{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MI\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-following-united-nations-security-council-vote-on-israel", "Senator Stabenow Statement Following United Nations Security Council Vote on Israel", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement Following United Nations Security Council Vote on Israel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 27, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following the United Nations Security Council\u2019s vote regarding Israel:\r\n\u201cI strongly disagree with the United States\u2019 abstention which allowed a one-sided resolution concerning Israel to be adopted. This resolution is not the way to achieve peace and undermines opportunities for direct negotiations.\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-nominates-45-michigan-students-to-military-academies", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 45 Michigan Students to Military Academies", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 45 Michigan Students to Military Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMonday, December 26, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced today that she has nominated 45 Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMichigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cHaving demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.\u201d\r\nStudents seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenow\u2019s office went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.\u00a0\r\nThe following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region):\r\nSoutheast Michigan:\r\nFarzad Baghaie \u2013 Northville, Naval Academy\r\nOlivia Bennett \u2013 Clarkston, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nTyler Blythe \u2013 Howell, Air Force Academy\r\nGurjiwan Chahal \u2013 Shelby Township, West Point\r\nMatthew Dahn \u2013 Warren, Air Force Academy\r\nMulgetta Fritz \u2013 Birmingham, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJason Hires \u2013 Ann Arbor, Air Force Academy\r\nJared Jenkins \u2013 Detroit, Air Force Academy\r\nDaniel Keith \u2013 Saline, Air Force Academy\r\nTristan Klein \u2013 Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy\r\nJason Kopp \u2013 Grosse Ile, West Point\r\nJohn Libcke \u2013 West Bloomfield, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJordan McGinnis \u2013 Ann Arbor, Naval Academy\r\nShreyans Munot \u2013 Rochester Hills, West Point\r\nJessica Reimchen \u2013 Lake Orion, West Point\r\nCharles Renfroe \u2013 West Bloomfield, Air Force Academy\r\nKadie Sardo \u2013 Holly, Air Force Academy\r\nNathan Schubring \u2013 Plymouth, Naval Academy\r\nFaith Van Havel \u2013 Hudson, Air Force Academy\r\nDaniel Vela \u2013 Novi, Air Force Academy\r\nPeter Veltigian \u2013 Oxford, Air Force Academy\r\nWest Michigan:\r\nLuke Ensing \u2013 Grandville, West Point\r\nConnor Fischer \u2013 Grandville, West Point\r\nTyler Friend \u2013 Grant, Air Force Academy\r\nLydia Kamps \u2013 Zeeland, Air Force Academy\r\nCreston Martin \u2013 Mattawan, Air Force Academy\r\nJoseph Murphy \u2013 Grand Rapids, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nEric Petoskey \u2013 Centreville, Air Force Academy\r\nClaire Podiak \u2013 Portage, Naval Academy\r\nStephanie Rauhoff \u2013 Richland, Air Force Academy\r\nJarrod Torr \u2013 Kentwood, Naval Academy\r\nUpper Peninsula:\r\nLeigha Woelffer \u2013 Gladstone, West Point\r\nCali Holmes \u2013 Menominee, Air Force Academy\r\nNorthern Michigan:\r\nSawyer Hodson \u2013 Indian River, Air Force Academy\r\nCamille Madion \u2013 Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\nChristian Stellin \u2013 Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\nMid-Michigan:\r\nZachary Calderone \u2013 Jackson, West Point\r\nIsaac Coolidge \u2013 Eaton Rapids, Air Force Academy\r\nByron Gallagher III \u2013 East Lansing, Naval Academy\r\nAnthony Stone \u2013 Lansing, Naval Academy\r\nFlint/Great Lakes Bay Region:\r\nIsabelle Hynan \u2013 Flint, Air Force Academy\r\nJacob Kelly \u2013 Flint, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJack Lee \u2013 Frankenmuth, Air Force Academy\r\nElizabeth Mansour \u2013 Grand Blanc, West Point\r\nAnnMarie Moolenaar \u2013 Midland, West Point\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-united-nations-security-council-resolution-vote-on-israel", "Peters Statement on United Nations Security Council Resolution Vote on Israel", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.16\n\t\t\t Peters Statement on United Nations Security Council Resolution Vote on Israel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement ahead of the United Nations Security Council's vote regarding Israel:\r\nI am concerned that one-sided actions against Israel at the United Nations would undermine any future efforts to bring Israelis and Palestinians to the table. We need to focus on achieving a two-state solution that would bring peace and security to Israel and a future Palestinian state. The resolution currently being considered by the United Nations Security Council would mark a significant step backwards with respect to the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian people, and I urge the Administration to do everything to ensure this resolution is not considered or adopted by the Security Council.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-fairness-for-veterans-amendment-signed-into-law", "Sen. Peters Fairness for Veterans Amendment Signed into Law", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters' Fairness for Veterans Amendment Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan Veterans Provision, Championed by Peters, Passed by Congress Earlier this Month\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  Today, President Obama signed into law a bipartisan provision introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military due to negative behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The Fairness for Veterans amendment, which Peters authored, was included in the final National Defense Authorization Act conference report that passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this month.\r\nThis legislation will give our brave men and women who are suffering from the invisible wounds of war an opportunity to access the benefits they've earned through their service, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I applaud President Obama for signing this critical provision into law, and I will continue fighting so that servicemembers transitioning back to civilian life have the support they need.\r\nA less than honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments  behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. A less than honorable discharge renders servicemembers ineligible for certain benefits, including Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans.\r\nThe provision signed into law codifies the principles of the 2014 Hagel memo to give liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. Additionally, the amendment extends the policy to PTSD or TBI that is related to military sexual trauma.\r\nThe legislation, which Peters introduced with Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), has broad support from major veteran groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Soldiers and Sailors of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Swords to Plowshares. Congressmen Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Tim Walz (D-MN) introduced similar legislation and led the effort to pass the provision in the House of Representatives.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-passing-mandell-bill-berman", "Levin Statement on Passing of Mandell (Bill) Berman", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today released the following statement on the passing of Mandell (Bill) Berman:\n\u201cBill Berman brought home from his active service in World War II a deepened determination to live a good life and help others from all walks of life be able to do so.\n\u201cWhat followed was an incomparable role with his beloved wife Madge in assisting and ennobling life in Jewish communities in greater Detroit and far beyond, and in a huge variety of other communities throughout his beloved nation.\n\u201cBill Berman helped in innumerable ways to build a better world, and for many, many of us the world will now be a very different place without him.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-miller-lahood-great-lakes-legislation-signed-law", "Dingell, Miller, LaHood Great Lakes Legislation Signed into Law", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 President Obama signed into law the bipartisan Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act introduced by U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Candice Miller (MI-10), and Darin LaHood (IL-18) to provide critical resources and funding to conserve and restore fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes. The legislation was included as a provision of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, and it reauthorizes the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act for the first time since 2006.\n\u201cWater is a part of who we are in Michigan, and as someone who grew up on the St. Clair River, protecting the Great Lakes is personal to me and to so many who call our state home,\u201d said Rep. Dingell. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the President signed into law this critical legislation that will protect the wildlife habitats that make our state unique and provide countless opportunities for recreation, support economic development, create jobs and benefit our environment. I\u2019d like to thank Reps. Miller and LaHood for their partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line and for their dedication to protecting the Great Lakes for future generations.\u201d\n\u201cThose of us who grew up along the shores of the Great Lakes understand that they are more than just a recreational joy, they are a way of life,\u201d said Rep. Candice Miller. \u201cSupporting billions of dollars in commercial and recreational industries per year, they are how we put food on the table, how we pay the mortgage. The recent reauthorization of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is critical to protecting the ecosystems that provide us with not only our way of life, but 20% of the world\u2019s fresh drinking water supply. This critical legislation will help preserve the habitat of the entire Great Lakes basin for generations to come.\u201d\n\u201cI am pleased to see legislation that I introduced in the House earlier this year signed into law by the President. As a father who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, modernizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will revamp conservation efforts for outdoorsmen and increase economic opportunities for our fishermen,\u201d stated Rep. LaHood. \u201cI want to thank my colleagues, Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Candice Miller, for joining me in introducing this legislation and for their bipartisan efforts to protect our Great Lakes and wildlife conservation efforts. The Midwest is the fortunate home of the beautiful Great Lakes region, and improving its conservation will surely improve the state\u2019s commercial, recreational, and preservation activities throughout our waterways.\u201d\n\u201cDucks Unlimited is pleased that the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act was reauthorized in WIIN, and we appreciate Reps. Dingell, Miller and LaHood\u2019s roles and all the bipartisan support the act garnered,\u201d said Gildo Tori, director of public policy for Ducks Unlimited\u2019s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. \u201cThis act will ensure much-needed fish and wildlife habitat restoration will continue for the benefit of sportsmen and women, and all Great Lakes basin residents.\u201d\n\u201cThe Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is premier legislation that devotes important funds to the protection and recovery of the region\u2019s living natural resources,\u201d said Great Lakes Fishery Commission chair David Ullrich. \u201cFor more than twenty-five years, officials from the eight Great Lakes states and the tribes have used the act to identify top priorities for restoration and direct funds to where they are most needed to get the best return on investment. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission looks forward to working with Congresswoman Dingell, Congresswoman Miller, Congressman LaHood, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the basin\u2019s many partners in implementing this legislation.\u201d\nThe Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016 authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide assistance to local groups for cooperative conservation, restoration, and management of fish and wildlife and their habitats. It also makes it easier for local groups to come up with matching funds, which means more conservation and restoration projects that improve water quality, protect species habitat, and improve access for outdoor recreation.\nSince 1998, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act has provided federal funding to 157 research and restoration projects in the Great Lakes Basin \u2013 from restoring habitat for the Kirtland Warbler, an endangered species, to detecting the successful reproduction of Lake Trout in southern Michigan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-naming-dr-peter-navarro-head-white-house-national-trade-council", "Levin Statement on Naming of Dr. Peter Navarro as Head of White House National Trade Council", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (MI-09) today released the following statement after it was announced that Dr. Peter Navarro will head the White House National Trade Council:\n\u201cAs someone who has been critical of past U.S. policy regarding China and its gross manipulation of currency and repeated and massive unfair trade practices, the challenge now is to move beyond the bluster and often dangerous suggestions of the President-elect and develop effective, responsible polices that make things better for the U.S. workers and businesses in the global economy, not worse.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-pocan-lead-24-heartland-members-urging-leadership-expand", "Dingell, Pocan Lead 24 Heartland Members in Urging Leadership to Expand Economic Opportunities in Manufacturing Communities Harmed by Outsourcing", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) led a letter with 24 House Members from Heartland states to Majority Leader McConnell, Leader-elect Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi urging immediate action in the upcoming Congress to expand economic opportunities in manufacturing communities harmed by the outsourcing of American jobs.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThe frustration and despair felt by workers in our region is palpable, and the discourse during the year\u2019s election detailing the lack of opportunity for the working class underscores the need for solutions to these challenges. Congress has a responsibility to address their concerns and work together to strengthen the economic stability of these communities,\u201d the letter states. \u201cToo many working class families in our districts have been left behind because of the outsourcing of American jobs. It is critical Congress takes immediate action to jumpstart the economic prosperity of these communities.\u201d\nThe letter to Congressional Leadership was signed by Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-IL), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI), Sander M. Levin (D-MI), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Gwen S. Moore (D-WI), Richard M. Nolan (D-MN), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Pete Visclosky (D-IN). \u00a0\nThe text of the letter is below, and you can find an electronic copy here.\nDear Majority Leader McConnell, Leader-elect Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi:\nWe write today to urge immediate action in the 115th Congress to expand economic opportunity in communities harmed by the outsourcing of American jobs.\nOur states encompass communities that once served as thriving hubs for manufacturing and development, providing the opportunity for working class families to achieve the American Dream. In recent decades, the livelihoods of these workers have been pulled out from beneath them. We have watched too many factories shutter their doors and too many workers lose their jobs, decimating these neighborhoods and leaving families behind.\u00a0\nThe frustration and despair felt by workers in our region is palpable, and the discourse during the year\u2019s election detailing the lack of opportunity for the working class underscores the need for solutions to these challenges. Congress has a responsibility to address their concerns and work together to strengthen the economic stability of these communities.\nFor these reasons, we urge Congress to prioritize the consideration and passage of legislation consistent with the following principles:\n1. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should close loopholes in our tax code which reward companies that ship jobs overseas and punish companies that stay in the United States and invest in American workers.\n2. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Federal contracting and procurement policies should give preference to American labor and domestic-made goods so our taxpayer dollars benefit working class families in the United States.\n3. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should increase investments in education and prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing and other industries that will be pivotal in the 21st century economy.\n4. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Trade Adjustment Assistance and retraining programs should be improved and expanded to give workers the opportunity to get back on their feet when confronting job displacement.\n5. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should expand access to quality broadband services and increased telecommunications connectivity so all communities have the digital resources that are necessary to compete in our digital economy.\n6. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The promise of a secure retirement must be upheld by preserving benefits that workers have paid into and earned, including Social Security, Medicare, and workplace pension guarantees.\nToo many working class families in our districts have been left behind because of the outsourcing of American jobs. It is critical Congress takes immediate action to jumpstart the economic prosperity of these communities by passing legislation that adheres to the principles listed above.\u00a0\nWe hope you will stand with us and our constituents during the 115th Congress to advance these goals and revive the American Dream for workers across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-tours-omega-plastics-holds-roundtable-with-local-manufacturers", "Peters Tours Omega Plastics, Holds Roundtable with Local Manufacturers", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.16\n\t\t\t Peters Tours Omega Plastics, Holds Roundtable with Local Manufacturers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Peters' Bill Supporting Small and Medium Manufacturers to be Signed into Law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) today toured Omega Plastics in Clinton Township and held a roundtable with local manufacturers to highlight bipartisan legislation he introduced, which was unanimously approved by Congress, to improve advanced manufacturing by strengthening the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)  a public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\nSmall and mid-sized manufacturers are using advanced technologies to build innovative products that change lives, create jobs and grow our economy, said Senator Peters. I'm pleased my bipartisan legislation supporting manufacturers like Omega Plastics will soon be signed into law, so that programs like the Manufacturing Extension Partnership can continue to support even more Michigan businesses looking to grow and succeed.\r\nOmega Plastics' work with MMTC has provided additional awareness and marketing exposure we have had the opportunity to benefit from, said Jeff Kaczperski, President of Omega Plastics. With the support of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, our company continues to focus on providing our customers with innovative solutions and services that ultimately produce new products intended to help make people's lives better. We were honored to welcome Senator Peters to our facility, and we support his efforts to ensure American small manufacturers can keep pace with our international competitors.\r\nPeters, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, is a strong supporter of Michigan's manufacturing industry. Peters' bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which recently passed unanimously in the Senate and the House, helps expand and strengthen the MEP program to reach more small and medium-sized manufacturers. MEP centers across the country offer resources that enable manufacturers to compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Michigan's MEP affiliate, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has provided advice and technical expertise to Michigan businesses like Omega Plastics for 25 years.\r\nMMTC is proud to work with businesses like Omega Plastics that are keeping Michigan at the forefront of innovation and advanced manufacturing, said Mike Coast, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. MMTC has been working for 25 years to support Michigan's small and mid-sized manufacturers, and Senator Peters' legislation to expand the Manufacturing Extension Partnership will help us provide services and resources to additional businesses across the state. I appreciate Senator Peters' leadership on this issue, and I am pleased his legislation was recently approved by Congress so MMTC can continue offering tools to keep Michigan businesses globally competitive.\r\nFounded in 1984, Omega Plastics is a recognized leader in quick turnaround plastic injection mold manufacturing and injection molding for the medical, automotive, commercial/consumer, electrical/electronic, aerospace and defense industries. The company specializes in functional prototype/development, short runs and low to mid volume applications for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurs launching a new product.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-applauds-nearly-10-million-public-investment-for-two-land-and-water-conservation-projects-in-michigan", "Stabenow Applauds Nearly $10 Million Public Investment for Two Land and Water Conservation Projects in Michigan", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow Applauds Nearly $10 Million Public Investment for Two Land and Water Conservation Projects in Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Support made possible by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, created by Stabenow\u2019s 2014 Farm Bill \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s announcement of nearly $10 million in federal funding, that will be matched by private investments, to support land and water conservation in the Lower Grand River Watershed and Huron River Watershed. Support for these two projects \u2013 as well as six ongoing projects in Michigan \u2013 comes through the 2014 Farm Bill\u2019s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, authored by Stabenow.\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is great news for our farmers and local partners who are committed to restoring the Lower Grand River and Huron River watersheds and builds on the historic investments in land and water conservation that we have already made across Michigan,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cWhen we established this program in the Farm Bill, it was exactly these types of innovative partnerships \u2013 along with the ongoing partnerships to protect the Saginaw Bay, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, St. Joseph, and others \u2013 that we envisioned.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Grand Valley Metro Council is very pleased to hear that funds were awarded through the RCPP program to further our conservation efforts in the Lower Grand River Watershed,\u201d said John Weiss, Executive Director of the Grand Valley Metro Council. \u201cThe funds will restore habitat in the Grand River and address resource concerns in agricultural areas upstream. We are excited to be working with so many partners on this regionally significant project.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cThis opportunity to bring funds to our region for conservation speaks to the capabilities of the partners and their desire to leverage actions as individual organizations into a partnership that benefits the entire Huron River watershed and the Great Lakes,\u201d said Douglas Koop, Executive Director of the Legacy Land Conservancy.\r\n\r\nDetails of the Michigan projects:\r\n\u00a0\r\n$8 Million \u2013 Lower Grand River Watershed Habitat Restoration \u2013 Farmland Conservation Project\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Farmland Conservation Project will receive $8,000,000 to help farmers and landowners address water quality concerns, restore habitats for fish and wildlife, and revitalize 2.5 miles of the Lower Grand River Watershed. The Grand Valley Metro Council and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will partner with over 20 local organizations on this project. The Lower Grand River Watershed includes the City of Grand Rapids as well as Northern Kent, Newaygo and Muskegon Counties.\r\n\u00a0\r\n$1.8 Million \u2013 The Huron River Initiative \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Huron River Initiative will receive $1,825,880 to help farmers and landowners address soil and water quality concerns in the upper Huron River Watershed. The Legacy Land Conservancy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will partner with five local organizations on this project. The Huron River Watershed spans a land area of more than 900 square miles and drains water to the Huron River through hundreds of tributary creeks and streams. The Huron River\u2019s drainage area includes seven Michigan counties including: Oakland, Livingston, Ingham, Jackson, Washtenaw, Wayne and Monroe.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-criminal-charges-in-flint-water-crisis/", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Criminal Charges in Flint Water Crisis", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Criminal Charges in Flint Water Crisis \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after additional criminal charges were filed in the Flint water crisis:\n\u201cJustice for Flint families is important and I support ongoing investigations, led by the facts, which seek to hold those who caused this crisis responsible. Today\u2019s criminal charges, including against two of Governor Snyder\u2019s state-appointed emergency managers, is an indictment not only of their decisions, but an indictment against the administration\u2019s failed emergency manager law that contributed to this crisis.\n\u201cThere are many forms of justice; one of them is certainly holding accountable the state officials who created this crisis. Another form of justice is the state stepping up to provide more resources to families who continue to live without access to clean drinking water. The state and the Governor must act in a bigger way to help in Flint\u2019s recovery.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-and-jackson-lee-make-russian-hacking-investigation-your-top", "Conyers and Jackson Lee: Make Russian Hacking Investigation Your Top Priority & Release Investigative Docs to the Committee", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) sent a letter today to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) calling for safeguards to be put in place to ensure the investigation into Russian hacking is made a top priority and is completed in a thorough and bipartisan manner throughout the Presidential transition. Conyers and Jackson Lee also called for DOJ and the FBI to be transparent in their investigation of Russian hacking, by releasing copies of all relevant investigative materials regarding the investigation to the House Judiciary Committee, in the same way it did during its investigation of Secretary Clinton\u2019s private email server.\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\u00a0\nDecember 20, 2016\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Loretta E. Lynch\nAttorney General\nUnited States Department of Justice\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\nWashington, D.C., 20530\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable James B. Comey, Jr.\nDirector\nFederal Bureau of Investigation\n935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\nWashington, D.C., 20535\nDear Attorney General Lynch and Director Comey:\nWe write concerning efforts by the Russian government to disrupt our recent federal elections.\u00a0 In that regard, we strongly and urgently request that safeguards be put in place\u2014prior to the completion of the presidential transition\u2014to ensure that any criminal investigation into these matters is conducted in an independent manner and free of improper partisan influence.\u00a0\nIn addition, to begin, we ask that you confirm that there is, in fact, a criminal investigation into the activities of the Russian government and the start date of any such investigation.\u00a0 To the extent that this investigation extends to any U.S. persons\u2014including any associate of President Elect Donald Trump -- we ask that you confirm this as well.\u00a0 We also ask that the investigation receive all necessary financial and personnel resources, and that it be treated as the highest priority for the Department of Justice and the FBI.\u00a0 At the conclusion of this investigation and any related enforcement actions, we ask that your offices provide the House Judiciary Committee with copies of all relevant investigative materials, from the start date forward -- including copies of any primary evidence or interview notes, a summary of resources and agents devoted to the investigation, and preexisting instances of political or related cyberattacks involving the Russian government or its agents \u2014 in a similar manner as you did relating to your investigation into Secretary Clinton\u2019s private email server.\nWe make these requests for several reasons. First, as you are no doubt aware, a series of recent reports and disclosures have made clear that Russia was seeking to not only diminish our democratic process, but to influence specific electoral outcomes.\u00a0 The Washington Post reported on December 16 that the FBI and Director of National Intelligence are in agreement with the CIA that there is a \u201cstrong consensus \u2026 on the scope, nature, and intent of Russian interference in our presidential election.\u201d\u00a0 It was also reported by The New York Times last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin was directly involved in this effort, and that Russian cyberattacks were also directed at several Democratic U.S. House candidates as well as Secretary Clinton.\u00a0 Prior to the election, Mr. Trump appeared to encourage hacking by the Russian government, when he declared \u201cI will tell you this, Russia: If you\u2019re listening, I hope you\u2019re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.\u201d\u00a0\nThis occurs at a time when there are also concerns that President Elect Trump may have a number of financial and other conflicts involving Russian entities.\u00a0 Although he has not yet released his tax returns, which would include specific information on financial entanglements, Mr. Trump\u2019s son Donald Trump, Jr. stated in 2008 that \u201cRussians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets.\u00a0 We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.\u201d\u00a0 It also has been reported that former Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort has received millions of dollars in payments from pro-Russian elements in the Ukraine, and maintained connections to Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, including one with ties to organized crime and Vladimir Putin. Following the election, Sergei A. Ryabkov, Russia\u2019s deputy foreign minister, acknowledged that the Russian government had maintained contacts with members of Mr. Trump\u2019s \u201cimmediate entourage\u201d during the American presidential campaign, informing the Interfax news agency \u201cThere were contacts \u2026 we continue to do this and have been doing this work during the election campaign.\u201d\nTaken at face value, these facts could implicate a variety of U.S. criminal statutes within your purview, including: the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 USC 1030), which prohibits accessing or conspiring or attempting to access a computer network without authorization, or exceeding authorization to do so; the Logan Act (18 USC 953), which prohibits U.S. citizens from working with foreign governments to influence \u201cdisputes or controversies within the United States\u201d; and 18 USC 373(a), which prohibits solicitation to commit a crime against property located in the United States.\u00a0\nSecond, President Elect Trump has taken a number of public positions that would seem to threaten the impartiality of any investigation carried out under his administration.\u00a0 Upon initially learning of the CIA\u2019s determination that Russia was responsible for disruptive hacking in an effort to influence the outcome, Mr. Trump characterized such assertions as \u201cridiculous\u201d and \u201cjust another excuse.\u201d\u00a0 Last week, Mr. Trump went so far as to praise the hacks when he tweeted: \u201cAre we talking about the same cyberattack where it was revealed that the head of the DNC illegally gave Hillary questions to the debate?\u201d\nThird, your investigations will be taking place at a precarious moment for federal law enforcement and the public\u2019s perception of its commitment to impartiality.\u00a0 Testifying before our Committee in September, Director Comey took the position that \u201cexceptional circumstances,\u201d including \u201cwhere there is a need for the public to be reassured\u201d warrant additional transparency regarding federal law enforcement investigations.\u00a0 At the same time, he refused to confirm whether the FBI was investigating illegal hacking by Russia and possible connections with the Trump campaign.\u00a0 Director Comey then decided in late October to forward a letter to Congress that the FBI had re-opened its investigation of Secretary Clinton\u2019s private email server, directly contravening long standing DOJ policy to not comment on investigations so close to an election.\u00a0\nBy contrast, last week, The New York Times reported that when the FBI learned of the Russian cyberattack on the DNC in September 2015, it somehow failed to personally follow up on the breach in security with senior DNC representatives.\u00a0 And it was disclosed on Sunday that the Russian cyberattacks on the DNC continued right up through Election Day.\u00a0 These and other incidents concerning investigatory actions\u2014or lack thereof\u2014in the run up to the recent election have deeply shaken the reputation for fairness previously enjoyed by federal law enforcement and reinforce the need to appropriately handle any pending criminal investigation.\nCovert efforts by the Russian government to disrupt our elections undermine confidence in our electoral system and, if not met with a proper response, constitute a direct threat to our democratic form of government.\u00a0 That is why it is vital that, among other things, Congress create an independent and bipartisan commission to fully examine the breadth of Russian interference into the U.S. election and make policy recommendations going forward.\u00a0 At the same time, these are unquestionably \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d requiring your agencies work to fully and fairly mete out justice with regard to any criminal misconduct associated with these events, including reassuring the public that you are doing so.\u00a0\nFor these reasons, the Department and the Bureau must take immediate actions to ensure that your criminal investigators are free to proceed wherever the facts and law may take them, and that they have all necessary resources to complete their work expeditiously and fairly.\u00a0\u00a0 Justice demands \u2013 and the American people deserve -- no less.\nWe thank you for your time and attention to this request and look forward to your prompt response.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\ncc:\u00a0 The Hon. Bob Goodlatte, Chairman, House Committee on the Judiciary", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-criminal-charges-flint-water-crisis-0", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Criminal Charges in Flint Water Crisis", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after additional criminal charges were filed in the Flint water crisis:\nJustice for Flint families is important and I support ongoing investigations, led by the facts, which seek to hold those who caused this crisis responsible. Today's criminal charges, including against two of Governor Snyder's state-appointed emergency managers, is an indictment not only of their decisions, but an indictment against the administration's failed emergency manager law that contributed to this crisis.\nThere are many forms of justice; one of them is certainly holding accountable the state officials who created this crisis. Another form of justice is the state stepping up to provide more resources to families who continue to live without access to clean drinking water. The state and the Governor must act in a bigger way to help in Flint's recovery.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-signs-into-law-peters-heitkamp-heller-bipartisan-bill-to-give-small-businesses-and-startups-a-seat-at-the-table", "President Signs into Law Peters, Heitkamp, Heller Bipartisan Bill to Give Small Businesses & Startups a Seat at the Table", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t President Signs into Law Peters, Heitkamp, Heller Bipartisan Bill to Give Small Businesses & Startups a Seat at the Table \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators' Bill Will Ensure Small Businesses have a Voice as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Creates Rules that Impact How Companies Access Capital, Expand Operations\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Dean Heller (R-NV) today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan bill to make sure small businesses and startups have a voice when new federal rules are written on how they can raise funding and access the resources they need to succeed. Michigan is home to over 850,000 small businesses, which hire locally, give back to their communities, and boost economic growth across the state, said Peters. The SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help ensure these small businesses have a seat at the table when critical decisions impacting them are made, and I'm pleased that this bipartisan legislation has now been signed into law.\r\nWe can do more to level the playing field for small businesses and startups in rural America by making sure they have a seat at the table when it comes to federal rulemaking, said Heitkamp. Small businesses make up 96 percent of North Dakota's employers, but when it comes to the rules of private enterprise, they don't always have a voice  and are many times swept up in rules aimed at larger, more powerful players  putting them at an immediate disadvantage. With a little North Dakota commonsense, we can change that. Now law, my bipartisan bill will make sure the challenges small businesses and startups face are considered when it comes to writing the rules that impact them. We can encourage innovation and entrepreneurial growth, and we can do it by making sure our small businesses and burgeoning startup communities are heard.\r\nNevada's small businesses employ over 428,000 jobs for its workers. Yet, these economic engines rarely have their voice heard in the regulatory process. I teamed with Senators Heitkamp and Peters on bipartisan legislation to ensure that the more than 230,000 small businesses in the state get a fair shake from the SEC. I'm proud to say the SEC Small Business Advocate Act has now been signed into law. This is a prime example of how putting the needs of small businesses first encourages hiring of new employees and growth of our nation's economy, said Heller.\r\nAcross the country, small businesses make up almost half of the country's private-sector workforce and created about two-thirds of the nation's net new jobs. Now law, the senators' bipartisan legislation will make sure small businesses have a clear voice when it comes to federal rulemaking that applies to private enterprises nationwide  which too often fail to distinguish between large and small businesses, leaving small businesses at a disadvantage.\r\nBy creating an Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)  the nation's regulatory authority on protecting investors, facilitating capital formation and keeping the U.S. marketplace fair and efficient  the senators' SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help small businesses and startups advocate for policies that help them build investments as well as jobs across the country.\r\nThe legislation, which unanimously passed in both the House and Senate, was initially introduced by U.S. Representative John Carney (D-DE) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The senators introduced their bipartisan companion bill in the U.S. Senate in April.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-and-other-senators-ask-trump-to-take-action-in-bringing-down-prescription-drug-prices", "Stabenow and Other Senators Ask Trump to Take Action in Bringing Down Prescription Drug Prices", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow and Other Senators Ask Trump to Take Action in Bringing Down Prescription Drug Prices \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today joined 18 of her colleagues and sent a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump outlining specific steps his Administration should take to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cIt is undeniable that more and more families are struggling to access medications, and in many cases, are forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs and other necessities, like food and shelter. The American public is fed up, with roughly 8-in-10 Americans reporting that drug prices are unreasonable, and that we must take action to lower costs,\u201d said the Senators in the letter. \u201cYou now have the authority to push for a future that prioritizes patients. We are ready to advance measures to achieve this goal and we urge you to partner with Republicans and Democrats alike to take meaningful steps to address the high cost of prescription drugs through bold administrative and legislative actions.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn a letter sent to Trump today, Senator Stabenow and 18 of her colleagues expressed their shared frustration over the cost of drugs and outlined several ways Trump can make good on his promise to lower the rising cost of prescription drugs for consumers including: allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate better prices for Medicare recipients; requiring drug companies to disclose costs associated with creating drugs so prices are more transparent; putting an end to abusive price gouging; and ensuring competition and innovation that will lead to greater competition and more affordable, effective drugs.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe letter was cosigned by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Al Franken (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Angus King (I-ME).\r\n\r\nDecember 20, 2016\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nPresident-Elect Donald J. Trump\r\nPresidential Transition Headquarters\r\n1800 F Street, N.W., Room G-117\r\nWashington, D.C. 20270\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear President-Elect Trump:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDuring your campaign, you promised to implement bold reforms to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. In fact, you acknowledged that \u201cCongress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America.\u201d You also supported allowing consumers\u2019 access to imported, safe, and dependable drugs from overseas and vowed to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors. And earlier this month you again promised to \u201cbring down drug prices.\u201d While there are many different policy options to achieve lower drug prices, it\u2019s clear that we all agree that all Americans deserve access to safe, effective, and affordable lifesaving medications. As Members of Congress, we are ready to advance bipartisan reforms that will help achieve the goal we all share: reducing the burden exorbitant drug prices are placing on hard-working Americans.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPrescription drugs can work wonders \u2013 curing diseases and helping those with chronic illness live longer, healthier lives. Drug companies, however, have often engaged in abusive tactics that price lifesaving drugs out of reach for those in need. It is time to enact policies that improve transparency and competition in the commercial market and make the government a smarter purchaser of prescription drugs.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIt is undeniable that more and more families are struggling to access medications, and in many cases, are forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs and other necessities, like food and shelter. The American public is fed up, with roughly 8-in-10 Americans reporting that drug prices are unreasonable, and that we must take action to lower costs. The public\u2019s concern is well founded, just last week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid\u2019s Office of the Actuary published that, in 2015, prescription drug spending grew faster than any other category of medical spending for the second year in a row. This evidence comes despite claims from the drug industry that high drug spending in 2014 would only be a temporary blip.\r\n\u00a0\r\nYou now have the authority to push for a future that prioritizes patients. We are ready to advance measures to achieve this goal and we urge you to partner with Republicans and Democrats alike to take meaningful steps to address the high cost of prescription drugs through bold administrative and legislative actions, including but not limited to the following actions:\r\n\u00a0\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give the Secretary of HHS the Authority to Negotiate Drug Prices. As you noted on the campaign trail, permitting the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices under Medicare could not only produce savings but would bring the largest payer in America in line with the activities of the rest of the insurance industry. In fact, you promised that \u201c(w)hen it comes time to negotiate the cost of drugs, we are going to negotiate like crazy.\u201d However, under current law, the Secretary is prohibited from doing so. We urge you to work with Congress to pass a law that lifts the current ban and gives the Secretary the authority to take immediate action and negotiate better prices for prescription drugs for our nation\u2019s more than 40 million Medicare Part D beneficiaries.\r\n\u00a0\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Increase Transparency. Throughout your campaign, you also endorsed price transparency for the entire healthcare system. Patients should know drugs\u2019 true cost, not just the price that the drug companies and insurance companies choose to charge. We already have measures in place to require hospitals, providers, and other sections of the healthcare system to report on different cost measures; drug companies should be held to the same standards. We urge you to take immediate administrative action to require drug companies to publicly disclose costs associated with research and development, materials and manufacturing, and the federal benefits they receive in the form of tax credits, government grants, and government-funded research on which their products are based.\r\n\u00a0\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stop Abusive Pricing. We urge you to protect consumers from abusive pricing practices \u2014not only gouging consumers with the 5,000-percent overnight price hikes that have made recent headlines, but also the persistent, unjustified double-digit price increases that drug corporations have levied on the American people year after year. As members of Congress, we are ready to work on legislation to combat these abusive practices.\r\n\u00a0\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Protect and Incentivize True Innovation. Taxpayers, through the federal government, are deeply involved with every step of the drug development process, from supporting basic scientific research and clinical trials, to granting exclusive monopolies, tax incentives, and fee waivers. However, taxpayer funds need to be better targeted to deliver what we all want: safe, innovative, affordable, and effective drugs to address our most pressing public health issues and unmet medical needs. We urge you to work with Congress to pass commonsense reforms that better protect and incentivize innovation with the greatest need and health benefits to ensure affordable access and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\r\n\u00a0\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ensure True Competition. It is past time to end the rigging of the prescription drug marketplace. Brand-name drug companies, for example, should not be allowed to take actions that block generic competitors from bringing their products to market. We urge you to task the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice with aggressively enforcing laws that currently exist and push for new provisions to ensure timely entrance of generics to the marketplace.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDuring your campaign, you promised to address the high prescription drug prices that the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats expressed as a top concern in the election. In this letter, we have listed tangible ways your Administration can lead bipartisan work on this issue and fight for the millions of Americans who rely on prescription drugs to lead healthy lives. There will be ample opportunities to make good on these promises as Congress considers the Prescription Drug, Generic Drug, and Biosimilars User Fee Agreement reauthorizations and other health-related legislative priorities, and we look forward to your leadership on this issue by steering both sides of the aisle to work together to pass concrete reforms. We stand ready to support meaningful changes to the status quo and are committed to a future when all Americans can access lifesaving treatments when they need them.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe hope that you will join with Congress in living up to the expectations of the American people and prioritize this issue as President of the United States.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-visits-huron-area-technical-center-in-bad-axe-to-highlight-bipartisan-legislation-to-make-college-more-affordable-and-accessible", "Peters Visits Huron Area Technical Center in Bad Axe to Highlight Bipartisan Legislation to Make College More Affordable & Accessible", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Peters Visits Huron Area Technical Center in Bad Axe to Highlight Bipartisan Legislation to Make College More Affordable & Accessible \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBAD AXE, MI  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured the Huron Area Technical Center (HATC) in Bad Axe and highlighted bipartisan, bicameral legislation he introduced to expand options for high school students to obtain college credit, making higher education more affordable and accessible while improving high school and college graduation rates. Peters' Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA) would expand access to dual and concurrent enrollment programs and early/middle college programs by providing grants to institutions of higher education. Peters was joined today by Clark Brock, Principal of the HATC, and Joseph Murphy, Superintendent of the Huron Intermediate School District.\r\nThe increasing cost of higher education should not be a barrier that prevents students from pursuing their careers, said Senator Peters. Programs like those offered at the Huron Area Technical Center are giving students a head start at earning college credits while equipping students with tools needed to become the next generation of leaders in a global economy.\r\nWe were pleased to welcome Senator Peters to Huron County and we appreciate his efforts to expand dual enrollment programs and curriculums, said Clark Brock, Principal of the Huron Area Technical Center. Dual enrollment programs are an opportunity for high school students to afford a higher education while earning career development skills, and we thank Senator Peters for visiting HATC.\r\nMEAA, which Peters introduced with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Congressmen Jared Polis (D-CO) and Tom Reed (R-NY), provides grants to institutions of higher education that can be used to:\r\n \r\nCarry out dual and concurrent enrollment programs as well as early/middle college programming  this includes covering tuition and fees, books, and required instructional materials for a program so that students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses;\r\nProvide teachers in these programs with professional development; and\r\nSupport activities such as course design, course approval processes, community outreach, student counseling and support services.\r\n \r\nThe Huron Intermediate School District and HATC provides a wide variety of career technical education (CTE) programs for students and residents of Huron County, including automotive technology and mechanical, architectural, engineering and design technology programs where students can earn dual enrollment credits. Additionally, nearly 70 students are dual enrolled in non-CTE general education classes, where students can earn up to 9-11 college credits per semester. These credits are through a partnership with Mid Michigan Community College.\r\nAccording to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) early college students on average earn 36 college credits, and 30% of early college students earn an associate's degree. There are 23 early/middle college high schools and 67 early/middle college programs in Michigan alone. The National Alliance on Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships estimates 1.9 million high school students enrolled in a college course during the 2014-2015 school year.\r\nLast year, Peters introduced an amendment with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) to the bipartisan Every Child Achieves Act, which was signed into law in December. The amendment allows Title I funds to be used to support concurrent and dual enrollment programs at eligible schools, enabling high school students to simultaneously receive college-credit from courses taught by college approved teachers in secondary education. It also allows school districts to use fifth-year program partnerships to allow students to participate in concurrent enrollment in the year after their senior year.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-to-join-senate-armed-services-committee", "Sen. Peters to Join Senate Armed Services Committee", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters to Join Senate Armed Services Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Gary Peters announced he has been appointed to the Senate Committee on Armed Services for the 115th Congress, subject to ratification by the Democratic Caucus. Peters will also continue to serve on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and the Joint Economic Committee.\r\nAs a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I am proud to be carrying on Michigan's strong military tradition by joining the Senate Armed Services Committee. Michigan helped build the Arsenal of Democracy that defeated tyranny in World War II, beginning a defense legacy that stretches into present day as Michigan airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines are supporting the fight against ISIS, said Senator Peters.\r\nI look forward to being a strong voice in the Senate for Michigan's servicemembers, veterans, military installations and the defense manufacturers that help our military complete their mission safely and effectively, continued Senator Peters. Through my work on both the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, I will be focused on keeping the American people safe and secure from security threats at home and abroad.\r\nMichigan's National Guard footprint stretches across the globe with servicemembers serving in some of the military's most cutting-edge missions and participating in and supporting operations in every region of the world, said Major General Gregory Vadnais, The Adjutant General, Michigan National Guard. It's an honor to lead and work with the professional, high-caliber men and women of the Michigan National Guard, and I am pleased Michigan will now have such a strong representation on the Senate Armed Services Committee.\"\r\nSenator Peters has been a champion in Washington for the Battle Creek Air National Guard base, passing legislation to maintain the base's RPA mission and strongly supporting the 110th Attack Wing's new cyber operations squadron, said Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc. With his seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Peters will be able to continue his good work advocating for Battle Creek's defense community, boosting our economy and strengthening Michigan's role in our national defense.\r\nAs a U.S. Navy Reserve sailor who drilled at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Senator Peters understands the impact of the base and its unique position as a joint facility that plays multiple roles in America's security at home and abroad. We appreciate his strong support for maintaining and advancing Selfridge's fighter mission and know he will be a strong representative of the Selfridge community and Macomb County on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Grace Shore, CEO of the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce.\r\nPeters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve at age 34, where he earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, he volunteered again for drilling status.\r\nThere are seven military installations in the State of Michigan: Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center; Battle Creek Air National Guard Base; Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center; the Defense Logistics Agency at Hart-Doyle-Inouye Federal Center; Fort Custer Training Center; Selfridge Air National Guard Base; and U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal. Additionally, Michigan is home to over 16,900 servicemembers, 9,100 civilian Department of Defense employees, 650,000 veterans and a vibrant defense manufacturing sector.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-flint-congressional-hearings/", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Congressional Hearings", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Congressional Hearings \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, under Chairman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), closed its investigation into the Flint water crisis before the panel had all of the information it requested from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder:\n\u201cJustice for Flint families comes in many forms. One form of justice is getting aid to the city of Flint to help it recover, and I am glad that Congress acted to provide over a hundred million dollars in real relief for families still suffering from this crisis. Another form of justice is restoring Flint families\u2019 confidence in their government, particularly their state government, which caused this crisis in the first place. That justice will not happen unless there is full transparency from Governor Rick Snyder.\n\u201cSadly, the Governor and his administration continue to use taxpayer-funded criminal defense attorneys to obstruct, delay and even refuse to turn over documents that would help answer questions of what the Governor knew before, during and after this crisis became public. Flint families deserve nothing but the truth from state government officials \u2013 including Governor Snyder \u2013 to ensure that Flint gets the resources it needs to recover and a similar crisis never happens elsewhere.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/state%E2%80%99s-automated-fraud-system-wrong-93-reviewed-unemployment-cases-2013-2105", "States Automated Fraud System Wrong in 93% of Reviewed Unemployment Cases from 2013-2105", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today called on the State of Michigan to broaden their review of unemployment insurance fraud cases after a re-review of cases found an error rate of 93% in auto-adjudicated cases between October 2013 and August 4, 2015.\n\u201cThis high level of error rate in accusations of fraud is outrageous for any government program, especially one for unemployed workers trying to stay afloat while they find another job. Running a fully automated system that spit out fraud determinations for such a long period of time was in violation of federal law and completely reckless.\u00a0 In addition, the Auditor General\u2019s report makes it clear that the agency\u2019s due process requirements were severely lacking during this period.\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m pleased that a small subset of the cases has been reviewed, the state has a responsibility to look at the additional 30,000 fraud determinations made during this same time period.\u00a0\n\u201cFinally, with an Unemployment Insurance contingency fund that has grown so dramatically, the state must do a full accounting of the monies that have flowed into this account. While I am pleased that $5 million has been repaid, it strikes me as small compared to the amount of money that was collected at the time.\u00a0 Only a full audit will ensure the public that the problem has been fully rectified.\u201d\nRep. Levin called on the State to investigate the Michigan Integrated Data Automated System (MiDAS) system in a letter\u00a0 to the Governor on April 25th. The recent review was required by the U.S. Department of Labor and initiated after a February 2016 Michigan Auditor General report found that computer-determined fraud was affirmed in only 8 percent of cases that were appealed.\nThe Numbers:\nTotal Fraud Determinations, October 2013 \u2013 August 2015\n53,633\nTotal Cases Reviewed by State\n22,427\nTotal Fraud Determinations Upheld\n1,462\nTotal Fraud Determinations Overturned\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n20,965\nIndividuals Requiring Repayment\n2,571\nAmount Repaid to Individuals\n$5,431,821\nData provided by the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/detroit-free-press-americans-deserve-better-electoral-college", "Detroit Free Press: Americans deserve better than the Electoral College", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "John Conyers Jr. 7:27 a.m. EST December 16, 2016\nWith the Electoral College electors scheduled to meet Monday \u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0 formally elect Donald Trump as our 45th president, it is time that we reconsider whether a political compromise approved in 1787 bears any principled or practical reason for being today.\nSeveral serious concerns were raised at a forum I organized earlier this month about the Electoral College featuring leading experts in history, constitutional law and political science. Most obviously, we learned that the Electoral College is anti-democratic. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has so far received more than 2.8 million more popular votes than \u00a0Trump \u2014 the largest divergence between the popular and electoral votes in history.\u00a0This is the second time there has been a divergence between the popular vote and the Electoral College in the last five elections, and the fifth time since 1824.\nWe also learned that the Electoral College is rooted in slavery.\u00a0 At our forum, Yale law professor Akhil Amar explained, slave states opposed direct elections for President because \u201cin a direct election system, the North would outnumber the South, whose many slaves . . . could not vote.\u00a0 But the Electoral College . . . instead let each southern state count its slaves, albeit with a two-fifths discount, in computing its share of the overall count.\u201d\nOur forum also made clear that many of the arguments in defense of the Electoral College are anachronistic. Electoral College defenders argue that it serves to check the passions of ordinary voters, pointing to Alexander Hamilton\u2019s view in \u201cThe Federalist Papers,\u201d that the Electoral College would help ensure \u201cthat the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.\u201d\nHowever, the Electoral College does not formally meet to deliberate about who should be president.\u00a0 The general public does not even know the electors\u2019 identities, and the Electoral College\u2019s choice for president has largely been reduced to mere formality.\u00a0Members of the Electoral College are party loyalists who are subject to various state laws, some of which prohibit them from even exercising independent judgment.\u00a0 This is why, notwithstanding recent protestations concerning the impact of Russian hacking during the election season, over time there have been very few faithless electors, and none that have decided an election\u2019s outcome.\nRather than protect small-population states and rural areas from domination by large- population states and urban areas, the current system encourages candidates to overlook a majority of states and focus nearly all their campaign efforts on the small number of so-called swing states.\u00a0 In 2016, for instance, both major-party candidates largely bypassed three of the four largest states by population during the campaign.\u00a0 They also skipped 12 of the 13 smallest states, from \u201cBlue\u201d Rhode Island to \u201cRed\u201d Wyoming.\nFinally, some Electoral College defenders argue that direct elections for president could lead to messy nationwide vote recounts.\u00a0Our experience in Florida in 2000, and Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin this year, have taught us that statewide recounts under differing and confusing rules bring neither clarity nor finality to our electoral process.\u00a0By contrast, a national popular vote is historically far more likely to establish a clear winner, avoiding the necessity of recounts altogether.\nMany voters have told me that the political obstacles to reform are insurmountable, with a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate and ratification by three-quarters\u00a0of the states.\u00a0The fact that in 1969 I was one of 338 members of the House of Representatives who voted on a bipartisan basis to amend the Constitution to eliminate the Electoral College shows under the right circumstances the political will for reform can exist. However, other options are available, with 11 states accounting for 165 electoral votes having already entered an interstate compact to cast their electoral votes for the national popular vote winner.\u00a0Legislation to enter the compact has been recently passed by at least one legislative chamber in four more states, potentially bringing us even closer to the 270 vote threshold needed for the interstate agreement to kick in.\nThe Supreme Court has long held that the \u201cconception of political equality from the Declaration of Independence, to Lincoln\u2019s Gettysburg Address, to the 15th, 17th, and 19th Amendments can only mean one thing \u2014\u00a0one person, one vote.\u201d\nIt is time that the election of our nation\u2019s president and vice president reflect those principles as well.\u00a0 The greatest democracy on Earth deserves no less.\nJohn Conyers Jr., a Democrat from Detroit, represents Michigan's 13th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is the ranking member of the\u00a0House Judiciary Committee.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nLink to online version of the oped available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-flint-congressional-hearings", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Congressional Hearings", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, under Chairman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), closed its investigation into the Flint water crisis before the panel had all of the information it requested from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder:\nJustice for Flint families comes in many forms. One form of justice is getting aid to the city of Flint to help it recover, and I am glad that Congress acted to provide over a hundred million dollars in real relief for families still suffering from this crisis. Another form of justice is restoring Flint families' confidence in their government, particularly their state government, which caused this crisis in the first place. That justice will not happen unless there is full transparency from Governor Rick Snyder.\nSadly, the Governor and his administration continue to use taxpayer-funded criminal defense attorneys to obstruct, delay and even refuse to turn over documents that would help answer questions of what the Governor knew before, during and after this crisis became public. Flint families deserve nothing but the truth from state government officials  including Governor Snyder  to ensure that Flint gets the resources it needs to recover and a similar crisis never happens elsewhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-gardner-american-innovation-and-competitiveness-act-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act to be Signed into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act to be Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen R&D, Boost Manufacturing\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, a bicameral, bipartisan legislative compromise originallyintroduced by U.S Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with John Thune (R-SD), and Bill Nelson (D-FL), that maximizes basic research opportunities, reduces administrative burdens for researchers, encourages scientific entrepreneurship, and promotes oversight of taxpayer-funded research. The legislation also promotes diversity in STEM fields, incentivizes private-sector innovation, and aims to improve advanced manufacturing and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a public-private partnership to support small and medium-sized manufacturers. The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the legislation last week.\r\nThis legislation marks the first major update to federal research and technology policy to originate in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in more than a decade.\r\nCutting-edge innovation and scientific research drive our economy forward by supporting new advances in manufacturing, creating new jobs and promoting our nation's competitiveness, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee.I am pleased that the House passed this bipartisan legislation that maximizes federal investments in basic science research, strengthens STEM education programs to build a skilled workforce and supports services that make small and medium-sized manufacturers globally competitive. I was honored to work with Senator Gardner to craft this legislation to help America stay ahead of the curve in our increasingly competitive world.\r\nThe House's passage of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act is a major step forward for the science and research community, and I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson for working in good faith with the Senate to achieve this success, said Senator Gardner. We've worked for more than 18 months with the scientific community, industry, universities, and other interested stakeholders to craft a bill that reflects the needs of America's science and technology enterprise and I will continue to work to ensure their needs are addressed in Congress. The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act has made science bipartisan again, and I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law and helping to keep America competitive across the globe.\r\nHighlights of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act Maximizing Basic Research\r\n \r\nHighlights Peer Review: Reaffirms the appropriateness of the National Science Foundation's (NSF's) intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria used to evaluate grant proposals.\r\nKeeps Government Accountable to Taxpayers: Promotes transparency by requiring public notices of grants to justify the project's expenditures and confirm that they align with NSF's priorities.\r\nBroadens Research Opportunities: Updates NSF's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to continue promoting groundbreaking research in states that receive relatively little federal research money.\r\nModernizes Existing Programs: Includes updates to the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) programs, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) laboratory and education outreach programs.\r\n \r\nAdministrative and Regulatory Burden Reduction\r\n \r\nReduces Paperwork Burdens: Establishes an inter-agency working group to provide recommendations on eliminating unnecessary paperwork for researchers and institutions.\r\nStreamlines Government: Repeals obsolete agency reports and unfunded government programs.\r\n \r\nScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics\r\n \r\nEnhances Scientific Community Input: Establishes a STEM Advisory Panel composed of academic and industry representatives to provide recommendations on federal STEM programs.\r\nPromotes Diversity in STEM Fields: Creates a working group to study how to improve inclusion of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM fields and reaffirms the necessity of broadening participation in STEM fields through NSF programs.\r\n \r\nLeveraging the Private Sector\r\n \r\nIncentivizes Private-Sector Innovation: Updates prize competition authority to encourage greater participation in federal prize competitions.\r\nExpands Opportunities for Public Involvement: Permits federal science agencies to use crowdsourcing as a tool to conduct agency projects.\r\n \r\nManufacturing\r\n \r\nEncourages Improved Manufacturing: Adjusts the federal cost-share ratio and implements new accountability and oversight provisions within NIST's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.\r\n \r\nInnovation and Technology Transfer\r\n \r\nBolsters Scientific Entrepreneurship: Authorizes the successful I-Corps program to help scientists move their research from the laboratory to the marketplace.\r\nReaffirms Importance of Commercialization: Directs NSF to continue awarding translational research grants and strengthen public-private cooperation.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-tours-xg-sciences-highlights-legislation-supporting-small-and-medium-manufacturers", "Peters Tours XG Sciences, Highlights Legislation Supporting Small and Medium Manufacturers", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Peters Tours XG Sciences, Highlights Legislation Supporting Small and Medium Manufacturers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLANSING, MI  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) today toured XG Sciences in Lansing to highlight bipartisan legislation he introduced, which unanimously passed the Senate, to improve advanced manufacturing by strengthening the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)  a public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\nMichigan manufacturers are pioneering groundbreaking research and developing innovative new products that will dramatically improve our lives, said Senator Peters. I'm pleased the Senate unanimously approved my bipartisan legislation that helps manufacturers and their employees innovate and thrive. Manufacturers like XG Sciences help drive economic growth and hire locally, and I'm proud to support programs like MEP that give Michigan businesses the tools they need to compete and succeed.\r\nXG Sciences is a leading supplier of graphene nanoplatelets and value-added products containing graphene nanoplatelets, creating products that can be used in everything from lightweight composite materials to thermal coatings and energy storage, said Dr. Phillip Rose, CEO of XG Sciences, Inc. Our company has been honored to work with MMTC to improve our efficiency and streamline our production process so we can focus on making high quality materials for our customers. We were happy to welcome Senator Peters to XG Sciences, and we appreciate his efforts to help small manufacturers access the resources and support they need to grow, innovate and compete.\r\nPeters, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, is a strong supporter of Michigan's manufacturing industry. Peters' bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which recently passed unanimously in the Senate, helps expand and strengthen the MEP program to reach more small and medium-sized manufacturers. MEP centers across the country offer resources that enable manufacturers to compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Michigan's MEP affiliate, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has provided advice and technical expertise to Michigan businesses like XG Sciences since 1991.\r\nMMTC is proud to work with businesses like XG Sciences that are keeping Michigan at the forefront of innovation and advanced manufacturing, said Mike Coast, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC). In just the last year, MMTC's clients have created or retained more than 2,400 jobs, and Senator Peters' efforts to strengthen the Manufacturing Extension Partnershipwill help us continue that work with more businesses across the state. I thank Senator Peters for his efforts to pass this legislation in the Senate so that Michigan manufacturers can continue to improve their performance, create new jobs and succeed on a global scale.\r\nFormed in 2006, XG Sciences is a market leader in the design and manufacture of graphene nanoplatelets used in lightweight composite materials, energy storage systems and thermal coatings. Graphene nanoplatelets consist of ultrathin particles of graphite that are short stacks of graphene. Graphene, which was first discovered in 2014, is the thinnest material known, harder than diamonds, stronger and lighter than steel and more conductive than copper.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-applauds-general-motors-announcement-to-build-their-first-autonomous-vehicle-in-michigan", "Sen. Peters Applauds General Motors Announcement to Build Their First Autonomous Vehicle in Michigan", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters Applauds General Motors Announcement to Build Their First Autonomous Vehicle in Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t GM Building Autonomous Chevy Bolt in Orion Township Assembly Plant, Testing Autonomous Vehicles on Michigan Roads\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Smart Transportation Caucus, released the following statement regarding General Motors' announcement that they will begin testing autonomous vehicles on Michigan's roads and build their first autonomous Chevy Bolt in Michigan:\r\nMichigan is the birthplace of the automotive industry, and our state led the way in putting America, and the rest of the world, on wheels. I'm proud to see that General Motors and Michigan UAW workers will continue to lead the next transformational shift in the automotive industry by building their first driverless car in Michigan.\r\nAutomated vehicles and advanced vehicle technologies that allow cars to communicate with each other will help eliminate traffic congestion, prevent accidents and most importantly, save hundreds of thousands of lives. Today's announcement is another positive step forward for Michigan's efforts to take the automotive industry into the future. Along with exciting projects like the American Center for Mobility, these steps will help keep Michigan at the cutting-edge of innovation and testing of the automotive technologies that will once again revolutionize the way we get around.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-2016-fish-and-wildlife-study-showing-barges-could-inadvertently-carry-asian-carp-into-great-lakes", "Senator Stabenow Statement on 2016 Fish and Wildlife Study Showing Barges Could Inadvertently Carry Asian Carp into Great Lakes", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement on 2016 Fish and Wildlife Study Showing Barges Could Inadvertently Carry Asian Carp into Great Lakes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 15, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement on results from the 2016 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study providing further evidence that barges could inadvertently carry Asian Carp into the Great Lakes:\r\n\r\n\u201cIt is deeply alarming that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has found further evidence that barges could inadvertently carry Asian Carp through the electric barrier in the Chicago Area Waterway System.\u00a0 I will examine all options to prevent Asian Carp from reaching our Great Lakes in this manner.\u201d \u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-perdue-introduce-no-heroes-left-untreated-act", "Senators Peters, Perdue Introduce No Heroes Left Untreated Act", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Senators Peters, Perdue Introduce No Heroes Left Untreated Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Creates Pilot Program to Treat Veterans with PTSD, Mental Health Issues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and David Perdue (R-GA) today announced they introduced the No Heroes Left Untreated Act, legislation that would create a pilot program for innovative medical care for veterans to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other mental health issues.\r\nThe effects of traumas, like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, chronic pain and opiate addiction weighs heavily on many of American's veterans, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy technology has significant potential to successfully treat these conditions, and establishing a pilot program with the Department of Veterans Affairs will allow our veterans to benefit from this new medical advancement.\r\nOur veterans sacrificed everything to defend our freedoms and it is our responsibility to make sure they get the care they were promised, said Senator Perdue. The No Heroes Left Untreated Act would establish a pilot program that explores innovative treatment options touted by many leaders in our active forces community. If successful, this pilot program could set a new treatment standard for veterans dealing with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is our duty to support our veterans and improve their health care options, and I look forward to doing all I can to advance this pilot program.\r\nThe No Heroes Left Untreated Act would establish a pilot program at two medical centers within the VA network and enroll up to 50 veterans in Magnetic EEG/ECG-Guided Resonance Therapy for a one-year period. This is an individualized non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive neuromodulation procedure that applies magnetic stimulation to help facilitate neurorestoration of proper brain function. Over 400 veterans have reported a marked improvement in symptoms associated with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, chronic pain, and opiate addiction. The senators' bill is companion legislation to Congressman Steve Knight's No Heroes Left Untreated Act, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.\r\nThe following organizations have expressed their support in the No Heroes Left Untreated Act: U.S. Special Operations Command, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Blue Star Families, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans Advantage, American Legion Post 281, 12th Calvary Regiment Association, Patriot Project, Rally Point 6, SEALink Inc, West Care.\r\nAs a former Lt. Commander in the Navy Reserve, Senator Peters has been a strong voice in Congress for Michigan's veterans and servicemembers. A provision of his bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act was recently signed into law. This legislation will help veterans erroneously given an administrative, or bad paper, discharge due to behavior resulting from mental trauma or PTSD. An administrative discharge can prevent some veterans with PTSD from accessing VA mental health services. Peters also cosponsored the bipartisan Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention For American Veterans Act to improve mental health care and suicide prevention for veterans, and the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act to ensure every call, text message or email from a veteran in crisis to the VA's Veterans Crisis Line is answered quickly by a live person.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-hoyer-engel-thompson-cummings-smith-schiff-joint-statement", "Conyers, Hoyer, Engel, Thompson, Cummings, Smith, & Schiff Joint Statement Calling For a Comprehensive Investigation of Russian Interference in the 2016 Election", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) joined\u00a0 Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) released the following joint statement in response to news reports about intelligence assessments of Russian interference in the 2016 election, and comments by the House Republican leadership downplaying the need for a thorough investigation:\n\u201cAll Americans should be deeply concerned by the reports that Russian agencies have interfered with a U.S. election. As Speaker Ryan noted, \u2018any foreign intervention in our elections is entirely unacceptable.\u2019\n\u201cThe first duty of the United States government is to safeguard the American people and the integrity of our free society from attacks by foreign adversaries. Cyberattacks on our political institutions are direct threats to their integrity and are just as menacing as attacks on our economic, physical, and military infrastructure.\n\u201cGiven the gravity of these unprecedented attacks by a foreign state, we need a congressional investigation that is truly bipartisan, that is comprehensive, that will not be restricted by jurisdictional lines, and that will give the American people a complete and full accounting of what happened consistent with safeguarding our national security.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmett-till-unsolved-civil-rights-crimes-reauthorization-act-passed", "Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act Passed By Congress", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2014During its final session of the 114th Congress, the Senate passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act of 2016 (S.2854/H.R.5067).\u00a0 In the Senate, the bill was led by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).\u00a0 In the House, original sponsors were Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI). The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law.\nBACKGROUND\nBefore the passage of major civil rights legislation in the 1960s, hundreds of racially suspicious crimes were committed in this country, and few attempts to prosecute them were ever pursued.\u00a0 Tuskegee Institute once kept a record of verified lynchings in the United States from 1877 to 1950.\u00a0 The institute documented that nearly 4000 mainly unprosecuted civil rights crimes occurred during that period.\u00a0 Many American families continue to pass down stories of loss and disappearance even today without knowing the truth about what actually happened to their loved ones.\u00a0\nPRIMARY GOALS OF THE BILL\nThe Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act represents a critical opportunity to right these wrongs committed, primarily against African Americans, but also against people of diverse backgrounds.\u00a0 In some cases, individuals still remain who were witnesses to these crimes or who can help provide evidence regarding these incidents.\u00a0 This bill reauthorizes and updates the original legislation that was signed into law in 2008.\u00a0 It seeks to respond to the concerns of victims' family members and strengthen collaboration between the Justice Department, the FBI, State and local law enforcement, and advocates to pursue these cold cases.\u00a0 There is a collective goal to seek the truth about this long-standing tragedies and hold the perpetrators and orchestrators of these atrocities accountable.\u00a0\u00a0 This reauthorization also seeks to respond to the concerns of advocates regarding the implementation of the original legislation.\u00a0\nBI-PARTISAN and BI-CAMERAL STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT\n\"As we work to address current questions about racial violence and civil rights, we should be mindful of our history and why so many in the African-American community raise the issue of whether black lives matter.\u00a0 Passage of the original Emmett Till Act represented a commitment to resolving the unanswered questions from one of the darkest periods in modern American history.\u00a0 This bipartisan reauthorization represents further investment in our history and will allow the Department of Justice to resolve remaining issues.\"\u00a0 Rep. John Conyers, Jr.\u00a0 - MI\n\"When this bill was signed into law, family members, academics, historians, lawyers, advocates began working to develop a full accounting for these long-standing, gross human and civil rights atrocities.\u00a0 The reauthorization passed by Congress is a response to their appeals to make the law a better tool in their quest for justice. We also worked across the aisle and across the Dome to develop a bill that fulfills our promise to remain committed to the pursuit of truth on behalf of victims and their families.\u00a0 I am very pleased that Congress has passed this legislation and I look forward to the signature of President Barack Obama.\"\u00a0 Rep. John Lewis - GA\n\u201cI am pleased that this bill is now finally heading to the President\u2019s desk. Investigators can now work to discover the truth and to seek justice under our legal system for the families of these victims. Every American is worthy of the protection of our laws. I want to thank the Till family, Alvin Sykes, Congressman John Lewis, and all of the civil rights activists who helped make this law a reality. Today\u2019s victory is theirs.\u201d\u00a0 Sen. Richard Burr - NC \n\u00a0\u201cToo many families suffer from the unsolved murders of their loved ones during the civil rights era without receiving justice.\u00a0 The way to best serve these families is to provide our Federal government with the tools it needs to investigate these unsolved crimes, and to hopefully, bring some sense of closure for these families.\u00a0 I thank Congressman Lewis for his tireless work on behalf of the families of these victims of unsolved murders from the civil rights era and I am proud to stand with him on this effort.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Sen. Patrick Leahy - VT\n\u201cThis legislation brings justice and closure to the families and communities affected by the heinous acts of violence and hatred that are a stain on our nation\u2019s history. The bill will help us continue the critical work of better investigating and solving these crimes, no matter how long ago they occurred, and I\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve finally been able to carry it across the finish line.\u201d Sen. Claire McCaskill - MO\n\u201cThe Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act sets out to investigate racially-motivated murders. Sadly, there is still more work to be done and it\u2019s important that we reauthorize this bill so that the FBI and DOJ can continue investigating unsolved crimes.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sen. Roy Blunt - MO\n\u201cAs an original cosponsor of the Emmett Till Reauthorization Act, I\u2019m pleased to see my colleagues came together and supported this important bill. This bipartisan legislation will provide for a sustained, well-coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute unsolved civil rights-era crimes. There are hundreds of cold cases from the civil rights era that have never been solved and it is my hope that we are able to bring justice to the victims\u2019 families.\u201d\u00a0 Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner - WI\n\u00a0\nMAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE LEGISLATION\n This bill requires the Department of Justice and FBI to consult with civil rights organizations, universities, and other entities that have also been gathering evidence in these cold cases;\n  Provides clearer direction and improved coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement and the activists, advocates, and academics working on these issues;\n  Strengthens the Department of Justice\u2019s reporting requirements;\n  Expands the time span of cases to be considered by ten years, to include all cases that occurred not later than December 31, 1979;\n  Eliminates the sunset provision in the original bill;\n  Encourages the Department of Justice to review specific closed cases that warrant further investigation;\n  Maintains the previous investigation structure and funding levels; and\n  Clarifies the law\u2019s intent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-applauds-release-v2v-rule", "Dingell Applauds Release of V2V Rule", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration\u2019s (NHTSA) issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to mandate the use of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technologies and vehicles.\u00a0\n\u201cNHTSA and DOT deserve our thanks for releasing an NPRM enabling the use of V2V technologies, which have the promise of saving lives and improving auto safety. V2V technologies will help make drivers aware of threats they would otherwise be unable to see, such as warnings if an unseen car is approaching an intersection or when it is unsafe to make a left turn, and could help eliminate up to 80 percent of non-impaired accidents on the road today. NHTSA estimates that a red light warning system enabled by V2V technologies could help avoid over 250,000 crashes and 2,000 fatalities annually. Today\u2019s announcement moves the ball forward on auto safety and will also help ensure the United States remains on the cutting edge of developing these potentially life-saving technologies. \u00a0\n\u201cIn order for these technologies to work properly, we must ensure that auto makers are using V2V devices that \u2018speak the same language\u2019 as the NPRM proposes. It is important to note that the 5.9 GHz band of spectrum has already been allocated for Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) radios that will be used to implement this technology. It is crucial that the FCC ensure that any potential sharing of the band does not interfere with DSRC so these potentially life-saving technologies can reach consumers as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-elected-vice-chair-congressional-women-s-caucus", "Congresswoman Lawrence Elected as Vice Chair of Congressional Womens Caucus", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released a statement regarding her appointment as Vice Chair of the Congressional Women\u2019s Caucus for the 115th Congress:\n\u201cI am honored to be a part of this bipartisan caucus advocating on behalf of women nation-wide.\u00a0 Working together to support the needs of women and families is a cornerstone to our country\u2019s overall success. \u00a0I am committed to collaborating in creating legislation that supports the needed and necessary goals of this Caucus.\u00a0 When women succeed America succeeds, and I\u2019m excited to be a part of this Caucus and this movement supporting fairness and equality for all women.\u201d\n##\nBackground:\nFounded in 1977, the Congressional Women\u2019s Caucus has been a leading advocate on issues advancing the lives of women and families. Caucus members have helped pass legislation securing tougher child support enforcement, promoting women\u2019s health, helping women business owners, and protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-colleagues-call-for-national-intelligence-estimate-of-russian-tampering-in-us-election-request-confirmation-of-justice-dept-investigation-", "Peters, Colleagues Call for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in U.S. Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Dept. Investigation", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Colleagues Call for National Intelligence Estimate of Russian Tampering in U.S. Election, Request Confirmation of Justice Dept. Investigation  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In letters to Director James Clapper, Attorney General Lynch, Senators push Administration on Russian hacks\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today joined eight of his colleagues in calling for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 United States presidential election, accompanied by an unclassified summary of its key judgments by January 20th, 2017. An NIE is the formal, authoritative assessment of the Director of National Intelligence related to a particular national security issue, which reflects the collective judgment of the nation's sixteen intelligence agencies.\r\nThe senators also called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to publicly confirm that nonpartisan career Justice Department officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and if not, to open one immediately. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the election to assist Donald Trump. Senator Peters joined Sens. Dick Durbin (IL), Patrick Leahy (VT), Ben Cardin (MD), Al Franken (MN), Brian Schatz (HI), Bob Casey (PA), Tom Udall (NM), and Ed Markey (MA) in sending the letters.\r\nDirect and deliberate interference in our election is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national securityit is absolutely critical that information about these matters be disclosed to the public and to Congress, wrote the Senators. We strongly support calls for bipartisan investigations by Congressthis issue requires the full attention of the executive and legislative branches alike, and a conclusive, public national intelligence estimate will lay out the facts for the American people. The public also needs transparency and reassurance that federal law enforcement is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\r\nFull text of the senators' letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper (PDF Link):\r\nDecember 13, 2016\r\nThe Honorable James Clapper\r\nDirector of National Intelligence\r\nWashington, D.C. 20511\r\nDear Director Clapper:\r\nWe request an immediate National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) regarding Russian efforts to manipulate the recent U.S. presidential election, including public release of its key judgments no later than January 20, 2017. Recently disclosed U.S. intelligence findings as publicly reported that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election and sought to undermine our democratic institutions  and the consequences thereof (including possible future such attacks on the United States)  are deeply concerning. They make it imperative that information be provided to the public and Congress. Quite simply, deliberate interference in our election to favor a particular candidate is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\r\nOn Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help a particular candidate win the election. It further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton's campaign chair. Russia was also reported to have had a role in cyber intrusions in at least two U.S. state election systems. These were described as individuals or actors known to the intelligence community and part of a wider Russian operation to boost one candidate over the other. The Post quoted a senior U.S. official briefed at an intelligence presentation made to some U.S. senators as saying, It is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia's goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected. Also reported was that intelligence agency briefers told some senators as recently as last week that it was now quite clear that electing Trump was Russia's goal. In fact, you were quoted in early October as saying, We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.\r\nUnder President Putin, Russia has taken aggressive actions that are contrary to American interests and those of its key allies. Its military has seized land in Georgia and Ukraine and aggressively tried to sow disinformation and instability in European democracies. It plants false news, promotes a distorted and false narrative about threats to Russia and ethnic Russians in border states, funds political parties sympathetic to Russian interests, and reportedly conducts cyberattacks against key Western interests. Its proxies were recently implicated in a coup plot in Montenegro and were involved in murdering more than 300 innocent civilians in a downed commercial airline over occupied eastern Ukraine. Russian military forces have aggressively probed NATO-member airspace and waters, and conducted reckless intercepts of U.S. aircraft in international airspace. It has reportedly tried to manipulate upcoming German elections. Finally, Russian State TV host and Putin confidant Dmitry Kiselyov  also known as the Kremlin's Chief Propagandist  warned this year that impudent U.S. behavior towards Russia may have nuclear consequences. Quite simply, Russia is determined to foster political chaos and institutional mistrust in the West and may have alarmingly succeeded in the United States.\r\nGiven the serious nature of these matters, with unprecedented national security implications, we believe that our intelligence community must prioritize a conclusive, public NIE to lay out the facts of this serious matter for the American people. Threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process must not become hostage to partisanship and narrow political interests. We know that Russia continues to make a concerted effort to undermine democratic institutions in the West and we fear we have fallen victim to their agenda. Such an attack on the United States must not go undisclosed. \r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\r\n--\r\n\r\nFull text of the senators' letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch (PDF Link):\r\n\r\nDecember 13, 2016\r\nThe Honorable Loretta Lynch\r\nAttorney General\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\nWashington, D.C. 20530\r\n\r\nDear Attorney General Lynch:\r\nWe urge the Department of Justice to publicly confirm that objective career Department professionals are conducting a criminal investigation into whether officials in the Russian government intervened in, or directed others to intervene in, the 2016 U.S. presidential election to help one candidate over the other. If such an investigation is not ongoing, we urge you to open one without delay.\r\nOn September 28, 2016, Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified before the House Judiciary Committee and was asked about the Department's standard for commenting on whether an investigation is underway. Director Comey stated that [o]ur standard is we do not confirm or deny the existence of investigations, but he cited examples of exceptional circumstances that he said justified commenting on the existence of investigations, including when there is a need for the public to be reassured and where the public needed transparency.\r\nSurely this is just such an exceptional circumstance. On December 9, the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Russia moved deliberately to help elect one candidate as president of the United States. The Post further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to Russia's government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from one U.S. party's national political committee and campaign chairman. Deliberate hacking of national political party and campaign staff email systems in order to tilt the election results in favor of the candidate deemed more sympathetic to Russian interests is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security. The public needs transparency and reassurance that the Department of Justice is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\r\nThe American people need to know that threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process will not go unexamined and unchallenged by the Department of Justice. We must ensure that a foreign government cannot undermine our democratic institutions and elections as a means to serve its own interests. We urge you to publicly confirm that a criminal investigation into these matters is underway or will immediately be opened.\r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-applauds-dot-proposed-rule-requiring-vehicle-to-vehicle-communications-technology-in-new-vehicle-models", "Sen. Peters Applauds DOT Proposed Rule Requiring Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications Technology in New Vehicle Models", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters Applauds DOT Proposed Rule Requiring Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications Technology in New Vehicle Models \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications Allow Cars to Communicate Wirelessly to Avoid Crashes\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the bipartisanSenate Smart Transportation Caucus, released the following statement on the Department of Transportation's (DOT) announcement of a proposed rule requiring vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology (V2V) to be included in all new light-duty vehicles:\r\nI'm pleased that DOT is continuing to build on their efforts to bring advanced vehicle technologies to our nation's roads by requiring vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology to be included in all new light-duty vehicle models. This technology could dramatically reduce the number of accidents and traffic fatalities on our roads, especially when combined with vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology and automated vehicles. It is also important that this proposed rule encourages developers and government to collaborate and ensure all vehicles can communicate with each other using a standard language. At a time when more than 35,000 people lose their lives on American roads every year, vehicle-to-vehicle communications could help save hundreds of thousands of lives.\r\nVehicle-to-vehicle communication devices will use dedicated short range communications (DSRC), and in order to reach their full safety potential, we must ensure these technologies are able to function without interference in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I'm pleased the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently testing proposals for sharing to eliminate possible interference between DSRC used in connected vehicle technologies and unlicensed Wi-Fi devices in the 5.9 GHz band. I have urged the FCC to complete this testing in a thorough, transparent and urgent manner to allow unhindered deployment of life-saving communication technologies on our roads.\r\n\r\nPeters' letter to the FCC on testing in the 5.9 GHz band isavailable here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-walberg-seek-answers-poor-detroit-va-ranking", "Dingell, Walberg Seek Answers on Poor Detroit VA Ranking", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Tim Walberg (MI-07) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald seeking answers about steps that are being taken to improve performance and quality of care at the Detroit VA. The letter follows press reports that the Detroit VA Medical Center has become a one-star facility based on an internal rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database.\n\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\u201d the Representatives wrote. \u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u201d\nThe Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. The Representatives are requesting information about how VA Headquarters intends to ensure the Detroit VA improves on each target area, the timeline for doing so, and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and patients are safe. The Representatives also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the SAIL database.\n\u201cAs you know, this information is not released to the public,\u201d they wrote. \u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\u201d\nDingell and Walberg will meet with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and will continue working with the VA to address the problems and ensure veterans are receiving the best possible care.\nThe full letter can be read here and below.\nDecember 12, 2016\nThe Honorable Robert McDonald  \n\tSecretary  \n\tU.S. Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs  \n\t810 Vermont Avenue, NW  \n\tWashington, DC 20420\nDear Secretary McDonald:  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 This letter is regarding the poor rating of the Detroit VA Medical Center which we learned of last Friday following the public release of an internal rating system used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assess the performance of VA hospitals. \u00a0We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility. \u00a0 The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. \u00a0We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Part of the issue is the lack of transparency surrounding the quality rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database. \u00a0As you know, this information is not released to the public. \u00a0Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. \u00a0Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. \u00a0To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 In regards to the current situation, we are committed to working with you and the leadership at the Detroit VA to address these problems so veterans know they are receiving the best possible care. We request answers to the following questions:  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\t1.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Please provide us with a complete and un-redacted copy of the latest SAIL star rankings, as well as a list of all rankings going back 5 years. \u00a0 As you are aware, our only knowledge of the star rankings is coming from press reports.\u00a0\n2.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their HEDIS score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. \u00a0How does VA Headquarters intend to ensure that the Detroit VA improves on each of these important targets? \u00a0 What is the timeline for these improvements? \u00a0How will we be kept informed of their progress?\n3.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Does the Detroit VA have to submit a formal plan to VA Headquarters for how they intend to improve their performance and quality of care? \u00a0\n4.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0What assistance and resources is VA Headquarters offering the Detroit VA, or any other one-star facility, to ensure all necessary and appropriate measures to improve care at the facility are occurring?\n5.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0In general, are there any penalties or punishment in place for one-star hospitals in the VA system? \u00a0If so, please provide a detailed explanation of the penalties. \u00a0If not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals. \u00a0\u00a0\n6.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0How is the public informed if a hospital in their area only has one star? What type of accountability systems are in place for a hospital which stayed at one-star status for over a year to ensure performance is immediately improved? \u00a0How many hospitals nationwide have been one-star hospitals for over a year?\n7.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0How are the metrics used in the SAIL system determined? \u00a0How often are these metrics reviewed and updated?\u00a0\n8.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Will both VA Headquarters and the Detroit VA commit to providing our offices with regular briefing and updates on your progress in improving the star rating of the Detroit VA?\n9.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0How do we ensure that veterans that are currently receiving treatment at the Detroit VA are being properly cared for and are not in danger?\u00a0\nWe are deeply disturbed to read this report in last Friday\u2019s newspaper. Providing for our veterans is a critical responsibility for you and us. \u00a0It is absolutely essential that we ensure veterans at the Detroit VA are receiving the good, quality healthcare which they were promised and that it not be impaired in any way. \u00a0We are meeting with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and must be kept informed of how this will be fixed moving forward. \u00a0We all must come together to address the problems at the Detroit VA so our veterans can have confidence that they are receiving the best possible care which they were promised. \u00a0 Providing prompt answers to our questions and working to improve transparency at the VA will help us achieve these critical goals. \u00a0We look forward to receiving your response.\u00a0\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Debbie Dingell \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Tim Walberg  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-peters-gardner-american-innovation-and-competitiveness-act", "Senate Approves Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Senate Approves Peters-Gardner American Innovation and Competitiveness Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate approved the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, a bicameral, bipartisan legislative compromise originallyintroduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with John Thune (R-SD) and Bill Nelson (D-FL), that maximizes basic research opportunities, reduces administrative burdens for researchers, encourages scientific entrepreneurship, and promotes oversight of taxpayer-funded research. The legislation also promotes diversity in STEM fields, incentivizes private-sector innovation, and aims to improve advanced manufacturing and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a public-private partnership to support small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\nBeginning in July of 2015, Peters and Gardner led the Senate Commerce Committee's innovation and competitiveness working group on ways to update federal science and technology research policy. The working group was designed to facilitate a dialogue between leaders on federal science and technology research and gather feedback to consider in developing the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act.\r\nResearch and innovation are the cornerstones of the American economy, generating new discoveries that become major industries, create jobs and keep our nation internationally competitive,said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee.I was honored to work with Senator Gardner, Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson on this bipartisan legislation that takes important steps to improve STEM education efforts, boost small and medium sized manufacturers, and encourage entrepreneurs to turn their discoveries into new businesses that strengthen America's competitive edge and keep us at the forefront of the global economy.\r\nAmerica is at its best when it empowers our entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools they need to keep America competitive and at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development, said Senator Gardner. The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act has made science bipartisan again. It is a collaborative, bipartisan effort that updates and enhances federal research and technology policy. It highlights STEM education and incentivizes entrepreneurship and private sector development, while at the same time enhancing oversight of federal agencies to ensure the most effective use of resources. This legislation paves the way for our country to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs, and its passage represents a significant step forward.\r\nThe bill most directly affects programs within the National Science Foundation (NSF), the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which oversees MEP. MEP centers across the country offer resources that enable manufacturers to compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Michigan's MEP affiliate, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has been working for 25 years to support Michigan businesses.\r\nHighlights of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act Maximizing Basic Research\r\n \r\nHighlights Peer Review: Reaffirms the appropriateness of the National Science Foundation's (NSF's) intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria used to evaluate grant proposals.\r\nKeeps Government Accountable to Taxpayers: Promotes transparency by requiring public notices of grants to justify the project's expenditures and confirm that they align with NSF's priorities.\r\nBroadens Research Opportunities: Updates NSF's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to continue promoting groundbreaking research in states that receive relatively little federal research money.\r\nModernizes Existing Programs: Includes updates to the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) programs, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) laboratory and education outreach programs.\r\n \r\nAdministrative and Regulatory Burden Reduction\r\n \r\nReduces Paperwork Burdens: Establishes an inter-agency working group to provide recommendations on eliminating unnecessary paperwork for researchers and institutions.\r\nStreamlines Government: Repeals obsolete agency reports and unfunded government programs.\r\n \r\nScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics\r\n \r\nEnhances Scientific Community Input: Establishes a STEM Advisory Panel composed of academic and industry representatives to provide recommendations on federal STEM programs.\r\nPromotes Diversity in STEM Fields: Creates a working group to study how to improve inclusion of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM fields and reaffirms the necessity of broadening participation in STEM fields through NSF programs.\r\n \r\nLeveraging the Private Sector\r\n \r\nIncentivizes Private-Sector Innovation: Updates prize competition authority to encourage greater participation in federal prize competitions.\r\nExpands Opportunities for Public Involvement: Permits federal science agencies to use crowdsourcing as a tool to conduct agency projects.\r\n \r\nManufacturing\r\n \r\nEncourages Improved Manufacturing: Adjusts the federal cost-share ratio and implements new accountability and oversight provisions within NIST's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.\r\n \r\nInnovation and Technology Transfer\r\n \r\nBolsters Scientific Entrepreneurship: Authorizes the successful I-Corps program to help scientists move their research from the laboratory to the marketplace.\r\nReaffirms Importance of Commercialization: Directs NSF to continue awarding translational research grants and strengthen public-private cooperation.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/senate-passes-agreement-to-provide-critical-help-for-flint-and-other-communities-clearing-way-for-presidents-signature/", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for President\u2019s Signature \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 10, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities that\u00a0was\u00a0appropriated as part of the government funding bill\nCongress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead.\u00a0 The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Stabenow, Senator\u00a0Peters\u00a0and Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21\u00a0tonight\u00a0as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.\u00a0 This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3.\u00a0 It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature.\nThe agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint\u2019s drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the public\u00a0within 24 hours\u00a0of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\n\u201cThis is a very long, hard-fought victory,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cThis agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginning\u2014pass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis.\u201d\n\u201cThough the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Peters.\u00a0\u201cFor nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes.\u201d\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Kildee.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint\u2019s water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\u201d\n\u201cI am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need,\u201d\u00a0said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint.\u00a0\u201cOur tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future.\u201d\nBipartisan Agreement Summary:  \n$100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure\nThe agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water.\nState Option for Debt Forgiveness\nThe State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint\u2019s debts incurred prior to\u00a0fiscal year\u00a02017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans.\nAt least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund\nThe agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan.\n$50 Million for Public Health\nThe agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed to\u00a0lead,\u00a0and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure.\nAnother $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure.\nPublic Notification\nThe agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-passes-agreement-provide-critical-help-flint-and-other-communities", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities thatwasappropriated as part of the government funding bill Congress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead. The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Stabenow, SenatorPetersand Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21tonightas part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3. It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature. The agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint's drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the publicwithin 24 hoursof high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so. This is a very long, hard-fought victory,said Senator Stabenow. This agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginningpass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis. \"Though the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,said Senator Peters.For nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes. \"Today's vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis,said Congressman Kildee. I am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint's water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\" I am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need,said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint.Our tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future. Bipartisan Agreement Summary:  $100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure The agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water. State Option for Debt Forgiveness The State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint's debts incurred prior tofiscal year2017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans. At least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund The agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan. $50 Million for Public Health The agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed tolead,and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure. Another $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure. Public Notification The agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-agreement-to-provide-critical-help-for-flint-and-other-communities-clearing-way-for-presidents-signature", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for President's Signature \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities that was appropriated as part of the government funding bill\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead. The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Peters, Senator Stabenow and Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21 tonight as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3. It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature.\r\nThe agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint's drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\r\n\"Though the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,said Senator Peters.For nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes.\r\nThis is a very long, hard-fought victory, said Senator Stabenow. This agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginningpass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis.\r\n\"Today's vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis, said Congressman Kildee. I am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint's water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\"\r\nI am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need, said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint. Our tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future.\r\nBipartisan Agreement Summary:      $100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure\r\nThe agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water.\r\nState Option for Debt Forgiveness\r\nThe State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint's debts incurred prior to fiscal year 2017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans.      At least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund      The agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan.      $50 Million for Public Health      The agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed to lead, and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure.      Another $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure.       Public Notification      The agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senate-passes-agreement-to-provide-critical-help-for-flint-and-other-communities-clearing-way-for-presidents-signature", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for Presidents Signature", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Agreement to Provide Critical Help for Flint and Other Communities, Clearing Way for President\u2019s Signature \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act authorizes funding for Flint and other communities that was appropriated as part of the government funding bill \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 10, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tCongress has finally passed an agreement to provide $170 million in long-awaited assistance for Flint and other communities affected by lead.\u00a0 The bipartisan agreement, championed by Senator Stabenow, Senator Peters and Congressman Kildee, passed the Senate 78-21 tonight as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.\u00a0 This agreement closely mirrors legislation that passed the Senate in September by a margin of 95-3.\u00a0 It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature.\u00a0\r\nThe agreement provides access to $100 million in funding to help fix Flint\u2019s drinking water infrastructure; funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country; $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead; authority for the State of Michigan to forgive $20 million in past drinking water loans to Flint; and a requirement that EPA warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\r\n\u201cThis is a very long, hard-fought victory,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cThis agreement achieves what we set out to accomplish from the beginning\u2014pass urgently needed funding to help repair and replace drinking water infrastructure in Flint and other communities, and address the health care needs of children and families. The people of Flint have waited far too long throughout this terrible crisis for their water system to be fixed. It is also past time for the State of Michigan to do everything in its power to meet its responsibilities to help the city recover from the water crisis.\u201d\r\n\"Though the State of Michigan has the primary responsibility to support long-term recovery efforts in Flint, the federal government should have stepped in long ago to provide emergency assistance for an American city in crisis,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cFor nearly a year, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Kildee and I have fought to secure emergency assistance while many families in Flint are still living on bottled water and dealing with the negative health effects of this tragedy. I am pleased that Congress has finally followed through on the promise made to Flint residents and approved funding to help the City of Flint replace its lead-tainted pipes.\u201d\r\n\"Today's vote is welcome news, as Flint families have waited far too long for their government to provide real relief as they continue to recover from this ongoing water crisis,\u201d said Congressman Kildee.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that Congress has voted in a bipartisan fashion to aid the city and help make critical repairs to Flint's water system, as well as provide expanded health care for those exposed to lead. Flint residents are strong and resilient people, and I know that we can recover from this man-made crisis with the appropriate resources and investments in our community.\"\r\n\u201cI am thrilled that the U.S. Senate has passed a $170 million package that will help the City of Flint recover after state and federal actions left its drinking water system poisoned by lead. I especially want to thank Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Congressman Dan Kildee, for their relentless efforts to get Flint and its nearly 100,000 residents the help they need,\u201d said Karen Weaver, Mayor of the City of Flint. \u201cOur tap water still is not safe to drink without using a filter, an unfathomable situation for any city in this great nation. This package will help us replace far more lead-tainted pipes through my FAST Start initiative and provide resources to the thousands of Flint children who have suffered from ingesting lead-tainted water. Although we have waited far longer for this help than expected, we are grateful to the Senate and the House for providing the assistance that will help Flint residents deal with this unprecedented health crisis and gain a brighter future.\u201d\r\nBipartisan Agreement Summary:   \u00a0   $100 Million Available to Help Flint Fix and Repair Water Infrastructure\u00a0\r\nThe agreement provides $100 million in new federal funding to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The State of Michigan, in collaboration with the City of Flint, can access these funds after submitting a comprehensive plan to the EPA. This funding will only be available to a community, like Flint, that received a federal emergency declaration by the President due to a public health threat from high amounts of lead in drinking water.\r\nState Option for Debt Forgiveness\r\nThe State of Michigan will be given new flexibility to use funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to forgive Flint\u2019s debts incurred prior to fiscal year 2017. Flint is currently paying interest on approximately $20 million in old Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans.   \u00a0   At least $200 Million in Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Fund   \u00a0   The agreement also provides $20 million in funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest financing for much-needed upgrades to water infrastructure. These loans will be made possible through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which will be available to communities in all states, including Michigan.\u00a0   \u00a0   $50 Million for Public Health   \u00a0   The agreement provides $17.5 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national registry to monitor health effects of children exposed to lead, and $2.5 million for an advisory committee to review ways to reduce lead exposure.   \u00a0   Another $30 million is provided to two different federal programs that fund efforts to address the short- and long-term effects of lead poisoning, including assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, and public education on the dangers of lead exposure. This funding also provides resources to help state efforts to identify and address environmental health and public safety issues associated with lead exposure.\u00a0    \u00a0   Public Notification   \u00a0   The agreement also includes legislation introduced by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton requiring the EPA to warn the public within 24 hours of high lead levels in drinking water if a state fails to do so.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-joins-bipartisan-call-for-president-elect-trump-to-stand-against-russian-aggression-and-support-nato-ukrainian-sovereignty", "Peters Joins Bipartisan Call for President-Elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, & Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Peters Joins Bipartisan Call for President-Elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, & Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a bipartisan group of Senators to call on President-elect Donald Trump to continue America's tradition of support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.\r\nIn light of Russia's continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine, wrote Peters and his colleagues. This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, U.S. leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.\r\nIn August, Senator Peters joined a Congressional delegation traveling to Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Iceland, where the delegation discussed with allies national security issues, including the threat from Russian aggression and the importance of U.S. partnerships with European allies. While in Ukraine, Peters learned more about the Ukrainian people's battle to combat Russian aggression in the Donbass region and rid their government and civil institutions of rampant corruption. The delegation met with a number of civic, business and military leaders, including Ukraine's National Guard, Patrol Police and Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin.\r\nFull text of the senators' letter is below and available here.\r\nDecember 8, 2016\r\nDear President-elect Trump,\r\nAs Members and friends of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, advocates for a strong US-Ukrainian relationship, and backers of NATO, we write to convey strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States Senate. We look forward to working with you and your new administration to support our ally Ukraine and help it secure a peaceful and democratic future.\r\nAlmost three years after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and military aggression in eastern Ukraine, daily ceasefire violations along the line of contact make a mockery of the Minsk Agreement and demonstrate that this conflict in the heart of Europe is far from over. Russia has yet to withdraw its heavy weapons and continues its sabotage and subversion efforts. It has not halted its disinformation war against Ukraine and the West, nor stopped its economic and political pressure aimed at undermining the Ukrainian government. According to conservative estimates from the United Nations, approximately 10,000 people have been killed, over 20,000 wounded, and more than two million internally displaced since the conflict began. And, unfortunately, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observers still do not have full, unimpeded access to the Ukrainian-Russian border while Russia continues to supply weapons, equipment, and personnel to the separatists.\r\nQuite simply, Russia has launched a military land-grab in Ukraine that is unprecedented in modern European history. These actions in Crimea and other areas of eastern Ukraine dangerously upend well-established diplomatic, legal, and security norms that the United States and its NATO allies painstakingly built over decades  a historically bipartisan global security framework that has greatly served US security and economic interests. We believe it is in our vital national security interest to uphold these norms and values, and prevent America's commitment to its allies and ideals from being called into question.\r\nIn light of Russia's continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine. This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, US leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.\r\nWe look forward to continuing the tradition of bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, which has authorized meaningful assistance programs through the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and other pieces of legislation. We stand ready to work with you and your new administration on strengthening the US-Ukrainian relationship and look forward to learning more about your plans to engage on this important issue.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-us-manufacturers-create-more-american-jobs", "Senator Stabenow Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Create More American Jobs", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Create More American Jobs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFriday, December 09, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) joined Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in introducing legislation amending our tax laws to support American manufacturers and to create jobs here at home.\u00a0 The bill makes it clear that both companies using contract manufacturers and the contract manufacturers themselves are eligible to claim tax deductions that reward domestic manufacturing activities in the United States.\r\n\u201cWe don\u2019t have an economy or a middle class unless we make things and grow things,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cThis bill makes a commonsense change to our tax policies that will encourage manufacturers to create more jobs here at home.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis legislation will help ensure our tax code encourages good-paying manufacturing jobs right here in the United States,\u201d said Senator Portman.\u00a0 \u201cThe IRS\u2019s interpretation of the section 199 regulations has resulted in disputes and litigation between the IRS and contract manufacturers, and, as a result, the law\u2019s incentive to promote domestic manufacturing has been diminished.\u00a0 This legislation will end those disputes so that businesses can focus on creating jobs.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhen U.S. manufacturers provide American jobs with good benefits, they should be rewarded,\u201d said Senator Brown. \u201cThis simple fix will promote job creation by making sure American manufacturers can get the tax deduction they need to grow.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nSection 199 is one of the largest tax incentives that benefits domestic manufacturing. It provides companies with a 9% deduction on their income from domestic manufacturing activities, giving those activities a lower effective tax rate and making U.S. manufacturing a more attractive investment.\u00a0\r\n\r\nUnder current tax law, it is unclear whether a company using a contract manufacturer or the contract manufacturer itself is eligible to claim the deduction.\u00a0 Senator Stabenow\u2019s legislation would clarify tax law to allow both entities to claim the Section 199 tax incentive for domestic manufacturing.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/969-2/", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildee\u2019s Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Water Resources Bill \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city\u2019s ongoing water crisis.\nBelow is a transcript of Congressman Kildee\u2019s remarks, as delivered:\n\u201cThank you Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend Mr. Tonko for yielding and his work advocating on behalf of the people of my hometown of Flint. I also want to thank colleagues on both sides of the aisle \u2013 Leader Pelosi, our Whip Mr. Hoyer, the Speaker who committed to help make sure we get this Flint provision through, as well as other colleagues who have stood with me as I have fought now for a year and a half for the people of my hometown.\n\u201cA city of 100,000 people that still can\u2019t drink their water. This is not a question of access to water \u2013 the water flowing through the pipes in Flint has poisoned that city. 100,000 people \u2013 9,000 children under the age of six \u2013 affected permanently by high levels of lead being delivered to them through their municipal water system. Caused by careless, thoughtless decisions based on an obsession with austerity by the state government. And then they were told the water was safe to drink when that same state government knew it was not. \n\u201cLook, we know where we stand. No bill is perfect; this bill is far from perfect. Many of the provisions included in this legislation I disagree with. But I have been fighting for my hometown and been told to wait and wait and wait. And the people of my community can wait no longer. \n\u201cDrinking water is a basic human right. And that should be a human right exercised by the people everywhere, including the people of my hometown of Flint.\n\u201cEvery day that passes, every week that passes, every month that passes that Flint does not get the relief they so deserve, is a day we don\u2019t get back. More people leave, more businesses fail, the city gets more poor and poor and poor, and incapable of moving forward. That has to stop, and it has to stop right now. It has to stop before this Congress adjourns. We cannot count on the next Congress to get this done. \n\u201cTime matters. This bill would provide relief to my hometown. It\u00a0would put it on a path and it would send a signal that it\u2019s okay to invest in Flint. That it\u2019s okay to stay. That the water will be fine. That it is a responsibility we have. This is a moral obligation that we have.\n\u201cBut it also make sure that there are no more Flints, by including in this legislation the Kildee-Upton bill that passed this House nearly unanimously. \n\u201cIt is long past time for us to act. I ask that you join me in supporting this legislation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/house-passes-170-million-flint-aid-package-championed-by-congressman-dan-kildee/", "House Passes $170 Million Flint Aid Package Championed by Congressman Dan Kildee", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes $170 Million Flint Aid Package Championed by Congressman Dan Kildee \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tRelief Would Help Replace Lead Pipes, Remove Lead from Homes and Expand Health Care for Those Exposed to Lead\nThe U.S. House of Representatives today passed $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city\u2019s ongoing water crisis. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), who for over a year has advocated for congressional action for Flint, applauded the action on two House bills related to Flint that now move to the U.S. Senate.\n\u201cGetting aid for my hometown of Flint, which continues to recover from the ongoing water crisis, has been my top priority in Congress, and I am happy to see this aid package move forward,\u201d Congressman Kildee said. \u201cFlint families have waited far too long for their government to act but I am pleased that over a hundred million dollars in real federal aid for Flint is a big step closer to becoming reality.\u201d\nThe House today passed both a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which included authorizing language regarding Flint aid, by a vote of 360-61, and the Continuing Resolution (CR), the end-of-year government spending bill that included the appropriations money for Flint, by a vote of 326-96. Congressman Kildee urged swift action on both bills in the U.S. Senate to get the two bills to the President\u2019s desk and signed into law. Both Michigan U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters support the bills passed by the House.\n\u201cI applaud the House for passing our bipartisan agreement to provide long-awaited assistance for families in Flint and other communities affected by lead.\u00a0 It\u2019s absolutely critical that the Senate do the same and pass both the Water Resources Development Act and the government funding bill.\u00a0 That is the only way we can guarantee that families affected by this terrible crisis get the assistance they need. The people of Flint have waited far too long for their water system to be fixed so they can have confidence that their water is safe!\u201d U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow said.\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has passed legislation with critical provisions to help the residents of Flint, who have waited entirely too long for assistance in the wake of this water crisis. It is critical that the Senate act swiftly to pass not just the year end spending bill, but also the water infrastructure bill which is the only way to get Flint the support it needs on its road to recovery,\u201d U.S. Senator Gary Peters said.\nThe aid, which is a result of weeks of bipartisan negotiations between Congressman Kildee, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01) and others, includes:\n \n$100 million for the Safe Water Drinking Act State Revolving Loan Fund, which Flint could use to replace lead service lines and other water infrastructure improvement needs.\n$50 million for expanded health care, including the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Healthy Start Program and money to create a lead exposure registry.\n$20 million in loans available through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which would be available to Flint and other communities for water infrastructure improvement projects to address lead and other water contamination issues.\n \nAbout Congressman Kildee\u2019s Advocacy for Flint:\nCongressman Kildee has been a tireless advocate for Flint families and has led the fight in Congress to bring federal funding to the city in the wake of the water crisis. Since learning of the water crisis, Congressman Kildee has never stopped working with his colleagues in Congress \u2013 both Democrats and Republicans \u2013 and the Obama Administration to make sure that Flint receives the resources it needs to recover.\nBringing Attention to the Crisis\nSince September 2015, when the world learned of Flint\u2019s man-made lead in water crisis, Congressman Kildee vocally fought for resources for the city. He immediately spoke out, calling on Governor Rick Snyder, President Barack Obama and House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI-01) to bring attention to the crisis and urge them to bring resources to Flint.\nPushing for Federal Aid\nCongressman Kildee has worked with the Obama Administration to already bring hundreds of millions in federal dollars to Flint.\nIn January 2016, at Congressman Kildee\u2019s request, President Obama declared the water crisis in Flint a state of emergency. Immediately following, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supplied bottled water and water filters with replacement cartridges for Flint families. Later that same month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocated $80 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to Michigan to help Flint.\nIn March 2016, at Congressman Kildee\u2019s request, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Medicaid expansion for thousands of children and pregnant women in Flint so that they could have access to the health care that they need to recover from lead exposure. Furthermore, HHS awarded $3.5 million to expand Head Start for Flint children.\nIn June 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture expanded healthy food assistance benefits for over 23,000 children to help purchase fruits and vegetables.\nAdvocating for Flint in Congress\nThroughout the crisis, Congressman Kildee has refused to let Flint families be forgotten; he frequently took to the floor of the House of Representatives to remind Congress that Flint families continue to struggle to recover from the ongoing crisis, and that Congress needed to act on federal aid immediately.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee testified before the U.S. House of Oversight and Government Reform Committee to tell Flint\u2019s story and make sure Flint families received the justice they deserved.\nThe same month, Congressman Kildee, along with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), held a Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing where they heard from public health experts, including Dr. Mona Hanna Attisha, and local officials on the causes and lessons of the water crisis. Congressman Kildee invited Governor Rick Snyder to testify at the hearing, but the Governor declined.\nCongressional Delegations to Flint\nFrom February to September of 2016, Congressman Kildee hosted four separate congressional delegations to Flint, hosting over 30 Members of Congress \u2013 both Democrats and Republicans \u2013 in Flint. During the trips, Congressman Kildee led Leader Pelosi, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (SC-06), Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06), leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus and others to meet with families, business owners and community leaders in Flint to see first-hand the crisis there.\nLegislative Actions\nWhile keeping Flint in the national spotlight, Congressman Kildee introduced several pieces of legislation to provide relief for Flint families to recover from the water crisis and ensure that another lead in water crisis doesn\u2019t happen in other communities.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee introduced the Families of Flint Act, a comprehensive bill that sought to address the immediate and long-term investments in Flint. This legislation started a national conversation about Flint in Congress and provided the basis and starting point for the passage of today\u2019s passed Flint aid package. The Families of Flint Act had the support of 173 Members of Congress.\nAdditionally, in February 2016, Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen requirements to have the EPA more quickly notify the public when concentrations of lead in drinking water are above federal requirements, working to ensure the Flint tragedy can never happen again. This bill passed the House on February 10, 2016, with an overwhelming 416-2 bipartisan vote and was included in today\u2019s passed Flint aid package.\nIn July 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two amendments offered by Congressman Kildee allowing Flint to be relieved of existing loan burdens more quickly and provide $3 million to fund the city of Flint\u2019s share of a testing pipe loop that would allow for testing of water from a future source, the Karegnondi Water Authority, before the water source is changed. Language to allow loan forgiveness is included in the Continuing Resolution.\nIn September 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives, by a strong bipartisan vote of 399-25, passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which included \u00a0Congressman Kildee\u2019s amendment with Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04), which authorized $170 million to help repair Flint\u2019s water infrastructure. The Kildee-Moolenaar amendment passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 284-141, with support from 101 Republicans and 183 Democrats.\nToday\u2019s passage of Flint aid in the House as part of a broader water resources bill is a culmination of over a years\u2019 worth of engagement, advocacy and work by Congressman Kildee for the residents of his hometown. In the face of opposition, Congressman Kildee never let Congress forget about Flint families and worked with all of his colleagues to deliver bipartisan funding to the city of Flint.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/transcript-congressman-dan-kildees-remarks-in-support-of-flint-aid-package-in-budget-bill/", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Budget Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildee\u2019s Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Budget Bill \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support the Continuing Resolution, the short term budget bill, which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city\u2019s ongoing water crisis\nBelow is a transcript of Congressman Kildee\u2019s remarks, as delivered:\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend and colleague, the Ranking Member for yielding and for her work on behalf of my hometown of Flint. She has been one of the strong advocates. \n\u201cNo piece of legislation that I have yet seen in the four years I\u2019ve been in Congress that has come before this floor is perfect. And this bill is included. But the people of Flint, the people of my hometown, today cannot drink their water. Because of action by the state government and frankly as we know, failure of the federal government through the EPA to alert the citizens of Flint to the crisis, to the fact that their water had been poisoned, has caused this community to face the biggest crisis that it\u2019s faced in all its years.\n\u201cI am a product of Flint, Michigan. I grew up in Flint, everything I have, everything I am, I owe to that community. And it has faced some terrible struggles over the years. Loss of manufacturing jobs \u2013 90 percent of those manufacturing jobs gone. The loss of half of its population. Blight and abandonment. It\u2019s a community that just began to rebuild itself when this water crisis has caused Flint to face the toughest time it has ever faced. It needs every level of government to step up to provide relief.\n\u201cThis bill includes necessary funding to put Flint back on the path that allows its citizens to have the basic human right of clean drinking water. \n\u201cSo I ask my colleagues as we go forward, obviously consider all the elements of all legislation. But also to keep in mind this is the last day of this session of Congress in the House of Representatives. This is our last chance to provide the much needed help to my hometown.\n\u201cThis is why I was sent to Congress. To fight for the people that I represent. To make sure they have what they need. And to make sure at this moment of their greatest need, that every level of government responds to them, and that\u2019s why I\u2019ll support this bill and I\u2019d hope my colleagues would join me in that. Thank you.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/rep-john-conyers-donald-trump-next-richard-nixon", "Rep. John Conyers: Donald Trump Is the Next Richard Nixon", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "John Conyers, Jr., is a U.S. representative for Michigan. \n'Democrats must publicly push for accountability'\nNearly four decades ago, former President Nixon told us that \u201cwhen the President does it, that means it\u2019s not illegal.\u201d Recently, President-elect Donald Trump echoed those comments when he declared, \u201cThe president can\u2019t have a conflict of interest,\u201d a statement that disregards all customs and norms of the modern presidency. As someone who has endured numerous undeclared wars, two presidential impeachments, the attacks of 9/11 and passage of the PATRIOT Act, this mindset causes me to fear that our nation may again be veering towards a constitutional crisis, but with far fewer safeguards than we have had in the past.\nAs one who experienced the toxic politics of Vietnam and the riots of the 1960\u2019s, I have never witnessed mindless name-calling, insults or demagoguery on the scale or scope of the Trump campaign. Among other things, Trump accused Democrats of \u201ctry[ing to] rig the election at the polling booths, where so many cities are corrupt and voter fraud is all too common.\u201d He has intermittently called for a \u201ctotal and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,\u201d and sought to intimidate the media, promising to \u201copen up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.\u201d During the presidential debates, he told Secretary Hillary Clinton that if he wins \u201cyou\u2019d be in jail.\u201d\nNot only does such \u201cloose cannon\u201d rhetoric divide our nation, but if acted upon is flatly inconsistent with our Constitution and our values. Throwing around reckless and unsubstantiated accusations of election fraud undermines our democracy, the Voting Rights Act and the 15th Amendment. Banning Muslim entry or creating a registry would violate First Amendment freedom of religion. Legislatively targeting news outlets based on their views would abrogate freedom of press. Promising to lock up political opponents upends long-held notions of fairness and due process. And changing your mind about prosecution after the election does not make things better\u2014it just illustrates a continued misunderstanding of the proper role of federal law enforcement.\nThe potential threat to our democracy comes at a time when our incoming president will have lost the popular vote by more than 2 million votes and many of the controls and safeguards that allowed our nation to weather prior constitutional storms have been severely weakened. One-party control of Washington means tepid oversight of a Republican President. Our independent judiciary is seen as increasingly politicized in the aftermath of Bush v. Gore and the determination by Senate Republicans to deny President Obama the opportunity to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. The media may well be compromised due to President-elect Trump\u2019s continuing efforts to attack, undermine and humiliate his critics.\nThis set of circumstances means that if and when we face a constitutional crisis\u2014perhaps Trump\u2019s Administration will have taken actions with respect to a foreign government to benefit his financial interests; or his Attorney General will have secretly authorized unlawful torture or surveillance\u2014we will be operating without our usual institutional or structural safety nets.\nThere will be no Sam Ervin or Peter Rodino to investigate executive misconduct as there was during Watergate. Nor can we expect a Republican in the mold of Howard Baker to step forward (risking a Tea Party primary challenge the next election), or an Attorney General such as Elliot Richardson to resign rather than participate in a White House cover up. And we can only wonder whether there are any more Woodwards or Bernsteins willing to risk their careers or the solvency of their employer by challenging a Trump Administration.\nIn the absence of subpoena authority, Democrats must publicly push for accountability. We still have the authority to pursue independent investigations by the GAO and Agency Inspectors General. And we will need to hold our own informal forums and issue minority reports documenting the inevitable abuses. Even if we cannot prevent excesses, our job will be to make sure our citizens are fully aware of what is happening and why.\nOf course, in the end, it\u2019s the people themselves who have the most important role in safeguarding our constitutional form of government. I witnessed firsthand how the 1963 March on Washington galvanized the civil rights movement and led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. With the party in power typically losing 30 House seats or more during midterm elections, we can\u2019t lose sight of the fact that a more meaningful legislative check may not be that far away.\nI truly hope that we can avoid the constitutional abyss. After all, it was Gerald Ford who appointed the esteemed jurist Edward Levi as Attorney General, helping to restore faith in the Justice Department after the stain of Watergate. And it was George H.W. Bush who began his campaign with race baiting against Willie Horton before eventually signing legislation reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act.\nUnfortunately, as of yet, we have seen no such meaningful olive branch from Trump\u2014only more angry and unpresidential tweets, more attacks on the press, appointments of divisive figures such as Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions and Michael Flynn, and an ongoing risk to our nation\u2019s values.\nRead the full article on TIME.com here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-170-million-flint-aid-package-championed-congressman-dan-kildee", "House Passes $170 Million Flint Aid Package Championed by Congressman Dan Kildee", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Relief Would Help Replace Lead Pipes, Remove Lead from Homes and Expand Health Care for Those Exposed to Lead\nThe U.S. House of Representatives today passed $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city's ongoing water crisis. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), who for over a year has advocated for congressional action for Flint, applauded the action on two House bills related to Flint that now move to the U.S. Senate.\nGetting aid for my hometown of Flint, which continues to recover from the ongoing water crisis, has been my top priority in Congress, and I am happy to see this aid package move forward, Congressman Kildee said. Flint families have waited far too long for their government to act but I am pleased that over a hundred million dollars in real federal aid for Flint is a big step closer to becoming reality.\nThe House today passed both a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which included authorizing language regarding Flint aid, by a vote of 360-61, and the Continuing Resolution (CR), the end-of-year government spending bill that included the appropriations money for Flint, by a vote of 326-96. Congressman Kildee urged swift action on both bills in the U.S. Senate to get the two bills to the President's desk and signed into law. Both Michigan U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters support the bills passed by the House.\nI applaud the House for passing our bipartisan agreement to provide long-awaited assistance for families in Flint and other communities affected by lead. It's absolutely critical that the Senate do the same and pass both the Water Resources Development Act and the government funding bill. That is the only way we can guarantee that families affected by this terrible crisis get the assistance they need. The people of Flint have waited far too long for their water system to be fixed so they can have confidence that their water is safe! U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow said.\nI am pleased that the House has passed legislation with critical provisions to help the residents of Flint, who have waited entirely too long for assistance in the wake of this water crisis. It is critical that the Senate act swiftly to pass not just the year end spending bill, but also the water infrastructure bill which is the only way to get Flint the support it needs on its road to recovery, U.S. Senator Gary Peters said.\nThe aid, which is a result of weeks of bipartisan negotiations between Congressman Kildee, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01) and others, includes:\n $100 million for the Safe Water Drinking Act State Revolving Loan Fund, which Flint could use to replace lead service lines and other water infrastructure improvement needs.\n\t$50 million for expanded health care, including the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Healthy Start Program and money to create a lead exposure registry.\n\t$20 million in loans available through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which would be available to Flint and other communities for water infrastructure improvement projects to address lead and other water contamination issues.\n About Congressman Kildee's Advocacy for Flint: Congressman Kildee has been a tireless advocate for Flint families and has led the fight in Congress to bring federal funding to the city in the wake of the water crisis. Since learning of the water crisis, Congressman Kildee has never stopped working with his colleagues in Congress  both Democrats and Republicans  and the Obama Administration to make sure that Flint receives the resources it needs to recover.\nBringing Attention to the Crisis Since September 2015, when the world learned of Flint's man-made lead in water crisis, Congressman Kildee vocally fought for resources for the city. He immediately spoke out, calling on Governor Rick Snyder, President Barack Obama and House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI-01) to bring attention to the crisis and urge them to bring resources to Flint.\nPushing for Federal Aid Congressman Kildee has worked with the Obama Administration to already bring hundreds of millions in federal dollars to Flint.\nIn January 2016, at Congressman Kildee's request, President Obama declared the water crisis in Flint a state of emergency. Immediately following, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supplied bottled water and water filters with replacement cartridges for Flint families. Later that same month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocated $80 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to Michigan to help Flint.\nIn March 2016, at Congressman Kildee's request, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Medicaid expansion for thousands of children and pregnant women in Flint so that they could have access to the health care that they need to recover from lead exposure. Furthermore, HHS awarded $3.5 million to expand Head Start for Flint children.\nIn June 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture expanded healthy food assistance benefits for over 23,000 children to help purchase fruits and vegetables.\nAdvocating for Flint in Congress Throughout the crisis, Congressman Kildee has refused to let Flint families be forgotten; he frequently took to the floor of the House of Representatives to remind Congress that Flint families continue to struggle to recover from the ongoing crisis, and that Congress needed to act on federal aid immediately.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee testified before the U.S. House of Oversight and Government Reform Committee to tell Flint's story and make sure Flint families received the justice they deserved.\nThe same month, Congressman Kildee, along with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), held a Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing where they heard from public health experts, including Dr. Mona Hanna Attisha, and local officials on the causes and lessons of the water crisis. Congressman Kildee invited Governor Rick Snyder to testify at the hearing, but the Governor declined.\nCongressional Delegations to Flint From February to September of 2016, Congressman Kildee hosted four separate congressional delegations to Flint, hosting over 30 Members of Congress  both Democrats and Republicans  in Flint. During the trips, Congressman Kildee led Leader Pelosi, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (SC-06), Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06), leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus and others to meet with families, business owners and community leaders in Flint to see first-hand the crisis there.\nLegislative Actions While keeping Flint in the national spotlight, Congressman Kildee introduced several pieces of legislation to provide relief for Flint families to recover from the water crisis and ensure that another lead in water crisis doesn't happen in other communities.\nIn February 2016, Congressman Kildee introduced the Families of Flint Act, a comprehensive bill that sought to address the immediate and long-term investments in Flint. This legislation started a national conversation about Flint in Congress and provided the basis and starting point for the passage of today's passed Flint aid package. The Families of Flint Act had the support of 173 Members of Congress.\nAdditionally, in February 2016, Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen requirements to have the EPA more quickly notify the public when concentrations of lead in drinking water are above federal requirements, working to ensure the Flint tragedy can never happen again. This bill passed the House on February 10, 2016, with an overwhelming 416-2 bipartisan vote and was included in today's passed Flint aid package.\nIn July 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two amendments offered by Congressman Kildee allowing Flint to be relieved of existing loan burdens more quickly and provide $3 million to fund the city of Flint's share of a testing pipe loop that would allow for testing of water from a future source, the Karegnondi Water Authority, before the water source is changed. Language to allow loan forgiveness is included in the Continuing Resolution.\nIn September 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives, by a strong bipartisan vote of 399-25, passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which included Congressman Kildee's amendment with Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04), which authorized $170 million to help repair Flint's water infrastructure. The Kildee-Moolenaar amendment passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 284-141, with support from 101 Republicans and 183 Democrats.\nToday's passage of Flint aid in the House as part of a broader water resources bill is a culmination of over a years' worth of engagement, advocacy and work by Congressman Kildee for the residents of his hometown. In the face of opposition, Congressman Kildee never let Congress forget about Flint families and worked with all of his colleagues to deliver bipartisan funding to the city of Flint.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/transcript-congressman-dan-kildee-s-remarks-support-flint-aid-package-budget", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Budget Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support the Continuing Resolution, the short term budget bill, which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city's ongoing water crisis Below is a transcript of Congressman Kildee's remarks, as delivered: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend and colleague, the Ranking Member for yielding and for her work on behalf of my hometown of Flint. She has been one of the strong advocates.  No piece of legislation that I have yet seen in the four years I've been in Congress that has come before this floor is perfect. And this bill is included. But the people of Flint, the people of my hometown, today cannot drink their water. Because of action by the state government and frankly as we know, failure of the federal government through the EPA to alert the citizens of Flint to the crisis, to the fact that their water had been poisoned, has caused this community to face the biggest crisis that it's faced in all its years. I am a product of Flint, Michigan. I grew up in Flint, everything I have, everything I am, I owe to that community. And it has faced some terrible struggles over the years. Loss of manufacturing jobs  90 percent of those manufacturing jobs gone. The loss of half of its population. Blight and abandonment. It's a community that just began to rebuild itself when this water crisis has caused Flint to face the toughest time it has ever faced. It needs every level of government to step up to provide relief. This bill includes necessary funding to put Flint back on the path that allows its citizens to have the basic human right of clean drinking water.  So I ask my colleagues as we go forward, obviously consider all the elements of all legislation. But also to keep in mind this is the last day of this session of Congress in the House of Representatives. This is our last chance to provide the much needed help to my hometown. This is why I was sent to Congress. To fight for the people that I represent. To make sure they have what they need. And to make sure at this moment of their greatest need, that every level of government responds to them, and that's why I'll support this bill and I'd hope my colleagues would join me in that. Thank you.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/transcript-congressman-dan-kildee-s-remarks-support-flint-aid-package-water", "Transcript: Congressman Dan Kildees Remarks in Support of Flint Aid Package in Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support a water resources bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which includes $170 million in federal aid directed at helping Flint recover from the city's ongoing water crisis. Below is a transcript of Congressman Kildee's remarks, as delivered: Thank you Mr. Speaker, and I thank my friend Mr. Tonko for yielding and his work advocating on behalf of the people of my hometown of Flint. I also want to thank colleagues on both sides of the aisle  Leader Pelosi, our Whip Mr. Hoyer, the Speaker who committed to help make sure we get this Flint provision through, as well as other colleagues who have stood with me as I have fought now for a year and a half for the people of my hometown. A city of 100,000 people that still can't drink their water. This is not a question of access to water  the water flowing through the pipes in Flint has poisoned that city. 100,000 people  9,000 children under the age of six  affected permanently by high levels of lead being delivered to them through their municipal water system. Caused by careless, thoughtless decisions based on an obsession with austerity by the state government. And then they were told the water was safe to drink when that same state government knew it was not.  Look, we know where we stand. No bill is perfect; this bill is far from perfect. Many of the provisions included in this legislation I disagree with. But I have been fighting for my hometown and been told to wait and wait and wait. And the people of my community can wait no longer.  Drinking water is a basic human right. And that should be a human right exercised by the people everywhere, including the people of my hometown of Flint. Every day that passes, every week that passes, every month that passes that Flint does not get the relief they so deserve, is a day we don't get back. More people leave, more businesses fail, the city gets more poor and poor and poor, and incapable of moving forward. That has to stop, and it has to stop right now. It has to stop before this Congress adjourns. We cannot count on the next Congress to get this done.  Time matters. This bill would provide relief to my hometown. Itwould put it on a path and it would send a signal that it's okay to invest in Flint. That it's okay to stay. That the water will be fine. That it is a responsibility we have. This is a moral obligation that we have. But it also make sure that there are no more Flints, by including in this legislation the Kildee-Upton bill that passed this House nearly unanimously.  It is long past time for us to act. I ask that you join me in supporting this legislation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-dingell-unveils-2016-holiday-jingle", "Congresswoman Dingell Unveils 2016 Holiday Jingle", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today continued a Dingell holiday tradition, releasing the 2016 edition of the annual Dingell Jingle. Full text of the jingle can be read below.\n\u2018Twas the day before the government would shut down for business  \n\tWhen the House came together \u2013 we passed a budget before Christmas!\u00a0  \n\tWhile Congress moved slowly, in its usual fashion  \n\tOne issue in particular wasn\u2019t getting much traction\u00a0  \n\t\u201cSell ice to an Eskimo,\u201d some said with a glint  \n\tDo that and then finally we\u2019ll give you money for Flint\nWe fought tooth and nail and reason finally prevailed\u00a0  \n\tWe passed funding for Flint families, the waiting curtailed  \n\tNow that the partisan tug of war is complete  \n\tWe reflect on a year of both challenges and treats  \n\tFrom Cures to Great Lakes, we did make some progress  \n\tA Medal of Honor for a hero was done in the process\u00a0\nIn Rio, we showcased the best of the best  \n\tFor Team USA, Simone vaulted above all the rest  \n\tMichael Phelps took home his 23rd gold medal  \n\tFrom basketball to rowing our team was incredible  \n\tWe were all celebrating, but then turned to despair\u00a0  \n\tWhen Lochte showed up with bad behavior, and worse hair\u00a0\nAt home, Michigan\u2019s sports teams continue to shine  Jumpman debuted while Harbaugh racked up some fines  \n\tWhile EMU and the Lions have newfound success  \n\tWe know that first down in Columbus was truly a mess  \n\tBut not to worry, this holiday we have two bowl games to see  \n\tEMU in the Bahamas and in Miami, the Wolverines\nAs the New Year approaches, we\u2019ve seen stark divisions  \n\tOur country has spoken, we\u2019ve made big decisions  \n\tWe all have moved forward in our own way  \n\tIn our office, we chose a Christmas display  \n\tBut good news for Trump and his Twitter vice  \n\tEven at 90, the Dean\u2019s still tweeting advice\nSo we say goodbye to a President who lifted us up  \n\tTo be sure in these eight years, he\u2019s earned his new look\u00a0  \n\tNo one will be sadder to see him go  \n\tThan his friend and our favorite Vice President Joe\u00a0  \n\tBut maybe just maybe a new announcement we\u2019ll see\u00a0  \n\tHappy holidays to all, and Biden 2020", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-approval-year-end-bills-provide-aid-flint-avoid", "Dingell Statement on Approval of Year-End Bills that Provide Aid for Flint, Avoid Government Shutdown", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on House passage of a continuing resolution that funds the government through April 2017, and the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The WIIN Act authorizes $170 million in aid to Flint, while the continuing resolution appropriates the funding.\n\u201cI am pleased that today, the House finally came together to provide resources to help address the water crisis in Flint. Flint families have been living a nightmare for more than two years and are still unable to turn on their taps without worrying about lead exposure. They have waited long enough, and while neither of the bills we passed today is perfect, they provide the critical resources Flint needs to begin to recover from this horrific man-made crisis and address the contaminated public drinking water system. I\u2019d like to thank Dan Kildee and Fred Upton for their bipartisan leadership in ensuring aid for Flint families was included in these packages. We always help our fellow Americans during a time of need, and helping Flint is the right and decent thing to do \u2013 and we shouldn\u2019t have to pay a ransom to get it done.\u00a0\n\u201cYet this is exactly what we are being asked to do in both of these bills. While I am pleased that the WIIN Act also includes bipartisan legislation I introduced to support fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, I have serious concerns about a provision to address the drought in California that would weaken critical Endangered Species Act protections. It is also disappointing that Congress once again departed from regular order by failing to pass a budget or appropriation bills this year and is instead funding the government though a short-term continuing resolution. Our government should not be run on auto-pilot. The continuing resolution does not provide certainty to families or businesses, and fails to adequately address a critical problem that threatens pensions for miners and their families. Working men and women deserve better.\u00a0\n\u201cWhile there are parts of these packages I do not support, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Passing these bills will avoid a government shutdown and provide vital resources for Flint families, who need and deserve our support. We cannot turn our backs on the people of Flint in this time of need, which is why these bills have my support.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-daines-tillis-and-gillibrand-fairness-for-veterans-provision-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters, Daines, Tillis & Gillibrand Fairness for Veterans Provision to Be Signed into Law", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Daines, Tillis & Gillibrand Fairness for Veterans Provision to Be Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Provision Included in Final National Defense Authorization Act\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today applauded Senate passage of their bipartisan provision to help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military due to negative behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The Fairness for Veterans amendment was included in the final National Defense Authorization Act conference report, which passed the House of Representatives last week with widespread bipartisan support and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO) introduced similar legislation and led the effort to pass the provision in the House of Representatives.\r\nServicemembers suffering from the invisible wounds of war should not lose access to benefits they've earned through their service, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I am thrilled that my Fairness for Veterans amendment will be signed into law so that veterans are given the consideration they deserve when petitioning for an upgraded discharge status. This provision will help keep America's promise to our veterans and ensure they have the support needed as they transition to civilian life.\r\nThe men and women who served our nation in uniform and suffer from the invisible wounds of war should not be penalized with a loss of benefits they've earned, Senator Daines stated. With today's vote, veterans who were erroneously discharged due to a side effect related to mental traumas will have the ability to petition to receive their benefits.\"\r\nSo many of our servicemembers have developed PTSD and brain injuries while on active duty, many of whom were undiagnosed until long after their service was completed, said Senator Tillis. I am pleased this bipartisan provision is included in the NDAA so we can provide a fair opportunity for brave men and women to regain the benefits they lost as a result of conditions we now know were caused by the effects of the trauma they sustained during their service to our nation.\r\nToo many service members have lost access to their VA benefits because of mental health injuries that were not recognized when they left the military, said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Personnel Subcommittee. This provision will ensure that veterans who have PTSD or have experienced Military Sexual Trauma can more easily have their discharges upgraded more easily so that they can get the care they need and the benefits they earned. I was proud to fight for this provision, I'm very pleased that it passed the Senate with bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing it signed by the President into law as soon as possible.\r\nAs a retired Marine and a combat veteran myself, I know how stressful combat deployments are and the impact they can often have years after returning to civilian life, Rep. Coffman said. Many of our soldiers develop PTSD while deployed in a combat zone and then get kicked out of the military for minor behavioral problems directly linked to their combat-related PTSD. Today's vote on NDAA is a critical step in ensuring that we take care of those who have served our nation and now need our nation to help them.\r\nA less than honorable discharge, or bad paper discharge, is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments  behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. A less than honorable discharge renders servicemembers ineligible for certain benefits, including Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans.\r\nThe provision included in the final NDAA conference report codifies the principles of the 2014 Hagel memo to give liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. Additionally, the amendment extends the policy to PTSD or TBI that is related to military sexual trauma.\r\nThe legislation has broad support from major veteran groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Soldiers and Sailors of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Swords to Plowshares.\r\nTo see the most important provision of the Fairness for Veterans Act become law as part of this year's NDAA is incredibly gratifying said Kristofer Goldsmith, Assistant Director for Policy & Government Affairs of Vietnam Veterans of America and founder of High Ground Veterans Advocacy. Senator Peters has shown the value of electing veterans to Congress  and with this law he's ensured that all future generations of veterans will have PTSD and related illnesses recognized by Discharge Review Boards. Fairness for Vets' isn't just a billit's a movement. We're going to keep working with Senator Peters to ensure that we do everything we can to get every veteran with PTSD the care that they deserve.\r\n\"The VFW commend Senator Peters and Rep Coffman on their commitment to get final passage of the bipartisan Fairness For Veterans provision that was included in the Fiscal Year 2017 NDAA, said Bob Wallace, Adjutant General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Veterans who honorably served but struggled with their behavior due to conditions caused by their time in service, shouldn't be excluded from receiving VA health care. This provision will ensure these veterans have a second chance at receiving the care they need.\r\nThe Fairness for Veterans provision is an important step towards ensuring our men and women in uniform with a less than honorable discharge as a result of mental health concerns have timely and efficient access to benefits and services, said Tom Porter, Legislative Director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.The IAVA applauds Senators Peters, Daines, Tillis and Gillibrand for their efforts and commitment to addressing this critical issue.\r\nThank you Senators Peters, Daines, Tillis and Gillibrand for your leadership and persistence in pursuing justice for servicemembers facing these very real and difficult challenges. Your dedication to America's servicemembers and veterans will make a difference in the lives of those who have struggled to obtain the recognition and resources they need and deserve, said Lieutenant General Dana Atkins  U.S. Air Force, Ret., President of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).\r\nUnited Soldiers and Sailors of America is very proud to have been a part of a larger coalition of veteran service organization that advocated for the passage of the Fairness for Veterans Act, said John P. Yori III, President of the United Soldiers and Sailors of America. This piece of legislation reflects the ever growing sense of awareness and overwhelming commitment that the American people have to ensuring that our veterans, ALL veterans are treated as our greatest national treasures. I applaud and thank the many other VSO's and Senators Peters, Daines, Tillis and Gillibrand who have remained steadfast in support of the dignity and just rights of all veterans who have served our great nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-pass-major-defense-bill-with-key-provisions-for-michigan", "Peters Helps Pass Major Defense Bill with Key Provisions for Michigan", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Peters Helps Pass Major Defense Bill with Key Provisions for Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t National Defense Authorization Act Supports Servicemembers, Veterans, Michigan Manufacturers, Small Business Cyber Defense\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today helped pass critical defense legislation that will support veterans suffering from mental trauma, as well as Michigan's manufacturers and small businesses. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets policy for the Department of Defense (DoD) for Fiscal Year 2017, passed the House of Representatives last week and is now headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. Also included in the NDAA is a 2.1% pay raise for servicemembers -- the largest pay increase in six years.\r\nOur brave men and women put their lives on the line in defense of our nation, and this bill will provide the necessary tools and resources for our military while ensuring that those suffering from the invisible wounds have the support they need after their service, said Senator Peters. I'm also pleased that this bill also includes provisions to bolster the Michigan manufacturers and workers who are producing goods to help America's servicemembers complete their mission and ensures small businesses are better prepared to protect themselves from ever-evolving cyber threats.\r\nWolverine Worldwide is proud to manufacture high-quality footwear in Big Rapids to support both America's servicemembers and West Michigan's economy, said Wolverine Worldwide Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Blake Krueger. We thank Senator Peters for supporting this legislation to create jobs by expanding opportunities for manufacturers like Wolverine Worldwide.\r\nNDAA Provisions Important to Michigan:\r\n \r\nA bipartisan provision to help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge due to behavior resulting from metal traumas including PTSD. The bipartisan Fairness for Veterans provision gives liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. A less than honorable discharge prevents veterans from accessing Post-9/11 GI Bill opportunities, VA home loans and other benefits. Michigan is home to over 600,000 veterans, including 50,000 post-9/11 veterans.\r\n \r\n \r\nLegislation requiring that the DoD provide American-made athletic footwear to new military recruits. DoD already applies this policy  known as the Berry Amendment  to uniforms and combat boots, but not athletic footwear. This legislation would boost manufacturers like Wolverine Worldwide in Big Rapids, which produces Saucony athletic shoes and is a major manufacturer of footwear for the U.S. military. Peters visited Wolverine Worldwide in Big Rapids in August to announce a 16,000 square foot facility expansion.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvisions to maintain the construction of two Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), including one in Marinette, off the Menominee River. The facility that produces the LCS employs hundreds of Michiganders. The USS Detroit, an LCS that was commissioned in October, was built in Marinette.\r\n \r\n \r\nLanguage enabling the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assist small businesses in planning for and protecting against cyber security attacks. Peters, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, introduced the Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act earlier this year with Senator David Vitter (R-LA). Michigan is home to 11 SBDC regional offices, which worked with over 5,000 business in Michigan in 2015 alone.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-and-upton-announce-passage-of-legislation-to-honor-vietnam-war-veteran-james-c-mccloughan", "Stabenow, Peters, and Upton Announce Passage of Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters, and Upton Announce Passage of Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The bill now goes to the desk of the President for his signature \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 08, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) announced that legislation to make Vietnam War veteran James C. McCloughan eligible for our nation\u2019s highest military honor \u2013 the Medal of Honor \u2013 has passed in Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.\u00a0 The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House of Representatives on December 2nd and cleared the U.S. Senate today.\u00a0 It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature. \u00a0\r\n\r\nPhoto of Private First Class James McCloughan during his service in the Army.\r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969.\u00a0 McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5). \u00a0\r\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful for Private First Class James McCloughan\u2019s service to our country,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cToday, we are one step closer to awarding him the long overdue recognition he deserves.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u201cPrivate First Class James McCloughan put his life on the line to save his fellow servicemembers, and the passage of this legislation will help ensure his bravery and sacrifice are properly recognized.\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.\r\n\u201cThis has been a long-time coming,\u201d said Congressman Upton. \u201cAnd now, thanks to our bipartisan efforts in the House and Senate, we\u2019re closer than ever to getting Private First Class McCloughan, and his family, the recognition he duly earned on the battlefield.\u201d\r\n\r\nPhoto of Private First Class James \u201cDoc\u201d McCloughan\r\nMedal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award.\u00a0 The Department of Defense recently recommended that James McCloughan receive this honor. This legislation waives the five-year requirement and when signed into law, will make it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to him.\r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan was highly decorated receiving the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with \u201cV\u201d device for valor, The U. S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, The National Defense Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palms and one oak leaf cluster and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-lewis-sensenbrenner-applaud-house-passage-emmett-till-unsolved", "Conyers, Lewis & Sensenbrenner Applaud House Passage of Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2854/ H.R. 5067, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act. The Till bill's primary purpose is to provide federal resources to local jurisdictions in the resolution of civil rights era cold cases.\u00a0 This reauthorization represents a recommitment to the original goals of the bill as well as the strengthening and clarification of the law, as called for by interested civil rights groups and families.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe lead House sponsors of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act released the following statements after House passage of the legislation: \n\u00a0\n\u201cWe must never forget our nation\u2019s dark past and should be mindful of our history and why so many in the African-American community raise the issue of whether black lives matter.\u00a0 Many civil rights era crimes were barely noted or investigated, and I believe the perpetrators of those crimes should be brought to justice, even 50 years later. We passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act in 2007 to help bring these cases to light and seek justice for victims and their families. The Till Reauthorization Act will further empower the Department of Justice and cold case advocates to share information and review the status and closure of cases through 1980.\u00a0 I applaud House passage of this legislation and urge my Senate colleagues to quickly pass the legislation, so that it can be signed into law.\u201d \u00a0ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR - Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhen this bill was signed into law, family members, academics, historians, lawyers, advocates began working to develop a full accounting for these long-standing, gross human and civil rights atrocities.\u00a0 The reauthorization that the House passed this evening is a response to their appeals to make the law a better tool in their quest for justice. We took the time to research and study what happened after the original bill was signed into law.\u00a0 We listened to and were guided by the advocates, by law professors, by families, and by the press.\u00a0 We worked across the aisle and across the Dome to develop a bill that fulfills our promise to never give up on this effort \u2013 to never abandon the pursuit of truth.\u00a0 I am very pleased by House passage tonight and look forward to passage in the Senate and the signature of President Barack Obama.\u201d ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR - Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs an original cosponsor of the Emmett Till Reauthorization Act, I\u2019m pleased to see my colleagues came together and supported this important bill. This bipartisan legislation will provide for a sustained, well-coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute unsolved civil rights-era crimes. There are hundreds of cold cases from the civil rights era that have never been solved, and it is my hope that we are able to bring justice to the victims\u2019 families.\u201d\u00a0 ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR -\u00a0 Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI)\n\u00a0\nSenate action on the amended bill is anticipated before the end of the 114th Congress, and sponsors are hoping it will be signed into law in 2016.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n This bill requires the Department of Justice and FBI to consult with civil rights organizations, universities, and other entities that have also been gathering evidence in these cold cases;\u00a0\n\tProvides clearer direction and improved coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement and the activists, advocates, and academics working on these issues;\u00a0\n\tStrengthens the Department of Justice\u2019s reporting requirements;\n\tExpands the time span of cases to be considered by ten years, to include all cases that occurred not later than December 31, 1979;\n\tEncourages the Department of Justice to review specific closed cases that warrant further investigation;\u00a0\n\tMaintains the previous investigation structure and funding levels; and\n\tClarifies the law\u2019s intent.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRep. Conyers\u2019 floor statement in support of the bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/floor-statement-honorable-john-conyers-jr-consideration-house-amendment", "Floor Statement of the Honorable John Conyers, Jr. For The Consideration of House Amendment to S. 2854 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, in June of 2007, this body passed and the President subsequently signed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act.\u00a0 Since that time, the Department of Justice and cold case advocates have reviewed hundreds of cases in a search for justice and a sense of closure for the families of those who fell victim to racial violence in one of the most tumultuous periods of this nation\u2019s history.\u00a0\u00a0\nFor those who did not live through the civil rights era, it is difficult to understand the combined climate of excitement for change that co-existed with one of fear and violence.\u00a0 Simply for acting on their ideals of racial equality, innocent people \u2013 young and old, black and white\u00a0 \u2013 were struck down.\u00a0\u00a0\nIn some cases, state and local law enforcement colluded with the perpetrators of anti-civil rights violence.\u00a0 And attempts at justice often proved to be a charade - ending with jury nullification or tampering by racist citizens\u2019 councils.\nThe civil rights community has reported that for every infamous killing that tore at the South in the 1950s and \u201960s, there were many more that were barely noted or investigated. We passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act in 2007 to help bring these cases to light and seek justice for victims and their families.\nEven after nearly a decade of effort by advocates and the Justice Department, it remains clear that much work remains to heal the wounds of this period of history.\u00a0 To that end, the Till Reauthorization Act will create a formal framework for public engagement between the Department of Justice and cold case advocates to share information and review the status and closure of cases through 1980.\u00a0\nThe legislation further authorizes appropriations and tasks the Department\u2019s Community Relations Service with bringing together law enforcement agencies and communities to address the tensions raised by Civil Rights Era crimes.\nThe title of this bill serves as a reminder of one of the many lives that was cut much too short as a result of racially motivated hate and violence. Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African American young man from Chicago who allegedly whistled at a white woman.\u00a0 Shortly thereafter he was found murdered and tortured.\u00a0\nThough his accused killers were tried, they were acquitted by an all-white jury.\u00a0 Despite attempts at gaining a Federal indictment in the case, his torture and murder remain unpunished.\u00a0 While his family still grieves, they have channeled their sorrow into activism for those victims still seeking justice.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nI believe that it remains important that the perpetrators of civil rights era crimes be brought to justice, even 50 years later.\u00a0 While justice has been delayed for the victims of these crimes, the fact that we are raising these cold cases breathes new life into our justice system.\u00a0 Ultimately, that commitment bodes well for our collective future and reconciliation within these communities.\u00a0\nAccordingly, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation and I reserve the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mi-congressional-democrats-introduce-resolution-mark-15th-anniversary", "MI Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution to Mark 15th Anniversary of Underground Railroad Memorial Monument in Detroit", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Members of the Michigan Congressional delegation introduced H.Res. 946, a resolution in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate 15 years since the opening of the International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument (IURMM).\u00a0\nLed in the House of Representatives by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-9), and Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-5); and the Senate by Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, the resolution honors Detroit\u2019s role as a crossing point into Canada for those traveling the Underground Railroad.\u00a0 Comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit, Michigan, and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, the IURMM opened in October 2001 as a way for the region to honor the sacrifices and the courage of those who fought to secure freedom for themselves, their families, and others.\n\u201cThese two monuments\u2014in Detroit and Windsor\u2014stand as reminders of what we have been through, the obstacles we\u2019ve overcome, and the strength we have to address present injustices,\u201d said Rep. Conyers.\u00a0 \u201cAmericans must never forget the parts of our history that we regret, or the heroic actions of those who fought to change the future. The International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument plays an important part in that, here in Detroit.\u201d\n\u201cThe City of Detroit played a critical role in the Underground Railroad, serving as the doorway to freedom for African Americans seeking refuge in Canada,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m honored to join my Michigan colleagues to recognize these monuments that stand as a symbol of the people who fought for their own freedom and the freedom of others during a dark chapter in our nation\u2019s history.\u201d\nThe International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument represents a cross-border partnership that seeks to educate the next generation about our history, and help the current generation remember the sacrifices others have made to provide us the opportunities we need to succeed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-air-force-announcement-of-selfridge-angb-as-finalist-for-f-35-mission", "Peters Applauds Air Force Announcement of Selfridge ANGB as Finalist for F-35 Mission", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Peters Applauds Air Force Announcement of Selfridge ANGB as Finalist for F-35 Mission \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Air Force's announcement today that Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County is among five candidates to host the Air National Guard's new F-35 mission:\r\nThe airmen of the Selfridge Air National Guard base have always stood ready to protect our nation against those that would do us harm, and today's announcement is a testament to the critical role these brave men and women play in our nation's defense. Given Selfridge's current strategic participation in the fight against ISIS and its strong history of hosting and operating military fighter jets, including the A-10 and F-16, I believe this new F-35 mission would be a perfect fit. I strongly support Selfridge as a host for the F-35 mission, and I will continue working to build support for the base and the servicemembers who work there.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-michigan-congressional-democrats-introduce-resolution-to-mark-15th-anniversary-of-underground-railroad-memorial-monument-in-detroit", "Peters, Michigan Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution to Mark 15th Anniversary of Underground Railroad Memorial Monument in Detroit", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Michigan Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution to Mark 15th Anniversary of Underground Railroad Memorial Monument in Detroit \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Members of the Michigan Congressional delegation introduced H.Res. 946, a resolution in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate 15 years since the opening of the International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument (IURMM).\r\n\r\nLed in the Senate by Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow; and the House of Representatives by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-9), and Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-5), the resolution honors Detroit's role as a crossing point into Canada for those traveling the Underground Railroad. Comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit, Michigan, and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, the IURMM opened in October 2001 as a way for the region to honor the sacrifices and the courage of those who fought to secure freedom for themselves, their families, and others.\r\nThe City of Detroit played a critical role in the Underground Railroad, serving as the doorway to freedom for African Americans seeking refuge in Canada, saidSenator Peters. I'm honored to join my Michigan colleagues to recognize these monuments that stand as a symbol of the people who fought for their own freedom and the freedom of others during a dark chapter in our nation's history.\r\n\r\nThese two monumentsin Detroit and Windsorstand as reminders of what we have been through, the obstacles we've overcome, and the strength we have to address present injustices, said Rep. Conyers. Americans must never forget the parts of our history that we regret, or the heroic actions of those who fought to change the future. The International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument plays an important part in that, here in Detroit.\r\nThe International Underground Railroad Memorial Monument represents a cross-border partnership that seeks to educate the next generation about our history, and help the current generation remember the sacrifices others have made to provide us the opportunities we need to succeed.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-benishek-applaud-passage-of-bill-to-honor-michigan-veteran-by-naming-traverse-city-va-clinic", "Peters, Stabenow, Benishek Applaud Passage of Bill to Honor Michigan Veteran by Naming Traverse City VA Clinic", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow, Benishek Applaud Passage of Bill to Honor Michigan Veteran by Naming Traverse City VA Clinic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today applauded the passage of bipartisan legislation to name the Traverse City Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after Army Colonel Demas T. Craw, Medal of Honor recipient and a Traverse City-area native. The legislation unanimously passed the Senate last week and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nColonel Demas Craw is a true American hero, who served our country in two world wars with honor and dignity, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. The passage of this legislation naming a VA clinic in Colonel Craw's honor is a tribute to his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation.\r\nNaming this clinic after one of Traverse City's own heroes is a fitting tribute to Colonel Craw and to the thousands of local veterans who will receive care at this facility, said Senator Stabenow. It represents the commitment and fulfillment of promises we have made to our veterans.\r\n\"This effort began at the local level, where citizens, veterans organizations, and many others came together in support of renaming the Traverse City clinic\", said Representative Benishek. \"Because of their efforts, it now stands as testament to the bravery and courage of Colonel Demas Craw's legacy, and to the spirit and dedication of Northern Michigan's veterans.\"\r\nA Traverse City based VA health clinic is scheduled to be built and completed in 2017, replacing the current undersized facility. The new clinic will provide additional health care services for thousands of Northern Michigan veterans from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau and Manistee counties.\r\nColonel Craw was born in 1900 near Traverse City in Long Lake Township, and attended Traverse City Central High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1918. Craw served in both World Wars, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, and rose to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Craw served in the U.S. Army Air Service as a military attach to Greece where he reportedly came under fire 136 times and participated in 21 Royal Air Force bombing sorties. He received numerous commendations for his career of service, including the WWI and WWII Victory Medals, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart. Craw was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after he was killed in action near Port Lyautey, French-Morocco in November 1942 while attempting to broker a cease-fire.\r\nA broad coalition of veterans groups support naming the Traverse City VA Clinic after Colonel Craw, including the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition, VFW Cherryland Post #2780 and Auxiliary, Fife Lake American Legion Post #219, Michigan American Legion Post #35, the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, American Military League Post #1, Northwestern Michigan College, and Project Cherry Tree.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-announcement-that-selfridge-air-national-guard-base-is-a-finalist-for-new-f-35-platform", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a Finalist for New F-35 Platform", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Applauds Announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a Finalist for New F-35 Platform \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 07, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow applauded the U.S. Air Force announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base has been selected as one of five finalists for the new F-35 fighter platform. The Air Force will be making site visits early next year with a final decision to follow.\r\n\u201cThere is no question that Selfridge Air National Guard Base is the right choice for the new F-35 platform, and it is not surprising Selfridge is on the final list for consideration. I recently spoke with the Secretary of the Air Force about how our Airmen are well-suited for a new fighter mission and the vital role they have in protecting our nation. I strongly encourage the Air Force to select Selfridge for this new mission, which will secure the future of the installation and the thousands of jobs it supports for decades to come.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/scott-levin-pallone-statement-court-order-delay-house-v-burwell", "Scott, Levin, Pallone Statement on Court Order to Delay House v. Burwell", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Ranking Members Bobby Scott (D-VA), Sander Levin (D-MI), and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) of the House Committees on Education and the Workforce, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce respectively, made the following joint statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued an order to delay the consideration of House v. Burwell:\n\u201cThis decision to delay the consideration of House v. Burwell until after Inauguration Day puts millions of Americans at risk of losing their health insurance coverage next year. Republicans have relentlessly attempted to repeal and undermine the Affordable Care Act since the law was enacted. If the incoming Trump Administration decides not to defend the legality of the ACA\u2019s cost-sharing subsidies in court, the lower court ruling stands; and we would see the undermining of the insurance market as a whole \u2013 both the coverage of those American families who rely on the financial assistance, as well as those who purchase coverage on their own. President-elect Trump promised to stand up for working Americans, but this action would make people worse off, not better, and he hasn\u2019t even taken office yet. Instead of rallying behind partisan attacks without proposing a real replacement to strengthen the law, we urge the incoming Trump Administration and Republican-led Congress to stand on the side of America\u2019s families, students, and working people.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-hoyer-ranking-members-send-letter-president-obama-urging", "Conyers, Hoyer & Ranking Members Send Letter to President Obama Urging Briefings on Russian Interference in U.S. Election", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. joined Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel, Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson, Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith, and Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff sent a letter today to President Obama asking for Administration officials to brief all Members of Congress on Russian efforts to influence or interfere in the recent federal election.\nCiting concerns that \u201cRussia may have succeeded in weakening Americans\u2019 trust\u201d in our democratic institutions through its actions, the authors of the letter call attention to the hacking of American organizations, publication of private emails sent to or from campaign officials, as well as disclosures by WikiLeaks and fabricated news stories.\u00a0\n\u201cBy eroding Americans\u2019 and foreigners\u2019 trust in U.S. institutions,\u201d the letter states, \u201cRussia both weakens our country and sows global instability and uncertainty.\u00a0 \u2026To evaluate Congress\u2019s response appropriately, we would like all Members\u00a0 to have a comprehensive understanding of what the U.S. Intelligence Community knows regarding Russia\u2019s involvement in these actions and attempts to interfere in our election.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter can be read here and below.\n--\nDear Mr. President:\nWe are deeply concerned by Russian efforts to undermine, interfere with, and even influence the outcome of our recent election.\u00a0 This Russian malfeasance is not confined to us, but extends to our allies, our alliances and to democratic institutions around the world.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe integrity of democracy must never be in question, and we are gravely concerned that Russia may have succeeded in weakening Americans\u2019 trust in our electoral institutions through their cyber activity, which may also include sponsoring disclosures through WikiLeaks and other venues, and the production and distribution of fake news stories.\nForeign interference presents a win-win for Russia\u2014which we must counter.\u00a0 By eroding Americans\u2019 and foreigners\u2019 trust in U.S. institutions, Russia both weakens our country and sows global instability and uncertainty.\u00a0 Both present a boon for Russia and a loss for those working to maintain peace and prosperity around the world through the leadership of the United States and its allies.\u00a0\nTo evaluate Congress\u2019s response appropriately, we would like all Members\u00a0 to have a comprehensive understanding of what the U.S. Intelligence Community knows regarding Russia\u2019s involvement in these actions and attempts to interfere in our election.\u00a0 Specifically, we are requesting a classified briefing that will provide details regarding Russian entities\u2019 hacking of American political organizations; hacking and strategic release of emails from campaign officials; the WikiLeaks disclosures; fake news stories produced and distributed with the intent to mislead American voters; and any other Russian or Russian-related interference or involvement in our recent election.\nWe thank you for your attention to this matter.\nSincerely,\nSTENY H. HOYER\nDemocratic Whip\nJOHN CONYERS\nRanking Member, Committee on Judiciary\nELIOT ENGEL\nRanking Member, Committee on Foreign Affairs\nBENNIE G. THOMPSON\nRanking Member, Committee on Homeland Security\nELIJAH E. CUMMINGS\nRanking Member, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform\nADAM SMITH\nRanking Member, Committee on Armed Services\nADAM SCHIFF\nRanking Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-chairman-goodlatte-and-ranking-member-conyers-discuss-policing-and", "Icymi: Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers Discuss Policing and Criminal Justice Reform", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.) joined C-SPAN Newsmakers to discuss the bipartisan Policing Strategies Working Group and the Committee\u2019s efforts to reform our nation\u2019s criminal justice system. C-SPAN\u2019s co-CEO Susan Swain moderated the interview and Kimbriell Kelly of the Washington Post and Jesse Holland of the Associated Press interviewed Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers.\n\u00a0\nBackground on the Working Group: In July 2016, Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Ranking Member John Conyers announced the establishment of a working group to examine police accountability, aggression towards law enforcement, and public safety concerns related to these issues. The bipartisan working group is in the process of holding a series of roundtables to candidly discuss the issues fueling excessive force used by law enforcement and attacks against police officers. Read Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers\u2019 op-ed on the working group in The Hill here.\n\u00a0\nWatch the interview here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-nomination-dr-ben-carson-secretary-hud", "Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on the Nomination of Dr. Ben Carson for Secretary of HUD", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released a statement regarding the nomination by the Trump administration of Dr. Ben Carson as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development:\n\u201cThe United States of America faces extreme challenges as it relates to housing needs and concerns.\u00a0 The American people deserve quality and qualified leadership as we move forward in this new administration and every appointment from the administration of President-elect Trump is critical to a successful future.\n\u201cShould the nomination of Dr. Ben Carson be accepted and confirmed, I will be working tirelessly to ensure that the needs of Michigan\u2019s 14th district are heard loud and clear.\u00a0 Dr. Carson is notably a man of intelligence and skill; however, this country needs a leader who will boldly tackle heavy housing issues such as urban development, fighting homelessness and housing discrimination and promoting equal opportunity.\u00a0\n\u201cWhile I question how Dr. Carson\u2019s skills and expertise align with the position of HUD Secretary, it is my hope that he would work passionately for the people with sincere care and consideration for the needs of urban areas in our major cities, including his hometown of Detroit, Michigan.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-jackson-lee-commend-president-obama-additional-commutations-0", "Conyers, Jackson Lee Commend President Obama for Additional Commutations of Sentences; Call For Congressional Action on Sentencing Reform", "2016-12-04", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) today released the following statements after the White House announced the commutation of the sentences of 72 individuals:\n\u201cI welcome the continued work by the President and his administration in commuting sentences, but the need to do so indicates the depth of the problem with our Federal sentencing laws,\u201d said Ranking Member Conyers. \u201cCongress must address this issue, to make sentences more fair at the front end. \u00a0\u00a0We know that we can do this in a way that still imposes appropriate sentences but does not rely on mandatory minimums, which ignore the facts and circumstances of each case.\u00a0 With the growing bipartisan recognition of the need to act, I am hopeful that we will do so in the near future.\u201d\n\u201cI commend President Obama\u2019s commutation of sentences of 72 individuals \u2013 who were all victims of unjust sentencing,\u201d said Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson Lee.\u00a0 \u201cNearly all of these men and women would have been released and contributing back to society already had they been convicted under today\u2019s laws or reform proposals. I welcome and applaud the commutations of the sentences of these individuals.\u00a0 Incarcerating people for unwarranted lengths of time serves no constructive purpose.\u00a0 The President has recognized this, as has Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and I am pleased that the Administration\u2019s Clemency Project continues to address the multitude of cases in which sentence reductions are appropriate.\u00a0 Of course, the need to engage in such a broad review of sentences exists largely because our sentencing laws and policies, particularly for drug offenses, urgently need to be changed.\u00a0 We need to eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing and let judges impose appropriate sentences based on the facts and circumstances of each case, and we should eliminate the higher penalties for crack cocaine relative to powder cocaine offenses.\u00a0 I am heartened that there is a growing, bipartisan recognition of the problem of over incarceration and I hope this will lead to sentencing reform this Congress.\u201d\nCongressman Conyers and Congresswoman Jackson Lee are cosponsors of the\u00a0Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which is the first bill that is a result of the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s criminal justice reform initiative. \u00a0The\u00a0Sentencing Reform Act of 2015\u00a0reduces certain mandatory minimums for drug offenses, reduces the three-strike mandatory life sentence to 25 years, broadens the existing safety valve for low-level drug offenders, and provides judges with greater discretion in determining appropriate sentences.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/congressman-dan-kildee-receives-award-from-equality-michigan-for-civil-rights-work/", "Congressman Dan Kildee Receives Award from Equality Michigan for Civil Rights Work", "2016-12-03", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee Receives Award from Equality Michigan for Civil Rights Work \n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 3, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has received the Catalyst Award from Equality Michigan, a civil rights and advocacy organization, for his work to promote civil rights and equality for all Americans. Equality Michigan presented Congressman Kildee with the award at their Fall Reception Friday, which brought together community and state leaders to honor the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocates in Michigan.\n\u201cEvery Michigander deserves to live a life free from discrimination, and I am proud to be an ally in the fight for greater acceptance and equality of all people, including LGBT Americans,\u201d Congressman Kildee said. \u201cThank you to Equality Michigan for presenting me with this year\u2019s award and to all of the leaders in the community who are continuing to build on the progress we have made.\u201d\nCongressman Kildee, a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, has been a life-long champion for LGBT Americans. In Congress, he was in the forefront of pushing to strike down the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), extending civil rights protections to LGBT Americans and supporting marriage equality. Before the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s landmark ruling in 2015, Congressman Kildee\u00a0filed an\u00a0amicus curiae\u00a0brief\u00a0urging the High Court to strike down Michigan\u2019s decades-old discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage. In Congress, he has also championed the Equality Act, which would amend the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity, making it illegal to discriminate in business, education, employment, federal programs and housing.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-receives-award-equality-michigan-civil-rights-work", "Congressman Dan Kildee Receives Award from Equality Michigan for Civil Rights Work", "2016-12-03", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has received the Catalyst Award from Equality Michigan, a civil rights and advocacy organization, for his work to promote civil rights and equality for all Americans. Equality Michigan presented Congressman Kildee with the award at their Fall Reception Friday, which brought together community and state leaders to honor the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocates in Michigan. Every Michigander deserves to live a life free from discrimination, and I am proud to be an ally in the fight for greater acceptance and equality of all people, including LGBT Americans, Congressman Kildee said. Thank you to Equality Michigan for presenting me with this year's award and to all of the leaders in the community who are continuing to build on the progress we have made.Congressman Kildee, a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, has been a life-long champion for LGBT Americans. In Congress, he was in the forefront of pushing to strike down the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), extending civil rights protections to LGBT Americans and supporting marriage equality. Before the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling in 2015, Congressman Kildeefiled anamicus curiaebriefurging the High Court to strike down Michigan's decades-old discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage. In Congress, he has also championed the Equality Act, which would amend the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity, making it illegal to discriminate in business, education, employment, federal programs and housing.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-applauds-november-job-report-s-low-unemployment-rate", "Conyers Applauds November Job Reports Low Unemployment Rate", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Full Employment Caucus, today released the following statement on the November jobs report:\n\u201cNovember\u2019s jobs report is the latest piece of good news about our job market, which has consistently gained strength under President Obama\u2019s leadership. \u00a0The unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent and the economy added 178,000 jobs in November, extending the longest streak of job growth on record. I am also pleased to see that 220,000 fewer Americans are involuntarily working part-time, meaning they wanted, but were unable to find, full-time work. This is a new low mark since onset of the Great Recession that was ushered in by Republican economic mismanagement. \u00a0\n\u201cThis is excellent progress, and all fair observers must recognize and praise President Obama\u2019s terrific economic management. However, there is more work to do to ensure that we achieve a true full employment economy with abundant job opportunities and rising wages for all. At 8.1 percent, the African-American unemployment rate is nearly twice that of whites, while the Hispanic rate is also elevated at 5.7 percent. Also concerning, is that decline in the unemployment rate may be partially due to workers giving up searching for work, which is exemplified by decrease in the \u201cprime age (25-54) employment-to-population ratio\u201d from 78.2 percent to 78.1 percent. This is still an improvement of 0.7 percentage points from last year, however, showing that the overall trend is positive. Finally, wage growth fell 3 cents in November after a rapid uptick in October, demonstrating that wages are not accelerating at a rate that should raise concerns over inflation. In fact, the American people deserve a raise, which is why Republicans must stop blocking legislation to increase the minimum wage. \n\u201cI continue to urge all of our key policymaking institutions, from Congress to the Federal Reserve, to continue to take actions that will help us achieve a full employment economy. Congress should pass job-creating bills, such as my legislation, H.R. 1000, Humphrey-Hawkins 21st Century Full Employment and Training Act, while the Federal Reserve should not slow job and wage growth by raising interest rates.\u201d\nThe Congressional Full Employment Caucus was launched in February 2014. The Congressional Full Employment Caucus serves as a platform and working group for Members of Congress who are dedicated to identifying solutions and advocating for legislative action to reduce unemployment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-dingell-backed-bill-require-pentagon-track-report", "House Approves Dingell-backed Bill to Require Pentagon to Track, Report on Military Hazing", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement today after the House approved the Harry Lew Military Hazing Accountability and Prevention Act as part of the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Dingell co-sponsored the legislation with Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27), Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Ted Lieu (CA-33) to require the Pentagon to track, survey, and make annual reports on the problem of hazing in the military.\u00a0\n\u201cSince the death of my constituent Raheel Siddiqui at Parris Island earlier this year, I have been committed to ensuring his family receives the answers they deserve and that the Marine Corps addresses the serious issues that led to this tragedy,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cToday the House took an important step toward bringing more transparency and accountability to the system so hazing is tracked and handled appropriately in our military ranks. The men and women who step up to serve our country in uniform should receive fair treatment on their way to becoming our nation\u2019s finest fighters. This is an important step toward ensuring a tragedy like this never happens again.\u201d\nThe Harry Lew Military Hazing Accountability and Prevention Act, named in honor of Rep. Chu\u2019s nephew, a marine who died after being hazed by his platoon in Afghanistan in 2011, would require the Pentagon to create a database of hazing incidents in the military, in addition to conducting an annual survey of servicemembers to determine the prevalence of hazing incidents and submitting an annual report on what is being done to stop hazing through training and response.\u00a0\nThis follows a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released in February of this year that showed that the Department of Defense (DoD) lacks consistent data on military hazing incidents, and that servicemembers across branches are in need of better training to combat hazing.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-applaud-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-honor-michigan-veteran", "Peters, Stabenow Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Honor Michigan Veteran", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Honor Michigan Veteran \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Would Name Traverse City VA Clinic for Medal of Honor Recipient and Traverse City Area Native Colonel Demas T. Craw\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today applauded unanimous Senate passage of legislation they introduced to name the Traverse City Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after Army Colonel Demas T. Craw, a Traverse City-area native and Medal of Honor recipient. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where Congressman Benishek has introduced similar legislation.\r\nColonel Demas Craw laid his life on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Naming this clinic in his honor will ensure Colonel Craw's legacy of patriotism and selflessness endures for years to come.\r\nNaming this clinic after one of Traverse City's own heroes is a fitting tribute to Colonel Craw and to the thousands of local veterans who will receive care at this facility, said Senator Stabenow. It represents the commitment and fulfillment of promises we have made to our veterans.\r\nA Traverse City based VA health clinic is scheduled to be built and completed in 2017, replacing the current undersized facility. The new clinic will provide additional health care services for thousands of Northern Michigan veterans from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau and Manistee counties.\r\nColonel Craw was born in 1900 near Traverse City in Long Lake Township, and attended Traverse City Central High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1918. Craw served in both World Wars, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, and rose to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Craw served in the U.S. Army Air Service as a military attach to Greece where he reportedly came under fire 136 times and participated in 21 Royal Air Force bombing sorties. He received numerous commendations for his career of service, including the WWI and WWII Victory Medals, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart. Craw was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after he was killed in action near Port Lyautey, French-Morocco in November 1942 while attempting to broker a cease-fire.\r\nA broad coalition of veterans groups support naming the Traverse City VA Clinic after Colonel Craw, including the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition, VFW Cherryland Post #2780 and Auxiliary, Fife Lake American Legion Post #219, Michigan American Legion Post #35, the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, American Military League Post #1, Northwestern Michigan College, and Project Cherry Tree.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-applaud-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-honor-michigan-veteran", "Stabenow, Peters Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Honor Michigan Veteran", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Honor Michigan Veteran \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 Bill Would Name Traverse City VA Clinic for Medal of Honor Recipient and Traverse City Area Native Colonel Demas T. Craw \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFriday, December 02, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today applauded unanimous Senate passage of legislation they introduced to name the Traverse City Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after Army Colonel Demas T. Craw, a Traverse City-area native and Medal of Honor recipient. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where Congressman Benishek has introduced similar legislation.\r\n\u201cNaming this clinic after one of Traverse City's own heroes is a fitting tribute to Colonel Craw and to the thousands of local veterans who will receive care at this facility,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cIt represents the commitment and fulfillment of promises we have made to our veterans.\u201d\r\n\u201cColonel Demas Craw laid his life on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \u201cNaming this clinic in his honor will ensure Colonel Craw\u2019s legacy of patriotism and selflessness endures for years to come.\u201d\r\nA Traverse City based VA health clinic is scheduled to be built and completed in 2017, replacing the current undersized facility.\u00a0 The new clinic will provide additional health care services for thousands of Northern Michigan veterans from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau and Manistee counties.\r\nColonel Craw was born in 1900 near Traverse City in Long Lake Township, and attended Traverse City Central High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1918. Craw served in both World Wars, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, and rose to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Craw served in the U.S. Army Air Service as a military attach\u00e9 to Greece where he reportedly came under fire 136 times and participated in 21 Royal Air Force bombing sorties. He received numerous commendations for his career of service, including the WWI and WWII Victory Medals, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart. Craw was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after he was killed in action near Port Lyautey, French-Morocco in November 1942 while attempting to broker a cease-fire.\r\nA broad coalition of veterans groups support naming the Traverse City VA Clinic after Colonel Craw, including the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition, VFW Cherryland Post #2780 and Auxiliary, Fife Lake American Legion Post #219, Michigan American Legion Post #35, the\u00a0 Northwestern Michigan Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, American Military League Post #1, and Northwestern Michigan College.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/rep-levin-statement-opportunities-reps-becerra-and-neal", "Rep. Levin Statement on Opportunities for Reps. Becerra and Neal", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today made the following statement on the opportunities for Reps. Becerra and Neal:\n\u201cI wanted to congratulate both of my colleagues, Xavier Becerra and Rich Neal, on the opportunities before them.\n\u201cThe State of California and Californians will be well served by Xavier\u2019s tenacity and dedication to principles of equality, opportunity and inclusion.\u00a0 I know he feels a special responsibility during these difficult times to look after vital legal interests in his home state.\n\u201cThe Ways and Means Committee will also be in good hands with Rich Neal as the Ranking Member and I endorse his election.\u00a0 He has the experience, dedication, and commitment to lead our committee.\u00a0 He has a track record of giving voice to working America and I look forward to working with him to counter reckless proposals by President-elect Trump or House Republicans that seek to turn back the progress we have made.\u201d\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-announces-247-million-grant-connected-automated-vehicle-research", "Dingell Announces $2.47 Million Grant for Connected & Automated Vehicle Research at University of Michigan", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today announced that the University of Michigan will receive a $2,470,600 grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s University Transportation Centers (UTC) program to establish a Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT). CCAT will advance research in the field of comprehensive transportation safety and congestion management by taking advantage of connected vehicles, connected infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles.\u00a0\n\u201cWe are at the cusp of a major transformation in the auto industry, and the University of Michigan is leading the way in the research and development of new technologies that will shape the future of mobility,\u201d said Dingell, co-chair of the House Smart Transportation Caucus. \u201cThis grant will give U-M new tools to address the critical transportation challenges facing our nation by promoting connected and autonomous technology research and education. I\u2019m also pleased that Washtenaw Community College will be a partner in this project, as they will bring a unique perspective and skill set to this important effort. This partnership demonstrates the level of expertise the state of Michigan has in this critical field.\u201d\nCCAT will test and demonstrate emerging technologies and concepts by leveraging the Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment, a unique \u2018living laboratory\u2019 that has instrumented urban streets and highways, thousands of connected vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and smart phones; and Mcity, a state-of-the art off-roadway test facility for connected and automated vehicle (CAV) testing and evaluation developed at University of Michigan.\nSample research topics include traffic flow characteristics and operations for mixed streams of CAVs and regular vehicles; transportation infrastructure design and planning for CAVs; cybersecurity management of CAVs and infrastructure; and societal impacts of CAVs in terms of safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.\nThe grant is one of 35 five-year grants awarded through the UTC program. U-M will lead a consortium of regional colleges and universities on the project, including Washtenaw Community College, Purdue University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Akron, and Central State University.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lawrence-elected-secretary-congressional-black-caucus", "Rep. Lawrence Elected as Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 1, 2016 | News Release\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released a statement on her election as Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 115th Congress:\n\u201cAs a Member of Congress, it has been a humbling and amazing experience serving the constituents of Michigan\u2019s 14th District.\u00a0 Now, as a part of leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus, this allows me to be a voice for African Americans not only for the 14th District, but for the needs and concerns of African American\u2019s nation-wide.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cTackling the issues facing the African American community is no small task, but I am honored to join my colleagues in the fight for fairness and equality.\u00a0 We will continue to be a voice for the voiceless and uphold our role as the conscience of Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-in-support-of-iran-sanctions-act-extension", "Peters Statement in Support of Iran Sanctions Act Extension", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Peters Statement in Support of Iran Sanctions Act Extension \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement following his vote in favor of renewing the Iran Sanctions Act. Peters is a cosponsor of the Senate version of the bill and has called for increased transparency in International Atomic Energy Agency reporting of Iran's nuclear activity.\r\nIt is vital that the United States and world powers in the P5+1 continue to hold Iran accountable to its obligations in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). A strong sanctions regime is what brought Iran to the negotiating table, and I firmly believe that the continued threat of additional sanctions remains the best way to deter Iran's nuclear ambitions. I have long argued that strongly enforcing the JCPOA requires reauthorization of the Iran Sanctions Act. While the terms of the JCPOA allows the United States to re-impose sanctions on Iran in response to violations, extending the Iran Sanctions Act will serve as a backstop and send a clear message that the United States remains committed to ensuring Iran adheres to the terms of the agreement and faces consequences if it fails to do so. This is critically necessary to ensure the safety of the United States and our allies, especially Israel.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-floor-remarks-in-support-of-iran-sanctions-act-extension", "Sen. Peters Floor Remarks in Support of Iran Sanctions Act Extension", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters' Floor Remarks in Support of Iran Sanctions Act Extension \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate today in support of renewing the Iran Sanctions Act to extend the existing sanctions framework for 10 years. Peters is a cosponsor of the Senate version of the bill and has called for increased transparency in International Atomic Energy Agency reporting of Iran's nuclear activity.\r\nBelow are his remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMr. / Madam President,\r\nI rise to express my support for legislation the Senate is considering today that will extend the Iran Sanctions Act for 10 years, before it expires in just 30 days.\r\nI will be voting for this bill later today and am proud to have cosponsored similar legislation earlier this year.\r\nThe Iran Sanctions Act, or ISA, is an important aspect of U.S. sanctions on Iran. The ISA was enacted in 1996 to tighten sanctions on Iran in response to its growing nuclear program and support for terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.\r\nThe ISA provides the legislative authority for many of the sanctions on Iran that were lifted, but may be reimplemented if Iran violates the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.\r\nThese include sanctions on foreign investment in Iran's oil and gas fields, sales of gasoline to Iran, and transportation of Iranian crude oil.\r\nEven though these sanctions were suspended by the JCPOA, we need this legal framework to address any Iranian violations of the deal so sanctions can be rapidly put back into place.\r\nAdditionally, this framework maintains some sanctions that were not lifted under the JCPOA. The ISA still requires the United States to sanction entities that assist Iran with acquiring or developing weapons of mass destruction, provide destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons, or participate in uranium mining ventures with Iran.\r\nThese provisions remain in place and it is critical that Congress not allow them to expire at the end of the year.\r\nI believe the Iran Sanctions Act has been effective and must be renewed.\r\nTough sanctions were critical to bringing Iran to the negotiating table, sanctions like those in the ISA and the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 which I voted for as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nThe JCPOA is the result of these and other tough, multilateral sanctions put in place through cooperation with international partners, but it is essential that the deal is strictly enforced.\r\nEarlier this year, I led a letter to President Obama, along with 14 of my colleagues, to express our concern about the lack of technical details published by the International Atomic Energy Agency - or IAEA - in reports on Iran's compliance with the JCPOA.\r\nWhile the IAEA is the watchdog responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the JCPOA, it is up to the United States and other parties of the JCPOA to respond to violations.\r\nTo ensure strict compliance, the IAEA should also publish technical details including the total quantity of Low Enriched Uranium in Iran and the amount produced at Natanz, specifics on Iran's centrifuge research and development, and progress made on converting Iranian nuclear facilities.\r\nThese details will provide independent experts and members of Congress conducting oversight of the JCPOA the opportunity to review the data behind the IAEA's analysis.\r\nIran opposes what we are doing here today, they will say that renewing the Iran Sanctions Act is a violation of the JCPOA. This is simply not true.\r\nReauthorizing the Iran Sanctions Act in no way violates the JCPOA. The Iran Sanctions Act has been the law of the land since 1996, it was in place when the JCPOA was adopted, and it remains in effect today.\r\nWith our vote today, Congress will make clear that the United States will not hesitate to maintain sanctions on Iran and those that seek to provide the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism with weapons of mass destruction.\r\nWe stand ready to impose rapid and strict punishments for any violation of the JCPOA. This sanctions regime is how we hold Iran accountable, strengthen our security, and deter Iranian hostility toward our allies, especially the State of Israel, which Iran has singled out as a target for destruction.\r\nDiplomacy is always our preferred course of action, but it does not work in a vacuum. It only works if it is backed up with credible deterrence.\r\nToday, we show the United States will continue our leadership against Iranian aggression - work that must continue in the years ahead.\r\nThank you Mr./Madam President.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/congressman-dan-kildee-on-congressman-levins-service-on-ways-and-means/", "Congressman Dan Kildee on Congressman Levins Service on Ways and Means", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee on Congressman Levin\u2019s Service on Ways and Means \n\t\t\t\t\tNovember 30, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after Congressman Sander Levin (MI-09), the Ranking Member on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, announced that he would not seek re-election to the Ranking Member position for the committee:\n\u201cWe all owe a debt of gratitude to Congressman Levin for his work as Chairman and Ranking Member of Ways and Means. Congressman Levin is a leader in Congress fighting to protect Social Security, Medicare and make sure health care is affordable for millions of Americans. On the committee, he has pushed for changes to make our tax code more fair for working families. And he\u2019s been an outspoken champion for working class people, standing up against unfair trade deals that do not put American workers first.\n\u201cI am proud to call Congressman Levin a friend and mentor, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve with him in the new Congress as we work on the important issues facing Michigan and our nation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/congressman-dan-kildee-urges-action-on-flint-before-end-of-114th-congress/", "Congressman Dan Kildee Urges Action on Flint Before End of 114th Congress", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee Urges Action on Flint Before End of 114th Congress \n\t\t\t\t\tNovember 30, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to urge Congress to come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass aid for the city of Flint and families affected by the ongoing water crisis.\n\u201cBefore we are Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans. We have a tradition in this country of always coming together for those who are facing a crisis, for those who are in great need. It is incumbent now upon Congress to do the same, to come together to help the people of Flint. I look forward to Democrats and Republicans coming together to do that,\u201d Congressman Kildee said on the House floor.\nA video of Congressman Kildee\u2019s full speech can be viewed here. A transcript of his remarks, as delivered, is below:\n\u201cMy hometown of Flint, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard me talk about this before, continues to suffer in this crisis. 100,000 people, citizens of that city, still cannot drink their water, exposed to high levels of lead. The crisis is far from over.\n\u201cFlint families still do not have access to clean drinking water. They demand \u2013 and we should provide \u2013 a response from every level of government, including the federal government.\n\u201cThat\u2019s why I am pleased and appreciate the fact that Democrats and Republicans, in the House and the Senate, have come together to make a commitment to help the people of Flint. Legislation passed in both bodies provides help for Flint. Well now we have to finish that work before we leave this session.\n\u201cBefore we are Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans. We have a tradition in this country of always coming together for those who are facing a crisis, for those who are in great need. It is incumbent now upon Congress to do the same, to come together to help the people of Flint. I look forward to Democrats and Republicans coming together to do that.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-supports-rep-becerra-ways-and-means-ranking-member", "Levin Supports Rep. Becerra for Ways and Means Ranking Member", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today shared the following letter with his Democratic Colleagues in support of Rep. Xavier Becerra\u2019s (CA-34) bid for the Ranking Member position of the Ways and Means Committee:\nDear Democratic Colleague,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I enthusiastically endorse Xavier Becerra as the next Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Xavier brings the perfect set of talents to the challenges we face on the Committee and in the U.S. House as we prepare to confront the uniquely destructive combination of President Trump and Speaker Ryan.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Strategic and Articulate \u2013 He is smart on policy but in a way that is both strategic and creative.\u00a0 He is always focused on creating a strategic approach and then effectively communicating it to the public.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Passionate and Principled \u2013 There is never any question about where Xavier stands.\u00a0 He fights for our progressive principles.\u00a0 They have grounded him his entire life in public service.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Strong and Collaborative \u2013 He has the experience to both reach out and keep us together. In previous legislative battles when there was the risk we would splinter, Xavier always spoke out about the need for unity.\u00a0 He knows that it will be our resolve that will effectively counter Trump/Ryan.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 His record as our Caucus Chair and a Member of the Ways and Means Committee speaks volumes to the type of Ranking Member that Xavier will be.\u00a0 As Caucus Chair, he has worked hard to involve Members and to assist their offices both in DC and in District.\u00a0 Also, whenever there was a tough job to be done \u2013 one where we needed to be sure that our principles were protected \u2013 Xavier was called on to represent us.\u00a0 This was certainly the case on the Bowles-Simpson Commission and the so-called Super Committee where Xavier was not going to allow a cuts-only approach that would sacrifice all of our domestic priorities.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Having served with Xavier and worked closely with him on the Committee, I am confident that he is the type of next generation leader that we need to fully assume the mantle of leadership in the battles of the next four years; battles that require all of us to be fully and actively involved on behalf of the American people.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you further in the days ahead.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-congressman-levin-s-service-ways-and-means", "Congressman Dan Kildee on Congressman Levins Service on Ways and Means", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after Congressman Sander Levin (MI-09), the Ranking Member on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, announced that he would not seek re-election to the Ranking Member position for the committee: We all owe a debt of gratitude to Congressman Levin for his work as Chairman and Ranking Member of Ways and Means. Congressman Levin is a leader in Congress fighting to protect Social Security, Medicare and make sure health care is affordable for millions of Americans. On the committee, he has pushed for changes to make our tax code more fair for working families. And he's been an outspoken champion for working class people, standing up against unfair trade deals that do not put American workers first. I am proud to call Congressman Levin a friend and mentor, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve with him in the new Congress as we work on the important issues facing Michigan and our nation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-urges-action-flint-end-114th-congress", "Congressman Dan Kildee Urges Action on Flint Before End of 114th Congress", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to urge Congress to come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass aid for the city of Flint and families affected by the ongoing water crisis. Before we are Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans. We have a tradition in this country of always coming together for those who are facing a crisis, for those who are in great need. It is incumbent now upon Congress to do the same, to come together to help the people of Flint. I look forward to Democrats and Republicans coming together to do that, Congressman Kildee said on the House floor. A video of Congressman Kildee's full speech can be viewed here. A transcript of his remarks, as delivered, is below: My hometown of Flint, I'm sure you've heard me talk about this before, continues to suffer in this crisis. 100,000 people, citizens of that city, still cannot drink their water, exposed to high levels of lead. The crisis is far from over. Flint families still do not have access to clean drinking water. They demand  and we should provide  a response from every level of government, including the federal government. That's why I am pleased and appreciate the fact that Democrats and Republicans, in the House and the Senate, have come together to make a commitment to help the people of Flint. Legislation passed in both bodies provides help for Flint. Well now we have to finish that work before we leave this session. Before we are Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans. We have a tradition in this country of always coming together for those who are facing a crisis, for those who are in great need. It is incumbent now upon Congress to do the same, to come together to help the people of Flint. I look forward to Democrats and Republicans coming together to do that.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-helps-pass-bipartisan-21st-century-cures-act", "Dingell Helps Pass Bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today voted in support of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, a package of bills that dedicates $6.3 billion over 10 years to fund critical biomedical research and fight the opioid epidemic. The legislation also includes much-needed mental health reforms. \u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s passage of the 21st Century Cures Act is a bipartisan success that will bring hope to millions of Americans and transform the way we treat diseases in this country. Not only will this legislation bring our health care infrastructure into the 21st century to get cures to the patients who need them, it will provide critical resources to fix our broken mental health system and address the opioid crisis, which is affecting too many families across the country.\u00a0\n\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act will have a positive impact on every patient who is waiting for a cure, every family that suffers from mental illness, and every American who is addicted to opioids or loves someone who is. I want to thank Fred Upton and Diana DeGette for their strong bipartisan leadership on this critical effort. It is because of their commitment and years of hard work that this win for patients and families will cross the finish line.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-peters-statement-on-epa-announcement-on-fuel-economy-standards", "Peters Statement on EPA Announcement on Fuel Economy Standards", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.16\n\t\t\t  Peters Statement on EPA Announcement on Fuel Economy Standards \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement on fuel economy standards:\r\nI have expressed to the Administration my concerns with EPA's decision to release the proposed Midterm Evaluation standard for vehicle emissions so far ahead of schedule. In order to protect our environment and ensure America remains economically competitive, our vehicles must continue to become more fuel-efficient while reducing harmful emissions. However, the pathway to achieving these shared goals must be based on science, hard data, and public input. We need to take the time to get this right, and this action rushes the agreed upon process for implementing new fuel economy standards.\r\nThe Midterm Evaluation process is intended to be a public and collaborative effort between stakeholders and federal agencies, where all parties have the opportunity to fully examine proposed standards and provide input to set accurate goals. I will continue working with my colleagues in Michigan's Congressional delegation, the current Administration, the next Administration and stakeholders to ensure this process remains collaborative and results in a unified national program to guide strong fuel economy standards.\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-calls-for-comprehensive-public-health-study-of-air-pollution-in-southeast-michigan", "Peters Calls for Comprehensive Public Health Study of Air Pollution in Southeast Michigan", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.16\n\t\t\t Peters Calls for Comprehensive Public Health Study of Air Pollution in Southeast Michigan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In Letter, Peters Urges International Joint Commission to Investigate Cumulative Impact of Air Pollution on Residents\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today sent a letter to the International Joint Commission (IJC) urging them to investigate the cumulative public health impact of air pollution along the United States-Canadian border in Wayne County, Michigan and Essex County, Ontario. Air pollution continues to be a major health problem in Southeast Michigan, and sources like petroleum coke, oil refineries, coal power plants and industrial facilities emit pollutants that can have negative effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular health of residents.\r\nWayne County and Essex County residents deserve to know the cumulative impact that these multiple air pollutants have on their health. Residents in this region are exposed to a combination of pollutants and there is growing concern that this exposure is detrimental to their health, despite the area meeting individual pollutant standards,wrote Senator Peters in the letter. In light of these issues, I urge the IJC to investigate the cumulative impact that exposure to multiple air pollutants has on human health along the U.S.-Canadian border. I also ask that the IJC begin to identify the most serious air quality threats and provide recommendations for actions that would better safeguard human health in this region.\r\nMichigan State Representative Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) also sent a letter to the IJC calling for a public health study.\r\nSouthwest Detroit, River Rouge, and Ecorse face some of the worst air pollution in Michigan. The combination of various pollutants from refineries, steel plants, power plants, international bridge truck traffic, and more has had enormous effects on the health of residents in my district,said Rep. Chang.We are asking the International Joint Commission to conduct a cumulative impact study in Wayne and Essex Counties so we can know the full combined impact, both from the multiple sources of pollution and the multiple types of pollutants.\r\nCurrently, part of Wayne County does not meet federal air quality standards for sulfur dioxide, and a number of harmful air pollutants are emitted into the densely populated areas along the Detroit River, including Southwest Detroit and Downriver areas. Asthmatics are particularly sensitive to air pollution, and Detroit has the highest rate of asthma in young children among the 18 largest cities in the United States, with over 12 percent or approximately 24,000 children under the age of 11 suffering. Asthma is also the single largest cause of student absenteeism in Detroit schools.\r\nThe IJC, which was created by the United State and Canada, is charged with regulating shared water uses, investigating transboundary issues and recommending solutions. The United States Department of State and Centers for Disease Control were also cc'ed on the letter.\r\nThe full text of the letter is copied below and availablehere:\r\n\r\nNovember 30, 2016\r\nGordon Walker, Canada Section Chair  Lana Pollack, U.S. Section Chair\r\nInternational Joint Commission  International Joint Commission\r\n234 Laurier Avenue West  2000 L Street, N.W.\r\n22nd Floor  Suite 615\r\nOttawa, ON K1P 6K6  Washington, D.C. 20440\r\nDear Chairman Walker and Chairwoman Pollack,\r\nAs the body that assists the Governments of Canada and the United States to examine and implement air quality solutions, I request that the International Joint Commission (IJC) investigate the cumulative public health impact of air pollution along the United States-Canadian border in Wayne County, Michigan and Essex County, Ontario. This study is critical to inform future actions that will better protect human health in a region that is vulnerable to high levels of pollution.\r\nAs you are probably aware, air pollution continues to be a major problem in Southeast Michigan. Detroit has the highest rate of asthma in young children among the 18 largest cities in the United States, affecting over 12 percent of children or approximately 24,000 kids under the age of 11. Air pollution makes asthma symptoms worse and can trigger attacks. Despite this well-documented problem, only a few years ago, three-story high piles of petroleum coke lined the banks of the Detroit River in the open air, causing particulate matter to blow into the homes, businesses, and lungs of those living in the neighborhood close by.\r\nCurrently, a portion of Wayne County does not meet federal sulfur dioxide air quality standards, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality only recently submitted their plan to reduce emissions. In addition to sulfur dioxide, a number of harmful air pollutants are emitted into densely populated areas on both sides of the Detroit River. Wayne County  particularly Southwest Detroit, Dearborn and Downriver  and Essex County, Ontario are home to an oil refinery, international crossings, multiple industrial facilities and power plants, and more. These sources emit pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides that have severe respiratory and cardiovascular health effects\r\nWayne County and Essex County residents deserve to know the cumulative impact that these multiple air pollutants have on their health. Residents in this region are exposed to a combination of pollutants and there is growing concern that this exposure is detrimental to their health, despite the area meeting individual pollutant standards. Additionally, the Detroit Riverfront continues to face threats from new pollution sources. For example, there have been recent proposals to store uncontained metallurgical coke along the riverfront despite residents' opposition to yet another source of fine particulate matter in the area.\r\nIn light of these issues, I urge the IJC to investigate the cumulative impact that exposure to multiple air pollutants has on human health along the U.S.-Canadian border. I also ask that the IJC begin to identify the most serious air quality threats and provide recommendations for actions that would better safeguard human health in this region. Thank you for your consideration of this request and I look forward to your response.\r\n\r\nCc: Secretary Kerry, Department of State\r\nDirector Frieden, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-epa-emissions-standards-announcement", "Senator Stabenow Statement on EPA Emissions Standards Announcement", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement on EPA Emissions Standards Announcement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following the announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency that it will leave in place emissions standards for cars and light trucks through 2025:\r\n\r\n\u201cToday I spoke with Administration officials and expressed concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s process in developing today\u2019s proposal.\u00a0 It\u2019s critical that federal regulators work closely with industry and all stakeholders before the final standards are issued to ensure emission requirements are based on sound science, are achievable, and are in the best interest of Michigan workers and consumers.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-encourages-next-generation-leadership-ways-and-means-committee", "Levin Encourages the Next Generation of Leadership on Ways and Means Committee", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) shared the following letter with his Democratic Colleagues today regarding the Ranking Member position on the Ways and Means Committee:\nDear Democratic Colleague,\nDonald Trump as President changes virtually everything.\u00a0 It has been important that we have taken some time over the last weeks to discuss the future of our Democratic Caucus for we have not faced such an \u201call hands on deck moment\u201d as we do right now.\nI want to do my part to ensure that we are united in the efforts necessary to stop President Trump and Speaker Ryan as they seek to take this country in a very different direction and turn back the clock on progress we have made and had hoped to continue making.\nSo, for two reasons, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Ranking position on the Ways and Means Committee.\nFirst, it is imperative that we support younger Members as they seek to fully assume the mantle of leadership in the four years ahead, as we also continue to tap the experience of those who have led so many of these battles.\nSecond, I want to be free to focus in addition to tax reform on two of my legislative passions: health care and trade.\nAs Chair in 2010 when we passed the Affordable Care Act, I feel a sense of responsibility to help preserve it and there are now 20 million people counting on us to stop President Trump and the House Republicans from repealing it.\u00a0 In addition, Medicare and Medicaid which have been strengthened by ACA are again under attack by Republicans who have repeatedly tried to turn them into vouchers or block grants.\nFrom trying to address unfair trade with Japan in the 1980s, opposing NAFTA in the 1990s, calling out China\u2019s currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices in the 2000s, and writing the language that added labor and environmental standards to trade agreements for the first time, I also feel a special responsibility to continue putting forward solutions to the challenges of globalization as an alternative to the demagoguery of Donald Trump.\nMy determination to fight harder than ever in the next months has only deepened with the news that the creator of the media platform for the dangerous alternative right movement which promotes conspiracy theories and white nationalism will take a seat in the White House advising the next U.S. President.\nI have very much appreciated your support and look forward to our continued efforts together.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-epa-s-decision-test-14-dioxane-health-environmental", "Dingell Statement on EPAs Decision to Test 1,4-Dioxane for Health, Environmental Risks", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 1,4-dioxane will be among the first ten chemicals evaluated under new reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).\u00a0\n\u201cEPA\u2019s decision to conduct a risk evaluation of 1,4-dioxane for potential hazards to human health and the environment is critical for the 12th district of Michigan. The growing dioxane plume that has been spreading through Ann Arbor\u2019s groundwater for decades poses a potential threat to our families and the community, and this announcement from EPA will help give us new tools to deal with this decades-old problem.\u00a0\n\u201cTSCA reform was one of the few bipartisan accomplishments of the Congress this year. Under the new reforms, 1,4-dioxane and thousands of other potentially hazardous chemicals will be reviewed for impacts on health and the environment on a priority basis. It is very significant that 1,4-dioxane is among the first ten chemicals that EPA chose to evaluate and speaks to the importance of this work. The EPA must complete a risk evaluation of dioxane and the other nine chemicals within three years to determine whether they present a risk to humans and the environment. If it is determined that a chemical presents an unreasonable risk, EPA must mitigate that risk within two years.\u00a0\n\u201cWe will continue to monitor this effort by EPA to ensure families in Michigan and across the country are protected from this toxic chemical. In the short-term, a petition to declare the Gelman dioxane plume a federal superfund site has been submitted to the EPA and we will continue to work with local officials to move that request forward. We will work with all stakeholders to ensure this contamination is properly remediated and the health of our families is protected.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/effort-combat-declining-water-quality-lake-erie-dingell-kaptur-urge-epa", "In Effort to Combat Declining Water Quality in Lake Erie, Dingell & Kaptur Urge EPA to Declare Area Impaired", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) today sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy urging EPA to list the open waters of Lake Erie\u2019s Western Basin as impaired under the terms of the Clean Water Act. The area continues to experience a decline in water quality due to high levels of nutrients that are producing harmful toxic algal blooms, which pose a serious health risk for residents. While Michigan has included Lake Erie on its list of impaired waters submitted to the EPA, Ohio has not.\n\u201cEnsuring that citizens have clean drinking water is an essential role of government,\u201d Dingell and Kaptur wrote. \u201cOne third of the total population of the Great Lakes Basin resides in the Lake Erie watershed, and 11 million people depend on this freshwater resource for their drinking water. Beyond the serious health considerations, the Great Lakes are home to a $4.5 billion recreational and commercial fishing industry, which is also threatened by the persistent presence of harmful algal blooms.\u201d\n\u201cWe applaud the State of Michigan for taking this responsible and proactive stance,\u201d the Representatives continued. \u201cUnfortunately, the State of Ohio has chosen not to follow suit, despite clear evidence of Lake Erie\u2019s impairment and the potential risks to human health and safety. An impairment designation for the Western Basin of Lake Erie by Ohio EPA is an essential step in an effective response to managing excessive phosphorous, the root cause of harmful algal blooms. We urge you to use your legal authority under the Clean Water Act to bring Ohio\u2019s list into alignment with the State of Michigan as an important step in addressing this public health threat.\u201d\nUnder the Clean Water Act, states are required to submit lists of impaired waters to EPA\u2019s regional offices each year. These are waters that are too polluted or otherwise degraded to meet water quality standards. The law requires that the states establish priority rankings for waters on the lists and develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still safely meet water quality standards. This serves as a starting point for restoration or protection activities.\nThe Representatives\u2019 full letter can be read here\u00a0and below.\nDear Administrator McCarthy:\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Western Basin of Lake Erie continues to experience a decline in water quality due to high levels of nutrients that are fueling harmful algal blooms and the toxin they produce. \u00a0These blooms represent a serious health risk for our constituents. \u00a0In 2014, nearly half a million citizens in the City of Toledo\u2019s drinking water service area experienced a three day drinking water ban due to high levels of microcystin in the treatment system. \u00a0USEPA has acknowledged the urgent need for addressing nutrient related toxins in its on-going work with Canada through the bi-national Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement process. \u00a0Yet, the path to recovery requires additional legal reinforcement through USEPA\u2019s recognition of the open waters of Lake Erie\u2019s Western Basin as impaired under the terms of the Clean Water Act.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Recently, the State of Michigan stepped up to its responsibilities by recognizing the serious challenges facing Lake Erie. \u00a0Michigan\u2019s Department of Environmental Quality has included the open waters of Western Lake Erie on its Section 303(d) list of impaired waters, as submitted to USEPA. \u00a0We applaud the State of Michigan for taking this responsible and proactive stance. \u00a0Unfortunately, the State of Ohio has chosen not to follow suit, despite clear evidence of Lake Erie\u2019s impairment and the potential risks to human health and safety. \u00a0An impairment designation for the Western Basin of Lake Erie by Ohio EPA is an essential step in an effective response to managing excessive phosphorous, the root cause of harmful algal blooms. \u00a0We urge you to use your legal authority under the Clean Water Act to bring Ohio\u2019s list into alignment with the State of Michigan as an important step in addressing this public health threat.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Ensuring that citizens have clean drinking water is an essential role of government. \u00a0One third of the total population of the Great Lakes Basin resides in the Lake Erie watershed, and 11 million people depend on this freshwater resource for their drinking water. \u00a0Beyond the serious health considerations, the Great Lakes are home to a $4.5 billion recreational and commercial fishing industry, which is also threatened by the persistent presence of harmful algal blooms. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\tWe urge USEPA to fulfill its obligation under the Clean Water Act and to list the open waters of Lake Erie\u2019s Western Basin as impaired. \u00a0We also ask USEPA to provide leadership by coordinating the states\u2019 efforts in the Western Lake Erie Basin to meet the 40 percent phosphorous reduction goals for waters in this region, as reflected in the Annex IV of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement with Canada. \u00a0 Through these actions, USEPA will fulfill its stated mission and legal obligation to protect human health and the environment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-nomination-of-rep-price-as-secretary-of-health-and-human-services", "Senator Stabenow Statement on Nomination of Rep. Price as Secretary of Health and Human Services", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement on Nomination of Rep. Price as Secretary of Health and Human Services \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 29, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement on the nomination of Congressman Tom Price to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:\r\n\u201cI am deeply concerned by the nomination of Rep. Tom Price to lead HHS, someone who supports dismantling Medicare and Medicaid, slashing Social Security, gutting women\u2019s health services, eliminating healthcare for 20 million people and eliminating critical patient protections for everyone with health insurance. \u00a0It is vital that whoever leads the Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to protecting the health of all Americans. \u00a0Tom Price\u2019s nomination raises serious questions about how our country will continue providing quality, affordable healthcare for millions of American families going forward.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-peters-applauds-dot-competition-for-national-automated-vehicle-proving-grounds", "Sen. Peters Applauds DOT Competition for National Automated Vehicle Proving Grounds", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Peters Applauds DOT Competition for National Automated Vehicle Proving Grounds \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Smart Transportation Caucus, released the following statement on the Department of Transportation's (DOT) announcement of a competition to designate national proving grounds for testing and validating connected and automated vehicle technologies:\r\nIn order to maximize the life-saving benefits of connected and automated vehicle technologies and keep America at the forefront of the auto industry, we must have the proving grounds to ensure these technologies are ready for our roads. I have strongly urged the Administration to designate national connected and automated vehicle testing facilities, and I'm pleased the Department of Transportation is moving forward with a competitive process to help the United States continue to be a leader in the development of advanced vehicle technologies.\r\nMichigan has long been considered the automotive capital of the world, and our state has the world-class universities, engineering talent, manufacturing and auto research and development enterprises to remain the center of vehicle technology for the future. The American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti will soon offer a large-scale facility for partners in academia, government and the private sector to come together to validate advanced vehicle technologies, and I believe this facility is a top contender to be designated as a national proving ground.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/congressman-dan-kildee-air-force-needs-to-do-more-to-address-the-ground-water-contamination-near-the-former-wurtsmith-afb/", "Congressman Dan Kildee: Air Force Needs to Do More to Address the Ground Water Contamination Near the Former Wurtsmith AFB", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee: Air Force Needs to Do More to Address the Ground Water Contamination Near the Former Wurtsmith AFB \n\t\t\t\t\tNovember 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy, Miranda A.A. Ballentine, to request more information regarding the status of perflourinated chemicals (PFCs) in the drinking water surrounding the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, and urge the Air Force to act with more urgency to address the situation.\nThe letter reads in part: \u201cAt the Air Force\u2019s public meeting on October 25, 2016, Oscoda residents near the former WAFB asked many questions that the Air Force was unable to answer. This lack of information and transparency is unacceptable. After more than two years since discovering the widespread contamination of PFCs in groundwater surrounding WAFB, the Air Force needs to show more attention and urgency to this issue.\u201d\nEarlier this year, Congressman Kildee visited Oscoda, where he met with local and state officials and called on both the state of Michigan and the Air Force to provide clean drinking water for residents until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency releases updated provisional health advisory levels, additional testing is completed and the water is deemed safe. Congressman Kildee previously wrote to the Air Force to ask questions about water quality in the community after testing results around the former base showed positive PFC levels.\nFull text of the letter can be found below:\nAssistant Secretary Ballentine:\nFirst, I want to thank the U.S. Air Force for re-establishing the Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board. I hope that by reestablishing the Board, there will be increased communication between the Air Force, residents in Oscoda, Mich. and local and state governments.\nWhile I welcome this progress, I continue to have significant concerns that the people near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (WAFB) do not have access to safe drinking water in their homes as result of contamination from perflourinated chemicals (PFCs). While at the time of use, little was known about the negative effects of PFCs. As more research is being done it is becoming clear PFCs have serious health impacts. And it is now the Air Force\u2019s responsibility to ensure that people with contaminated water have access to safe drinking water.\nAt the Air Force\u2019s public meeting on October 25, 2016, Oscoda residents near the former WAFB asked many questions that the Air Force was unable to answer. This lack of information and transparency is unacceptable. After more than two years since discovering the widespread contamination of PFCs in groundwater surrounding WAFB, the Air Force needs to show more attention and urgency to this issue. \nThus, I ask that the Air Force give complete answers to the following questions:\n \nOn multiple occasions, the Air Force has stated that it is prevented from providing impacted residents with safe drinking water unless contamination levels reach the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Health Advisory levels for PFC compounds\u00a0 perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).\n \n \nAt the recent public meeting, the Air Force indicated another PFC compound present in the water near WAFB, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), is being studied and will likely also show negative health impacts. If scientific evidence is published showing negative health impacts from ingesting PFHxS, will the Air Force act to provide safe drinking water to residents with the PFC compound PFHxS in their water?\n \n \nWhat are the width, depth and movement of the PFC plume?\u00a0 How long will it take to have a complete map of the contamination? Has the Air Force asked for technical expertise from the U.S. Geologic Survey to determine the scope of PFC contamination?\n \n \nWhat is the Air Force doing to make sure the PFC contamination near\u00a0 WAFB does not spread?\nThe most recent plume map shows contamination traveling under Van Etten Lake and up to Lake Huron.\u00a0 Are there studies of the impact in and under Lake Huron? Will the Great Lakes face potential contamination from PFCs released at\u00a0 WAFB?\n \n \nCurrently, the Air Force has pumping stations around WAFB designed to control earlier identified contamination plumes of trichloroethylene, dichloroethylene, benzene and other contaminations. The Air Force has been using those same pumping stations to treat water containing PFCs. Are the current pumping stations adequately sequestering the PFC plume on base? What are the PFC levels coming in and out of each pumping station? What effects are the effluents having on the watershed and Lake Huron?\n \n \nThe Michigan Department of Environmental Quality tested water in fire hydrants sealed when WAFB closed. The test results show water with PFC concentrations above the EPA\u2019s Health Advisory level. This indicates that residents living on the base were potentially exposed to PFCs in their water at concentrations above the EPA\u2019s Health Advisory level. Is there an effort to reach out to former service members and their families who lived at WAFB to conduct a health survey and provide healthcare for conditions associated with PFC exposure? \n \nI look forward to receiving your response to these questions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-air-force-needs-do-more-address-ground-water", "Congressman Dan Kildee: Air Force Needs to Do More to Address the Ground Water Contamination Near the Former Wurtsmith AFB", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy, Miranda A.A. Ballentine, to request more information regarding the status of perflourinated chemicals (PFCs) in the drinking water surrounding the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, and urge the Air Force to act with more urgency to address the situation.\nThe letter reads in part: At the Air Force's public meeting on October 25, 2016, Oscoda residents near the former WAFB asked many questions that the Air Force was unable to answer. This lack of information and transparency is unacceptable. After more than two years since discovering the widespread contamination of PFCs in groundwater surrounding WAFB, the Air Force needs to show more attention and urgency to this issue.\nEarlier this year, Congressman Kildee visited Oscoda, where he met with local and state officials and called on both the state of Michigan and the Air Force to provide clean drinking water for residents until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency releases updated provisional health advisory levels, additional testing is completed and the water is deemed safe. Congressman Kildee previously wrote to the Air Force to ask questions about water quality in the community after testing results around the former base showed positive PFC levels.\nFull text of the letter can be found below: \nAssistant Secretary Ballentine:\nFirst, I want to thank the U.S. Air Force for re-establishing the Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board. I hope that by reestablishing the Board, there will be increased communication between the Air Force, residents in Oscoda, Mich. and local and state governments.\nWhile I welcome this progress, I continue to have significant concerns that the people near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (WAFB) do not have access to safe drinking water in their homes as result of contamination from perflourinated chemicals (PFCs). While at the time of use, little was known about the negative effects of PFCs. As more research is being done it is becoming clear PFCs have serious health impacts. And it is now the Air Force's responsibility to ensure that people with contaminated water have access to safe drinking water.\nAt the Air Force's public meeting on October 25, 2016, Oscoda residents near the former WAFB asked many questions that the Air Force was unable to answer. This lack of information and transparency is unacceptable. After more than two years since discovering the widespread contamination of PFCs in groundwater surrounding WAFB, the Air Force needs to show more attention and urgency to this issue. \nThus, I ask that the Air Force give complete answers to the following questions:\n On multiple occasions, the Air Force has stated that it is prevented from providing impacted residents with safe drinking water unless contamination levels reach the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Health Advisory levels for PFC compounds perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).\n  At the recent public meeting, the Air Force indicated another PFC compound present in the water near WAFB, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), is being studied and will likely also show negative health impacts. If scientific evidence is published showing negative health impacts from ingesting PFHxS, will the Air Force act to provide safe drinking water to residents with the PFC compound PFHxS in their water?\n  What are the width, depth and movement of the PFC plume? How long will it take to have a complete map of the contamination? Has the Air Force asked for technical expertise from the U.S. Geologic Survey to determine the scope of PFC contamination?\n  What is the Air Force doing to make sure the PFC contamination near WAFB does not spread?\n\tThe most recent plume map shows contamination traveling under Van Etten Lake and up to Lake Huron. Are there studies of the impact in and under Lake Huron? Will the Great Lakes face potential contamination from PFCs released at WAFB?\n  Currently, the Air Force has pumping stations around WAFB designed to control earlier identified contamination plumes of trichloroethylene, dichloroethylene, benzene and other contaminations. The Air Force has been using those same pumping stations to treat water containing PFCs. Are the current pumping stations adequately sequestering the PFC plume on base? What are the PFC levels coming in and out of each pumping station? What effects are the effluents having on the watershed and Lake Huron?\n  The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality tested water in fire hydrants sealed when WAFB closed. The test results show water with PFC concentrations above the EPA's Health Advisory level. This indicates that residents living on the base were potentially exposed to PFCs in their water at concentrations above the EPA's Health Advisory level. Is there an effort to reach out to former service members and their families who lived at WAFB to conduct a health survey and provide healthcare for conditions associated with PFC exposure? \n I look forward to receiving your response to these questions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-peters-stabenow-join-michigan-officials-break-ground-american", "Dingell, Peters, Stabenow Join Michigan Officials to Break Ground on American Center for Mobility at Willow Run", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today joined Governor Rick Snyder, state officials and leaders in automotive technology to celebrate the groundbreaking of the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run, a global center for testing, education and product development for connected and automated vehicles.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cToday is a great step forward for Michigan and the auto industry,\u201d said Congresswoman Dingell. \u00a0\u201cConnected and automated vehicles will revolutionize transportation and mobility over the next decade, and this state-of-the-art facility will help ensure that the technology of the future is developed right here in Michigan. We have the automotive know-how to lead the world in mobility innovation, and the American Center for Mobility will keep us at the forefront of that effort.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cToday\u2019s groundbreaking is a significant step forward in ensuring the American Center for Mobility will keep Michigan and the United States at the forefront of advanced vehicle technologies,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019ve been proud to be involved in this project since its conception, and this world-class testing facility will bring together automakers, suppliers and researchers to develop and validate the vehicles of the future.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI am so excited to break ground on this new facility that will secure Michigan\u2019s future as a leader in autonomous and connected vehicles,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u00a0\u201cToday\u2019s celebration is another example of the big things Michigan can achieve when we work together. \u00a0I look forward to a continued partnership with Senator Gary Peters and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as well as federal, state and industry leaders as we look ahead to the future of the industry that built the American middle class.\u201d\u00a0\nThe American Center for Mobility, located at the former Willow Run Site in Ypsilanti Township, will be a purpose-built facility designed for research, education, testing, standards-convening, product development, validation and self-certification for connected and automated technologies as well as future mobility.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-call-for-improved-mail-service-protections-in-comprehensive-postal-reform-legislation", "Peters and Stabenow Call for Improved Mail Service Protections in Comprehensive Postal Reform Legislation", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.16\n\t\t\t Peters and Stabenow Call for Improved Mail Service Protections in Comprehensive Postal Reform Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of more than 80 legislators from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in calling for adding lasting solutions to improve and protect mail delivery and service in comprehensive U.S. Postal Service reform legislation introduced in the House.\r\nPeters, Stabenow and their colleagues are pressing House and Senate leaders for better, more reliable mail service  which is often a critical lifeline for families and businesses across the country in both rural and urban areas. To address a significant decline in U.S. Postal Service performance  including a complete elimination of the overnight service standard  as well as mail processing plant consolidations and post office hour reductions, the senators and members called for improvements to the current postal reform legislation in the House so it would better protect and boost the reliability, accountability and transparency of the U.S. Postal Service. The legislators also encouraged the enforcement of improved mail delivery standards in part through continual review of affordable mail service options that will help keep the Postal Service strong for years to come.\r\nThe United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline throughout our country, connecting loved ones and families, delivering prescription drugs and other critical items, and allowing our businesses to ship products all over the world,wrote Peters, Stabenow and their colleagues.While the importance of reliable mail delivery for customers, especially those living in rural areas, has not changed, the Postal Service's ability to perform that service has substantially declined, and it is critical that Congress take action on this topic when we consider comprehensive postal reform. \r\nTogether, the members of Congress are calling on congressional leaders to build on the progress of the current U.S. House of Representatives' bipartisanPostal Reform Act of 2016, which would help improve the Postal Service's financial condition. Additionally, the group is pushing for key provisions to strengthen mail service, improve delivery, and protect Postal Service customers, including:\r\n \r\nMaking mail service and delivery more reliable The Postal Service needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.\r\n \r\n \r\nImproving accountability and transparency at the Postal Service Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when mail service and delivery targets are not met.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting enforcement to make sure the Postal Service meets mail delivery and service standards The Postal Service must take action to meet its operational plans and not be able to lower mail service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.\r\n \r\n \r\nContinuing to review the fiscal state of the Postal Service to help it remain solvent Provide regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service's finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.\r\n \r\nLast year Peters, a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined his colleagues in introducing legislation to improve rural mail service and delivery and provide protections for post offices and postal employees in rural communities across the country.The Rural Postal Act of 2015would place a two-year moratorium on postal mail processing facility closures, restore delivery standards and preserve six-day mail home delivery.\r\nJoining Peters and Stabenow's call are the following 25 U.S. Senators: Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Tester (D-MT), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Angus King (I-ME), Al Franken (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Chris Coons (D-DE).\r\nThe text of the letter is copied below or availablehere:\r\nDear Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Reid, Chairman Johnson, and Ranking Member Carper:\r\n The United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline throughout our country, connecting loved ones and families, delivering prescription drugs and other critical items, and allowing our businesses to ship products all over the world. It is an institution that has been relied upon by the American postal customer for more than two hundred years. While the importance of reliable mail delivery for customers, especially those living in rural areas, has not changed, the Postal Service's ability to perform that service has substantially declined, and it is critical that Congress take action on this topic when we consider comprehensive postal reform. \r\n  From mail processing plant consolidations, to reductions in post office hours, to the complete elimination of the overnight service standard, rural America has been hit especially hard in recent years by degradations in mail service. While the current service standard for First-Class Mail is 2-3 days, the actual delivery of mail can take far longer than this standard. This is unacceptable for postal customers in rural America and across the country, and it simply does not meet the requirement for universal quality of service by which the Postal Service is bound.\r\n While we are encouraged by the postal reform legislation Chairman Chaffetz and Ranking Member Cummings reported out of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to improve the Postal Service's financial condition, we are deeply concerned by the lack of service improvements and protection provisions in the bill. For any comprehensive postal reform bill to have a chance of passing this Congress, it needs to truly address the key problem facing customers across the country, which is the need for better service performance.\r\n The Postal Service's elimination of the overnight delivery standard in early 2015 had a sweeping impact on mail delivery and Postal employees' lives and jobs. This included further mail processing facility consolidations, equipment changes, added transportation costs, job relocations, and renegotiated contracts. The costs of going back to the July 2012 service standard would be significant and should be carefully and accurately examined. In the meantime, it is critical for us to focus our attention on improving service performance.\r\n Service performance is a different issue than simply looking at the service standard. Service performance is what the postal customer experiences every day and represents the ability of the Postal Service to actually deliver mail between two points within the current 2-3 day standard. In order to ensure that the Postal Service is able to perform within this current standard, there must be an accurate understanding of how long it takes for mail to be delivered in rural and urban communities throughout the country. Such information allows Congress and the Postal Service to tackle the most pressing postal service problem at hand: the lack of adequate delivery performance under the current 2-3 day First-Class Mail service standard. \r\n Any comprehensive postal legislation should include the following service protections and improvements in order to meet that challenge:\r\n \r\nReliability The Postal Service needs a performance target system to ensure the accurate measurement of mail delivery across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.\r\nAccountability & Transparency Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when targets are not met.\r\nEnforcement Postal Service must take action to meet their operational plans and not be able to lower service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.\r\nContinual Review Development and regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service's finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.\r\n \r\n These concepts are included in bipartisan postal legislation introduced in the Senate. Furthermore, those concepts strike a healthy balance between a complete return to July 2012 standards and addressing the service performance issues we face today.\r\nThe Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation. It is essential that we preserve the Postal Service's commitment to the American public. For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability. Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy. Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our communities and families truly thrive.\r\nThank you for your consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-dingell-join-michigan-officials-to-break-ground-on-american-center-for-mobility-at-willow-run", "Peters, Stabenow, Dingell Join Michigan Officials to Break Ground on American Center for Mobility at Willow Run", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.16\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow, Dingell Join Michigan Officials to Break Ground on American Center for Mobility at Willow Run \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tYPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined Governor Rick Snyder, state officials and leaders in automotive technology to celebrate the groundbreaking of the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run, a global center for testing, education and product development for connected and automated vehicles.\r\nToday's groundbreaking is a significant step forward in ensuring the American Center for Mobility will keep Michigan and the United States at the forefront of advanced vehicle technologies,said Senator Peters. I've been proud to be involved in this project since its conception, and this world-class testing facility will bring together automakers, suppliers and researchers to develop and validate the vehicles of the future.\r\nI am so excited to break ground on this new facility that will secure Michigan's future as a leader in autonomous and connected vehicles, said Senator Stabenow. Today's celebration is another example of the big things Michigan can achieve when we work together. I look forward to a continued partnership with Senator Gary Peters and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as well as federal, state and industry leaders as we look ahead to the future of the industry that built the American middle class.\r\nToday is a great step forward for Michigan and the auto industry,said Congresswoman Dingell. Connected and automated vehicles will revolutionize transportation and mobility over the next decade, and this state-of-the-art facility will help ensure that the technology of the future is developed right here in Michigan. We have the automotive know-how to lead the world in mobility innovation, and the American Center for Mobility will keep us at the forefront of that effort.\r\nThe American Center for Mobility, located at the former Willow Run Site in Ypsilanti Township, will be a purpose-built facility designed for research, education, testing, standards-convening, product development, validation and self-certification for connected and automated technologies as well as future mobility.\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-tours-small-businesses-in-big-rapids", "Senator Stabenow Tours Small Businesses in Big Rapids", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Tours Small Businesses in Big Rapids \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMonday, November 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow met with businesses in Big Rapids as part of her small business tour across the state. Stabenow met with business owners at Old Pioneer Store & Emporium, Schuberg\u2019s Bar & Grill, and Great Lakes Book & Supply. Senator Stabenow\u2019s small business tour has included stops in Ithaca, Mt. Pleasant, South Haven, Bangor, St. Johns, Imlay City, Lapeer, Battle Creek, Albion, Portland, Ionia, Harrison Township, Mount Clemens, Utica, Plainwell, Paw Paw, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Jackson, Flint, Bay City, Ludington, Onaway, Grand Haven, Hastings, Holland, Muskegon, Marquette, St. Ignace and Escanaba.\r\n\u201cWhen we buy local, whether it\u2019s from a neighborhood book store, restaurant, or gift shop, it\u2019s a win for our economy,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cIt was inspiring to meet these innovative and resilient business owners.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt comes as no surprise to my community that The Band of Locals\u00a0are champions for our local small business and we appreciate Senator Stabenow visiting our community,\u201d said Carlleen Rose, Owner of Old Pioneer Store & Emporium.\r\n\u201cIt was a great honor to meet Senator Stabenow and have her come to our humble restaurant and speak with our patrons,\u201d said Jennifer Rumsey, Owner of Schuberg\u2019s Bar & Grill.\r\n\u201cPeople were so pleased to meet Senator Stabenow,\u201d said Lynn Anderson, Owner of Great Lakes Book & Supply. \u201cWe were honored to have her stop by and we appreciate the support she gives the area.\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-dingell-join-michigan-officials-to-break-ground-on-american-center-for-mobility-at-willow-run", "Stabenow, Peters, Dingell Join Michigan Officials to Break Ground on American Center for Mobility at Willow Run", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters, Dingell Join Michigan Officials to Break Ground on American Center for Mobility at Willow Run \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMonday, November 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) and U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined Governor Rick Snyder, state officials and leaders in automotive technology to celebrate the groundbreaking of the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run, a global center for testing, education and product development for connected and automated vehicles.\r\n\u201cI am so excited to break ground on this new facility that will secure Michigan\u2019s future as a leader in autonomous and connected vehicles,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cToday\u2019s celebration is another example of the big things Michigan can achieve when we work together.\u00a0 I look forward to a continued partnership with Senator Gary Peters and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as well as federal, state and industry leaders as we look ahead to the future of the industry that built the American middle class.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s groundbreaking is a significant step forward in ensuring the American Center for Mobility will keep Michigan and the United States at the forefront of advanced vehicle technologies,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019ve been proud to be involved in this project since its conception, and this world-class testing facility will bring together automakers, suppliers and researchers to develop and validate the vehicles of the future.\u201d\r\n\u201cToday is a great step forward for Michigan and the auto industry,\u201d said Congresswoman Dingell. \u00a0\u201cConnected and automated vehicles will revolutionize transportation and mobility over the next decade, and this state-of-the-art facility will help ensure that the technology of the future is developed right here in Michigan. We have the automotive know-how to lead the world in mobility innovation, and the American Center for Mobility will keep us at the forefront of that effort.\u201d\r\nThe American Center for Mobility, located at the former Willow Run Site in Ypsilanti Township, will be a purpose-built facility designed for research, education, testing, standards-convening, product development, validation and self-certification for connected and automated technologies as well as future mobility.\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-announces-6-million-grant-southeast-michigan-community-alliance", "Dingell Announces $6 Million Grant for Southeast Michigan Community Alliance to Boost Workforce Training", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today announced that the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) will receive a $6 million grant through the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s America\u2019s Promise grant competition to strengthen and expand workforce training partnerships.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cRegional partnerships between industry, education, labor and workforce training agencies are critical tools as we work to ensure students and workers are getting the training they need for 21st century jobs,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cJobs in advanced manufacturing, robotics and the skilled trades will fuel our economy in Southeast Michigan now and in the future, and this grant will create a new initiative to prepare workers to succeed in these careers. I look forward to continuing to work with SEMCA to ensure workers in Southeast Michigan have the opportunities and training they need for fulfilling careers.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThis $6 million grant award will jumpstart a major regional initiative to help increase the number of unemployed and underemployed, non-traditional, and incumbent workers who receive state-of-the-art Robotic Training that employers in the region need today and in the future,\u201d said Greg Pitoniak, SEMCA CEO. \u201cThe staff of the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan (WIN) have once again demonstrated their value to the region\u2019s Michigan Works Agencies and Colleges by convening this initiative. We appreciate the support we have received from Congresswoman Dingell and other members of the Michigan Congressional delegation that enabled us to receive this funding.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tSEMCA is one of 23 regional workforce partnerships nationwide to receive funding through the America\u2019s Promise grant competition. The competition is designed to:  \n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Increase opportunities for all Americans through tuition-free training for middle-to high-skilled occupations and industries.  \n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Expand employer involvement in the design and delivery of training programs.  \n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Utilize evidence-based sector strategies to increase employability, employment earnings, and outcomes of job seekers.  \n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Leverage additional public, private, and foundation resources to scale and sustain proven strategies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-the-passage-of-bill-to-protect-northern-border", "Peters Applauds the Passage of Bill to Protect Northern Border", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Peters Applauds the Passage of Bill to Protect Northern Border \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 Requires Examination of Threats and Security Needs at 5,500 Mile Long Northern Border to Improve Resources, Safety\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, today applauded the passage in the U.S. Senate of the bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act. Peters, along with Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), introduced the legislation last year, which requires a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border with Canada, protect Michigan's ports and prevent human trafficking. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.\r\nThe Northern Border is critical to our economy, allowing goods and travelers through some of the busiest border crossings in the nation, said Senator Peters. This bipartisan bill will help protect the Northern Border and prevent criminal activity like human trafficking as we work to promote more efficient trade and travel to help grow our economy.\r\nThe Northern Border is 5,500 miles long and has 120 border crossings ranging from major exchanges to small and rural crossings. Michigan has the second longest section of the border behind Alaska, measuring 721 miles. Michigan is also home to two of the busiest Northern Border crossingsthe Detroit-Windsor Crossing and the Port Huron-Sarnia Crossing. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flows of goods and people in the world.\r\nThe Northern Border Security Review Act aims to address challenges at the Northern Border by requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to complete a full assessment of the security threats and challenges at the border. The United States and Canada last conducted a joint border and threat risk assessment in 2011, and the DHS published its Northern Border Strategy in 2012.\r\nThis legislation will update the United States' threat assessment to effectively respond to emerging challenges, and will examine numerous issues, including recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border to protect Michigan's Northern ports. It would also determine tools to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border, identify improvements needed at ports of entry and along the maritime border between the United States and Canada, and find vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, local and tribal law enforcement.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dankildee.house.gov/statement-by-congressman-kildee-on-governor-rick-snyders-decision-to-appeal-district-court-ruling-on-water-delivery-for-flint-residents/", "Statement by Congressman Kildee on Governor Rick Snyders Decision to Appeal District Court Ruling on Water Delivery for Flint Residents", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement by Congressman Kildee on Governor Rick Snyder\u2019s Decision to Appeal District Court Ruling on Water Delivery for Flint Residents \n\t\t\t\t\tNovember 17, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement in response to Governor Snyder\u2019s appeal of District Court Judge David M. Lawson\u2019s ruling to require the state of Michigan deliver water to Flint residents unless the state can prove the resident has a functioning water filter.\n\u201cAccording to the Governor\u2019s hand-picked task force, the state of Michigan bears the majority of responsibility for creating the Flint Water Crisis. The Governor has repeatedly said he will make this right for Flint residents. Today\u2019s appeal of the Court\u2019s decision to require that every resident in Flint has access to drinking water is just another example of him abdicating on his promise to the people of Flint.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kildee-governor-rick-snyder-s-decision-appeal-district", "Statement by Congressman Kildee on Governor Rick Snyders Decision to Appeal District Court Ruling on Water Delivery for Flint Residents", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement in response to Governor Snyder's appeal of District Court Judge David M. Lawson's ruling to require the state of Michigan deliver water to Flint residents unless the state can prove the resident has a functioning water filter. According to the Governor's hand-picked task force, the state of Michigan bears the majority of responsibility for creating the Flint Water Crisis. The Governor has repeatedly said he will make this right for Flint residents. Today's appeal of the Court's decision to require that every resident in Flint has access to drinking water is just another example of him abdicating on his promise to the people of Flint.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 878, "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": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 878, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 878, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 878, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 878, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-17,https~3A~2F~2Fdankildee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fstatement-congressman-kildee-governor-rick-snyder-s-decision-appeal-district", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2016&_next=2016-11-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fdankildee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fstatement-congressman-kildee-governor-rick-snyder-s-decision-appeal-district&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 228.76831702888012, "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"}