{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MI\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-clyburn-wilson-wager-outback-bowl-game", "Dingell, Clyburn, Wilson Wager on Outback Bowl Game", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  With bowl season in full swing, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Jim Clyburn (SC-06) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) today wagered on whether the University of Michigan Wolverines or the University of South Carolina Gamecocks would win in Mondays Outback Bowl Game.\n\nDingell is wagering items from Zingermans Deli while Clyburn is wagering a basket of goodies from South Carolina and Wilson is offering up some South Carolina barbecue.\n\nCoach Harbaugh and the Wolverines are laser focused on bringing home a win on New Years Day, said Dingell. The Gamecocks may be playing closer to home, but Michigan fans are energized and ready for a rematch of the 2013 Outback Bowl. Were looking forward to celebrating a Michigan victory on Monday. Go Blue!\n\nWe are looking forward to enjoying some Zingermans Deli after another Gamecock victory in this years Outback Bowl, said Clyburn. Go South Carolina!\n\nWe are grateful for the Gamecocks continued success, we are excited to see them back in the Outback Bowl, and we look forward to another victory over Michigan, said Congressman Wilson.\n\nThe Outback Bowl will kick off at 12 p.m. EST on January 1st from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-mayor-tom-baldini", "Peters Statement on Mayor Tom Baldini", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.27.17\n\t\t\t Peters Statement on Mayor Tom Baldini \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statementabout Mayor Tom Baldini:\r\nI was shocked and saddened to learn of Toms death, and Colleen and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. From his time in the classroom to service in Governor Blanchards Administration and his recent election as Mayor of Marquette, Tom Baldini has been a pillar of the Upper Peninsula for decades, and his passion for Marquette and the UP were evident in all that he did. Like so many, I regularly sought out Toms advice and counsel, and I cherished our friendship. With his passing, the entire State of Michigan lost a true public servant.\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    \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-passing-of-marquette-mayor-tom-baldini", "Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Marquette Mayor Tom Baldini", "2017-12-26", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Marquette Mayor Tom Baldini \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 26, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow tonight released the following statement on the passing of Tom Baldini, Mayor of Marquette:\r\n\r\nTom Baldini has been an icon in Michigan Democratic politics and the ultimate champion for our UP. His life epitomized the meaning of public service. He was a mentor to so many over the years, and I always valued his friendship and advice. Although his passing leaves a big void, his legacy is a lasting reminder to all of us of what it means to serve. My thoughts and prayers are with Toms family at this very difficult time.\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    \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-upton-lead-michigan-delegation-in-letter-supporting-fort-custer-as-a-missile-defense-site", "Peters, Stabenow, Upton Lead Michigan Delegation in Letter Supporting Fort Custer as a Missile Defense Site", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.17\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow, Upton Lead Michigan Delegation in Letter Supporting Fort Custer as a Missile Defense Site \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 Letter Written in Response to Signed Legislation Requiring Decision on Continental Interceptor Site\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) led the Michigan Congressional delegation in a letter to the Director of Missile Defense Agency this week to reiterate strong support for full and thorough consideration of Fort Custer Training Center as a ground-based midcourse missile defense site. The letter comes as new defense legislation was signed into law earlier this month requiring the Secretary of Defense to designate a preferred location for a new missile defense site within 60 days of the completion of a Ballistic Missile Defense Review. The review is slated to be completed next February.\r\nNorth Korea poses an increasingly substantial threat to our homeland, culminating in the recent launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile that flew higher and longer than previous launches, wrote the Senators and Representatives. Fort Custer benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, including efficient access to two major interstate highways and a nearby 10,000-foot runway. The fields at Fort Custer are shovel ready and it is our understanding the CIS can be constructed at the lowest cost with the least environmental impact.\r\nThe letter was signed by the entire Michigan Congressional delegation in addition to Peters, Stabenow and Upton: Sander Levin (MI-9), Tim Walberg (MI-7), Bill Huizenga (MI-2), Justin Amash (MI-3) Dan Kildee (MI-5), Mike Bishop (MI-8), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), John Moolenaar (MI-4), Dave Trott (MI-11), Jack Bergman (MI-1) and Paul Mitchell (MI-10).\r\nThe text of the letter may be found below and here .\r\n\r\n Lieutenant General Samuel A. Greaves, USAF  Director, Missile Defense Agency  5700 18th Street, Bldg 245  Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 \r\nDear Lieutenant General Greaves,\r\nAs you know, the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act includes a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to designate the preferred location of a potential Continental Interceptor Site (CIS) within 60 days of the completion of the Ballistic Missile Defense Review. As you prepare to assist in fulfilling this statutory requirement, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our strong support for the full and thorough consideration of Fort Custer Training Center as the preferred location for the CIS.\r\nFort Custer is strategically located and provides superior coverage to protect the west coast of the United States. North Korea poses an increasingly substantial threat to our homeland, culminating in the recent launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile that flew higher and longer than previous launches. A missile defense site at Fort Custer would be well-placed to respond to threats like this and the location offers strategic and operational effectiveness.\r\nFort Custer benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, including efficient access to two major interstate highways and a nearby 10,000-foot runway. The fields at Fort Custer are shovel ready and it is our understanding the CIS can be constructed at the lowest cost with the least environmental impact. The cost to operate such a site at Fort Custer would be competitive as well. Fort Custer was recognized in 2010 by the Department of Defense and the Army with awards for environmental stewardship, reflecting investments made in energy efficiency, including solar fields and a wind funnel to generate electrical power.\r\nWe remain committed to supporting your agencys critical mission given the increasing threat facing our nation. As the congressionally-mandated deadline for the selection of the preferred location of a Continental Interceptor Site approaches, we strongly support full and thorough consideration of Fort Custer Training Center.\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    \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-statement-continuing-resolution", "Dingell Statement on Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on the Continuing Resolution to fund the government.  \n\t  \n\tCongress has once again kicked the can down the road, passing a stop-gap bill that only funds the government for one month. It does nothing to provide certainty to businesses or families, and it does nothing to address urgent, overdue priorities for the American people. This bill fails to provide long-term funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which is a lifeline for 100,000 Michigan children; it fails to address DACA and bring needed relief to the 800,000 young people who call this country home; and it fails to include a common-sense fix to put our nations pension plans back on solid footing so American workers can keep the retirement they have earned.  \n\t  \n\tThis short-term bill is a disappointing yet unsurprising way to end the year given that Republicans have spent the majority of 2017 working to rip health care away from the American people and push through a partisan tax bill that provides tax cuts to the wealthy at the expense of everyone else. Democrats remain committed to fighting for the priorities that matter to families and communities. This irresponsible plan does not live up to our responsibility as legislators, and I cannot support it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-voting-no-republican-short-term", "Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on Voting No on Republican Short-Term Spending Bill", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, after spending weeks on a tax bill that enriches the wealthiest among us, Republicans passed a short-term government spending bill that does nothing to address the long list of overdue priorities that Michiganders truly need. Congress should pass a responsible bill that provides long-term certainty to families, but instead Republicans forced through an empty, short-term spending bill.\nThis bill does not include a full extension of the Childrens Health Insurance program, which 100,000 Michigan children and their families rely on for access to basic healthcare. Instead, it gives CHIP a short-term patch and leaves families with uncertainty. The bill also fails to protect 6,000 Dreamers in Michigan and over 600,000 across the country, who have given so much to this country and are now at risk of being deported. Our duty is to care for all families and all constituents, but this bill fails to do so.\nThe bill also does not provide adequate funding for veterans services, Community Health Centers, and other priorities. At the same time, it includes $5 billion for Pentagon spending. Republicans continue their push to increase defense budget caps, without equal funding for housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and more.\nFinally, Republicans passed a disaster funding bill that treats our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as second-class citizens, ignoring their funding needs for safe drinking water systems, emergency healthcare, and rebuilding. Our spending bill should reflect the priorities of our country; and Republicans are making their priorities very clear. I refuse to support a funding bill that does not support my constituents, their families and the good of the American people.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-selfridge-maintaining-a-10-mission", "Peters Statement on Selfridge Maintaining A-10 Mission", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.17\n\t\t\t Peters Statement on Selfridge Maintaining A-10 Mission \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 Decision Shows Air Forces Continued Commitment to the A-10\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Gary Peters today issued the following statement on the U.S. Air Force (USAF) announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township will continue to host its A-10 fighter mission. The USAF decision to convert two F-16 units demonstrates a continued commitment to the A-10 aircraft and its role in the U.S. militarys current conflicts.\r\nThe men and women of the 127th Wing have gone over and beyond in demonstrating their skill and utility on the battlefield, earning recognition as the top National Guard flying unit in the nation, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Todays decision marks the Air Forces continued commitment to the A-10 and Selfridge, which will continue hosting this extremely important platform. Selfridge is a strong contender for future conversion to the F-35, and I will continue working to ensure the base maintains a fighter mission for years to come.\r\nIn 2015, approximately 500 Airmen from the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base completed a six-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the mission to eliminate ISIS. During that deployment, the 127th Wing supported more than 1,600 sorties and logged more than 11,000 hours of combat flight time.\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    \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-44-michigan-students-to-military-academies", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 44 Michigan Students to Military Academies", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 44 Michigan Students to Military Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced today that she has nominated 44 Michigan students for placement at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.\r\n\r\nMichigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service, said Senator Stabenow. Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.\r\n\r\nStudents seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenows office went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by veteran, military and community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.\r\n\r\nThe following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region):\r\n\r\n\r\nSoutheast Michigan:\r\nKathryn LeWalk  Redford, West Point\r\nMadison Tolston  Commerce Township, West Point\r\nRichard Russel  Kimball Township, West Point\r\nMegan Hutter  Farmington Hills, West Point\r\nAlexandre Jund  Northville, West Point\r\nEmma Coenen  Armada, West Point\r\nSamantha Chinn  Bloomfield Hills, West Point\r\nAshley Ruiz  Taylor, West Point\r\nZachary Loyd  Rochester Hills, West Point\r\nLauren Wegener  Rochester Hills, West Point\r\nDillon Massey  White Lake, West Point\r\nJoshua Klein  West Bloomfield, West Point\r\nBenjamin Pyle  Ypsilanti, West Point\r\nJames Kaleel  Ortonville, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJohn Libcke  West Bloomfield, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJared Jenkins  Detroit, Air Force Academy\r\nJame Huang  Northville, Air Force Academy\r\nNickolas Presley  Macomb, Air Force Academy\r\nGrant Davis  Bloomfield Hills, Air Force Academy\r\nDanielle Parker  Shelby Township, Air Force Academy\r\nParitosh Coomar  Monroe, Air Force Academy\r\nMatthew Gu  West Bloomfield, Naval Academy\r\nMichael Berger  Chesterfield, Naval Academy\r\nKatelyn McKinley  Chelsea, Naval Academy\r\nRory Cox  Livonia, Naval Academy\r\nVivian Harber  Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy\r\n\r\n\r\nWest Michigan:\r\nEmma Shea  Middleville, West Point\r\nSarah Guzzo  Battle Creek, West Point\r\nLuke Edgerly  Richland, Air Force Academy\r\nSeth Benscoter  Mattawan, Naval Academy\r\nNathaniel Nisonger  Vestaburg, Naval Academy\r\n\r\n\r\nUpper Peninsula:\r\nMackenzie Kalchik  Sault Ste Marie, West Point\r\n\r\n\r\nNorthern Michigan:\r\nGrace Martin  Traverse City  West Point\r\nReilly Ingleson  Petoskey, West Point\r\nCharles Prescott  Prescott, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nMadison May  Lewiston, Air Force Academy\r\nKelly Klettner  Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\n\r\n\r\nMid-Michigan:\r\nChristopher LeTarte  Eaton Rapids, West Point\r\nSeth Maloney  Pleasant Lake, West Point\r\nGavin McGahey  Brighton, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nAllyson Burba  Okemos, Air Force Academy\r\nAvi Rajendra-Nicolucci  Okemos, Naval Academy\r\n\r\n\r\nFlint/Saginaw Bay Region:\r\nFrederick Heidt  Owosso, Air Force Academy\r\nMackenzie Stottmeister  Grand Blanc, Naval Academy", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-michigan-families-will-be-left-cold-if-congress-doesn-t-extend", "Dingell: Michigan Families will be Left in Cold if Congress Doesnt Extend Childrens Health Insurance Program", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services assessed that the state will exhaust its funding for Michigans Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by April 2018 without action by Congress. \nIn the past few months, families across the country have received notices that their childs health insurance will be canceled because Congress has failed to reauthorize CHIP, a lifeline for nearly nine million American children. That threat just became more real with todays announcement that Michigans CHIP allotment will expire in April 2018 and cancellation notices will start going out in the New Year to 100,000 Michigan families.\nIt is unconscionable that Congress would add $2.3 trillion to the deficit in order to pass tax breaks for the wealthiest and big corporations while leaving children and families out in the cold. CHIP ensures every child can go to the doctor when they need to and receive necessary checkups and immunizations. It has always been bipartisan, and there is no reason it should not be today. This is not a time for games; this is about real peoples lives. I am calling on Republican leadership to come together with Democrats to renew CHIP in a bipartisan way before we go home for Christmas. American families cannot wait any longer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-following-vote-on-republican-tax-bill-conference-report-", "Stabenow Statement Following Vote on Republican Tax Bill Conference Report", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow Statement Following Vote on Republican Tax Bill Conference Report  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following the Senates vote on the Republican tax bill conference report:\r\n\r\nWe need tax reform that puts more money in the pockets of the middle class, closes tax loopholes that send jobs overseas and supports small businesses and farms across Michiganunfortunately, this bill does none on these things. This bill actually raises taxes on middle-class families and seniors and leaves Michigan families without health insurance to pay for huge tax giveaways for the wealthiest one percent of Americans. This was a missed opportunity to work together in a bipartisan way on real tax reform.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-house-passage-gop-tax-scam", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on House Passage of the GOP Tax Scam", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed their tax bill that will raise taxes on tens of millions of middle class families:\nI support true bipartisan tax reform that makes our tax code simple and fair, particularly for middle class families. Unfortunately, this Republican tax plan fails to put the middle class first. Instead, it raises taxes on many in the middle class in order to give huge, permanent tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. This bill allows big corporations to keep their special interest loopholes and actually profit off sending American jobs overseas. Simply put, this bad bill is a scam for working people.\nThe Republican tax plan is not paid for, adding $1.5 trillion to our nations deficit. Ultimately, our children and grandchildren will pay for this reckless approach. And in the coming months, Republicans will use this deficit-exploding bill to justify deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security that will hurt tens of millions of Americans.\nI will continue to speak out against this dangerous Republican proposal. This plan is deeply unpopular with the American people and I believe Republicans will pay a heavy price for this rushed and flawed bill during the next election.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-house-passage-gop-tax-plan", "Dingell Statement on House Passage of GOP Tax Plan", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on House passage of the Republican tax plan.\nWorking families should be at the center of any effort to update our tax code. Instead, the legislation that passed the House today leaves working Americans behind  increasing taxes for 86 million families and jeopardizing the future of Medicare and Social Security, all while providing trillions in tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations. This is plain wrong.\nRepublicans are trying to sell working families a bag of goods, but the American people will not be fooled. Those Representatives who voted today to put politics above the people they represent will have to answer to hardworking families across the country who will see their taxes go up as a result of this devastating plan. Working families deserve better, and now more than ever, we must continue to fight alongside them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-passage-hr-1-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act", "Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on the passage of H.R 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following statement after voting against the final version of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\nToday is a sad day for Americas middle class and hardworking families. The Republicans, hidden in secrecy, forced a dishonest and irresponsible tax scam upon us that will only benefit the wealthy while saddling future generations with overwhelming debt and shrunken entitlements.\nProper tax reform would increase opportunity, support small businesses, and ensure long-term financial stability for American families  all in a fiscally responsible way. This bill does none of that, and instead acts solely as a handout to billionaire donors, large corporations, and special interests. Furthermore, to make up for a year of inaction and failed governance, Congressional Republicans included numerous provisions in this reckless bill that will surely harm our environment, our healthcare markets, and our schools.\nDespite best efforts to mislead and deceive, the American people have not been fooled. They know this scam for what it is and have shown their widespread disapproval. However, the Republicans passed it anyway. My constituents do not deserve this, Michiganders do not deserve this, and America does not deserve this. We deserve better.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-floor-statement-gop-tax-bill", "Levin Floor Statement on GOP Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2017 Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961\nLevin Floor Statement on GOP Tax Bill\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today delivered the following remarks on the House floor during consideration of the conference agreement on HR 1.\n(Remarks as delivered)\nIn all of my 35 years in Congress, this is one of the most deceitful bills I have ever seen.\nIt is deceitful when Republicans say the bill is focused on the middle class, while its really aimed at making the very wealthy even wealthier and forcing millions of middle class families to pay higher taxes.\nIt is deceitful when they say it makes the tax code simpler, even as the legislation creates complicated new loopholes, while allowing existing ones, such as carried interest, to continue.\nIt is deceitful when the bill will increase the outsourcing of American jobs by providing a lower tax rate on foreign investment compared to investing here.\nIt is deceitful about the debt. Republicans say dont worry about the expiring tax provisions, but extending them would raise the bills already devastating effect on the deficit to $2.3 trillion.\nRepublicans are rushing this bill, but even in their haste, they are too late. The majority of the American people already say this bill is a deceitful sham.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-unveils-2017-holiday-jingle", "Dingell Unveils 2017 Holiday Jingle", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today continued a Dingell holiday tradition, releasing the 2017 edition of the Dingell jingle, set to the tune of Winter Wonderland. Full text of the jingle is below.\n\nHouse phones ring\nAre you listening\nFolks are mad\nBut Ryans insisting\nAnother tax fight!\nNo funding bill in sight\nWalking in a winter blunderland\n\nGone away is Obama\nHere to stay is constant drama\nWe try to stay strong\nAs Trump tweets along\nWalking in a winter blunderland\n\nIn the darkness they can pass a tax plan\nAnd pretend that workers will be fine\nWe say work together, they say no man!\nWe dont need your vote while were in town\n\nLater on, theyll conspire\nTo cut programs we require\nWho needs Medicaid\nWhen donors get paid\nWalking in a winter blunderland\n\nIn the Congress we will keep on fighting\nMaybe we can find some common ground\nHow bout funding CHIP and fixing DACA\nBefore we take those jet planes out of town\n\nTrumps first year, its been chilling\nThe New Years near, aint it thrilling\nItll be a new day, 2018s not far away\nWalking in a winter blunderland\n\nDifferent views, lets pursue\nNo matter if red or blue\nLets keep taking a stand\nLets work hand-in-hand\nTill were back walking in a winter wonderland\n\nWalking in a winter wonderland", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-fortenberry-introduce-bipartisan-bill-enhance-funding-fish-and", "Dingell, Fortenberry Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Funding for Fish and Wildlife", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) introduced H.R. 4647, the bipartisan Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, to help promote and enhance our nations conservation efforts and ensure the long-term health of fish and wildlife throughout the country. The legislation, based on a recommendation from a panel of conservation and business leaders, would dedicate $1.3 billion annually in existing revenue from oil and gas royalties to the Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program. The funding would provide states with new critically needed financial resources to effectively implement State Wildlife Action Plans to conserve 12,000 species in greatest need of conservation while providing the public with more access to open spaces.\nIt has been proven over the decades that incredible gains in species conservation have been made with dedicated sources of funding, Rep. Dingell said. The Recovering Americas Wildlife Act builds off the successes of previous efforts including Pittman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund by giving state fish and wildlife agencies additional resources they need to proactively manage at-risk wildlife species. As we work to realize the full promise of these cornerstone programs, I am proud to introduce this legislation to further that commitment with my Republican colleague from Nebraska, Mr. Fortenberry. We both love the outdoors and know we must work hard to protect our natural resources. Together we believe we can get something done that will help bring conservation into the 21st Century and complement the other successful programs that are currently in place.\nThis is a very important and creative legislative initiative to enhance wildlife ecosystems across our nation through constructive partnerships in states, said Rep. Fortenberry.\nEach of us, as citizens of this country, has the responsibility to ensure diverse fish and wildlife resources are managed for future generations. Fish and wildlife need healthy habitats to thriveenhancing our lives and providing many other benefits, stated Johnny Morris, Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. State fish and wildlife agencies have a solid track record of accomplishing remarkable recovery and restoration successes since the early 1900s. However, enhanced funding is now needed to address todays fish and wildlife habitat management challenges.\nOur nations fish and wildlife are among its most valuable resources, along with clean air, water, healthy forests and agricultural lands that support all of us, stated Virgil Moore, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Director of Idaho Fish and Game. Today we find ourselves at a critical crossroads and face a challenge that could alter our childrens and grandchildrens opportunities to enjoy these resources. By investing in our State Wildlife Action Plans, which serve as a blueprint for restoring and managing the most sensitive imperiled species within our states borders, we will be ensuring future generations can enjoy our rich wildlife heritage.\nAmerica's hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and boaters have been the primary funders of state-based conservation efforts to this day, said Congressional Sportsmens Foundation President Jeff Crane. This recommendation simply directs funding for conservation from other sectors that use our natural resources.\nWe thank Representatives Fortenberry and Dingell for introducing the historic Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, said Collin OMara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. This bill will help thousands of wildlife species through proactive, collaborative, on-the-ground efforts. The approach is unique because it calls for early action to save struggling wildlife, rather than waiting until species are on the brink of extinction and need expensive emergency room measures to recover. When this bill becomes law, we will increase wildlife populations, strengthen Americas economy, and reduce the need for regulatory measures.\nThe Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining Americas Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources, a group of national business and conservation leaders co-chaired by Bass Pro Shops founder John L. Morris and former Wyoming governor Dave Freudenthal, convened in 2015 to recommend a new mechanism to sustainably fund fish and wildlife conservation. In March 2016, the Panel recommended that a $1.3 billion trust fund be created using existing fees from energy and mineral development on federal lands and water to support implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans in every state, territory and the District of Columbia.\nWithout a change in the way we finance fish and wildlife conservation, the list of federally threatened and endangered species is expected to grow from nearly 1,600 species today to thousands more in the future. The new dedicated funding created by the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act is aimed at preventing wildlife from becoming endangered to ensure the long-term health of all fish and wildlife that provide countless hours of outdoor enjoyment for the nations citizens.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-federal-communication-commission-s-vote", "Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on the Federal Communication Commissions Vote to Dismantle Net Neutrality Rules", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) 3-2 vote to repeal net neutrality consumer protections:\n\u201cI am outraged that the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal important net neutrality protections, which were meant to ensure the internet belongs to everyone. This move will hurt everyday internet users and small businesses in Michigan and across our nation. It limits internet freedom and fair competition by allowing a small group of companies to block some websites, slow content for business reasons, even when it hurts our equal right to access the internet.\u201d\n\u201cThe FCC went ahead with this vote despite overwhelming public opposition and did not fully consider millions of public comments. I joined hundreds of my colleagues in asking the FCC to stop this vote. Now, I will continue to fight for an open internet and support efforts to restore net neutrality.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-blasts-fcc-vote-to-dismantle-net-neutrality-protections", "Peters Blasts FCC Vote to Dismantle Net Neutrality Protections", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.17\n\t\t\t Peters Blasts FCC Vote to Dismantle Net Neutrality Protections \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on today\u2019s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to roll back net neutrality protections that ensure all consumers and small businesses have access to a free and open internet:\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s FCC vote to scrap net neutrality protections is an anti-consumer decision that disadvantages small businesses and everyday internet users. This action could usher in a two-tiered internet, where large corporations that can pay for a fast lane have the power to slow down or block content, and consumers and small businesses are relegated to the slow lane.\r\n\u201cWe live in an increasingly interconnected world where a free and open internet has never been more important to Michigan\u2019s economic success. Michigan families and small businesses rely on net neutrality protections to ensure they can achieve their goals\u2014whether it\u2019s reaching customers in new markets, accessing educational opportunities or connecting with loved ones around the globe. Net neutrality levels the playing field, and without these protections, consumers and entrepreneurs will face unnecessary hurdles to the economic opportunities the internet provides.\u201d\r\nIn response to today\u2019s decision, Senator Peters joined his colleagues in announcing a plan to introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would reverse today\u2019s FCC action and restore the agency\u2019s 2015 net neutrality rules. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers.\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\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    \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-floor-remarks-on-need-to-reauthorize-childrens-health-insurance-program", "Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Reauthorize Children's Health Insurance Program", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.17\n\t\t\t Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Reauthorize Children's Health Insurance Program \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: \u201cIt would be unconscionable to rip health care services away from children during the most formative years of their life.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor on the need to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The CHIP program provides health care coverage to over 100,000 children in Michigan and more than 9 million children nationally. Below is video and text of his remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nWatch the full video\r\n\u201cOver two months ago I stood here in this chamber urging my colleagues to pass legislation that will prevent kids enrolled in the Children\u2019s Health Insurance program from losing their health care.\r\n\u201cThe Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program \u2013 or CHIP \u2013 provides health care coverage to over 100,000 children in my home state of Michigan and more than 9 million children nationally.\r\n\u201cI recall welcoming the news that Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden had reached a bipartisan agreement to extend the health care benefits for children. They worked together and went through regular order. The Finance Committee held a hearing and a markup on the bill in October.\r\n\u201cWe all know that regular order has become a rare event in the Senate \u2013 and I appreciated the bipartisan effort to have a Senate vote on a bill that is critical to our nation\u2019s children.\r\n\u201cI certainly expected that this bipartisan bill would come to the floor \u2013 and pass with broad bipartisan support \u2013 thus bringing relief to families across the nation who are worried about whether their children will continue to have health care in 2018.\r\n\u201cUnfortunately \u2013 in the months since those good faith efforts \u2013 we still have not seen a vote on this important legislation.\r\n\u201cMama President, this is inexcusable. We must take action now.\r\n\u201cStates are already beginning to notify families that their children\u2019s health plans may be cancelled \u2013 yes, cancelled \u2013 if Congress does not act. States like Louisiana, Texas, Virginia and others have announced they may run out of funds within weeks.\r\n\u201cIn my home state of Michigan, I\u2019ve heard from parents who are worried about whether their children will still be able to see their pediatricians next year.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve also heard from pediatricians who take care of these children how children will be hurt if their health care is taken away.\r\n\u201cIt would be unconscionable to rip health care services away from children during the most formative years of their life. It would be unconscionable to put new roadblocks up for families whose children need their annual physicals and vaccines before they can go to school. And it would be unconscionable to increase health care costs for working families who are just trying to keep their children healthy and give them the opportunity to prosper.\r\n\u201cThis is not a partisan issue.\r\n\u201cIn 1997, President Bill Clinton worked with a Republican Majority in both the Senate \u2013 and the House of Representatives \u2013 to successfully pass the Children\u2019s Health Insurance program into law. That legislation passed with 85 votes in the Senate, because providing needed health care services to children should never be a partisan issue. The CHIP program has been reauthorized on a bipartisan basis since its inception because it is effective.\r\n\u201cCHIP is working for our nation\u2019s children, and we should be too.\r\n\u201cMama President, I urge my colleagues across the aisle to call for a vote on legislation to extend CHIP and to pass it without delay. Let\u2019s do what is right for our country\u2019s children and families and pass this bipartisan legislation now.\"\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-announces-legislation-to-improve-veterans-health-care", "Senator Stabenow Announces Legislation to Improve Veterans Health Care", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Announces Legislation to Improve Veterans Health Care \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 14, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tAfter repeated complaints from providers, veterans, and hospitals across the state, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today introduced new legislation, the Veterans Deserve Better Act, to address serious problems in the federal Veterans Choice program. \u00a0The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which was signed into law in 2014, was designed to reduce wait times and provide medical services to veterans in their own communities. \u00a0This program is especially critical for veterans in rural areas who were previously required to travel long distances for services. \u00a0However, since it was enacted, providers across the state have not been getting paid, rural hospitals have pulled out, and veterans are not getting the health care they need. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Veterans Choice program was designed to make sure veterans can receive services close to home and in a timely way, but it has failed many of those it was intended to serve,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u00a0\u201cMy new legislation will hold the Administration accountable and ensure that these serious issues are addressed quickly so that our veterans get the care they deserve.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nSenator Stabenow\u2019s bill has three parts. \u00a0First, it will reduce wait times for veterans by requiring that appointments be made within five days and making sure veterans seeking care have the information they need in advance of scheduling an appointment. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSecond, it will require the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hold private contractors accountable for the care they schedule on behalf of veterans, and ensure reporting and follow-up of delayed appointments.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThird, it will require prompt payment to Veterans Choice Program providers by requiring the VA to pay for or deny payment within 30 days of receiving an electronic claim or 45 days of receiving a paper claim. \u00a0It will also require the VA to pay, deny, or request additional information on any outstanding unpaid claims within 45 days of enactment. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cMunson Healthcare is committed to serving the healthcare needs of the veterans in our region,\u201d said Edwin A. Ness, President and CEO, Munson Healthcare.\u00a0\u201cUnfortunately, unlike other veteran programs, the Veterans Choice Program has resulted in confusion for veterans and significant non-payment for healthcare providers. \u00a0Therefore, we greatly appreciate Senator Stabenow\u2019s introduction of this legislation and its focus on improving access to care for veterans while also holding private contractors accountable for prompt payments to providers.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn 2016, I was diagnosed with lesions on my brain and needed to see a specialist.\u00a0 Veterans Choice sent me to the wrong doctor two times, causing me to miss work and have to travel long distances,\u201d said Jerry Sorensen, former National Guardsman who was stationed in Greenville and now lives in Sumner Township in Gratiot County. \u00a0\u201cI contacted Senator Stabenow about my issue, and shortly after, Veterans Choice scheduled an appointment with the right specialist. It shouldn\u2019t have taken five months to see the doctor I needed, especially for something this scary and serious.\u00a0 I know I\u2019m not the only veteran in Michigan who has experienced these problems scheduling an appointment.\u00a0 I want to thank Senator Stabenow for introducing a bill today to address this problem for all our veterans.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nVeterans health care has been a longstanding priority for Senator Stabenow. She championed the effort to open new and expanded VA clinics across the state, including in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Clare, Cheboygan County, Grayling, Oscoda, and Wyoming.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-37-members-congress-urge-republicans-support-indian-country-tax-plan", "Kildee, 37 Members of Congress Urge Republicans to Support Indian Country in Tax Plan", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Current Versions of Tax Bill Fail to Support Tribal Communities, Offer Parity in the Federal Tax Code for Tribal Governments\nCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), along with 37 other Members of Congress, sent a letter today to U.S. Representatives and Senators serving on the conference committee concerning the Republican tax bill. In their letter, Kildee and other members seek changes to the final bill, since the current version being rushed through Congress negatively and unfairly affects Indian Country.\nWe write to you today with disappointment in the failure of Republicans to include tribal governments in either the House or the Senate versions of their tax bill. As the conference process proceeds, we urge you to consider the needs of Indian Country in the final bill. The federal tax code does not recognize the unique sovereignty of tribal governments and as a result, tribes do not enjoy the same benefits as state and local governments under the tax code, the lawmakers wrote.\nThe Senate had several opportunities, both in committee markups and through proposed floor amendments, to fix the issue of tribal taxation in the tax bill. Yet it inexplicably failed to do so. And now tribes are told that yet again, they must wait for some future work on tax reform. This is completely unacceptable, the lawmakers continued.\nRepublicans are leaving behind Indian Country, said Congressman Kildee. Under our Constitution, tribal governments are recognized as sovereign nations. They have an inherent right to govern themselves. Yet the Republican tax bill fails to include tribal governments. Under their tax scam, the unique tribal sovereignty is not recognized. As a result, tribes will be treated unfairly under the tax code.\nA copy of the letter and full list of Members who signed is below:\nDear Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Wyden, Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Neal:\nWe write to you today with disappointment in the failure of Republicans to include tribal governments in either the House or the Senate versions of their tax bill. As the conference process proceeds, we urge you to consider the needs of Indian Country in the final bill.\nThe federal tax code does not recognize the unique sovereignty of tribal governments and as a result, tribes do not enjoy the same benefits as state and local governments under the tax code. To correct this mistreatment of tribal governments in the tax code, Indian Country spent almost two years educating the House and the Senate on the need for their equitable tax treatment.\nThe Senate had several opportunities, both in committee markups and through proposed floor amendments, to fix the issue of tribal taxation in the tax bill. Yet it inexplicably failed to do so. And now tribes are told that yet again, they must wait for some future work on tax reform. This is completely unacceptable.\nIndian Country has some of the poorest communities in our country. Tribal communities have long endured high levels of poverty and substandard housing, reduced employment opportunities and economic development, and tremendous infrastructure demands. Not addressing these issues in the tax code is wrong and unjust.\nWe urge the Conference Committee include in its final bill the following provisions:\n Parity for Tax-Exempt Bonds: As sovereign nations, tribal governments should possess the authority to use tax-exempt bonds the same as state and local governments. Right now, tribal governments are limited to using tax-exempt bond financing for essential government functions. But by preventing a tribe from utilizing tax-exempt bonds for economic development activities will only prevent much needed tribal infrastructure development and economic growth.\n \n Parity for Indian Adoption Tax Credit: Under current tax law, tax credits for families that adopt special needs children are only available for adoptions in state courts, not in tribal courts. Tax credits should be available to families that adopt special needs children, regardless of the adoption venue.\n \n Parity for Excise Tax Exemptions: Again, as sovereign nations, tribal governments should receive the same treatment as state and local governments for the various excise tax exemptions that exist in the tax code.\n \n Increase Deployment of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in Indian Country: The reconciled bill should treat tribes as states for these credit allocations. It should also create a tribal set-aside and allow Indian areas to be eligible for enhanced credits as significant levels of substandard housing exist throughout Indian Country.\n \nThe undersigned Members request the conferees reconsider the failure to address the unique needs of Indian Country. It is vital that a tax bill that provides additional wealth to those that already have the most should also ensure that tribal governments can benefit from the supposed economic benefits that will result from its passage.\nThank you for your consideration.\nSincerely,\nDan Kildee\nPete Aguilar\nNanette Diaz Barragn\nAnthony G. Brown\nTony Crdenas\nJoaquin Castro\nCharlie Crist\nDebbie Dingell\nKeith Ellison\nEliot L. Engel\nTulsi Gabbard\nRuben Gallego\nRal Grijalva\nDenny Heck\nJared Huffman\nPramila Jayapal\nDerek Kilmer\nRo Khanna\nRuben J. Kihuen\nTed Lieu\nSander Levin \nAlan Lowenthal\nBen Ray Lujn\nMichelle Lujan Grisham\nBetty McCollum\nGwen Moore\nGrace Napolitano\nFrank Pallone Jr.\nChellie Pingree\nStacey Plaskett\nJacky Rosen\nRaul Ruiz M.D.\nKurt Schrader\nMike Thompson\nDina Titus\nNorma Torres\n\tDebbie Wasserman Schultz\nJuan Vargas\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-house-senate-tax-conference", "Levin Statement at House-Senate Tax Conference", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2017\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961\nLevin Statement at House-Senate Tax Conference\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a House conferee on the pending tax bill, HR 1, today delivered the following comments during a House-Senate conference on the legislation.\nWatch here:\nhttps://www.c-span.org/video/?c4699032/sander-levin-tax-conference\n(Remarks as prepared)\n\u201cMr. Chairman, the headlines say the Republicans have a deal on a tax bill, even as we are here having a conference committee on the two bills passed by the two houses.\u00a0 This is indeed a mockery.\u00a0 The horse is out of the barn, but it\u2019s limping \u2013 limping badly. \u00a0\nOf all the fake claims we have heard over the last few months, the greatest is that the Republican tax bills are focused on helping the middle class.\u00a0\nThe truth is that millions of middle-income Americans would be forced to pay higher taxes under these bills.\u00a0 In 2019, nearly 13 million Americans with incomes below $200,000 a year would pay HIGHER taxes under both the House and Senate bills.\u00a0 By 2027, over 32 million would pay higher taxes under the House bill, and nearly 38 million under the Senate bill.\u00a0 These higher taxes comes from Republican proposals to limit the state and local tax deduction and from other provisions.\u00a0\nThe Republican claim that their bills are aimed at helping the middle class truly deserves Four Pinocchios.\u00a0 It\u2019s so bad that I hope those who check the facts will add a fifth Pinocchio.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe second outrage is the myth that tax cuts for the top pay for themselves and that the $2.3 Trillion in new debt that would be amassed under the GOP tax changes will be erased by economic growth.\u00a0 In reality, the middle class will get stuck with the bill for this debt, either through a future deficit tax, or through cuts to programs they depend on, such as Medicare.\u00a0\u00a0\nMeanwhile, those earning over $1 million a year will get an average tax cut of over $73,000 in 2019 under Republican proposals.\u00a0 It may be even worse given reported efforts by Republicans to lower the top tax rate.\u00a0\nThis is truly class warfare \u2013 Republican warfare against the middle class and all who aspire to it.\nYou are working in desperation, not in deliberation, and that will create new tax loopholes that will plague us for years.\u00a0 And slapdash proposals supposedly designed to reduce the offshoring of American companies and jobs may actually make the problem worse.\u00a0\nI was going to say we need to hit the pause button before it\u2019s too late, but apparently it is too late since the majority has made a mockery out of this conference.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-floor-remarks-on-need-to-protect-net-neutrality", "Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Protect Net Neutrality", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.17\n\t\t\t Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Protect Net Neutrality \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: \u201cRepealing net neutrality is anti-innovation. Repealing net neutrality is anti-competition. And repealing net neutrality is anti-consumer.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor today in opposition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to roll back net neutrality protections that keep the internet open and free for consumers and small businesses. Below is video and text of his remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nWatch the full video\r\n\u201cThere are a handful of innovations in recent centuries that have redefined the United States, and the world. The cotton gin, railroads, electricity and the automobile are just a few examples.\u00a0\r\n\u201cHowever \u2013 without question \u2013 broadband internet is one of the defining innovations of our time.\r\n\u201cBroadband internet connects both rural and urban communities to vital services like telemedicine, educational resources, and international commerce. Broadband internet is absolutely essential for communication in the modern era, it lets us keep in touch with our loved ones \u2013 no matter where they live \u2013 and has boosted productivity across industries. And perhaps most importantly, broadband internet revolutionized our economy and led to the creation of millions of jobs.\r\n\u201cThe ability to instantly reach consumers wherever they live has allowed American small businesses and startups to compete with large, global corporations in a way that would have been unimaginable just a couple decades ago.\r\n\u201cMichigan is home to over 850,000 small businesses, and a growing number of startups. The new ideas and creative solutions they generate put America on the cutting edge of a global and interconnected economy. Michigan small businesses are able to compete and innovate because of the free and open structure of the internet, but unfortunately these opportunities are at risk.\r\n\u201cTomorrow, the FCC will vote to eliminate current net neutrality protections that stop large corporations from stifling small businesses and harming the American people. The FCC is wrong, and they should keep the current protections in place.\r\n\u201cThe current rules, which I have consistently supported, prevent internet service providers from blocking, slowing or prioritizing web traffic for their own financial gain at the expense of small businesses and everyday internet users.\r\n\u201cThe FCC\u2019s actions to roll back these protections could usher in a new era of the two tiered internet, one for large corporations that can pay for the fast lane, and a slow lane for the rest of us. This will allow internet service providers and multi-national corporations to compete unfairly against startups, slowing down their traffic, and playing gatekeeper to their potential customers.\r\n\u201cLet me be clear, repealing net neutrality is anti-innovation. Repealing net neutrality is anti-competition. And repealing net neutrality is anti-consumer.\r\n\u201cThe FCC should not consider this proposal tomorrow to degrade Internet service, especially during a time when over 20 million households in rural America \u2013 including far too many in Michigan \u2013 still lack access to high-speed broadband in the first place.\r\n\u201cThe FCC has a lot of work to do to close the digital divide, and repealing net neutrality is taking our country backwards. If the Internet doesn\u2019t work for growing small businesses and startups, our economy will be hurt for generations to come.\r\n\u201cHigh-speed broadband in the 21st century is every bit as vital as electricity was in the 20th century, all Americans deserve access, regardless of their income or zip code.\r\n\u201cWe accomplished the goal of bringing electricity to every household in the country, even in the most rural areas, by making it a national priority. We cannot put a handful of multinational corporations ahead of the students, artists, advocates, entrepreneurs and other visionaries who could be inventing the future and creating the next big thing.\r\n\u201cThe FCC should call off this dangerous vote and instead work to ensure the Internet remains a hub of entrepreneurship, creativity, and competition.\u201d\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-tax-conference", "Levin Statement on Tax Conference", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2017\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961\nLevin Statement on Tax Conference\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a House conferee on the pending tax bill, HR 1, today issued the following statement regarding the House-Senate conference on the legislation:\n\u201cWhile the tax conference committee will not have its first official meeting until tomorrow, Republicans are meeting behind closed doors to finalize their bill -- discussing whether large corporations and the very wealthy will receive nearly all, or almost all, of the tax benefits.\u00a0 The middle class is dramatically being left behind, and in some cases, run over by the Republican tax bill.\u201d\nDemocrats will hold a forum on Wednesday to review the impact of GOP proposals on middle-class families and the U.S. economy.\u00a0 There are many areas of significant concern, including:\n \nThe enormous tilt of tax breaks to the very wealthy in both the House and Senate bills \u2013 the biggest tax windfall for the very rich in modern history;\nThe millions of middle-class families who will face tax increases either immediately given the elimination or reduction of tax credits for education, health care, and state and local taxes (the effect of which is masked by averaging tax changes across groups rather than individuals), or over time because of bracket creep under the new, reduced inflation measure for the tax brackets and/or the sunsetting of certain provisions.\nThe massive new tax loopholes that will be created, especially under provisions related to pass-through business income, and current loopholes that are not closed, such as the carried interest provision for wealthy investment managers, which President Trump promised to end.\nThe concern that provisions in these bills will increase, rather than reduce, the offshoring of US jobs and companies by increasing the incentive to move to tax havens.\nThe rise in health insurance premiums that the Congressional Budget Office projects will occur under the repeal of the individual mandate, and which AARP estimates will raise premiums in 2019 by an average of $1,500 for Americans aged 50-64.\nThe massive amount of new debt the GOP tax changes will generate even under the Joint Committee on Taxation\u2019s most optimistic projections.\u00a0\u00a0\nAnd finally, the pressure this debt will apply to cut Medicare and other essential programs.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-klobuchar-oppose-fcc-plan-to-eliminate-net-neutrality-protections", "Peters, Klobuchar Oppose FCC Plan to Eliminate Net Neutrality Protections", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.17\n\t\t\t Peters, Klobuchar Oppose FCC Plan to Eliminate Net Neutrality Protections \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 Urge FCC to Focus Efforts on Closing Digital Divide, Expanding Rural Broadband\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), members of the Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai expressing their strong opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. The senators also called on the FCC to focus its efforts on closing the digital divide rather than limiting net neutrality protections that help small businesses and consumers compete and succeed in the online environment. Michigan and Minnesota are home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses that rely on strong net neutrality protections to compete in the online marketplace.\r\n\u201cAs members of the Senate Commerce Committee and strong supporters of an open internet, we write to express our opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. Net neutrality is critical to the competitiveness of our economy and the health of small businesses and startups,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cA truly open internet encourages economic growth and provides opportunities for businesses to reach new markets, drive innovation, and create jobs. With unrestricted access to the internet, entrepreneurs can focus their resources on growing a business rather than paying for equal footing to compete online.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe FCC should not be pursuing policies that will slow and degrade internet access when many Americans, particularly in rural areas, still lack access to high-speed broadband entirely,\u201d the senators continued. \u201cAs we face an increasingly global and interconnected economy, it is critical that the internet remains a hub of entrepreneurship, creativity, and fair competition.\u201d\r\nIn light of reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process, Klobuchar, Peters, and a group of 26 other senators also urged the FCC to delay the planned December 14th vote to roll back net neutrality rules until an investigation of the record is conducted.\r\nThe full text of the Senators\u2019 letter is below and available here.\r\nDear Chairman Pai:\r\nAs members of the Senate Commerce Committee and strong supporters of an open internet, we write to express our opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. Net neutrality is critical to the competitiveness of our economy and the health of small businesses and startups. The rules in place today level the playing field for entrepreneurs and protect the internet as a place that allows small businesses to succeed. Your order to repeal these rules would take us in the wrong direction.\r\nBoth Minnesota and Michigan are home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses. One way in which the draft order will hurt small business entrepreneurship and innovation is by limiting access to the open internet. A truly open internet encourages economic growth and provides opportunities for businesses to reach new markets, drive innovation, and create jobs. With unrestricted access to the internet, entrepreneurs can focus their resources on growing a business rather than paying for equal footing to compete online. Small businesses are the engines of job creation, responsible for an estimated 63 percent of net new jobs from 2010 to 2016. Without strong net neutrality protections small businesses and startups will face new barriers to compete in the online marketplace.\r\nThe landmark 2015 Open Internet Order effectively prevents major corporations from blocking, slowing, and prioritizing web traffic for their own financial gain. Your proposal not only directly eliminates these protections but also reclassifies broadband as an information service, jeopardizing the FCC\u2019s authority to keep internet service providers (ISPs) in check. These protections are crucial to the continued success of small businesses and startups competing online.\r\nThe only open internet provisions your proposal salvages are requirements for service providers to disclose their internet traffic policies. However, the benefits of transparency rules are negated when tied to a repeal of essential net neutrality protections. If approved, your order will still result in ISPs having the power to interfere with web traffic as they please, putting small businesses, startups, and everyday users at a significant disadvantage.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nThe FCC should not be pursuing policies that will slow and degrade internet access when many Americans, particularly in rural areas, still lack access to high-speed broadband entirely. We need to focus our efforts on closing the digital divide rather than creating an online environment in which the success of small businesses and consumers is at the mercy of large ISPs who are not bound to the doctrine of a free and open internet.\r\nAmerican consumers, entrepreneurs, and innovators rely on net neutrality. As we face an increasingly global and interconnected economy, it is critical that the internet remains a hub of entrepreneurship, creativity, and fair competition. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.\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    \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-provisions-in-defense-bill-signed-into-law", "Peters Provisions in Defense Bill Signed into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.17\n\t\t\t Peters Provisions in Defense Bill Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 President Trump today signed into law major defense legislation that includes over a dozen provisions from U.S. Senator Gary Peters supporting Michigan\u2019s growing defense industry and boosting America\u2019s military preparedness. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets Department of Defense (DoD) policy, was passed with bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate last month. Peters is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves.\r\n\u201cAmerica and our allies face an unprecedented wave of new security threats, and our military must be prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing battlefield,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI am proud that Michigan\u2019s servicemembers and manufacturers play such a critical role in our national security, and the bipartisan bill signed into law today will enable our men and women in uniform and the manufacturing industry that supports them to effectively execute their mission.\u201d\r\nHighlights of Senator Peters\u2019 provisions in the NDAA include:\r\nSupporting Michigan\u2019s Military Installations & Small Businesses\r\n \r\nProviding Air Force Clarification on A-10: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which hosts A-10 aircrafts in Harrison Township, is currently under consideration to host an F-35 mission. Included in the NDAA is report language clarifying that the U.S. Air Force has the authority to convert Selfridge\u2019s A-10 mission to the F-35 mission and move the existing A-10 aircraft at Selfridge to other bases hosting A-10 missions, increasing their squadron size to 24 aircraft. Currently, A-10s cannot be retired, and this language is intended to bring Selfridge to parity with other bases seeking the F-35 mission.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtecting Michigan Small Businesses from Fraud: The NDAA includes a provision authored by Peters and based on bipartisan legislation Peters introduced earlier this year to\u00a0help protect small businesses from falling victim to fraud when they register to do business with the federal government.\u00a0The provision would require small businesses to be notified that free assistance is available for help in bidding on government contracts through federal programs, including Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). Many business owners are unaware these resources exist and fall victim to scams that mislead them into paying high sums of money for contract procurement assistance that is already available at no-cost. Michigan is home to ten PTACs and over 850,000 small businesses that account for half of the state\u2019s private workforce.\r\n \r\n \r\nAccelerating Process for New Missile Defense Site: The legislation includes a provision based on the Advancing America\u2019s Missile Defense Act, legislation Peters cosponsored to improve America\u2019s missile defense capabilities and counter threats posed by Iran and North Korea. The provision requires DoD to identify potential sites to host the deployment of up to 104 additional ground-based interceptors. Fort Custer in Augusta, Michigan\u00a0is under consideration to host a potential ground-based midcourse missile defense site.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupporting Research Conducted at TARDEC in Warren: Peters worked to include an additional $50 million in funding for fuel cell prototyping at the Army\u2019s Tank and Automotive Research Development Center (TARDEC), building on TARDEC\u2019s successful collaboration with General Motors on the ZH2. The bill recognizes TARDEC\u2019s capability for prototyping and experimentation and collaboration with technology developers, users, testers, and the private sector. The bill also includes a\u00a0requirement for the Army to plan to build a prototype for a new ground combat vehicle.\r\n \r\nBolstering our Military & Supporting our Servicemembers\r\n \r\nFunding Stryker Vehicles Modifications:\u00a0Peters supported provisions providing additional support to the U.S. Army Stryker vehicle program with upgraded weapons systems, survivability improvements to the vehicle hull, and other mobility and communication improvements. The Stryker is the U.S. Army\u2019s most versatile and deployable combat vehicle, and earlier this year, Peters helped lead a bipartisan letter with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), calling for funding to complete much-needed upgrades. Peters and Portman previously included an amendment in the FY 2016 NDAA that authorized $371 million in funding to install medium caliber cannons on 81 Stryker vehicles forward deployed in Europe, to support U.S. interests in Eastern Europe and our NATO allies. General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights is the prime contractor for the Stryker armored vehicle and many Michigan companies serve as suppliers.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupporting Servicemember Mental Health Research: The NDAA includes report language requiring the U.S. Air Force to provide a report on steps taken to address the\u00a0mental health of pilots that operate Remote Piloted Aircrafts (RPAs) and Airmen supporting RPA operations, particularly those stationed in the U.S. and flying missions with aircraft abroad. The 110th Attack Wing in Battle Creek, Michigan hosts an RPA mission and Airmen there fly RPAs that are located all over the world. This provision builds on Senator Peters\u2019 Fairness for Veterans amendment, signed into law last year as part of the NDAA FY 2017, which helps veterans with a bad paper discharge resulting from behavior caused by PTSD to petition for an upgrade in discharge status to access mental health treatment and other VA services.\r\n \r\n \r\nMitigating Risk of Humvee Rollover Accidents: Earlier this year, the National Guard issued a safety alert related to rollover mishaps and loss-of-control. The NDAA includes a provision encouraging the U.S. Army to\u00a0mitigate the risk of Humvee rollover accidents\u00a0and requesting a briefing on plans to mitigate rollovers. Peters has previously written to the Acting Secretary of the Army about his concerns related to Humvee safety. Additionally, the Michigan National Guard has undertaken a pilot program for commercial off-the-shelf technology aimed at mitigating Humvee rollovers using technology manufactured in Michigan.\r\n \r\n \r\nTraining for Operations in Major Urban Areas: The NDAA includes a provision to require a plan for military training to operate in densely populated environments.\u00a0Peters has asked military leaders about the impact on potential future military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in \u201cmegacities\u201d, or cities with a population above 10 million.\u00a0Camp Grayling in Crawford County\u00a0already hosts military training for urban operations and could play an important role as the military better prepares for these operations.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncorporating New Technologies: The NDAA includes provisions requiring DoD to provide briefings to the Senate Armed Services Committee related to robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, and also requires DoD to include autonomous systems on the list of eligible technologies for simplified contracting opportunities between DoD and universities.\r\n \r\nStrengthening America\u2019s Presence Abroad\r\n \r\nBoosting American Support in Eastern Europe: Peters included language directing DoD to provide personnel to the\u00a0NATO Strategic Communication Center of Excellence (StratCom)\u00a0in Riga, Latvia. StratCom is a multi-national and NATO-accredited international military organization that works to enhance strategic communication capabilities and help counter Russian propaganda efforts in Eastern Europe. Currently, the United States is not a participating nation. Earlier this year, Peters visited StratCom as part of his visit to Latvia to learn more about NATO activity in the Baltic region and Russian practices aimed at undermining and destabilizing democracies like Latvia. This amendment came about as a result of Peters\u2019 visit. For over 20 years, Michigan\u2019s National Guard has worked jointly with Latvia\u2019s military through the State Partnership Program, participating in joint training and exercises in both Europe and Michigan.\r\n \r\nSenator Peters also supported several provisions in the final NDAA, including:\r\n \r\nA provision to require the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to conduct a study on the health implications of PFAS in drinking water;\r\n \r\n \r\nAn amendment authorizing funding to support the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, encourage partnership between MEP affiliates and the Manufacturing USA Institutes established by DoD, and improve manufacturing engineering education. MEP is a public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\n \r\n \r\nAn amendment authorizing the constructions of three additional Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). Marinette Marine, located along the Menominee River, produces the LCS and employs hundreds of Michiganders. The USS Detroit, an LCS that was commissioned last year, was built at Marinette Marine. Peters previously cosponsored an amendment authorizing the construction of two LCS in the Senate NDAA.\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision to extend protections for servicemembers from home foreclosure for two years following the end of their military service. Current law providing a year of protection is set to expire at the end of this year, and this provision extends the full year of protection through 2020.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-beyer-grijalva-100-house-democrats-urge-preservation-endangered", "Dingell, Beyer, Grijalva, 100+ House Democrats Urge Preservation of Endangered Species Act", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (AZ-03) today led 104 House Democrats in a letter to House Leadership urging the removal of harmful provisions attached to the final spending legislation for FY 18 that would weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Representatives wrote in response to the FY 18 Interior/EPA bill, passed out of the Appropriations Committee, which contained several riders attacking endangered species conservation and removing protections for imperiled species, including wolves and sage grouse.\u00a0\n\u201cThe Endangered Species Act is among the most effective laws protecting the land and wildlife the American people care about,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cEfforts to roll back the law have no place in unrelated legislation to keep the government open, and must be rejected. We should be working together to improve conservation in this country, not rolling back the clock.\u201d\u00a0\nThe Representatives wrote:\u00a0\n\u201cWe write to express our great concern over a number of harmful provisions in H.R. 3354 \u2013 the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (\u201cMake America Secure and Prosperous Act, 2018\u201d) \u2013 that would undermine endangered species conservation and threaten one of our country\u2019s most important wildlife conservation laws \u2013 the Endangered Species Act. We urge you to ensure that these controversial and far-reaching provisions are not included in final spending legislation for FY 2018.\n\u201cWe urge you to use your positions of leadership to uphold our nation\u2019s legacy of protecting our natural heritage for future generations of Americans and reject the inclusion of any of these attacks on the Endangered Species Act and wildlife in any final bill to fund the federal government.\u201d\nThe Representatives went on to note that one amendment in the legislation would void federal protections for bears and wolves on national preserves in Alaska. This would weaken the National Park Service\u2019s ability to prevent unsportsmanlike hunting practices \u2013 such as baiting, trapping, and \u201cdenning\u201d \u2013 on lands under its own jurisdiction.\nA signed copy of the letter is available here, and full text follows below.\u00a0\nDingell has been a lead defender of wildlife and endangered species since coming to Congress, where she has championed legislation to protect and restore fish and wildlife, including the bipartisan Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, which was signed into law last year.\u00a0\nDear Speaker Ryan and Minority Leader Pelosi:\nWe write to express our great concern over a number of harmful provisions in H.R. 3354 \u2013 the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (\u201cMake America Secure and Prosperous Act, 2018\u201d) \u2013 that would undermine endangered species conservation and threaten one of our country\u2019s most important wildlife conservation laws \u2013 the Endangered Species Act. We urge you to ensure that these controversial and far-reaching provisions are not included in final spending legislation for FY 2018.\nThe appropriations process has become a perennial magnet for provisions and amendments that seek to make significant changes to U.S. environmental policies. Rather than taking their policy proposals to the appropriate authorizing committees, many members have instead opted to insert them into appropriations bills, often without full consideration by Congress. These misguided efforts weigh down the important process to fund the federal government. We object to these policy provisions \u2013 especially those provisions that threaten American\u2019s air, water, wildlife, and public lands. This letter focuses on the seven provisions currently in H.R. 3354 aimed at weakening the Endangered Species Act \u2013 a law that continues to serve as our nation\u2019s most effective law in protecting wildlife in danger of extinction. We also strongly oppose a provision that would block implementation of critical rules developed by the National Park Service to regulate non-subsistence hunting in Alaska national preserves.\nWhen Congress passed the Endangered Species Act with near-unanimous consent, species were struggling to survive in the face of unmitigated human-caused threats to their existence. Since the Endangered Species Act was enacted, many of these species have rebounded over the course of just a few decades, including the bald eagle, the brown pelican and the humpback whale. Ninety-nine percent of species that have been listed under the Endangered Species Act have escaped the final fate of extinction, and many are once again thriving. We have a moral responsibility to continue to be good stewards of our environment and protect our natural resources for future generations. That translates into maintaining a strong federal Endangered Species Act that relies on sound science to guide decision-making. Polling shows that 90 percent of American voters support the Endangered Species Act and 71 percent believe scientists should make decisions about how to protect imperiled species, not politicians.\nNevertheless, the underlying FY 2018 Interior/EPA bill that passed out of the Appropriations Committee contained three riders that undermine endangered species conservation by singling out certain imperiled species and denying them the protections of the Endangered Species Act. One would continue for a fourth year a rider that prevents the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) from taking any steps to list the sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act.\u00a0 In September 2015, FWS determined that the greater sage-grouse was not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act, citing an unprecedented landscape-scale planning process as reducing threats to sage grouse - plans that will almost certainly be weakened under a new process initiated by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.\u00a0 This amendment would prevent an ESA listing for the sage-grouse, even if it declines closer to extinction. Another would block Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Midwest, reaffirm a court decision that delisted wolves in Wyoming, and obstruct citizens\u2019 ability to go to court to challenge these delistings. Still another provision would go so far as to defund recovery measures for gray wolves throughout the entire continental United States, even though wolves currently inhabit only 15 percent of their historic range. This same provision would also block all spending on recovery efforts for the Mexican gray wolves, even though there are just 113 individual animals left in the United States and 35 in Mexico. The job of restoring wolves to still-suitable habitat across the United States \u2013 as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has done for other wide-ranging species like the bald eagle \u2013 is far from done. The bill only got worse on the floor, when 3 additional riders that would undermine the Endangered Species Act and harm threatened and endangered species conservation were added to the bill. Finally, Representative Don Young added an amendment that would void a federal rule conserving bears and wolves on national preserves in Alaska. If this language is enacted, the National Park Service would not be able to prevent unsportsmanlike hunting practices on lands under its own jurisdiction, including spotlighting denning bears and cubs as they hibernate.\u00a0\nWe urge you to use your positions of leadership to uphold our nation\u2019s legacy of protecting our natural heritage for future generations of Americans and reject the inclusion of any of these attacks on the Endangered Species Act and wildlife in any final bill to fund the federal government. Thank you for your consideration.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-host-telephone-town-hall-monday-republican-tax-bill", "Congressman Dan Kildee to Host Telephone Town Hall Monday on the Republican Tax Bill", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) will host a telephone town hall on the Republican tax bill next Monday, December 11, 2017, at 7 p.m. ET. Congressman Kildee will be joined on the call by non-partisan experts to answer questions from constituents in the Fifth Congressional District about how the Republican tax plan will affect them and their families.\nIndependent analyses show that the Republican tax bill would raise taxes on millions of middle class Americans while giving tax breaks to the wealthy and big multi-national corporations. Congressman Kildee has been a leading voice against the Republican tax plan, calling on Congress to start over and work together in a bipartisan way to pass real tax reform that focuses on providing relief to middle class families.\nConstituents wishing to participate in the telephone town hall must RSVP at https://dankildee.house.gov/taxtownhall. Those who RSVP will receive a call at 7 p.m. ET on December 11, 2017, to join the telephone town hall.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-hosts-roundtable-focused-water-infrastructure-america", "Congressman Dan Kildee Hosts Roundtable Focused on Water Infrastructure in America", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nationwide Kildee Initiative Seeks to Change the Way Congress Invests in Americas Cities and Towns\nWASHINGTON  Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), the co-chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus and Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, hosted a forum Wednesday in Washington, D.C. focused on how Congress must make critical investments to improve Americas water infrastructure system, including replacing lead pipes to protect public health. The forum is part of the Congressmans ongoing The Future of Americas Cities and Towns initiative to better align local, state and federal policies with the unique challenges facing older, industrial communities.\nThe forum included remarks by Kildee and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-05), the Vice Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Other panelists included Virginia Tech Professor Marc Edwards, who helped to expose the Flint water crisis, as well as experts from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Bipartisan Policy Center. The panelists provided their perspective on the current state of Americas water infrastructure and opportunities to update and invest in water infrastructure systems.\nFrom left to right: Dr. Marc Edwards, Michele Nellenbach, Congressman Kildee, Congresswoman Esty and Brian Pallasch participate in a forum on Capitol Hill Wednesday.\nCongress needs to make critical investments in our nations outdated infrastructure. This means not only seen infrastructureour roads, rail, bridges and portsbut also unseen infrastructure, including water pipes and drinking water systems, said Congressman Kildee. The water crisis in my hometown of Flint is a tragic example of what happens when we fail to invest in our nations older cities and outdated infrastructure. I am proud to hold this important conversation with Congresswoman Esty, a leading voice in Congress to make greater investments in infrastructure projects across the country, said Congressman Kildee.\nWe need to focus our attention on upgrading our water infrastructure to keep families healthy in Connecticut and throughout the country,Congresswoman Esty said. The water crisis in Flint showed us in stark terms what can happen when we allow pipes to corrode and lead to seep into our water supply. But water quality is a major issue in Connecticut as well. Poor water quality has jeopardized our fisheries and limited our recreation opportunities, putting a major drag on our economic growth. I will continue working with Congressman Kildee, as well as my colleagues in both parties, to develop pragmatic, cooperative solutions aimed at tackling our water infrastructure challenges on a national scale.\nThe Future of Americas Cities and Towns is an initiative launched by Congressman Kildee to highlight the many challenges that cities and towns across the U.S. face regarding infrastructure needs, economic development, housing, blight and jobs in the modern economy. The initiative calls for a national strategy on how Congress invests in American cities and towns.\nThe first roundtable included Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, Maxine Waters (CA-43), and focused on the unique challenges facing many older, industrial cities and towns. The second roundtable focused on economic and community development financing and included Vice Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Brian Higgins (NY-26).\nCongressman Kildee also recently spoke at the TrustBelt conference in Des Moines, Iowa, and other events hosted by the Urban Institute and National Leagues of Cities in Washington, D.C., all on his new initiative and the need to focus on investing in older, industrial cities and towns.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-epa-administrator-pruitt-commits-keeping-ann-arbor-epa-lab-open", "Dingell: EPA Administrator Pruitt Commits to Keeping Ann Arbor EPA Lab Open", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, after being pressed by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) during a hearing of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt committed to keeping the doors of the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory open in Ann Arbor. The commitment comes after the Trump Administration\u2019s proposed cuts to the EPA budget in 2018 would have forced the lab to shutter.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cThe more than 400 dedicated employees at the EPA Lab in Ann Arbor do critical work for every single state on automotive emissions and fuel economy,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cThis work is vital to public health, the environment and our future economic competitiveness, and I am pleased that Administrator Pruitt has recognized the incredible value of this lab and its employees. It is because of the good work and dedicated advocacy of men and women of the Ann Arbor EPA Lab and the American Federation of Government Employees that we are able to keep this lab open and ensure this critical work continues.\u201d\u00a0\nDingell visited the Ann Arbor EPA lab in May to speak out against proposed cuts to the facility, which conducts critical research, testing, analysis and technological studies in support of the establishment and monitoring of both fuel economy and vehicle emission standards.\nAt today\u2019s hearing, Dingell also pressed Administrator Pruitt on a number of other issues important to Michigan. Pruitt agreed with Dingell that lead is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the country. Dingell pointed out that cuts already underway at EPA undercut that priority, including staff reductions and cuts to grants that support lead risk reduction programs.\u00a0\nDingell also pressed Pruitt on funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which was completely eliminated in the President\u2019s 2018 budget proposal. Bipartisan Members of Congress from the Great Lakes states worked together to restore funding for the GLRI, which is the single most successful program for protecting the Great Lakes. Pruitt acknowledged the success of program but refused to commit to not cutting the GLRI in the future. Dingell responded, \u201cWe\u2019ll be back if you do.\u201d\u00a0\nFor video of Dingell\u2019s questions and Pruitt\u2019s answers, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-continuing-resolution-vote", "Congresswoman Lawrence on the Continuing Resolution Vote", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following statement after voting no on H.J.Res. 123, the Continuing Appropriations Act that would delay funding for the government two additional weeks through December 22, 2017.\n\u201cToday, just one day before the current Continuing Resolution is to expire, Republicans have voted to continue their partisan agenda to cut taxes for the most wealthy at the expense of America\u2019s middle class. We are now closer to the threat of a government shutdown because once again, partisan politics have surpassed public priorities.\n\u201cAfter 8 months of failed attempts and time running out on funding the government, Republicans continue to push for more time to complete their scam tax bill. Rather than focus on real issues such as securing CHIP funding or addressing budget caps, the Republicans are fixated on giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. The American people should not have to suffer because of Republican\u2019s failure to act, failure to compromise, and failure to keep their promises.\n\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-bills-combat-human-trafficking", "Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on Bills to Combat Human Trafficking", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved of two bills to combat human trafficking on our nation\u2019s highways:\n\u201cAs the Vice Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Caucus for Women\u2019s Issues, I am pleased to see both human trafficking bills approved with bipartisan support by the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee today. Human trafficking is an atrocious crime that disproportionally exploits women and especially young girls,\u201d said Congresswoman Lawrence. \u201cCommercial drivers play a central role in the fight against human trafficking, often serving as the first line of defense. By strengthening systems to recognize and report trafficking, and closing loopholes to traffickers who seek to exploit our transportation system for their personal gain, we are making progress towards combatting human trafficking.\u201d\n\u201cThis is an inexcusable crime,\u201d Rep. Lawrence continued. \u201cI represent a major international transportation and shipping hub, including the city of Detroit in Southeast Michigan. Combatting the growing problem of human trafficking is a serious concern of mine. These bills unite the Department of Transportation with the transportation industry in the fight against these crimes. I am proud to support both of these bills today and urge their quick passage in the full House.\nThe two bills approved by the Committee for consideration by the full House include:\nH.R. 3814 - No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act, sponsored by Rep. John Katko (R-NY) disqualifies individuals from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for their lifetime if they used a CMV to commit a felony involving human trafficking.\nH.R. 3813 - Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator. The legislation also allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to carry out human trafficking outreach and education, which will assist programs already occurring in many states to educate truck drivers and other commercial drivers so they can help with human trafficking prevention.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-announces-bipartisan-legislation-to-give-veterans-same-preventive-health-services-as-general-public", "Senator Stabenow Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Give Veterans Same Preventive Health Services as General Public", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Give Veterans Same Preventive Health Services as General Public \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, December 07, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced bipartisan legislation to give Veterans the same preventive health insurance coverage as the general public. The Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act will ensure many veterans will no longer have to pay out-of-pocket costs for preventive health services that are provided free to other Americans. This legislation also adds preventive medications and services to the list of no-fee treatments covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable that our veterans who rely on VA care must pay for preventive medications and services that other Americans receive for free,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0\u201cThis is just one more step we need to take to keep our promises to our Veterans.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this legislation will impact many of the over 230,000 veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System in Michigan. Currently, veterans are required to pay VA copayments if their income exceeds the VA National Income Threshold, if their income isn\u2019t available to the VA or if their care is not related to a service-connected illness or injury.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act is endorsed by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans and American Veterans.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSenator Stabenow is a cosponsor of the Veterans Preventive Health Care Fairness Act introduced by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\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    \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-statement-president-trump-s-announcement-designating-jerusalem", "Dingell Statement on President Trumps Announcement Designating Jerusalem Israels Capital", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after President Trump declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel. \n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decision to designate Jerusalem as the Israeli capital outside of a comprehensive two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply disturbing as it undercuts continuing efforts toward peace. The final status of Jerusalem should be determined through negotiations between the two parties as part of a resolution to the conflict, as has been U.S. policy since 1967. This action raises tensions in an already restive region, placing Americans stationed in the Middle East at risk while increasing the chance of a wider regional conflict. I strongly oppose President Trump\u2019s decision, which will serve as an obstacle to future peace between Israelis and Palestinians.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-webster-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-worst-case", "Dingell, Webster Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Worst-Case Scenario Preparedness for Hospitals, Long-term Care Facilities", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Daniel Webster (FL-11) today introduced legislation to strengthen and evaluate emergency preparedness procedures for hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act comes in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane season, which caused flooding and power outages at hospitals and medical facilities from Florida to Puerto Rico, resulting in public health emergencies and, in some cases, loss of life.\n\u201cEmergency preparedness policies and procedures at our nation\u2019s hospitals have been seriously tried and tested this year,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cThe destruction wrought in the paths of Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate left hospitals and long-term care facilities without power, flooded or shutdown, resulting in tragic loss of life. In the face of these extreme weather threats, it is critical that emergency preparedness procedures across all medical facilities be reviewed. This legislation takes a proactive approach to identify new polices that better address future threats \u2013 both manmade and natural \u2013 so we can better protect patients.\u201d\n\u201cDisaster preparedness is critical for protecting lives, improving resiliency and being good stewards of disaster relief dollars,\u201d said Webster. \u201cThe bill is a practical approach to ensuring that hospitals and long-term care facilities across the nation are more resilient against natural disasters. Maintaining a high standard of inspection, upkeep, and disaster preparedness, especially in places like in my home state of Florida, reduces the future loss of important facilities that many seniors and veterans in my district rely on. Being better prepared on the front end should also save taxpayers millions of dollars in disaster relief.\u201d\nThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security lists health care as one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors. The Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act seeks to improve emergency preparedness in the health care sector by directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to engage with the National Academy of Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study into the future threats impacting emergency preparedness procedures for hospitals, long term care facilities, and other health care facilities. The study will provide Congress with new recommendations and expert analysis on:\n current emergency preparedness policies and regulations;\n\tidentifying new policies that better address all future threats;\n\timproving Federal grant programs to assist health care facilities; and\n\tproviding updated guidelines for alternative power systems and access to clean water.\n For a copy of the legislation, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-president-trump%E2%80%99s-declaration-jerusalem", "Levin Statement on President Trumps Declaration on Jerusalem", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2017\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961\nLevin Statement on President Trump\u2019s Declaration on Jerusalem\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today made the following statement regarding President Trump\u2019s formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:\n\u00a0\n\u201cMy strong support for the 1995 law was based on the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel with a waiver available to promote a two-state solution as the basis for permanent peace with security for Israel.\u00a0 Moving the U.S. embassy to the holy city of Jerusalem was assumed to promote a comprehensive peace agreement, not undermine the prospects for peace. \u00a0\nToday\u2019s announcement by President Trump may make such a durable peace harder to achieve by inflaming tensions, so it is vital that the U.S. right now take every feasible step to help move all parties toward negotiating a two-state solution.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-capito-student-loan-rehabilitation-bill-advances-in-the-senate", "Peters, Capito Student Loan Rehabilitation Bill Advances in the Senate", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.17\n\t\t\t Peters-Capito Student Loan Rehabilitation Bill Advances in the Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee today approved a provision based on bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to help private student loan borrowers rehabilitate their credit after a default on their loans. Currently, federal student loan borrowers are able to remove a default from their credit report, yet private student loan borrowers are not. The provision was approved as part of a larger package and now heads for consideration by the entire Senate.\r\n\u201cStudents who invest in their education and career by taking out private student loans deserve the chance to recover from a default without permanently damaging their financial future,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI am pleased this bipartisan, commonsense solution is moving forward in the U.S. Senate so that private student loan borrowers have the same opportunity as federal loan borrowers to repair their credit and secure their long-term financial success.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cStudents invest a lot in their education, and we need to do our part to help them maintain a secure financial footing as they pay off loans. Senator Peters and I have worked together on a solution to help make this possible. Like federal student loans, our bipartisan legislation will allow students with private loans opportunities to rehabilitate their credit following a default. I thank the Senate Banking Committee for advancing it out of the committee,\u201d said Senator Capito.\r\nThis provision, based on the Federal Adjustment in Reporting (FAIR) Student Credit Act, would create an equal opportunity for private student loan borrowers who have successfully completed a series of on-time payments to remove a default from their credit report. Under current law, federal loans may be rehabilitated one time and borrowers can repair their credit by removing a default, but private lenders currently do not have the ability to remove negative credit information on borrowers who participate in loan rehabilitation programs. Instead, private lenders may only request to delete information from a credit report if it is inaccurate.\r\nWhile 90 percent of higher education loans are public and therefore eligible for loan rehabilitation, private student loans currently total $9.9 billion, and more than 850,000 private student loans are in default, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A bad credit report from a default can negatively impact a borrower\u2019s ability to get a job, rent an apartment, buy a home, or purchase a car for years.\r\nPeters and Capito previously introduced the FAIR Student Credit Act during the 114th Congress, and as members of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 113th Congress.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/michigan-delegation-members-encourage-strong-epa-role-in-addressing-water-contamination-sites-in-belmont-military-installations-across-state", "Michigan Delegation Members Encourage Strong EPA Role in Addressing Water Contamination Sites in Belmont, Military Installations Across State", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Michigan Delegation Members Encourage Strong EPA Role in Addressing Water Contamination Sites in Belmont, Military Installations Across State \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 06, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) today led a letter from members of the Michigan delegation encouraging a strong Environmental Protection Agency role to address water contamination across the state, including the Belmont area and several military installations.\u00a0 In addition to Stabenow, Peters, and Upton, Representatives Dan Kildee (MI-05), Dave Trott (MI-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Sander Levin (MI-09), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Paul Mitchell (MI-10), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Justin Amash (MI-03), Mike Bishop (MI-08), and Bill Huizenga (MI-02) signed the letter.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue to actively engage in assisting the State of Michigan\u2019s and the Department of Defense\u2019s efforts to address serious public health threats stemming from exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) across multiple communities in our state,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\u00a0 \u201cAs you are aware, these substances break down very slowly in the environment and remain in the blood and organs of exposed humans and wildlife for years.\u00a0 Exposure to these chemical compounds are linked to cancer as well as thyroid, kidney, liver, and reproductive problems.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nA signed copy of the letter is attached to this release and the full text may be found below.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nDecember 5, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Scott Pruitt\r\nAdministrator\r\nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency\r\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20460\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Administrator Pruitt:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue to actively engage in assisting the State of Michigan\u2019s and the Department of Defense\u2019s efforts to address serious public health threats stemming from exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) across multiple communities in our state.\u00a0 This problem is of such severity that the State of Michigan recently created a PFAS Action Response Team.\u00a0 We also believe that further engagement by the EPA on this growing problem is consistent with your stated goal of refocusing the agency on actions that directly protect public health and safety.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs you are aware, these substances break down very slowly in the environment and remain in the blood and organs of exposed humans and wildlife for years.\u00a0 Exposure to these chemical compounds are linked to cancer as well as thyroid, kidney, liver, and reproductive problems.\u00a0 Over the past several months, a growing list of communities that span the state of Michigan are uncovering alarmingly high levels of PFOA and PFOS in soil, ground and drinking waters.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nTainted soil and groundwater in Western Michigan have been found to contain PFOS and PFOA concentrations as high as 37,800 parts-per-trillion (ppt), more than 500 times the EPA\u2019s health advisory level of 70 ppt.\u00a0\u00a0In addition, PFOA and PFOS have been found in raw and treated water in Ann Arbor.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nPFOA and PFOS have also been detected in waters and fish across Michigan, including in the Au Sable River, Flint River, Kalamazoo River, Muskegon River, Saginaw River, St. Joseph River, Tahquamenon River, Dead River, Thunder Bay River, Rogue River and St. Marys River; as well as in parts of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nPFOA and PFOS from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) used at active and decommissioned military bases have leached on and off-base.\u00a0 In Oscoda, PFOS has been identified in a lake near a legacy Air Force base at levels that reportedly exceed 100,000 ppt, as well as in private drinking wells of surrounding homes.\u00a0 These chemicals have also been discovered in and around Camp Grayling National Guard training base in Grayling and in private drinking wells near the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force base in Marquette.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you for your consideration of this request and for providing our offices with information on EPA\u2019s engagement on this matter to date.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe look forward to your expedient response.\u00a0\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-floor-statement-violence-against-rohingya", "Levin Floor Statement on Violence Against Rohingya", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2017\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961\nLevin Floor Statement on Violence Against Rohingya\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today made the following statement regarding a resolution condemning ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in Burma ( H.Con.Res. 90):\n\u00a0\n(Remarks as Delivered)\n\u00a0\n\u201cI rise today in support of this resolution.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAt the same time, I want to raise concerns about the overall thrust of the resolution. This resolution makes it clear that the military in Burma is the main perpetrator of the crimes committed against the Rohingya people. In November, Secretary Tillerson called the violence against the Rohingya \u201cethnic cleansing,\u201d holding the military responsible.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSome have urged that Aung San Suu Kyi does not control the military, and there is a danger that the military would use the present crisis as a way to dismantle the civilian government.\nIt is also been said that the civilian government is working within a deep traditional bias against the Rohingyas, and some see them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.\n\u00a0\nOthers point out that pressure on the civilian government could lead to Burma moving closer to the Chinese. \u00a0Still others point out that talks about the Rohingyas returning to Burma must be afforded time to work out, and the process has only begun.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nBut none of these factors must undermine the realities of the persecution of the Rohingyas.\u00a0 As an UN officials has stated, it is \u201ca textbook example of ethnic cleansing.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Pope was under great pressure to not mention the Rohingyas by name.\u00a0 He expressed his deep concerns while visiting the country. And later in Bangladesh, the Pope being specific, said that \u201cNone of us can fail to be aware of the gravity of the situation,\u201d and called for \u201cdecisive measures to address this grave crisis.\u201d\n\u00a0\nA few years ago, I was part of the CODEL organized by Leader Pelosi to Burma.\u00a0 One of the highlights of the trip was meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, who had been freed after almost two decades of house arrest.\u00a0 We discussed her unique role in moving Myanmar toward a nation of freedom, human rights and peace.\nThe resolution earlier introduced by Senators McCain and Durbin expressed the overriding need for the world to step up to the plight of the Rohingyas.\u00a0 I introduced the same resolution in the House.\u00a0 These resolutions reflect what the many esteemed historical figures have said.\u00a0\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed by the Nazis, said \u201cSilence in the face of evil, is itself evil.\u201d\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Desmond Tutu said \u201cIf you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Elie Wiesel said \u201cWe must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.\u201d\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0And Martin Luther King said that the \u201c\u2026[an individual] who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-leads-colleagues-to-call-for-strong-consumer-protection-advocate-at-cfpb", "Peters Leads Colleagues to Call for Strong Consumer Protection Advocate at CFPB", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t Peters Leads Colleagues to Call for Strong Consumer Protection Advocate at CFPB \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) led 43 of his colleagues in a letter urging President Donald Trump to swiftly nominate a strong consumer protection advocate to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) who will put working families ahead of Wall Street. The Senators also expressed serious concerns with the White House decision to install Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney as part-time acting director of the agency. Mulvaney has a clear record opposing the CFPB and has sought to abolish it. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) joined Peters in signing the letter.\r\n\u201cThrough aggressive enforcement and supervision, CFPB actions have resulted in\u00a0$12 billion\u00a0in relief for more than 29 million American consumers who were cheated by financial companies,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cAssigning leadership of the CFPB to someone who already has a full-time job reporting to the White House and who does not believe in the CFPB\u2019s mission jeopardizes the agency\u2019s independence and effectiveness. We urge you to nominate a CFPB Director who will bring to the job both bipartisan support and a track record of being tough on Wall Street.\u201d\r\nThe CFPB was created as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act following the financial crisis that began in 2007 to ensure that bad actors on Wall Street would be held accountable for fraudulent or predatory practices that take advantage of middle class Americans. Since its creation, the CFPB has helped more than 17 million Americans receive over $11 billion in relief from illegal and unfair financial practices.\r\nPeters was joined in sending the letter by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Al Franken (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Carper (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).\r\nThe text of the letter is copied below and available here.\r\n\r\nDecember 4, 2017\u00a0\r\nDear President Trump,\r\nAfter the 2008 financial crisis wiped out trillions of dollars of wealth and the jobs of millions of Americans, Congress passed important financial reforms and created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an independent watchdog to protect people from financial scams.\r\nThrough aggressive enforcement and supervision, CFPB actions have resulted in\u00a0$12 billion\u00a0in relief for more than 29 million American consumers who were cheated by financial companies. The CFPB has taken almost 200 enforcement actions: against mortgage schemes that rip off struggling borrowers, against predatory financial firms that set up shop next to military bases to target servicemembers, against scam for-profit schools that take advantage of veterans\u2019 benefits, and against companies that train their employees to trap consumers in debt.\r\nThese are the enforcement results that the National Fraternal Order of Police and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general expected when they endorsed Rich Cordray\u2019s nomination and said he would be \u201can effective partner in combating fraud and other illegal schemes[.]\u201d\r\nHis nomination passed the Senate with 66 votes, including 12 Republicans.\r\nIn a 2016 campaign speech, you said \u201c\u2026[T]his election is a choice between taking our government back from the special interests, or surrendering our last scrap of independence to their total and complete control.\u201d Polling shows that the vast majority of Americans agree that the CFPB has been doing great work holding special interests accountable. 74% of Americans -- Republicans and Democrats -- approve of the CFPB\u2019s mission and 55% of Republicans who voted for you believe that the CFPB should be left alone to do its work or even be given expanded authority to do more.\r\nAssigning leadership of the CFPB to someone who already has a full-time job reporting to the White House and who does not believe in the CFPB\u2019s mission jeopardizes the agency\u2019s independence and effectiveness. We urge you to nominate a CFPB Director who will bring to the job both bipartisan support and a track record of being tough on big banks and other financial firms that rip off consumers. Following the Dodd-Frank succession provision and nominating a Director who will fight for consumers allows the CFPB to continue its work without political interference.\r\nPlease stand up for American military servicemembers and veterans, students, seniors and workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-responds-supreme-court-decision-allowing-president-trump-s", "Dingell Responds to Supreme Court Decision Allowing President Trumps Muslim Ban to Take Effect", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the Supreme Court allowed full enforcement of President Trump\u2019s Muslim ban.\n\u201cThe Supreme Court\u2019s decision to allow President Trump\u2019s Muslim ban to go into effect while legal challenges continue in the lower courts is extremely disappointing. Freedom of religion is a fundamental pillar of our Constitution, and the President\u2019s executive order represents a thinly veiled ban on entry to this country based on religion. This hateful action will keep people apart from their loved ones, and as national security experts have warned, make our country less safe. It goes against everything our nation stands for, and we will continue to fight against these efforts to divide us.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-retirement-rep-sandy-levin", "Dingell Statement on the Retirement of Rep. Sandy Levin", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MI\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12)\u00a0released the following statement after Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-09) announced that he will not run for reelection in 2018:\n\"In his 35 years in Congress, Congressman Sandy Levin has been a champion for Michigan and the working families he represents. From working to ensure every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education to ensuring workers can complete on a level playing field, Michigan is undoubtedly better and stronger because of Rep. Levin\u2019s decades of service. He epitomizes what it means to be a public servant, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the alongside him. John Dingell and I wish him all the best and look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in his next chapter.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/rep-levin-highlights-aca-enrollment-deadline", "Rep. Levin Highlights ACA Enrollment Deadline", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Levin Highlights ACA Enrollment Deadline\n\u00a0\nROSEVILLE, MI \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (MI-09) today met with individuals and organizations that help Michiganders enroll in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).\u00a0 This year\u2019s ACA open enrollment period lasts only six weeks compared to 12 weeks last year and the deadline for signing up is December 15. \u00a0The meeting was held in Sterling Heights in the offices of ACCESS, one of the organizations helping Michiganders navigate their enrollment options. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nRep. Levin said, \u201cWe have to redouble our efforts to help people sign up for health insurance, especially as the Trump Administration is making enrollment more difficult by slashing funding for navigators, cutting the enrollment period in half, and threating steps that would increase premiums.\u00a0 Fortunately, here in Michigan, many dedicated organizations are actively working to help people enroll despite these hurdles. \u00a0I urge every Michigander without health insurance to sign up now.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn a statement, ACCESS declared that \u201cThis open enrollment period, our agency was faced with unanticipated changes, such as a 33% program budget cut along with the shortened open enrollment period.\u201d\u00a0 But ACCESS also noted their successful enrollment efforts despite these challenges, including assisting 1,224 clients, 1,120 of which were assisted with enrolling in a health plan \u2013 705 through the ACA Marketplace and 415 through the Healthy Michigan Plan.\nThe Healthy Asian Americans Project stated \u201cSince the ACA became law, the individual mandate has helped to reduce the uninsured rates for Asian Americans by half. \u00a0Based on the data from the Congressional Budget Office estimated repealing the mandate will lead to 13 million people losing their health insurance and premiums will increase by 10 percent. \u00a0The recent tax bill passed in Senate can be very dangerous to our Asian communities.\u201d\nOrganizations attending today\u2019s meeting included: ACCESS Community Health and Research Center; Healthy Asian Americans Project; Chaldean Community Foundation; FernCare Free Clinic, Inc.; MyCare; and Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-colleagues-urge-fcc-to-delay-net-neutrality-vote", "Peters, Colleagues Urge FCC to Delay Net Neutrality Vote", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.17\n\t\t\t Peters, Colleagues Urge FCC to Delay Net Neutrality Vote \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 Recent Reports Suggest Fake Comments from Computer Bots Undermining Public Comment Process\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today joined 27 of his colleagues in a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, calling for a delay to the planned December 14th vote to roll back net neutrality rules. In the letter, Peters and his colleagues express alarm over reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process. Peters and his colleagues are requesting a delay until an investigation of the state of the record is conducted.\r\n\u201cA free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIn fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\u201d\r\n\u201cWithout additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public\u2019s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017,\u201d the Senators continued.\r\n\u201cThe FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding,\u201d the Senators concluded.\r\nPeters was joined by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-MI) Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ).\r\nThe text of the letter is below and available here:\r\nDecember 4, 2017\r\n The Honorable Ajit Pai  Chairman  Federal Communications Commission  445 12th Street Southwest  Washington, DC 20554    Dear Chairman Pai: \r\nWe are deeply concerned by your recently released proposal to roll back critical consumer protections by dismantling the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) current net neutrality rules. A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\r\nTo this end, we request a thorough investigation by the FCC into reports that bots may have interfered with this proceeding by filing hundreds of thousands of comments. Furthermore, an additional 50,000 consumer complaints seem to have been excluded from the public record in this proceeding, according to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by the National Hispanic Media Coalition.\u00a0 Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public\u2019s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017.\u00a0\r\nNew York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has spent the past six months conducting an investigation into the fraudulent comments, and found that \u201chundreds of thousands\u201d of comments may have impersonated New York residents, a violation of state law. He further asserts that the FCC has not cooperated with requests for additional data and information. Data scientist Jeff Kao has also run an analysis of the public record, and estimates that over a million comments filed in support of repealing net neutrality may have been fake. These reports raise serious concerns as to whether the record the FCC is currently relying on has been tampered with and merits the full attention of, and investigation by, the FCC before votes on this item are cast.\r\nA transparent and open process is vitally important to how the FCC functions. The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding.\u00a0 As a result, we are requesting that you delay your planned vote on this item until you can conduct a thorough review of the state of the record and provide Congress with greater assurance of its accuracy and completeness.\u00a0\r\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-passage-senate-gop-tax-scam", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Passage of Senate GOP Tax Scam", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Michiganders are working harder than ever to make ends meet. They deserve real bipartisan tax reform that puts working people first. Unfortunately, this Republican tax plan being rushed through Congress does not help the middle class. It only helps the wealthiest Americans and largest corporations.\nIn the middle of the night, Republicans voted to raise taxes on tens of millions of middle class families and give huge tax cuts to the top 1 percent of Americans and multinational corporations. If you are a homeowner, a parent, a student or a caretaker of a sick family member, you will see your taxes go up under this terrible plan. Republicans want the middle class to pay more in taxes while large corporations get a permanent tax cut.\nCongress must start over and get tax reform right. Both parties should come together and focus on real tax relief for middle class Americans, not just on more tax breaks for those at the very top.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-rep-sander-levin-not-seeking-re-election", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Rep. Sander Levin Not Seeking Re-Election", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I have respected Sandy since my earliest days in politics. To have the opportunity to serve with him in Congress has been an incredible honor. Sandy isnt just a colleague; he is a mentor and dear friend.\nFor decades, Sandy has fought for fair trade deals, affordable health care, and the rights of workers everywhere. His contributions will be evident for a long time, not just in the U.S., but around the globe.\nI will never forget that Sandy was one of the first Members of Congress to come to Flint and help residents recover from the water crisis. His devotion to public service is unwavering.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/rep-levin-announces-he-will-not-seek-re-election", "Rep. Levin Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Levin Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election \nWASHINGTON, D.C. / ROSEVILLE, MI\u2013 Rep. Sandy Levin (D-MI) today released the following statement on his decision not to seek re-election in 2018.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI have been incredibly honored to serve the people of Michigan in Congress and to work on so many issues important to our communities, our state, and our nation. \u00a0I have tried to live up to the trust given to me by my constituents by following the values of my parents and family and by acting on what I believe after digging deeply into the facts and consulting broadly.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\nI now want to share these same values in ways other than being an elected official. \u00a0Working to renew our confidence in promoting positive change, especially among our next generation of leaders, will be a particular interest. \u00a0\u00a0I am therefore looking forward to joining the University of Michigan\u2019s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy after my tenure in Congress concludes.\u00a0 But for the next year, much work remains in Congress, especially as it relates to important tax, trade and health policies.\u201d\n\u00a0\nA broader announcement from Rep. Levin was published today in the Detroit Free Press.\n\u00a0\nRepresentative Levin has championed many critical issues during his 35 years of Congressional service, including:\n\u00a0\n Fighting for comprehensive health care for all as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee during consideration and passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).\nSaving Social Security by leading efforts to defeat attempts to privatize the program.\nWorking for fairer trade policies by authoring with Rep. Rangel the May 10th agreement which required for the first time the inclusion of fully enforceable labor and environmental standards in trade agreements, and by insisting that any renegotiated NAFTA address outsourcing of jobs to Mexico due its very low wages and lack of labor rights.\nPreserving America\u2019s automobile industry by working along with his brother, Senator Carl Levin, and the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation in 2007 and 2008 to ensure emergency assistance to the domestic automobile industry.\nFighting for a fairer tax code, authoring the original legislation to treat \u201ccarried interest\u201d compensation received by investment fund managers as ordinary income and by pressing to close the \u201cinversion\u201d loophole that allows companies to avoid paying U.S. taxes.\u00a0\u00a0\nCurbing drug abuse by co-authoring (with now Senator Rob Portman) the Drug Free Communities Support Program, which has provided grants to thousands of communities.\nProtecting the Great Lakes by leading, along with Reps. Louise Slaughter (NY), David Joyce (OH) and former Rep. John Dingell (MI), a bipartisan effort in the House to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).\n \u00a0\nA more complete list of legislative initiatives by Rep. Levin can be found here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-retirement-of-rep-sandy-levin", "Peters Statement on Retirement of Rep. Sandy Levin", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.17\n\t\t\t Peters Statement on Retirement of Rep. Sandy Levin \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC\u2014U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement\u00a0on the retirement of U.S. Representative Sandy Levin:\r\n\u201cSandy Levin is someone who has been a mentor and role model for me, and his dedication to public service will be missed in the halls of Congress and across Southeast Michigan.\u00a0 If there is one lasting legacy Sandy will leave behind, it is his steadfast commitment to improving the lives of working people.\u00a0 Whether it was fighting for workers affected by trade deals or protecting Medicare and Social Security from cuts and privatization, Sandy always put people first. The embodiment of a true public servant, Sandy fought for better jobs, improved health care and a secure retirement for everyone, and I wish him the best as he moves to the next chapter in his life.\u201d\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-following-senate-vote-on-republican-tax-bill", "Stabenow Statement Following Senate Vote on Republican Tax Bill", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Upper Peninsula Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1901 W. Ridge  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 7  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarquette, MI 49855  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (906) 228-8756  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Northern Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3335 S. Airport Road West  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 6B  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTraverse City, MI 49684  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (231) 929-1031  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t West Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3280 E. Beltline Court NE  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 400  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrand Rapids, MI 49525  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (616) 975-0052  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Mid-Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t221 W. Lake Lansing Road  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 100  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEast Lansing, MI 48823  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (517) 203-1760  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Southeast Michigan Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t719 Griswold St.  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 700  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDetroit, MI 48226  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (313) 961-4330  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Flint/Saginaw Bay Office \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t432 N. Saginaw St  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 301  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlint, MI 48502  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (810) 720-4172  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Washington DC \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t731 Hart Senate Office Building  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  20510-2204  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-4822", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-on-announcement-of-rep-sandy-levin-retirement", "Stabenow Statement on Announcement of Rep. Sandy Levin Retirement", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow Statement on Announcement of Rep. Sandy Levin Retirement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 02, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released the following statement on the news that Congressman Sandy Levin (MI-09) will not seek reelection:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor 35 years, the people of Southeast Michigan have known that they could count on Sandy Levin to fight for them in Washington. Every day Sandy has made the people of Michigan his top priority: expanding access to health care, protecting Social Security and unemployment insurance, championing American jobs and workers, supporting our American auto industry, and protecting our Great Lakes. He\u2019s also been a wonderful partner and a true friend. It has been my honor to work alongside Sandy Levin on behalf of Michigan families.\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    \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-floor-remarks-calling-for-bipartisan-fiscally-responsible-tax-reform-that-helps-middle-class-families-", "Peters Floor Remarks Calling for Bipartisan, Fiscally Responsible Tax Reform That Helps Middle Class Families", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.17\n\t\t\t Peters Floor Remarks Calling for Bipartisan, Fiscally Responsible Tax Reform That Helps Middle Class Families  \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: \u201cA trillion and a half in new debt for our children is not fiscally conservative, it is fiscally irresponsible.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor today in opposition to the Senate Republican Tax bill that will balloon the national debt and disproportionately benefits corporations and the wealthiest Americans more than middle class families. Below is video and text of his remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nWatch the full video\r\n\u201cToday, we are debating legislation that will dramatically reshape the American economy. It was written \u2013 and continues to be re-written \u2013 in secret, by only one party.\r\n\u201cIt didn\u2019t have to be this way. Done right, this process could have had broad bipartisan support. We could have passed tax legislation that was fair, that was simpler, and that was fiscally responsible. We could have passed tax legislation that truly focused on middle class families and helped to raise wages.\r\n\u201cInstead, you have a bill that fails \u2013 dramatically \u2013 on every single one of these principles.\r\n\u201cThis bill fails in so many different ways, I think it\u2019s helpful to talk about each myth that\u2019s being told.\r\n\u201cFirst, let\u2019s dispense with the myth that this is a middle class tax cut.\r\n\u201cThe bill makes dramatic \u2013 permanent \u2013 cuts to corporate taxes, while making small, temporary changes to the taxes of middle class families. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, for many working families, the tax changes are less than $100 per year \u2013 or more simply put \u2013 about two dollars a week.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThat is not a middle class tax cut. That is a myth.\r\n\u201cThe second myth that we hear is that the corporate tax cuts in this bill will \u201ctrickle-down\u201d and raise the wages of average workers. If that were true, we would probably hear some of these CEO\u2019s delivering the good news to their hardworking employees. But, it\u2019s not true. It\u2019s a myth.\r\n\u201cWe know this because the CEO\u2019s themselves are telling us what they will do. Yes, they are actually telling us, and it isn\u2019t raising wages. They have been clear, they are going to use the money that this tax bill gives them to buy back shares of their own companies to boost stock prices, and they are going to increase payouts to wealthy shareholders.\r\n\u201cCEO\u2019s are telling the White House this directly. At a November 14th gathering of CEO\u2019s with Gary Cohn \u2013 the White House\u2019s top economic advisor \u2013 the room full of executives were asked who would take the money from the tax cuts and invest it back into their businesses. Only a couple raised their hands.\r\n\u201cThey weren\u2019t up because they have no reason to lie, their intentions have always been clear. They are going to take the money the tax bill hands them, and reward their executives and their wealthy shareholders.\r\n\u201cAgain, we know this is going to happen, because CEO\u2019s are telling us it is going to happen.\r\n\u201cAnd the bill keeps getting worse. We are hearing this myth that these tax cuts will pay for themselves, they won\u2019t.\r\n\u201cAfter years of telling the American public how important it is to address the debt and deficits, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are now going to pass a bill that dramatically increases deficits.\r\n\u201cNon-partisan analysis shows that this bill will inject one and a half trillion dollars of debt onto our economy, debt that my Republican colleagues should prepare to accept as their own creation if this bill passes.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cA trillion and a half in new debt for our children is not fiscally conservative, it is fiscally irresponsible.\r\n\u201cIt didn\u2019t need to be this way, we could work together to build a tax code that lets working families in Michigan keep more of their hard earned money, levels the playing field for our small businesses, and keeps good jobs here at home in the United States.\r\n\u201cMichiganders \u2013 and all Americans \u2013 deserve a tax code that is fairer, simpler, and more responsible, not more multi-national corporate giveaways and massive new debt.\r\n\u201cThis bill clearly fails on all these points, and I urge my colleges to vote no.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-mandate-sexual", "Congressman Dan Kildee Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Mandate Sexual Harassment Training for Members of Congress, Staff", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) co-sponsored and voted for legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives requiring mandatory sexual harassment training for Members of Congress and congressional staff. The House Resolution, H. Res 630, passed by a voice vote Wednesday with support from Democrats and Republicans.\nEvery person, from a Capitol Hill staffer to a factory worker in Michigan, deserves a work environment free from sexual harassment and discrimination, Congressman Kildee said. Action to reform Congress sexual harassment policies is long overdue. While I am glad to support this legislation mandating sexual harassment training for all Members of Congress and staff, I hope that this vote is only the first step. Additional reforms are badly needed to promote transparency and protect victims of sexual harassment.\nCongressman Kildees office has a strict no-tolerance policy regarding harassment and discrimination. Even before todays House vote, Congressman Kildee required all members of his office, including himself, to complete an annual sexual harassment training provided by the Office of Compliance. Kildees office is firmly committed to providing a work environment that is free from harassment or discrimination.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-resolution-mandating-sexual-harassment-training", "Dingell Statement on Resolution Mandating Sexual Harassment Training on Capitol Hill", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved a resolution requiring all employees of the House \u2013 including Members, interns, detailees, and fellows \u2013 to complete an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training program during each session of Congress.\n\u201cToday\u2019s resolution is a first step in changing the culture on Capitol Hill, but we must go further. We also need to pass legislation introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Speier to bring accountability and transparency to the way sexual harassment claims are handled in Congress and ensure taxpayer dollars are never used to cover up unacceptable behavior. Everyone deserves to work in an environment that is free from harassment and hostility. If we are going to improve workplaces across this country, Congress must set the standard.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-english-v-trump-brief", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on English v. Trump Brief", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), the Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement after joining an amicus brief to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in the English v. Trump case:\nDeputy Director Leandra English should serve as Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau until the Senate confirms a permanent Director. The text and intent of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law clearly states that the Deputy Director, in the event of a vacancy in the office of Director, serves as acting Director until a new permanent director is confirmed by the Senate.\nNo one believes that Mr. Mulvaneywho once called the Consumer Bureau a joke and said he wants to eliminate the agencyis looking out for the best interests of consumers. His appointment is the latest attempt by Republicans to dismantle the Consumer Bureau and undermine important consumer protections.\nRepublicans want to take us back to the days of reckless behavior on Wall Street that brought our economy to the brink of collapse in 2008. President Trumps actions are making it easier for bad actors to rip off consumers when it comes to student debt, mortgages, credit cards and loans.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-cfpb-mulvaney-appointment", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on CFPB, Mulvaney Appointment", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), the Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement after President Donald Trump attempted to appoint Mick Mulvaney to serve as Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-michigan-enbridge-agreement-safeguard-line-5", "Dingell Statement on Michigan-Enbridge Agreement to Safeguard Line 5", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on Governor Snyder\u2019s agreement with Enbridge requiring the company to take immediate action to improve environmental protection for the Great Lakes, including replacing a portion of Line 5 and shutting the pipeline down during periods of adverse weather.\n\u201cThis agreement is a beginning toward safeguarding the Great Lakes and protecting the drinking water that 40 million people rely upon. The Line 5 pipeline carries twenty-three million gallons of oil through the Straits of Mackinac every day. A spill in this area would be devastating for the Great Lakes ecosystem, economy and our way of life, and that is a risk we cannot afford to take. Enbridge has repeatedly failed to disclose potential vulnerabilities to this pipeline, and this agreement will help hold the company to account, ensure the public is informed and that critical safety standards are in place. While this is an important step, I continue to believe that if a comprehensive study of the pipelines finds Line 5 to be unsafe, it should be shut down.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-raise-alarm-over-delay-in-finalizing-critical-asian-carp-study", "Peters, Stabenow Raise Alarm over Delay in Finalizing Critical Asian Carp Study", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.27.17\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow Raise Alarm over Delay in Finalizing Critical Asian Carp Study \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 express serious concerns over the timeline for implementing permanent measures to combat Asian carp\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters, member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, and Debbie Stabenow, co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, sent a letter to the acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works raising alarm over the delay in finalizing the Brandon Road Study, a critical action-plan for keeping Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.\u00a0 Upon news of a second extension of the comment period for a new public meeting in New Orleans, the Senators expressed serious concern once again over the Army Corps\u2019 timeline for implementing permanent measures to combat Asian carp.\r\n\u201cWe appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to develop and assess the alternatives presented in the Brandon Road Study, but we would reiterate the same comments we have heard from Michigan residents:\u00a0 this process is taking far too long,\u201d wrote the Senators.\u00a0 \u201cCurrent estimates indicate it will take as long as eight years to have a barrier installed at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.\u00a0 This timeframe is simply unacceptable with Asian carp having been discovered closer and closer to the Great Lakes, including an adult Asian carp captured above the electric barrier, just 9 miles from Lake Michigan.\u201d\r\n\u201cDespite the need for timely action, the USACE\u2019s recent decision to provide a second extension of the comment period for the Brandon Road Study was very disappointing,\u201d the Senators continued.\u00a0 \u201cIt is our understanding that the USACE granted another extension to accommodate a public meeting in New Orleans.\u00a0 If the USACE concluded this meeting was necessary, why was it not scheduled after the first extension of the comment period?\u201d\r\nThe full text may be found below and here.\u00a0\r\n Ryan A. Fisher  Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army (Civil Works)  108 Army Pentagon  Washington, DC 20310-0101 \r\nDear Acting Assistant Secretary Fisher,\r\nThe Brandon Road Draft Integrated Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement (Brandon Road Study) is a critical step towards protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp. \u00a0Although we believe a physical separation of the basins is the most assured path to stopping Asian carp, the alternatives presented in the Brandon Road Study are a step in the right direction.\u00a0 However, time is of the essence to put in place a permanent barrier and robust controls that stop Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.\u00a0\r\nWe appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to develop and assess the alternatives presented in the Brandon Road Study, but we would reiterate the same comments we have heard from Michigan residents:\u00a0 this process is taking far too long.\u00a0 Current estimates indicate it will take as long as eight years to have a barrier installed at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.\u00a0 This timeframe is simply unacceptable with Asian carp having been discovered closer and closer to the Great Lakes, including an adult Asian carp captured above the electric barrier, just 9 miles from Lake Michigan.\r\nDespite the need for timely action, the USACE\u2019s recent decision to provide a second extension of the comment period for the Brandon Road Study was very disappointing.\u00a0 It is our understanding that the USACE granted another extension to accommodate a public meeting in New Orleans.\u00a0 If the USACE concluded this meeting was necessary, why was it not scheduled after the first extension of the comment period?\u00a0 Thank you for providing an answer to this question and informing us as to when the USACE first received a request for a public meeting in New Orleans.\u00a0\r\nThe USACE has stated that the additional time for public comments will not delay the completion of a Chief\u2019s Report in August 2019.\u00a0 While we appreciate this goal, the USACE should finish the Report by January 2019.\u00a0 This is the original deadline that we can only assume was pushed back to August as result of the Administration\u2019s decision to delay the Study\u2019s release by several months\r\nAside from the timeframe for completing the Chief\u2019s Report and implementing permanent structural solutions, we ask that the USACE allow for interim measures such as deploying complex noise at Brandon Road as soon as possible. In addition, we ask the USACE to utilize existing authorities provided by Congress to institute navigation protocols that would reduce the risk of Asian carp being inadvertently carried or pushed through Lock and Dams in the Illinois River and the electric barrier outside of Chicago.\u00a0 It is our understanding that this action would be perhaps the most effective way in the near term to reduce the likelihood of Asian carp reaching the Great Lakes.\u00a0\r\nAs for the draft Brandon Road Study, we are concerned that while the experts appeared significantly divided in their opinions (Appendix C), the USACE presented the information (Figure ES-6) in an overly simplistic manner that could lead to misunderstandings about the risks or benefits associated with each alternative solution to addressing Asian carp.\u00a0 To be clear, the establishment of bighead or silver carp would be disastrous for the Great Lakes and our outdoor economy, and there is no acceptable level of risk for that occurring.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nWe also have concerns about some of the variables utilized in the economic study (Sections 5.4-5.7).\u00a0 In particular, it appears that the USACE looked exclusively at three industries on Lake Erie to conclude that the establishment of Asian carp in seven out of nine scenarios would result in a \u201cnegligible to positive\u201d result for the local commercial, recreational, and charter fishing industries.\u00a0 We fail to see how the establishment of these species would result in a positive impact on economies and industries reliant on strong sport fish populations, particularly when Section 5.3.3 explains that peer reviewed modeling concludes that \u201cAsian carp have the potential to become a dominant species in the Great Lakes and tributaries.\u201d \u00a0We would ask that the USACE reassess how this economic study was carried out and review the value it adds to assessing the benefits and costs of each alternative.\u00a0 The USACE should not ignore the impact of Asian carp on several important industries \u2013 including recreation and tourism \u2013 or the economic impacts to the other Great Lakes besides Lake Erie.\u00a0 We believe a more comprehensive approach to assessing the basin wide impacts of Asian carp establishment on our Great Lakes economy is necessary.\r\nThe Great Lakes are a bedrock of our economy, both regionally and nationally, and we cannot risk harming them by allowing Asian carp to invade.\u00a0 Thank you for responding to the specific questions we raise in this letter and for including this letter in the official record of public comments.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-raise-alarm-over-delay-in-finalizing-critical-asian-carp-study-", "Stabenow, Peters Raise Alarm over Delay in Finalizing Critical Asian Carp Study", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters Raise Alarm over Delay in Finalizing Critical Asian Carp Study  \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 Senators express serious concerns over the timeline for implementing permanent measures to combat Asian carp \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMonday, November 27, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, and Gary Peters, member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, sent a letter to the acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works raising alarm over the delay in finalizing the Brandon Road Study, a critical action-plan for keeping Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.\u00a0 Upon news of a second extension of the comment period for a new public meeting in New Orleans, the Senators expressed serious concern once again over the Army Corps\u2019 timeline for implementing permanent measures to combat Asian carp.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to develop and assess the alternatives presented in the Brandon Road Study, but we would reiterate the same comments we have heard from Michigan residents:\u00a0 this process is taking far too long,\u201d wrote the Senators.\u00a0 \u201cCurrent estimates indicate it will take as long as eight years to have a barrier installed at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.\u00a0 This timeframe is simply unacceptable with Asian carp having been discovered closer and closer to the Great Lakes, including an adult Asian carp captured above the electric barrier, just 9 miles from Lake Michigan.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cDespite the need for timely action, the USACE\u2019s recent decision to provide a second extension of the comment period for the Brandon Road Study was very disappointing,\u201d the Senators continued.\u00a0 \u201cIt is our understanding that the USACE granted another extension to accommodate a public meeting in New Orleans.\u00a0 If the USACE concluded this meeting was necessary, why was it not scheduled after the first extension of the comment period?\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nA PDF of the letter is attached to this release and the full text may be found below.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nRyan A. Fisher\r\nActing Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army (Civil Works)\r\n108 Army Pentagon\r\nWashington, DC 20310-0101\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Acting Assistant Secretary Fisher,\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Brandon Road Draft Integrated Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement (Brandon Road Study) is a critical step towards protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp. \u00a0Although we believe a physical separation of the basins is the most assured path to stopping Asian carp, the alternatives presented in the Brandon Road Study are a step in the right direction.\u00a0 However, time is of the essence to put in place a permanent barrier and robust controls that stop Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to develop and assess the alternatives presented in the Brandon Road Study, but we would reiterate the same comments we have heard from Michigan residents:\u00a0 this process is taking far too long.\u00a0 Current estimates indicate it will take as long as eight years to have a barrier installed at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.\u00a0 This timeframe is simply unacceptable with Asian carp having been discovered closer and closer to the Great Lakes, including an adult Asian carp captured above the electric barrier, just 9 miles from Lake Michigan.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDespite the need for timely action, the USACE\u2019s recent decision to provide a second extension of the comment period for the Brandon Road Study was very disappointing.\u00a0 It is our understanding that the USACE granted another extension to accommodate a public meeting in New Orleans.\u00a0 If the USACE concluded this meeting was necessary, why was it not scheduled after the first extension of the comment period?\u00a0 Thank you for providing an answer to this question and informing us as to when the USACE first received a request for a public meeting in New Orleans.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe USACE has stated that the additional time for public comments will not delay the completion of a Chief\u2019s Report in August 2019.\u00a0 While we appreciate this goal, the USACE should finish the Report by January 2019.\u00a0 This is the original deadline that we can only assume was pushed back to August as result of the Administration\u2019s decision to delay the Study\u2019s release by several months.\r\n   Aside from the timeframe for completing the Chief\u2019s Report and implementing permanent structural solutions, we ask that the USACE allow for interim measures such as deploying complex noise at Brandon Road as soon as possible. In addition, we ask the USACE to utilize existing authorities provided by Congress to institute navigation protocols that would reduce the risk of Asian carp being inadvertently carried or pushed through Lock and Dams in the Illinois River and the electric barrier outside of Chicago.\u00a0 It is our understanding that this action would be perhaps the most effective way in the near term to reduce the likelihood of Asian carp reaching the Great Lakes.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs for the draft Brandon Road Study, we are concerned that while the experts appeared significantly divided in their opinions (Appendix C), the USACE presented the information (Figure ES-6) in an overly simplistic manner that could lead to misunderstandings about the risks or benefits associated with each alternative solution to addressing Asian carp.\u00a0 To be clear, the establishment of bighead or silver carp would be disastrous for the Great Lakes and our outdoor economy, and there is no acceptable level of risk for that occurring.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe also have concerns about some of the variables utilized in the economic study (Sections 5.4-5.7).\u00a0 In particular, it appears that the USACE looked exclusively at three industries on Lake Erie to conclude that the establishment of Asian carp in seven out of nine scenarios would result in a \u201cnegligible to positive\u201d result for the local commercial, recreational, and charter fishing industries.\u00a0 We fail to see how the establishment of these species would result in a positive impact on economies and industries reliant on strong sport fish populations, particularly when Section 5.3.3 explains that peer reviewed modeling concludes that \u201cAsian carp have the potential to become a dominant species in the Great Lakes and tributaries.\u201d \u00a0We would ask that the USACE reassess how this economic study was carried out and review the value it adds to assessing the benefits and costs of each alternative.\u00a0 The USACE should not ignore the impact of Asian carp on several important industries \u2013 including recreation and tourism \u2013 or the economic impacts to the other Great Lakes besides Lake Erie.\u00a0 We believe a more comprehensive approach to assessing the basin wide impacts of Asian carp establishment on our Great Lakes economy is necessary.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Great Lakes are a bedrock of our economy, both regionally and nationally, and we cannot risk harming them by allowing Asian carp to invade.\u00a0 Thank you for responding to the specific questions we raise in this letter and for including this letter in the official record of public comments.\r\n\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    \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-congressional-delegation-to-visit-troops-and-engage-with-military-and-diplomatic-leaders-in-middle-east", "Peters Joins Congressional Delegation to Visit Troops and Engage with Military and Diplomatic Leaders in Middle East", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.17\n\t\t\t Peters Joins Congressional Delegation to Visit Troops and Engage with Military and Diplomatic Leaders in Middle East \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 Traveled to Afghanistan, Kuwait & Iraq with Senate Armed Services Committee\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan congressional delegation led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq to thank U.S. servicemembers for their service and sacrifice ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The congressional delegation also met with senior military and diplomatic leaders in the region to receive updates on continued anti-terrorism efforts, including the fight against ISIS and the Taliban.\r\n\u201cMichigan servicemembers and their families sacrifice so much in defense of our nation and our way of life - missing milestones in their childrens\u2019 lives and spending their holidays thousands of miles away from home,\u201d said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \u201cI couldn\u2019t be more honored to personally thank our men and women stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq for their service. America's military is the strongest in the world because of their valor and dedication.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn this season of thanksgiving, it was an honor to visit with our Iowa soldiers who are away from their loved ones at the holidays, and to thank them for the sacrifices they make \u2013 and those of their families \u2013 to protect all that we hold dear,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cAdditionally, hearing more about their efforts to support, protect, and defend the United States and our international partners from those on the ground was invaluable, particularly as we work to enact the National Defense Authorization Act, which is critical to ensure our troops have the resources and equipment they need to combat the evolving global threats confronting America.\u201d\r\nPeters, who serves on the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, attended classified briefings in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq and heard directly from Special Operators and their chain of command about battlefield realities. Peters also joined in diplomatic discussions regarding U.S. missions and strategies as part of Operations Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Resolute Support in Afghanistan. During his visit, Peters met with Michigan servicemembers currently deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and throughout the region.\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    \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-statement-return-wwii-lieutenant-donald-underwood-s-remains", "Dingell Statement on Return of WWII Lieutenant Donald Underwoods Remains to Michigan", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MI \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement as the remains of 2nd Lieutenant Donald Underwood, a pilot listed as KIA/MIA since World War II, were returned to his family today in Michigan. Dingell\u2019s office worked closely with Lt. Underwood\u2019s brother George Underwood, 91, of Wyandotte, and his son-in-law Mike Mehall, as well as the non-profit organization History Flight, to locate, recover and identify Lt. Underwood\u2019s remains. Lt. Underwood\u2019s remains will be transferred to Arlington National Cemetery for burial on November 28th.\n\u201cToday, more than 73 years after Lt. Underwood was lost in World War II, his family is able to bring him home. This is a day of joy, of gratitude for Lt. Underwood\u2019s service to our country, and a day of closure for his family, who never gave up hope. We must never forget the men and women in uniform who are missing in action, prisoners of war, and the individuals who have sacrificed so much for this nation. May this day bring hope to all families who are waiting for someone they love to return. I am grateful to those whose dedication made this day possible, and honored to have worked alongside Lt. Underwood\u2019s family to help bring him home and honor his sacrifice in service to our country.\u201d\nIn 2013, former Congressman John Dingell\u2019s office was contacted by the family of Lt. Underwood who was originally listed as KIA/MIA after his airplane crashed during the Battle of Tarawa on January 21, 1944. Through many years of letters and communications the family sought desperately to have Lt. Underwood\u2019s body returned to them without success. Congressman John Dingell\u2019s office, and then Congresswoman Debbie Dingell\u2019s office, worked closely with the family, History Flight and the Department of Defense, to ensure the remains were identified and returned to the Underwood family.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-cut-red-tape-for-bio-tech-startups", "Peters & Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape for Bio-Tech Startups", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.17\n\t\t\t Peters & Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape for Bio-Tech Startups \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Fostering Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide commonsense regulatory relief for many innovative startup companies in scientific and medical research fields. This industry faces additional burdens when complying with federal regulations because of the resource-intensive research and development costs associated with bringing new scientific and medical developments to consumers.\r\n\u201cMichigan is a growing hub for bio-technology startups that are creating jobs and developing cutting-edge cures. Many cures take years of trials and testing to reach patients in need, tying up precious resources for these small businesses,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis bipartisan, commonsense legislation would cut red tape for emerging bio-technology companies so they can focus their resources on the critical research and development that will provide innovative treatments and save lives.\u201d\r\nMichigan is home to more than 600 bioscience companies, academic research centers and clinical institutions that support over 124,000 jobs. This growing industry launched 150 new startups within the past decade and registered over 1,800 bioscience patents from 2004-2009, putting Michigan tenth in the nation for patenting these innovative treatments.\r\n\u201cNorth Carolina has a rich and diverse biotech landscape, and is the home of many companies that are on the cutting edge of scientific and medical research. Unfortunately, some of the expiring JOBS Act exemptions are going to harm the ability of some companies to access capital and continue to grow by diverting critical investments away from science towards compliance,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud to join Senator Peters to introduce the bipartisan Fostering Innovation Act, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to advance this critical fix.\u201d\r\n\u201cMichBio applauds the efforts of Sens. Peters and Tillis in introducing the Fostering Innovation Act,\u201d said MichBio President and CEO, Stephen Rapundalo. \u201cIf enacted, the legislation would reduce the significant costs that small pre-revenue companies, like those in Michigan\u2019s biosciences industry, incur to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley regulations as they go into public markets. Relieving them of that burden would encourage more of them to commercialize, grow their companies, create new jobs and be impactful to both the Michigan and national economies.\u201d\r\nCurrent regulations provide startup firms with a five-year grace period from required financial compliance reporting for publicly traded companies. Bioscience startups typically require significant amounts of capital and many years to take a product through human clinical testing and to market. As a result, many bioscience companies go public through an initial public offering (IPO) at the early to mid-stages of clinical testing, triggering the start of the five year grace period. However, these companies may not start earning a profit on their product until well after the five year period had ended, putting additional strain on their limited resources. The Fostering Innovation Act temporarily extends the current exemption for an additional five years for small startups with annual average revenues of less than $50 million and less than $700 million held in stock owned by public investors to ease the regulatory reporting burden for small startups that have not fully realized their earnings or recouped their research and development costs.\r\n\u201cBIO commends Sens. Tillis and Peters for introducing the Fostering Innovation Act.\u00a0 More than 230 emerging biotechs have gone public under the JOBS Act, and this bill would further support their growth.\u00a0 By allowing innovative small businesses to focus their investment capital on science rather than compliance, the Fostering Innovation Act would allow these emerging innovators to remain focused on delivering groundbreaking cures and treatments to patients,\u201d said Jim Greenwood, President & CEO of BIO, the world\u2019s largest biotechnology trade association. \u201cThe targeted nature of the Fostering Innovation Act, which would only benefit pre-revenue companies, represents an important move away from one-size-fits-all regulations.\u00a0 BIO strongly supports this vital legislation, and we applaud Sens. Tillis and Peters for their efforts to reduce compliance costs for emerging biotechs and support small business capital formation.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\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    \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-announces-legislation-to-protect-pensions-for-thousands-of-michigan-retirees", "Peters Announces Legislation to Protect Pensions for Thousands of Michigan Retirees", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.17\n\t\t\t Peters Announces Legislation to Protect Pensions for Thousands of Michigan Retirees \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced new legislation that will ensure thousands of Michigan retirees can keep the pensions they have earned.\u00a0The bill would give financially troubled multi-employer pension plans, such as the Central States Plan, an opportunity to get back on solid footing and ensure they can meet their obligations to current retirees and workers for decades to come, without any cuts to pension benefits.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMichiganders who worked day-in and day-out and played by the rules are counting on their pensions to retire with dignity,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIt is not right to rip away the financial security that retirees earned through years of hard work, and I will keep fighting to make sure Michigan workers get the retirement they were promised.\u201d\r\nIf no action is taken to assist the severely troubled Central States Pension Fund plans, over 400,000 people nationally and 47,000 people in Michigan will face massive cuts to the benefits they earned over decades of work.\u00a0If large troubled pension plans like Central States are simply allowed to fail, workers and retirees could face the loss of nearly all their benefits, as the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, which steps in to pay a minimum level of guaranteed benefits when plans fail, would not have the resources to do so.\r\nThe legislation introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and cosponsored by Senator Peters would create a new office within the Department of Treasury, known as the Pension Rehabilitation Administration.\u00a0The Administration would allow pension plans to borrow the money they need to remain solvent and continue providing retirement security for retirees and workers for decades to come.\u00a0The money for the loans would come from the sale of Treasury-issued bonds to financial institutions.\u00a0\r\nTo ensure that the pension plans can afford to repay the loans, the Administration would lend them money for 30 years at low interest rates. The 30-year loans would buy time for the pension plans to make smart long-term investments for the future, while continuing to pay benefits owed to current retirees.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nThe bill would not allow any plan to borrow more than it can pay back to taxpayers. It would also prohibit any borrowed funds from being used to make risky investments. And it requires plans that borrow money to submit reports every three years to demonstrate that the plans are on track to getting back on solid footing.\r\nIn 2016, Senator Peters joined Senator Debbie Stabenow in introducing the Pension Fund Integrity Act that would cut pay and prevent raises and bonuses for top pension fund executives if retirees\u2019 benefits are cut.\u00a0 The top executive of the Central States Pension Fund earned nearly $700,000 in 2014.\u00a0\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-house-passage-republican-tax-bill", "Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on House Passage of Republican Tax Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I am from Flint, Michiganmy hometown is a case study of what happens when government puts corporate profits ahead of people. In Michigan, corporations got massive tax breaks while the state cut essential services for Flint families, including public safety and schools. State officials poisoned Flint because they were focused on making cuts, rather than providing safe drinking water to a community of 100,000 people.\nSo I find it shameful that Republicans in Congress are now pushing this same failed governing philosophy with their tax bill, which is a scam for working families. The Republican tax bill raises taxes on tens of millions of middle class families in order to pay for huge tax cuts for the wealthy. It also explodes the deficit, asking our children and grandchildren to accept trillions of dollars in debt so that multi-national corporations and billionaires get more breaks. Their bill is fiscally irresponsible and immoral.\nAs this bill moves to the Senate, I will continue to oppose any tax bill that raises taxes on middle class families. We need tax reform, but this bill does not provide relief for the working families I represent.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-house-passage-gop-tax-bill-american-people-deserve-better", "Dingell on House Passage of GOP Tax Bill: The American People Deserve Better", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved the GOP tax bill, which provides tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations at the expense of working families.\n\u201cThe American people deserve better than the tax plan that passed the House today. The working men and women I represent deserve a tax plan that puts them first \u2013 that provides real relief for childcare expenses and student debt, that protects vital deductions that help families and seniors afford high medical expenses, and that promotes retirement security. Instead, this bill will raise taxes on 36 million working families, while providing a $1.5 trillion tax cut to the wealthy and big corporations who need it least.\u00a0\n\u201cTo add insult to injury, adding $1.5 trillion to the deficit will starve the government of revenue that it needs to pay for critical programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid \u2013 programs that the American people rely on for health care and a secure retirement and programs that are part of the very fabric of this country. This is unacceptable. I support tax reform that puts working families first, makes our tax code simpler and fairer, and promotes a strong economy, but I will not support a plan that provides tax cuts to the wealthy at the expense of the working families who need it most.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-introduces-legislation-protect-pensions-michigan-workers-have", "Dingell Introduces Legislation to Protect Pensions Michigan Workers have Earned", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined colleagues in introducing the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions (Rehab) Act, legislation that ensures multiemployer pension plans remain solvent and continue providing retirees and workers the retirement benefits they have earned. Dingell has been fighting against proposed cuts to retiree pensions since the Central States Pension Fund threatened to cut retiree benefits by as much as 70 percent, impacting 273,000 current and future retirees, including an estimated 30,000 Michigan members.\n\u201cThis legislation will bring relief to the tens of thousands of workers and retirees whose lives have been turned upside down by proposed cuts to their pensions,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cThe working men and women I represent earned these pensions over a lifetime of labor and commitment. This is the money they counted on to retire with dignity and security \u2013 to afford to stay in their homes and afford their medicine \u2013 and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the benefits they have earned. This legislation addresses this crisis by shoring up multiemployer pension plans without taking a single penny from the retirement these workers were promised, and I am hopeful that we can advance it through the Congress as soon as possible. American workers have done their part, now it\u2019s time for Congress to do ours.\u201d\nSome of the nation\u2019s largest multiemployer pension plans, including the Central States Pension Fund, are on the verge of collapse because they don\u2019t have enough money to pay promised pensions to retirees and workers. The Rehab Act would ensure that all promised benefits are paid by creating a new office within the U.S. Treasury Department called the Pension Rehabilitation Administration (PRA). The PRA would issue bonds backed by the U.S. Treasury to finance loans to distressed pension plans so they can remain solvent and continue providing retirement security for retirees and workers for decades to come.\nThe lead sponsor of\u00a0the legislation is the House is Rep. Richard Neal (MA-01) while Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) is leading the bill in the Senate.\u00a0\nDingell has been fighting against proposed cuts to retiree pensions since coming to Congress. Last year, she led a bipartisan coalition of 89 House colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Treasury Department urging the rejection of the application by Central States. Since the application was rejected in May 2016, Dingell and her colleagues have been working with all stakeholders to find a solution that will shore up multiemployer pension plans without placing an undue burden on workers and retirees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-floor-statement-republican-tax-bill", "Levin Floor Statement on Republican Tax Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (MI-09) today gave the following remarks on the House Floor on H.R. 1, the Ryan-McConnell Republican tax plan:\n(Remarks as delivered)\n\u201cThe Republican tax bill is built on massive deception.\n\u201cThe deception is that, as the Speaker put it, \"The focus is on middle class tax relief.\"\n\u201cThat is simply not true. As the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation said, roughly one out of every four Americans with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 would pay higher taxes in 2023. And far overshadowing the one thousand dollars or so for other families, in 2019 those earning over $1 million would get an average tax cut of $73,000.\n\u201cEven as modified in last minute desperation, the wealthiest would receive 90% of the new tax break for so-called pass-through income.\n\u201cAnother deception is that tax breaks pay for themselves. On this, some people may have been in the past fooled once, fewer twice, but none thrice.\n\u201cA further deception is that exploding the deficit and national debt to $1.7 trillion will disappear as it promotes growth. Not only is this a 180 degree Republican turn, but it threatens Medicare and other critical programs, and will worsen the vast inequalities in income and wealth in America.\n\u201cIt is said that necessity is the mother of invention. In this case Republican political necessity is the mother of desperation and deception.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-floor-remarks-on-senate-republican-tax-plan", "Peters Floor Remarks on Senate Republican Tax Plan", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.17\n\t\t\t Peters Floor Remarks on Senate Republican Tax Plan \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: \u201cMichiganders - and all Americans - deserve a tax code that is fairer, simpler, and more responsible, not more multi-national corporate giveaways and debt\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor today to voice his opposition to the current draft of the Republican tax plan that disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Americans and creates over one trillion in new debt. Below is video and text of his remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nWatch the full video here\r\n\u201cMr. President, I rise today to make a simple request of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. When it comes to the tax legislation that my colleagues are rushing through Congress, please, stop, slow down, and start over.\r\n\u201cWe need real tax reform with clear policy goals that will make our nation more competitive, not a partisan attempt to pass something \u2013 anything \u2013 that can get 51 Republican votes here in the Senate.\r\n\u201cOur shared policy goals should be making the tax code fairer, simpler, and fiscally responsible. If we can achieve these goals, that would be real tax reform.\r\n\u201cIf we worked together, we could take long overdue steps and build a tax code that lets working families in Michigan \u2013 and across the country \u2013 keep more of their hard earned money, levels the playing field for our small businesses, and keeps good jobs here at home in the United States.\r\n\u201cFairer, simpler, responsible. Those are three key points to making a tax code that works.\r\n\u201cMr. President, if we do not start over, I am afraid that the current tax legislation will fail on all three counts.\r\n\u201cFirst, this tax legislation is not fairer. It dramatically moves towards benefiting the wealthiest people in this nation, with only a sliver of the benefits going to working class families.\r\n\u201cThe Republican tax bill was clearly written to cut rates for CEOs and large corporations and treats the middle class like an afterthought.\r\n\u201cI would argue that working Americans are struggling with stagnant wages while the cost of prescription drugs, college, and housing continue to rise, any tax cut should be built around them.\r\n\u201cInstead, we\u2019re looking at a Republican tax plan that repeals the Alternative Minimum Tax, a failsafe designed specifically to make sure that wealthy Americans cannot deduct their way to paying nothing in taxes.\r\n\u201cFrom what little we have seen of President Trump\u2019s tax returns, we know that the AMT is the only reason he paid any income taxes at all.\r\n\u201cWall Street loves this bill because hedge funds will continue to be taxed at lower rates than small businesses. This means many hedge fund managers making millions of dollars will have a lower tax rate than the office assistant working at their firm.\r\n\u201cSimply put, this proposal fails on the test of making the code fairer.\r\n\u201cI also believe this effort fails on the test of making the code simpler.\r\n\u201cFor small business owners back in Michigan, they want to spend their time doing what they know best \u2013 running their business \u2013 not spending days or weeks doing their taxes. But as many of my colleagues in the Finance Committee have pointed out throughout this week, the provisions for a small business pass-through only serves to make a complicated tax code even more complicated.\r\n\u201cExpert analysis says that the pass-through provisions will require years of rule makings and thousands of pages of rules and regulations. As a small business owner \u2013 unless your hobby is studying the Internal Revenue Code \u2013 this bill is going to make your life more difficult.\r\n\u201cAnd finally, on the last test \u2013 the test of whether or not this bill is responsible \u2013 this proposal fails miserably.\r\n\u201cWriting responsible tax legislation means making hard choices, closing loopholes and balancing out the pros and cons of every action.\r\n\u201cCongress has a responsibility to take seriously the threat of a growing national debt and we have to think about this when changing our tax code. Instead of working to reduce the debt we are already passing onto our children, this proposal adds more than one trillion dollars in deficits.\r\n\u201cAnd it would be even more expensive, but in a haphazard attempt to limit the cost, the majority has put forward a bill where hundreds of millions of dollars of provisions that middle class families could use to reduce their taxes expire at random over the next few years.\r\n\u201cWhen you add it all up and factor in the added interest costs on all this new debt, you have a proposal that adds over two trillion dollars to the federal debt, according to the non-partisan Center for a Responsible Federal Budget.\r\n\u201cIt is wildly irresponsible to pile on this debt to finance a tax break for the wealthiest people in this nation.\r\n\u201cBut it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Tax reform can be bipartisan. The goal of tax reform must be \u2013 fairer, simpler, and responsible.\r\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t just idealism and wishful thinking, we\u2019ve seen it happen. When Ronald Reagan worked with Congress to pass tax reform in 1986, the bill got 97 votes in the United States Senate \u2013 97 votes!\r\n\u201cThat is the sort of bipartisan approach we need. And we need to start working on it now.\r\n\u201cMichiganders \u2013 and all Americans \u2013 deserve a tax code that is fairer, simpler, and more responsible, not more multi-national corporate giveaways and debt.\r\n\u201cI won\u2019t stop fighting for hardworking American families and small businesses who deserve to see more take-home pay, and I hope my colleagues across the aisle will join me.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-peters-provisions-to-boost-michigan-defense-industry-military-installations", "Senate Passes Defense Bill with Peters Provisions to Boost Michigan Defense Industry, Military Installations", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.17\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Defense Bill with Peters Provisions to Boost Michigan Defense Industry, Military Installations \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 Now Heads to President\u2019s Desk to be Signed Into Law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today helped pass major defense legislation with over a dozen provisions he authored supporting Michigan\u2019s growing defense industry and boosting America\u2019s military preparedness. The final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, which sets Department of Defense (DoD) policy was passed by the House of Representatives and Senate this week with bipartisan support and now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\r\n\u201cMichigan is home to thousands of servicemen and women and a growing defense manufacturing sector that are critical to maintaining America\u2019s military readiness for decades to come,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cWhether it\u2019s protecting Selfridge\u2019s fighter mission or supporting our RPA pilots in Battle Creek, this bipartisan bill will bolster Michigan\u2019s military personnel and installations, while leveraging our state\u2019s advanced manufacturing talent to maintain America\u2019s military edge.\u201d\r\nHighlights of Senator Peters\u2019 provisions in the NDAA include:\r\nSupporting Michigan\u2019s Military Installations & Small Businesses\r\n \r\nProviding Air Force Clarification on A-10: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which currently hosts A-10 aircrafts in Harrison Township, is currently in contention to host an F-35 mission. Included in the NDAA is language clarifying that the U.S. Air Force has the authority to convert Selfridge\u2019s A-10 mission to the F-35 mission and move the existing A-10 aircraft at Selfridge to other bases hosting A-10 missions to bolster their squadron size to 24 aircraft. Currently, A-10s cannot be retired, and this language is intended to bring Selfridge to parity with other bases seeking the F-35 mission.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtecting Michigan Small Businesses from Fraud: The NDAA includes a provision authored by Peters and based on bipartisan legislation Peters introduced earlier this year to\u00a0help protect small businesses from falling victim to fraud when they register to procure federal contracts.\u00a0The provision would require small businesses to be notified that free assistance is available for help in procuring government contracts through federal programs, including Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). Many business owners are unaware these resources exist and fall victim to scams that mislead them into paying high sums of money for contract procurement assistance that is already available at no-cost. Michigan is home to ten PTACs and over 850,000 small businesses that account for half of the state\u2019s private workforce.\r\n \r\n \r\nAccelerating Process for New Missile Defense Site: The legislation includes a provision based on the Advancing America\u2019s Missile Defense Act, legislation Peters cosponsored to improve America\u2019s missile defense capabilities and counter threats posed by Iran and North Korea. The provision requires DoD to identify potential sites to host the deployment of up to 104 additional ground-based interceptors. Fort Custer in Augusta, Michigan\u00a0is under consideration to host a potential ground-based midcourse missile defense site.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupporting Research Conducted at TARDEC in Warren: Peters worked to include an additional $50 million in funding for fuel cell prototyping at the Army\u2019s Tank and Automotive Research Development Center (TARDEC), building on TARDEC\u2019s successful collaboration with General Motors on the ZH2. The bill recognizes TARDEC\u2019s capability for prototyping and experimentation and collaboration with technology developers, users, testers, and the private sector. The bill also includes a\u00a0requirement for the Army to plan to build a prototype for a new ground combat vehicle.\r\n \r\nBolstering our Military & Supporting our Servicemembers\r\n \r\nFunding Stryker Vehicles Modifications:\u00a0Peters supported provisions providing additional support to the U.S. Army Stryker vehicle program with upgraded weapons systems, survivability improvements to the vehicle hull, and other mobility and communication improvements. The Stryker is the U.S. Army\u2019s most versatile and deployable combat vehicle, and earlier this year, Peters helped lead a bipartisan letter with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), calling for funding to complete much-needed upgrades. Peters and Portman previously included an amendment in the FY 2016 NDAA that authorized $371 million in funding to install medium caliber cannons on 81 Stryker vehicles forward deployed in Europe, to support U.S. interests in Eastern Europe and our NATO allies. General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights is the prime contractor for the Stryker armored vehicle and many Michigan companies serve as suppliers.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupporting Servicemember Mental Health Research: The NDAA includes report language requiring the U.S. Air Force to provide a report on steps taken to address the\u00a0mental health of pilots that operate Remote Piloted Aircrafts (RPAs) and Airmen supporting RPA operations, particularly those stationed in the U.S. and flying missions with aircraft abroad. The 110th Attack Wing in Battle Creek, Michigan hosts an RPA mission and Airmen there fly RPAs that are located all over the world. This provision builds on Senator Peters\u2019 Fairness for Veterans amendment, signed into law last year as part of the NDAA FY 2017, which helps veterans with a bad paper discharge resulting from behavior caused by PTSD to petition for an upgrade in discharge status to access mental health treatment and other VA services.\r\n \r\n \r\nMitigating Risk of Humvee Rollover Accidents: Earlier this year, the National Guard issued a safety alert related to rollover mishaps and loss-of-control. The NDAA includes a provision encouraging the U.S. Army to\u00a0mitigate the risk of Humvee rollover accidents\u00a0and requesting a briefing on plans to mitigate rollovers. Peters has previously written to the Acting Secretary of the Army about his concerns related to Humvee safety. Additionally, the Michigan National Guard has undertaken a pilot program for commercial off-the-shelf technology aimed at mitigating Humvee rollovers using technology manufactured in Michigan.\r\n \r\n \r\nTraining for Operations in Major Urban Areas: The NDAA includes a provision to require a plan for military training to operate in densely populated environments.\u00a0Peters has asked military leaders about the impact on potential future military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in \u201cmegacities\u201d, or cities with a population above 10 million.\u00a0Camp Grayling in Crawford County\u00a0already hosts military training for urban operations and could play an important role as the military better prepares for these operations.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncorporating New Technologies: The NDAA includes provisions requiring DoD to provide briefings to the Senate Armed Services Committee related to robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, and also requires DoD to include autonomous systems on the list of eligible technologies for simplified contracting opportunities between DoD and universities.\r\n \r\nStrengthening America\u2019s Presence Abroad\r\n \r\nBoosting American Support in Eastern Europe: Peters included language directing DoD to provide personnel to the\u00a0NATO Strategic Communication Center of Excellence (StratCom)\u00a0in Riga, Latvia. StratCom is a multi-national and NATO-accredited international military organization that works to enhance strategic communication capabilities and help counter Russian propaganda efforts in Eastern Europe. Currently, the United States is not a participating nation. Earlier this year, Peters visited StratCom as part of his visit to Latvia to learn more about NATO activity in the Baltic region and Russian practices aimed at undermining and destabilizing democracies like Latvia. This amendment came about as a result of Peters\u2019 visit. For over 20 years, Michigan\u2019s National Guard has worked jointly with Latvia\u2019s military through the State Partnership Program, participating in joint training and exercises in both Europe and Michigan.\r\n \r\nSenator Peters also supported several provisions in the final NDAA, including:\r\n \r\nA provision to require the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to conduct a study on the health implications of PFAS in drinking water;\r\n \r\n \r\nAn amendment authorizing funding to support the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, encourage partnership between MEP affiliates and the Manufacturing USA Institutes established by DoD, and improve manufacturing engineering education. MEP is a public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.\r\n \r\n \r\nAn amendment authorizing the constructions of three additional Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). Marinette Marine, located along the Menominee River, produces the LCS and employs hundreds of Michiganders. The USS Detroit, an LCS that was commissioned last year, was built at Marinette Marine. Peters previously cosponsored an amendment authorizing the construction of two LCS in the Senate NDAA.\r\n \r\nA provision to extend protections for servicemembers from home foreclosure for two years following the end of their military service. Current law providing a year of protection is set to expire at the end of this year, and this provision extends the full year of protection through 2020.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-following-finance-committee-vote-on-republican-tax-bill-", "Stabenow Statement Following Finance Committee Vote on Republican Tax Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow Statement Following Finance Committee Vote on Republican Tax Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday, November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released a statement following the committee\u2019s vote on the Republican tax bill:\r\n\u201cThere\u2019s no question that we need tax reform that makes the tax system simpler, puts more money in your pocket, closes tax loopholes that send jobs overseas and supports small businesses and farms.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the Senate bill does not achieve these important goals. \u00a0\r\n\u201cI voted no because I could not support raising taxes on middle income taxpayers and leaving Michigan families without health insurance to pay for huge tax giveaways for the wealthiest one percent of Americans.\r\n\u201cThis was a missed opportunity to work together in a bipartisan way on real tax reform. \u00a0I remain committed to passing tax reform that helps middle-class families, small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers.\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    \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-colleagues-urge-support-for-landline-services-in-rural-areas", "Peters, Colleagues Urge Support for Landline Services in Rural Areas", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.17\n\t\t\t Peters, Colleagues Urge Support for Landline Services in Rural Areas \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 Rural Michiganders Use Landlines for Phone Services, Alarm Systems & Medical Monitoring Devices\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) this week joined 15 of his colleagues in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) raising concerns about a proposed rule that could harm rural consumers by undermining existing protections for landline service. Many Michiganders in rural areas \u2013 particularly elderly residents \u2013 utilize landline services for telephone and DSL broadband internet service, alarm systems, fax machines, and medical monitoring devices. The proposed FCC rule jeopardizes this service by eliminating advance notice of landline service changes and weakening rules designed to protect consumers\u2019 access to communication services.\r\n\u201cHouseholds and businesses in our states, and across the country, cannot afford the disruption of having service altered without adequate advance notice, the assurance that an equivalent replacement exists, and a clear understanding of how to obtain and use the replacement,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWe need a reliable service standard in place to ensure that services people depend on will continue to work, and that rural Americans will not be left behind during this technology upgrade, furthering the digital divide.\u201d\r\nAccording to a 2016 Center for Disease Control (CDC) study, a significant majority of seniors use landline services, with only 23.5% of seniors residing in wireless-only service households. In Michigan, 16.5% of residents rely mostly or entirely on landline services.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Edward Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\r\nThe text of the letter is below and available here.\r\n\r\n The Honorable Ajit Pai  Chairman  Federal Communications Commission  445 12th Street Southwest  Washington, DC 20554 \r\nDear Chairman Pai:\r\nWe encourage the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s efforts to accelerate the deployment of advanced networks to all Americans. However, we have concerns that the Commission will vote on an item this week that could harm consumers. It is critical that as we work to enhance networks across the country, we protect existing service for consumers during and after technology transitions.\r\nAs currently drafted, the Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure and Investment Report and Order lessens notifications to consumers about changes to their landline service (virtually eliminating advance notice of copper retirement to retail customers), eliminates the \u201cde facto\u201d retirement rule, and changes the definition of \u201cservice\u201d to reduce access to critical communications for consumers in an attempt to lessen regulatory barriers on phone service providers. These changes cause serious concern for rural Americans including the elderly, low-income, and consumers living with disabilities who rely on landline phone service.\r\nAs you know, millions of people and businesses, not to mention critical U.S. government operations, across the nation rely on legacy landline phone service. Individuals in rural America, particularly those living where cell phone service is poor, utilize these landlines to conduct business, reach emergency responders, and stay in touch with loved ones. Households and businesses in our states, and across the country, cannot afford the disruption of having service altered without adequate advance notice, the assurance that an equivalent replacement exists, and a clear understanding of how to obtain and use the replacement.\r\nFurthermore, this order would affect more than landline phone service. Alarm systems, fax machines, and medical monitoring devices frequently depend on access to landline service. DSL broadband service also relies on landline phone service. If phone lines are not maintained, all of these services could be put in jeopardy. We need a reliable service standard in place to ensure that services people depend on will continue to work, and that rural Americans will not be left behind during this technology upgrade, furthering the digital divide.\r\nThank you for your attention to this matter. We hope to work with you to further advance the benefits of next generation technology to all Americans.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-richard-cordrays-retirement-from-the-consumer-financial-protection-bureau", "Peters Statement on Richard Cordray\u2019s Retirement from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.17\n\t\t\t Peters Statement on Richard Cordray\u2019s Retirement from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC\u2014U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the resignation of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray:\r\n\u201cI appreciate Richard Cordray\u2019s many years of public service and his longstanding commitment to protecting consumers and holding bad actors in the financial industry accountable for fraudulent or predatory practices. Continuing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s mission to shield consumers against abusive practices is more important than ever, especially in light of ongoing efforts by Republicans in Congress to weaken and even eliminate the agency. I was proud to serve on the conference committee that finalized the Dodd-Frank legislation creating this vital agency, and I urge President Trump to nominate a successor who will stand up for consumers and the middle class over special interests by enforcing strong consumer protection standards.\u201d\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-push-address-pfc-drinking-water-contamination-included-final-defense", "Kildee Push to Address PFC Drinking Water Contamination Included in Final Defense Bill", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kildee Continues Fight for Clean-up of Harmful Chemicals at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Other Military Installations Across the Country\nWorking with Republicans and Democrats, Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has successfully pushed for amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct a national health study on the impact of harmful perflourinated chemicals (PFCs) and look for alternatives to the toxic chemical. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the final NDAA bill that requires a national health study of PFCs this week.\nThe Defense Department must step up and do more to address PFCs and other dangerous chemicals that have contaminated drinking water at Wurtsmith Air Force Base and other military installations across the country, Congressman Kildee said. Conducting a health study is the first step to determine the impact of these harmful substances and ultimately ensure that veterans and anyone exposed gets the care they need. I am glad that Republicans and Democrats have joined together to ensure these amendments were included in the final NDAA. In the richest country in the world, no one should have to worry about access to clean drinking water.\nKildee has repeatedly pushed the DOD for quicker action to address PFCs in drinking water along with a bipartisan group of members, including Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-13), Patrick Meehan (PA-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) and Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01).\nThe NDAA amendments would require the DOD to conduct a study on the health impacts of exposure to PFCs at military installations, which have been found in high levels in drinking water near Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, among other places. The study would be conducted through the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDCs) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The amendments would also require the DOD to submit a report to Congress on the status of developing an alternative to PFCs. The U.S. Air Force used PFCs as part of firefighting foam at Wurtsmith Air Force Base and continues to use it at military bases around the country.\nAccording to the CDC, PFCs pose a potential risk for kidney and liver damage. There is also concern about other health problems, including low birth weight, delayed puberty onset, elevated cholesterol levels, and reduced responses to vaccination.\nSince learning of PFC contamination in drinking water around Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Congressman Kildee has repeatedly called on the Air Force to do more to help residents in the surrounding area get access to safe drinking water. Congressman Kildee has repeatedly visited Oscoda to meet with local, state and Air Force officials to push for swift action.\nCongressman Kildee continues to work closely with Oscoda Township, and federal, state and local agencies to prevent the further exposure to PFCs and provide residents with clean drinking water.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-ndaa-0", "Levin Statement on NDAA", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "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 on his vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\u201cI support many of the provisions in this bill for strengthening our armed forces and national security. However, in the absence of Congress coming to terms on broad funding levels for both defense and discretionary spending, I worry that the sheer size of this bill could have a major impact on vital domestic programs, which remain subject to spending caps. I am particularly wary of the potential impact on domestic programs given proposals from President Trump and Congressional Republicans to slash funding for everything from medical research to job training, not to mention the additional pressure for cutting programs that may arise under the GOP debt-driven tax bill.\n\u201cI do not believe we can truly ensure the strength and safety of our country while tearing down vital programs for American families.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kildee-dingell-levin-join-michigan-families-students-highlight-devastating", "Reps. Kildee, Dingell, Levin Join Michigan Families, Students to Highlight Devastating Impact of GOP Tax Bill", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Dan Kildee (MI-05), Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Sander Levin (MI-09) today joined Michiganders to highlight the devastating impact of the Republican tax bill on working families, students and seniors. The bill, which House leadership plans to rush to a vote next week, would raise taxes on 38 million working families across the country, while providing a $1.5 trillion tax cut to the wealthy and big corporations.\nThe Representatives were joined by Michiganders who would be hardest-hit under the plan, which eliminates major tax deductions benefiting working families, including the student loan interest and medical expense deductions, and creates new incentives for big corporations to ship jobs overseas.\nWe need a tax plan that puts working families first  that provides real relief for childcare and education expenses, promotes retirement security and protects vital deductions relied on by families with sick children and those with long-term care needs, said Dingell. Instead, the Republican plan we will vote on next week asks working families to sacrifice more so multinational corporations and the wealthiest can get a tax cut  all while paving the way for future cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The stories we heard today underscore the damage this bill would do to families, children and seniors in Michigan. I support tax reform that puts working families first, makes our tax code simpler and fairer, and promotes economic growth, but I will not support a plan that adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit only to benefit the wealthy. Working families must benefit.\nAfter a week of committee work, it's clear that the House Republican tax plan actually raises taxes on tens of millions of middle class Americans, said Levin. The bill gives the very wealthy and corporations massive tax breaks while eliminating deductions so many families rely on, such as for educational and medical expenses. Instead of thoughtfully working with Democrats, Republicans are trying to jam through something to placate their donors. This won't work for the American people.\n\"The Republican tax plan does not help the middle class, said Kildee. Their plan would cut taxes for the rich and big corporations while many middle class families would see a tax increase. Simply put, the Republican plan is a scam for the working people I represent and we must defeat it.\"\nLike 45 percent of Americans our taxes would go up, not down, if this tax reform is passed, making it harder for families like ours to maintain our tenuous financial stability, said Ari Sammartino of Ypsilanti, who has two children with her husband Eli Rubin. If our taxes were going up so that poor Americans would have a better life or if our taxes were going up to fund truly universal programs that would be accessible to every American, that would be one thing. And we would be proud to do our part. But it is galling that our taxes will go up so that rich people dont have to pay the AMT or the estate tax, each of which only affect a small number of wealthy households, and corporations get a huge tax cut.\nWe oppose the repeal of the medical expense deduction, said Jay Kalisky, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, who has been a Certified Public Accountant for 39 years. We need to give added support to families who have chronic illnesses. Of the 9 million taxpayers that claim the medical deduction, 75 percent have incomes under $75,000. This is the middle class that we want to help.\nBy eliminating educational tax credits, considering tuition waivers as taxable income, and taking away student loan interest as a deduction, this bill is sending the message that education is not expensive enough, said Virginia Field, a graduate student studying Industrial and Systems Engineering at University of Michigan-Dearborn. We need to help get people educated and contribute to the world not make sure they live under crushing debt.\nThe Representatives were also joined by Robert Gordon of the Sierra Club. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, families in Michigan who make $20,000 to $40,000 a year would pay more in taxes under the Republican tax bill. Analyses also show that larger families will be especially hard hit. In addition to raising the standard deduction, the bill would eliminate the so-called personal exemption, which lets most taxpayers deduct about $4,000 for every person in their household.\nThe bill also eliminates vital tax deductions used by millions of working families nationwide. It eliminates the state and local tax deduction; eliminates the student loan interest deduction, raising taxes and spiking the burden of student loans on graduates and current students; eliminates the medical expense deduction, which more than eight million Americans depend upon to afford high medical expenses; and provides corporations with new incentives for shipping American jobs overseas.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-dingell-levin-kildee-join-michigan-families-students-highlight", "Reps. Dingell, Levin, Kildee Join Michigan Families, Students to Highlight Devastating Impact of GOP Tax Bill", "2017-11-12", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MI \u2013 U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Sander Levin (MI-09) and Dan Kildee (MI-05) today joined Michiganders to highlight the devastating impact of the Republican tax bill on working families, students and seniors. The bill, which House leadership plans to rush to a vote next week, would raise taxes on 38 million working families across the country, while providing a $1.5 trillion tax cut to the wealthy and big corporations.\u00a0\nThe Representatives were joined by Michiganders who would be hardest-hit under the plan, which eliminates major tax deductions benefiting working families, including the student loan interest and medical expense deductions, and creates new incentives for big corporations to ship jobs overseas.\n\u201cWe need a tax plan that puts working families first \u2013 that provides real relief for childcare and education expenses, promotes retirement security and protects vital deductions relied on by families with sick children and those with long-term care needs,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cInstead, the Republican plan we will vote on next week asks working families to sacrifice more so multinational corporations and the wealthiest can get a tax cut \u2013 all while paving the way for future cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The stories we heard today underscore the damage this bill would do to families, children and seniors in Michigan. I support tax reform that puts working families first, makes our tax code simpler and fairer, and promotes economic growth, but I will not support a plan that adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit only to benefit the wealthy. Working families must benefit.\u201d\n\u201cAfter a week of committee work, it's clear that the House Republican tax plan actually raises taxes on tens of millions of middle class Americans,\u201d said Levin. \u201cThe bill gives the very wealthy and corporations massive tax breaks while eliminating deductions so many families rely on, such as for educational and medical expenses. Instead of thoughtfully working with Democrats, Republicans are trying to jam through something to placate their donors. This won't work for the American people.\u201d\n\"The Republican tax plan does not help the middle class,\u201d said Kildee. \u201cTheir plan would cut taxes for the rich and big corporations while many middle class families would see a tax increase. Simply put, the Republican plan is a scam for the working people I represent and we must defeat it.\"\n\u201cLike 45 percent of Americans our taxes would go up, not down, if this tax \u2018reform\u2019 is passed, making it harder for families like ours to maintain our tenuous financial stability,\u201d said Ari Sammartino of Ypsilanti, who has two children with her husband Eli Rubin. \u201cIf our taxes were going up so that poor Americans would have a better life or if our taxes were going up to fund truly universal programs that would be accessible to every American, that would be one thing. And we would be proud to do our part. But it is galling that our taxes will go up so that rich people don\u2019t have to pay the AMT or the estate tax, each of which only affect a small number of wealthy households, and corporations get a huge tax cut.\u201d\n\u201cWe oppose the repeal of the medical expense deduction,\u201d said Jay Kalisky, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, who has been a Certified Public Accountant for 39 years. \u201cWe need to give added support to families who have chronic illnesses. Of the 9 million taxpayers that claim the medical deduction, 75 percent have incomes under $75,000. This is the middle class that we want to help.\u201d\n\u201cBy eliminating educational tax credits, considering tuition waivers as taxable income, and taking away student loan interest as a deduction, this bill is sending the message that education is not expensive enough,\u201d said Virginia Field, a graduate student studying Industrial and Systems Engineering at University of Michigan-Dearborn. \u201cWe need to help get people educated and contribute to the world not make sure they live under crushing debt.\u201d\nThe Representatives were also joined by Robert Gordon of the Sierra Club. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, families in Michigan who make $20,000 to $40,000 a year would pay more in taxes under the Republican tax bill. Analyses also show that larger families will be especially hard hit. In addition to raising the standard deduction, the bill would eliminate the so-called personal exemption, which lets most taxpayers deduct about $4,000 for every person in their household.\nThe bill also eliminates vital tax deductions used by millions of working families nationwide. It eliminates the state and local tax deduction; eliminates the student loan interest deduction, raising taxes and spiking the burden of student loans on graduates and current students; eliminates the medical expense deduction, which more than eight million Americans depend upon to afford high medical expenses; and provides corporations with new incentives for shipping American jobs overseas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-conviction-raheel-siddiqui-case", "Dingell Statement on Conviction in Raheel Siddiqui Case", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DEARBORN, MI \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after an eight-member jury found Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Felix guilty of mistreating recruits, including Private Raheel Siddiqui of Taylor, Michigan, who died while training at Parris Island on March 18, 2016.\n\u201cWhat happened to Raheel Siddiqui at Parris Island was a dereliction of duty and a tragedy. This young man was a son, brother, a class valedictorian and a patriot whose dream was to serve the country he loved and defend the freedoms many of us take for granted. Instead, Raheel and other recruits were targeted, degraded and mistreated by the individual charged. As the prosecution stated in closing arguments, Sergeant Felix \u2018wasn\u2019t making Marines, he was breaking Marines.\u2019\n\u201cNo matter what we do, we cannot bring Raheel back, but we must ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held to account. I will continue working closely with the Marine Corps and the Siddiqui family to ensure justice is done and that we can prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again. Additionally, evidence presented at the trial reaffirms that the finding of suicide should be revisited. I will continue to work with all involved to have the initial findings revisited with additional facts that have become available so we can bring some measure of peace to the Siddiqui family.\u201d\nDingell has been in constant communication with the Marine Corps since Private Siddiqui\u2019s death on March 18, 2016. She wrote Marine Corps Commandant General Robert B. Neller seeking further clarification on the circumstances surrounding Siddiqui\u2019s death, and consistently pressed for additional information about the investigation into drill instructors and senior leadership at Parris Island.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-veterans-day", "Dingell Statement on Veterans Day", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11.\n\u201cVeterans Day is the day we pause to salute the men and women who have served our country and defended the ideals that make this nation great. We remember, honor and thank those who answered the call to serve in Europe and the Pacific during World War II, those who defended the 38th parallel in Korea, braved the jungles of Vietnam, fought in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan, and those still standing up for democracy around the world. These courageous men and women have spent time away from their families \u2013 they\u2019ve missed birthdays and holidays, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice, to protect our freedoms and way of life. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.\n\u201cToday, as we honor our veterans, we remember the words of President John F. Kennedy, \u2018As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.\u2019 Today, let it be our pledge that we will serve our veterans as well as they served us \u2013 with timely, quality health care, good-paying jobs, prompt benefits, and a roof over their heads when they come home. Let us all take a moment, not just today, but every day, to thank the veterans in our own communities, to remember those we have lost, those still serving around the world and the military families who serve and sacrifice alongside them. They have given us so much, and it is because of them that we proudly remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-sen-peters-statement-honoring-veterans-day", "Sen. Peters Statement Honoring Veterans Day", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.17\n\t\t\t  Sen. Peters Statement Honoring Veterans Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today released the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day:\r\n\u201cFrom World War II to Korea and Vietnam to modern day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, generations of Michigan veterans have served our nation in uniform with honor and dedication. On Veterans Day, we honor all the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who answered the call of duty in defense of our nation and our values, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.\r\n\u201cOur nation owes these brave men and women \u2013 and their families \u2013 a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. Today \u2013 and every day \u2013 we must fulfill our obligation to America\u2019s veterans by ensuring they have access to the benefits, care and support they have earned through their service.\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\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    \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-information-ann-arbor-va-efforts-respond-fatal-do", "Dingell, Walberg Seek Information from Ann Arbor VA on Efforts to Respond to Fatal Do-Not-Resuscitate Mistake", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following the tragic death of a veteran at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System after confusion over a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) order, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Tim Walberg (MI-07) today sent a letter to VISN 10 Network Director Robert McDivitt and VA Ann Arbor Acting Director Andrew Pacyna requesting information about all efforts being taken to implement recommendations made by the Veteran\u2019s Affairs Office of Inspector General (OIG) to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.\u00a0\n\u201cIt is critical that we fully understand the actions being taken to implement the OIG\u2019s recommendations so that we can ensure that a similar tragedy never happens again,\u201d the Representatives wrote. \u201cPatient care and safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Our veterans have made great sacrifices for our nation, and we have an obligation to make sure they are properly cared for during all treatment.\u201d\nThe OIG report released this week made six recommendations to the VISN Director, including requiring staff to immediately verify resuscitation status of patients; ensuring that DNAR and the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation orders align with one another; and improving staff training, among other recommendations.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cWhile you have concurred with each of these recommendations we would request a full response regarding all efforts being taking to implement these potentially lifesaving recommendations for our veterans,\u201d the Representatives continued. \u201cWe would also request an estimated timeline for meeting these recommendations and to receive regular updates throughout the process.\u201d\nThe full letter can be read here and below.\u00a0\nNovember 9, 2017\nMr. Robert McDivitt\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mr. Andrew Pacyna\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  \n\tNetwork Director\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Acting Director\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\tVeterans Integrated Service Network 10\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System  \n\t11500 Northlake Drive, Suite 200\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02215 Fuller Rd\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  \n\tCincinnati, OH 45249\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Ann Arbor, MI 48105\nDear Director McDivitt and Acting Director Pacyna:\nThis letter is regarding the tragic death of a veteran at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center and a subsequent report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (OIG).\u00a0 The report found that a nurse mistakenly thought the veteran had a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) order and therefore did not attempt to revive the veteran who then passed away.\u00a0 The OIG recently issued a report on this tragedy and made several important recommendations.\u00a0 It is critical that we fully understand the actions being taken to implement the OIG\u2019s recommendations so that we can ensure that a similar tragedy never happens again.\u00a0\nAccording to the OIG report, several factors contributed to the confusion surrounding the veteran\u2019s DNAR status, but it is clear that there was no standardized process to manage the communication of a patient\u2019s resuscitation status between nurses and doctors. It is even more troubling to learn that the existence of vulnerabilities related to confirming resuscitation status\u2014particularly during worsening patient conditions\u2014were identified by VA leadership a year prior to this incident and no remedial measures were taken.\u00a0\nThe OIG has made six specific recommendations, including requiring staff to immediately verify resuscitation status of patients; ensuring that DNAR and the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation orders align with one another; improving staff training and education; obtaining an independent external review; and other administrative recommendations.\u00a0 While you have concurred with each of these recommendations we would request a full response regarding all efforts being taking to implement these potentially lifesaving recommendations for our veterans.\u00a0 We would also request an estimated timeline for meeting these recommendations and to receive regular updates throughout the process.\u00a0\nPatient care and safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.\u00a0 Our veterans have made great sacrifices for our nation, and we have an obligation to make sure they are properly cared for during all treatment.\u00a0 Thank you for your attention on this important matter and for the swift actions already being taken to ensure our veterans are receiving the highest level of care moving forward.\n  \n\tSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-republican-tax-markup", "Levin Statement on Republican Tax Markup", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today released the following statement after the conclusion of the Ways and Means Committee consideration of H.R. 1, the Republican tax plan. The bill was reported out of committee on a party line vote:\n\u201cThe Republican tax bill picks winners and losers \u2013 the big winners are the very wealthy and some corporations, and the losers are the middle class and those who aspire to it, and the rest of America who will be forced to pay for the bill\u2019s massive debt for years to come. While the GOP bill gives the very wealthy enormous tax breaks, it actually raises taxes on tens of millions of middle-class families by eliminating the personal exemption and deductions for medical expenses, for full state and local taxes, and for educational needs. Speaker Ryan has said the bill is focused on the middle class, but that is simply not true. It\u2019s really the opposite: it\u2019s a bill built for millionaires. And the process used to consider it has been driven by desperation, rather than deliberation.\n\u201cThe more the American people learn about the Republican tax bill, the more they will reject it, just as every Democrat did today on the Committee on Ways and Means.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/republicans-refuse-close-carried-interest-loophole", "Republicans Refuse to Close Carried Interest Loophole", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today introduced an amendment to the Republican tax bill (H.R. 1) that would end the carried interest loophole.\n\u201cThis loophole is grossly unfair to regular Americans who provide services and pay taxes at regular individual rates, while wealthy fund managers servicing the investments of monies not their own can pay a lower rate. The President has promised time and again to repeal this loophole. If Republicans can\u2019t step up to the plate on this, what loopholes are they willing to step up to the plate on?\u201d said Rep. Levin. \u201cOn Monday, Chairman Brady offered an amendment at the last minute that was a fig leaf that instead of closing the loophole would validate it.\"\nRep. Levin\u2019s amendment was defeated in Committee by a vote of 16-24.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-foreign-investment-review-process-safeguard-national-security", "Peters, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen Foreign Investment Review Process, Safeguard National Security", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.09.17\n\t\t\t Peters, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen Foreign Investment Review Process, Safeguard National Security \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today joined his colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to authorize heightened scrutiny on the flow of sensitive U.S. technology to foreign countries that may be investing in American companies to gain a military advantage. The Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) would modernize and strengthen the review process by which the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) approves acquisitions, mergers, and other foreign investments in the United States. The CFIUS review process has not been modernized in nearly a decade, and gaps in the current process have allowed foreign adversaries to weaponize their investment in U.S. companies and transfer sensitive dual-use U.S. technologies, many of which have potential military applications.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cMichigan is leading the way in the development of cutting-edge, innovative technologies that will revolutionize the way we get around, as well as our military\u2019s battlefield capabilities. It is vital that these technologies are protected from transactions that could pose a threat to national security by eroding America\u2019s technological advantages,\u201d said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Armed Services Committees. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation, which will allow Michigan businesses to keep innovating while eliminating loopholes that could allow adversarial countries circumvent national security checks.\u201d\r\nCFIUS is an interagency committee tasked with reviewing foreign investments in the U.S. and determining whether or not such investments pose a risk to national security. Because of the outdated review process, foreign investment-driven technology transfers have jeopardized the United States\u2019 ability to maintain our historical military advantage and have, in turn, weakened our defense industrial base.\r\nDuring Senate Armed Services Committee hearings earlier this year, Peters questioned national security leaders, including Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and National Security Agency Director and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, Michael Rogers, on the importance of updating CFIUS. All three leaders agreed on the need to reassess and update the CFIUS review process.\r\nThe Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) would address 21st century national security concerns, like investment-driven technology transfers designed to sidestep the Committee\u2019s limited jurisdiction. Specifically, FIRRMA would:\r\n \r\nExpand the CFIUS jurisdiction to include certain joint ventures, minority position investments, and real estate transactions near military bases or other sensitive national security facilities;\r\n \r\n \r\nUpdate the Committee\u2019s definition of \u201ccritical technologies\u201d to include emerging technologies that could be essential for maintaining the U.S. technological advantage over countries that pose threats, such as China;\r\n \r\n \r\nAllow foreign investors to submit \u201clight filings\u201d to CFIUS for certain types of transactions;\r\n \r\n \r\nAdd new national security factors for CFIUS to consider in its analyses;\r\n \r\n \r\nAuthorize CFIUS to assess and collect filing fees to be used to ensure it has the resources to conduct more extensive reviews of transactions; and\r\n \r\n \r\nAuthorize CFIUS to exempt certain otherwise covered transactions if all foreign investors are from a country that meets certain criteria, such as being a U.S. treaty ally and having a mutual investment security arrangement.\r\n \r\nPeters introduced the bill with U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Barrasso (R-WY), James Lankford (R-OK), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Tim Scott (R-SC).\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    \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-introduces-legislation-safeguard-us-election-infrastructure", "Dingell Introduces Legislation to Safeguard US Election Infrastructure", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) introduced legislation to secure American voting systems against foreign interference. The Safeguarding Election Infrastructure Act of 2017 provides states with the information, intelligence and resources needed to protect electronic voting systems from manipulation and hacking, and to update aging infrastructure.\n\u201cOur democracy depends on free and fair elections, and we must do everything we can to protect the security and integrity of that process,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cThe reality is, many of our voting machines have not been updated in nearly two decades and are susceptible to cyberattacks. We know that foreign adversaries pay very close attention to our elections, and until we address these vulnerabilities, our democratic process is at risk. This legislation ensures states have the resources and intelligence necessary to protect voting equipment and safeguard our elections from outside interference.\u201d\nAccording to U.S. intelligence community assessments, at least 21 state election systems were targeted by Russia-affiliated hackers in an attempt to influence the 2016 election. Recent reports document the relative ease with which America\u2019s voting systems can be hacked and manipulated. At the most recent DEF CON hacking conference, hackers and security researchers were able to compromise five different types of voting machines in less than a day. During an election, these same vulnerabilities would allow bad actors to change vote tallies or manipulate voter registration databases.\nTo address these issues, the Safeguarding Election Infrastructure Act:\n Allows for state and local election officials to get the needed security clearances, so federal agencies can share relevant intelligence and information needed to protect voting systems.\n\tMandates every vote cast have a paper receipt and establishes a competitive grant program to help states update their voting machines. As it stands in some states, voters press a button and the machine tabulates the results. If a machine is compromised, election officials have no way to audit the results.\n\tElection results are audited using a statistically significant sample of paper ballots if the winner of the race receives less than 59 percent of the vote.\n Full text of the bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-raises-questions-about-privacy-consumer-impact-atsc-30-broadcast", "Dingell Raises Questions about Privacy, Consumer Impact of ATSC 3.0 Broadcast Standard in Letter to FCC Chairman", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai raising questions about the new broadcast technology standard, ATSC 3.0, and the privacy implications it will have on consumers across the country. Dingell asked questions about what types of information would be collected from consumers to implement targeted advertisements under the new standard, and how the data would be handled and protected to ensure consumers\u2019 privacy. She also asked how many television sets will be obsolete when the new standard is fully implemented. Dingell also sent a similar letter to Gordon Smith, CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).\n\u00a0\n\u201cBroadcasters and other stakeholders deserve credit in developing this new standard that will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to consumers including more localized safety warnings and improved picture quality,\u201d wrote Dingell. \u201cHowever, ATSC 3.0 is also much more comprehensive than just improving picture quality and safety warnings. It is my understanding that the new standard also contemplates targeted advertisements that would be \u2018relevant to you and what you actually might want to see.\u2019 This raises questions about how advertisers and broadcasters will gather the demographic information from consumers which are necessary to do targeted advertisements, and what privacy protections will be in place for consumers. It is also my understanding that ATSC 3.0 will not be backwards-compatible, which means consumers will be forced to replace their televisions if it is widely adopted.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDingell also noted that the word \u201cprivacy\u201d is not mentioned a single time in the entire ATSC 3.0 draft order released by the FCC, and argued that the Commission\u2019s technical review of the order cannot be separated from a review of privacy and security concerns.\u00a0 The FCC is set to consider the draft order during an Open Commission Meeting on November 16, 2017.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis continues a troubling pattern of indifference at the FCC towards consumer privacy,\u201d Dingell continued. \u201cTo better address these concerns, I respectfully request answers to the following questions so that we call better understand the impacts of ATSC 3.0 on the consumer and how the FCC intends to consider privacy issues moving forward.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe full letter to Chairman Pai can be read here and below.\n\u00a0\nNovember 8, 2017\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Ajit Pai\nChairman\u00a0\nFederal Communications Commission\n445 12th Street SW\u00a0\nWashington, DC 20554\n\u00a0\nDear Chairman Pai:\n\u00a0\nThis letter is regarding what could be an exciting new broadcast technology standard, ATSC 3.0, and the implications it will have on consumers across the country.\u00a0 Broadcasters and other stakeholders deserve credit in developing this new standard that will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to consumers including more localized safety warnings and improved picture quality.\u00a0 Enhancing these capabilities will help our nation\u2019s broadcasters perform their critically important mission of providing the American peo ple with free over-the-air programming.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nHowever, ATSC 3.0 is also much more comprehensive than just improving picture quality and safety warnings.\u00a0 It is my understanding that the new standard also contemplates targeted advertisements that would be \u201crelevant to you and what you actually might want to see.\u201d\u00a0 This raises questions about how advertisers and broadcasters will gather the demographic information from consumers which are necessary to do targeted advertisements, and what privacy protections will be in place for consumers.\u00a0 It is also my understanding that ATSC 3.0 will not be backwards-compatible, which means consumers will be forced to replace their televisions if it is widely adopted.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u00a0\nWhile there are undoubtedly critical benefits of ATSC 3.0, we deserve to have a complete understanding of the overall impacts of this new standard.\u00a0 We should be having a robust dialogue about the privacy implications of this new standard as well as ensuring we are doing everything possible for consumers in any transition.\u00a0 This is critically important and very timely as the Commission is set to consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking authorizing the use of ATSC 3.0 during the Open Commission Meeting on November 16, 2017.\u00a0 \u00a0Although privacy concerns were raised in the record, it was not addressed at all in the draft order released by the Commission.\u00a0 In fact, the word \u201cprivacy\u201d is not even mentioned a single time in the entire draft order the FCC will soon take up.\u00a0 You further noted in recent testimony that the FCC is only considering the technical standards associated with ATSC 3.0, but this technical review cannot be separated from a review of privacy and security concerns.\u00a0 That is in fact the meaning of the phrase \u201cprivacy and security by design.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThis continues a troubling pattern of indifference at the FCC towards consumer privacy.\u00a0 To better address these concerns, I respectfully request answers to the following questions so that we call better understand the impacts of ATSC 3.0 on the consumer and how the FCC intends to consider privacy issues moving forward.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n1. You noted in response to my questions at a recent FCC Oversight Hearing before the House Committee on Communications and Technology that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will have a role in overseeing the privacy of ATSC 3.0 users.\u00a0 Has FCC staff coordinated with FTC staff to discuss these issues to ensure the FCC does not approve a technical standard that fails to adequately protect consumers\u2019 privacy or security?\n\u00a0\n2. It is my understanding that there are several different business models for targeted advertisements under ATSC 3.0.\u00a0 One model includes building transmitters similar to cell towers around the DMA to do regional advertising.\u00a0 I understand this is a very capital intensive process with a high operating expense, but that it would not require the collection of personal information from consumers.\u00a0 Is that correct?\u00a0 If no personal information from consumers is required, what standards will be applied to determine whether my constituents would choose to see targeted advertisements or not?\n\u00a0\n3. It is my understanding that a second business model for targeted advertisements involves delivery via the internet.\u00a0 In this scenario will the age, sex, address, and other demographic information would be collected in order to deliver targeted advertising?\u00a0 Would consumers have to provide consent in order for their data to be collected?\u00a0 Could they choose not to provide their demographic information and not receive targeted advertisements but still receive the enhanced picture quality and public safety communications?\u00a0 If a consumer decides to provide their personal information, who is responsible for protecting it?\n\u00a0\n4. It is my understanding that another business model would use an encrypted signal, even for over-the-air television broadcasts that have traditionally been free.\u00a0 Would this require consumers to use some sort of encryption key to access the signal?\u00a0 Would such a key require a consumer to enter their age, address, gender, and other demographic information?\u00a0 If the free over-the-air signal is encrypted and needs demographic information from a consumer to access it, do you still consider this service to be \u201cfree\u201d in your opinion?\n\u00a0\n5. There have been media reports that ATSC 3.0 would allow for better collection of audience data and would use this information as a sales tool for the advertisers, rather than relying on Nielsen or other measurement data.\u00a0 Will the new standards permit broadcasters to collect data on age, sex, income, address, or any other personal information?\u00a0 How will they be permitted to use this information?\u00a0 Will consumers be able to opt-out of having their data collected for this purpose?\n\u00a0\n6. It appears that new ATSC 3.0-capable TV sets could be susceptible to hacking, malware, and other potential computer viruses that could lead to predatory advertising instead of legitimate commercials.\u00a0 Is there anything contained in the proposal to address this potential problem?\n\u00a0\n7. How many TV sets are in the country today, and what will happen to them when ATSC 3.0 is deployed?\u00a0 How many TV sets will need to be replaced when broadcasters are not required to carry both the current ATSC 1.0 signal and the new ATSC 3.0 signal?\u00a0 What would you estimate the approximate cost to consumers to replace these sets?\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThank you for your attention to these important issues.\u00a0 Answers to my questions will help give the American people confidence that we are adequately considering all of the impacts this new standards will have on consumers.\u00a0 I look forward to receiving your response and please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSincerely,\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDebbie Dingell\nMember of Congress\n\u00a0\nCC: The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Honorable Michael O\u2019Reilly, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Honorable Brendan Carr, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Honorable Greg Walden, Chairman, House Committee on Energy and Commerce\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Honorable Frank Pallone, Ranking Member, House Committee on Energy and\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Commerce", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-urges-senate-finance-committee-to-preserve-electric-vehicle-tax-credit-in-new-tax-legislation", "Peters Urges Senate Finance Committee to Preserve Electric Vehicle Tax Credit in New Tax Legislation", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.08.17\n\t\t\t Peters Urges Senate Finance Committee to Preserve Electric Vehicle Tax Credit in New Tax Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) today sent a letter to U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, urging the committee to preserve the Electric Drive Vehicle Credit (EV Credit) in the forthcoming Senate tax reform proposal. The EV Credit, which drives innovation and economic growth for the American automotive industry, was omitted in the House Republicans\u2019 draft tax legislation released last week. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, will also work to maintain this essential tax credit when the committee considers the Senate bill.\r\n\u201cThe American middle class was shaped in the 20th century by the mass production of combustion engine automobiles,\u201d wrote Senator Peters. \u201cA new generation of jobs and families will be supported by electric vehicles. Eliminating important economic incentives for electric vehicles would be a step in the wrong direction.\u201d\r\nThe EV Credit helps incentivize production and consumer adoption of electric vehicles. Electric drivetrains are the preferred power source for self-driving vehicles, and the EV Credit will be an important economic incentive as manufacturers continue developing self-driving vehicle models. Preserving the EV Credit will ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of vehicle innovation that creates new jobs and keeps American globally competitive.\r\nThe text of the letter is below and available here:\r\nThe Honorable Orrin Hatch\r\nChair\r\nCommittee on Finance\r\nWashington, DC 20510\r\nDear Chairman Hatch,\r\nAs you consider the contents of the forthcoming tax legislation, I urge you to preserve the Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit (commonly known as the Electric Vehicle, or EV Credit). I am concerned that the credit was not included in the initial tax legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the Senate Finance Committee considers its own proposals for restructuring of the tax code, I urge you to retain this important driver of economic growth and future competitiveness.\r\nElectric vehicles are critical to both the current and future global competiveness of the American automotive sector. The EV credit is a key incentive in paving the way for customer acceptance of electric vehicles, which in turn moves us towards a more sustainable and competitive transportation future. In addition, because electric drivetrains are the preferred configuration for self-driving vehicles, the preservation of the EV credit will prove to be a critical economic incentive as we move toward the adoption of fully-automated vehicles.\r\nThe American middle class was shaped in the 20th century by the mass production of combustion engine automobiles. A new generation of jobs and families will be supported by electric vehicles. Eliminating important economic incentives for electric vehicles would be a step in the wrong direction.\r\nThank you for your consideration of this letter.\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\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-veterans-day-floor-statement-", "Senator Stabenow: Veterans Day Floor Statement", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow: Veterans Day Floor Statement  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 08, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Stabenow paid tribute to Michigan veterans, including Medal of Honor recipient James McCloughan, in advance of Veterans Day.\r\n\u00a0\r\nText of her Floor Statement:\r\n\u00a0\r\nMr. President: I rise today to reflect on Veterans Day and the debt of gratitude each of us owes those who are willing to serve our country in our armed forces.\r\n\u00a0\r\nEach year I have the honor of attending Veterans Day events across Michigan. And at each parade, commemoration and solemn ceremony, I am struck not only by the profound patriotism of our veterans, but by their deep humility and lasting dedication to serving others.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOne amazing example of this is Jim McCloughan of South Haven. In May of 1969, he was 23 years old and far from home, serving as a medic in Vietnam after being drafted into the Army.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe orders were to attack Nui Yon Hill. However, Private First Class McCloughan and his company were surrounded by more than 2,000 enemy fighters. Over two days of battle, PFC McCloughan put himself in danger time and time again in order to rescue his fallen brothers.\r\n\u00a0\r\nHis head and arm were bloodied by shrapnel and small-arms fire. Yet he refused to stop. When the battle was over, he had saved the lives of 10 members of his company.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPFC McCloughan received the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with \u201cV\u201d device for valor, and The U. S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, among other awards. He was a hero in every sense of the word. However, he remained focused on only one thing: How he could best serve others. And that\u2019s just what he did.\r\n\u00a0\r\nJim McCloughan returned home and taught and coached at South Haven High School until retiring in 2008. That might have been where his story ended had it not been for his one-time platoon leader, Lt. Randall J. Clark.\r\n\u00a0\r\nLt. Clark never forgot about PFC McCloughan\u2019s heroism and worked tirelessly to get him the recognition he had earned. In 2016, I passed a bill to make PFC McCloughan eligible for our nation\u2019s highest military honor. And in July, I was honored to be at the White House as PFC McCloughan was finally awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump.\r\n\u00a0\r\nJim McCloughan\u2019s story is extraordinary, but he\u2019s not alone. Across our nation \u2013 and throughout our history \u2013 people of common backgrounds and uncommon courage have put their lives on the line in defense of our nation. And time and again, these brave men and women have come home only to continue serving \u2013 in our schools, churches, elected offices, and civic organizations.\r\n\u00a0\r\nVeterans like Jim owe us nothing and keep giving us everything. It\u2019s our solemn duty to keep our promises to them. Like Lt. Clark, we must continue working to provide them all that they\u2019ve earned, whether it\u2019s health care, education, the chance at a good job, or the Medal of Honor.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m humbled, very humbled,\u201d Jim McCloughan said about receiving his award. \u201cAnd, of course \u2013 as many individuals who are blessed to receive something like this \u2013 I\u2019m receiving it for all of my men.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe spirit of service lives on in Jim McCloughan, in Lt. Clark, and in our veterans in Michigan and across this nation. On this Veterans Day, we remember them, we thank them, and we renew our commitment to serving them.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.\r\n\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-calls-on-trump-administration-to-support-additional-funding-to-combat-opioid-epidemic", "Stabenow Calls on Trump Administration to Support Additional Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow Calls on Trump Administration to Support Additional Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 08, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tFollowing last week\u2019s declaration of the opioid epidemic as a national public health emergency, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) joined 21 other Senators calling on President Trump to provide the necessary funding to combat the opioid epidemic.\u00a0Only $57,000 is currently available in the Public Health Emergency Fund, which is not enough to make a meaningful difference in the face of an epidemic that claimed nearly 60,000 lives last year.\u00a0In 2015, Michigan had the seventh most deaths of any state in the country and close to 2,000 people lost their lives from a drug overdose.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe appreciate your formal declaration that the opioid epidemic is a National Public Health Emergency.\u00a0 While this is a positive step forward, more action must be taken in order to craft a timely and effective national strategy that will achieve long term solutions to this crisis. Specifically, we are concerned that your declaration does not yet include any additional funding resources for key programs and initiatives that will help our patients, providers, first responders and researchers who desperately need more assistance,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cAs such, we encourage your Administration to work closely with Congress to swiftly provide the necessary additional and sustained funding to carry out a multi-faceted approach that supports activities related to research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nLast week, Senator Stabenow sent a letter asking President Trump to follow the\u00a0recommendations of his Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis\u00a0and allow the government to negotiate lower prices for naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe signed copy of the letter is attached to this release and the full text may be found below.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 3, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\nPresident Donald J. Trump\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\r\nWashington, D.C. 20500\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear President Trump:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe appreciate your formal declaration that the opioid epidemic is a National Public Health Emergency.\u00a0 While this is a positive step forward, more action must be taken in order to craft a timely and effective national strategy that will achieve long term solutions to this crisis.\u00a0 Specifically, we are concerned that your declaration does not yet include any additional funding resources for key programs and initiatives that will help our patients, providers, first responders and researchers who desperately need more assistance.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nYour declaration allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate money from the Public Health Emergency Fund to support health activities and other measures to address public health emergencies.\u00a0 However, only $57,000 is currently available in the Emergency Fund, which is not enough to make a meaningful difference in the face of an epidemic that claimed nearly 60,000 lives last year. In fact, according to a recent analysis done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in May 2017, the total cost of treating prescription opioid use disorders and responding to overdoses in the United States in 2013 was $78 billion, $28.9 billion of which was for treatment.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nResearchers, providers, patients, first responders, experts and policy makers agree that investing sufficient and timely resources are of paramount importance in order to allow our communities to effectively combat this epidemic.\u00a0 The President\u2019s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis agrees.\u00a0 The final Commission report released this week recommends that your Administration increase access to treatment and recovery programs, as well as expand the capacity for medication-assisted treatment and first responder access to overdose reversal drugs.\u00a0 As such, we encourage your Administration to work closely with Congress to swiftly provide the necessary additional and sustained funding to carry out a multi-faceted approach that supports activities related to research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe stand ready to work with you on crafting an overall strategy to combat the opioid epidemic and urge you to support the additional funding needed to stem the tide of this public health emergency.\r\n\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-joins-bipartisan-16-veteran-member-statement-dangers-ground", "CONYERS JOINS BIPARTISAN 16 VETERAN MEMBER STATEMENT ON DANGERS OF GROUND INVASION IN NORTH KOREA", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Korean War veteran Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), issued a bipartisan joint statement with fellow veterans Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Carbajal (D-CA), Rep. DeFazio (D-OR), Rep. Brown (D-MD), Rep. Rush (D-IL), Rep. Jones (R-NC), Rep. Panetta (D-CA), Rep. Pascrell (D-NJ), Rep. Thompson (D-CA), Del. Sablan (D-Mariana Islands), Rep. Gabbard (D-HI), Rep. Scott (D-VA), Rep. Moulton (D-MA) on a potential ground invasion in North Korea. The statement follows a\u00a0CRS report\u00a0and a\u00a0letter from\u00a0the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressing\u00a0questions raised by Reps. Lieu and Gallego\u00a0about the Pentagon\u2019s plan for military action against North Korea.\nIn the statement, the Members wrote:\n\u201cThe Joint Chiefs of Staff has now confirmed that the only way to destroy North Korea\u2019s nuclear arsenal is through a ground invasion. That is deeply disturbing and could result in hundreds of thousands, or even millions of deaths in just the first few days of fighting.\nAs Veterans,\u00a0we have defended this nation in war and we remain committed to this country\u2019s security. We\u00a0also understand\u00a0that entering into a protracted and massive ground war with North Korea would be disastrous for U.S. troops and our allies. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, it appears, agree. Their assessment underscores what we\u2019ve known all along: There are no good military options for North Korea. Invading North Korea could result in a catastrophic loss of lives for U.S. troops and U.S. civilians in South Korea. It could kill millions of South Koreans and put troops and civilians in Guam and Japan at risk. The Joint Chiefs said they have no reason to believe North Korea would resist using their stockpiles of biological and chemical weapons. It is our intent to have a full public accounting of the potential cost of war, so the American people understand the commitment we would be making as a nation if we were to pursue military action.\nA nonpartisan report\u00a0by the Congressional Research Service indicates conflict on the peninsula could impact as many as 25 million people on either side of the border, including more than 100,000 U.S. citizens. We must pursue every other option before even considering a massive ground invasion. The Administration has also failed to articulate any plans to prevent the military conflict from expanding beyond the Korean Peninsula and to manage what happens after the conflict is over. We\u2019re still engaged in the longest war in U.S. history in Afghanistan with no end in sight.\nWith that in mind, the thought of sending troops into harm\u2019s way and expending resources on another potentially unwinnable war is chilling. The President needs to stop making provocative statements that hinder diplomatic options and put American troops further at risk.\nThe Joint Chiefs\u2019 assessment and the CRS report clearly demonstrate that every diplomatic and economic option must be exhausted before military options are considered. If President Trump does intend to pursue a military option against North Korea, he must come to Congress as required by our Constitution. The stakes are too high and the potential outcome too grave for President Trump to violate his constitutional duty to come to Congress to authorize and oversee use of force.\u201d\nIn a video statement, Conyers also said, \u201cWe want to send a clear message to President Trump as he embarks for his Asia trip:\u00a0 to the extent that you can, sir, please refrain from any further escalation.\u00a0 We appreciate Secretary Tillerson pursuing a diplomatic approach, and Secretary Mattis saying that war in Korea would be catastrophic. Please listen to them and spend your time in Asia seeking a peaceful resolution to this dispute.\u201d Watch here.\nAhead of President Donald Trump\u2019s travel to Asia, Conyers hosted a press conference with Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) to reaffirm Congress\u2019s Constitutional power over approving a first strike against North Korea. Watch here.\nIn October 2017, Congressman Conyers and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) led more than 60 members of Congress in introducing new bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure that President Donald Trump cannot attack North Korea without the approval of Congress by prohibiting any expenditure of funds for such a strike. The No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act of 2017 restricts funds available to the Department of Defense or to any other federal department or agency from being used to launch a military strike against North Korea without the prior approval of Congress or the imperative to respond to an attack against the United States or its allies. The bipartisan House version of the legislation, H.R. 4140, is co-led by Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) and has 61 co-sponsors.\u00a0\nIn\u00a0August 2017, Conyers led more than 60 Members of Congress in sending \u00a0an urgent letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to express \u201cprofound concern\u201d over \u201cirresponsible and dangerous\u201d statements made by President Trump regarding North Korea and to urge Tillerson to do everything in his power \u201cto ensure that President Trump and other Administration officials understand the importance of speaking and acting with the utmost caution and restraint on this delicate issue.\u201d\nIn May 2017, Conyers led a letter signed by 64 Democratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, to rebuke President Trump\u2019s inconsistent and dangerous statements regarding U.S. policy towards North Korea, notify him that military strikes without Congressional approval would violate the Constitution, and urge him to instead adhere to the diplomatic approach recently articulated by his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The 64 signers represented the 64 years since the Armistice Agreement was signed to end hostilities in the Korean War.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-statement-passing-judge-anna-diggs-taylor", "CONYERS STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JUDGE ANNA DIGGS TAYLOR", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "John Conyers", "C000714", "conyers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), released the following statement on the death of Detroit federal Judge Anna Diggs Taylor:\n\u201cI am incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend Judge Anna Diggs Taylor. Judge Taylor was a pioneer who blazed a trail for countless women and African-Americans.\n\u201cAfter Judge Diggs Taylor was appointed to the federal bench by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, she continued to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution. During her tenure, Judge Diggs Taylor was impartial in her handling of some of the most controversial cases of their time.\n\u201cJudge Diggs Taylor\u2019s commitment to the rule of law is to be respected and cherished now and for generations to come. My sympathies go out to her husband, their children, and grandchildren during this difficult time.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-announces-mobile-office-hours-throughout-fifth-1", "Congressman Dan Kildee Announces Mobile Office Hours throughout Fifth Congressional District", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Dan Kildee", "K000380", "dankildee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressional Staff Continue Traveling across Mid-Michigan to Meet with Constituents and Assist with Federal Services \nCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) announced continued mobile office hours today to offer direct support to constituents throughout the Fifth Congressional District. During mobile office hours, staff will help constituents who may have questions concerning Social Security benefits, immigration applications, veterans benefits and other federal programs.\nMaking sure constituents get the help they need is one of my most important responsibilities. My office has assisted thousands of residents with federal agencies, returning over $2 million to our constituents, said Congressman Kildee. Mobile office hours allow my staff to assist people quickly and efficiently throughout mid-Michigan. Wherever you live, were here to help.\nCongressman Kildee has prioritized making himself accessible to the people he works for in Michigan, holding coffee hours, town halls and staff mobile office hours so that residents can get the help they need. Mobile office hours for Bay County, Saginaw County, Arenac County and Iosco County are listed below. Please note that mobile office hours will not be held on federal holidays.\nBay County\nFirst Monday and third Wednesday of every month, continuing on November 15th.\nWhen: 9 a.m.  5 p.m. ET\nWhere: Bay County Building\n515 Center Ave., 2nd Floor, next to the Veteran Service Office\nBay City, MI 48708\nSaginaw County\nFirst and last Thursday of every month, continuing on November 30th.\nWhen: 9 a.m.  5 p.m. ET\nWhere: Saginaw County Government Center\n111 S. Michigan Ave., Room 215\nSaginaw, MI 48602\nArenac County\nSecond Monday of every month, continuing on November 13th.\nWhen: 9 a.m.  4 p.m. ET\nWhere: Arenac County Commission Chambers\n120 N. Grove St., Room 201\nStandish, MI 48658\nIosco County\nThird Monday of every month, continuing on November 20th\nWhen: 10 a.m.  4 p.m. ET\nWhere: Iosco County Commission chambers\n422 W. Lake St.\nTawas City, MI 48763\nIn addition to mobile office hours, Congressman Kildees district office in Flint, located at 111 East Court St. #3B, is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.  5:00 p.m. ET. The district office can be reached by telephone at (810) 238-8627. Constituents visiting Washington, D.C. can also visit his office located in room 227 of the Cannon House Office Building.\nConstituents can also contact Congressman Kildee directly or sign up for his newsletter through his website, www.dankildee.house.gov. For additional updates from Congressman Kildee, follow him on social media, including on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-new-jct-data-shows-many-middle-class-get-hit-higher-taxes-under-gop-bill", "Levin: New JCT Data Shows Many in Middle Class Get Hit with Higher Taxes Under GOP Bill", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today highlighted information from the Joint Committee on Taxation that shows large numbers of middle-income taxpayers being required to pay higher taxes under the Republican tax bill, especially in future years:\n\u201cThe data is clear \u2013 the Republican bill will raise taxes on millions of middle-class Americans.\u00a0 According to new information from Congress\u2019 official scorekeeper one out of every five taxpayers with incomes between $75,000 and $100,000 will be hit with a tax increase of more than $500 in 2023 under the Republican tax bill.\u00a0 And at least some Americans in every other income group will also see significant tax increases, including one out of seven of those with income between $50,000 and $75,000.\u201d\nThe table referenced by Rep. Levin is available here. Rep. Levin made similar remarks during the debate of the Blumenauer Amendment, which can be viewed here and by clicking below.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/ukrainian-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-resolution-commemorating-85th-anniversary", "Ukrainian Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Resolution Commemorating 85th Anniversary of Holodomor Famine-Genocide", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressional Ukrainian Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Sander Levin (D-MI), Andy Harris (R-MD), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), today introduced a resolution commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Holodomor Famine-Genocide.\nThe resolution honors the estimated seven to 10 million Ukrainian people who perished at the will of the totalitarian Stalinist government of the former Soviet Union, which perpetrated a premeditated famine in the winter of 1932-1933 in Ukraine in a concerted effort to break the nation's resistance to communist occupation.\u00a0\n\u201cWe must solemnly remember the millions of Ukrainians who lost their lives in the Holodomor Famine-Genocide and shine a spotlight on the truth. This monument represents our hopes, our shared values, and the humanity that binds us,\u201d the Members said.\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here. The Holodomor Famine-Genocide Memorial opened in Washington, D.C. in 2015, with the support of the bipartisan Ukraine Caucus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-raise-serious-concerns-about-line-5-pipeline-conditions-and-call-for-investigation-into-enbridges-compliance-with-reporting-and-safety-requirements", "Peters, Stabenow Raise Serious Concerns about Line 5 Pipeline Conditions and Call for Investigation into Enbridge\u2019s Compliance with Reporting and Safety Requirements", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.07.17\n\t\t\t Peters, Stabenow Raise Serious Concerns about Line 5 Pipeline Conditions and Call for Investigation into Enbridge\u2019s Compliance with Reporting and Safety Requirements \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today raised serious concerns about the current conditions of Enbridge\u2019s Line 5 Pipeline and called for an investigation into whether Enbridge complied with reporting and safety requirements.\u00a0 The Senators sent letters to the CEO of Enbridge and the head of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) following recent news reports that Enbridge did not disclose problems in the protective coating of the Line 5 Pipeline for more than three years.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDespite Enbridge knowing about the damage in 2014 and conducting a full suite of inspections throughout the summer of 2016, we are just learning now\u2014in 2017\u2014of damage to the protective coatings,\u201d the Senators wrote in a letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. \u201cMichiganders need assurance about the integrity and safety of operating Line 5 in a high consequence, unusually sensitive area and that any problems will be addressed quickly and transparently. We ask PHMSA to determine whether Enbridge committed any violations with respect to the pipeline integrity management program, their reporting requirements to PHMSA, and safety requirements to maintain the integrity of Line 5.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is apparent to us that further changes are needed in the institutional procedures and culture at Enbridge to ensure accurate reporting, transparency, and communication of pipeline integrity management,\u201d the Senators wrote in a letter to the CEO of Enbridge.\u00a0 \u201cGiven the critical risk this pipeline poses to public health and safety, please respond to the following questions:\r\n \r\n\u201cWhat is being done to correct internal reporting procedures at Enbridge to ensure that damage sustained by pipelines and the coatings that protect these pipelines against corrosion is accurately communicated throughout the company and to our offices and the state regulators?\r\n \r\n \r\n\u201cAre there any additional portions of Line 5 with anomalies of any type to any of the coatings covering the pipeline that have not been reported? Were any additional sites identified needing further inspection or repairs of any sort since September 13th?\r\n \r\n \r\n\u201cHow can we be certain that no other damage to either the pipeline or its protective coatings has occurred and that state regulators, federal agencies providing oversight, and our offices are fully informed?\u201d\r\n \r\nFull text of the Senators\u2019 letters to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrator Howard Elliott and Enbridge CEO Al Monaco are here and here and may be found below.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 7, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\nAdministrator Howard Elliott\r\nU.S. Department of Transportation\r\nPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration\r\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\r\nWashington, DC 20590\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Administrator Elliott,\r\nWe write to express our deep concerns regarding the recent disclosure of damage and gaps in the protective coatings on segments of Pipeline #5 (\u201cLine 5\u201d), owned and operated by Enbridge Pipeline Inc., located at the Straits of Mackinac (\u201cthe Straits\u201d) between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This newly-public information raises additional concerns about the operation of a pipeline in a high consequence and unusually sensitive area. We request the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration to examine these recent events for any pipeline safety or reporting violations.\r\nIn 2014, support anchors were installed along the underwater segment of Line 5 at the Straits to ensure that no unsupported span would exceed 75 feet, the limit granted as part of the 1953 easement that permitted construction of Line 5. During this maintenance in 2014, damage occurred to the coatings that protect the pipeline from corrosion with the full knowledge of Enbridge engineering staff, according to a media statement released by Enbridge on October 27, 2017. Despite Enbridge knowing about the damage in 2014 and conducting a full suite of inspections throughout the summer of 2016, we are just learning now\u2014in 2017\u2014of damage to the protective coatings.\r\nThe underwater visual inspection of Line 5 occurred in June of 2016 with an autonomous underwater vehicle and remote operated vehicle, as required by Enbridge\u2019s consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency. This supposedly thorough and detailed inspection apparently missed damaged areas as large as 13 feet by 1 foot 7 inches that are only now being reported over a year later.\u00a0\r\nAlternatively, Enbridge did not disclose the damaged areas. Inaccurate reporting or lack of notification does not follow the intent of pipeline integrity management programs. \u201cDeficient and ineffective\u201d integrity management programs have previously contributed to devastating events like the San Bruno pipeline explosion in September of 2010, which killed 8 people, destroyed 38 homes, damaged 70 additional homes, and injured many others].\r\nThe lack of disclosure by Enbridge in 2014, along with either inaccurate inspection reporting or the lack of detection during the 2016 inspections, are issues that must be addressed. Title 49 of the Code of Federal Section 195.452 requires establishing pipeline integrity management plans in high consequence areas. Subsection h establishes the requirement for operators to \u201ctake prompt action to address all anomalous conditions\u201d and provide notification to the Administrator of anomalous conditions. Appendix C to Part 195 further clarifies conditions that may impair a pipeline\u2019s integrity, including \u201cany change since the previous assessment\u201d and \u201cmechanical damage that is located on the top side of the pipeline.\u201d Disturbed coating areas measuring over 20 square feet in area and holidays in the coatings exposing bare metal measuring greater than 1 square foot in area are highly anomalous. Changes in the condition of the pipeline since prior assessments, resulting from mechanical damage, are a threat to the safety and integrity of Line 5.\r\nSpecifically, we request that PHMSA investigate Enbridge\u2019s reporting actions and the condition of Line 5 at the Straits to determine the integrity of the pipeline in light of recent reporting on the damage to the protective coatings on the pipeline. Michiganders need assurance about the integrity and safety of operating Line 5 in a high consequence, unusually sensitive area and that any problems will be addressed quickly and transparently. We ask PHMSA to determine whether Enbridge committed any violations with respect to the pipeline integrity management program, their reporting requirements to PHMSA, and safety requirements to maintain the integrity of Line 5.\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 7, 2017\r\nAl Monaco   Chief Executive Officer   Enbridge Pipeline Inc.    3000 Fifth Avenue Place   425 - 1st\u00a0Street S.W.   Calgary, AB \u00a0T2P\u00a03L8\r\nDear Mr. Monaco:\r\nWe are writing to express great concern about the current condition of Enbridge\u2019s Pipeline #5 (\u201cLine 5\u201d), and the accuracy of previous communications we have had with your company regarding this segment that crosses the Straits of Mackinac.\r\nOn March 10, 2017, we sent you a letter that inquired about the integrity of several layers of protective coating on Line 5, as well as the inspection and remedial practices your company follows to ensure the integrity of the underlying pipeline.\u00a0On April 6, we received a response from Enbridge Vice President of U.S. Operations, Bradley Shamla, informing us that the Biota Investigation Work Plan showed \u201cno indication of any anomaly with the outer wrap or other elements of the coating, including the enamel layer that covers the pipeline.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Moreover, the letter detailed the company\u2019s broad suite of inspection processes and tools -- including the use of Remote Operated Vehicles, In-line Inspections, and around the clock remote monitoring of the cathodic protection system on the dual pipes that cross the Straits.\r\nDespite these assurances and inspection measures, your company recently disclosed extensive loss of enamel coatings on Line 5. This includes eight different areas of the pipeline that are without any protective coating, leaving bare metal exposed to the harsh underwater environment.\u00a0We understand that all but one of these areas are 7 inches or more in diameter, and perhaps most troubling, that your company was aware of these damages since 2014.\r\nAccording to your company\u2019s public statements, \u201cinternal reporting issues\u201d are to blame for the discrepancies between the facts on the ground and the information provided to our offices and to state regulators.\u00a0This explanation is simply unacceptable. Your company\u2019s leadership has repeatedly told us that the segment of Line 5 under the Straits is the most closely monitored pipeline in your network.\u00a0Enbridge\u2019s Vice President of Pipeline Integrity has publically stated that Line 5 \u201creally is as good as new.\u201d\u00a0 In addition, your company has repeatedly described to our offices the procedural, cultural, and institutional changes that have been implemented to prevent a pipeline rupture like that which occurred near Marshall in 2010 from ever happening again.\r\nIt is apparent to us that further changes are needed in the institutional procedures and culture at Enbridge to ensure accurate reporting, transparency, and communication of pipeline integrity management.\u00a0 Given the critical risk this pipeline poses to public health and safety, please respond to the following questions:\r\n \r\nWhat is being done to correct internal reporting procedures at Enbridge to ensure that damage sustained by pipelines and the coatings that protect these pipelines against corrosion is accurately communicated throughout the company and to our offices and the state regulators?\r\n \r\n \r\nWe are concerned by the increased number of reported locations along Line 5 with damage. \u00a0Initial reports of two \u201cBand-Aid\u201d sized bare spots and an additional suspected location at the end of August 2017 expanded to eight locations, eight holidays ranging in size from 1.5 square inches to over a square foot, and six features being addressed in the repair work plan dated September 13th, 2017. \u00a0\u00a0Are there any additional portions of Line 5 with anomalies of any type to any of the coatings covering the pipeline that have not been reported? Were any additional sites identified needing further inspection or repairs of any sort since September 13th?\r\n \r\n \r\nGiven the internal reporting issues and increasing number of reported sites with damage to protective coatings on the pipeline, we are concerned that additional issues have not been clearly communicated to state regulators and federal agencies providing oversight. How can we be certain that no other damage to either the pipeline or its protective coatings has occurred and that state regulators, federal agencies providing oversight, and our offices are fully informed?\r\n \r\nWe are dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes, and want to hear your responses to our inquiries so that we can ensure the health and safety of the millions of people who rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water, recreations, and jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-raise-serious-concerns-about-line-5-pipeline-conditions-and-call-for-investigation-into-enbridges-compliance-with-reporting-and-safety-requirements", "Stabenow, Peters Raise Serious Concerns about Line 5 Pipeline Conditions and Call for Investigation into Enbridges Compliance with Reporting and Safety Requirements", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stabenow, Peters Raise Serious Concerns about Line 5 Pipeline Conditions and Call for Investigation into Enbridge\u2019s Compliance with Reporting and Safety Requirements \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 07, 2017\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today raised serious concerns about the current conditions of Enbridge\u2019s Line 5 Pipeline and called for an investigation into whether Enbridge complied with reporting and safety requirements.\u00a0 The Senators sent letters to the CEO of Enbridge and the head of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) following recent news reports that Enbridge did not disclose problems in the protective coating of the Line 5 Pipeline for more than three years.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cDespite Enbridge knowing about the damage in 2014 and conducting a full suite of inspections throughout the summer of 2016, we are just learning now\u2014in 2017\u2014of damage to the protective coatings,\u201d the Senators wrote in a letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. \u201cMichiganders need assurance about the integrity and safety of operating Line 5 in a high consequence, unusually sensitive area and that any problems will be addressed quickly and transparently. We ask PHMSA to determine whether Enbridge committed any violations with respect to the pipeline integrity management program, their reporting requirements to PHMSA, and safety requirements to maintain the integrity of Line 5.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt is apparent to us that further changes are needed in the institutional procedures and culture at Enbridge to ensure accurate reporting, transparency, and communication of pipeline integrity management,\u201d the Senators wrote in a letter to the CEO of Enbridge.\u00a0 \u201cGiven the critical risk this pipeline poses to public health and safety, please respond to the following questions:\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cWhat is being done to correct internal reporting procedures at Enbridge to ensure that damage sustained by pipelines and the coatings that protect these pipelines against corrosion is accurately communicated throughout the company and to our offices and the state regulators?\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cAre there any additional portions of Line 5 with anomalies of any type to any of the coatings covering the pipeline that have not been reported? Were any additional sites identified needing further inspection or repairs of any sort since September 13th?\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cHow can we be certain that no other damage to either the pipeline or its protective coatings has occurred and that state regulators, federal agencies providing oversight, and our offices are fully informed?\u201d\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\nSigned copies of the Senators\u2019 letters to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrator Howard Elliott and Enbridge CEO Al Monaco are attached to this release and the full text may be found below.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 7, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nAdministrator Howard Elliott\r\nU.S. Department of Transportation\r\nPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration\r\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\r\nWashington, DC 20590\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Administrator Elliott,\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe write to express our deep concerns regarding the recent disclosure of damage and gaps in the protective coatings on segments of Pipeline #5 (\u201cLine 5\u201d), owned and operated by Enbridge Pipeline Inc., located at the Straits of Mackinac (\u201cthe Straits\u201d) between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This newly-public information raises additional concerns about the operation of a pipeline in a high consequence and unusually sensitive area. We request the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration to examine these recent events for any pipeline safety or reporting violations.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn 2014, support anchors were installed along the underwater segment of Line 5 at the Straits to ensure that no unsupported span would exceed 75 feet, the limit granted as part of the 1953 easement that permitted construction of Line 5. During this maintenance in 2014, damage occurred to the coatings that protect the pipeline from corrosion with the full knowledge of Enbridge engineering staff, according to a media statement released by Enbridge on October 27, 2017. Despite Enbridge knowing about the damage in 2014 and conducting a full suite of inspections throughout the summer of 2016, we are just learning now\u2014in 2017\u2014of damage to the protective coatings.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe underwater visual inspection of Line 5 occurred in June of 2016 with an autonomous underwater vehicle and remote operated vehicle, as required by Enbridge\u2019s consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency. This supposedly thorough and detailed inspection apparently missed damaged areas as large as 13 feet by 1 foot 7 inches that are only now being reported over a year later.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nAlternatively, Enbridge did not disclose the damaged areas. Inaccurate reporting or lack of notification does not follow the intent of pipeline integrity management programs. \u201cDeficient and ineffective\u201d integrity management programs have previously contributed to devastating events like the San Bruno pipeline explosion in September of 2010, which killed 8 people, destroyed 38 homes, damaged 70 additional homes, and injured many others].\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe lack of disclosure by Enbridge in 2014, along with either inaccurate inspection reporting or the lack of detection during the 2016 inspections, are issues that must be addressed. Title 49 of the Code of Federal Section 195.452 requires establishing pipeline integrity management plans in high consequence areas. Subsection h establishes the requirement for operators to \u201ctake prompt action to address all anomalous conditions\u201d and provide notification to the Administrator of anomalous conditions. Appendix C to Part 195 further clarifies conditions that may impair a pipeline\u2019s integrity, including \u201cany change since the previous assessment\u201d and \u201cmechanical damage that is located on the top side of the pipeline.\u201d Disturbed coating areas measuring over 20 square feet in area and holidays in the coatings exposing bare metal measuring greater than 1 square foot in area are highly anomalous. Changes in the condition of the pipeline since prior assessments, resulting from mechanical damage, are a threat to the safety and integrity of Line 5.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSpecifically, we request that PHMSA investigate Enbridge\u2019s reporting actions and the condition of Line 5 at the Straits to determine the integrity of the pipeline in light of recent reporting on the damage to the protective coatings on the pipeline. Michiganders need assurance about the integrity and safety of operating Line 5 in a high consequence, unusually sensitive area and that any problems will be addressed quickly and transparently. We ask PHMSA to determine whether Enbridge committed any violations with respect to the pipeline integrity management program, their reporting requirements to PHMSA, and safety requirements to maintain the integrity of Line 5.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 7, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\nAl Monaco   Chief Executive Officer   Enbridge Pipeline Inc.    3000 Fifth Avenue Place   425 - 1st\u00a0Street S.W.   Calgary, AB \u00a0T2P\u00a03L8\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Mr. Monaco:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe are writing to express great concern about the current condition of Enbridge\u2019s Pipeline #5 (\u201cLine 5\u201d), and the accuracy of previous communications we have had with your company regarding this segment that crosses the Straits of Mackinac.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOn March 10, 2017, we sent you a letter that inquired about the integrity of several layers of protective coating on Line 5, as well as the inspection and remedial practices your company follows to ensure the integrity of the underlying pipeline.\u00a0On April 6, we received a response from Enbridge Vice President of U.S. Operations, Bradley Shamla, informing us that the Biota Investigation Work Plan showed \u201cno indication of any anomaly with the outer wrap or other elements of the coating, including the enamel layer that covers the pipeline.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Moreover, the letter detailed the company\u2019s broad suite of inspection processes and tools -- including the use of Remote Operated Vehicles, In-line Inspections, and around the clock remote monitoring of the cathodic protection system on the dual pipes that cross the Straits.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDespite these assurances and inspection measures, your company recently disclosed extensive loss of enamel coatings on Line 5. This includes eight different areas of the pipeline that are without any protective coating, leaving bare metal exposed to the harsh underwater environment.\u00a0We understand that all but one of these areas are 7 inches or more in diameter, and perhaps most troubling, that your company was aware of these damages since 2014.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAccording to your company\u2019s public statements, \u201cinternal reporting issues\u201d are to blame for the discrepancies between the facts on the ground and the information provided to our offices and to state regulators.\u00a0This explanation is simply unacceptable. Your company\u2019s leadership has repeatedly told us that the segment of Line 5 under the Straits is the most closely monitored pipeline in your network.\u00a0Enbridge\u2019s Vice President of Pipeline Integrity has publically stated that Line 5 \u201creally is as good as new.\u201d\u00a0 In addition, your company has repeatedly described to our offices the procedural, cultural, and institutional changes that have been implemented to prevent a pipeline rupture like that which occurred near Marshall in 2010 from ever happening again.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIt is apparent to us that further changes are needed in the institutional procedures and culture at Enbridge to ensure accurate reporting, transparency, and communication of pipeline integrity management.\u00a0 Given the critical risk this pipeline poses to public health and safety, please respond to the following questions:\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nWhat is being done to correct internal reporting procedures at Enbridge to ensure that damage sustained by pipelines and the coatings that protect these pipelines against corrosion is accurately communicated throughout the company and to our offices and the state regulators?\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nWe are concerned by the increased number of reported locations along Line 5 with damage. \u00a0Initial reports of two \u201cBand-Aid\u201d sized bare spots and an additional suspected location at the end of August 2017 expanded to eight locations, eight holidays ranging in size from 1.5 square inches to over a square foot, and six features being addressed in the repair work plan dated September 13th, 2017. \u00a0\u00a0Are there any additional portions of Line 5 with anomalies of any type to any of the coatings covering the pipeline that have not been reported? Were any additional sites identified needing further inspection or repairs of any sort since September 13th?\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nGiven the internal reporting issues and increasing number of reported sites with damage to protective coatings on the pipeline, we are concerned that additional issues have not been clearly communicated to state regulators and federal agencies providing oversight. How can we be certain that no other damage to either the pipeline or its protective coatings has occurred and that state regulators, federal agencies providing oversight, and our offices are fully informed?\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\nWe are dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes, and want to hear your responses to our inquiries so that we can ensure the health and safety of the millions of people who rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water, recreations, and jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-expert-testifies-gop-bill-will-increase-taxes-middle-class", "Levin: Expert Testifies that GOP Bill Will Increase Taxes for Middle Class", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today released the following statement after questioning the head of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) on the Ryan-McConnell Republican Tax Plan during the Committee on Ways and Means consideration of the bill:\n\u201cCongress\u2019 own non-partisan scorekeeper told us today that 38 million Americans who make between $20,000 and $40,000 in yearly income will see a net tax increase in 2023 under the GOP bill. He also conceded that families in other income groups, including those who earn between $50,000 and $100,000, may also see tax increases depending on their current deductions.\n\u201cAt the same time the Republican bill is raising taxes on middle-income Americans, it provides a huge tax break to the very wealthy. JCT projects that in 2027, those earning $1 million or more a year will receive an aggregate tax cut of $36.6 billion \u2013 meaning that each of these very higher earners will receive, on average, a $58,000 tax cut.\u00a0\n\u201cThis shows that Speaker Ryan\u2019s claim that the GOP bill is focused on middle class tax relief deserves four Pinocchios. The Republican tax bill is focused on helping millionaires, not the middle class.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-republican-children-s-health-insurance-bill-represents-false", "Dingell: Republican Childrens Health Insurance Bill Represents a False Choice Between Children, Seniors", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on House Republicans\u2019 legislation to reauthorize the Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Community Health Centers (CHC) by slashing billions from Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. Video of Dingell\u2019s floor speech is available here.\n\u201cThe legislation we considered today represents a choice that we should not have to make. When it comes to fighting for children and families, I will take a backseat to no one \u2013 it is the reason I ran for office. We live in the United States of America, the greatest nation in the world, and I reject the notion that we have to rob Peter to pay Paul \u2013 or in this instance jeopardize the future of Medicare and steal $6 billion from critical prevention programs seniors, children and families rely upon to pay for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program. CHIP has always been bipartisan, and there is no reason that cannot be true today. We have a responsibility to provide care for all Americans \u2013 young, old, sick, healthy, rich and poor. We should not be providing health care for some at the expense of others.\n\u201cThe time for political games is over. CHIP is a lifeline for nearly 9 million American children, ensuring that every child can go to the doctor when they need to and have necessary checkups, immunizations and medical treatment. The program has already expired for more than a month, and the 100,000 children in Michigan who benefit from it now have their coverage in jeopardy because we are here playing games. Enough is enough. This is not an academic debate \u2013 this is about people\u2019s lives. CHIP has always been strongly bipartisan, and we should be working together on consensus legislation that provides children and their families with certainty that they will have the care they need when their child gets sick; not this misguided proposal that puts our children, families and seniors at risk.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawrence-norton-speier-urge-colleagues-require-sexual-harassment", "Lawrence, Norton, Speier Urge Colleagues to Require Sexual Harassment Training for Members and Staff", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Brenda Lawrence", "L000581", "lawrence.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) today sent a \u201cDear Colleague\u201d letter to Members of the House of Representatives urging them to adopt mandatory sexual harassment training for their offices, already required for federal agencies.\u00a0 Norton, Lawrence, and Speier have each introduced bills to address the issue of sexual harassment in Congress.\nIn their letter, the Members wrote, \u201cWe must lead by example in our own offices by instituting mandatory sexual harassment prevention and response training now.\u00a0 Our staff works incredibly hard each day, and they deserve to have the same protections afforded their counterparts in the private sector as well as those in federal agencies.\u00a0 We should ensure that their workplaces are free from harassment and discrimination by doing whatever is in our power even if not required by law We may not always agree on matters of policy, but we should all come together to ensure our staff are as protected as they would be in the private sector or other branches of government.\u00a0 We therefore urge you to follow our lead and require regular sexual harassment prevention and response training in your offices for yourselves, as leaders of your offices, and for current and new employees.\u201d\nBelow is their full letter.\nDear Colleague:\nWe write to urge you to use your own authority to adopt mandatory sexual harassment training for your offices.\u00a0 This training is already required for federal agencies.\u00a0 The Office of Compliance (OOC) offers a 30-minute online training, available now, that would be a good start for all of our offices to view and learn from, particularly considering that many staff may not be aware of what constitutes sexual harassment and misconduct.\u00a0 As you may have seen in recent news reports, Congress is not immune from horrific stories of sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct.\u00a0 Former and current staffers spoke out on social media during the #MeToo campaign, which originated after the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault and harassment allegations, sharing stunning and embarrassing stories of workplace harassment, including groping, inappropriate emails and text messages, and predatory behavior on the part of both Members and staff.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Each of us has introduced bills aimed at protecting legislative branch employees from sexual harassment by requiring proactive measures such as sexual harassment prevention and response training, enhancing anti-retaliation protections for staffers who report harassment, and streamlining the dispute resolution process currently in place at the OOC.\u00a0 However, we can and should take whatever action we can now to prevent sexual harassment in Congress.\u00a0 We must lead by example in our own offices by instituting mandatory sexual harassment prevention and response training now.\u00a0\u00a0 Our staff works incredibly hard each day, and they deserve to have the same protections afforded their counterparts in the private sector as well as those in federal agencies.\u00a0 We should ensure that their workplaces are free from harassment and discrimination by doing whatever is in our power even if not required by law.\nWe may not always agree on matters of policy, but we should all come together to ensure our staff are as protected as they would be in the private sector or other branches of government.\u00a0 We therefore urge you to follow our lead and require regular sexual harassment prevention and response training in your offices for yourselves, as leaders of your offices, and for current and new employees.\nSincerely,\nBrenda Lawrence\nEleanor Holmes Norton\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJackie Speier\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-jct-score-shows-gop-tax-plan-may-hurt-middle-class", "Levin: JCT Score Shows GOP Tax Plan May Hurt Middle Class", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today released the following statement in response to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) analysis of the Ryan-McConnell Republican tax plan:\n\u201cThe non-partisan numbers we are seeing suggest the Republican tax bill squeezes the middle class and blows up the debt to give big tax breaks to the wealthy and to corporations.\u00a0\n\u201cBased on estimates recently released by the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), the individual tax provisions in the GOP bill actually raise taxes by about $385 billion over the next ten years after setting aside the repeal of the estate tax, the lowering of the top tax rate for pass-through business income, and the repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax \u2013 none of which provide any significant tax relief for middle-income families. Many of the deductions and exemptions that middle-income families depend on to lower their taxes are reduced or eliminated under the Republican bill, including personal exemptions, and deductions for interest on student loans, medical expenses, and state and local taxes. This could mean higher taxes for millions of middle-income Americans, even as the wealthy and big businesses get big tax cuts.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cRepublicans need to slow down their rush to pass their bill before anyone knows what\u2019s in it, and fully explain who is helped and who is hurt. The American people have a right to know.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-republican-chip-reauthorization-bill", "Levin Statement on Republican CHIP Reauthorization Bill", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Sander Levin", "L000263", "levin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health Ranking Member, today released the following statement in response to the passage of H.R. 3922, which reauthorizes the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) using harmful pay-fors:\n\u201cThis flawed bill comes more than one month after the deadline and relies on harmful offsets that would rip coverage from hundreds of thousands of Affordable Care Act enrollees, shift costs onto Medicare beneficiaries, and raid billions from the Prevention and Public Health Fund. At a time when we should be strengthening, not abandoning, our investments in the health of the American people, Republicans have instead chosen to pass this bill that jeopardizes funding for immunizations, lead poisoning prevention, opioid treatment, and other important public health priorities to pay for what should have been a bipartisan proposal.\n\u201cI urge the majority to immediately abandon their partisan approach and commit to working in a bipartisan way to reauthorize CHIP to ensure that millions of children don\u2019t lose health coverage and extend funding for Community Health Centers and other crucial programs that the Republican Congress has allowed to expire.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-hosts-keweenaw-bay-indian-community-president-at-us-senate-hearing", "Peters Hosts Keweenaw Bay Indian Community President at U.S. Senate Hearing", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Gary Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.03.17\n\t\t\t Peters Hosts Keweenaw Bay Indian Community President at U.S. Senate Hearing \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 Invited Keweenaw Bay Indian Community President Chris Swartz to Testify on Protecting Native American Lands for Future Generations\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee, hosted Chris Swartz, President of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), at a subcommittee hearing this week on how to protect Native American lands for future generations. Decades of mining and manufacturing in the Upper Peninsula have resulted in long-term pollution issues, including stamp sands: a hazardous material that is a byproduct from ore processing. Today, miles of stamp sands remain on the shore of Lake Superior and have significantly eroded shorelines, devastated fisheries and negatively altered the landscape KBIC residents rely on.\r\n\u201cIn the Great Lakes, communities like the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community have been fishing Lake Trout and Whitefish for millennia,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cWe need multi-pronged solutions to solve the stamp sands problems, and all Michiganders\u2014tribal and non-tribal, young and old\u2014have a stake in the outcome.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am here today to represent my tribe, but my tribe is not the only one concerned about our subsistence rights and threats to those rights, and interested in demonstrating how international treaties can provide models for intergovernmental co-management, respect, coordination and problem solving,\u201d said Swartz. \u201cLake Superior is an invaluable resource. The restoration and protection of Buffalo Reef will have long-term benefits for tribes and the continuation of their lifeways, as well as provide broad benefits to the region and all the communities that value the greatest of the Great Lakes, gitchi-gami.\u201d\r\nClick here and here to view highlights from Senator Peters\u2019 opening remarks.\r\nClick here to view Chris Swartz\u2019s opening remarks.\r\nPeters remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon to our witnesses who have traveled some long distances to be here today. I am looking forward to taking a close look at Native American subsistence rights to make sure we continue to protect those rights under international treaties.\r\n\u201cFirst, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Chris Swartz, President of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, of KBIC. I have had the honor of meeting President Swartz multiple times, including last August when I sat down with him and members of the tribal council just a mile from Keweenaw Bay in Lake Superior. While I was there, the KBIC gifted me wild rice and maple syrup that were harvested locally, which, along with fish, are important traditional foods in the tribal community.\r\n\u201cChris has shared with me the work of the KBIC and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission to raise the issue of legacy pollution left behind by decades of mining and manufacturing, a legacy that includes stamp sands. I am eager for this hearing as a chance to learn more and raise the profile of this environmental issue and its need for a long-term solution.\r\n\u201cThe interaction of international treaties with those that guarantee rights to our Native American Communities can pose several complications. This hearing serves as an opportunity to focus on the most basic of rights and make sure we honor and respect those subsistence rights granted to our Native American Communities. These issues face communities from Alaska to the Great Lakes with various overlapping treaties, and it is important to figure out what we can do to address issues impacting subsistence practices.\r\n\u201cSubsistence rights\u2014whether for whales or fish or other natural resources\u2014are important rights to protect. The definition of subsistence is to \u201cmaintain or support oneself at a minimum level\u201d\u2013fulfilling a basic need\u2014not for excess, not for profit.\r\n\u201cOur Native American communities have always been and continue to be stewards of the land. They have traditionally always forged a sustainable relationship with the environment. Through thousands of years of living on and with the land, Native American communities have a trove of information and an incredible understanding of our environment and the inter-relatedness of our ecosystems.\r\n\u201cIn the Great Lakes, communities like the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community have been fishing Lake Trout and Whitefish for millennia. They know intimately what parts of the lake are important for spawning sites, for juvenile fish to grow and thrive, and I am sure they know where to find the \u201cbig one\u201d along the shores of Lake Superior.\r\n\u201cLake Superior is a marvel of nature, a freshwater inland ocean, the largest lake by surface area in the world. It is the cleanest, coldest, and deepest of the Great Lakes with enough water to cover all of North and South America with 1 foot of freshwater.\r\n\u201cDespite Lake Superior\u2019s size, it has not proven invincible. Today we will hear about the impacts of human extraction along the Lake\u2019s shores and how it has affected the ability of the Lake to provide sustenance to all communities both tribal and non-tribal along and beyond its shores.\r\n\u201cMichigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula\u2014or as we call it in Michigan, the UP\u2014has a history of mining and copper production that built up communities throughout the northern reaches of the state. Historic mining, from before the establishment of the EPA, has left a host of legacy impacts across the UP. One of these is literally miles upon miles of stamp sands, the waste created from crushing rock to extract valuable copper ore.\r\n\u201cI have seen these sands firsthand, and the extent of shoreline they cover is immense, but they are more than an eyesore. They contain trace amounts of heavy metals that harm the most sensitive parts of Lake Superior\u2019s environment and food web.\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, these sands do not remain in one place but are moving into one of the most important habitats for fish in all of Lake Superior, the Buffalo Reef in Grand Traverse Bay. As the sands erode, they smother productive spawning areas and habitat for juvenile fish.\r\n\u201cThe impact to fisheries is horrific, but it is critical to recognize that these eroding sands are also disrupting and damaging the beautiful beaches and shores that make Lake Superior a \u201cPure Michigan\u201d destination. The legacy pollution is something that every Keweenaw resident has to live with.\r\n\u201cOur tribal communities were some of the first to recognize the problem caused by stamps sands and raise the profile of this issue. The impacts to the Lake Superior ecosystem range from the local communities both tribal and non-tribal to international as the Lake is shared between the United States and Canada.\r\n\u201cWe need long-term solutions. This past summer dredging to remove the sands most imminently impacting Grand Traverse Bay is providing a temporary fix and giving us 3 to 7 years to figure out what to do.\r\nSwartz remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\n\u201cGood afternoon Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Peters and members of the sub-committee. My name is Chris Swartz and I am the President of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.\r\n\u201cThe Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is located on the L\u2019Anse Indian Reservation, Michigan\u2019s largest and oldest reservation. We live on the shores Lake Superior\u2019s Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula. Thank you very much for the opportunity to appear before you today.\r\n\u201cI am here today representing my tribe. But we are not the only federally recognized tribe that is deeply concerned about the protection of or natural resources so we may exercise our treaty rights. The threats to those rights, and intergovernmental co-management are important to all eleven tribes who are members of an organization called the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission.\r\n\u201cThe Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission is an extremely important organization made up of eleven Ojibwa tribes that retain treaty rights to hunt, fish and gather in territory ceded to the United States in the mid-1800s. Vast portions of Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan were ceded in the Treaties of 1836 and 1842.\r\n\u201cThese treaties were and are made between nations and are as relevant as the treaties with our Canadian neighbors. Over the years, Federal and state courts have affirmed our treaty-reserved rights to hunt, fish and gather off our reservations on these ceded lands around the Great lakes.\r\n\u201cThese rights were not granted in the treaties without purpose, they were reserved by our ancestors to provide for the continuation of our way of life. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, as well as all other tribes with reservations on the shores of the Great Lakes depended on a healthy and robust Great Lakes fishery for thousands of years.\r\n\u201cToday, we struggle to maintain this culturally significant practice to provide the extremely important food source we need. This sustenance resource is not only physical it is also spiritual, culturally important and medicinal.\r\n\u201cAs I sit before you Mr. Chairman with my fellow witnesses from Alaska who are able to feed their communities while the fisheries in Alaska do so much to feed the world I have to be honest with you and the rest of the subcommittee.\r\n\u201cThe truth is that after they clear cut our forests and mined copper, iron ore and other metals across our ceded territory to build Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee and many other cities our ability to thrive as a fishing tribe was decimated. While those cities were being built our fish fed the occupants of many of those rapidly growing cities. Had that not taken place I assure you we would be competing with Alaska on the commercial fishing front.\r\n\u201cToday, as a result of mining activity in our ceded territory there is an ever-increasing direct threat to the fishery resource on Lake Superior, especially to lake trout and whitefish. A highly important whitefish and lake trout spawning reef near Grand Traverse harbor is being literally smothered by mining waste.\r\n\u201cThis threat, if left unaddressed, would undermine the progress made in restoring a \u201cself-sustaining\u201d lake trout fishery in Lake Superior. In addition in failing to uphold our international agreement with Canada in these regards, this threat further undermines the ability of my tribe and others to sustain themselves through the harvest and sharing of fish. Mining waste called stamp sand was dumped along the eastern shore of Lake Superior\u2019s Keweenaw Peninsula during the late 1800s and early 1900s.\r\n\u201cThe stamp sands destroy the spawning reef by filling in the cobble substrate where the fish lay eggs. The stamp sands also contain high levels of copper, mercury, arsenic and other contaminants toxic to aquatic life. As such, juvenile fish are not found in shoreline habitats that are covered in stamp sands along this reef.\r\n\u201cThe Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission were pioneers in identifying this problem and have been more than just advocates in identifying solutions. My tribe and the other Great Lakes Ojibwa tribes will depend on the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission to work with many others to solve this problem and fulfill the obligation of the international treaties and agreements with Canada.\r\n\u201cWe are taking action \u2013 federal, state and tribal managers have coordinated to take immediate steps to protect the viable portion of the reef. This past summer, dredging of stamp sands occurred in Grand Traverse Harbor and the adjacent beach area. In addition, funds were committed to dredge a trench, or trough, that has protected the reef, but which has now filled up with stamp sands.\r\n\u201cThis dredging is estimated to provide 3-5 years of protection for the reef, but the trough will refill and stamp sands will again encroach upon the reef. A federal, state, tribal Task Force is now being established to explore longterm solutions to the problem and identify sources of funding. There is no one partner that can accomplish this work. A commitment and cooperation by all affected governments will be necessary.\r\n\u201cIn closing, I respectfully request Congressional support of the intergovernmental task force created to develop locally driven solutions. Much of this effort comes from funding made available through Congressional appropriations for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative\u00a0 including and especially funding for the appropriate and legitimate role of tribes as full partners.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith this effort we can prevent the damage occurring at this spawning reef and actually make some semblance of progress in restoring the tremendous potential for the Great Lakes to become on par with Alaska in feeding an ever-growing world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1287, "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": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1287, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1287, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 1287, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 1287, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-03,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Epeters~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fpeters-hosts-keweenaw-bay-indian-community-president-at-us-senate-hearing", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MI&year=2017&_next=2017-11-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Epeters~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fpeters-hosts-keweenaw-bay-indian-community-president-at-us-senate-hearing&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 340.515254996717, "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"}