown (OH).\r\nAs a member of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, Peters is focused on ensuring the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to maintain shipping lanes and conduct its law enforcement, port security, safety duties, and other vital services. He also called for the inclusion of a heavy icebreaker in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015.\r\nSenator Stabenow is Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, which is a bipartisan working group that advocates for the protection of our Great Lakes. Earlier this year, Senator Stabenow called for Congress to support a new Great Lakes icebreaker.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below, or click here:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable John Hoeven\r\nChairman\r\nSenate Committee on Appropriations,\r\nSubcommittee on Homeland Security\r\n135 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\nWashington, D.C. 20510\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Jeanne Shaheen \r\nRanking Member\r\nSenate Committee on Appropriations,\r\nSubcommittee on Homeland Security\r\n125 Hart Senate Office Building\r\nWashington, D.C. 20510\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDear Chairman Hoeven and Ranking Member Shaheen:\r\nAs your Committee develops appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2016 (FY 2016), we urge you to provide the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) with robust funding for the design and construction of a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes region.\r\nThe USCG currently operates an aging fleet on the Great Lakes that includes only nine icebreaking-capable cutters, some of which date back to the 1970s. In 2006 the USCG added a heavy icebreaker called the USCG MACKINAW, but despite its addition, the USCG continues to struggle to combat the near record-breaking levels of ice coverage that have plagued the region in recent winters. Heavy ice cover disrupts shipping and commerce on the Great Lakes, resulting in a severe loss of economic activity, revenue and jobs that depresses both the regional and national economy.\r\nDuring the 2013/2014 winter, U.S. flag cargo movements on the Great Lakes dropped by nearly 7 million tons, causing at least two steelmakers to reduce production, several power plants to nearly exhaust their supply of coal, and a total estimated cost of nearly 4,000 jobs and $700 million in lost business revenue. This past winter resulted in an estimated decrease in cargo of 3.2 million tons, costing the economy $355 million in lost revenue and nearly 2,000 jobs.\r\nDuring this Congress, the importance of Great Lakes icebreaking has received bipartisan and bicameral recognition, including by your Committee, which, in its report to accompany the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for FY 2016, expresses concern, that the Coast Guard does not possess adequate capacity to meet its statutorily required mission on the Great Lakes, with negative consequences to the regional and national economy as well as to the safety of local communities[1].\" We share your concern and appreciate the report's requirement for an updated mission analysis. Furthermore, on May 18, 2015, the House unanimously passed by voice vote H.R. 1987, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, which authorizes funding in FY 2016 and FY 2017 for the design and construction of a new USCG icebreaker for the Great Lakes. As the leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure work toward a final bill, we support the retention of the House-passed authorizing language.\r\nIt is essential that Congress provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to keep open shipping lanes in the Great Lakes and to conduct search and rescue missions to keep ships and their crews safe during winter's cruelest months. We look forward to working with you on this important matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-urge-funding-for-great-lakes-heavy-icebreaker", "Stabenow, Peters Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFriday, November 20, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security calling for robust funding in the fiscal year 2016 appropriations legislation for the U.S. Coast Guard to design and build a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes region. Heavy ice cover seen in recent winters has seriously impaired commercial shipping and economic activity in the Great Lakes. Last winter, cargo shipping decreased by 3.2 million tons, costing $355 million in lost revenue and nearly 2,000 jobs.\r\n\"Heavy ice cover disrupts shipping and commerce on the Great Lakes, resulting in a severe loss of economic activity, revenue and jobs that depresses both the regional and national economy,\"wrote the Senators in the letter.\"It is essential that Congress provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to keep open shipping lanes in the Great Lakes and to conduct search and rescue missions to keep ships and their crews safe during winter's cruelest months.\"\r\nThe U.S. Coast Guard currently operates nine icebreaking-capable cutters on the Great Lakes, some of which date back to the 1970s. With only one heavy icebreaker in the Great Lakes fleet, the USCG MACKINAW, the Coast Guard has struggled to combat near record-breaking ice cover on the Great Lakes in recent winters. The letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (WI), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Al Franken (MN), Bob Casey (PA), Joe Donnelly (IN) and Sherrod Brown (OH).\r\nSenator Stabenow is Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, which is a bipartisan working group that advocates for the protection of our Great Lakes. Earlier this year, Senator Stabenow called for Congress to support a new Great Lakes icebreaker.\r\nAs a member of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, Peters is focused on ensuring the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to maintain shipping lanes and conduct its law enforcement, port security, safety duties, and other vital services. He also called for the inclusion of a heavy icebreaker in theCoast Guard Authorization Act of 2015.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below, orclick here:\r\nThe Honorable John Hoeven  Chairman  Senate Committee on Appropriations,  Subcommittee on Homeland Security  135 Dirksen Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510\r\nThe Honorable Jeanne Shaheen  Ranking Member  Senate Committee on Appropriations,  Subcommittee on Homeland Security  125 Hart Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510\r\nDear Chairman Hoeven and Ranking Member Shaheen: As your Committee develops appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2016 (FY 2016), we urge you to provide the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) with robust funding for the design and construction of a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes region.\r\nThe USCG currently operates an aging fleet on the Great Lakes that includes only nine icebreaking-capable cutters, some of which date back to the 1970s. In 2006 the USCG added a heavy icebreaker called the USCG MACKINAW, but despite its addition, the USCG continues to struggle to combat the near record-breaking levels of ice coverage that have plagued the region in recent winters. Heavy ice cover disrupts shipping and commerce on the Great Lakes, resulting in a severe loss of economic activity, revenue and jobs that depresses both the regional and national economy.\r\nDuring the 2013/2014 winter, U.S. flag cargo movements on the Great Lakes dropped by nearly 7 million tons, causing at least two steelmakers to reduce production, several power plants to nearly exhaust their supply of coal, and a total estimated cost of nearly 4,000 jobs and $700 million in lost business revenue. This past winter resulted in an estimated decrease in cargo of 3.2 million tons, costing the economy $355 million in lost revenue and nearly 2,000 jobs.\r\nDuring this Congress, the importance of Great Lakes icebreaking has received bipartisan and bicameral recognition, including by your Committee, which, in its report to accompany the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for FY 2016, expresses concern, \"that the Coast Guard does not possess adequate capacity to meet its statutorily required mission on the Great Lakes, with negative consequences to the regional and national economy as well as to the safety of local communities[1].\" We share your concern and appreciate the report's requirement for an updated mission analysis. Furthermore, on May 18, 2015, the House unanimously passed by voice vote H.R. 1987, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, which authorizes funding in FY 2016 and FY 2017 for the design and construction of a new USCG icebreaker for the Great Lakes. As the leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure work toward a final bill, we support the retention of the House-passed authorizing language.\r\nIt is essential that Congress provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to keep open shipping lanes in the Great Lakes and to conduct search and rescue missions to keep ships and their crews safe during winter's cruelest months. We look forward to working with you on this important matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/statement-rep-levin-legislation-considered-house-syrian-refugees", "Statement by Rep. Levin on Legislation Considered by the House on Syrian Refugees", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Levin today made the following statement on legislation considered by the House on Syrian refugees:\nThe entire goal of terrorists  in their cowardly acts of violence against innocent and unsuspecting civilians  is to cause death, chaos, bring intense fear and intimidate the global community. We were victims of the most horrendous terrorist attacks on 9-11 and we all joined in feelings of renewed horror as we watched the terrorist attacks in Paris.\nWe need to ensure that our response is both strong in purpose and effective. We did that after 9-11. We put in place the most stringent refugee resettlement program in the history of our country.\nThese are the facts:\nRefugees are referred to the U.S. program after being screened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees who first determines if resettlement in a third country is the right solution.\nThe current U.S. screening process takes between 18-24 months. It involves multiple Federal intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies, including the National Counterterrorism Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), State, and Defense, all aimed at ensuring that those admitted do not pose a threat to our country. These safeguards include biometric (fingerprint) to confirm identity, multiple layers of biographical and background checks, and medical screenings.\nSpecifically, each applicants biographical information is checked against the Department of States Consular Lookout and Support System  which includes terrorist watchlist information during prescreening. Then, Security Advisory Opinions from the law enforcement and intelligence communities for each applicant is secured.\nAll of this information helps to inform the lengthy in-person interviews. DHS officers scrutinize the applicant's explanation of individual circumstances to assess whether the applicant meets statutory requirements to qualify as a refugee and that he or she does not present security concerns to the United States. If as a result of the security process, U.S. security agencies cannot verify details of a potential refugees story, they are denied. These checks happen before an application is approved and long before a refugee would be able to enter the United States.\nAnd these are the facts on the refugees:\nRefugees by definition are the most vulnerable people in our global society. They are fleeing war, violence and persecution. In Syria refuges are either fleeing the violence brought on by the civil war and the violence of President Assads army or the terror of ISIS operating from there.\nThe emphasis for the U.S. program is to admit the most vulnerable  particularly women and children, survivors of violence and torture, and those with severe medical conditions. Since 2011, 2,034 Syrian refugees have been admitted to the United States. A quarter of these refugees are adults over 60. Half are children. Young, single males unattached to families constitute only 2% of the Syrian refugee admissions to date. DHS interviewers receive extensive, Syria-specific training before meeting with refugee applicants.\nEach Member of Congress takes very seriously our number-one responsibility to protect the homeland. At times of crisis it is crucial that we act in a bi-partisan fashion. Regrettably that was not the process followed by the Republican Majority. They crafted the legislation before us today on their own and with no hearings, no expert testimony, no Committee markup, and no opportunity to offer amendment.\nAs a result, the legislation before us sets a partisan course, and is being used mainly as a vehicle to criticize the Presidents foreign policy. The current screening system has been working. This bill does not improve it and could scramble up what is working. The legislation would require the FBI to have their own additional and undefined separate screening systems even though they currently fully participate in the stringent process led by the Department of Homeland Security. We created DHS after 9-11 to ensure the most effective system that brought all of the resources of the federal government together to combat terrorism. It does not seem wise to unwind that without thorough review and consideration.\nThe threat of terrorism brings to all of us and to communities across our country a sense of insecurity. It is our responsibility in Congress to channel those feelings into effective solutions. The legislation before us fails to do so. This bill would disrupt a screening process that is working and, in so doing, would yield the moral high ground that our country must hold at all costs if we are to defeat ISIS. We can and must both fight terrorism and help the victims who seek to escape it.\"\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-introduces-hr-4068-promote-startups-act", "Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence introduces H.R. 4068, The Promote Startups Act of 2015", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Wednesday introduced H.R. 4068, The Promote Startups Act of 2015, which would permanently increase the limitations on deductions for startup and organizational expenditures that entrepreneurs face. The Act seeks to raise the current tax deduction limit for startup expenses from $5,000 to $15,000 and raise the deduction limit for organizational expenses from $5,000 to $10,000.\nMy bill sends a message to entrepreneurs across America that the cost of starting a new business must not get in the way of the ambition and innovation that drives entrepreneurs to create jobs and boost our economy, Rep. Lawrence said.\nRep. Lawrence was joined by the bills original co-sponsors, the Ranking Democrat of the House Small Business Committee Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), and Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10).\nSmall businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, Rep. Velzquez said.This legislation will lower barriers for entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures, creating greater economic opportunity in our communities.I applaud Congresswoman Lawrence for authoring this bill and am proud to support her efforts.\nAccording to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses continue to add more net new jobs than large businesses nationwide. Through the first three quarters of 2014, small businesses added 1.4 million net new jobs to the American economy.\n\"Entrepreneurship offers the opportunity for families to enter hte middle class and build wealth. By increasing tax deductions for small business owners, the Promote Startups Act of 2015 has the potential to increase the number of people who start small businesses and the percentage of small businesses that succeed,\" Rep. Clarke said. \"As a member of the Committee on Small Business, I will continue my work in support of entrepreneurs in Brooklyn and across the United States.\"\nIn addition to the significant findings reported by the SBA, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundations annual report -- which tracks entrepreneurship across the U.S. -- revealed that startup activity rose in 2015, reversing a five-year downward trend. Furthermore, the report showed that startup activity between 2014 and 2015 represented the largest year-over-year increase over the past two decades.\nReducing the costs associated with starting a business is critical to job creation and economic prosperity, said Rep. Payne, Jr. With this legislation, entrepreneurs will be able to innovate, hire American workers, and grow our economy for years to come.\nH.R. 4068 has also received the endorsement of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce PAC. Ken. L. Harris, President and CEO of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. said the bill will undoubtedly have a positive impact on minority-owned businesses in Michigan and across the nation.\n\"The Michigan Black Chamber PAC believes that this type of progressive policy, which supports small and medium-sized businesses, is essential to the long-term economic stability of urban communities where the majority of Black and minority businesses operate, Mr. Harris said.\nRep. Lawrence added that the bill is one important step toward increasing federal support for entrepreneurs and American businesses, but that more needs to be done to promote this important segment of the American economy.\nCongress must come together to support Americas entrepreneurial trailblazers and foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship so that the next generation of business leaders are motivated to put great ideas into action and, in the process, become pioneers of business innovation and job creation while contributing to our economy, Rep. Lawrence said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1938", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Upper Peninsula Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1901 W. Ridge  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 7  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarquette, MI 49855  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (906) 228-8756  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Northern Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3335 S. Airport Road West  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 6B  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTraverse City, MI 49684  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (231) 929-1031  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t West Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3280 E. Beltline Court NE  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 400  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrand Rapids, MI 49525  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (616) 975-0052  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Mid-Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t221 W. Lake Lansing Road  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 100  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEast Lansing, MI 48823  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (517) 203-1760  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Southeast Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t719 Griswold St.  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 700  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDetroit, MI 48226  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (313) 961-4330  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Flint/Saginaw Bay Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t432 N. Saginaw St  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 301  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlint, MI 48502  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (810) 720-4172  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Washington DC \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t731 Hart Senate Office Building  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  20510-2204  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-4822", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1939", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Mid-Michigan", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Upper Peninsula Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1901 W. Ridge  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 7  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarquette, MI 49855  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (906) 228-8756  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Northern Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3335 S. Airport Road West  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 6B  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTraverse City, MI 49684  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (231) 929-1031  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t West Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3280 E. Beltline Court NE  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 400  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrand Rapids, MI 49525  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (616) 975-0052  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Mid-Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t221 W. Lake Lansing Road  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 100  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEast Lansing, MI 48823  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (517) 203-1760  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Southeast Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t719 Griswold St.  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 700  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDetroit, MI 48226  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (313) 961-4330  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Flint/Saginaw Bay Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t432 N. Saginaw St  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 301  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlint, MI 48502  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (810) 720-4172  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Washington DC \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t731 Hart Senate Office Building  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  20510-2204  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-4822", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1940", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in West Michigan", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Upper Peninsula Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1901 W. Ridge  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 7  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarquette, MI 49855  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (906) 228-8756  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Northern Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3335 S. Airport Road West  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 6B  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTraverse City, MI 49684  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (231) 929-1031  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t West Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3280 E. Beltline Court NE  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 400  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrand Rapids, MI 49525  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (616) 975-0052  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Mid-Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t221 W. Lake Lansing Road  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 100  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEast Lansing, MI 48823  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (517) 203-1760  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Southeast Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t719 Griswold St.  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 700  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDetroit, MI 48226  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (313) 961-4330  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Flint/Saginaw Bay Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t432 N. Saginaw St  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 301  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlint, MI 48502  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (810) 720-4172  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Washington DC \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t731 Hart Senate Office Building  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  20510-2204  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-4822", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-initiative-to-expand-quality-health-care-in-mid-michigan", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Mid-Michigan", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Mid-Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, November 19, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for MidMichigan Health to help connect people in rural areas with quality health care. This $494,900 grant will benefit eight counties in Mid-Michigan. The funding, which comes from the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program, was authorized by Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill.\r\n\"Families in Mid-Michigan often don't have access to the health care services they need in rural communities,\" said Senator Stabenow. \"With telehealth, patients are able to get important checkups and medical care even though the doctor is hundreds of miles away, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Today's announcement will help make sure patients have access to specialists no matter what their zip code is.\"\r\nThe support will help MidMichigan Health purchase telemedicine equipment that will be used in Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Huron Counties. Connecting clinics and hospitals through telemedicine helps make sure patients get the care they need while reducing the cost of travel and lost wages. Today's announcement is part of a $23.5 million investment in 75 projects across the country.\r\nSenator Stabenow is Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over the USDA and its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-initiative-to-expand-quality-health-care-in-northern-michigan-upper-peninsula", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, November 19, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for Indigo Health to help connect people in rural areas with quality health care. This $226,803 grant will benefit 13 counties in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The funding, which comes from the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program, was authorized by Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill.\r\n\"Families in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula often don't have access to the health care services they need in rural communities,\" said Senator Stabenow. \"With telehealth, patients are able to get important checkups and medical care even though the doctor is hundreds of miles away, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Today's announcement will help make sure patients have access to specialists no matter what their zip code is.\"\r\nThe support will be used to deploy two interactive telemedicine carts at clinics in Mason, Crawford, Charlevoix, Chippewa, Dickinson, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Luce, Manistee, Mackinac, Ostego, Schoolcraft and Wexford Counties. This funding will help rural hospitals provide constant care between patients and primary physicians through iNDIGO's Hospitalist Telemedicine Network, which allows for diagnoses and consultations at any time of the day. Today's announcement is part of a $23.5 million investment in 75 projects across the country.\r\nSenator Stabenow is Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over the USDA and its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-initiative-to-expand-quality-health-care-in-west-michigan", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in West Michigan", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in West Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, November 19, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for Spectrum Health System to help connect people in rural areas with quality health care. The $254,884 grant will benefit five counties in West Michigan. The funding, which comes from the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program, was authorized by Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill.\r\n\"Families in West Michigan often don't have access to the health care services they need in rural communities,\" said Senator Stabenow. \"With telehealth, patients are able to get important checkups and medical care even though the doctor is hundreds of miles away, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Today's announcement will help make sure patients have access to specialists no matter what their zip code is.\"\r\nThe support will be used to help connect five rural clinics - located in Mason, Kent, Newaygo, Montcalm and Osceola Counties - to Spectrum Health's Butterworth Medical Campus in Grand Rapids. Connecting clinics and hospitals through telemedicine addresses physician and specialist shortages in the region while reducing the cost of travel and lost wages for patients. Today's announcement is part of a $23.5 million investment in 75 projects across the country.\r\nSenator Stabenow is Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over the USDA and its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-greater-transparency-and-accountability-needed-restore", "Congressman Dan Kildee: Greater Transparency and Accountability Needed to Restore Public Confidence in Flint Water Crisis", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today testified before a meeting of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) about the Flint water crisis and changes to federal policy that can be made to promote transparency and accountability for city residents. A full transcript of Congressman Kildee's testimony can be viewed here. The NDWAC, made up of members of the public as well as state and local agencies, considers issues and advises the EPA Administrator on issues concerning drinking water protection and public drinking water systems. What happened in Flint is a failure of government, and we must ensure that it never happens again to Flint or any other community, Congressman Kildee said. The EPA has the ultimate responsibility to ensure that drinking water standards are followed. Any new federal rules, including changes to the Lead and Copper Rule, must promote greater transparency and accountability to restore public confidence, help protect public health, and ensure the safety of drinking water. For months, Congressman Kildee has been advocating for immediate resources from the state and federal government to help victims of the crisis and make much-needed improvements to Flint's water distribution system. In a letter sent last week to Gov. Rick Snyder, Congressman Kildee called for the state of Michigan to create a fund for ongoing assistance to Flint residents to respond to the short and long-term impacts of lead exposure. In discussions with health professionals, they have expressed the need for significant investments in the local health system in order to respond to the widespread exposure of lead to the people of Flint, including monitoring of future lead exposure. This fund should include support for, at a minimum, continuous health monitoring, early education programs, nutrition education, support services for children to succeed in school, and continued exposure efforts, Congressman Kildee's letter reads in part. We cannot sit back and do nothing and allow our Flint kids to become added statistics in regards to the consequences of lead poisoning, said Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the director of Hurley Medical Center's Pediatric Residency Program. We have an incredible opportunity to proactively build a model public health program that prevents these consequences. By investing in our kids now, especially our youngest, we have the ability to limit many of the long-term consequences of lead. Last month, Dr. Hanna-Attisha, along with Dr. Marc Edwards of Virginia Tech, participated in a telephone town hall hosted by Congressman Kildee to update Flint residents about ongoing efforts related to the water crisis. Over 4,000 people joined the call and had their questions answered directly by Congressman Kildee and experts. In addition to a public health fund, Congressman Kildee also has repeatedly pushed the state of Michigan to forgive loans to the city of Flint under the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in order to free up millions of dollars that could be used to replace lead service lines. Last week, after Congressman Kildee's request, the EPA announced that it would audit the state of Michigan's water quality program after the state admitted it failed to use the correct protocols when it switched the city of Flint's drinking water source. Previously, Congressman Kildee had also successfully pushed for federal technical advisors to come to Flint as well as for the creation of an EPA task force to provide expertise to the city and state.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-testimony-epa-drinking-water-advisory-council-regarding", "Congressman Dan Kildee Testimony Before EPA Drinking Water Advisory Council Regarding Flint Water Crisis", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today testified before a meeting of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) about the Flint water crisis and changes to federal policy that can be made to promote transparency and accountability for city residents. A full transcript of his remarks, as delivered is below:\nI just want to bring to your attention the story of my hometown, Flint, Michigan. I'm sure many of you have been following the case of Flint. Water and the health of my community and the quality of water is the single most important issue right now back home. It's the one we hear about more than anything else.\nWhat happened in Flint is a failure of government. People expected that the government at multiple levels would be able to protect them by making sure that the water that they drink is healthy for them, and the government failed them. And I'm here to specifically address that.\nIf it were not for some unsung heroes, some individuals back home that insisted and continued to press the case that the water in Flint was unsafe, it may have never have come to light. So people like Leanne Walters, who we will hear from, Dr. Marc Edwards, who provided the data that warned of this, data which was dismissed by many at multiple levels of government, and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, all of whom are here, who found elevated lead levels in Flint's children.\nAgain, initially that data, that really important data, was essentially dismissed by individuals who were responsible to make sure that the water in my hometown, the water which was flowing through the plumbing of people in Flint, Michigan, was safe. Thanks to them we were able to uncover this incredible health crisis, and that's what I'm here to address. I also want to acknowledge  and you'll hear from him again soon  Senator Jim Ananich, whom I've known for a long time and who has been an important part of the effort back home.\nSo after months, the state of Michigan finally admitted that federal drinking water laws, including the Lead and Copper Rule, were not followed. Ultimately the EPA has responsibility to ensure that clean drinking water standards are followed.\n\"This new Lead and Copper Rule must have greater transparency in order to restore public confidence and protect public health and ensure the safety of drinking water. Residents deserve to know why for months the state of Michigan failed to follow federal safe drinking water laws. At my request, the EPA is conducting a complete audit of Michigan's implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule, so I hope some of the lessons learned during that audit can be included in the latest revisions of this Lead and Copper Rule.\nAs I mentioned, Dr. Edwards and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and other experts are testifying today and can go into more detail on the details of the necessary changes to the rule. But I want to highlight what I see as a couple of gross failures.\nThe current rule, for example, did not require rigorous testing and modeling before switching to a new water source. Something that back home seems unfathomable, to go from a source that is derived from the greatest freshwater source on the planet, surface freshwater source, the Great Lakes, to the Flint River, which, if you live in my hometown at the time seemed almost like the punchline to a joke. The notion that that wouldn't trigger a much more robust analysis of what that water consisted of, and what that would mean in terms of treatment required, is almost beyond reason.\nThe current rule also failed to require the city of Flint, which was under the management of the state government at the time, to add corrosion control treatment. And the testing methodologies allowed for, until very recently, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, as their protocol suggested, treat flushed water before supplying test samples, which obviously could obfuscate - and did in this case - the presence of lead going into those homes. So the experts can focus more on that.\nMy interest is really making sure that this body understands that the state and federal officials neglected their obligations to notify the public of this health risk.\nI appreciate the efforts of this organization. The experience of the city of Flint is a real life experience and points to the importance of this rule having all the protections that you intend to put in it, and I sincerely hope that that will be the case. So thank you for giving me just a couple of minutes.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arab-american-news-congressional-resolution-condemns-beirut-attacks", "The Arab American News: Congressional resolution condemns Beirut attacks", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congress stood for a moment of silence Wednesday to commemorate the victims of last week's double suicide bombing in Beirut and other ISIS victims across the world.\n  \n\tU.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Republican California Rep. Derrell Issa, who is of Lebanese descent, are also sponsoring a House resolution to condemn the terrorist attack. The resolution was introduced by Republican N.Y. Rep. Richard Hanna.\n  \n\t\"I thank you for the opportunity to remember the innocent lives lost at the hands of ISIS terrorists and urge the administration to do everything in its power to bring those responsible to justice, and I ask for a moment of silence,\" Issa told lawmakers at the Capitol.\n  \n\tDingell condemned terrorism in Paris, Beirut across the world, paying tribute to Dearborn residents who died in the Beirut bombing.\n  \n\t\"For me these were attacks on my town, my community,\" the congresswoman said in a statement.\n  \n\tAt least 42 people died in the bombing in Borj el-Barajne, a Beirut suburb, on Nov. 12. A day later, bombing and shooting attacks killed more than 120 in Paris. ISIS claimed both assaults.  \n\tDingell warned against hatred and urged unity to combat terror.\n  \n\t\"I also want to remind people that terrorists try to destroy all that we know, create fear and division,\" she said. \"We cannot allow them to create hate and fear within communities.\"\nClick here to view the full story.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-applauds-new-connected-vehicles-research-partnership-between", "Dingell Applauds New Connected Vehicles Research Partnership between University of Michigan & Department of Energy", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined with the University of Michigan and U.S. Department of Energys Vehicle Technologies Office to announce a new research project that will study connected vehicles and whether they can help people drive more efficiently. The $2.7 million investment from the Department of Energy will couple the expertise of the University of Michigan with the Department of Energys Argonne and Idaho National Laboratories.\nThe University of Michigan is already leading the way in vehicle innovation with the MCity Testing Facility, and this partnership will keep Michigan at the forefront of this progress, said Dingell. As we prepare for the future, it is critical that we understand how connected vehicles can improve vehicle efficiency, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and save consumers money at the pump so we can make sure these technologies continue to be developed and produced right here in Michigan.\nNobody knows the magnitude of what the energy savings of connected and automated vehicles will be, said U-M Mobility Transformation Center Director Peter Sweatman. Were going to actively collect the data to do that.\nDuring the project, researchers will work with 500 privately-owned vehicles in the Ann Arbor area to collect information about how they are driven, including energy consumption, speed, and location. The study will examine how drivers interact with different technologies in connected vehicles, especially whether or not those technologies help them drive more efficiently.\nArgonne National Laboratory will provide modeling and simulation capabilities and develop a display module that the researchers will use to better understand driver behavior. Argonnes Autonomie modeling tool is already one of the most widely-used pieces of software to understand how various technologies interact and influence efficiency. In addition, Idaho National Laboratory will provide guidance about data collection and analysis. Idaho is one of the main leads on the Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, which has gathered data from hundreds of millions of miles of on-road testing.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-27-million-project-with-university-of-michigan-for-study-of-connected-vehicles-and-fuel-efficiency", "Peters Applauds $2.7 Million Project with University of Michigan for Study of Connected Vehicles and Fuel Efficiency", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Peters Applauds $2.7 Million Project with University of Michigan for Study of Connected Vehicles and Fuel Efficiency \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters today applauded the announcement of a $2.7 million project with the University of Michigan's Mobility Transformation Center (MTC), the Transportation Research Institute and the College of Engineering to study how connected vehicle technology can make driving more efficient. The project was announced today by the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office. Connected vehicle technologies like vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications allow vehicles to communicate with each and their environment to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents.\r\nConnected vehicles and infrastructure are the next frontier for American cars and drivers, and we must invest in and promote the development of these critical technologies that can improve vehicle performance, prevent accidents and save lives, said Senator Peters. This project will help the Mobility Transformation Center better understand how connected vehicles can making driving more efficient, reduce fuel consumption and save drivers money.\r\nNobody knows the magnitude of what the energy savings of connected and automated vehicles will be, said MTC Director Peter Sweatman. We're going to actively collect the data to do that.\r\nThrough the project, the University of Michigan's Mobility Transformation Center will conduct a research study using 500 privately-owned vehicles in the Ann Arbor area to collect data about how the vehicles are driven, including energy consumption, speed and location. The study will also examine how drivers use connected vehicle technologies with a focus on whether they can help make driving more fuel efficient.\r\nThe University of Michigan will work in partnership with the Department of Energy's Argonne and Idaho National Laboratories to develop models of driving behavior and provide assistance with data collection and analysis.\r\nPeters is a strong supporter of connected vehicle technologies. He recently introduced the Vehicle Innovation Act which consolidates and reauthorizes the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program to continue promoting investments, like the University of Michigan project, in research and development of clean vehicle technologies to create more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce energy consumption and support American auto manufacturers and suppliers. The legislation includes provisions to specifically encourage the development and testing of vehicle-to-vehicle technology.\r\nPeters also introduced legislation to allow states to use existing highway funds to invest in vehicle-to-infrastructure technology that allows vehicle to communicate with infrastructure when upgrading or improving infrastructure. This provision passed the Senate in July as part of the six-year highway bill.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-investment-to-connect-elkton-pigeon-bay-port-students-with-local-foods", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Students with Local Foods", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Students with Local Foods \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 18, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that the Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port school district will receive support to help bring locally grown food to school cafeterias. This $43,688 investment comes from USDA's Farm to School Program, which helps schools source healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy. Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill significantly expands support for Michigan farmers by creating new opportunities to sell locally grown and organic products.\r\n\"Farm to school programs give needed support to Michigan farmers while educating and encouraging students to eat healthier,\" said Senator Stabenow. \"Whether it's teachers, students, parents or farmers, everybody wins when Michigan-grown food makes it to cafeterias.\"\r\nThis funding will help the Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port school district form a collaborative team with the local producers and community partners to offer students fresh and healthy foods. USDA's Farm to School Grants help schools respond to the demand for healthy food, which plays a critical role in helping children develop healthy habits which can benefit them for their entire lives. The Farm to School Program also educates students about how food grows through school garden programs and farm visits. Additionally, the program provides much needed access to new markets for locally grown and organic foods for producers and food businesses.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-investment-to-connect-muskegon-county-students-with-local-foods", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Muskegon County Students with Local Foods", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Muskegon County Students with Local Foods \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 18, 2015\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that four Muskegon County school districts will receive support to develop a plan to bring locally grown food to Muskegon County school cafeterias. This $43,500 investment will benefit the Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Whitehall and Montague school districts and comes from USDA's Farm to School Program, which helps schools source healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy. Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill significantly expands support for Michigan farmers by creating new opportunities to sell locally grown and organic products.\r\n\"Farm to school programs give needed support to Michigan farmers while educating and encouraging students to eat healthier,\" said Senator Stabenow. \"Whether it's teachers, students, parents or farmers, everybody wins when Michigan-grown food makes it to cafeterias.\"\r\nUSDA's Farm to School Grants help schools respond to the demand for healthy food, which plays a critical role in helping children develop healthy habits which can benefit them for their entire lives. The Farm to School Program also educates students about how food grows through school garden programs and farm visits. Additionally, the program provides much needed access to new markets for locally grown and organic foods for producers and food businesses.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/we-must-not-turn-our-backs-world-s-refugees", "We Must Not Turn our Backs on the Worlds Refugees", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr.\r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative  \r\nJohn Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective  \r\nDecember 5, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions.\r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations:\r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan  \r\n2426 Rayburn HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-5126\r\nDistrict Offices in Michigan  \r\nDetroit Office  \r\n669 Federal Building  \r\n231 W. Lafayette  \r\nDetroit, MI 48226  \r\nPhone: (313) 961-5670  \r\n\r\nWestland Office  \r\n33300 Warren Road  \r\nSuite 13  \r\nWestland, MI 48185  \r\nPhone: (734) 675-4084  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Michigan:\r\nMichigan Department of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-refugee-crisis-terror-attack-paris", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Refugee Crisis, Terror Attack in Paris", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement on the ongoing refugee crisis and terrorist threat posed by ISIS: \nIn the dangerous world we live in, and certainly after the terrorist attack in Paris, people's anxieties and fears are understandable. ISIS and other terrorist organizations pose a real threat to our common values, and they must be defeated. Our first priority must always be protecting Americans from harm. That includes a continued rigorous screening process that ensures law enforcement agencies have the proper resources to conduct background screenings, health checks and in-person interviews for every refugee seeking asylum in the U.S. We also must remember that refugees who are leaving their homes, overwhelmingly women and children, are victims of terror themselves. They are fleeing the same violence we saw in Paris. America is a nation of immigrants, and with vigorous safeguards I know that we can both protect the security of Americans while honoring our country's values to help the vulnerable and oppressed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1490, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "MI", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 1490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 1490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-11-17,https~3A~2F~2Fdankildee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fstatement-congressman-dan-kildee-refugee-crisis-terror-attack-paris", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2015&_next=2015-11-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fdankildee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fstatement-congressman-dan-kildee-refugee-crisis-terror-attack-paris&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 247.96555493958294, "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"}