{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MI\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399223", "Adrian Daily Telegram: A look at 2016's accomplishments and some of 2017's opportunities", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As 2016 draws to a close, and we look expectantly to the New Year, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve Michigan's 7th District and pause to reflect on the previous 12 months. In the past year, we hosted more than 40 coffee hours and townhall meetings in every corner of the district to listen to the people's priorities.\u00a0Here in Lenawee County, we held these public forums in places like the Lenawee ISD Tech Center, Family Kitchen in Adrian, Big Boy in Tecumseh, Karen's Uptown Kafe in Hudson and more locations.My office worked nonstop in 2016 to provide first-class constituent services. We organized multiple senior resource fairs, veterans fairs, and our sixth annual job fair - which, with more than 50 local employers and organizations in attendance, was our largest one to date.When constituents faced difficulties with federal agencies, my dedicated casework team was there to cut through red tape. In total, we assisted with more than 1,000 individual cases, helping to navigate Social Security, secure veteran benefits, resolve passport issues and more.In the House of Representatives, we advanced meaningful bipartisan initiatives to create good-paying jobs, combat the heroin epidemic, accelerate medical breakthroughs and keep the American people safe.To boost workforce development and manufacturing, I helped champion and pass the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This bipartisan bill would modernize and expand CTE programs to help more students obtain the in-demand skills and jobs of the future.In so many of our communities, opioid and heroin addiction is tearing families apart. Working alongside health care professionals, law enforcement and recovery groups, we passed, and President Obama signed into law, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act to tackle this alarming epidemic from every angle.The life-saving 21st Century Cures Act also became law this year. It is a landmark initiative to invest in medical research, streamline outdated bureaucracy, and expedite the development of new cures and treatments. Significantly, the law included long-sought reforms to improve our nation's mental health care system.In 2016, we also enacted a series of measures to enhance care and resources for veterans, including my Medal of Honor Priority Care Act, and gave our troops their biggest pay raise in six years.The close of one year brings new opportunities for the next. As we look ahead to 2017, significant work remains:- The tax code is complex and unfair and needs to be overhauled to increase take-home pay and encourage economic growth.- Obamacare is unaffordable and unworkable and needs to be replaced with patient-centered solutions to lower costs and increase competition.- Excessive, overreaching regulations are stifling innovation and need to be reduced to help workers, farmers and small businesses succeed.With a new president and Congress, 2017 promises to be an exciting and productive year.The stage is set to focus on restoring the people's voice, providing relief from heavy-handed policies, and growing jobs and opportunity for a healthy economy here at home.The American people are ready for real change and real results, and in 2017, we are ready to deliver.U.S. House Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, represents Michigan's 7th Congressional District. This op-ed originally appeared in the December 28 edition of the Adrian Daily Telegram.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398737", "2016: The Year in Review and A Look Ahead", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a new report titled \u201c2016: The Year in Review and A Look Ahead\u201d which outlines legislative and policy priorities his office tackled in 2016 and sets priorities for the new year ahead in 2017. \r\n\u201cWe had a busy 2016 focusing on common-sense, bipartisan solutions to problems facing families and businesses here in Southwest Michigan and across the country,\u201d said Upton. \u201cWe were able to make enormous progress and I\u2019m looking forward to the new year as we still have much work to do. In 2017, we plan on pursuing an ambitious agenda that will tackle issues of great importance. Working together, I\u2019m excited and optimistic about the opportunities before us as we continue to get the job done for folks in Southwest Michigan.\u201d \r\nThe report breaks down 10 specific policy areas in which Congressman Upton has been a bipartisan community leader; 21st Century Cures, jobs and the economy, healthcare, national security and veterans, education, the Great Lakes and our environment, energy, the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic, infrastructure, and good government and oversight. \r\nClick HERE to read the report. \r\nClick HERE to read Upton\u2019s top 16 success stories of 2016 \r\nClick HERE to see Upton\u2019s photos of the year. \r\nClick HERE to read the six must-read op-ed\u2019s from Upton this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398733", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Top 16 Success Stories", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of his top 16 success stories of 2016. \r\n\u201cWe had a busy year, and despite the odds, we were able to accomplish big things in 2016,\u201d said Upton. \u201cFrom top-notch constituent service operations, to legislative accomplishments such as a national defense bill that aims to provide the largest pay-raise to our troops in six years, water infrastructure improvements and updates that specifically helped Flint residents, meaningful mental health reforms, and, of course, the groundbreaking 21st Century Cures Act that will bring faster cures to patients in need, Congress worked together in 2016 to accomplish tremendous things for the American people.\u201d\r\nBelow are 16 examples of that bipartisan success from 2016: \r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Game-changing medical innovation bill, 21st Century Cures, now law \r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Unmatched constituent services \u00a0\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Federal aid for Flint \r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sweeping, bipartisan opioid abuse package signed into law \r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Landmark, bipartisan mental health reform legislation signed into law \r\n6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 President Obama signs bipartisan pipeline safety legislation into law \r\n7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The most meaningful chemical safety reforms in a quarter century signed into law\r\n8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Upton/Peters defense legislation signed into law \r\n9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bipartisan legislation to protect sexual assault survivors signed into law\r\n10.\u00a0 A significant victory for Ibrahim Parlak to stay in the United States \r\n11.\u00a0 Critical defense bill aims to give our troops their biggest pay-raise in six years \r\n12.\u00a0 Michigan delegation continues bipartisan fight for Fort Custer \r\n13.\u00a0 Funding to fight the Zika virus \r\n14.\u00a0 Local FIRST Robotics teams take center stage in Washington, D.C.\r\n15.\u00a0 Advancing bipartisan legislation to support the health of our Great Lakes \r\n16.\u00a0 Bipartisan, bicameral legislation to honor South Haven Vietnam War veteran with Medal of Honor moves forward\r\n\u00a0BONUS: The Chicago Cubs winning the World Series", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://trott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-trott-fights-protect-egypt-s-coptic-community", "Rep. Trott Offers Solidarity in Egypt's Fight to Protect Coptic Christian Community", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Dave Trott", "T000475", "trott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC:\u00a0 U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11), Michigan\u2019s only Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, recently led a bipartisan effort in Congress condemning multiple terrorist attacks targeting local security and Coptic Christians, as well as vowing to continue protecting religious minorities in the Middle East.\u00a0\n\u201cAs the representative of a vibrant Coptic Christian population in Southeast Michigan, I was deeply saddened by the recent terror attacks in Egypt targeting local security and Coptic Christians. Christianity in the Middle East has been under increasing attacks from groups like ISIS and it\u2019s critical that protect these indigenous populations and all vulnerable communities from further attacks. I am encouraged by the bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined me in writing to the Egyptian Ambassador to express our condolences and I am also encouraged by the cooperation we\u2019ve seen from the Egyptian government to stand against these kinds of disgraceful terror attacks,\u201d said Rep. Trott.\u00a0\nRep. Trott and other lawmakers wrote Egyptian Ambassador Yasser Reda, following the December 11 suicide attack, targeting Coptic Christians inside St. Peter\u2019s Church adjacent to the Coptic Cathedral. As many as 25 people were killed, with dozens injured.\nBelow is the text of the letter sent to Ambassador Reda:\nHis Excellency Ambassador Yasser Reda\n\tEmbassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt\n\t3521 International Court NW\n\tWashington, DC 20008  \n\t\u00a0\nDecember 20, 2016\nDear Ambassador Reda,\nFor decades, our two countries have sustained a strong relationship rooted in deep cultural, economic, and security ties and shared interests. Due to the rapidly changing dynamics in the world, the strength of the United States-Egypt relationship is critical in maintaining a balance in the Middle East. \nFrom the establishment of diplomatic relations in the 1920s, to the signing of the historic Camp David Accords in 1979, to our current fight in the War on Terror, our relationship has transcended history, armed conflicts, and various crises. We\u2019ve established a firm relationship built on an unbreakable bond of respect, trust and honesty. \nWe write today to extend our condolences and deepest sympathies regarding the multiple terrorist attacks that have taken place in Cairo within the past weeks. On December 9th, six police officers were killed and three were wounded in an attack targeting local security outside of a mosque in Giza. Two days later on December 11th, a public holiday celebrating the birth of The Prophet, a suicide bomber targeting Coptic Christians detonated explosives inside St. Peter\u2019s Church adjacent to the Coptic Cathedral. Reports indicate that at least 25 were killed, with dozens injured. The vile evil of terrorism spares no religion. \nWe are very encouraged that President Sisi regularly promotes a narrative that stresses inclusiveness amongst all Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike. This has been well documented with his leadership in becoming the first Egyptian President to attend a Christmas Liturgy this past January, promising to rebuild all the Coptic Churches and religious institutions that were victims of terrorism in August 2013, and his regular calls to purge religious discourse of extremism. In a strong show of national unity, the Egyptian Government immediately called for a 3 day mourning period and gave the martyrs of the December 11th attack a State funeral procession attended by the President and other high-ranking officials.\nIn the next three weeks, Egyptians all over the country will celebrate various events. Recently, ISIS and Muslim Brotherhood affiliated groups have threatened to continue their attacks and specifically target local police and Coptic Christian communities. With a recent uptick in terrorism spreading from the Sinai Peninsula to the more crowded metropolitan areas of Egypt, it is our hope and belief that your security forces will ensure the utmost protection and security for all Egyptians as they begin a festive time of the year. \nAs always, we look forward to cooperating with you on these matters as Egypt fends off its various challenges and our unmistakable relationship grows even stronger.\nVery Respectfully,\nDave Trott\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBrad Sherman\nJeff Fortenberry\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nAlbio Sires\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nSteve Chabot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nLee Zeldin\nDana Rohrabacher\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nChris Smith\nMike Bishop\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBill Huizenga\nAnna Eshoo\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nSteve King\nSince coming to Congress, Rep. Trott has been Michigan\u2019s leading voice on foreign affairs and\nHas introduced legislation to require the U.S. State Department to report on the status of Christian properties that were burned, damaged, or otherwise destroyed in Egypt, during the period of sectarian violence in August 2013.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398731", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Photos of the Year", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Photos of the Year\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      From the desk of Congressman Fred Upton\r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 20, 2016 | \r\n      Tom Wilbur/Lynn Turner\r\n      (202-225-3761/269-385-0039) | \r\n       comments\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n        \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n    \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of his top 16 photographs from 2016. Please click HERE to see all 16 of the photographs on Upton\u2019s Facebook page.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n        Tags:\r\n        \r\n            \r\n              Health Care,\r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Economy & Jobs\r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    Related News\r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              ICYMI: Holland Sentinel: Michigan receives $16M in federal funding to battle opioid addiction\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Fred in the News on\r\n            April 25, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Upton: \u201cHelp is on the Way\u201d in Opioid Epidemic Fight\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Press Releases on\r\n            April 20, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              \u201cDon\u2019t mess with the Great Lakes:\u201d GOP Rep. Upton opposes rumored EPA Region 5 closure\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Fred in the News on\r\n            April 20, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Upton Statement on Potential Closing  of EPA Region 5 Office\r\n            \r\n            Posted in Press Releases on\r\n            April 17, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398732", "Upton Statement on New Stryker Facility in Portage", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, tonight released the following statement after Stryker Corp. announced plans to build a state-of-the-art, $130-million corporate campus in Portage, Michigan.\r\n\u201cThis exciting news is a win-win for local patients and job creators. Thanks in part to our bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, we will now see more accelerated approvals of life-saving drugs and critical medical devices and they will be manufactured right here at home. With this state-of-the-art project now in place, our entire Southwest Michigan region remains well positioned to stay on the cutting edge of medical research and innovations so we can improve our local quality of life.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399222", "President Obama Signs Walbergs Medal of Honor Priority Care Act into Law", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Obama Signs Walberg\u2019s Medal of Honor Priority Care Act into Law \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 20, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Jackson, Mich. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg\u2019s (MI-07) bipartisan legislation to ensure living Medal of Honor recipients receive timely access to their health benefits was signed into law by President Obama this past weekend. The Medal of Honor Priority Care Act was included as part of a larger bill to enhance care and resources for veterans, the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act.\r\n\u201cEvery veteran who answers America\u2019s call to service is owed our deepest respect and access to high quality care,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cThere are an elite few, the bravest of the brave, who displayed extraordinary heroism and selflessness in going above and beyond the call of duty. For the service members who were awarded our nation\u2019s highest military decoration, it is only fitting that they should be placed in the highest priority group that the VA has to offer.\u201d\r\nThe Medal of Honor is the nation\u2019s highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Under the current system, Medal of Honor recipients are allocated to Priority Group 3 in the VA\u2019s priority scale to determine eligibility for health care services. With Congressman Walberg\u2019s legislation, Medal of Honor recipients will now be placed in Priority Group 1.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-obama-signs-walberg-s-medal-honor-priority-care-act-law", "President Obama Signs Walbergs Medal of Honor Priority Care Act into Law", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackson, Mich.  Congressman Tim Walberg's (MI-07) bipartisan legislation to ensure living Medal of Honor recipients receive timely access to their health benefits was signed into law by President Obama this past weekend. The Medal of Honor Priority Care Act was included as part of a larger bill to enhance care and resources for veterans, the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act.\n\"Every veteran who answers America's call to service is owed our deepest respect and access to high quality care,\" said Walberg. \"There are an elite few, the bravest of the brave, who displayed extraordinary heroism and selflessness in going above and beyond the call of duty. For the service members who were awarded our nation's highest military decoration, it is only fitting that they should be placed in the highest priority group that the VA has to offer.\"\n The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Under the current system, Medal of Honor recipients are allocated to Priority Group 3 in the VA's priority scale to determine eligibility for health care services. With Congressman Walberg's legislation, Medal of Honor recipients will now be placed in Priority Group 1.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398728", "WSW: Upton Says New Law Means Faster Cures", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "West Michigan Congressman Fred Upton says the 21st Century Cures Act means \u201cwe will find cures for these diseases\u2026years before we otherwise would have.\u201d\r\nUpton was the lead sponsor of the bill that was signed into law last week by President Obama. The Saint Joseph Republican says it accelerates approval of drugs and devices that can lead to cures for diseases like cancer. Upton sat down with WMUK\u2019s Gordon Evans to discuss the Cures Act and other issues.\r\n21st Century Cures Act\r\nSome patient advocacy groups have raised concerns about drugs reaching the market too quickly, compromising safety. But Upton says lawmakers consulted with experts from the Food and Drug Administration past and present to find faster cures with safety and keep standards in place. Upton says the FDA has been losing good people, who have been hired away by drug companies. He says the Cures Legislation gives the FDA more resources to hire more people and pay them more.\r\nYou can listen to the entire interview here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398729", "End-of-the-Year Roundup: Top 6 Must-Read Op-Eds", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of his top six op-eds published in 2016. \r\n\u201cKeeping America\u2019s Grid Safe\u201d via Real Clear Politics \u2013 February 1, 2016 \r\nKey excerpt: \u201cWhen it comes to keeping our country safe, nothing is more under-the-radar yet crucial to the nation\u2019s well-being than our electric grid infrastructure. Everything from cyber-attacks to electromagnetic pulse waves, severe weather to seismic events has the potential to shut down or disrupt parts of the grid. The results of these disruptions or shut downs would have far-reaching economic and public health impacts.\u201d\r\n\u201cWorking together to strengthen Medicaid for the most vulnerable\u201d via The Hill \u2013 March 11, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cToday Medicaid is an important lifeline for so many in Michigan and across the country. It is estimated the program will expand to cover 83 million people this year \u2013 that\u2019s one in four Americans. Given its rapidly growing size, it is imperative the program is working as intended \u2013 providing care for folks who need it most.\u201d\r\n\u201cDeciphering the Encryption Debate\u201d via Medium \u2013 April 26, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cIt is important that we move beyond the \u2018us versus them\u2019 mentality that has encompassed this discussion for too long. This debate is not about picking sides \u2013 it is about evaluating options.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Energy and Commerce Committee: getting the job done\u201d via The Hill \u2013 June 28, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cLegislation to protect seniors\u2019 access to their Medicare doctors, to strengthen and improve chemical and pipeline safety, to reform our nation\u2019s mental health system, and to revolutionize our healthcare ecosystem to facilitate 21st Century Cures. What do all of these have in common? One thing: Big, bipartisan votes in the House Energy and Commerce Committee to help usher these critical pieces of legislation through regular order here in the House, and eventually into law.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cAddressing the opioid crisis\u201d via South Bend Tribune \u2013 July 27, 2016\r\nKey excerpt: \u201cThe simple truth is that we\u2019re in the middle of an opioid abuse epidemic. Nearly every 12 minutes, someone in America dies of a drug overdose and the Centers for Disease Control reports that more than a quarter billion opioid prescriptions were written alone in 2012. Abuse of opioids has impacted every community. In my home state of Michigan, we are enduring 10 times as many deaths today as there were 15 years ago.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s time to deliver #CuresNow\u201d by Rep. Upton and Rep. DeGette via Morning Consult \u2013 November 30, 2016\r\n\u00a0Key excerpt: \u201cEvery single American has been touched by disease in some fashion, whether directly or indirectly, and the toll is painfully all too familiar. But from the rarest diseases to the more common, there is a reason for all to have hope this year. While bipartisan collaboration has been less than abundant in Washington recently, it has been the driving force for us, a Republican from Michigan and a Democrat from Colorado. We came up with the 21st Century Cures Act, an innovative game-changer providing a way to safely speed the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures.\u201d\u00a0\r\nStay tuned for more end-of-the-year content from Upton\u2019s office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398726", "ICYMI: Ground broken for Glen Oaks residence hall", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Ground broken for Glen Oaks residence hall \r\nBy Michael Patrick \r\nSturgis Journal\r\nGlen Oaks Community College officially broke ground Wednesday for a 108-bed student housing project.\r\n The ceremony follows the recent vote by the college's board of trustees to approve a $5.3 million bid, submitted by Frederick Construction of Vicksburg, to construct a new dormitory on the Glen Oaks campus.\r\n Construction is expected begin in the coming weeks, weather permitting, with plans for the project to be complete prior to the fall 2017 semester, which begins in late August.  \r\nPlans for the three-story student housing project include two- and four-suite units that share kitchen and living areas and two bathrooms. The facility will be located on the north side of the main parking lot, west of the main facility.\r\n GOCC is the first Michigan community college to use a low-cost (2.38 percent) USDA Rural Development federal 30-year loan to finance the housing project.  \r\nThe groundbreaking ceremony began with a welcome and long list of introductions by Glen Oaks president David Devier.\r\n Next, several people spoke, including U.S. Rep. Fred Upton.\r\n \"Community colleges today are more relevant than ever before,\" Upton said. \"And this has been a real landmark institution in St. Joseph County. Seeing it expand to include housing units ... to be able to do this and be able to have kids in their dorms literally by next fall is really terrific and a credit to the folks that are here.\"\u00a0\r\n Read the full story online, via the Sturgis Journal, HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/editorials/serving-you-michigan-and-washington", "Serving You in Michigan and Washington", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Serving you in Michigan and Washington \nBy Congressman John Moolenaar\nOne of the joys of serving as your congressman is honoring our current soldiers and veterans for their service to our country.\nThis month, I voted to give our troops their largest pay increase in six years. They make sacrifices every day to keep us safe and the raise they have earned is a small part of thanking them and their families for their service to our nation.\nThis year, I have also had the privilege of presenting our veterans with their military service awards. I believe courage is given where courage is honored and these ceremonies are an important part of making sure our veterans and future generations of veterans know we will always be grateful for their service.\nI have hosted ceremonies across the Fourth District to honor our Vietnam veterans with the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Lapel Pin.\nThis is part of the federal government\u2019s effort to recognize all Vietnam veterans for their service. Veterans who have not received a lapel pin should contact the Midland office at (989) 631-2552.\nCurrent members of the military and our veterans have defended our way of life and our freedoms, including ensuring that we are able hold our government officials accountable.\nTo be accountable to you, I have made it a priority to be available, meeting constituents in all 15 counties of the district in 2016. At listening sessions, we discussed current events and your concerns about issues before Congress. You passionately care about the future of our country and I appreciate your input while representing you in Washington.\nI also communicated with the district by sending more than 900,000 emails to share news and upcoming events. Meeting notices were also published in media outlets. Constituents who wish to receive email communications from my office can subscribe to my newsletter at moolenaar. house.gov/newsletter.\nI also used traditional mail to reach residents, and in August I mailed a survey on critical issues before Congress. In response to the survey, I received thousands of comments on issues ranging across the entire political spectrum.\nIf you would like to share your views on policies that are being debated in Congress, you can visit my website at moolenaar.house.gov/contact/ email. This year, my office responded to 27,515 emails and letters from constituents.\nI am also committed to making sure my office does everything it can to help the hardworking residents of our district when they need assistance with a federal agency. This year, my office helped more than 1,000 people with agencies, including the IRS, Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration.\nIf I may be of assistance to you, please let me know. As mentioned, the phone number for the office in Midland is (989) 631-2552. In Cadillac, it is (231) 942-5070 and in Washington it is (202) 225-3561.\nIt is an honor to serve as your representative and I look forward to hearing from you.\nU.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, represents Michigan\u2019s Fourth Congressional District which is made up of Clare, Clinton, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, Shiawassee and Wexford counties, and parts of Montcalm and Saginaw counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398374", "The Fed's Ad-Hoc Anchor Continues to Drag on Our Economy", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Fed's Ad-Hoc Anchor Continues to Drag on Our Economy \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 14, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the Federal Reserve announced its decision to raise short-term interest rates: \"The normalization of rates is inevitable, however the Federal Reserve continues to slow walk the process by maintaining artificially low rates,\" said Huizenga. \"Adopting a rules-based strategy for monetary policy would not only strengthen our economy but improve opportunity for millions of Americans.  The ad-hoc approach currently being employed by the Fed continues to create uncertainty for consumers and investors alike which acts as an anchor on our economy. I am hopeful that with a Trump Administration soon in the White House, House-passed legislation such as the FORM Act and the Financial CHOICE Act will gain even greater traction as positive ways to improve our nation's monetary policy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398723", "21st Century Cures Signed into Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marking the culmination of a three-year journey, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law. The House passed the game-changing medical innovation bill 392 to 26 on November 30, and the Senate followed suit, voting 94 to 5 on December 7. Last week, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch (R-UT) signed the bill at an enrollment ceremony before formally sending it to the president. \r\nU.S. Reps Fred Upton (R-MI) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) authors of the 21st Century Cures Act released the following statement: \r\n\u201cWorking together, we got the job done. Patients needed a game-changer \u2013 and it is our hope that history will look back at the Cures effort as the moment in time when the tide finally turned against disease. Today\u2019s milestone is not the end, it\u2019s just the beginning for #CuresNow.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399215", "Walberg, Dingell Seek Answers on Poor Detroit VA Ranking", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (MI-07) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald seeking answers about steps that are being taken to improve performance and quality of care at the Detroit VA. The letter follows press reports that the Detroit VA Medical Center has become a one-star facility based on an internal rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database.\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\u201d the Representatives wrote. \u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u201dThe Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. The Representatives are requesting information about how VA Headquarters intends to ensure the Detroit VA improves on each target area, the timeline for doing so, and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and patients are safe. The Representatives also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the SAIL database.\u201cAs you know, this information is not released to the public,\u201d they wrote. \u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\u201dWalberg and Dingell will meet with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and will continue working with the VA to address the problems and ensure veterans are receiving the best possible care.The full letter can be read here and below.December 12, 2016The Honorable Robert McDonald  \r\nSecretary  \r\nU.S. Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs  \r\n810 Vermont Avenue, NW  \r\nWashington, DC 20420Dear Secretary MacDonald:  \r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \r\nThis letter is regarding the poor rating of the Detroit VA Medical Center which we learned of last Friday following the public release of an internal rating system used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assess the performance of VA hospitals. \u00a0We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility. \u00a0 The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. \u00a0We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u00a0Part of the issue is the lack of transparency surrounding the quality rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database. \u00a0As you know, this information is not released to the public. \u00a0Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. \u00a0Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. \u00a0To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.In regards to the current situation, we are committed to working with you and the leadership at the Detroit VA to address these problems so veterans know they are receiving the best possible care. We request answers to the following questions:  \r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \r\n1. Please provide us with a complete and un-redacted copy of the latest SAIL star rankings, as well as a list of all rankings going back 5 years. \u00a0 As you are aware, our only knowledge of the star rankings is coming from press reports.\u00a02. The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their HEDIS score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. \u00a0How does VA Headquarters intend to ensure that the Detroit VA improves on each of these important targets? \u00a0 What is the timeline for these improvements? \u00a0How will we be kept informed of their progress?3. Does the Detroit VA have to submit a formal plan to VA Headquarters for how they intend to improve their performance and quality of care? \u00a04. What assistance and resources is VA Headquarters offering the Detroit VA, or any other one-star facility, to ensure all necessary and appropriate measures to improve care at the facility are occurring?5. In general, are there any penalties or punishment in place for one-star hospitals in the VA system? \u00a0If so, please provide a detailed explanation of the penalties. \u00a0If not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals. \u00a0\u00a06. How is the public informed if a hospital in their area only has one star? What type of accountability systems are in place for a hospital which stayed at one-star status for over a year to ensure performance is immediately improved? \u00a0How many hospitals nationwide have been one-star hospitals for over a year?7. How are the metrics used in the SAIL system determined? \u00a0How often are these metrics reviewed and updated?\u00a08. Will both VA Headquarters and the Detroit VA commit to providing our offices with regular briefing and updates on your progress in improving the star rating of the Detroit VA?9. How do we ensure that veterans that are currently receiving treatment at the Detroit VA are being properly cared for and are not in danger?\u00a0We are deeply disturbed to read this report in last Friday\u2019s newspaper. Providing for our veterans is a critical responsibility for you and us. \u00a0It is absolutely essential that we ensure veterans at the Detroit VA are receiving the good, quality healthcare which they were promised and that it not be impaired in any way. \u00a0We are meeting with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and must be kept informed of how this will be fixed moving forward. \u00a0We all must come together to address the problems at the Detroit VA so our veterans can have confidence that they are receiving the best possible care which they were promised. \u00a0 Providing prompt answers to our questions and working to improve transparency at the VA will help us achieve these critical goals. \u00a0We look forward to receiving your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399216", "Detroit Free Press: Dingell, Walberg want answers on Detroit's VA center", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A USA TODAY/Free Press report last week revealing a low quality rating at Detroit\u2019s John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center led two members of Congress today to ask the agency for assurances that veterans are \u201cbeing properly cared for and are not in danger.\u201dU.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, wrote VA Secretary Robert McDonald today asking for copies of the agency\u2019s secret star-ratings of hospitals going back five years as well as for plans for improvements at the Detroit center and when they will be implemented.\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\u201d they wrote. \u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving health care at the facility not be harmed in any way.\u201dWhile the VA refuses to release star-ratings for its facilities, USA TODAY, a sister publication of the Free Press, recently obtained a list of one- and five-star rated facilities based on quality of care measurements compiled by the agency.In an interview, VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin cautioned against using the internal star ratings \u2014 which are based on dozens of factors \u2014 as a way to compare hospitals but he acknowledged that out of all the system\u2019s hospitals given a one-star rating earlier this year, Detroit\u2019s was the only one to see overall quality deteriorate instead of improve.There was no indication, however, that veterans were in any specific danger, despite the facility\u2019s low ranking on certain quality of care measurements, which officials said they were working to improve.In their letter, Dingell and Walberg chided the VA for keeping the star ratings under wraps, saying that, \u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA.\u201dDingell and Walberg also asked the VA head if there are \u201cpenalties or punishment\u201d in place for one-star hospitals and what resources are being committed to the Detroit center to help it improve. They also asked for a commitment for updates and said they planned to meet with center officials this week.Officials at the Detroit center, which was renamed for Dingell\u2019s husband, retired U.S. Rep. John Dingell, acknowledged to the Free Press last week that it had slipped to one-star due in part to \u201cperformance deteriorations\u201d in health care measures that included hypertension and diabetes control, as well as in wait times for specialty care appointments and some heart disease and medical readmission rates.Dr. Pamela Reeves, medical center director for the Dingell VA Center, also told the Free Press that its decline was also due in part to changes in the way the VA collects and measures data. She said the hospital\u2019s leadership team was working \u201cto address the opportunities identified by the \u2026 data.\u201dThis article originally appeared in the December 12 edition of the Detroit Free Press.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399217", "Detroit News: Reps: Why did Detroit VA facilitys rating drop?", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two members of Congress wrote to the U.S. Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs on Monday demanding answers about why the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit has fallen to a one-star facility out of five stars based on an internal rating by the VA.Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, said they were \u201cdisturbed\u201d by the news and asked Secretary Robert McDonald how his agency intends to swiftly improve the performance and quality of care.\u201cThe slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling, and we must ensure that veterans receiving health care at the facility not be harmed in any way,\u201d Dingell and Walberg wrote. \u201cWe must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\u201dThe Detroit VA ratings fell in categories including its wait time for specialty care appointments as well as readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts.Dingell and Walberg asked McDonald for details about how the agency intends to improve targets in each area, the timeline for doing so and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and ensure patients\u2019 safety.They also raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the database used for the ratings system \u2013 the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning database, which is not public.The pair requested five years worth of SAIL star rankings that are free of redaction. They also requested details about the metrics used in the SAIL system and asked how often the measurements are updated and reviewed.\u201cVeterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cHaving a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide.\u201dThey asked McDonald about what assistance and resources the VA is offering the Detroit VA and other one-star facilities to ensure they are taking action to improve care and wanted to know whether such facilities are punished or penalized in any way.\u201cIf not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals,\u201d they wrote.Dingell and Walberg introduced a bill this year that would require each VA medical facility to issue quarterly reports on the rate of surgical infections, as well as the number of canceled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals.This article originally appeared in the December 12 edition of the Detroit News.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-dingell-seek-answers-poor-detroit-va-ranking", "Walberg, Dingell Seek Answers on Poor Detroit VA Ranking", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (MI-07) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald seeking answers about steps that are being taken to improve performance and quality of care at the Detroit VA. The letter follows press reports that the Detroit VA Medical Center has become a one-star facility based on an internal rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database.\"We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility,\" the Representatives wrote. \"The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner.\" The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. The Representatives are requesting information about how VA Headquarters intends to ensure the Detroit VA improves on each target area, the timeline for doing so, and what Congress needs to do to ensure progress is being made and patients are safe. The Representatives also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the SAIL database. \"As you know, this information is not released to the public,\" they wrote. \"Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing.\" Walberg and Dingell will meet with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and will continue working with the VA to address the problems and ensure veterans are receiving the best possible care. The full letter can be read here and below. December 12, 2016 The Honorable Robert McDonald  \nSecretary  \nU.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs  \n810 Vermont Avenue, NW  \nWashington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary MacDonald:  \n       \nThis letter is regarding the poor rating of the Detroit VA Medical Center which we learned of last Friday following the public release of an internal rating system used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assess the performance of VA hospitals. We are deeply disturbed to learn that the Detroit VA, which serves many of our constituents, has fallen to a one-star facility.  The slip to a one-star facility is extremely troubling and we must ensure that veterans receiving healthcare at the facility not be harmed in any way. We must get at the root causes of the problems at the Detroit VA in an expeditious manner. Part of the issue is the lack of transparency surrounding the quality rating system used by the VA, called the Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL) database. As you know, this information is not released to the public. Veterans, just like every other patient, deserve to know how their hospitals are performing and what services need to be improved. Having a secret rating system only serves to increase distrust of the VA and may give the appearance that the Department has something to hide. To address these concerns, we introduced legislation earlier this year that would improve transparency at the VA by requiring each VA medical facility to issue a quarterly report on the rate of surgical infections and cancelled or transferred surgeries at VA hospitals. Increasing transparency is critical to understanding the type of care veterans are receiving and how to fix any problems we are facing. In regards to the current situation, we are committed to working with you and the leadership at the Detroit VA to address these problems so veterans know they are receiving the best possible care. We request answers to the following questions:  \n       \n1. Please provide us with a complete and un-redacted copy of the latest SAIL star rankings, as well as a list of all rankings going back 5 years.  As you are aware, our only knowledge of the star rankings is coming from press reports. 2. The Detroit VA saw performance deteriorations in three critical SAIL categories: their HEDIS score, wait time for specialty care appointments and readmission rates for cardiovascular and medical patient cohorts. How does VA Headquarters intend to ensure that the Detroit VA improves on each of these important targets?  What is the timeline for these improvements? How will we be kept informed of their progress? 3. Does the Detroit VA have to submit a formal plan to VA Headquarters for how they intend to improve their performance and quality of care?  4. What assistance and resources is VA Headquarters offering the Detroit VA, or any other one-star facility, to ensure all necessary and appropriate measures to improve care at the facility are occurring? 5. In general, are there any penalties or punishment in place for one-star hospitals in the VA system? If so, please provide a detailed explanation of the penalties. If not, please explain why the VA thinks it is unnecessary to have increased accountability for struggling hospitals.  6. How is the public informed if a hospital in their area only has one star? What type of accountability systems are in place for a hospital which stayed at one-star status for over a year to ensure performance is immediately improved? How many hospitals nationwide have been one-star hospitals for over a year? 7. How are the metrics used in the SAIL system determined? How often are these metrics reviewed and updated? 8. Will both VA Headquarters and the Detroit VA commit to providing our offices with regular briefing and updates on your progress in improving the star rating of the Detroit VA? 9. How do we ensure that veterans that are currently receiving treatment at the Detroit VA are being properly cared for and are not in danger? We are deeply disturbed to read this report in last Friday's newspaper. Providing for our veterans is a critical responsibility for you and us. It is absolutely essential that we ensure veterans at the Detroit VA are receiving the good, quality healthcare which they were promised and that it not be impaired in any way. We are meeting with Mr. Robert McDivitt, Director for VISN 10, and Dr. Pamela Reeves, Director of the Detroit VA Medical Center, this week and must be kept informed of how this will be fixed moving forward. We all must come together to address the problems at the Detroit VA so our veterans can have confidence that they are receiving the best possible care which they were promised.  Providing prompt answers to our questions and working to improve transparency at the VA will help us achieve these critical goals. We look forward to receiving your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398372", "House Passes Flint Aid Package, Huizenga led-effort to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Flint Aid Package, Huizenga led-effort to Strengthen Great Lakes EconomyToday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after supporting multiple bipartisan bills to keep the government funded, strengthen Michigan's \"Blue Economy,\" and provide aid to Flint:\r\n\"By passing Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Congress is holding the federal government accountable to communities in West Michigan and across the Great Lakes region,\" said Huizenga.  \"Not only does this important legislation permanently prioritize funding for the Great Lakes Navigational System, it goes a step further by ensuring that a greater portion of the revenues intended for water infrastructure and harbor dredging from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund actually get used for that purpose. Ports and harbors across the Great Lakes are engines of economic growth that generate over $18 billion in economic activity and support 130,000 good-paying jobs, and this bill will strengthen Michigan's 'Blue Economy' even further.\"\r\n\"What happened in Flint is a failure of government at all levels,\" said Huizenga. \"My focus has been on advancing a bipartisan solution to help the people of Flint recover. I am proud to see my colleagues in the Michigan delegation put party affiliation aside, unify, and focus the conversation in Congress on achieving meaningful and positive results for Flint. I believe the legislation passed today achieves that goal.\"\r\nBack in September, Rep. Huizenga authored an amendment to permanently prioritize Army Corps funding for the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS). The Great Lakes System is a critical international waterway that extends from the western end of Lake Superior to the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of over 2,400 miles. The U.S. portion of the system includes 140 harbors and over 600 miles of maintained navigation channels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398719", "Upton Statement on Decommissioning of  Palisades Nuclear Power Plant", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement on the announcement that Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, owned by Entergy Corporation and located in Covert, Michigan, would be decommissioned and closed in 2018: \r\n\u201cPalisades has been part of the fabric of our Southwest Michigan community since 1971. They\u2019ve employed thousands of workers \u2013 who in turn became respected leaders and so it\u2019s important we do not turn our back on these hardworking folks now. They\u2019ve also invested in our local schools and charities, had an enormous positive impact on our economy, and powered homes and businesses throughout the Midwest. But, as with all nuclear power plants across the country, there is always an end date. This safe transition is governed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and should not be interfered with. I strongly urge Entergy to remain committed to our community and I will continue working with them throughout this time of transition.\u201d \r\nSince 2011, Upton has served as Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over nuclear energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In 2013, Upton toured Palisades and met with officials alongside representatives of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In 2014, Upton toured Palisades again with then-NRC Chairman Alison M. Macfarlane.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398721", "Speaker Ryan Signs Bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following the Senate\u2019s passage of the 21st Century Cures Act on Wednesday by a vote of 94 to 5, the bill was sent today to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) before moving to the White House for the president\u2019s signature. The House passed the game-changing medical innovation bill on November 30, by a vote of 392-26. Both Speaker Ryan and Senate Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch (R-UT) officially signed the bill at this morning\u2019s Enrollment Ceremony. \u00a0  \r\n\u201cThis effort has always been about the patients, and I\u2019m so glad that we could have our friend, all-star Cures advocate Max with us today. Not letting rare disease hold him back, this pint-sized dynamo has been with us every step of the way on the #Path2Cures,\u201d said Upton. \u201cWe look forward to seeing President Obama make 21st Century Cures law next week. As Max said today, \u2018Cures is more than hope, its action.\u2019 Next stop, the White House!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398722", "Upton, Stabenow, Peters Announce Passage of Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that legislation to make Vietnam War veteran James C. McCloughan eligible for our nation\u2019s highest military honor \u2013 the Medal of Honor \u2013 has passed in Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the House of Representatives on December 2nd and cleared the U.S. Senate today. It now goes to the desk of the President for signature. \r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969. McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5).\r\n\u201cThis has been a long-time coming,\u201d said Upton. \u201cAnd now, thanks to our bipartisan efforts in the House and Senate, we\u2019re closer than ever to getting Private First Class McCloughan, and his family, the recognition he duly earned on the battlefield.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful for Private First Class James McCloughan\u2019s service to our country,\u201d Said Stabenow. \u201cToday, we are one step closer to awarding him the long overdue recognition he deserves.\u201d\r\n\u201cPrivate First Class James McCloughan put his life on the line to save his fellow service members, and the passage of this legislation will help ensure his bravery and sacrifice are properly recognized,\u201d Said Peters\r\nMedal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award. The Department of Defense recently recommended that James McCloughan receive this honor. This legislation waives the five-year requirement and when signed into law, will make it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to him.\r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan was highly decorated receiving the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with \u201cV\u201d device for valor, the U.S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republican of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palms and one oak leaf cluster and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399213", "Walberg Votes to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy, Invest in Waterway Infrastructure", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walberg Votes to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy, Invest in Waterway Infrastructure \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 8, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today voted for the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, a comprehensive water resources infrastructure bill to address the needs of our ports, harbors, and other waterway infrastructure critical to Michigan\u2019s economic competitiveness. The bipartisan agreement also includes provisions to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, dedicate resources to the Great Lakes Navigation System, and provide support for the people of Flint.\u201cMaintaining and improving water infrastructure, including ports and harbors like the Port of Monroe, is incredibly important to the growth of Michigan\u2019s economy,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cOur state\u2019s livelihood depends on the long-term health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, and this bipartisan bill also makes continued investments in the preservation and rejuvenation of our precious lakes and waterways. In addition, with today\u2019s vote, we came together to provide resources to help the Flint community recover from the heartbreaking water crisis.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-secures-michigan-priorities-final-votes-114th-congress", "Bishop Secures Michigan Priorities in Final Votes of 114th Congress", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In the final House votes of the year, Congressman Mike Bishop joined in passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (S. 612) and government funding legislation (concurring in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2028). The two measures were approved with strong bipartisan support.\n\u201cThese votes were about securing Michigan priorities,\u201d said Bishop. \u201cRepresenting this district and state means fighting for our families \u2013 and that includes getting the people of Flint the long-overdue help they need. We are finally about to make that happen.\n\u201cThe Great Lakes are an important focus of these bills, as well. Formally authorizing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative allows us to protect our environment for future generations to enjoy. We\u2019re also investing in water infrastructure projects, which will make a big difference for Michigan jobs and the economy.\n\u201cThere was no going home without getting all of this done. The Better Way agenda sets the right tone for 2017 and I\u2019m looking forward to being part of that effort.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-legislation-keeping-government-open", "House Passes Legislation Keeping Government Open", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House of Representatives passed\u00a0a continuing resolution\u00a0funding the government through April 28, 2017.\nThe legislation funds the government at current levels and ensures that payments to American troops and seniors will not be interrupted. By extending funding until April 28, the legislation allows the next president and the new Congress to begin working on a federal budget in 2017.\nThe legislation also includes $170 million in\u00a0funding for Flint water infrastructure that was initially proposed by Congressman John Moolenaar and Congressman Dan Kildee in September.\nCongressman Moolenaar voted for the legislation today and released the following statement:\n\"I supported this critical legislation to keep the government open and to provide certainty to our troops and our seniors. I am glad this legislation included\u00a0much needed federal aid to Flint to rebuild its water infrastructure. There was a failure in Flint by all levels of government and today the federal government does its part to assist in the city's recovery.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-passing-john-glenn", "Moolenaar Statement on the Passing of John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "John Glenn, the former astronaut and U.S. senator from Ohio, passed away today.\nCongressman John Moolenaar, a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, released the following statement:\n\u201cJohn Glenn was an American pioneer and a committed public servant. He first served our country in the Navy, then NASA, then the U.S. Senate, and he even went back to space at the incredible age of 77. John Glenn was the first American into space and our efforts to learn more about the solar system will stand on his shoulders forever.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-strengthen-great-lakes-economy-invest-waterway-infrastructure", "Walberg Votes to Strengthen Great Lakes Economy, Invest in Waterway Infrastructure", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today voted for the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, a comprehensive water resources infrastructure bill to address the needs of our ports, harbors, and other waterway infrastructure critical to Michigan's economic competitiveness. The bipartisan agreement also includes provisions to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, dedicate resources to the Great Lakes Navigation System, and provide support for the people of Flint.\"Maintaining and improving water infrastructure, including ports and harbors like the Port of Monroe, is incredibly important to the growth of Michigan's economy,\" said Walberg. \"Our state's livelihood depends on the long-term health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, and this bipartisan bill also makes continued investments in the preservation and rejuvenation of our precious lakes and waterways. In addition, with today's vote, we came together to provide resources to help the Flint community recover from the heartbreaking water crisis.\"  \n  Congressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398371", "Huizenga: Maybe Just This Once, the Oracles at the Fed Should Listen to George Costanza", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) held a hearing surrounding the unconventional monetary policies being employed by the Federal Reserve and how they are limiting economic growth and opportunity for generations of Americans. During his opening remarks, Congressman Huizenga brought to light how the current ad-hoc policymaking by the Fed is jeopardizing our children's standard of living, and with it their ability to attain the American Dream.\r\n\"The American dream is at risk,\" said Huizenga. \"Pre-recession productivity meant that living standards could double every generation. Under today\u2019s opaque and distortionary monetary policies, however, productivity has been cut in half. The oracles call this is the new normal. They are wrong \u2013 it is neither normal nor acceptable.\r\n\"Not too long ago, our children could reliably look forward to a doubling of their living standards,\" stated Huizenga. \"Under today\u2019s monetary and economic policies, a doubling of living standard must instead wait for our children\u2019s children.  With logic and evidence having left their side, perhaps the oracles should embrace a strategy from Seinfeld\u2019s George Costanza: 'If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.'\"\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChairman Huizenga:\r\nLacking logic or evidence, today\u2019s macroeconomic oracles endorse unsustainable deficits and unconventional monetary policies.\r\nThe oracles say the economy would be booming, except for fiscal austerity. However, as the debt-clock in this hearing room clearly shows, fiscal policy is anything but austere.\r\nDenying that their prescriptions created a heavy drag on our economy, the oracles point to ever-changing \u201cheadwinds.\u201d For example, they tell us that an aging population is causing labor force participation to plumb bottoms last seen in the 1970's.\r\n  \r\nTheir hypothesis is short on facts, however. For example, median age in the 1970s is a decade lower than today\u2019s. So if aging is problematic, then the oracles would predict strong labor participation in the 1970's, even though it is the same disappointing level as today.\r\nThe 1970's is also similar to the 2010's on another important dimension \u2013 separated by four decades, they both suffered from distortionary economic and monetary policies.\r\nRefusing to let facts get in the way of fantasy, the oracles tell us that American households would be even worse off, except for unsustainable deficits and unconventional monetary policies.\r\nThe evidence?  We are doing better than the likes of Japan and the European Union. That story might fly in the faculty lounge, but it certainly doesn\u2019t around the dinner table. The star pupil in a class of central banks gone wild has nothing to brag about.\r\nThe American dream is at risk. Pre-recession productivity meant that living standards could double every generation. Under today\u2019s opaque and distortionary monetary policies, however, productivity has been cut in half.\r\n  \r\nThe oracles call this is the new normal. They are wrong \u2013 it is neither normal nor acceptable.\r\nNot too long ago, our children could reliably look forward to a doubling of their living standards. Under today\u2019s monetary and economic policies, a doubling of living standard must instead wait for our children\u2019s children.\r\n  \r\nWith logic and evidence having left their side, perhaps the oracles should embrace a strategy from Seinfeld\u2019s George Costanza:\r\n\u201cIf every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.\u201d\r\nThe oracles tell us that, without their seat-of-the-pants response to the Great Recession, our economy would be even further below potential almost 8 years post-recession. The opposite would have had a hard time doing worse.\r\nToday\u2019s macroeconomists aim policies at highly aggregated variables that have little if anything to do with what drives our economy. Their answer for economic fluctuations is to further distort spending on consumption, investment, or government.\r\nBut just as businesses cannot hide mismanagement for long behind income statement manipulations, governments cannot mask malaise by diverting money into politically favored national income accounts.\r\nThis pretense of knowledge has grown from a macroeconomic orthodoxy where repeated failures of unconventional monetary and economic policies count as evidence that we didn\u2019t do enough.\r\nEconomic opportunity reliably increases when monetary policy adheres to its vital duty \u2013 that is, facilitating commerce, wherever it shows promise. Throughout our current economic malaise, monetary policy has not only ignored this duty, it continues to ignore the consequences of ignoring this duty.\r\nAnnually since 2007, the Fed\u2019s monetary policy committee predicted that its principle-free decisions would trigger a more resilient economy. Each year, reality fell further from prediction. According to the Fed\u2019s own researchers, the FOMC did not anticipate the Great Recession \u2026 underestimated the severity of the downturn \u2026 and consistently over-predicted the speed of the recovery.\r\nA decade of economics-free monetary policy is not working because it cannot work. Returning to a robust economy requires a more firmly grounded and transparent policy.\r\nThat transition cannot happen until the Fed shrinks its balance sheet, bringing interest rate and credit risks out of the bureaucratic shadows. In that same vein, policy distortions will remain elevated until the Fed also returns to a monetary policy that does only what it can \u2013 produce an efficient exchange medium so that goods and services (which include labor) can easily find their most promising opportunities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398718", "\"21st Century Cures is Ready for the President\"", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), sponsors of the 21st Century Cures Act,\u00a0issued the following statement after the Senate passed the medical innovation bill by a vote of\u00a094-5.\r\n\u201cAfter three years, our legislative work is finally complete. 21st Century Cures is ready for the president. With this innovation game-changer, a new day for medical research is on the horizon. Today\u2019s vote is for patients and their loved ones. We all have more reason for hope.\u201d\u00a0\r\nLearn about the 21st Century Cures Act\u00a0HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398717", "Upton Applauds Passage of STAR Act", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, made the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3381, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research Act (STAR), by a unanimous vote. \r\n\u201cJust about everyone\u2019s life has been impacted by cancer in some way. The most heartbreaking situation of them all is when a young child is diagnosed with cancer \u2013 which, tragically, remains the leading cause of death in American children. These childhood cancer patients and their families deserve a stronger voice and more resources to help combat this deadly disease. That\u2019s what this bipartisan legislation will do: Improve research, treatments, and care for childhood cancer patients, survivors, and their families. I was proud to support this legislation and hope the Senate will move quickly to pass it.\u201d \r\nThe Childhood Cancer STAR Act would improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, ensure publicly accessible expanded access policies that provide hope for patients, and identify opportunities to expand the research of therapeutics necessary to treat the more than 15,000 children diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. \u00a0\r\nIn September, Upton spoke at a childhood cancer vigil at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo where he pledged his support for the STAR Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398370", "Huizenga: NDAA Vote Strengthens Military, Boosts Michigan Manufacturing", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strengthen our national defense, provide our troops with a pay-raise, and support manufacturing in Michigan.\r\n\"The National Defense Authorization Act is vital to ensuring our troops have the resources they need to complete their mission. This year's NDAA includes a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, reforms the military acquisitions process to improve results for taxpayers, and maintains the prohibition on transferring detainees at Guantanamo Bay to American soil.\r\n\"Specifically for Michigan, this legislation opens the door for hardworking manufacturers to compete for the honor of supplying our troops with the best American-made footwear available. This means more good-paying manufacturing jobs can be created right here in Michigan.\"\r\nSince 1941, federal law has required our servicemen and women to be outfitted with equipment and uniforms made in America to the greatest extent possible. Until recently, that was not possible with athletic shoes supplied to recruits during training. Today, multiple American companies can produce 100% made in America shoes. One of these companies, Bates Footwear, is located in Big Rapids, Michigan.The National Defense Authorization Act conference report passed with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 375-34.\r\nTo learn more about Congressman Huizenga efforts\u00a0to support our troops and Michigan manufacturing, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398714", "Upton Applauds Passage of Critical Defense Bill", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 by a bipartisan vote of 375-34. \u00a0\r\n\u201cSupporting our national defense, our active duty military personnel, and their families is of the utmost importance. Right here in Southwest Michigan we not only have active military instillations and soldiers who require the resources and equipment authorized, but also many families who depend on this legislation to provide consistency in their daily lives. This bipartisan legislation enhances our military readiness and includes the largest pay raise for our troops in six years, while also alleviating any bonus recoupment activities for our National Guard members who volunteered to serve during a time of need. Also of great importance, we maintain status quo on prohibiting the closure and the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States and elevate U.S. Cyber defense to a unified Combatant Command to protect against emerging cyber threats. I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation and look forward to its swift passage in the Senate.\u201d\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017 is the primary way Congress meets its most important constitutional obligation to \u201cprovide for the common defense.\u201d It advances the vital funding and authorities America\u2019s military requires to protect our nation and the brave men and women serving around the globe. Today\u2019s vote was the Conference Report to H.R. 4909, which passed the House in May with a vote of 277-147 and S. 2943, which passed the Senate in June with a vote of 85-13. \r\nThe NDAA supports $619 billion for national defense, which exceeds President Obama\u2019s original budget request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398716", "ICYMI: Its time for Congress to erase party lines and deliver a fix for Flint water", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It\u2019s time for Congress to erase party lines and deliver a fix for Flint water\r\nBy U.S. Reps. Dan Kildee and Fred Upton\r\nBefore the 114th Congress comes to an end in less than a month, we in Congress need to come together, Republicans and Democrats, to step up and help the people of Flint.\r\nFamilies in Flint have not been able to trust the drinking water coming out of their tap in more than two years. A federal judge recently ruled that the state of Michigan must deliver bottled water to Flint residents who lack access to safe drinking water. Bottled water and filters, however, are only temporary solutions.\r\nSimply put, Flint needs action now. It is time for Congress to make the necessary investment to repair the water infrastructure in Flint. The Flint water crisis represents a failure of government. Considering the federal government's failure to blow the whistle on what was happening in Flint, Congress needs to use its power to immediately deliver much needed relief that the families in Flint deserve.\r\nThis is why both of us will continue to fight to make sure our colleagues in Congress understand the importance of passing legislation that includes aid for Flint before the end of the year. This will be a continuation of more than a year of our work together to help Flint. These efforts serve as an example to our colleagues in Congress that helping Flint families and children is not a partisan issue.\r\nJust this past August, we were in Flint together. No matter where we went, we both heard firsthand the same voices. Folks are tired of the partisan blame game. They want answers. And they want results.\r\nEarlier this year, we\u00a0jointly introduced\u00a0the\u00a0Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Awareness Act, a commonsense bill that would require state and federal government officials to notify citizens immediately when the government learns of lead contamination in drinking water. This bill passed in the House of Representatives overwhelmingly with a vote of 416 to 2.\r\nIn addition, we both requested that the federal government declare Flint a federal emergency, which allowed significant resources like millions of bottles of water, thousands of filters, hundreds of federal health and water experts and over $400 million in federal grants to reach the ground and people in need.\r\nMoreover, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a forward-looking\u00a0hearing on the Flint water crisis\u00a0in April to hear from health experts like Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha about the medical needs of the community.\r\nFinally, nearly the entire Michigan delegation in the House voted for an amendment to send\u00a0$170 million in aid\u00a0to Flint. This amendment passed the House by a vote of 284 to 141, with more than 100 Republicans in support. While each of these steps forward has been important for Flint, they are not enough.\r\nNow that Congress is back, we will have one goal -- ensuring our colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, join us in sending much needed aid to the people of Flint. We both plan on continuing to vigorously pursue these funding efforts -- whether that is part of a bipartisan water infrastructure package or in any year-end legislation to keep the government funded.\r\nBefore we are Republican or Democrat, we are Americans. And part of being an American is helping those in need -- be it the people impacted by the flooding in Louisiana and Texas or those harmed by the water crisis in Flint. When their fellow citizens are in need, Americans come together, and we are committed to making sure their Congress will do the same to help the people of Flint. We will not stop until the work is done.Read online, via MLive, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399210", "Walberg Votes to Raise Troop Pay, Strengthen Military Readiness", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walberg Votes to Raise Troop Pay, Strengthen Military Readiness \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 2, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted today for the House-Senate conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which funds the military, gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise, and helps keep the American people safe. Congressman Walberg served as a member of the bipartisan conference committee charged with producing the final agreement that passed the House today by a 375-34 margin.\u201cIn a world of dangerous and emerging threats, our nation's defense capabilities and military readiness must remain second to none,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cThis bipartisan defense bill is a critical step towards rebuilding our military for the 21st century and ensuring our troops have the training, equipment, and resources in whatever they are asked to do. The men and women who protect our country deserve our unwavering support, and this legislation also gives our troops their largest salary increase in six years.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-ndaa-2017-strengthen-military-raise-pay-troops", "Bishop Supports NDAA 2017 to Strengthen Military, Raise Pay for Troops", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In response to the House passage of S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 Conference Report, Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) issued the following statement:\n\u201cThe number one responsibility of Congress is to provide for the safety of the American people \u2013 including those who serve. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act follows through on that by improving the technology, readiness and strength of our military. It also secures the largest troop pay raise in more than six years, which our brave men and women greatly deserve. I am pleased to see this legislation move one step closer to the president\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-military-pay-raise", "Moolenaar Votes for Military Pay Raise", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.\u00a0\nThis important legislation sets defense policy for the year and includes a pay raise for U.S. soldiers.\u00a0\nThe pay raise of 2.1 percent is the largest pay increase in six years.\u00a0\nCongressman John Moolenaar (R-Midland) voted for the legislation and made the following statement:\u00a0\n\u201cOur troops make sacrifices every day to keep us safe. They have earned a pay raise and this legislation is a small part of thanking them and their families for their service to our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-raise-troop-pay-strengthen-military-readiness", "Walberg Votes to Raise Troop Pay, Strengthen Military Readiness", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted today for the House-Senate conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which funds the military, gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise, and helps keep the American people safe. Congressman Walberg served as a member of the bipartisan conference committee charged with producing the final agreement that passed the House today by a 375-34 margin.\"In a world of dangerous and emerging threats, our nation's defense capabilities and military readiness must remain second to none,\" said Walberg. \"This bipartisan defense bill is a critical step towards rebuilding our military for the 21st century and ensuring our troops have the training, equipment, and resources in whatever they are asked to do. The men and women who protect our country deserve our unwavering support, and this legislation also gives our troops their largest salary increase in six years.\"  \n  Congressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398369", "Huizenga Votes to Reform Mental Health Care, Strengthen Medical Research", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in support of bipartisan legislation to boost critical research to defeat cancer and rare diseases as well as reform how our nation addresses mental health care:\u201cNearly everyone in West Michigan has a friend or family member who has been impacted by cancer, a rare disease, or the scourge of opioid addiction. The 21st Century Cures Act is an example of how Congress can achieve bipartisan results to the challenges facing West Michigan families without adding to the debt. \u00a0Right now, potentially lifesaving medical breakthroughs are being slowed by bureaucratic red tape. \u00a0The 21st Century Cures Act will help cut through this red tape, promote innovation, and encourage the development of new cures and treatments at research facilities in Michigan. Additionally this critical bill provides vital resources to combat the recent wave of drug addiction plaguing our nation.\u00a0\"This important legislation also addresses another major issue facing West Michigan families - mental illness. For too long, the federal government has spent taxpayer dollars on duplicative and ineffective programs. The 21st Century Cures Act will make significant reforms that modernize how mental health care is delivered, provide resources for state and community treatment centers, and bring hope to both patients and their loved ones.\"The 21st Century Cures Act passed the House this evening by a vote of 392-26.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398712", "BREAKING: House Passes 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the 21st Century Cures Act by a vote of 392-26. \u00a0\r\n\u201cWith today\u2019s overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, we took a giant leap forward on the #Path2Cures,\u201d said Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), co-authors of the bill. \u201c21st Century Cures is the innovative game-changer that patients, their loved ones, and the nation\u2019s researchers and scientists so desperately need. The White House has expressed its enthusiastic endorsement of this critical legislation. So it\u2019s now on to the Senate, where we are just one final vote away from delivering #CuresNow.\u201d \r\nFor more information about the 21st Century Cures Act, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398713", "House Advances Landmark Mental Health Reforms", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the 21st Century Cures Act by a vote of 392-26. Included in the bill were mental health reforms spearheaded by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA), which were largely based off his bill, H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. \r\n\u201cWith the House\u2019s strong support of these critical reforms, we\u2019re one step closer to delivering meaningful reforms to families in mental health crisis,\u201d said Upton and Murphy. \u201cWe have worked to reduce stigma around this important issue, and let folks know it\u2019s okay to ask for help. Throughout our multi-year, multi-Congress effort to advance solutions to a broken system, we\u2019ve raised awareness and helped identify ways to help those around us. These reforms have been a long time coming and we look forward to the Senate quickly following in our footsteps.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399209", "Walberg, House Advance 21st Century Cures Act to Expedite  Life-Saving Medical Breakthroughs", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted today for the 21st Century Cures Act, a landmark initiative to expedite the discovery and development of new cures and treatments by investing in medical research and streamlining outdated bureaucracy. This bipartisan legislation, which passed by a 392-26 vote, also includes significant provisions to direct additional resources to fight the heroin epidemic and reform our nation\u2019s mental health care system. Click here to watch Congressman Walberg\u2019s speech on the House floor about how the 21st Century Cures Act will impact constituents in Michigan and across the country.\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act is a transformational initiative that will unleash an era of new innovation,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cBy speeding up the rate of medical breakthroughs, we can save lives and offer hope to millions of patients and families suffering from some of the worst diseases. Additionally, by providing greater resources to tackle the heroin epidemic and delivering critical mental health reforms, this life-changing legislation will make a difference in people\u2019s lives for years to come.\u201d\r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-applauds-chairman-upton-passage-21st-century-cures", "Bishop Applauds Chairman Upton, Passage of 21st Century Cures", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) issued the following statement after the House passage of H.R. 34, the \u201c21st Century Cures Act\u201d:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI believe this is one of the most important pieces of legislation we will pass in the 114th Congress. Diseases like cancer, Alzheimer\u2019s, addiction, mental health disorders, and so many others are taking a toll on families with little relief in sight, but today\u2019s passage of 21st Century Cures renews our hope. \n\u00a0\n\u201cTogether, we can support American jobs and innovation, and move even closer to finding the cures and treatment our loved ones have been waiting for. This bill also addresses previous funding concerns, to ensure government spending is responsible and can adjust based on varying needs. I applaud Chairman Fred Upton for his steadfast work on 21st Century Cures and encourage the Senate to join us in advancing this life-saving legislation.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe 21st Century Cures Act focuses on advancing research to speed up the discovery, development and delivery of new treatments and cures for many growing diseases. It also includes funding for state-allocated grants to help combat today\u2019s opioid epidemic.\n\u00a0\nThe package of legislation also includes H.R. 5713, the Sustaining Healthcare Integrity and Fair Treatment Act, which addresses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)\u2019s new rule to limit the number of patients that Long Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) can accept from a single Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) \u2013 from 50% to 25%. With the inclusion of this bill in the 21st Century Cures Act, CMS\u2019 new rule will be delayed until October 1, 2017, so hospitals \u2013 including Lansing\u2019s Sparrow Hospital \u2013 can prepare for its implementation and continue to work with specialty hospitals at the current level.\n\u00a0\nTo learn more, visit https://energycommerce.house.gov/cures.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-innovation-health-care-research", "Moolenaar Votes for Innovation in Health Care Research", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation \u2013 commonly known as the 21st Century Cures Act \u2013 that will accelerate research for some of the most important cures and treatments the American people will need for years to come.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act removes federal red tape that has hampered innovation in medicine. It includes $4.8 billion for the National Institutes of Health, $1.8 billion for Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s cancer research initiative and $1.6 billion for brain disease research including Alzheimer\u2019s.\u00a0\nThe legislation enjoyed broad bipartisan support in today\u2019s vote.\nCongressman John Moolenaar (R-Midland) is a co-sponsor of the 21st Century Cures Act and voted for it today. He released the following statement:\n\"I want to thank Chairman Fred Upton for his leadership on this important legislation. Nearly all Americans know a friend or loved one who has battled cancer or chronic illness. The 21st Century Cures Act increases funding for research, eliminates red tape and empowers the smartest medical minds to bring the best treatments and cures to patients as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-house-advance-21st-century-cures-act-expedite-life-saving-medical", "Walberg, House Advance 21st Century Cures Act to Expedite  Life-Saving Medical Breakthroughs", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted today for the 21st Century Cures Act, a landmark initiative to expedite the discovery and development of new cures and treatments by investing in medical research and streamlining outdated bureaucracy. This bipartisan legislation, which passed by a 392-26 vote, also includes significant provisions to direct additional resources to fight the heroin epidemic and reform our nation's mental health care system. Click here to watch Congressman Walberg's speech on the House floor about how the 21st Century Cures Act will impact constituents in Michigan and across the country. \"The 21st Century Cures Act is a transformational initiative that will unleash an era of new innovation,\" said Walberg. \"By speeding up the rate of medical breakthroughs, we can save lives and offer hope to millions of patients and families suffering from some of the worst diseases. Additionally, by providing greater resources to tackle the heroin epidemic and delivering critical mental health reforms, this life-changing legislation will make a difference in people's lives for years to come.\"\n\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398711", "Upton Statement on Elaine Chaos Nomination for DOT Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Upton Statement on Elaine Chao\u2019s Nomination for DOT Secretary  \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 29, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today issued the following statement after President-Elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Elaine Chao for the position of Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary:\u00a0\r\n\u201cBeing from state that made autos great means we care about critical transportation issues \u2013 particularly as it relates to self-driving cars and other new technologies. Michigan companies will play key roles in these developments and Elaine Chao will do a great job of guiding the industry into the future. I\u2019ve known Elaine for years as a friend and she has a long history of public service and will be a great fit for this critical position. I have absolute confidence she will do a wonderful job. There will be lots of work to do in the coming months and years as it relates to transportation, technology, and infrastructure issues and I look forward to working with Secretary Chao.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amash.house.gov/press-release/amash-congratulates-betsy-devos-nomination-secretary-education", "Amash congratulates Betsy DeVos on nomination as secretary of education", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nNovember 23, 2016\n\u00a0\nCONTACT\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nCorie Whalen\ncorie.whalen@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\nAmash congratulates Betsy DeVos on nomination as secretary of education\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) issued the following statement upon President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education:\nCongratulations to Betsy DeVos on her nomination as secretary of education. She is a friend, a resident of Michigan's Third District, and a longtime community leader. I can think of few people as prepared to meet the challenges ahead.\nBetsy is intelligent, creative, experienced, and passionate about reforming education. I look forward to working with her to empower parents and local communities, advance school choice and competition, protect the right of homeschooling, and stop federal mandates and harmful initiatives like Race to the Top and Common Core.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398368", "Huizenga Statement on Nomination of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Huizenga Statement on Nomination of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga released the following statement after President-elect Trump announced the selection of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education: \"Betsy DeVos has been at the forefront of the effort to ensure every child in America has access to a quality education no matter their zip code,\" said Huizenga. \"Betsy will be a tremendous advocate, who parents can count on, to disrupt business as usual in Washington. For too long, the educational status quo has failed too many children. Betsy has the knowledge and skill set to improve education by cutting through the bureaucratic red tape, restoring local control, and empowering parents to have a greater say in their children's education.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399207", "Walberg Applauds Nomination of Betsy Devos as Education Secretary", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walberg Applauds Nomination of Betsy Devos as Education Secretary \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Jackson, Mich. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statement in response to President-Elect Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of Betsy Devos as Secretary of Education.\u201cBetsy Devos is a tireless champion of children and a worthy selection to serve as Secretary of Education. A proven leader, innovator, and reformer, Betsy Devos has fought to empower parents and teachers at the local level and improve educational opportunities for all families. I look forward to working with her to ensure a high quality education is in reach for every student in every school in America.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-applauds-nomination-betsy-devos-education-secretary", "Walberg Applauds Nomination of Betsy Devos as Education Secretary", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackson, Mich.  Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statement in response to President-Elect Donald Trump's nomination of Betsy Devos as Secretary of Education.\"Betsy Devos is a tireless champion of children and a worthy selection to serve as Secretary of Education. A proven leader, innovator, and reformer, Betsy Devos has fought to empower parents and teachers at the local level and improve educational opportunities for all families. I look forward to working with her to ensure a high quality education is in reach for every student in every school in America.\"  \n  \nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398367", "Huizenga: Ongoing Greek Debt Crisis Demonstrates that Further IMF Reforms are on the Table", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Huizenga: Ongoing Greek Debt Crisis Demonstrates that Further IMF Reforms are on the Table \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 18, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement on President Obama's inability to reach a solution with our European allies regarding the IMF and Greece's ongoing debt crisis:\r\n\"It is unfortunate that President Obama has failed to reach a deal with the Europeans to resolve Greece\u2019s debt crisis. With Greek debt unsustainable, the International Monetary Fund shouldn\u2019t be allowed to violate its rules and throw good money after bad. Nor should the IMF be forced to become a sidekick to the Eurozone\u2019s own, larger bailout fund. As we look ahead to a new Congress and administration, the IMF\u2019s continued involvement with Greece, if any, will inform our assessment of the IMF\u2019s accountability and the need for future reforms.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398366", "House passes Huizenga legislation to protect taxpayers, block U.S. financing for Iran aircraft", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House passed H.R. 5711, legislation introduced by Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) that would prohibit the U.S. Treasury Secretary from allowing any U.S. financial institution from financing the sale of aircraft to Iran. Additionally, this legislation would prevent the use of taxpayer dollars from being used to finance any sale through the Export-Import Bank either directly, or through a third party. H.R. 5711 passed by a vote of 243 to 174.Congressman Huizenga detailed why U.S. taxpayers and U.S. financial institutions should not finance the potential sale of aircraft to Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, on the House floor.  \r\n\r\n\r\nRep. Huizenga: Mr. Speaker, when our fellow Americans deposit their earnings in a U.S. bank, or entrust the government with their tax dollars, they do so assuming that their money will not be used in ways which undermine the security of our nation and frankly the  world.The legislation we are debating tonight is a package of bills designed to prevent the Obama Administration from further undermining the trust of the American people and the security of our nation as well as the security of our allies.  Under President Obama\u2019s nuclear deal with Iran \u2013 formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA \u2013 the Administration agreed to authorize the export of civilian aircraft to Iran. What the JCPOA did not include was authorization for U.S. financing of those sales. As Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said in April, \u201cIran complied with the nuclear agreement. Therefore, the nuclear sanctions are lifted. I think that that is a process that is becoming more and more clear, and we\u2019ll keep our part of the bargain there. But the U.S. financial system is not open to Iran and that is not something that is going to change.\u201dWell, Mr. Speaker, something changed. In September, Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued licenses to Airbus and Boeing permitting the sale of up to 97 planes to Iran Air, the country\u2019s flagship state-owned carrier.These licenses didn\u2019t stop there, however.  By going beyond the scope of the JCPOA, they also authorized U.S. financial institutions \u201cto engage in all transactions necessary to provide financing or other financial services\u201d related to the Iran Air orders.My bill, H.R. 5711, would prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from authorizing U.S. financing through American banks in connection with the export of commercial aircraft to Iran, just as the Administration claimed was U.S. policy to begin with.This bill would keep Americans\u2019 deposits away from a country that the President\u2019s own State Department calls \u201cthe world\u2019s foremost state sponsor of terrorism,\u201d and which Treasury has designated as \u201ca jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern.\u201dUnder this bill, Americans would not have to fear that their savings are being channeled to Iran Air, which was sanctioned by Treasury in 2011 for ferrying soldiers and weapons of war to Syria, the site of a five-year conflict that has claimed half a million lives.This is the same Iran Air that a UN report concluded had shared ballistic military technology with North Korea. And the same Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps whose deputy commander called for the end of Israel, making note of more than 100,000 missiles that are ready \u201cfor the annihilation, the wiping out, and the collapse of the Zionist regime.\u201dAdditionally, research by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies shows that Iran Air\u2019s support of the Assad regime continues to this very dayWhy should U.S. banks and their customers be implicated in Iranian atrocities? I would submit that there is no reasonable answer, which is why this common-sense prohibition, when offered as an amendment to this year\u2019s Financial Services Appropriations bill, was passed by this very body, the House of Representatives, by voice vote.However, this bill goes even further, Mr. Speaker. Not only will H.R. 5711 protect Americans\u2019 bank accounts, it will prevent their tax dollars from being used through the Export-Import Bank to subsidize aircraft sales for Iran, be it through direct transactions or third-party leasing. This codifies and strengthens an existing Ex-Im prohibition that is renewed in annual appropriations bills. For that reason, this measure enjoyed the support of Ex-Im supporters and critics alike when it came before the Financial Services Committee.H.R. 5711 combines the text of two bills reported by the Committee on Financial Services, one of them sponsored by myself and the other by Congressman Roskam of Illinois. Both pieces of legislation were cosponsored by our Democratic colleague, Congressman Sherman of California, who has devoted years to Iran policy both as a member of Financial Services and the Foreign Affairs Committee.I\u2019d like to thank Rep. Sherman and Rep. Roskam for working with me on this very important legislative package and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399205", "Walberg Introduces Regulatory Reform Bills for a Healthy Economy", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) introduced a series of regulatory reform bills aimed at providing relief to American workers and small businesses from the Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) regulatory onslaught that has burdened the economy with excessive red-tape. These bills are the product of Congressman Walberg\u2019s extensive efforts as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections to conduct oversight of the DOL\u2019s costly, top-down regulatory approach. \u00a0\u201cSome regulations are clearly important. Left unchecked, however, some regulations can move well beyond their basic purpose and become challenging obstacles to innovation, creativity, and economic growth,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cAs the economy remains sluggish in far too many parts of the country, many Americans are feeling the pain of onerous regulations and stagnant wages. These bills are an important step towards a more responsible and thoughtful regulatory approach that promotes opportunities for a healthy economy and the American worker.\u201d\u00a0H.R. 6325, the Workforce Regulatory Review Act, creates an independent regulatory review commission tasked with removing a third of the regulatory obligations created by DOL. \u00a0H.R. 6326, the Regulatory Impact on Employment and Wages Act, requires that the DOL study the impacts that major rules have on wages and employment. \u00a0H.R. 6327, the Main Street Input Opportunity Act, directs the DOL to convene small business review panels to provide input on regulations. Current law limits these review panels to regulations promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and this bill ensures small business input on all workforce regulations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399206", "The Hill: GOP lawmaker targets labor regs in reform bills", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) isn\u2019t waiting for the next Congressional session to push for regulatory reform.Walberg announced the introduction of three bills Thursday, each targeting the Labor Department, as the House was taking its last votes before the Thanksgiving recess.The Regulatory Review Act calls for the creation of an independent regulatory review commission to remove a third of the regulatory obligations created by the agency.The Regulatory Impact on Employment and Wages Act would require the Labor Department to study what impacts its major rules have on wages and employment and the Main Street Input Opportunity Act would direct the agency to convene small business review panels to provide input on regulations.With limited time left, it appears unlikely the bills will be able to pass both the House and Senate this session. And with President Obama still in office, even more unlikely they would be signed into law.But Walberg\u2019s spokesman said the goal is to \u201clay down a marker\" now.\u201cWe wanted to get our ideas out there and we\u2019ll be pushing them forward in the next Congress as well,\u201d Dan Kotman said. \u201cClearly, regulatory reform issues will be top of the agenda.\u201dWith control of both chambers and a Republican president, GOP lawmakers see next session as their opportunity to finally change the regulatory system and give Congress more oversight in the rulemaking process.Walberg, however, is continuing his push for change until then.\u201cAs the economy remains sluggish in far too many parts of the country, many Americans are feeling the pain of onerous regulations and stagnant wages,\u201d he said in statement.\u201cThese bills are an important step towards a more responsible and thoughtful regulatory approach that promotes opportunities for a healthy economy and the American worker.\u201dThis article originally appeared in the November 17 edition of The Hill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-introduces-regulatory-reform-bills-healthy-economy", "Walberg Introduces Regulatory Reform Bills for a Healthy Economy", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) introduced a series of regulatory reform bills aimed at providing relief to American workers and small businesses from the Department of Labor's (DOL) regulatory onslaught that has burdened the economy with excessive red-tape. These bills are the product of Congressman Walberg's extensive efforts as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections to conduct oversight of the DOL's costly, top-down regulatory approach. \"Some regulations are clearly important. Left unchecked, however, some regulations can move well beyond their basic purpose and become challenging obstacles to innovation, creativity, and economic growth,\" said Walberg. \"As the economy remains sluggish in far too many parts of the country, many Americans are feeling the pain of onerous regulations and stagnant wages. These bills are an important step towards a more responsible and thoughtful regulatory approach that promotes opportunities for a healthy economy and the American worker.\" H.R. 6325, the Workforce Regulatory Review Act, creates an independent regulatory review commission tasked with removing a third of the regulatory obligations created by DOL.  H.R. 6326, the Regulatory Impact on Employment and Wages Act, requires that the DOL study the impacts that major rules have on wages and employment.  H.R. 6327, the Main Street Input Opportunity Act, directs the DOL to convene small business review panels to provide input on regulations. Current law limits these review panels to regulations promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and this bill ensures small business input on all workforce regulations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-cracks-down-texting-scams", "House Cracks Down on Texting Scams", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the U.S. House of Representatives\u00a0passed legislation to crack down on texting scams. Laws that prohibit scam artists from spoofing telephone numbers on telephone calls are already on the books.\nThe\u00a0legislation passed this week\u00a0makes it a crime to spoof telephone numbers on text messages.\nCongressman John Moolenaar (R-Midland) voted for the legislation.\n\"It is important to update our laws as technology changes. This modernized law will ensure that criminals who use text messages to steal from the vulnerable will be fully prosecuted under\u00a0the law,\" said Moolenaar.\u00a0\nThe legislation passed the House on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote and\u00a0it now goes to the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398708", "Holidays for Heroes is Back", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, invites residents of the Sixth Congressional District to share the spirit of the season \u2013 as well as holidays year-round such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day \u2013 with cards to our active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. \r\n\u201cI want to encourage everyone to take a few minutes to make a card or write a note to let our brave men and women in uniform, veterans, and their families know that we care, we appreciate their service, and wish them well during the holiday season and throughout the year,\u201d said Upton. \u201cIt\u2019s a simple gesture that can end up meaning so much to someone who may be away from their loved ones.\u201d \r\nArea residents, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to take part in writing cards of appreciation. Cards may be dropped off at either of his constituent service offices in Kalamazoo or St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. Upton\u2019s offices will accept cards dropped off until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and will deliver them to a local Red Cross office.\r\nRed Cross officials ask senders to keep in mind these guidelines: \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Include a heartfelt message, but sign only your first name; do NOT include phone numbers or email addresses.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Use generic titles such as \u201cDear Service Member, Veteran, or Military Family Member\u201d when writing the cards.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please refrain from using glitter or other pasted on objects on the cards as those may aggravate health issues.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please do NOT enclose additional items such as gift cards, photos, or other gifts as they will be removed.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Envelopes are unnecessary for the cards.\r\nFor more information on the Holidays for Heroes program, please click here.\r\nUpton\u2019s constituent service offices are located at:\r\nKalamazoo District Office\r\n350 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 130\r\nKalamazoo, MI 49007\r\n269-385-0039\r\n\u00a0\r\nSt. Joseph/Benton Harbor District Office\r\n720 Main St.\r\nSt. Joseph, MI 49085\r\n269-982-1986", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398709", "Upton Applauds Passage of Outdoor Recreation Legislation", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, released the following statement upon the House of Representatives advancing H.R. 4665, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 by a unanimous vote: \r\n\u201cThe outdoor recreation industry has become a significant driver of job and economic growth here in Southwest Michigan and across the country. This is why I was proud to support passage of this critical piece of legislation. It\u2019s a common-sense, bipartisan bill that will inform lawmakers on outdoor recreation policy and also help optimize business investments in the outdoor recreation industry. It\u2019s important we work together to strengthen our natural resources like the Great Lakes and also improve our outdoor recreation system.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398710", "Upton, House Advance Legislation to Modernize Rural Call Completion", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives today in advancing bipartisan legislation, H.R. 2566, the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015, by a unanimous vote. This legislation, championed by Upton, will address persistent problems folks have in Southwest Michigan and across the country with rural call completion issues. These call completion issues have a negative impact on local small businesses and can pose a threat to public safety when important messages go undelivered. \r\n\u201cFor many living in the more rural parts of our Southwest Michigan community, communication issues persist,\u201d said Upton. \u201cIt\u2019s time we set higher standards for the integrity of our networks and for the benefit of folks who need it here at home. This bipartisan legislation takes meaningful action to address this problem, I\u2019m proud to support it, and I\u2019m hopeful that the Senate will take it up very soon.\u201d\r\nH.R. 2566 requires intermediate telecommunications providers to register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and comply with the service quality standards set by the agency. It would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure the integrity of voice communications and to prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among more rural areas of the United States in the delivery of such communications. \r\nH.R. 2566 was previously advanced by the Energy and Commerce Committee, which is chaired by Upton. More information can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amash.house.gov/press-release/amash-host-academy-night-1", "Amash to host Academy Night", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Amash to host Academy Night\n\u00a0\n\nGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. \u2013 Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI.) announced Academy Night for Third District high school students interested in learning more about the U.S. service academies. Academy Night is scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2016, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.\n\u00a0\nOfficials from the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy will provide information about the academies and the application process. Representatives from the offices of Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Gary Peters also will be available to answer questions.\n\u00a0\nAdmission to the academies, except for the Coast Guard Academy, requires a nomination from the vice president, a U.S. senator, or a U.S. representative. Students typically begin the admissions process in the spring of their junior year of high school. More information about the academy nomination process can be found at amash.house.gov.\n\u00a0\nWHO:   \n\t\tOffice of Rep. Justin Amash\nOfficials from the U.S. service academies\nRepresentatives of Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters\n\u00a0\nWHAT:   \n\t\tAcademy Night\n\u00a0\nWHEN:   \n\t\tMonday, November 21, 2016\n7:00 p.m. \u2013 9:00 p.m.\n\u00a0\nWHERE:   \n\t\tGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum\n303 Pearl Street NW\nGrand Rapids, Michigan 49504\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398707", "Upton, Stabenow, and Peters Announce Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (MI-06), U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) today announced legislation to make James C. McCloughan eligible for our nation\u2019s highest military honor \u2013 the Medal of Honor - for his acts of heroism and valor during the Vietnam War.\u00a0 Then-Private First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969.\u00a0 Then-Private First Class McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5).\u00a0 \r\n\"Private First Class James McCloughan is an American hero - there is no doubt about that,\" said Congressman Upton. \"And after 50 years, it's time he finally receives the highest recognition for the deeds that made him a hero. Private First Class McCloughan is one of my constituents here in Southwest Michigan, and I'm honored to be joining the fight with our Senators to get this done for him and his family.\"\u00a0\r\n\u201cNearly 50 years ago, Private First Class James McCloughan acted heroically to save the lives of his fellow service members, and it\u2019s time that he finally receives the recognition he deserves,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\u00a0 \u201cWe are deeply grateful for his heroism and service to our country.\u201d\r\n\"Private First Class James McCloughan acted without regard to his own safety to treat and rescue his fellow service members in the heat of battle,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \"His heroism and dedication are deserving of our nation\u2019s highest military honor, and\u00a0I thank him for his service and sacrifice.\u201d \u00a0\r\nMedal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award.\u00a0 The Department of Defense recently recommended that James McCloughan receive this honor. This legislation waives the five year requirement and when signed into law, will make it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to him.\r\nPrivate First Class McCloughan was highly decorated receiving the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with \u201cV\u201d device for valor, The U. S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, The National Defense Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palms and one oak leaf cluster and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399202", "Brooklyn Exponent: Honoring our best", "2016-11-08", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After many years following his service and subsequent death from Korean War-inflicted disease, U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Leander Rohr was awarded the prestigious Purple Heart Medal \u2013 received in his name by his sister Josephine \u201cNelie\u201d Denny \u2013 last week in a veterans ceremony at the Onsted American Legion post. Denny was said to have been very close to her brother.\u201cAfter all these years to be going through this is heartbreaking,\u201d said Denny holding back tears. \u201cHe deserves it.\u201dThe medal was presented to Denny by Maj. Gen. Leonard Isabelle, Commander of the Michigan Air National Guard and by Congressman Tim Walberg with several members of her family at her side.The day began with the Jackson College Jazz Band performing patriotic music, an invocation by the Rev. Tom McMichael, and welcoming remarks by Walberg.World War II U.S. Army Air Force veterans Charles Peart and Carlos Barricklaw Jr. were the first honorees, though Barricklaw was unable to attend the ceremony.\u201cI know it\u2019s a rough life sometimes, but I enjoyed my time in the service,\u201d Peart said.\u201cThank you for your service and your willingness to stand for this country\u2019s greatest ideals,\u201d Walberg said in honoring them.Next several local Vietnam veterans were honored and received lapel pins and certificates from Walberg, to recognized them and thank them for their service.\u201cIt\u2019s actually pretty special and hard to believe it\u2019s been this many years,\u201d said Vietnam veteran Tom Luck. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor.\u201dFellow Vietnam veteran William Ruttkofsky was pleased to get long overdue positive recognition for his service.\u201cI think it\u2019s good. Vietnam veterans deserve something like this after coming home and getting rocks thrown at us when we got off the plane when we were trying to protect our country.\u201dWalberg acknowledged that when many Vietnam veterans returned home it was a dark day in America.\u201cI think we\u2019ve learned from that,\u201d he said.\u201cOn behalf of a grateful nation, it is a privilege to present you with this symbol of thanks and to honor you for your service, valor and sacrifice when our country needed you,\u201d Walberg said prior to handing out the pins and Purple Heart Medal.\u201cWe need to take care of the folks who served us so well \u2013 our American heroes,\u201d said Isabelle.It was a special day for the Rohr family for the great honor bestowed upon Sgt. Rohr in the Purple Heart Medal.The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded or killed by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is often awarded posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members.Rohr was the youngest of five children, three years younger than his sister Nelie. Their mother died of complications from childbirth shortly after Rohr was born.\u201cHe was so funny!\u201d Nelie said with a smile on her face.Born in 1930, when Rohr turned 18 he decided to enlist in the Army for four years. He was sent to Osaka, Japan, where he worked in the Army hospital. He loved it there so much that when the Army wanted him to re-enlist, he agreed with the understanding that he would return to Osaka.However, while in Seattle awaiting transport to Japan, his orders were changed and he was sent to Korea. Then-Corporal Rohr was part of the 2nd Infantry Division and was involved in a combat mission in November 1950. He was taken  \r\nPrisoner of War on Nov. 26, 1950, and kept in captivity at Pyokong, N. Korea where he died on March 12, 1951, of disease incurred as the result of his capture. His remains were not recovered. Rohr was promoted to sergeant while in MIA status and awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United States Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.In his remarks, Walberg thanked the Onsted Senior Center for hosting the event.This article originally appeared in the November 8 edition of the Brooklyn Exponent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399197", "Adrian Daily Telegram: Family receives Purple Heart Medal for soldier lost in Korean War", "2016-11-05", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A year ago, Paul Rohr\u2019s family went online to research his service record and death in the Korean War.Rohr died March 12, 1951, while a prisoner of war in Pyokang, North Korea. When the family was notified in 1951 of the U.S. Army sergeant\u2019s capture and subsequent death as a prisoner of war, they never received his military medals.On Wednesday, that oversight was corrected at the Onsted American Legion Hall.U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg joined Maj. Gen. Leonard Isabelle, commander of the Michigan Air National Guard, to present Rohr\u2019s sister, Nelie Denny of Adrian, with her brother\u2019s long-overdue Purple Heart Medal and service medals.Walberg said he appreciated the family conducting their research to ensure Rohr \u2014 whose remains were never found and sent home \u2014 is recognized for his service and ultimate sacrifice.\u201cBecause of their efforts, he will not be forgotten and his service will be remembered in a special way,\u201d Walberg said.Denny said she appreciated the efforts to recognize her brother.\u201cIt sure is a beautiful medal,\u201d she said as tears came. \u201cIt\u2019s a long time coming.\u201dDiane Denny, Rohr\u2019s niece, said she did not know of her uncle\u2019s pending list of medals until she went online and discovered his service.The family filled out forms through the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to start the process.  \r\n\r\nThis article originally appeared in the November 5 edition of the Adrian Daily Telegram.\u201cPeople do not realize how many (soldiers) have been awarded medals and the family doesn\u2019t know about it,\u201d Diane said.Prior to the Purple Heart Award presentation, Walberg recognized two World War II veterans for their service and presented Vietnam War-era veterans in attendance with a 50th anniversary lapel pin. The pin is authorized by Congress in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and is available to any veteran who served on active duty at any time from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.Walberg said he continues to push for improved services to aid those who need programs or care after combat or upon retiring from the military.\u201cWe need to take care of those who serve us,\u201d Walberg said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399198", "Monroe News: Walberg honored with Congressional Steel Champion award", "2016-11-05", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There\u2019s always been some import competition for U.S. steel \u2014 but what the industry faced in 2014-15 was considered unprecedented.As Chief Executive Officer for AK Steel Corp. Roger K. Newport explained, suddenly an import ratio that historically hovered just under 20 percent spiked as Chinese steel flooded the market and drew down prices. At its peak in 2015, finished imports took up a record 29 percent of the U.S. steel market.However, the cost to manufacture steel in the United States did not adjust, and as a result, industry leaders were concerned about the loss in market share and impact on jobs. AK Steel\u2019s locations include its operations in Dearborn and a joint venture with JV Spartan Steel Coating LLC in Monroe.While the import ratio is still higher than normal at about 25 percent, there have been significant steps from Congress to help ease the situation. The matters include foreign trade laws, environmental impact and workplace safety.\u201cWe\u2019re open to trade. We just want it to be fair,\u201d Mr. Newport said about the steel industry\u2019s concerns.For his work on that effort, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton was recognized with the 2016 Congressional Steel Champion Award. The honor was presented Wednesday at the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce office by Mr. Newport, accompanied by Brett S. Smith, senior director, government relations, for American Iron and Steel Institute of Washington D.C.Although other national legislators also have been honored with this special award, Rep. Walberg is believed to be the only one who actually had worked at a steel mill.\u201cI\u2019ll continue working in Congress to combat illegal trade practices, level the playing field and promote American-made steel products,\u201d he said.  \r\n\r\nThis article originally appeared in the November 5 edition of the Monroe News.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399200", "Jackson Cit Pat: Lofts on Louis development breaks ground in downtown Jackson", "2016-11-05", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "JACKSON, MI \u2013 The Lofts on Louis downtown Jackson development emerged after an unassuming meal at the Grand River Brewery.Ryan Henry, co-founder of development and construction group Kincaid Henry, came to the brewery with a friend for a meal and casual conversation about development in the area.When John Burtka asked about their conversation, he told Henry he wanted to talk.Now, Kincaid Henry and Burtka's Lofts on Louis are becoming a reality, with construction set to begin at 209 W. Louis Glick Highway next week. The groundbreaking ceremony was Friday afternoon, Nov. 4.\"John, you're used to making 'bubbly' happen, and excitement and partying,\" said U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, who attended the event. \"This will be a party, here. I applaud you.\"The four-story, 47,000-square-foot development is supposed to take about a year to complete. The $5.4 million project was helped by a $1.3 million performance-based loan from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.Burtka and partner Detroit Entrepreneur Development LLC will also receive a nine-year property tax abatement from the city of Jackson.The empty parcel at 209 W. Louis Glick Highway in downtown Jackson is another step closer to becoming a four-story urban grocery store and apartment complex.\"You have to have faith that this actually can happen,\" Henry said.All city council members had a shovel for the ceremonial dig Friday. Others at the event included Consumers Energy President and CEO Patti Poppe, MEDC representative Dominic Romano and State Rep. Earl Poleski.\"These are the types of things in local communities that drive our state,\" Romano said. \"We're here to support this project.\"The Rev. Chas Canoy from St. John the Evangelist Catholic church blessed the property during the groundbreaking.There's already been great interest in the 18 two-bedroom units and 12 one-bedroom units \u2013 which will include granite countertops, nine-foot ceilings, stainless appliances, individual washers and dryers and more.The four-story mixed-use development was proposed as a first-floor urban grocery along with the 30 apartment units.A four-story, 44,000-square-foot mixed-use downtown Jackson development project is starting to gain traction. Kincaid Henry Building Group Inc. announced the plans on Facebook, which included a rendering of the prospective building.Burtka will offer hard-hit tours through the development once the construction moves forward.This article originally appeared in the November 5 edition the Jackson Citizen Patriot.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399199", "Detroit News: A better way on the economy, jobs & health care", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "How do we get the economy growing more rapidly, create more good-paying jobs, and make health care more affordable? These are the issues we consistently get asked about around kitchen tables, in coffee shops, and at small businesses as we meet with the people we are privileged to represent.Diminishing choices and exploding costs of health care are some of many challenges facing hard-working families and Main Street businesses. Here in Michigan, Obamacare premiums are set to skyrocket nearly 17 percent in the coming year, putting an additional strain on people\u2019s pocketbooks. Across the country, double-digit rate increases are also in store. Obamacare is simply unaffordable and we need a new approach to health care \u2014 not more bureaucracy and unworkable mandates.Our approach restores the doctor-patient relationship and focuses on increasing competition and lowering costs. To get started, we need to allow purchasing across state lines, allow small businesses and individuals to pool together to increase their purchasing power, expand Health Savings Accounts, and enact common-sense medical liability reform.The dramatic hike in premiums and out-of-pocket costs is just the latest financial hardship to hit the millions of Americans without work and those living paycheck to paycheck without seeing a raise in years. In order to boost wages and job growth, we need to expand programs to strengthen the skill set of the American workforce and eliminate burdensome red tape that is holding back our economy.In the 21st century workplace, we understand that not everyone\u2019s path to success is the same. That\u2019s why the House has supported investing in career and technical education (CTE) programs, helping more individuals in our aspiring workforce obtain the hands-on training they need for in-demand jobs. These positive reforms will empower state and local educators and employers to help more students gain skills for the future.This House-passed legislation also includes provisions to address burdensome occupational licensure requirements, which can hurt lower-income workers, young people, and entrepreneurs who lack the resources to overcome these regulatory obstacles. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, nearly 1 in 3 jobs now require some level of state-approved license or certification. In 1950 it was 1 in 20. By encouraging states to review their regulatory climate, we can help expand meaningful career opportunities by eliminating unnecessary barriers to job growth.Sadly, radical and costly regulations imposed by the Department of Labor have stifled our efforts to grow a healthy economy and provide Americans with a more modernized and effective workforce development system. We have stood up against heavy-handed, one-size-fits-all regulations from unelected bureaucrats who are more interested in advancing their personal partisan agenda, and instead have advocated for smarter and more transparent rule-making that does not harm innovation.These ideas and significantly more are outlined by House Republicans in our \u201cBetter Way\u201d plan. It\u2019s designed to provide relief for hard-working families and create more pathways for all Americans to pursue their dreams.Our message to everyone concerned about jobs, paychecks and health care is this: There are better solutions to move our country forward. And we are committed to advancing them.U.S. Rep. and Majority Whip Steve Scalise serves Louisiana\u2019s 1st congressional district. U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg serves Michigan\u2019s 7th congressional district. This joint op-ed originally appeared in the November 2 edition of the Detroit News.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399193", "Jackson Cit Pat: Boosting Michigan manufacturing and 21st century jobs", "2016-10-30", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Michigan, we have a long and rich tradition of manufacturing. Our state's hardworking men and women are second to none and our manufacturing industry is a leading driver of good-paying jobs and economic growth.In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, I recently had the opportunity to speak with students about career and technical education and tour manufacturing facilities in the 7th District, including Lomar Machine and Tool Company in Horton.To boost manufacturing and innovation in Michigan, we need to continue to invest in a skilled workforce and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in manufacturing, engineering, and technology-related fields.The demand for workers with hands-on experience is high. An estimated 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will be created in the next decade. Yet two million of them, according to the Manufacturing Institute, are expected to go unfilled.In the House, Republicans and Democrats worked together in an effort to bridge this gap and help more students and workers enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed. The bipartisan legislation, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, improves and updates the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which has provided federal support to state and local career and technical education programs for more than 30 years.The bill also empowers state and local leaders to partner with local employers and provides flexibility to target resources to the needs of individual communities\u2014all while reducing red tape from federal bureaucrats.When the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act passed the House, Mark Pogliano, Jackson Area Career Center principal, called it a \"major step in the right direction to help provide our students and schools the opportunity to get the career skills that will lead to greater economic growth.\"Pogliano went on to say: \"As an educator, I look forward to the implementation of this Act to help our CTE programs evolve to provide the cutting-edge skills that will help grow our workforce and economy.\"In today's job market, securing a rewarding, fulfilling career often requires a good amount of education. Some students pursue a four-year degree at a college or university while others find their sweet spot at a community college or technical school.We need to celebrate the fact that not everyone follows the same path and move beyond the notion that a four-year degree is the only way to climb the ladder of opportunity.Career and technical education programs have helped numerous students thrive and develop a diverse and marketable skillset that prospective employers are seeking. Modernizing and expanding these programs will help more young adults obtain the in-demand skills and jobs of the future.Michigan is proudly the heartland of American manufacturing, and investing in a talented and dynamic workforce is critical to keeping our state competitive and on the forefront of innovation.  \r\n\r\nU.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, represents the 7th Congressional District and is a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. This op-ed originally appeared in the October 30 edition of the Jackson Citizen Patriot.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399195", "Monroe News: Vets to be honored during pinning", "2016-10-30", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LUNA PIER - A Vietnam-era veterans pinning ceremony has been announced in conjunction with the Fourth Annual Luna Pier Veterans Day Parade.The parade steps off at noon Nov. 5 from Water Tower Park, 11309 Harold Dr. The parade route will be from Water Tower Park to Memorial Park at the corner of Harold Drive and Luna Pier Rd.After the parade, or about 12:45 p.m., there will be a Vietnam-veteran pinning ceremony led by Michigan Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, and Congressman Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, in Memorial Park. This is among a series of such events that have been held across Monroe County this year.\u201cThe response to previous ceremonies was overwhelming; and we are proud to be holding another event after the only Veterans Day parade in Monroe County,\u201d Sen. Zorn said.\u201cIt is an honor to participate in this pinning ceremony as we offer local veterans the recognition and respect that has been so deeply earned,\u201d Rep. Walberg said. \u201cAfter fifty years, this tribute is long overdue.\u201dThose eligible for pins are U.S. military personnel on active duty at any time between Nov. 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975.For information about parade details, contact parade chairman Bernie Russell at (734) 848-6064 or bernie9949@aol.com.For information about the pinning ceremony efforts, go to www.VietnamWar50th.com.This article originally appeared in the October 30 edition of the Monroe News.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amash.house.gov/press-release/representatives-renew-demand-briefing-yahoo-email-searches-after-inadequate-response", "Representatives renew demand for briefing on Yahoo email searches after inadequate response from administration", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representatives renew demand for briefing on Yahoo email searches after inadequate response from administration\nAttorney General and Director of National Intelligence ignore briefing request\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), and dozens of their colleagues today responded to a letter from Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper that failed to address a bipartisan request for a briefing to resolve questions raised by recent reports that Yahoo had searched all its users\u2019 incoming emails at the federal government\u2019s request.\n\t\tOn October 14, 2016, Amash and Lieu led a bipartisan coalition of 48 representatives on\u00a0a letter\u00a0requesting information and a briefing for all members of Congress.\u00a0In response, representatives of the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence wrote that a briefing was to be provided only to certain committee staff.\nThe new letter is attached.\n\u201cThe administration\u2019s flippant response to a bipartisan request from members of Congress is unacceptable,\u201d said Amash. \u201cWhen elected representatives ask to be briefed on a matter that may impact Americans\u2019 constitutionally protected rights, we expect action.\u201d\n\t\tIn addition to Amash and Lieu, the letter was signed by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.), Ra\u00fal R. Labrador (R-Idaho), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), Cynthia M. Lummis (R-Wyo.), Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Rod Blum (R-Iowa), H. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Dave Brat (R-Va.), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-Ariz.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Jared Polis (D-Calif.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.), Curt Clawson (R-Fla.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Ted Poe (R-Texas), James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), Joe Barton (R-Texas), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), Michael M. Honda (D-Calif.), Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.), Scott Garrett (R-N.J.), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), and Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399194", "Monroe News: Two-year-old effort to restore Ford Marsh sees success", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a secluded area of the former Ford Motor Co. property at the end of E. Elm Ave. \u2014 a spot near the Lake Erie shoreline so remote that few people are allowed access \u2014 lies the wetlands landscape known as Ford Marsh.On Tuesday, about 20 people, including U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, took an invitation-only tour of the currently drained marshland to learn about a unique environmental restoration effort launched two years ago. The presentation included its success so far and what could be the next steps.\u201cEvery day we come out, we\u2019re learning something,\u201d said Steven D. Dushane, assistant refuge manager with Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and one of the key people involved.The Ford Marsh Restoration Project\u2019s goal is to restore about 175 acres of what was once a coastal wetland habitat back to a naturally functioning marshland. The property was donated by Ford Motor Co. to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The area once was \u2014 and, hopefully, again will be \u2014 the home of bald eagles, blue herons, geese and amphibians.As Mr. Dushane explained, this particular site was among the last remaining sections of Lake Erie marshlands that Monroe County residents of the 1800s knew as hunting grounds. Even Henry Ford II, who once was president of Ford Motor Co., is believed to have had a hunting cabin on the property.That being said, much of the nearby land saw heavy industrial use for years. The automotive plant as well as the paper companies that once existed in Monroe accessed a manmade canal so that water could be available for manufacturing during seasonal and weather-related low-water times. In addition, a network of dikes was constructed during Lake Erie\u2019s high-water years of the 1980s and 1990s in hopes of limiting inland impact from high waves and winter ice shards.The result, Mr. Dushane said, is that non-native species such as white water lily and cottonwood trees became established as the wetlands settled into a shallow inland lake, pushing out species that historically were in Ford Marsh.A critical step in the marsh restoration was installing a water pump network and infrastructure that feeds into Clear Water Drain, which runs between Ford Marsh and Sterling State Park. This pump system mimics the natural water level fluctuations, but in a controlled manner. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managers manually set the gates and pumps to enact a cycle of draining and filling the marsh, encouraging desired wetland plants to grow while choking off the invasive species.The effort has cost $380,000 for engineering, the pump structure and related work.\u201cFor our mission, I would say it is money well spent,\u201d Mr. Dushane said.This was a partnership effort. Part of the money is attributed to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a federal program that Ducks Unlimited member Gildo Tori called the \u201cbest example of bipartisan cooperation in Congress these days.\u201d Ducks Unlimited also is a significant financial partner. Member Tracy Oberleiter explained the organization earmarks some of its resources for matching funds for major projects.The efforts in Ford Marsh are working. The unwanted lilies have been just about killed off.As waterfowl fly during their spring and fall migrations, the birds will notice a more welcome habitat and come to rest.Although hunting isn\u2019t allowed at Ford Marsh, Mr. Dushane said, a larger and healthier waterfowl population traveling in the region will ripple into legal hunting grounds.The long-range goals, Mr. Dushane said, include elimination of cottonwood trees. Financial resources are limited, so all the trees can\u2019t be pulled from what should be marsh; however, the property managers do remove dead trees as soon as possible. They\u2019ve already seen the damage that results to the dike system from fallen trees.Another goal is to rebuild a section of dike on the north end of the property that has eroded.After the tour, Rep. Walberg said he appreciated hearing how \u201cgovernment and private sector can work together.\u201dThis article originally appeared in the October 27 edition of the Monroe News.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amash.house.gov/press-release/amash-receives-top-award-fiscally-responsible-voting-record", "Amash receives top award for fiscally responsible voting record", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\nOctober 25, 2016\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\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\nCONTACT\nCorie Whalen\n(202) 225-3831\ncorie.whalen@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\nAmash receives top award for fiscally responsible voting record\nAmash earns an \u201cA\u201d grade from the National Taxpayers Union for support of taxpayer-friendly economic policies\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) received the \u201cTaxpayers\u2019 Friend Award\u201d from the National Taxpayers Union this week in recognition of the \u201cA\u201d grade he earned for his 2015 voting record. This is the fifth consecutive year Amash has received the organization\u2019s highest grade.\n\u201cEconomic freedom is essential to liberty,\u201d said Amash. \u201cOur national debt is an astounding $19.7 trillion, and our tax code is riddled with corporate welfare. Congress can promote competition, innovation, and prosperity by defending free markets and fighting cronyism.\u201d\nThe National Taxpayers Union awards an \u201cA\u201d grade to U.S. representatives and senators who consistently support lower taxes, less spending, and fiscally responsible governance. Amash has earned this distinction each year he has served in Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398706", "Upton Statement on Obamacare Double Digit Rate Hikes", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, made the following statement regarding the administration\u2019s admission that there will be double-digit rate hikes for Obamacare plans next year: \r\n\u201cThese new numbers are an unwelcome October surprise for millions of Americans. On their own, the numbers are cause for alarm, but behind every premium spike is a name and a face \u2013 families, single parents, millennials all struggling to make ends meet. And sadly, these folks have real stories about losing their doctors or getting kicked off their plans. Republicans in Congress have offered solutions to help relieve patients from the health law\u2019s expensive bills. We have a Better Way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399192", "Monroe News: Learning Bank receives books from Congressman", "2016-10-22", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monroe News: Learning Bank receives books from Congressman \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 22, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, stopped by the Monroe County Learning Bank on Tuesday to donate fiction and non-fiction books to the program.The books were obtained as part of the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program.The surplus books were made available to members of Congress to request and donate to eligible organizations and institutions free of charge.Click here for pictures from the October 22 edition of the Monroe News.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398705", "Reminder: Service Academy Nominations Due Nov. 1", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, wants to remind students who are interested in applying for nominations to U.S. Service Academies that the deadline for turning in applications is 5 p.m. Nov. 1.\u00a0 \r\nStudents interested in an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), or the U.S. Naval Academy must receive a nomination from an official nominating source, such as the applicant\u2019s Congressional Representative, U.S. Senators, and Vice President of the United States. Admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is made on the basis of an annual nationwide competition. \r\nEach Representative and Senator is allowed five nominations to each academy at any time. \r\nStudent\u2019s interested in seeking a nomination from Upton\u2019s office must be at least 17 years of age and not yet 23, must be a U.S. citizen, must be single and not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. \r\nThe Application for Nomination, instructions, and additional information on the nominating process can be found here.\r\nThe completed form and all requested documents must be submitted to the Kalamazoo District Office, 350 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 130, Kalamazoo, Mich., 49007.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399182", "Walberg Encourages Participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackson, MI\u2014Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today encouraged residents of Michigan\u2019s 7th District to participate in the DEA\u2019s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 22 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The service provides an opportunity for citizens to safely and securely dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at an authorized disposal site in their community.\u201cPrescription drug abuse is shattering lives and tearing families apart and we must work together to combat this grow epidemic in our communities,\u201d said Congressman Walberg. \u201cProper disposal of old and unwanted prescription drugs is one important way we can help keep our children, families, and neighborhoods safe.\u201dNational Prescription Drug Take Back Day is free and anonymous\u2014no questions asked. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. The usual methods for disposing of unused medicines\u2014flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash\u2014both pose potential safety and health hazards. In April, Americans turned in 447 tons\u2014over 893,000 pounds\u2014of prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 sites across the country. \u00a0\r\nHere is a\u00a0list of collection sites\u00a0around the 7th District open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on October 22:Branch County  \r\nBranch County Sheriff\u2019s Office Lobby Drop Box; 580 Marshall Road in ColdwaterEaton County  \r\nMichigan State Police Lansing Post; 7119 North Canal Road in Lansing  \r\nGrand Ledge Police Department; 310 Greenwood St in Grand LedgeJackson County  \r\nMichigan State Police Jackson Post; 3401 Cooper Street in JacksonLenawee County  \r\nLenawee County Sheriff\u2019s Office / Promedica Bixby Hospital; 818 Riverside Avenue in AdrianMonroe County  \r\nMichigan State Police Monroe Post; 300 Jones Avenue in MonroeWashtenaw County  \r\nSaline Police Department; 100 North Harris St. in Saline  \r\nWashtenaw County Sheriff\u2019s Office Main Lobby; 2201 Hogback Rd in Ann Arbor", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-encourages-participation-national-prescription-drug-take-back-day-0", "Walberg Encourages Participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackson, MICongressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today encouraged residents of Michigan's 7th District to participate in the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 22 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The service provides an opportunity for citizens to safely and securely dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at an authorized disposal site in their community. \"Prescription drug abuse is shattering lives and tearing families apart and we must work together to combat this grow epidemic in our communities,\" said Congressman Walberg. \"Proper disposal of old and unwanted prescription drugs is one important way we can help keep our children, families, and neighborhoods safe.\" National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is free and anonymousno questions asked. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. The usual methods for disposing of unused medicinesflushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trashboth pose potential safety and health hazards. In April, Americans turned in 447 tonsover 893,000 poundsof prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 sites across the country. \nHere is alist of collection sitesaround the 7th District open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on October 22: Branch County  \nBranch County Sheriff's Office Lobby Drop Box; 580 Marshall Road in Coldwater Eaton County  \nMichigan State Police Lansing Post; 7119 North Canal Road in Lansing  \nGrand Ledge Police Department; 310 Greenwood St in Grand Ledge Jackson County  \nMichigan State Police Jackson Post; 3401 Cooper Street in Jackson Lenawee County  \nLenawee County Sheriff's Office / Promedica Bixby Hospital; 818 Riverside Avenue in Adrian Monroe County  \nMichigan State Police Monroe Post; 300 Jones Avenue in Monroe Washtenaw County  \nSaline Police Department; 100 North Harris St. in Saline  \nWashtenaw County Sheriff's Office Main Lobby; 2201 Hogback Rd in Ann Arbor", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399181", "Walberg Donates Books to Monroe County Learning Bank", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monroe, Mich.\u2014Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) presented a donation of new books and financial literacy resources to the Monroe County Learning Bank on Tuesday. The books were obtained as part of the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program, which makes surplus books available for Members of Congress to request and donate to eligible organizations and educational institutions free of charge.\u201cThe Monroe County Learning Bank is a wonderful asset to our community,\u201d said Congressman Walberg. \u201cIt is an honor to present the Learning Bank with these new resources from the Library of Congress, which I hope will be a valuable benefit for students as they work to prepare themselves for further educational and employment opportunities.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  \r\nAs a part of Monroe Public Schools, the Learning Bank is a collaboration of educational institutions, non-profits, and businesses, working together to equip community members with basic skills needed to succeed in post-secondary training and education. These resources include GED prep, tutoring, financial literacy, and career counseling, among many other beneficial preparations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-donates-books-monroe-county-learning-bank", "Walberg Donates Books to Monroe County Learning Bank", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monroe, Mich.Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) presented a donation of new books and financial literacy resources to the Monroe County Learning Bank on Tuesday. The books were obtained as part of the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program, which makes surplus books available for Members of Congress to request and donate to eligible organizations and educational institutions free of charge. \"The Monroe County Learning Bank is a wonderful asset to our community,\" said Congressman Walberg. \"It is an honor to present the Learning Bank with these new resources from the Library of Congress, which I hope will be a valuable benefit for students as they work to prepare themselves for further educational and employment opportunities.\"  \n    \nAs a part of Monroe Public Schools, the Learning Bank is a collaboration of educational institutions, non-profits, and businesses, working together to equip community members with basic skills needed to succeed in post-secondary training and education. These resources include GED prep, tutoring, financial literacy, and career counseling, among many other beneficial preparations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398360", "Huizenga Leads Effort To Rein In Bureaucrats, Provide Job Opportunities In Michigan", "2016-10-17", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, Congressman Huizenga toured Bates Manufacturing and attended a groundbreaking ceremony for their new expansion which is expected to create approximately two dozen new jobs.\u00a0 Bates\u00a0manufactures\u00a0footwear for our men and women in the U.S.\u00a0military. Over the past few years, bureaucrats in Washington\u00a0have attempted to make technical changes\u00a0without legislation and these changes would have prevented Bates from manufacturing their high\u00a0quality footwear for our troops. \"What had happened was we had bureaucrats in Washington D.C. suddenly start changing the rules of the game,\" Rep. Huizenga said. \"This was a couple of years ago and we got involved with Bates and said 'Hey look, you can't do this. It's not fair to the men and women who are working here, it's not fair to our men and women in uniform.' They've got to have a consistent well-made product.\"After touring the manufacturing facility Congressman Huizenga noted how important this facility is in terms of jobs for the community as well as the importance of making sure our men and women in uniform have the best American made gear available. \u201cI\u2019m very pleased to see that the expansion is happening here in Big Rapids, we've got a lot of good thing happening here in the building behind us and these are quality products that our men and women in uniform are dependent on,\u201d says Rep. Bill Huizenga.Blake Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide chairman, CEO and president, thanked U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, who attended the groundbreaking, and \"the rest of the Michigan delegation,\" which Wolverine Worldwide said have played a \u201cmajor role\u201d in adding more than 250 jobs at the Big Rapids plant over the past year.\r\n Krueger said Huizenga and Moolenaar have been \u201cengaged and working hard\u201d to expand opportunities to \u201ccreate good-paying American jobs.\u201d\r\nBelow is the coverage from \"Up North Live\" which details Congressman Huizenga's visit to Bates and the manufacturer's role in supporting our troops.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://amash.house.gov/press-release/amash-leads-bipartisan-letter-asking-briefing-administration-yahoo-email-searches", "Amash leads bipartisan letter asking for briefing from administration on Yahoo email searches", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Justin Amash", "A000367", "amash.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nOctober 14, 2016\n\u00a0\nCONTACT\nCorie Whalen\n(202) 225-3831\ncorie.whalen@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n\nAmash leads bipartisan letter asking for briefing from administration on Yahoo email searches\nConflicting reports require answers from top officials\n\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) today led a bipartisan coalition of 48 representatives on a letter asking Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper for a briefing to resolve questions raised by recent reports that Yahoo had searched all its users\u2019 incoming emails at the federal government\u2019s request.\n\u00a0\nThe letter is attached.\n\u00a0\n\u201cMembers of Congress have a responsibility to oversee surveillance practices and ensure that all activities comply with the Constitution and federal law,\u201d said Amash. \u201cOur number one job is protecting the rights of the people.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn addition to Amash and Lieu, the letter was signed by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Ra\u00fal R. Labrador (R-Idaho), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Joe Barton (R-Texas), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), H. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Rod Blum (R-Iowa), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Ted Poe (R-Texas), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.), Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Dave Brat (R-Va.), Jared Polis (D-Calif.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Curt Clawson (R-Fla.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Cynthia M. Lummis (R-Wyo.), Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), Michael M. Honda (D-Calif.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), Scott Garrett (R-N.J.), John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), and Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399177", "WLNS: Walberg Speaks at Human Trafficking Forum at Jackson College", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WLNS: Walberg Speaks at Human Trafficking Forum at Jackson College \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 13, 2016\r\n      \r\n       | \r\n       comments", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398702", "President Obama Signs Upton/Peters Legislation into Law", "2016-10-12", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Michigan, applauded the recent signing into law of their bipartisan, bicameral legislation, H.R. 5944. This important legislation updates and modernizes the leasing programs necessary to keep National Guard units and Air Force Remote Pilot Aircraft (RPA) operations on airfields where they currently operate.\r\n\u201cW.K. Kellogg Airport here in Southwest Michigan has long enjoyed a close relationship with the Michigan National Guard, and our bipartisan legislation \u2013 now law \u2013 enables that productive partnership to continue,\u201d said Upton. \u201cI again want to thank Senator Peters for his efforts in getting this to the president\u2019s desk and I know we both appreciate President Obama acting swiftly to sign it into law. This is a big win for Southwest Michigan as we keep an eye on the future for critical national defense undertakings.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe missions of the 110th Attack Wing are reshaping America\u2019s fighting forces for the future, and they play a critical role in protecting our national security,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the legislation Congressman Upton and I worked together to pass was quickly signed into law. This new law will help the Battle Creek Air National Guard and W.K. Kellogg Airport continue to grow West Michigan\u2019s role as a key location for cutting-edge national defense missions.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith President Barack Obama\u2019s signature on legislation last week, Air National Guard units that fly remotely piloted aircraft at civilian airports do not face large lease payment increases,\u201d said retired Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, president of the National Guard Association of the United States. \u201cUnder the new law, the Federal Aviation Administration now considers RPA missions to be aeronautical and units that fly them are immune from possible lease hikes.\u201d\r\nH.R. 5944 was introduced in the House by Upton and U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, and was advanced by unanimous votes in both the House and Senate. The legislation was jointly developed by Upton, Peters, the National Guard, the Air Force, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Peters introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate, which was included in broader legislation to reauthorize the FAA. For a fact sheet on the legislation, please click here.\r\nIn September, Upton and Peters attended the opening of a new RPA facility at the Battle Creek National Guard Base.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398361", "Huizenga talks Small Business Job Creation in Grand Rapids", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, Congressman Huizenga participated in a Bring Back our Small Businesses event at New Holland Brewery's the Knickerbocker in Grand Rapids. The Job\u00a0Creators Network hosted the event and invited Congressman Huizenga to speak along side local small business owners Ted Vaughn, who owns\u00a0Tolman\u2019s Wholesale Meats in Hudsonville, and Johnny Brann Jr., owner of Kitchen 67 and Brann\u2019s Restaurants in Grand Rapids. Rep. Huizenga led a discussion on how regulatory red tape can have a number of negative consequences for small business job creators here in West Michigan. Rep. Huizenga noted that regulations can impact small businesses very differently. For example, overregulation of local community banks and credit unions can cause restricted access to credit for area small businesses. If a small business' access to credit is limited, then the entrepreneur cannot invest to expand their operation and hire new employees. Congressman Huizenga also discussed how overtaxation impacts the cost of doing business.\u00a0 If Uncle Sam gets too greedy, he can sap the lifeblood out of even the most successful small business which in turn can have a number of negative consequences including the elimination of jobs, goods, and services. WZZM attended the small business event, and you can watch\u00a0their coverage of Congressman Huizenga discussing the\u00a0importance of small business manufacturing\u00a0by clicking \"play\" on the video below.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399175", "Walberg Celebrates Manufacturing Day, Tours Facilities in Jackson and Monroe Counties", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackson, Mich.\u2014Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) visited manufacturing facilities and met with students in Jackson and Monroe Counties on Friday in celebration of National Manufacturing Day.In Monroe County, Walberg toured Automatic Handling in Erie and talked with Bedford students about the importance of career and technical education, or CTE, programs. He also spoke at an event at Monroe County Community College in support of CTE and preparing students with in-demand skills when they enter the workforce. In Jackson County, Walberg visited Lomar Machine and Tool Company in Horton.\u201cThe 7th District is a proud manufacturing district with hardworking men and women who make high quality, American-made products. Today, and every day, we celebrate these dedicated workers and the critical role manufacturing plays in providing good-paying jobs and increasing economic growth. To boost manufacturing and innovation here in Michigan, we need to continue to invest in a skilled workforce and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in manufacturing and technology,\u201d said Walberg.A strong supporter of CTE and member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Congressman Walberg helped passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act in September, bipartisan legislation to provide more Michigan students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-celebrates-manufacturing-day-tours-facilities-jackson-and-monroe", "Walberg Celebrates Manufacturing Day, Tours Facilities in Jackson and Monroe Counties", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackson, Mich.Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) visited manufacturing facilities and met with students in Jackson and Monroe Counties on Friday in celebration of National Manufacturing Day. In Monroe County, Walberg toured Automatic Handling in Erie and talked with Bedford students about the importance of career and technical education, or CTE, programs. He also spoke at an event at Monroe County Community College in support of CTE and preparing students with in-demand skills when they enter the workforce. In Jackson County, Walberg visited Lomar Machine and Tool Company in Horton. \"The 7th District is a proud manufacturing district with hardworking men and women who make high quality, American-made products. Today, and every day, we celebrate these dedicated workers and the critical role manufacturing plays in providing good-paying jobs and increasing economic growth. To boost manufacturing and innovation here in Michigan, we need to continue to invest in a skilled workforce and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in manufacturing and technology,\" said Walberg. A strong supporter of CTE and member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Congressman Walberg helped passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act in September, bipartisan legislation to provide more Michigan students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398359", "ADVISORY: Huizenga to Headline Small Business Job Creation Event in Grand Rapids on Friday", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, October 7th, Congressman Huizenga will be the featured speaker at the Bring Small Businesses Back Event hosted by the Job Creators Network (JCN) at the Knickerbocker in Grand Rapids.  Congressman Huizenga will discuss the critical role small businesses play in both the economy here in West Michigan and across the nation. Equally, Rep. Huizenga will also address how overtaxation, overregulation, and a lack of access to credit disproportionately hurts small business, slows economic growth, and limits job creation. Job Creators Network President and CEO Alfredo Ortiz will discuss JCN\u2019s Bring Small Businesses Back effort and how it is designed to help policymakers and the public at large better understand the challenges facing small business owners.  Additionally, West Michigan small business leaders Ted Vaughn, owner of Tolman\u2019s Wholesale Meats in Hudsonville, and Johnny Brann Jr., owner of Kitchen 67 and Brann\u2019s Restaurants in Grand Rapids will participate in a panel discussion on the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the current regulatory environment. Registration begins at 9:30 A.M. with the event itself getting underway at 10:00 A.M. The Knickerbocker is located at 417 Bridge St. NW in Grand Rapids.\u2022\tWho: Congressman Bill Huizenga, JCN President & CEO Alfredo Ortiz, Small Business Owners Ted Vaughn and Johnny Brann Jr. \u2022\tWhat: Bring Small Businesses Back Event \u2022\tWhere: New Holland Brewery\u2019s  \u201cThe Knickerbocker,\u201d located at 417 Bridge St. NW in Grand Rapids\u2022\tWhen: Friday, October 7th from 10:00 A.M. \u2013 11:30 A.M.  (9:30 A.M. Registration) To register for the event online, click here. There is no cost to attend this event.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399173", "WLNS: Walberg Honors Eaton County Vietnam Veterans", "2016-10-04", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WLNS: Walberg Honors Eaton County Vietnam Veterans \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 4, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398701", "Upton and Peters Applaud Senate Passage of RPA Operation Legislation", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Michigan, today applauded Senate passage of H.R. 5944. This bipartisan legislation would update and modernize the leasing programs necessary to keep National Guard units and Air Force Remote Pilot Aircraft (RPA) operations on airfields where they currently operate. The legislation now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\r\n\u201cW.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek has enjoyed a close relationship with the Michigan National Guard, and our bipartisan legislation enables that productive partnership to continue,\u201d said Upton. \u201cFollowing the example set here in Southwest Michigan, which just received a state-of-the-art RPA flying mission, airfields around the nation now have the certainty to work in collaboration with the Air Force and the National Guard without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital federal support or risking weakening our nation\u2019s defense. I want to thank Senator Peters for his partnership and applaud the Senate for their swift, bipartisan action in support of our important legislation.\u201d \r\n\u201cThe men and women of the 110th Attack Wing are a proud part of Michigan\u2019s strong military tradition, and they are at the forefront of groundbreaking missions to protect Americans and our allies at home and abroad,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cRemotely-piloted aircraft missions are part of the future of our military, and we must ensure these missions are not jeopardized by federal regulations that have not kept pace with cutting-edge technology. I thank Congressman Upton for his leadership on this important issues. I\u2019m pleased we were able to work together to pass this critical legislation and ensure Kellogg Airport can remain eligible for federal grants and support our national defense capabilities in Battle Creek.\u201d \r\n\u201cCongressman Upton and Senator Peters continue to go above and beyond by recognizing Battle Creek\u2019s defense community and its important role in creating and retaining jobs and investment,\u201d said Joe Sobieralski, interim president and chief executive office of Battle Creek Unlimited, the area\u2019s economic development organization. \r\n\u201cNGAUS greatly appreciates the efforts of Senator Peters and Congressman Upton in getting this vitally important bill passed in the House and the Senate. The passage of this legislation comes as a huge relief to impacted RPA units in the Air National Guard,\u201d said retired Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, president of the National Guard Association of the United States. \u201cWe believe that this bill represents a fair compromise for both the Air National Guard and their airport sponsors, and will hopefully resolve many of the longstanding issues and uncertainty for the RPA units and the airports.\u201d \r\nH.R. 5944 was introduced in the House by Upton and U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, and was advanced by a unanimous vote last week. The legislation was jointly developed by Upton, Peters, the National Guard, the Air Force, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Peters introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate, which was included in broader legislation to reauthorize the FAA.\r\nFor a fact sheet on the legislation, please click here.\r\nEarlier this month, Upton and Peters attended the opening of a new RPA facility at the Battle Creek National Guard Base.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-confirms-40m-funding-request-necc-victims-approved-doj", "Bishop Confirms $40M Funding Request for NECC Victims Is Approved by DOJ", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 As follow up to the news in July when $40 million in compensation was set aside for victims of the 2012 NECC fungal meningitis outbreak, Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) today announced the Department of Justice has approved the Massachusetts Attorney General\u2019s application for the funds. The funds are now available through the Massachusetts Attorney General\u2019s office, and all known victims and their families can learn how to apply for compensation at this link.\n\u201cThis is a reassuring step in our fight to get results for the victims of the NECC fungal meningitis outbreak,\u201d said Rep. Bishop. \u201cThese families have gone through unimaginable heartache losing loved ones, caring for the sick, and facing financial uncertainty for the last four years. We will never be able to undo their pain, but today we learned we are that much closer to getting them the help they need.\n\u201cI am grateful for the work of the Department of Justice and my House colleagues in our fight for justice, and I will continue working closely with the victims and their families moving forward. Michigan\u2019s Eighth District is a major epicenter of this tragedy, and it is my mission to see this through for them.\u201d\nOf the 778 Americans who became sick after receiving the NECC\u2019s tainted injections in 2012, at least 76 have died \u2013 including 19 in Michigan. In the 8th District, 15 people died and many others became sick after receiving the NECC\u2019s tainted steroid injections at a clinic in Livingston County.\n\u00a0\nBACKGROUND\n \n\t\tIn October 2012, the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Mass., distributed contaminated steroid injections that were administered to patients from 23 states. After a two-year investigation, 14 individuals have been charged with 131 criminal acts, including a combined 25 counts of second degree murder in Michigan, Tennessee, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, and North Carolina.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn July of this year, the Department of Justice announced it has reprogrammed $40 million specifically for victims of this case. The funds come from federal criminal fines, penalties, and forfeited bail bonds. It does not include any taxpayer dollars.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn September, the Massachusetts Attorney General\u2019s office submitted the formal application to receive these funds, which was accepted before the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30, 2016). Since the NECC was located in their state, their office will handle all victims\u2019 claims from across the country.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tDue to the large number of people impacted, without the additional funding, claims submitted for compensation by these victims would have overburdened the existing compensation fund for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tVictims and families who have questions or would like to submit claims are asked to visit this link. Disbursement amounts will be determined on an individual basis, depending on payments and collections submitted in the claims process.\n\t\n \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://trott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-trott-votes-override-obama-veto-911-victims-bill", "Rep. Trott Votes to Override Obama Veto of 9/11 Victims Bill", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Dave Trott", "T000475", "trott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC:\u00a0 U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11), Michigan\u2019s only member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after voting to override President Obama\u2019s veto of a legislation that would allow the families of 9/11 victims to seek justice against state sponsors of terrorism:\n\u201cToday, the Congress rightfully excised its Constitutional authority to override a presidential veto.\u00a0 The victims of the 9/11 terror attacks deserve to seek justice against any nation that was part of this terrible attack on our nation.\u00a0 President Obama was wrong to veto this bill, and now Congress has acted and ensured American terror victims get their day in court. It\u2019s encouraging to see a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers come together to enact good policy and allow law to be based not on the decision of one person, but rather the will of the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398357", "Huizenga Votes to Help Flint Recover, Strengthen Great Lakes Economy", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) voted in support of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) which provided federal infrastructure assistance to Flint, and included Congressman Huizenga\u2019s amendment to permanently prioritize Army Corps funding for the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS). The system is a critical international waterway that extends from the western end of Lake Superior to the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of over 2,400 miles. The U.S. portion of the system includes 140 harbors and over 600 miles of maintained navigation channels. The Great Lakes Navigation System can handle 200 million tons of cargo, generating $18 billion in economic activity and supporting 130,000 jobs. The Water Resources Development Act, including both Congressman Huizenga\u2019s amendment, and the funding for Flint passed the House this evening by a vote of 399 to 25. Rep. Huizenga spoke on both the importance of including Flint in this legislation as well as his amendment to strengthen local economies across the Great Lakes: \r\n\r\n Rep. Huizenga on Flint:\r\nMy family is originally from flint, on my mom\u2019s side. I have many very fond memories growing up as a child and going to visit aunts and uncles and cousins. I recently visited those who have been affected and it is tragic. The simple fact is, if these were folks who were affected by the breach of a dam or by a nuclear plant meltdown, we would not be turning our backs on them; we would be taking care of them.\r\nWe should be doing the same thing with the people of Flint. The people of Flint have experienced failure of government at all levels for decades.  That has been well acknowledged. What we have not talked about is how we are going to care for these citizens. Let\u2019s fix the management issues, but more importantly let\u2019s care for our fellow citizens and make sure the children of Flint are going to have the same opportunity as every other child in Michigan and the United States.  \r\n\r\n\r\n Rep. Huizenga on Strengthening Local Economies in the Great Lakes Region:\r\nMr. Speaker, I am offering this amendment because Great Lakes ports and harbors are facing a crisis.\r\nThe Great Lakes Navigation System is a critical international waterway that extends from the western end of Lake Superior to the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of over 2,400 miles. The U.S. portion of the system includes 140 harbors and over 600 miles of maintained navigation channels.\r\nThis system can handle 200 million tons of cargo that generate and sustain 130,000 jobs and $18 billion in economic activity across the eight Great Lakes states and around the country.\r\n16 million cubic yards of sediment clog these ports and waterways in the Great Lakes. It is estimated that it would cost nearly $200 million to make them fully functional.\r\nIn addition, the critical Soo Locks require $115 million to complete maintenance rehabilitation while Great Lakes breakwaters and jetties need $250 million for repairs.\r\nWe must act before the crisis in the Great Lakes grows even worse.\r\nJust two years ago, the House overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) 412-4 and it was later signed into law.\r\nWRRDA 2014 included a provision that temporarily set aside ten-percent of Army Corps priority funding for the Great Lakes Navigation System.\r\nConsistent with the spirit of WRRDA 2014, my amendment simply provides the 140 federally maintained commercial and recreational Great Lakes ports and harbors with access to dependable funding by ensuring that the set-aside does not expire.\r\nThese federal harbor channels, like Pentwater, White Lake, Ludington, Muskegon, Holland, and Grand Haven in my district, are the \u201clife blood\u201d of these communities.\r\nThe federal government must meet its obligation to communities across the Great Lakes region.  These ports and harbors are engines of economic growth that create jobs for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers.\r\nAs the chairman knows, it would be my preference to ensure that ports and harbors across our nation are properly maintained by using the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for its intended purpose \u2013 harbor maintenance.\r\nBy working together since 2011, we have made significant progress.\r\nIn FY 2011, only 47% of the Harbor Maintenance Tax that was paid into the HMTF was used to dredge and maintain our harbors because this trust fund was raided to pay for unrelated projects.\r\nBecause of the progress we made in WRRDA 2014, the HMTF will retain 76% of the revenues that are intended for water infrastructure improvements and harbor dredging under the Appropriations Committee passed funding bill.\r\nThis is a huge win for coastal communities and our entire nation.\r\nI look forward to building on this success in the future and I\u2019d like to thank the Chairman for working with us.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398699", "Upton: Families of 9/11 Attacks Should be Allowed to Pursue Justice", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement upon the House of Representatives advancing a veto override for S. 2040, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism (JASTA) Act by a 348 to 77 vote.\r\n\u201cAs someone who experienced the horrors of 9/11 up close, it\u2019s important to me that the families of the victims are allowed to pursue the justice they deserve. This legislation has enjoyed strong, bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. It doesn\u2019t make dramatic changes to existing law. It simply allows Americans to seek legal avenues against foreign governments that sponsor terrorist attacks on United States soil. I\u2019m proud to stand up and do right by the victims of the heinous 9/11 attacks to vote in favor of overriding this veto.\u201d \r\nIn May of this year, the Senate passed JASTA by a voice vote. The bill then passed the House by a voice vote on September 9, 2016. Last week, the president vetoed the bill. The U.S. Senate voted to override the President\u2019s veto by a 97-1 vote earlier this afternoon.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398700", "Upton, House Advance Critical Water Infrastructure Legislation to Help Flint", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Fred Upton", "U000031", "upton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today joined his House colleagues in voting to advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) by a bipartisan 399 to 25 vote. The legislation authorizes $170 million to provide assistance for the city of Flint, Michigan, through an amendment offered by U.S. Reps Dan Kildee, D-Flint, and John Moolenaar, R-Midland, and championed by Upton. Click here to watch Upton\u2019s statement on the House Floor in support of the amendment. \r\n\u201cToday, the House acted decisively to provide critical funding and support for folks in Flint. We all know what happened in Flint was a tragic failure at every level. But the Flint community now deserves answers, action, and results. Today we delivered,\u201d said Upton. \u201cThis bipartisan bill also strengthens and supports our Great Lakes. I applaud the House for coming together to advance key Flint funding in a responsible manner.\u201d\r\nWhat WRDA does: \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agency in charge of handling water infrastructure projects, and gives them the proper tools to tackle the backlog of water projects.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ensures funds are made available from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for operation and maintenance of navigation projects in the Great Lakes.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Installs strict oversight of projects to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse through review of annual reports.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Follows a new, transparent approval process for projects that was established by Congress in 2014.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Puts Congress on a two-year cycle of addressing infrastructure needs.\r\nWRDA was previously passed by the U.S. Senate by a 95 to 3 vote. It is supported by more than 80 groups, including the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, and the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce.\r\nUpton has long been a champion of funding for Flint. In February, the House passed legislation sponsored by Kildee and Upton that would force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to alert communities when lead levels are too high. Upton visited Flint with Kildee in August. To date, the State of Michigan has committed $234 million to the City of Flint.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399170", "Walberg Stands with 9/11 Families, Votes to Override Presidents Veto", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted today to successfully override President Obama\u2019s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), bipartisan legislation to allow the victims and families of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil to sue foreign states that aided and abetted acts of terror. The veto override passed the House by a 348-77 vote and the Senate by a 97-1 vote.\u201cThe families of the victims of September 11, 2001 have suffered an unthinkable loss and their pursuit of justice has been tireless. These families deserve every opportunity to seek recourse in our courts of law against those who were behind the deadliest terror attack in our nation\u2019s history. The President\u2019s veto was deeply disappointing, but thanks to today\u2019s bipartisan action, we stood on the side of justice for victims and accountability for those who aid and abet terrorism,\u201d said Walberg.\r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399171", "Walberg Votes to Support Great Lakes Jobs, Infrastructure, and Restoration", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today voted for the Water Resources Development Act, bipartisan legislation to address the needs of our ports, harbors, and other waterway infrastructure critical to Michigan jobs and our state\u2019s economic competitiveness. The bipartisan bill, which passed the House by a 399-25 vote, also included provisions to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, dedicate resources to the Great Lakes Navigation System, and provide support for the people of Flint.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cOur treasured Great Lakes and surrounding waterways are a vast strategic resource that sustain good-paying jobs and create economic opportunity in Michigan. This significant bipartisan legislation will help preserve the vitality of the Great Lakes ecosystem and ensure the ports and harbors on the Great Lakes, including the Port of Monroe, are fully operational and well-maintained. I am also pleased to see such strong bipartisan support for additional resources to help the families in Flint,\u201d said Walberg.\r\nCongressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg\u2019s work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399172", "Walbergs Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act Passes the House", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014The House of Representatives today passed Congressman Tim Walberg\u2019s (MI-07) bipartisan legislation, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, to require a six-month delay in the effective date of the Department of Labor\u2019s new overtime rule. Without congressional action, on December 1, 2016, drastic changes to federal overtime policies will take effect, resulting in harmful consequences for Michigan workers, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities. Click here to watch Congressman Walberg\u2019s remarks on the House floor.\u201cWe all agree we need to modernize our nation\u2019s overtime rules, but small businesses, nonprofits, and colleges and universities should not be hurt in the process,\u201d said Congressman Walberg. \u201cThe department needs to abandon this flawed rule and pursue the balanced approach we\u2019ve been fighting for from the start. Instead, they are forcing those who have to deal with the real-world consequences to make significant changes before an arbitrary December deadline. While the department continues to ignore widespread concerns, the House has taken an important bipartisan step to provide hardworking Americans more time to implement this expansive rule. The administration should do the right thing and approve this much-needed delay.\u201d\u201cThough we have been critical of the overtime pay ruling, because we strongly believe it will increase the administrative costs of public generosity-dependent and free service-providing nonprofits like us, we appreciate ongoing bipartisan efforts to delay its implementation by six months,\u201d said Chad Audi, president and CEO of 107-year-old Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. Dr. Audi added that the anticipated delay \u201cwill give us considerable time to make some difficult adjustments that will hopefully minimize the potentially negative impact on our budget and service delivery.\u201d\u00a0\u201cWe certainly want all our employees to be well remunerated, but we prefer to do so in a budget-friendly atmosphere, while keeping our administrative costs below 20 percent. It is common knowledge that individual and family donors tend to dislike and disengage from nonprofits with high administrative costs,\u201d concluded Audi.\u201cAbsorbing the additional costs resulting from the new overtime rule presents a tremendous challenge for institutions of higher education across the country, including Adrian College,\u201d said Jeffrey Docking, President of Adrian College. \u201cFrom the cost of tuition to provided services, this rule will have far-reaching implications for our students, employees, and community as a whole. Additionally, we are concerned with the limited time frame to implement such a sweeping change to administrative policy and encourage any efforts to delay the rule\u2019s harmful consequences. We applaud Rep. Walberg\u2019s leadership in getting this bipartisan legislation passed in the House.\u201d\u201cOne of the great rewards of owning a small business is creating opportunities for young people in our community to learn the value of hard work and help our team members pursue an education,\u201d said Karen Richard, owner of Culver\u2019s Restaurants in Ann Arbor and Jackson. \u201cI am worried the new overtime rule will dramatically limit opportunities for the young people I employ to grow, advance in the workplace, and gain managerial experience. Delaying it would be a welcome development for small business owners and our employees.\u201d\u201cThe Overtime Rule has not even gone into effect yet, and I have already opted to hire one less employee this year. \u00a0I am a classic example of how this rule is going to cost Michigan, and the entire country, jobs,\u201d said Ernie MacEwen, small business owner in South Rockwood. \u201cThis rule was incredibly under publicized, and I have talked to many small business owners who don\u2019t even know that it exists. If the looming December 1st deadline stands, many owners will be in violation of the rule and will face expensive fines.\u201d\u201cOn behalf of Bethany Christian Services, we are pleased to support the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act,\u201d said Bill Blacquiere, President of Bethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids. \u201cWe appreciate Rep. Walberg\u2019s efforts to delay the Department of Labor\u2019s new overtime rule that would make drastic changes to federal overtime policies. \u00a0As an organization that is committed to family preservation, foster care, adoption, and child welfare, we are very aware that extreme changes to overtime rules can have a deleterious effect on our workplace flexibility and ability to perform services for children. \u00a0We encourage Congress and the Administration to adopt modernized overtime rules that help non-profits like ours work most effectively on behalf of those most in need.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-joins-house-passing-veto-override-jasta", "Bishop Joins House in Passing Veto Override on JASTA", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) issued the following statement after the House voted to override President Obama\u2019s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA):  \n\t\u00a0\n\u201cI stand strong with my House and Senate colleagues in fighting for victims of terrorism on American soil, including those we lost on September 11, 2001. This vote is simply the right thing to do. Their families deserve justice, and today our actions spoke louder than President Obama\u2019s veto.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-wrda-funding-help-flint-great-lakes", "Bishop Supports WRDA Funding to Help Flint, Great Lakes", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following House passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 5303, Congressman Mike Bishop issued the following statement:  \n\t\u00a0\n\u201cMy family and I have spent our entire lives in Michigan, and what happened in Flint is heartbreaking and wrong. Since the news of this crisis broke, our delegation has never felt this is a Republican or Democrat issue; we are all on board to help. Blaming people doesn\u2019t fix anything. The people of Flint want solutions, and this bipartisan legislation starts that process.  \n\t\u00a0\n\u201cI applaud my House colleagues for coming together on this bill to ensure we are focused on long-term investments in the Great Lakes, as well. From reauthorizing our Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to securing priority funding for our waterways, this legislation takes the right steps to protect Michigan priorities.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/continuing-resolution-passes-house", "Continuing Resolution Passes House", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Mike Bishop", "B001293", "mikebishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Wednesday night, Congressman Mike Bishop supported passage of the continuing resolution, H.R. 5325. In response, Rep. Bishop issued the following statement:\n\u201cI am disappointed to see Congress in this bind again. A short-term fix is not what our constituents want or deserve. That said, it is the job of the House and Senate to keep the government funded. This bill secures Zika funding, increased oversight of the VA, funding to combat the opioid epidemic and a prohibition on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility \u2013 which are important issues to families in our district.\n\u201cNow more than ever, people need accountability and confidence from their government. I remain focused on working with my colleagues to deliver a better way forward.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/flint-amendment-passes-house", "Flint Amendment Passes the House", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tonight, the House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act with overwhelming support. The legislation included a bipartisan\u00a0amendment proposed by Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Midland) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint Township).\nThe amendment makes Flint eligible for $170 million in funding to rebuild its water infrastructure.\u00a0The amendment\u00a0passed the House on a 284-141 vote.\nCongressman Moolenaar made the following statement after the House passed the legislation:\n\"This is a step forward for Flint and the rebuilding of its water\u00a0infrastructure. This legislation will help\u00a0Flint heal and I want to\u00a0thank the entire Michigan delegation and House leadership for their support of this legislation.\"\nSpeaker of the House Paul Ryan offered praise for Congressman Moolenaar's leadership:\n\"John\u00a0has always used his leadership to fight for Michigan residents. His\u00a0dedication and\u00a0efforts to work across the aisle\u00a0helped secure\u00a0a responsible solution to help the\u00a0citizens of\u00a0Flint.\"\nThe legislation co-sponsored by Congressmen Moolenaar and Kildee was passed as part of a larger agreement that is on track to avoid a government shutdown that would have occurred at 12:00 AM on October 1st. Later tonight,\u00a0the House is expected to pass bipartisan\u00a0legislation that will avoid a shutdown and\u00a0fund the federal government through December 9, 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-s-regulatory-relief-small-businesses-schools-and-nonprofits-act-passes", "Walbergs Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act Passes the House", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.The House of Representatives today passed Congressman Tim Walberg's (MI-07) bipartisan legislation, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, to require a six-month delay in the effective date of the Department of Labor's new overtime rule. Without congressional action, on December 1, 2016, drastic changes to federal overtime policies will take effect, resulting in harmful consequences for Michigan workers, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities. Click here to watch Congressman Walberg's remarks on the House floor.\"We all agree we need to modernize our nation's overtime rules, but small businesses, nonprofits, and colleges and universities should not be hurt in the process,\" said Congressman Walberg. \"The department needs to abandon this flawed rule and pursue the balanced approach we've been fighting for from the start. Instead, they are forcing those who have to deal with the real-world consequences to make significant changes before an arbitrary December deadline. While the department continues to ignore widespread concerns, the House has taken an important bipartisan step to provide hardworking Americans more time to implement this expansive rule. The administration should do the right thing and approve this much-needed delay.\" \"Though we have been critical of the overtime pay ruling, because we strongly believe it will increase the administrative costs of public generosity-dependent and free service-providing nonprofits like us, we appreciate ongoing bipartisan efforts to delay its implementation by six months,\" said Chad Audi, president and CEO of 107-year-old Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. Dr. Audi added that the anticipated delay \"will give us considerable time to make some difficult adjustments that will hopefully minimize the potentially negative impact on our budget and service delivery.\" \"We certainly want all our employees to be well remunerated, but we prefer to do so in a budget-friendly atmosphere, while keeping our administrative costs below 20 percent. It is common knowledge that individual and family donors tend to dislike and disengage from nonprofits with high administrative costs,\" concluded Audi. \"Absorbing the additional costs resulting from the new overtime rule presents a tremendous challenge for institutions of higher education across the country, including Adrian College,\" said Jeffrey Docking, President of Adrian College. \"From the cost of tuition to provided services, this rule will have far-reaching implications for our students, employees, and community as a whole. Additionally, we are concerned with the limited time frame to implement such a sweeping change to administrative policy and encourage any efforts to delay the rule's harmful consequences. We applaud Rep. Walberg's leadership in getting this bipartisan legislation passed in the House.\" \"One of the great rewards of owning a small business is creating opportunities for young people in our community to learn the value of hard work and help our team members pursue an education,\" said Karen Richard, owner of Culver's Restaurants in Ann Arbor and Jackson. \"I am worried the new overtime rule will dramatically limit opportunities for the young people I employ to grow, advance in the workplace, and gain managerial experience. Delaying it would be a welcome development for small business owners and our employees.\" \"The Overtime Rule has not even gone into effect yet, and I have already opted to hire one less employee this year. I am a classic example of how this rule is going to cost Michigan, and the entire country, jobs,\" said Ernie MacEwen, small business owner in South Rockwood. \"This rule was incredibly under publicized, and I have talked to many small business owners who don't even know that it exists. If the looming December 1st deadline stands, many owners will be in violation of the rule and will face expensive fines.\" \"On behalf of Bethany Christian Services, we are pleased to support the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act,\" said Bill Blacquiere, President of Bethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids. \"We appreciate Rep. Walberg's efforts to delay the Department of Labor's new overtime rule that would make drastic changes to federal overtime policies. As an organization that is committed to family preservation, foster care, adoption, and child welfare, we are very aware that extreme changes to overtime rules can have a deleterious effect on our workplace flexibility and ability to perform services for children. We encourage Congress and the Administration to adopt modernized overtime rules that help non-profits like ours work most effectively on behalf of those most in need.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 429, "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": "Republican", "p1": "MI", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 429, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 429, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MI&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 429, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MI&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 429, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-09-28,https~3A~2F~2Fwalberg~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fwalberg-s-regulatory-relief-small-businesses-schools-and-nonprofits-act-passes", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MI&year=2016&_next=2016-09-28%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwalberg~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fwalberg-s-regulatory-relief-small-businesses-schools-and-nonprofits-act-passes&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 282.54248294979334, "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"}