{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"MI\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-scholten-returns-nearly-230-million-west-michigan-freshman-term", "Rep. Scholten Returns Nearly $230 Million to West Michigan in Freshman Term", "2024-12-30", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The full end-of-term report is available here.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) celebrated the end of her first term in Congress by releasing a report highlighting her wins for West Michigan in the 118th Congress. She returned nearly $230M to West Michigan through federal grant dollars and successful casework. The report also details Scholten's commitment to bipartisanship and illustrates her approach to compromising without compromising West Michigan values.\n\n\u201cI came to Congress to get stuff done for West Michigan, and this report is a testament to my dedication to our community,\u201d said Scholten. \u201cI am so proud to have returned hundreds of millions to the district, maintained a bipartisan legislative record, and cultivated a responsive operation in DC and West Michigan to ensure West Michiganders\u2019 voices are always heard. This term was not without difficulty as chaos on the other side of the aisle delayed much of the work we wanted to accomplish for the American people, but make no mistake, I worked to find common ground in common sense to deliver for MI-03, and I look forward to building upon this success in my next term.\u201d\n\nTOP HIGHLIGHTS:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-former-president-jimmy-carters-passing", "Moolenaar Statement on Former President Jimmy Carter's Passing", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:\n\n\"Jimmy Carter sought to humbly serve others each day. After serving in the Navy, he returned home, and like many Americans, he became involved in his local community. After his presidency, he and his wife, Rosalynn, helped build Habitat for Humanity into what it is today. Together, the Carters demonstrated 77 years of enduring love and steadfast marriage to one another. The entire Carter family is in my prayers today.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-bill-honoring-american-hero-passes-senate-and-heads", "Moolenaar Bill Honoring An American Hero Passes the Senate and Heads to the President's Desk", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "The U.S. Senate unanimously passed Congressman John Moolenaar\u2019s bipartisan legislation to rename the outpatient VA clinic in Cadillac in honor of the late U.S. Marine Corporal Duane Dewey, a Michigan native and Medal of Honor recipient. The bill was passed by the Senate on Saturday and it now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.\n\n\"Duane Dewey was a selfless patriot who courageously served our nation and defended our freedoms. His acts of heroism, life of service, and dedication to veterans are an inspiration,\" said Moolenaar. \"Renaming the VA clinic in Cadillac in Dewey\u2019s honor is a tribute to all he accomplished. I am thankful to my Senate colleagues for unanimously supporting my legislation honoring this American hero, and I hope President Biden will sign it into law in the days ahead.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-votes-to-help-pass-the-social-security-fairness-act", "Senator Peters Votes to Help Pass the Social Security Fairness Act", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act to ensure that public sector workers, such as teachers, postal workers, police officers, and firefighters, receive the full Social Security benefits they have paid into and earned. The bipartisan legislation, which Peters cosponsored and pushed for, will restore the full Social Security benefits of tens of thousands of Michigan workers and retirees. The bill previously passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cFolks who dedicate their careers to the public good, whether it\u2019s teaching our kids or keeping our communities safe, deserve to receive the full Social Security benefits that they paid into and earned once they retire,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI was proud to help pass this commonsense bill that will restore and protect the benefits of thousands of hardworking Michiganders.\u201d\n\nThe Social Security Fairness Act will repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions that reduced Social Security payments for certain retirees who also received pension income. The WEP currently impacts about 2 million Social Security beneficiaries and the GPO impacts nearly 800,000 retirees across the country.\n\nPeters has long fought to protect Americans\u2019 hard-earned benefits and ability to retire with dignity and security. Earlier this year, Peters urged the Social Security Administration to address mistaken overpayments that placed undue financial burdens on social security recipients. Peters is also a proud cosponsor of, and has urged Congress to pass, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the federal laws that protect workers\u2019 right to form a union to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://mcclain.house.gov/2024/12/mcclain-statement-on-passage-of-government-funding", "McClain Statement on Passage of Government Funding", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Lisa C. McClain", "M001136", "mcclain.house.gov", "mcclain", "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) tonight released the following statement after voting to avoid a government shutdown and provide critical funding and relief for American farmers and those recovering from natural disasters:\n\n\u201cDemocracy can be messy. What matters is that we\u2019re moving forward and paving the way for a new day and a new government under President Trump come January. If you needed any more proof that things are going to look different following Republican victories in November, this is it. The country can rest assured their government is staying open and help is on the way for Americans who are struggling.\u201d\n\nBackground on the government funding legislation:\n\nFunds the federal government through March 14, 2025.\n\n$100 Billion in disaster relief for Americans affected by natural disasters.\n\n$10 Billion in direct economic aid to American farmers.\n\nOne-year extension of the Farm Bill.\n\nExtends expiring health care programs through March 21, 2025.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-peters-urging-senate-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-authorities-to-address-drone-threats-from-expiring", "At Peters\u2019 Urging, Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Authorities to Address Drone Threats from Expiring", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters?(D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to prevent the current authorities used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to disable drones that pose a security threat from expiring tonight at midnight. Peters\u2019 Counter-UAS Authority Extension Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), extends the counter-drone authorities through September 30, 2025.\n\n\u201cAs we near the deadline to fund the government tonight without a clear path from my Republican colleagues in the House, it appears that we're once again on the brink of a government shutdown. And when the clock runs out at midnight, the current authorities that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have to safely disable drones that pose a security threat will also expire, and we simply cannot let that happen,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI just received unanimous consent to pass a bill that will extend the current authorities for one year. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for joining me in passing this legislation so that our federal law enforcement agencies can continue to protect against dangerous drones while giving us additional time to work on bipartisan legislation that Senator Johnson and I have authored to strengthen counter drone efforts.\u201d\n\nTo watch video of Senator Peters\u2019 remarks, click here.\n\nThere are currently more than 1 million drones registered in the United States. This rapidly growing number of drones create a higher risk of both unintentional disasters and malicious activity from foreign adversaries or criminal organizations that seek to weaponize drones or engage in illegal activities. Recent reports of menacing drones in New Jersey and communities across the country have highlighted the need to pass and expand the ability of law enforcement agencies to be able to safely disable drones that pose a risk to public safety. Drones have also posed serious safety risks to airports, critical infrastructure and large public gatherings like football games.\n\nPeters has been fighting to expand authorities to ensure our nation is prepared to address public safety threats from drones. Earlier this week, he pressed his colleagues to pass long overdue, bipartisan legislation he authored that would address the growing safety threats posed by drones \u2013 including by providing technology that safely disables a threatening drone to state and local law enforcement so they can protect their communities. Peters\u2019 legislation is supported by a wide range of stakeholders including the National Football League, airports and law enforcement organizations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-urges-commerce-department-to-finalize-new-rule-to-protect-national-security-and-secure-us-automotive-supply-chains", "Senator Peters Urges Commerce Department to Finalize New Rule to Protect National Security and Secure U.S. Automotive Supply Chains", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to finalize its recently announced rule that would protect American consumers and companies against the national security threats posed by allowing vehicles and technologies controlled by Chinese Community Party-backed (CCP) companies to be imported or sold in the United States. The letter underscored the significant national security concerns associated with key Chinese-controlled vehicles and connected technologies in vehicles. This rule would also help to secure the U.S. automotive supply chain and protect the United States\u2019 global leadership in automotive innovation as China seeks to flood the global automotive market with highly subsidized Chinese vehicles.\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow technologies from foreign entities of concern on our roads that can store and share Americans\u2019 personal data, commit espionage, and even manipulate our cars,\u201d Peters wrote. \u201cThe Department of Commerce, and your Office in particular, is at the forefront of the Administration\u2019s effort to protect and defend Americans from vehicles that could compromise our national security. I welcomed the work of your team in recent months to propose a comprehensive rule that protects against the urgent and significant national security threat posed by the sale and import of vehicles and vehicle technology controlled or vulnerable to manipulation by our adversaries. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain, keep the United States at the forefront of global mobility innovation, and create more good-paying jobs here at home.\u201d\n\nThe letter continued: \u201cNow that the public comment period for the proposed rule has closed, I urge you to quickly consider stakeholder input and take the necessary steps to finalize this rule. I look forward to our continued work together to secure our supply chains and support American manufacturing on a level playing field.\n\nPeters has consistently worked to combat the national security and economic threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. Peters applauded the Commerce Department\u2019s decision to open an inquiry into the development of this regulation in March, and then wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and the United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai reiterating his support for the Department\u2019s investigation. Peters also urged Secretary Raimondo to ensure the Commerce Department takes further action to combat threats posed by vehicles and high-risk technologies controlled by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing earlier this year. Peters applauded the Commerce Department\u2019s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other goods across numerous key sectors, including steel and aluminum imports, lithium batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, semiconductors, and medical equipment. Peters additionally sent a letter to several Chinese automakers in September pressing for more transparency into their ties to the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nPeters has also consistently worked to boost American development of connected vehicles and other critical roadway safety technologies to support Michigan\u2019s auto industry and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Last year, Peters \u2013 who Chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports \u2013 called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow the deployment of safe, secure Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology in order to accelerate the use of this lifesaving mobility safety technology and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind other countries in its development and adoption. Following this bipartisan call from Peters, the FCC approved the deployment of C-V2X technology \u2013 which is an intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology that enables data sharing between vehicles, the infrastructure they operate on, and nearby road users \u2013 improving roadway safety and efficiency. In 2022, Peters welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s $52.2 million investment in the Global Epicenter of Mobility to drive and advance mobility innovation across Michigan\u2019s automotive sector. Peters secured this funding through the American Rescue Plan he helped enact.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nAlan F. Estevez\n\nUnder Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security\n\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n\nDear Under Secretary Estevez:\n\nI write to urge the Bureau of Industry and Security to work quickly to evaluate comments, make any necessary revisions, and finalize your proposed rule banning certain vehicles and technologies controlled or vulnerable to manipulation to our adversaries to be imported or sold in the United States (Docket No. 240919-0245).\n\nI applaud the Administration for its important work to protect American citizens and critical infrastructure from the serious national security threat posed particularly by Chinese and Russian vehicles and their enabling technologies. We cannot allow technologies from foreign entities of concern on our roads that can store and share Americans\u2019 personal data, commit espionage, and even manipulate our cars. As identified by the Bureau and other sources, finished vehicles manufactured or controlled by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies present a heightened national security risk, adding to longstanding concerns about how China\u2019s unfair trade practices threaten U.S. economic competitiveness, intellectual property, and automotive manufacturing.\n\nExperts have sounded the alarm regarding the control of data for connected vehicles manufactured by companies incorporated in China, particularly when it comes to the potential for these vehicles to enable the unauthorized collection, transmission, and storage of Americans\u2019 data, as well as serve as potential vectors for espionage or disruption of critical infrastructure here in the United States. Furthermore, the CCP has made clear that they intend to make the 21st century a \u201cChinese Century,\u201d with domination of the global automotive market being a key piece of their strategy. The United States has a responsibility, for the sake of the next generation of Americans and the world at large, to ensure that does not become a reality.\n\nThe Department of Commerce\u2014and the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services in particular\u2014is at the forefront of the Administration\u2019s effort to protect and defend Americans from vehicles that could compromise our national security. I welcomed the work of your team in recent months to propose a comprehensive rule that protects against the urgent and significant national security threat posed by the sale and import of vehicles and vehicle technology controlled or vulnerable to manipulation by our adversaries. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain, keep the United States at the forefront of global mobility innovation, and create more good-paying jobs here at home.\n\nNow that the public comment period for the proposed rule has closed, I urge you to quickly consider stakeholder input and take the necessary steps to finalize this rule. I look forward to our continued work together to secure our supply chains and support American manufacturing on a level playing field.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1359", "Bergman, Cleaver Press USPS on Delivery Standards", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) led a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, chastising the United States Postal Service for lowering their delivery standards for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nThe bipartisan letter was signed by 8 members, who stressed the need for unelected and unaccountable DeJoy to address these service issues within his agency, as millions of Americans depend on timely deliveries. \u201cThe American people deserve a Postal Service that is transparent, accountable, and committed to service excellence,\u201d the members emphasized.\n\nRead their full letter here or below.\n\nPostmaster General DeJoy:\n\nWe write to express our deep concern with the recent decision by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to reduce its on-time delivery performance targets for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nOn November 29, 2024, USPS notified the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of its revised performance targets for FY 2025, which include 87 percent on-time delivery for two-day first-class mail and 80 percent on-time delivery for three-to-five-day first-class mail. Not only are these numbers down from the agency\u2019s FY 2024 targets of 93 percent and 90.3 percent, respectively, but they are the lowest levels since FY 2021, when USPS revised its targets mid-year due to the significant operational challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nWhile the decision to adjust delivery standards during the pandemic was understandable given the unprecedented challenges faced at the time, the current situation is markedly different. The latest reductions come after USPS failed to meet its on-time delivery goals across a range of first-class mail in FY 2024 \u2013 a failure entirely of its own making. Despite repeated warnings from us, our constituents, and postal workers across the country, USPS chose to pursue the misguided Delivering for America (DFA) plan, severely undermining mail operations and service quality nationwide.\n\nThe negative impact has been clear: in FY 2024, two-day mail performance declined by 4.3 percentage points, while three-to-five-day mail dropped by 11.1 points nationwide compared to FY 2023, with some postal districts experiencing even steeper declines. These drops are striking, given USPS\u2019s constant assurances in congressional correspondence, hearings, and public input meetings that the DFA plan would enhance, not hinder, delivery performance.\n\nInstead of directly addressing the issues that caused the agency to miss its targets in FY 2024, USPS has now chosen to lower its service standards \u2013 concealing its shortcomings, deflecting public criticism, and likely paving the way for further reductions in mail service to our communities. This decision sidesteps accountability and improvement, eroding public trust and setting a troubling precedent for future performance evaluations.\n\nWith this in mind, we request that USPS provide answers to the following questions no later than January 15, 2025:\n\n1. Given the concerns raised about the DFA plan, will USPS consider revising or suspending parts of the plan in light of its failure to meet delivery targets for FY 2024?\n\n2. How does USPS plan to evaluate the impact of the reduced delivery targets on rural residents and businesses that rely heavily on timely mail delivery, and what steps will be taken to mitigate any negative effects?\n\n3. What assurances can USPS provide that the reduction in performance targets for FY 2025 will not set a precedent for future declines in mail delivery standards, and how will the agency work to restore high standards of service for all customers, especially in rural and underserved areas?\n\nThe American people deserve a Postal Service that is transparent, accountable, and committed to service excellence, and we look forward to your answers to these questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-meets-with-intended-secretary-of-transportation-nominee-sean-duffy-to-discuss-michigan-priorities", "Peters Meets with Intended Secretary of Transportation Nominee Sean Duffy to Discuss Michigan Priorities", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013\u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports, released the following statement after meeting with former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee to serve as Secretary of Transportation:\n\n\u201cMichigan is the capital of the auto industry \u2013\u2013 our workers keep Americans on the road. I made it clear to former Congressman Duffy that a top priority of mine is making sure that the future of the auto industry is built in my home state and pressed him to commit to working with me towards that goal if he\u2019s confirmed as Secretary of Transportation.\n\n\u201cWe specifically discussed steps we can take to bolster America\u2019s competitive advantage over China, how we can make our roads safer for everyone, including through the responsible deployment of critical safety technologies, and additional developments we can foster to keep Michigan and our entire country at the forefront of automotive innovation and manufacturing.\n\n\u201cI also raised additional Michigan priorities like keeping our Great Lakes healthy for future generations, protecting resources that I secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to restore our roads, bridges, railroads, maritime ports and airports, and the need to continue providing the resources Michigan needs for efficient, state-of-the-art infrastructure.\n\n\u201cI appreciate former Congressman Duffy\u2019s openness and readiness to have a conversation about these and other issues, and I look forward to learning more about his vision to lead the Department of Transportation as his confirmation process continues.\u201d\n\nSenator Peters has an extensive track record of fighting for Michigan\u2019s transportation needs. He has pushed to counter the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. He also worked to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already invested $13 billion to upgrade Michigan\u2019s aging infrastructure like roads and bridges. In July, Peters convened a field hearing in Lansing to examine the impact of the legislation in Michigan. He also worked to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and support Michigan\u2019s airports through his role on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-azerbaijan-for-human-rights-violations-against-armenians-in-nagorno-karabakh", "Senator Peters Leads Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Azerbaijan for Human Rights Violations Against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the government of Azerbaijan for committing human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing, torture, restrictions on freedom of movement, and the illegal detention of political prisoners, against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.\n\n\u201cAzerbaijan cannot go without consequences for the atrocities it has inflicted on the Armenian people,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis resolution demonstrates our continued commitment to standing with the Armenian people in the face of Azerbaijan\u2019s unprovoked aggression on Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. I'll also keep working to pass my bipartisan legislation to end U.S. assistance to the Azerbaijani government and to hold the Azeri officials who have been involved in these attacks accountable.\u201d\n\nWithin two weeks after Azerbaijan\u2019s large-scale military offensive on September 19, 2023 against the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians \u2013 nearly the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh \u2013 fled to Armenia in fear of further persecution. The attack also took the lives of hundreds of soldiers and dozens of civilians. Before the attack, Azerbaijani forces blockaded the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world, to prevent imports of essential goods, humanitarian convoys, and all passages of food, fuel, and medicine from the Red Cross to the ethnic Armenians that lived in the territory. Since the 2023 attack, dozens of Armenian prisoners of war, civilian captives, and political leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh continue to be unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan on politically motivated charges or no charges at all. Azerbaijani forces also systemically destroyed Armenian cultural heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh, including churches, monasteries, cemeteries, and other cultural monuments.\n\nSenator Peters has been a strong and continued advocate for Michigan\u2019s vibrant Armenian community. Peters recently met with President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Elise Stefanik, where he raised the dire need to support ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Peters visited the Armenia-Azerbaijan border last year and viewed firsthand the 10-month long blockade of the Lachin corridor. In response to his visit, he introduced the Armenian Protection Act, which passed in the Senate in November 2023. The Armenian Protection Act would end U.S. assistance to the Azerbaijani government that is currently allowed under a waiver to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Peters also joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in calling for the U.S. Treasury Department and U.S. State Department to impose sanctions on certain Azerbaijani government officials associated with the military attacks against and brutal blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh.\n\nPeters also joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Department of State to prioritize the release of Armenian political leaders currently being held illegally by Azerbaijan as prisoners, including as a condition of any peace deal reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan, which the United States is helping to facilitate. The letter also calls on Secretary Blinken to advocate for the right of Nagorno-Karabakh's Armenians to return to their homes under international guarantees, as well as to impose sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the human rights violations perpetrated by Azerbaijan during its attack on the region in September 2023.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters also led and secured a provision in the annual national defense bill that would encourage the Department of Defense to strengthen engagement with Armenia, including through bilateral training opportunities and other security cooperation activities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-secures-funding-in-national-defense-bill-to-replace-chinese-made-telecom-equipment-protect-us-broadband-networks-against-cyber-threats", "Senator Peters Secures Funding in National Defense Bill to Replace Chinese-made Telecom Equipment, Protect U.S. Broadband Networks Against Cyber Threats", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters has secured robust funding in the recently passed national defense bill for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Plan, otherwise known as the \u201cRip and Replace\u201d program. This federal program helps American internet service providers remove and replace compromised Chinese-made telecommunications equipment currently being used in the United States, which can pose a serious threat to our national security. It also enables many rural broadband providers, including those in Michigan, to improve and expand their network coverage for the first time in years.\n\nIn total, this program directs more than $57 million to Michigan, where more than 300 sites have been found to be compromised by Chinese-made equipment and require new, more secure technologies. This specific provision provides $27 million to Northern Michigan University to upgrade their Educational Access Network, enabling them to expand broadband access beyond the thousands of students and families they serve in communities across the Upper Peninsula.\n\n\u201cUsing this Chinese-made telecommunications equipment provides our adversaries with an entry point to infiltrate our networks or launch cyberattacks that can steal information or harm our people, infrastructure or institutions,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis robust funding will allow us to rid our networks of this risky technology, helping to bolster our national cybersecurity defenses while ensuring service providers across Michigan can continue to provide essential internet service to some of the most rural and underserved areas of our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Senator Peters\u2019 support in helping secure $27 million to support Upper Peninsula residents who desperately need and who do not always have access to affordable broadband that supports their educational, e-commerce, and healthcare needs. This funding ensures continued internet service for the 16,000 families served by Northern Michigan University and delivers secure wireless broadband connections to some of the most rural corners of the Upper Peninsula,\u201d said NMU Vice President for Finance & Administration Gavin Leach.\n\nThe national defense bill sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has become law for more than 60 consecutive years. Both the House and Senate have now passed this bill, and it is headed to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. When signed, this bill will close the existing shortfall in the Rip and Replace program, and deliver the resources needed to remove and replace any at-risk telecommunications equipment that was produced by the Chinese-owned Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) and ZTE Corporation (ZTE).\n\nSenator Peters has previously led efforts to strengthen the Rip and Replace program. In 2021, Peters\u2019 Ensuring Network Security Act was signed into law, helping to expand access to federal funding for telecommunications providers and educational institutions for the removal and replacement of prohibited telecommunications equipment from dangerous sources, including Huawei and ZTE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-pass-national-defense-bill-with-provisions-to-strengthen-michigans-defense-footprint-support-servicemembers-and-veterans", "Senator Peters Helps Pass National Defense Bill with Provisions to Strengthen Michigan\u2019s Defense Footprint, Support Servicemembers & Veterans", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate has passed the annual national defense bill, which includes numerous provisions secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to strengthen Michigan\u2019s defense footprint and support our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Peters led and supported provisions to invest in Michigan\u2019s military facilities, advance PFAS removal efforts, give servicemembers a pay raise, and combat aggression by U.S. foreign adversaries like the Chinese and Russian governments.\n\n\u201cI fought to secure policies in this bill that will help ensure Michigan\u2019s first-rate military installations, like Selfridge, continue to play an essential role in our national defense operations,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis bill also makes needed investments to clean up harmful PFAS contamination near military bases, get our servicemembers a well-earned pay raise, and support Michigan\u2019s robust defense sector as our workers produce the cutting-edge technologies that keep our servicemembers safe.\u201d\n\nPeters continued, \u201cI\u2019m also proud that this bill includes my provision to establish a Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge to support the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s efforts to train personnel and test new technologies that will protect Americans from the security threats we face along the Northern and Southern Borders, like drug and human trafficking.\u201d\n\nThe national defense bill sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has become law for more than 60 consecutive years.?Both the House and Senate have now passed this bill, and it heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nBelow are provisions in the bill that Senator Peters successfully led or supported:\n\nInvesting in Michigan\u2019s Military Facilities\n\nSupporting New Fighter Mission for Selfridge: Peters secured language in the bill that encourages the Air Force to plan for replacement of the 25 Air National Guard fighter aircraft squadrons across the country with advanced fighter aircraft \u2013 including the A-10 squadron based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.\n\nNorthern Border Mission Center: Peters secured language in the bill to expand the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center to strengthen Northern Border security. Earlier this year, Peters secured $3 million to establish and operate the Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.\n\nReport on Multi Domain Task Force and Force Structure in the National Guard: Peters secured language directing the Army to provide a report on its Multi Domain Task Force stationing plan and Force Structure in the National Guard. With China, Russia, and North Korea continuing to impact global stability, the U.S. military is adapting its capabilities to meet these rising threats. The Army\u2019s new Multi-Domain Task Forces are the centerpiece of the Army\u2019s efforts to respond to these global challenges in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. When forward positioned, the Multi-Domain Task Forces will enable the U.S. military to freely operate within contested environments. Peters has consistently advocated for Michigan to be selected as a location for a Multi Domain Task Force. A Michigan-based Multi-Domain Task Force will capitalize on the state\u2019s exceptional location, force structure, training opportunities, and strategic investments, strengthening Michigan\u2019s National Guard assets and bringing additional personnel to the state.\n\nSupporting Our Servicemembers and Their Families\n\nPay Raise for Servicemembers: This bill includes pay raises of 4.5 percent for military servicemembers and 2 percent for the DOD civilian workforce. The bill also includes a 14.5 percent increase in monthly basic pay for junior enlisted servicemembers in the grades of E-1 through E-3, in addition to the force-wide pay raise.\n\nIncrease to Basic Needs Allowance: The bill expands eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, a stipend meant to tackle food insecurity among active duty servicemembers and their families. A quarter of military families report difficulties affording enough food for their children.\n\nIncreased Child Care Access: The bill fully funds child care assistance programs and increases DOD child care staff pay to be competitive with non-DOD providers. Servicemembers move across the country and around world to keep us safe, often leaving military spouses responsible for caring for their kids. The bill will help families access affordable child care.\n\nAddressing PFAS Contamination\n\nPFAS Remediation at Camp Grayling: The bill includes $30 million in funding for the Army\u2019s PFAS remedial investigation efforts at Camp Grayling in Northern Michigan. Peters has used his role as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to advance PFAS remediation efforts in communities across Michigan. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Peters pressed Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth to address PFAS contamination at Camp Grayling. Earlier this year, Peters applauded DOD\u2019s announced plans to expand use of PFAS mitigation strategies pioneered in Northern Michigan at more than 30 DOD installations and National Guard facilities nationwide, including Camp Grayling.\n\nSupporting Michigan\u2019s Defense Sector\n\n$37 Million for Manned/Unmanned Tactical Vehicle Lab in Southeast Michigan: The bill includes $37 million for the construction of a manned/unmanned tactical vehicle lab in Macomb County. This builds on funding Senator Peters previously secured for the planning and design of this lab. The work of this new center will be critical to the Army\u2019s efforts to develop the next generation of unmanned ground vehicle technologies. Specifically, this funding would provide the necessary facility space to allow engineers and scientists to develop and integrate hardware and software technologies onto advanced unmanned and autonomous ground combat and tactical vehicle systems. This space will also allow the ability to test these systems more efficiently and effectively in a System Integration Lab, located on Macomb County\u2019s Defense Industrial Corridor. This will improve the product and enhance rapid improvement and collaboration with private sector partners.\n\nModernizing High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs): Peters helped secure language in the bill, based on his bipartisan legislation, to encourage the Army to upgrade Humvees with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems that will help prevent rollovers, which have claimed the lives of far too many servicemembers. These kits are made in Troy, Michigan and the provision Peters secured would help support more than 150 jobs.\n\nAccelerate Infantry Squad Vehicle Production at GM Defense: Peters led and secured a provision that would provide increased funding to accelerate fielding of the Infantry Squad Vehicle produced by General Motors Defense. Peters has championed this program including highlighting the importance of the Infantry Squad Vehicle during an Airland Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing in May.\n\nIdentifying DOD\u2019s Reliance on Foreign Critical Drug Supply Chains: Peters secured language in the bill that would require DOD to expand its analyses into DOD\u2019s reliance on high-risk suppliers for critical drug supply chains. The provision directs DOD to identify the key materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and drug products manufactured in high-risk foreign countries and update its plan to address this overreliance on foreign suppliers that present a national security risk. Last year, as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters released a report detailing the results of his investigation into continued shortages of critical medications. The report found our nation\u2019s continued overreliance on foreign suppliers for many of the key materials used to manufacture critical drugs presents national security risks.\n\nSupporting Autonomous Vehicle Research: The bill authorizes $9 million to support collaboration between Michigan universities and the U.S. Army to build a prototype of a lightweight autonomous vehicle platform to fuse different technologies into a unified system. This ongoing research project will support Michigan\u2019s global leadership in automotive manufacturing.\n\nStrengthening Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology Capabilities\n\nDeveloping American Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Capabilities: The bill would provide increased funding for the development of new and innovative design, and production of, low-cost, uncrewed systems. The bill would also require a strategy to develop a secure domestic supply chain of critical components for small UAS systems.\n\nAdvancing Counter-UAS Technologies: The bill would authorize increased funding for various counter-UAS activities, and require a strategy for countering drone technologies and assessing resources or authorities needed for drone incursion response to ensure we are equipped for the future of warfare.\n\nSupporting U.S. Security Interests at Home and Abroad\n\nRip and Replace Funding: The bill provides robust funding to protect the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, otherwise known as the \u201cRip and Replace\u201d program. This federal program helps American broadband companies remove and replace any telecommunications equipment that was produced by the Chinese-owned Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) and ZTE Corporation (ZTE), which poses a serious threat to U.S. national security. The funding secured in this bill will deliver more than $35 million in total to Michigan, where more than 300 sites have been found to be compromised by Chinese equipment and require new technologies. Northern Michigan University will receive $27 million of this funding to upgrade their equipment, enabling them to expand their broadband network beyond the roughly 7,000 students and 16,000 families they serve in the Upper Peninsula.\n\nSecuring Federal Buildings from Unauthorized Access: Peters successfully secured language in the bill requiring the federal government to assess whether property located near federally leased space could provide opportunities for espionage attempts, cyber-attacks, or unauthorized access. This provision would establish a security assessment process that would ensure adjacent federal property is screened for potential risks and will help secure sensitive office space.\n\nStreamlining Law Enforcement Threat Information Sharing: The bill includes a provision Peters led to improve the system DHS uses to share information about potential security threats with its law enforcement, government, private sector, and nonprofit partners to better protect our communities.\n\nSupport Israel\u2019s Defense Against Emerging Threats: Peters secured $47.5 million in the bill to help increase U.S. collaboration with Israel to develop emerging defense technologies to meet the warfare challenges of the future. Peters introduced bipartisan legislation last year to bolster collaboration between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies by creating the U.S.-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund, authorized at $50 million annually through Fiscal Year 2028, to enable the U.S. and Israel to scale up cooperation efforts in these fields.\n\nStrengthen Efforts to Combat Anti-Tunneling Activity: The bill authorizes additional funding to strengthen current collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to combat Hamas and strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza strip. As part of the DOD\u2019s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with the DOD and Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. This provision is based on Peters\u2019 United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Act.\n\nSupport for Taiwan: This bill would help ensure that Taiwan is aligned with the U.S. national defense industrial strategy to increase global defense production, strengthen our supply chain resilience, and support Taiwanese defense needs.\n\nCounter Chinese Communist Party Aggression: The bill includes numerous provisions to counter aggression from the Chinese government, including a provision requiring a report on the military cooperation between the People\u2019s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Iran, and North Korea, and the implications of such cooperation on U.S. national security.\n\nEnhance Security Cooperation with the Republic of Armenia: The bill includes a provision Peters led encouraging DOD to strengthen engagement with Armenia, including through bilateral training opportunities and other security cooperation activities. Michigan is home to a large and active Armenia diaspora community. Peters visited the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in September 2023 and viewed firsthand the blockade of the Lachin corridor. In response to his visit, he introduced the Armenian Protection Act, which unanimously passed in the Senate in November 2023.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1356", "Bergman, Davis\u2019\u00a0POUCH Act\u00a0Preserves Freedom of Choice, Seeks to End Unprecedented Effort to Ban Tobacco Alternatives", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Following an unprecedented effort to ban alternative nicotine products such as flavored pouches and vapes, Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Don Davis (D-NC) introduced H.R. 10444, the Public Options for Unrestricted Consumer Harm-reduction (POUCH) Act. The legislation will block states and local governments from restricting Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved modified risk tobacco products (MRTP) and shine a light with much needed oversight of FDA\u2019s years-long delay approving PMTAs.\n\nFor decades, Americans have chosen to reduce their consumption of traditional tobacco products for health and safety reasons. However, tens of millions of adult consumers continue to use nicotine, and many have chosen to use less harmful alternatives to combustible tobacco, like nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes.\n\nSince 2007, all new tobacco products must complete a premarket tobacco application (PMTA) with FDA. For approval, a new PMTA must provide scientific data showing it will be beneficial for overall public health and safer than traditional tobacco products. Due to federal inaction and vague federal statute, states and cities have issued blanket flavor bans that are being upheld by the courts, disenfranchising millions of adult flavored tobacco users\n\n\u201cWe place a high value on freedom and individualism in our Nation, and heavy-handed government interference jeopardizes those principles. The POUCH Act will shine a light on the FDA\u2019s delayed approval process for modified risk tobacco products and prevent states or local entities from legislating for our entire country by banning already authorized products. The legislation promotes safety by preserving access to less harmful tobacco alternatives and promotes freedom by allowing Americans to determine the winners of our market \u2013 not the government,\u201d Rep. Jack Bergman stated.\n\n\u201cSmokers and others struggling with any type of addiction must have access to all available health care options,\u201d said Rep. Don Davis. \u201cBlanket bans, whether on menthol cigarettes or on alternative tobacco products, simply do not work.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-thanedar-urges-firm-us-response-to-irans-escalating-aggression", "Rep. Thanedar Urges Firm U.S. Response to Iran\u2019s Escalating Aggression", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Shri Thanedar", "T000488", "thanedar.house.gov", "thanedar", "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Iran, widely recognized as the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism, continues to be a significant long-term threat to both Israel and the United States in the Middle East. Its aggressive actions and destabilizing influence have escalated recently, heightening concerns about regional security and global stability.\n\nIran\u2019s terrorist proxies across the Middle East have intensified their attacks on Israel, launching drones, rockets, and mortars targeting major population centers. These strikes have been deliberately aimed at civilians, causing tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. In April and October, Iran carried out its largest-ever direct drone and missile attacks on Israel, forcing millions of Israelis into bomb shelters and bringing further conflict to the region.\n\nBeyond conventional military strikes, Iran\u2019s nuclear ambitions continue to raise alarms. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors has passed two resolutions within six months condemning Tehran\u2019s failure to cooperate with U.N. nuclear inspectors. Iran has enough highly enriched uranium to complete four nuclear bombs, making it the largest threat out of the \u201cnonnuclear-weapon\u201d countries.\n\nAccording to reports, it would take Iran just a few days to convert that stockpile into weapons-grade nuclear fuel. Their refusal to address past violations or allow adequate oversight of its expanding nuclear program highlights its defiance of international norms and its growing nuclear threat.\n\nAs Iran\u2019s provocations intensify, it is imperative that leaders in Washington remain clear-eyed about this evolving danger. Continued U.S. support for policies that strengthen the security of both America and Israel is essential to countering this ongoing threat and preserving stability in the Middle East.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-moolenaar-bill-stop-deadly-tb-outbreaks", "House Passes Moolenaar Bill to Stop Deadly TB Outbreaks", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman John Moolenaar\u2019s bipartisan legislation, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act, was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to make reforms regarding the screening of tissue donation materials, conduct education campaigns, and impose penalties on tissue providers who fail to prevent tuberculosis outbreaks.\n\nMoolenaar introduced the bill with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, in honor of Shandra Eisenga, of Marion, who passed away on August 10, 2023 due to a tuberculosis infection. Eisenga was one of 36 patients in seven states to contract TB after receiving a bone graft containing infected tissue donor material.\n\nMoolenaar spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation, as Shandra\u2019s family, including her daughter, Amber Herlein, and sister, Tarin Brunink, who serves in Moolenaar\u2019s office as the Director of Casework, attended the debate on the bill.\n\n\"Nothing can erase the heartbreak of my mother's passing, but she would be proud that we have helped make a positive difference in her name. I am so thankful the House approved this bill today so no family has to go through an experience like this,\" said Amber Herlein, Shandra's daughter.\n\n\u201cI am grateful my legislation to honor Shandra\u2019s legacy was passed by the House. This bill will help prevent TB infections from bone grafts and save families from experiencing the pain and sadness that Shandra\u2019s family has tragically endured. My bipartisan bill accomplishes this by ensuring the FDA requires screening for TB and holds tissue suppliers responsible for infections they spread,\u201d said Moolenaar.\n\n\"Shandra Eisenga\u2019s death was a preventable tragedy, and we owe it to Shandra, her family, and every other patient who has been affected by contaminated bone grafts to ensure we\u2019re doing everything possible to prevent future cases like this. I am thankful our bill passed the House with bipartisan support. As someone who had multiple bone grafts after osteomyelitis I was never warned about the dangers. We must do more to educate patients, make sure they are aware of the risks of human cell and tissue product transplants, and implement additional safeguards to protect patients from the dangers of these infections,\" said Dingell.\n\nMoolenaar with Shandra's family, before the passage of the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act. (From left to right, Leo Cornell, Porter Herlein, Congressman Moolenaar, Tarin Brunink, Reyna Herlein, Amber Herlein, Brandon Herlein.)\n\nThe text of the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act can be found here. Moolenaar spoke during the debate of the legislation on the House floor about Shandra's tragic story and the need for reform. A transcript of Moolenaar's remarks is below and video can be found here.\n\n------------------\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker and I thank the gentleman for yielding.\n\nI also want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, especially Congresswoman Dingell, my fellow Michigander, who has worked very closely with me on this.\n\nI rise in support of my bipartisan legislation, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act.\n\nIn 2023, 36 patients across seven states contracted tuberculosis from infected bone grafts.\n\nOne of these patients was my constituent, Shandra Eisenga, of Marion, Michigan, who tragically passed away on August 10, 2023 from TB.\n\nWe are joined today in the gallery by Shandra\u2019s daughter, Amber, her husband, Brandon and their children, as well as Shandra\u2019s fianc\u00e9, Leo, and her sister, Tarin Brunink, who also serves in my office as the Director of Casework. This family has been forever hurt by the loss of Shandra, and today we are taking concrete action to stop more families from having the same experience. Shandra\u2019s passing as well as the nine other patients over the past three years was completely preventable if it was not for the inadequate oversight of tissue material suppliers.\n\nWhen it comes to tissue donations, the FDA requires screening for diseases like hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV.\n\nThis bipartisan bill will require screening for tuberculosis as well and put an end to preventable TB deaths like Shandra\u2019s.\n\nMy bill will also require HHS to conduct research and public education campaigns on the risks of surgery requiring a tissue donation.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support this vital bipartisan legislation.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-bill-rename-cadillac-va-clinic-honor-medal-honor-recipient", "Moolenaar Bill to Rename Cadillac VA Clinic in Honor of Medal of Honor Recipient Duane Dewey Passes House", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman John Moolenaar\u2019s bipartisan legislation to rename the outpatient VA clinic in Cadillac in honor of the late U.S. Marine Corporal Duane Dewey, a Michigan native and Medal of Honor recipient.\n\n\u201cDuane Dewey courageously served our country and his selfless sacrifice in the Korean War saved the lives of his fellow Marines. He earned the Medal of Honor and spent his life supporting veterans, so it is fitting to rename the VA clinic in Cadillac in his honor. I am grateful my colleagues unanimously passed my legislation to give us a lasting reminder of Duane Dewey and his service for our nation,\u201d said Congressman Moolenaar.\n\nMoolenaar\u2019s legislation to honor Dewey was cosponsored by every member of the Michigan Congressional delegation and endorsed by Michigan veterans groups including the American Legion Department of Michigan, the Michigan Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan.\n\nMoolenaar spoke on the House floor about Dewey's courage and life while the House debated the renaming legislation. A transcript of his remarks is below and video can be found here.\n\n-------------\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker and I thank the gentleman for yielding.\n\nMr. Speaker. I rise in support of my bipartisan legislation, a bill to rename the Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Cadillac, Michigan in honor of the late Corporal Duane Dewey, a Michigan native, and a United States Marine.\n\nCorporal Dewey was extraordinarily brave in his service to our nation.\n\nIn April of 1952, Corporal Dewey was serving as the leader of a machine gun squad in Korea when he came under fire. After hours of fighting, an enemy grenade fell at his feet.\n\nIt exploded and Dewey was injured.\n\nThen as he was being treated for his wounds, a second grenade landed near his position.\n\nDewey alerted his fellow Marines of the danger and rushed to smother the explosive.\n\nIn this moment of bravery, he used his body to cover the explosive and save the members of his squad.\n\nMiraculously, Duane survived the blast, and he returned home to Michigan to recover from his injuries.\n\nDewey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Dwight Eisenhower, who joked that Duane has a \u201cbody of steel.\u201d\n\nDuane\u2019s Medal of Honor citation read in part, \u201cHis indomitable courage, outstanding initiative, and valiant efforts on behalf of others in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Dewey and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.\u201d\n\nDuane Dewey lived a humble life. He served his community as a school bus driver and ran an office machine repair shop.\n\nHe remained involved in the veterans community and spoke to his fellow veterans frequently, offering them encouragement and sharing his story.\n\nMy legislation to rename the VA clinic in his home state is a fitting honor for Duane\u2019s service to our nation, and his lifelong support of our veterans.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support this legislation.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/scholten-celebrates-250k-grant-rapid-line-inc-grand-rapids", "Scholten Celebrates $250K Grant for Rapid-Line Inc. in Grand Rapids", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Rapid-Line Inc. \u2013 located in the heart of Congresswoman Hillary Scholten\u2019s (MI-03) district \u2013 has received a $254,236 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as part of the Democrats\u2019 Investing in America agenda.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to talk the talk about energy efficiency, but small and medium-sized manufacturers know investing in upgrades can be costly,\u201d said Scholten. \u201cOur manufacturers need support to make the switch so they can walk the walk. With this grant, Rapid-Line will be able to make improvements to save energy, reduce carbon pollution, and lower costs. I\u2019m thrilled this money is coming to MI-03 \u2013 adding to the over $213M my office has helped to bring back to my district \u2013 and to strengthen our economy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-walbergs-wireless-bill-promote-american-standard-setting", "House Passes Walberg's Wireless Bill to Promote American Standard-Setting", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", "walberg", "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. -- Today, the House passed H.R. 1377, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, led by Congressional 5G and Beyond Caucus co-chairs Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Annie Kuster (D-NH). The bipartisan bill will bolster American technological leadership by bringing key leaders together and encourage U.S. participation in global standards-setting for 5G networks and for future generations of wireless communications networks.\n\n\"This critical legislation brings stakeholders together to create a unified approach to international standards-setting,\u201d said Rep. Walberg. \u201cFrom a national security and economic perspective, it is imperative that America continues to lead the world in wireless leadership. I appreciate the continued partnership of Rep. Dingell and Rep. Kuster as we work to counter adversarial influences.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe policy choices of today will have lasting effects on the global wireless technology development of tomorrow \u2014 especially as we compete against China,\" said Rep. Dingell. \"We must take concrete, proactive steps to lower barriers to entry for U.S. companies and promote American competitiveness in this space for each subsequent generation of these innovative technologies. We have bipartisan agreement that the United States must be a leader in the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies. This bill does exactly that, and I\u2019m glad it passed the House today with bipartisan support.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch Rep. Walberg's remarks.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/department-treasury-implementing-congresswoman-scholtens-clean-energy-tax", "Department of Treasury is Implementing Congresswoman Scholten\u2019s Clean Energy Tax Credit Recommendation", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Congresswoman Hillary Scholten\u2019s proposed changes to the Department of Treasury\u2019s Section 48 tax credit have been incorporated into the Department\u2019s final rule. This clarified language is a boon for clean energy producers seeking to leverage agricultural operations to establish a green economy.\n\nAfter the passage of the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a once-in-a-generation investment in our climate, Scholten noticed a shortcoming in the proposed rulemaking. To fix this, Scholten led a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Department to help farmers take advantage of this lucrative tax credit under Section 48.\n\nWith West Michigan agriculture leading on biogas production, Scholten called on Treasury to fully incentivize the development and use of lower-emissions energy produced from biogas. On December 4, 2024, Treasury issued its final rule, and the language reflects Scholten\u2019s call for proper incentives under the tax credit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-national-safety-system-for-commercial-drivers-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law", "Senator Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen National Safety System for Commercial Drivers Heads to President to Be Signed into Law", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The House recently passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to strengthen the national safety system for commercial drivers. Peters\u2019 Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), will protect funding for the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS), a crucial, nationwide computer system that ensures commercial drivers have only one license and one complete driver record. State driver licensing agencies utilize the CDLIS to complete safety procedures such as sharing out-of-state convictions and withdrawals, transferring the driver record when a commercial driver license holder moves to another state, and responding to requests for driver status and history. The bill, which unanimously passed the Senate in September, now heads to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cCDLIS is an essential system used in Michigan and nationwide to make sure commercial drivers are approved to operate on our roads. However, recent changes to its funding source could jeopardize the system\u2019s effectiveness,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m proud that this commonsense, bipartisan bill to permanently reinstate the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators\u2019 authority to operate CDLIS will soon become law. This needed step will help improve safety in the commercial driving industry, which impacts communities throughout Michigan and every state.\u201d\n\nUp until 2022, states paid fees to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to operate the system. However, a statutory review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees CDLIS, found that fees cannot legally go to AAMVA under current law. If not addressed, FMCSA will be forced to operate the program with limited available resources. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill would reinstate the previous funding structure through AAMVA to protect this critical system and ensure FMCSA is not forced to reallocate federal tax-payer dollars away from its own safety priorities to support CDLIS.\n\n\u201cAAMVA applauds the Senate for taking this crucial action on behalf of the states,\u201d said Ian Grossman, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) President and CEO. \u201cThe Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System Act provides the states with assurances that commercial motor vehicle safety is a priority and that the necessary continuity in preserving safety on the nation\u2019s roadways will be achieved. By moving this legislation, Congress reinforces the lifesaving role states play when they identify and take action against convicted drivers that should not be operating commercial vehicles under any circumstances. AAMVA thanks the Senate for its action in maintaining the essential elements of roadway safety, of which CDLIS plays an integral role.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, Peters\u2019 Strengthening the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) Act would codify existing processes for the administration of the Commercial Driver\u2019s License Information System (CDLIS) in three ways:\n\nAuthorizes the Department of Transportation to select a qualified entity to operate, collect fees for, and use fees to maintain CDLIS. The operator would remain AAMVA, and the Department of Transportation would not be charged a fee to use CDLIS.\n\nClarifies that fees paid by states would go toward the purpose of operating, maintaining, developing, modernizing, or enhancing the information system.\n\nEnsures that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is not charged for accessing CDLIS and receives quarterly reports on fee statements.\n\nPeters\u2019 bill is supported by the Michigan Department of State, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), American Trucking Associations, and the National Safety Council (NSC).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-statement-fall-assad-regime-syria", "Rep. Haley Stevens' Statement on Fall of Assad Regime in Syria", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Haley M. Stevens", "S001215", "stevens.house.gov", "stevens", "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cAs your representative in Congress, I stand with the resilient and courageous people of Syria who have endured immense suffering under the brutal dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad. The recent revelations of the extent of the atrocities committed by his regime underscore the urgent need for justice and accountability.\n\nI join in praying for stability, peace, and prosperity for Syria. The fall of Assad\u2019s dictatorship marks a significant turning point. The international community must continue to support the Syrian people in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and a brighter future.\n\nThe path to rebuilding Syria will be challenging, but it is my hope that the resilience of its people and the support of global allies will lead to a new era of hope and opportunity.\n\nLet us honor the courage of Syrians by standing firm against tyranny and working together to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-elected-chair-house-education-workforce-committee", "Walberg Elected as Chair of the House Education & the Workforce Committee", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Tim Walberg", "W000798", "walberg.house.gov", "walberg", "https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. -- Today, the House Republican Steering Committee has selected Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) as the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Workforce for the 119th Congress.\n\n\u201cHaving served under three Republican chairs of this committee, I understand both the privilege and responsibility now entrusted to me,\u201d said Rep. Walberg. \u201cWe have a unique opportunity to make substantive reforms to empower parents, incentivize workforce training, improve government efficiency, and unburden American innovators and job creators. The American people have given us a mandate to enact meaningful change and ensure future generations will succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have significant work ahead of us, from enshrining protections for parents to continuing to protect Jewish students on college campuses to rights providing more opportunity and flexibility to American workers,\u201d Walberg continued. \u201cFreedom, opportunity, and fairness will guide our work as we deliver results for America. Let\u2019s get to work!\u201d\n\nCongressman Tim Walberg has served 16 years on the House Committee on Education & the Workforce. Prior to his time in public office, Tim served as a pastor in Michigan and Indiana, as president of the Warren Reuther Center for Education and Community Impact, and as a division manager for Moody Bible Institute. He also spent time as a steelworker at U.S. Steel South Works. Before his congressional tenure, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1983 to 1999, serving on the Education Committee. Learn more at https://walberg.house.gov/.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-federal-building-security-heads-to-presidents-desk-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Building Security Heads to President\u2019s Desk to be Signed into Law", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to improve security for federal employees and members of the public who use federal buildings passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Every day, federal facilities face a wide range of threats, including active shooters, cyber-attacks, hostile surveillance, improvised explosive devices, and more. The bipartisan Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 will require federal agencies to adequately respond to security recommendations issued by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) within 90 days.\n\n\u201cMillions of dedicated federal employees and the Americans who are accessing critical government services visit federal buildings across the nation every day \u2013 and they deserve to feel safe and secure in those spaces,\u201d said Senator Peters.\u201cOnce signed into law, this bill will help ensure federal agencies are following the most up-to-date security recommendations to protect both these facilities and the people in them.\u201d\n\nMore than 9,000 federal facilities hosting 1.4 million employees and countless visitors are protected by the FPS within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While FPS plays a key role in keeping federal facilities safe, agencies can be vulnerable to security threats when they do not adopt FPS\u2019 facility security recommendations. In fiscal years 2017 through 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that FPS submitted over 25,000 facility security recommendations, yet agency facility security committees completely ignored 57 percent of those recommendations. When agencies did acknowledge the FPS guidance\u2013 they only implemented 27 percent of the recommended security measures. Chairman Peters convened a hearing in November 2023 on the growing threats to federal buildings where witnesses testified that agencies are currently ignoring more than half of FPS recommendations to improve building security.\n\nThe legislation requires federal agencies to adequately respond to security recommendations issued by FPS within 90 days. Agencies may choose to adopt or reject FPS recommendations. However, agencies must provide an explanation to DHS detailing the reasons for any rejected recommendations. The legislation also requires DHS to develop a method to monitor the responses to FPS security assessments and take reasonable actions to ensure agency responses, holding agencies accountable to adopting sound, defensible security decisions. DHS would report annually to Congress on agency responses to FPS security assessments, which would provide a regular snapshot of the threat and security landscape.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1342", "Bergman Stands for America First Bill to Bolster National Security", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Representative Jack Bergman addressed his colleagues on the House floor, urging them to advance our national security by supporting the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. In his remarks, Rep. Bergman underscored the need to put America First again as we project strength to the world - and especially to our enemies.\n\nRead his full speech below or watch here:\n\nI rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nI would like to thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in bringing this critical piece of bipartisan legislation for the national security of our nation to the floor for the 64th consecutive year.\n\nThis bill continues to provide resources and capabilities to counter our Nation\u2019s number one threat: China. The bill accomplishes this by ensuring the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and our Special Operations Forces have the tools required to execute the Department\u2019s efforts in strategic competition and in countering malign Chinese actions.\n\nThe NDAA requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a methodology to ensure strategic competition is part of force sizing analysis; enhances intelligence and counterintelligence capabilities; requires more frequent Biodefense posture reviews to ensure we can defeat and prevent biothreats; and authorizes the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative to enable Taiwan to maintain self-defense capabilities.\n\nThis is a critically important bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://mcclain.house.gov/2024/12/mcclain-votes-to-end-woke-initiatives-refocus-military-s-mission-with-passage-of-ndaa", "McClain Votes to End Woke Initiatives, Refocus Military\u2019s Mission with Passage of NDAA", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Lisa C. McClain", "M001136", "mcclain.house.gov", "mcclain", "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The annual legislation determines funding levels and priorities for our nation\u2019s military and national defense programs.\n\n\u201cWith conflict raging around the globe, we must focus on producing the most lethal fighting force in the world, not woke ideologies that divide and distract our armed forces from their core mission,\u201d said McClain. \u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA makes strategic investments so our nation is ready to defend itself against threats from our adversaries, all while making improvements for servicemembers and their families who make enormous sacrifices for our freedom each day. The defense of our nation and the security of the American people is our highest priority.\u201d\n\nThe FY25 NDAA:\n\nProvides junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% pay raise.\n\nEnables National Guard troops to support Border Patrol activities at the southern border.\n\nEliminates woke DEI initiatives and bans gender-reassignment treatment for children.\n\nBolsters defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to counter Chinese Aggression.\n\nSaves taxpayers $31 billion by slashing inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and bloated bureaucracy.\n\nThe NDAA also provides funding for key projects in Michigan\u2019s 9th District:\n\nKratos \u2013 U.S. Replacement of Engines in Aerial Targets.\n\nJVIS \u2013 Creation of Advanced Technologies for Next-Generation Combat Vehicles.\n\nGM Defense \u2013 Procurement of Infantry Squad Vehicles for the U.S. Army.\n\nGeneral Dynamics \u2013 Stryker Combat Vehicle Improvement Program.\n\nHoneywell \u2013 Development of Next-Generation Engine for Abrams Tank.\n\nBAE Systems \u2013 Procurement of Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle.\n\nRiccardo Defense \u2013 Production of Combat Vehicle Safety Kit.\n\nMichigan State University \u2013 Development of Autonomous Infantry/Ground Vehicles.\n\nWatch McClain\u2019s full remarks on the 2025 NDAA during floor debate, here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-support-servicemembers-and-protect-american-people", "Moolenaar Votes To Support Servicemembers and Protect American People", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted for legislation that will strengthen America\u2019s national security and increase resources for servicemembers and their families. The bill, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act authorizes policies and programs for the Department of Defense and provides junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% raise.\n\n\u201cThis legislation is a significant commitment to our brave men and women in uniform and refocuses military leadership on its mission to defend the American people and deter military aggression posed by our foremost adversary, the Chinese Communist Party. The bill, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act provides junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% raise, takes action to remove Chinese-made drones from our skies, and protects American fundamental research from CCP cooptation, all while cutting $31 billion in inefficient programs, saving valuable taxpayer money. I\u2019m proud to support this bill, and I look forward to seeing additional important national security legislation, like the BIOSECURE Act and outbound investment restrictions, on the House floor in the coming weeks.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/joint-release-scholten-and-stauber-lead-bipartisan-letter-preserve-our-great", "JOINT RELEASE: Scholten and Stauber Lead Bipartisan Letter to Preserve Our Great Lakes", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Representatives Hillary Scholten (MI-03) and Peter Stauber (MN-8) have joined forces to write a bipartisan letter calling on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure to hold a markup on H.R. 7257, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 (GLRI). GLRI aims to ensure safe water for recreation and drinking, eliminate invasive species\u2014including harmful algal blooms\u2014and protect and restore native habitats.\n\n\u201cWhen seeking ways to preserve our natural treasures, doing so without breaking the bank is top of mind for this frugal Dutch mom,\u201d said Scholten. \u201cThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is crucial to protecting Lake Michigan\u2019s ecosystem\u2013and the economy that depends on its cleanliness \u2013 and is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Every dollar of GLRI funding results in approximately $3.35 in economic activity. That\u2019s an incredible return on investment for this kind of program.! The common-sense nature of this bill makes it easy to find common ground, so I am proud I can work with my Republican colleague\u2013Mr. Stauber\u2013to advocate for the program\u2019s extension.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-meets-with-intended-homeland-security-secretary-nominee-kristi-noem-to-discuss-michigan-and-national-security-priorities", "Peters Meets with Intended Homeland Security Secretary Nominee Kristi Noem to Discuss Michigan and National Security Priorities", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after meeting with Governor Kristi Noem, President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:\n\n\u201cAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am focused on strengthening the safety and security of Michigan communities. Today, I met with Governor Noem, where we discussed our shared commitment to keeping our nation safe, Michigan\u2019s unique security needs and the most pressing national security threats facing our homeland.\n\n\u201cI pressed Governor Noem for her commitment to ensure that, if confirmed, she will make security at our Northern Border a priority along with the Department\u2019s ongoing efforts to address needs at the Southern Border, including by continuing to build on the Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. We also discussed the work underway to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge next year and expand the customs plaza at the Blue Water Bridge, which represents two of the nation\u2019s busiest trade corridors, and the need for the Department to provide adequate staffing at these ports of entry.\n\n\u201cI also raised concerns I have heard from my constituents about the Department\u2019s travel screening processes, the need to increase transparency and accountability around these screenings, and the need to reform the redress process to provide Americans with a meaningful path to resolve their travel concerns. It is essential that the Department prioritize these reforms to ensure that the programs are effective in protecting our national security and the civil liberties of Americans.\n\n\u201cFinally, we discussed the importance of countering rapidly evolving threats, including cyber-attacks and the threats posed by unmanned drones. I appreciate Governor Noem\u2019s willingness to have an open discussion about these and other homeland security issues, and I look forward to learning more about how she intends to lead the Department through the course of her confirmation process.\u201d\n\nDuring today\u2019s meeting, Peters also pressed Governor Noem on how she would lead the Department through some of the reported policy changes that President-elect Trump is considering, including mass immigration enforcement policies that could lead to families being separated.\n\nThis week, Peters announced that his bipartisan legislation to strengthen Northern Border security was included as a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which the House and Senate are currently working to pass. The provision, based on Peters\u2019 bipartisan Northern Border Coordination Act, expands the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center. Peters secured $3 million in March to establish and operate this Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.\n\nLast December, Peters released a report identifying how screening practices at airports that build on and expand beyond the terror watchlist have ballooned over time. Peters\u2019 report found that these practices, which repeatedly ensnare travelers who may pose no danger to national security, could be diverting critical counterterrorism resources away from identifying other serious security threats.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-questions-dc-mayor-capitals-ties-ccp", "Moolenaar Questions DC Mayor on Capital's Ties to the CCP", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman John Moolenaar questioned Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, D.C., about the District\u2019s troubling sister city relationship with Beijing. The questioning came as Bowser appeared before a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee\u2019s Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, which provides funding to the federal district. In response to Moolenaar\u2019s questioning, the mayor promised to review the district\u2019s sister-city relationship with Beijing.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s capital should be a celebration of our nation\u2019s founding principles and the inalienable rights we enjoy as Americans. Having a sister city relationship with Beijing is a betrayal of those values and the District should end this relationship immediately. I hope that one day the liberties we enjoy as Americans will be enjoyed by the Chinese people, but until that day comes, Washington D.C. should stand for freedom and not with the Chinese Communist Party,\u201d said Moolenaar, after the hearing.\n\nWashington, D.C. and Beijing first established a sister city relationship in 1984.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-provision-in-national-defense-bill-to-support-northern-border-security-operations", "Peters Secures Provision in National Defense Bill to Support Northern Border Security Operations", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters secured his bipartisan legislation to strengthen Northern Border security as a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which the House and Senate are currently working to pass. The provision, based on Peters\u2019 bipartisan Northern Border Coordination Act, expands the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center. Peters secured $3 million in March to establish and operate this Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.\n\n\u201cThe Northern Border Mission Center will help strengthen our Northern Border security by supporting current Department of Homeland Security operations, including personnel training and testing for new border security technologies right here in Michigan,\u201d said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. \u201cThis Center will be a critical tool to help the Department of Homeland Security better track threats along the Northern Border, including illicit drug trafficking and the rise of illegal drone use across the border. After securing the funding needed to launch the Center earlier this year, I\u2019m pleased to have secured this provision in the annual national defense bill to expand the Center\u2019s role and further cement its future as a key component in homeland security efforts. Most importantly, I\u2019m proud this Center will help ensure Selfridge Air National Guard Base continues to play a pivotal role in our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base will be an epicenter where our service women and men, civilian personnel and public safety professionals will continue to protect our borders and our freedoms for years to come. Thank you, Senator Peters, for your continued work to establish and expand the Center\u2019s important role at Selfridge to improve our Northern Border security,\u201d said Mark Hackel, Macomb County Executive.\n\n\u201cThis is great news. The Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base will help meet the need for additional attention to boost national security at our Northern Border, and it will be an excellent addition to the various components at Selfridge. We applaud Senator Peters for his advocacy and diligence on the importance of the Northern Border in our nation\u2019s defense. This important mission will be embraced by Selfridge and open our community to other opportunities for border security efforts,\u201d said Candice S. Miller, the Macomb County Public Works commissioner and former member of Congress who is an honorary commander at Selfridge and member of the Air and Space Forces Civic Leaders Program.\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act, which sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD), has been signed into law for more than 60 consecutive years. Peters\u2019 provision in the legislation requires DHS to establish and expand the duties of the Northern Border Mission Center, to be collocated with an existing U.S. Border Patrol sector headquarters, an Air and Marine Operations Branch, and a U.S. Coast Guard air station, and other existing DHS activities at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Center will serve as a coordination mechanism for implementing, evaluating, and updating the Northern Border Security Strategy, and any successor strategy. It also requires the Center to serve as a training location for personnel, act as a testing ground for border security technology, and to support counter-unmanned aircraft systems along the Northern Border. The Center will support DHS\u2019s ongoing border security work to address the evolving threats and challenges at the Northern Border, including the bi-directional flow of illicit drugs, like fentanyl, and other contraband, as well as human smuggling and trafficking. Transnational criminal organizations continually adapt their drug smuggling methods to evade U.S. law enforcement.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-d-mi-introduces-legislation-address-major-disparities", "Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) Introduces Legislation to Address the Major Disparities in Research on Thyroid Disorders Which Affect 1 in 8 American Women", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Haley M. Stevens", "S001215", "stevens.house.gov", "stevens", "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Wednesday, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the Thyroid Disease CARE Act and hosted a press conference on the House steps to raise awareness about the disparities in the research and treatment of thyroid disorders which disproportionately affect women.\n\n\u201c1 in 8 American women will develop thyroid issues in their lifetimes,\u201d said Rep. Haley Stevens (D- MI). \u201cThat\u2019s why I introduced the Thyroid Disease CARE Act this week - to infuse $30 million in research funding through the Department of Health and Human Services to explore why women are disproportionately impacted by thyroid disease. Health issues specific to or more prevalent in women have historically been overlooked and under researched and with women making up more than half the population, it\u2019s high time to right this wrong.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a physician who treats thyroid disorders and sees their impact on patients' lives, I understand the need for greater insight into their causes and for advances in our tools to diagnose and treat them. More funding for thyroid research is long overdue.\u201d said Dr. Paul Ladenson. \u201cThat\u2019s why I was thrilled to join Congresswoman Haley Stevens this week at the U.S. Capitol in support of the Thyroid Disease CARE Act. It\u2019s time for more Federal resources to be directed to understanding and managing a set of diseases that affect so many Americans, especially women.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a thyroid cancer survivor, I know very deeply the urgent need for research into thyroid disease,\u201d said Bryn Silverman, advocate and filmmaker. \u201cSo often our experiences as people living with thyroid disease are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all; our quality of life is undervalued and our symptoms are overlooked. The Thyroid Disease CARE Act has the potential to change thousands of people\u2019s lives and expand the vocabulary we as patients have to make informed decisions about our healthcare.\u201d\n\nWatch the press conference in full here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-shri-thanedar-condemns-trumps-call-to-end-birthright-citizenship", "Rep. Shri Thanedar Condemns Trump's Call to End Birthright Citizenship", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Shri Thanedar", "T000488", "thanedar.house.gov", "thanedar", "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) issued a strong condemnation of former President Donald Trump\u2019s proposal to end birthright citizenship in the United States. The right to citizenship by birth is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and has long been a cornerstone of America\u2019s identity as a nation of immigrants.\n\n\u201cBirthright citizenship is not just a policy \u2014 it\u2019s a constitutional right,\u201d said Congressman Thanedar. \u201cAs someone who came to this country with very little and worked hard to achieve the American Dream, I understand how critical this protection is. Denying children born in the U.S. their citizenship would be an attack on the very fabric of our democracy.\u201d\n\nCongressman Thanedar, an immigrant from India who became a U.S. citizen in 1988, has spent his career advocating for immigrant rights, equal opportunity, and preserving fundamental American values. He emphasized that eliminating birthright citizenship would upend the lives of millions of families and erode the principles that make the United States a beacon of hope for people around the world.\n\n\u201cOur country is built on the promise that anyone, regardless of their background, can come here, work hard, and succeed. We must reject any attempt to undermine that promise,\u201d Thanedar said.\n\nThe Congressman remains committed to defending constitutional protections and ensuring that America continues to be a land of opportunity for all.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-secure-government-buildings-from-foreign-adversaries", "Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Government Buildings from Foreign Adversaries", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to help ensure federal agencies are better able to prevent unauthorized access to buildings leased by the federal government has passed the Senate. The Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act will require the federal government to assess whether property located near federally leased space could provide opportunities for espionage attempts, cyber-attacks, or unauthorized access. The legislation builds off a law authored by Peters in 2020 that required the federal government to determine if office space it leases is owned by foreign entities.\n\n\"Federal agencies often store sensitive materials in office buildings. By ensuring the government is vigilant about security threats to these physical spaces, we can strengthen national security and prevent foreign adversaries and other malicious actors from stealing critical information,\" said Senator Peters.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly raised concerns that federal agencies are vulnerable to espionage and other intrusions because individuals could exploit security loopholes to gain unauthorized access to spaces used for classified operations or to store sensitive data. The senators\u2019 legislation would ensure there is government-wide guidance for agencies to ensure spaces located near high-security leased federal properties do not pose a threat to the safety and security of sensitive materials.\n\nThe Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to coordinate an interagency study with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and other relevant federal agencies to establish a security assessment process on space adjacent to high-security space leased by the federal government. The process would be used to screen for potential risks in occupancies and help secure sensitive office space.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-bill-block-biden-tax-credits-adversaries-introduced-senate", "Moolenaar Bill to Block Biden Tax Credits for Adversaries Introduced in Senate", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman John Moolenaar\u2019s bipartisan House legislation to block the Biden Administration from giving money to companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party was introduced in the Senate by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Rick Scott (R-FL). The legislation blocks the Biden administration\u2019s recently finalized Treasury Department rule on 45X production tax credits from being implemented. The rule, which was completed by the department in October, allows companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to receive American tax dollars for producing battery components.\n\n\u201cMy legislation will protect American taxpayers and stop their tax dollars from going to the Chinese Communist Party. I welcome my Senate colleagues support for this commonsense legislation. It is unfortunate that the Biden Treasury Department would allow billions of taxpayer dollars to flow to CCP-affiliated companies. This legislation will stop the Treasury\u2019s rule and protect the American people,\u201d said Moolenaar.\n\nThe legislation utilizes the Congressional Review Act, which gives Congress the authority to stop regulations issued by the executive branch. If the legislation is passed by the house and Senate and signed by the President within 60 days of the rule being finalized, it would be blocked.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1341", "Bergman Joins Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Representative Jack Bergman announced that he has joined the House Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, furthering his effort to cut waste, fraud, and abuse within the government. The Caucus will work hand-in-hand with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, advancing their efforts through Congress once President Trump is sworn in on January 20th.\n\nRep. Bergman issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cCutting wasteful government spending has been my heartbeat since coming to Congress. If we do not get our spending under control, we will cease to be a country - and identifying and cutting waste and misused government funds is the perfect place to start. Americans are fed up with Washington\u2019s gluttonous spending addiction. I\u2019m proud to join this team as we renew our commitment and efforts to identify and scale back unnecessary government spending and get our Nation back on a fiscally responsible path.\u201d\n\nLast year, Rep. Bergman was appointed by Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington to serve as the House Budget Committee Oversight Chairman.\n\nIn this role, Rep. Bergman has worked to identify waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government and under Chairman Arrington\u2019s leadership, he has laid the groundwork for the new Republican trifecta to make greater change. Bergman paved the way to begin restoring accountability, transparency, and integrity to Washington\u2019s spending habits.\n\nYou can read more about the need for reform and accountability in Rep. Bergman\u2019s opinion piece here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://mcclain.house.gov/2024/12/mcclain-praises-court-ruling-to-halt-treasury-rule-impacting-millions-of-small-businesses", "McClain Praises Court Ruling to Halt Treasury Rule Impacting Millions of Small Businesses", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Lisa C. McClain", "M001136", "mcclain.house.gov", "mcclain", "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Following today\u2019s ruling in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to block the rollout of rushed reporting rules by the U.S. Treasury Department, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe decision out of Texas is a massive win for America\u2019s small businesses, and I am thankful there will be adequate time to clarify the guidelines and properly inform businesses how to ratify their legitimacy,\u201d said McClain. \u201cMillions of small businesses were close to being subjected to burdensome penalties because of the complicated reporting requirements hastily set forth by the Treasury Department. The Court\u2019s decision upholds Congressional intent for a two-year rollout after the effective date of the regulations.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn November, McClain led 43 of her House colleagues in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki, demanding a delay in implementing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).\n\nThe letter sought to grant small businesses additional time to understand and comply with the reporting requirements.\n\nThe CTA, which passed the House in 2021, was designed to target shell companies engaged in illicit transactions.\n\nWithout delaying requirements under the CTA, the measure would subject millions of small businesses to penalties, fines, and even jail time for not properly filing the information required under regulations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gotion-parent-company-partners-ccp-university-tied-chinese-military", "Gotion Parent Company Partners with CCP University Tied to Chinese Military", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Gotion High-Tech, the parent company of Gotion Inc., has announced a partnership with Tsinghua University in Beijing, an institution with close ties to China\u2019s People\u2019s Liberation Army, cyberattacks, and the genocide of Uyghurs in northwest China.\n\n\u201cGotion High-Tech is partnering with a university that helps China\u2019s military. This is a dangerous partnership that will actively work against America and it is another example of how Gotion is a tool for the CCP to advance its own interests against the United States. This shows yet again that Gotion is a bad business partner for Michigan and it should not be allowed to build a factory in our state,\u201d said Congressman John Moolenaar.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-scholtens-bill-honor-late-captain-miguel-justin-nava-passes-house", "Rep. Scholten\u2019s Bill to Honor the Late Captain Miguel Justin Nava Passes House", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Scholten\u2019s bill, H.R. 9285, passed the United States House of Representatives. The bill would designate the Comstock Park Post Office as the \u201cCaptain Miguel Justin Nava Post Office.\u201d\n\nCaptain Nava was a widely admired and respected member of the Comstock Park community, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and a decorated Marine officer. He was tragically killed in a helicopter training exercise in February of this year while serving his country. To honor Captain Nava and his family, Scholten introduced the bill to rename the post office.\n\n\u201cCaptain Nava left a lasting impact on his community and all the people he loved. Renaming this post office is a way to cement his legacy and ensure our community has a permanent reminder of a great man, a stand-up West Michigander, and an American hero,\u201d said Scholten. \u201cI am honored to have introduced this bill and advocated for its passage. It is the least I could do for a man who gave everything for his country and his Gold Star family. As the legislative term comes to a close, I am urging my Senate colleagues to swiftly pass this legislation and provide Captain Nava the enduring honor that he deserves for his service to our nation.\u201d\n\nScholten led a moment of silence for Captain Nava and his fellow Marines earlier this year. She joined the Nava Family in welcoming his body back to Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Throughout the time she has championed the bill, her office received an outpouring of support from both the Comstock Park community and local veterans advocates.\n\nThe bill now moves onto the Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-equip-female-dhs-officers-with-next-generation-body-armor-technology", "Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Equip Female DHS Officers with Next Generation Body Armor Technology", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters to provide next generation body armor tailored to best meet the coverage, fit, and functionality needs of female law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has passed the Senate. Recent ballistic testing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified that body armor typically used by DHS officers can allow bullets to deflect off the chest of the armor and hit the throat area, leaving female officers, and some male officers, vulnerable. The bill would require all agencies under DHS to provide law enforcement personnel with appropriately fitting improved ballistic body armor to keep them safe. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the House for consideration.\n\n\u201cLaw enforcement officers deserve protective body armor that keeps them as safe as they keep us. My bill will ensure that all officers, regardless of gender or body type, will have access to the most advanced and effective safety equipment,\u201d said Senator Peters.\n\nIn 2022, the FBI conducted ballistic testing using updated procedures and improved body molds that accounted for different body types. The testing found that the commonly used body armor, when tested on female and certain male molds, was vulnerable to a bullet, or other projectile, ricocheting off the top center of the front armor panel and into the throat area, which could kill an officer. Since the testing, improved ballistic body armor has been created and is available, but DHS does not provide this potentially life-saving body armor to their officers.\n\nThe bipartisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act would require all agencies under DHS to provide their female law enforcement officers, and any law enforcement personnel, with improved ballistic body armor to better protect them in the line of duty.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1340", "Bergman, Correa Secure Victory with Breakthrough Treatments for Veterans, Servicemembers", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will fund a $1.5 million study on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and alcohol use disorder among Veterans. This announcement was made following an August 2nd letter from Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), Representative Lou Correa (D-CA), and 58 other Members of Congress, in which the lawmakers urged the VA to address the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide epidemic among Veterans and Servicemembers. The Representatives had implored the Biden Administration to research and make available new and better treatment options like MDMA-assisted therapy for those Veterans and Servicemembers suffering from the invisible wounds of service.\n\nThe study, which will be conducted by VA researchers affiliated with Brown University and Yale University, will be the first VA-funded study for psychedelic-assisted therapy since the 1960s. This announcement came after more than two years of engagement and advocacy by Reps. Bergman and Correa, who co-founded the bipartisan Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus in 2022 to improve lawmakers\u2019 understanding of this rapidly evolving field of research and advocate for safe and efficacious treatments for Veterans suffering from PTSD.\n\nIn 2023, their amendment to the VA spending bill \u2013 which would direct VA to conduct a large-scale study into MDMA-assisted therapy to treat PTSD \u2013 was approved unanimously on the House floor. This effort showed clear Congressional support for further VA research into psychedelics and opened the door for today\u2019s announcement.\n\n\u201cThis is a huge step in the right direction,\u201d Rep. Bergman stated. \u201cI applaud the VA for moving the ball forward in this fight to help those who so desperately need these breakthrough therapies. I\u2019ve said it before and I\u2019ll say it again, if psychedelic-assisted therapy can help treat a Servicemember or Veteran\u2019s PTSD or prevent them from taking their own life, then we owe it to them to take an active role in researching these potentially life-saving therapies. I\u2019m grateful for Secretary McDonough\u2019s commitment to this cause and to our Nation\u2019s heroes.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement from the VA is nothing short of monumental,\u201d Correa said. \u201cFor years, Rep. Bergman and I have been pushing the Department to research the impact of breakthrough therapies, like psychedelics, on the invisible wounds of our country\u2019s most valiant warriors. And just last year, the House passed our amendment to do so. That\u2019s real progress.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese therapies. like MDMA, promise to be one of the largest breakthroughs in mental health treatment in nearly half a century, and show potential to cure our veterans of their invisible wounds. I\u2019m so proud to be in this fight alongside General Bergman,\u201d Correa concluded. \"We won\u2019t rest until these potentially life-saving therapies are accessible to all who would benefit from them.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter from Secretary McDonough here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-scholten-joins-congressional-food-safety-caucus", "Rep. Scholten Joins Congressional Food Safety Caucus", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) has joined the Congressional Food Safety Caucus. The caucus, chaired by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, aims to centralize food safety, decrease foodborne illness and outbreaks, and increase inspection of imported foods. More information about the caucus is available here.\n\n\u201cFood is medicine, and our food cannot nourish our bodies if it makes us sick,\u201d said Scholten. \u201cOversight over our nation\u2019s food safety has become increasingly fragmented, resulting in more recalls and outbreaks. This is not sustainable. We must increase inspections and enforcement to keep our food supply chains running and keep American families healthy. I am proud to join the Food Safety Caucus and work alongside my colleagues to forge these much-needed changes.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-senator-peters-featured-in-new-tv-segment-on-national-center-of-expertise-peters-established-to-protect-the-great-lakes-from-potential-oil-spills", "ICYMI: Senator Peters Featured in New TV Segment on National Center of Expertise Peters Established to Protect the Great Lakes From Potential Oil Spills", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) was recently featured in a new TV segment produced by Detroit PBS and Great Lakes Now, a public media program covering issues affecting the future of the Great Lakes. The segment highlights the critical work of the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise, which Peters established in 2018 through legislation he authored and passed into law. Peters created the Great Lakes Center of Expertise to study the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses to protect the Great Lakes from a potential spill, given current oil spill response technologies are primarily designed for saltwater environments.\n\nDetroit PBS / Great Lakes Now: Oil Spills and Buried Rivers\n\nClick HERE or on the image above to watch the segment.\n\nPeters led the effort to establish the Great Lakes Center of Expertise after the then-Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard told Peters at a committee hearing in 2017 that the agency was not prepared for an oil spill in the Great Lakes, saying that more science and research was needed. After establishing the Great Lakes Center of Expertise, Peters successfully secured $4.5 million in total to kick-start the initiative. Peters then announced that the Great Lakes Center of Expertise would be dual headquartered in Michigan at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor to maximize its research and operational capabilities. Peters led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Center for Freshwater Research and Education at LSSU, which is home to the Center of Expertise, in 2022. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has continued to advocate for additional funding to support the Great Lakes Center of Expertise\u2019s work.\n\nThe Great Lakes Center of Expertise is responsible for identifying gaps in Great Lakes oil spill research, including providing assessments of major scientific or technological deficiencies in responses to past spills in the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies, and seeking to fill those gaps, as well as monitoring and assessing the current state of knowledge regarding freshwater oil spill response technologies. The center also conducts research, development, testing, and evaluation for freshwater oil spill response equipment, technologies, and techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in the Great Lakes. It helps to train first responders on the federal, state, and local level on the incident command structure system and response technologies and strategies. Finally, the center is responsible for working with academic and the private sector to develop and standardize maritime oil spill response training.\n\nPeters has made protecting the Great Lakes one of his top priorities in the U.S. Senate. In 2019, Peters secured a bipartisan provision that was signed into law to provide the first-ever increase in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) since the program was established. In 2020, Peters authored the law to reauthorize and expand the GLRI. Peters also helped enact the single-largest-ever investment in the GLRI through the bipartisan infrastructure law to accelerate the restoration of nine high-priority areas in Michigan whose lakes, rivers and watersheds flow into the Great Lakes. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to update the Environmental Sensitivity Maps for the Great Lakes was signed into law in 2021. The new maps provide more accurate assessments of coastal resources that are at risk of severe damage or a natural disaster, including endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats, and widely used community resources such as beaches, parks, and boat ramps.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-advance-us-manufacturing-policy-and-competitiveness", "Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters\u2019 (MI) bipartisan legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Peters\u2019 National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act \u2013 which he reintroduced with U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mike Braun (R-IN) \u2013 would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy.\n\nThe National Manufacturing Advisory Council would be made up of manufacturers, labor representatives, and academic experts. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce. The Advisory Council would then advise the Secretary of Commerce and Congress annually on how to ensure the U.S. remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing by providing lawmakers with a national strategic plan \u2013 including recommendations to address workforce issues, supply chain interruptions, and other logistical and emerging challenges.\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that the United States remains a global powerhouse for advanced manufacturing to continue to drive economic growth and outcompete countries like China,\u201d said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and experts in the industry to help strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming years.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation\u2019s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfast, unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,\u201d said Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senator Gary Peters for leading this bill to improve the federal government\u2019s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,\u201d said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. \u201cRecent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) applauds the Senate's passage of the National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act, and commends Sen. Gary Peters and Sen. Marco Rubio for their continued bipartisan leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,\u201d said Kip Eideberg, AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. \u201cOur economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe commend Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for passing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,\u201d said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). \u201cThis council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and global and domestic trends. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.\u201d\n\nThe Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year to advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that affect manufacturing and would propose solutions to problems facing manufacturers in the United States. Specifically, the Advisory Council would be required to:\n\nIDENTIFY AND ASSESS the impacts of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging defense needs on the manufacturing competitiveness of the United States.\n\nSOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing.\n\nPROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary regarding global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on areas to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing \u2013 as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of burgeoning technology and worker training and education priorities.\n\nIDENTIFY REGULATORY ISSUES encountered by the domestic manufacturing sector and provide advice to the Secretary on how to mitigate issues by fostering a favorable environment for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.\n\nPeters\u2019 National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act is also supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC). American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), and Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).\n\nPeters has made strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains a top priority. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and create good-paying American jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally authorized increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis, and create millions of American jobs.\n\nIn May 2024, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act to help strengthen federal efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and support American workers. Last year, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-on-veterans-day-senator-peters-presents-military-medals-to-mid-michigan-gold-star-family-of-vietnam-veteran-at-saginaw-valley-state-university", "PHOTOS: On Veterans Day, Senator Peters Presents Military Medals to Mid-Michigan Gold Star Family of Vietnam Veteran at Saginaw Valley State University", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 On Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) presented a Mid-Michigan Gold Star family with several military medals awarded to their late father, Captain James McClain, for his service in the Vietnam War. After serving in the Michigan National Guard, Captain McClain enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a Civic Action Advisor in the U.S. Army\u2019s 7th Infantry Division in South Vietnam from February to July of 1964, where he helped build roads and provide support to local innocent civilians impacted by the war. Captain McClain was tragically killed when he and fellow servicemembers were ambushed by Viet Cong forces while returning from a mission. Captain McClain was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his service, as well as the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam National Order Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman Badge, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.\n\n\u201cCaptain McClain was a true American hero. He risked and ultimately gave his life in service to our nation and democracy, and he did so while seeking to build connection and understanding between two peoples,\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \u201cThis Veterans Day, I am honored to help recognize his profound bravery and selflessness, as well as the sacrifices of his family.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are honored to have been given the opportunity to welcome Captain McClain\u2019s family and to see his service medals awarded on campus,\u201d said SVSU President George Grant Jr. \u201cWe are home to many military-affiliated students at SVSU, and ceremonies such as this remind us of the value and importance of their military service to our nation.\u201d\n\nCaptain McClain\u2019s daughter contacted Peters\u2019 office for assistance acquiring her family\u2019s Gold Star Lapel Button, through which the office discovered and shared her father\u2019s numerous accolades from the service. During the event, Peters presented Captain McClain\u2019s daughter with his military medals, as well as the Gold Star Lapel Button, to recognize both his heroic service to our nation and the profound sacrifices made by his family.\n\nThe ceremony was held at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in conjunction with the SVSU\u2019s annual Veterans Day Breakfast, which recognizes SVSU students, staff, and faculty who have served or are currently serving in the United States. In October, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) awarded SVSU its new Education Innovator Award for the university\u2019s exceptional support of military-affiliated students. Peters also released a video statement to commemorate Veterans Day.\n\nTo download photos from the ceremony, click HERE.\n\nAs the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation\u2019s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. In 2022, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act \u2013 which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans \u2013 and their survivors \u2013 for the first time in our nation\u2019s history. As of August 2024, nearly 43,000 veterans across Michigan have applied for the benefits made available under this law.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual defense legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan\u2019s military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation\u2019s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-scholten-announces-117m-grant-ferrysburgs-smiths-bayou-bridge", "Rep. Scholten Announces $11.7M Grant for Ferrysburg\u2019s \u201cSmith\u2019s Bayou Bridge\u201d", "2024-11-10", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GRAND RAPIDS, MI \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-03) announced an $11.7M federal investment for the City of Ferrysburg\u2019s \u201cSmith\u2019s Bayou Bridge\u201d through the DOT\u2019s Federal Highway Administration. The bridge has been closed since the city council voted to close it in 2019 due to safety concerns. It was the only West Michigan project awarded funding from the $34.2M Federal Highway Administration grant to Michigan and received the highest amount of project funding in the state, by more than double.\n\n\u201cFor five years, the city of Ferrysburg has been struggling without a critical piece of infrastructure. The price tag to fix the superstructure the right way, is simply too large for a local community to carry on its own\u2013it\u2019s up to state and federal partners to prioritize these types of projects, and that\u2019s exactly what I did,\u201d said Congresswoman Scholten. \u201cI have tirelessly advocated for this federal assistance and I am thrilled that help is finally on the way, to ensure the safety and economic prosperity not only for Ferrysburg and the tri-cities region, but the entire West Michigan economy. Fortifying our bridges is one way to build a better, safer future for the next generation of Michiganders.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-peters-releases-statement-ahead-of-veterans-day", "VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of Veterans Day", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today released a video to honor Veterans Day on Monday, November 11th, 2024.?\n\n\u201cThroughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life. Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cAs we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes.\u201d\n\nClick here for video of his remarks and see below the text as delivered:\n\n\u201cThroughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life.\n\n\u201cVeterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.\n\n\u201cAnd as we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes.\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to ensure that veterans have access to the benefits that they have earned, including access to quality health care, education and workforce opportunities and a dignified burial.\n\n\u201cMy father was a World War II veteran. His service inspired me to join the United States Navy Reserve when I was honored to serve alongside dedicated men and women and eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.\n\n\u201cSupporting our nation's veterans is personal to me. So to all of our nation's veterans, thank you. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. I will never stop working to fulfill the promises we made to you and to your families.\n\n\u201cGod bless you. God bless all those currently serving, and God bless the United States of America.\u201d\n\nAs the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation\u2019s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. Last year, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act \u2013 which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans \u2013 and their survivors \u2013 for the first time in our nation\u2019s history. As of August of 2024, nearly 43,000 veterans across Michigan have applied for the benefits made available under this law.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual defense legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan\u2019s military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation\u2019s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://mcclain.house.gov/2024/11/mcclain-colleagues-demand-treasury-department-delay-potentially-harmful-reporting-requirement", "McClain, Colleagues Demand Treasury Department Delay Potentially Harmful Reporting Requirement", "2024-11-05", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Lisa C. McClain", "M001136", "mcclain.house.gov", "mcclain", "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) with several House colleagues requested a delay from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA, which passed the House in 2021, includes complex obligations that businesses must report significant occupational data and sensitive personal information. Without delay, the reporting deadline which runs afoul of Congressional intent will subject millions of small businesses to penalties, fines, and even jail time.\n\n\u201cWhile CTA intends to target shell corporations engaged in illicit transactions, its language actually targets all legal entities with less than $5 million in annual revenues and less than 20 employees \u2013 in other words, every small business in the United States,\u201d the Members of Congress wrote. \u201cFailure to comply can result in fines of over $590 per day, as well as felony charges and up to two years imprisonment. [The Treasury Department\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network] FinCEN reported estimates that more than 32 million such entities will be affected by the new law just this year, with an additional 6 million each subsequent year as new businesses are formed.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the meantime, a paperwork violation that includes large fines and jailtime is devasting to America\u2019s small business owners simply trying to make ends meet. We ask that you delay CTA\u2019s implementation date to comply with the intent of the law and allow the legalities, distribution of information and complicated reporting requirements to be clarified,\u201d the Members of Congress continued.\n\nThis letter comes after FinCEN reported that it has only received 10 percent of the required submissions from affected businesses.\n\nRep. McClain was joined by Rep. Donald G. Davis (D-N.C.), Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.), Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-Wash.), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Rep. Randy Weber Sr. (R-Texas), Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), Rep. Harriet M. Hageman (R-Wyo.), Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.), Rep. John R. Moolenaar (R-Mich.), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Rep. James R. Baird (R-Ind.), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Rep. Earl L. \u201cBuddy\u201d Carter (R-Ga.), Rep. Neal P. Dunn M.D. (R-Fla.), Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio), Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Rep. Jodey C. Arrington (R-Texas), Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Rep. Frank D. Lucas (R-Okla.), Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas), Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Rep. Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1324", "Bergman Reminds Constituents of Voting Options", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Jack Bergman reminded First District constituents of absentee return and early in-person voting options, as mail delays have caused issues for clerks and voters.\n\n\u201cVoting is a fundamental right we have as Americans. As we near Election Day, concerned constituents and clerks have reached out to our office citing weeks-long postal delays of absentee ballots being delivered or returned. It\u2019s imperative that every legal vote is counted in Michigan, so I encourage all who may still have an absentee ballot in-hand to deliver that directly to your clerk and be sure your vote is counted. Additionally, if you have not received a requested ballot, early in-person voting is still open until Sunday,\" Rep. Bergman stated.\n\nBergman blasted Postmaster General Dejoy, \u201cWith just three days until the most important election of our lifetime, the U.S. Postal Service has once again failed our rural and remote communities. Hundreds of absentee ballots across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula remain undelivered, effectively disenfranchising these voters and leaving them few options to make their voices heard and votes count. For months, my colleagues and I have sounded the alarm on Postmaster General DeJoy\u2019s ill-conceived facility consolidation plan and its severe impacts on rural America. Yet, these warnings were ignored. Congress must hold the Postal Service accountable for this failure at once.\u201d\n\nIf you have received your absentee ballot but have not turned it in, here are some helpful options provided by the State of Michigan:\n\nReturn and submit an absentee ballot on Election Day\n\nVoters can bring their completed absentee ballot to their precinct to insert directly into a tabulator.\n\nThe election inspector must verify that a voter is in the correct location and that the ballot has been issued to the correct voter.\n\nOnce this information is confirmed, voters will receive a secrecy sleeve and can insert their completed absentee ballot into the tabulator, just like at a polling place on Election Day.\n\nReturn and submit an absentee ballot at an early voting site\n\nVoters can bring their completed absentee ballot to their early voting site to insert directly into a tabulator.\n\nThe election inspector must verify that a voter is in the correct location and that the ballot has been issued to the correct voter.\n\nOnce this information is confirmed, voters will receive a secrecy sleeve and can insert their completed absentee ballot into the tabulator, just like at a polling place on Election Day.\n\nReturn and submit an absentee ballot at a local clerk\u2019s office\n\nVoters can return their completed and signed absentee ballot in person to their local clerk\u2019s office.\n\nEligible voters who are not currently registered to vote in Michigan, or who have not updated their registration with a current address in Michigan, have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to visit their local clerk\u2019s office to register to vote or update their registration address and request an absentee ballot to complete and submit on site.\n\nSo long as an eligible resident is in line at their clerk\u2019s office by 8 p.m., they may register to vote or update their registration and cast an absentee ballot.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-following-months-of-advocacy-peters-applauds-dhs-decision-to-designate-lebanon-for-temporary-protected-status", "ICYMI: Following Months of Advocacy, Peters Applauds DHS Decision to Designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauds the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) decision to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 11,000 Lebanese individuals currently in the United States. This decision follows months of advocacy by Peters calling on DHS to take this action that will allow Lebanese nationals who are approved to remain safely in the United States due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region.\n\n\u201cThe concerning and rapidly changing situation in Lebanon presents a serious safety risk for the many Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis announcement is very welcomed news. I pressed the Administration to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status to ensure that the nearly 11,000 workers, students and tourists will be able to remain safely in the United States and work legally to support themselves and their families during the ongoing conflict in the region.\u201d\n\nPeters previously sent a letter in June and in early October urging the Administration to make the TPS designation. Following Peters\u2019 first letter, the Administration authorized Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals in the United States. DHS then issued guidance outlining the application process for eligible individuals to apply for DED-based employment authorization. The recent TPS designation for Lebanon will allow eligible individuals to remain safely in the United States for 18 months and give them the ability to work legally to support themselves.\n\nBelow are statements in support of Peters\u2019 calls for Lebanon to be designated for TPS.\n\n\u201cNNAAC welcomes the decision to extend TPS for Lebanon designation that we have pursued along with Senator Peters while we grieve the loss of so many loved ones in Lebanon. Our priority remains an immediate ceasefire however we will continue pursuing all pathways to protect the safety of our community members,\u201d said Rima Meroueh, Director, National Network for Arab American Communities.\n\n\u201cThese are important protections extended by the Biden-Harris Administration, and a welcomed reprieve for the thousands of Lebanese nationals currently in the country because of the ongoing war on Lebanon. Ensuring that Lebanese nationals in the U.S. are not forced back into harm's way is an important step,\u201d said Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). \u201cADC thanks Senator Peters for his commitment to providing these protections.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is a great relief that the Biden Administration has provided protection to Lebanese nationals here in the United States through TPS, DED, and special student relief. Using the Secretary of Homeland Security\u2019s immigration authority to protect individuals is a positive step that will undoubtedly save lives and keep families together,\u201d said American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Executive Director Ben Johnson.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1323", "Bergman Leads on Call for Election Integrity\u00a0in Michigan", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Representative Jack Bergman led Michigan Republican Members of Congress in sending a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson demanding answers on Michigan\u2019s elections and urging her to protect election integrity.\n\nFollowing reports of a Chinese national University of Michigan student - who is not a U.S. citizen - casting a ballot for the upcoming Presidential election, Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by Reps. John Moolenaar, Bill Huizenga, Tim Walberg, John James, and Lisa McClain, wrote a letter to Secretary Jocelyn Benson outlining their concerns and demanding answers on this issue.\n\nYou can read the letter here or below:\n\nSecretary Benson:\n\nAs you know, the State of Michigan will play a pivotal role in next week\u2019s election, potentially deciding who will become the 47th President of the United States and which party will control the United States Congress.\n\nOn October 22, 2024, you made the following statement: \u201cLet me be clear: We have secure elections in Michigan.\u201d Furthermore, you testified before the Committee on House Administration on September 11, 2024, stating there is \u201cno evidence non-citizens are voting.\u201d And yet, according to a recent report by The Detroit News, a University of Michigan student who is a Chinese national \u2013 and not a U.S. citizen \u2013 allegedly cast a ballot for the upcoming presidential election. The report goes on to note that his ballot will be counted.\n\nOnly U.S. citizens are legally permitted to vote in federal elections. You acknowledged this fact during a recent interview on CNN, noting that \u201cOnly US citizens can vote in our elections, and secure processes are in place in every state to ensure and reinforce that.\u201d Clearly, this acknowledgement is at odds with the aforementioned report.\n\nHaving instances of non-citizens voting, however isolated they may be, puts doubt into the minds of the millions of Michiganders who entrust you with ensuring our elections are secure, free, and fair, and that the results are valid.\n\nWith this in mind, we would like you to answer the following questions:\n\n1. What steps is your office taking to verify the citizenship and residency of individuals registering to vote in Michigan to ensure only eligible voters participate in the upcoming election?\n\n2. Will you commit to prosecuting ineligible voters, like the Chinese University of Michigan student, to the fullest extent of the law?\n\n3. How is the Michigan Secretary of State\u2019s office addressing potential risks related to ineligible individuals voting, and what security measures are in place to protect the integrity of the voter rolls?\n\n4. What avenues of recourse are available to ensure improper ballots are not counted? And will you pursue them?\n\nPlease respond no later than Friday, November 1, 2024, at 5 p.m.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://mcclain.house.gov/2024/10/mcclain-demands-answers-from-michigan-secretary-of-state-over-illegal-ballot-cast-by-chinese-national", "McClain Demands Answers from Michigan Secretary of State Over Illegal Ballot Cast by Chinese National", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Lisa C. McClain", "M001136", "mcclain.house.gov", "mcclain", "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) sent a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson after reporting from The Detroit News indicates a breach in Michigan\u2019s election integrity. The letter requests answers from Secretary Benson on the incident and what operational changes the Secretary will undertake prior to the certification of election results.\n\n\u201cOnly U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections. The procedural failures that enabled a non-citizen to vote in our election must be investigated immediately,\u201d said McClain. \u201cWith the election under a week away, I expect quick and full cooperation from the Michigan Secretary of State\u2019s office and demand assurance that this illegal ballot will not be counted in the final results. We must ensure confidence and legitimacy in our elections.\u201d\n\nOn Oct. 30, The Detroit News reported a 19-year-old Chinese national cast an illegal ballot during the early voting period.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-exposes-chinese-defense-links-university-michigans", "Moolenaar Exposes Chinese Defense Links in University of Michigan\u2019s Partnership with Chinese University, Calls for Joint Institute to Close", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman John Moolenaar called on the University of Michigan to close its joint institute with the PRC institution Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has helped drive China\u2019s military modernization and intelligence capabilities, including by contributing to the development of nuclear weapons, carrier rockets, nuclear submarines, and fighter jets.\n\nIn September, The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led by Moolenaar unveiled findings of an investigation into American universities\u2019 collaboration with China: \u2018CCP on the Quad: How American Taxpayers and Universities Fund the CCP's Advanced Military and Technological Research.\u2019 As a result of these findings, schools like U.C. Berkeley and Georgia Tech have begun the process of shuttering their research partnerships with Chinese schools. But the University of Michigan has not taken action to address the national security risks posed by its joint institute with a Chinese defense-linked university.\n\nThe University of Michigan also hosts students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University on its campus as part of the ongoing joint institute, posing an espionage risk. This past month, five of these students were charged for lying to federal investigators after they trespassed onto a U.S. National Guard installation.\n\nIn the request to University of Michigan President Santa Ono to shutter this institute, Moolenaar writes, \u201cThrough its extensive military-aligned departments and laboratories, advanced dual-use research programs, and large-scale operational training platforms, Shanghai Jiao Tong drives the [People\u2019s Republic of China] PRC\u2019s military modernization and intelligence capabilities\u2026This military-academic integration enables Shanghai Jiao Tong to make significant contributions to the PRC\u2019s most sensitive defense programs, including nuclear weapons, carrier rockets, satellites, nuclear submarines, and fighter jets\u2026The [U-M] Joint Institute has also operated as a sophisticated military-academic-intelligence nexus for over a decade. In 2017, Shanghai Jiao Tong entered into an agreement with the PLA's Strategic Support Force to train \u2018high-end new combat forces.\u2019 The Joint Institute appears to play a role in achieving this goal. Each year's freshmen are organized into regimented companies for mandatory military training that combines physical drills with ideological education.\u201d\u2019\n\nMoolenaar concludes, \u201cGiven these concerning developments, I strongly encourage you to shutter the partnership between U-M and Shanghai Jiao Tong and take the necessary steps to safeguard the integrity of federally funded research at U-M and carefully vet international students studying on U-M\u2019s campus.\u201d\n\nMoolenaar also highlights consecutive examples of how University of Michigan\u2019s joint institute with Shanghai Jiao Tong University poses unacceptable national security risks, including:\n\nSince 2021, the Joint Institute has facilitated graduate and undergraduate study in numerous critical and emerging technologies, and it has received funding through China's 863 Program, which supports the PRC\u2019s military technology development.\n\nInstitute researchers have helped the PRC achieve advancements in defense technologies from propellant combustion modeling and solid rocket fuel research to anti-corrosion technology for military aircraft developed with People\u2019s Liberation Army (PLA) researchers.\n\nInstitute researchers worked on projects to improve CT imaging technology for detecting flaws in advanced military equipment, which appears to have leveraged Department of Defense-funded research from University of Michigan faculty.\n\nShanghai Jiao Tong houses China\u2019s National Defense Laboratory for Nano- and Microfabrication Technology, a field that is a key research area of the Joint Institute as well.\n\nJoint Institute students join the PRC\u2019s military aerospace sector including through positions at the USG-blacklisted CASC\u2019s 8th Academy for missile development.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-michigan-members-benson-failed-stop-illegal-vote-being-cast", "Moolenaar, Michigan Members: Benson Failed to Stop Illegal Vote From Being Cast", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "October 31, 2024\n\nToday, Congressman John Moolenaar, along with Congressmen Tim Walberg (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), John James (R-MI), and Jack Bergman (R-MI) called on Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to answer questions regarding how a Chinese national voted in Michigan\u2019s election this past Sunday.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote to Benson, \u201cYour department failed to prevent this illegal vote from being cast and will reportedly count it in the results next week. House Republicans have raised concerns about noncitizens voting in elections and earlier this year the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8281 \u2013 the SAVE Act with a bipartisan 221-198 vote. The SAVE Act would require individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, and it is shameful our colleagues in the Senate refused to pass this commonsense legislation.\u201d\n\nThe Michigan representatives concluded by asking Benson the following questions:\n\nWhen was your office made aware that this noncitizen registered to vote and cast a ballot?\n\nWhat documents did this person present that allowed him to register to vote? Did he show proof of citizenship? If not, why was he allowed to register to vote without showing proof of citizenship?\n\nCan you confirm the media report that that this noncitizen\u2019s ballot will be counted in the official vote count? If so, why is that the case, and what is your department doing to rectify this process so noncitizens\u2019 votes can be withdrawn from the count if a similar situation occurs again?\n\nWhat exactly are you and your department doing to ensure another noncitizen is not able to register to vote?\n\nNow that a noncitizen has been able to register to vote and cast a ballot on your watch, will you endorse H.R. 8281 \u2013 the SAVE Act that requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections? The House of Representatives passed this bill with a bipartisan 221-198 vote.\n\nCan you confirm that this is the only instance that a noncitizen has registered to vote or cast a ballot in a federal election in 2024? Please provide the documentation that confirms this is the only instance or the documentation proving other noncitizens have registered and voted.\n\nIf a CCP-affiliated company brings Chinese nationals to Michigan, is your department going to allow them to register to vote and cast a ballot? How exactly would you prevent these noncitizens from voting? Do you believe taxpayer dollars should go to CCP-affiliated companies?\n\nDo you believe non-citizens should be able to vote in elections at any level?\n\nThe full text of Moolenaar\u2019s letter to Benson can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-lead-legislation-to-protect-access-to-quality-affordable-health-care", "Senator Peters Helps Lead Legislation to Protect Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) cosponsored legislation to protect access to quality, affordable health care for millions of Americans. The Healthcare Affordability Act would make permanent the Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) that were created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and enhanced by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, two historic laws that Peters helped enacted. These highly effective tax credits have encouraged more than 21 million Americans to register for health care insurance coverage to afford routine doctors\u2019 visits, prescription drugs, unexpected medical emergencies, preventative services, and more, with lower out-of-pocket costs. Enhanced PTCs have also protected Americans against rising health care costs and provided stability for providers, particularly in rural areas.\n\nEnhanced PTCs were extended by the Inflation Reduction Act that Peters also helped enact but are set to expire in 2025. Nearly 80 percent of Michiganders who are enrolled in an ACA health insurance plan are qualified for enhanced PTCs. If they are allowed to expire more than 63,000 Michiganders could lose their health care coverage entirely, about 31,000 Michiganders could lose access to the benefits of the tax credit, and 177,000 Michiganders would remain insured but face higher costs. In fact, it would also lead to an average increase of $66 per month in health care premiums for Americans across the country. The Healthcare Affordability Act would ensure Americans continue to have access to affordable health care options by permanently extending this tax cut.\n\n\u201cEvery American, no matter their socioeconomic status, deserves access to quality, affordable health care,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI am proud to cosponsor this legislation that would permanently protect this coverage, which has helped more than one million Michiganders secure the health care they need. I\u2019ll keep fighting to lower health care and prescription drug costs for families in Michigan and across the country.\u201d\n\nPeters has long fought to expand Americans\u2019 access to quality, affordable health care. Peters helped enact the Inflation Reduction Act which took historic action to lower the cost of health care as well as prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and capping out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 annually. The law has also reduced the cost of insulin, capping it at $35 per month co-pays for seniors on Medicare plans. In addition to cosponsoring the Health Care Affordability Act, Peters also joined his colleagues in urging Senate leadership to request the immediate extension of the enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) earlier this year.\n\nPeters is also a cosponsor of the Telemental Health Care Access Act which would increase Americans\u2019 access to telemental health care services, particularly supporting Americans living in rural areas. Peters also cosponsors the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, which would also expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare. Earlier this year, Peters introduced legislation to expand Michiganders\u2019 access to critical health care services by helping to prevent rural emergency room closures. In 2023, his bipartisan provision to expand access to opioid addiction treatment for adolescents advanced in the Senate. Last year, Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation that would reduce health care costs for individuals at risk for diabetes and extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to Americans with pre-diabetes.\n\nThe Health Care Affordability Act is supported by key stakeholders including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Federation of American Hospitals, Alliance of Community Health Plans, Center for American Progress, Families USA, National Health Council, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-chinese-national-illegally-voting-michigan", "Moolenaar Statement on Chinese National Illegally Voting in Michigan", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's office announced charges against a Chinese national for election fraud in Michigan. The Chinese national is a student at the University of Michigan, and illegally registered to vote and cast a ballot on Sunday, October 27 in Ann Arbor.\n\n\u201cSecretary Jocelyn Benson has hurt the public\u2019s trust in Michigan elections as her department failed to prevent this illegal vote from being cast and will count it in the results next week. The University of Michigan should expel this student for violating our laws and our state\u2019s leaders need to take serious action against the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s attempts to influence our state. Secretary Benson must tell us how she will prevent similar election fraud in the next week, and how she will secure our elections against CCP interference. Governor Whitmer must cancel the state\u2019s $715 million giveaway of taxpayer money to CCP-affiliated Gotion and end its plans to build near Camp Grayling. Finally, U-M President Santa Ono needs to shut down his university\u2019s institute with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which collaborates with China\u2019s military. Until these actions happen, our state's security, elections, universities, and auto supply chains will remain vulnerable to CCP influence,\u201d said Congressman John Moolenaar.\n\nAccording to reporting from the Detroit News, the illegally cast ballot is expected to be counted in the 2024 election results, \"because there is no way for election officials to retrieve it once it's been put through a tabulator.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-nearly-119-million-in-federal-funding-to-improve-rail-infrastructure-across-michigan", "Senator Peters Announces Nearly $119 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Rail Infrastructure Across Michigan", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is investing $119 million to support five major commercial and passenger rail improvement projects across Michigan. These projects are funded by the FRA\u2019s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which was funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law Peters helped enact.\n\n\u201cMichigan communities and businesses depend on rail infrastructure for safe and efficient transportation of essential goods across the state, as well as to regional and global partners,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThese five projects will strengthen our railways and expand shipping capacity while creating jobs and spurring economic growth.\u201d\n\nBelow are descriptions of each project:\n\nDetroit RECHARGED - Realizing Environmental Changes Happening Around Railroads Generating Equitable Development: The Michigan Department of Transportation will receive $67,440,000 to improve and expand capacity of the Livernois Intermodal Facility by installing 17,200 feet of new rail track. The project will also make important site enhancements on at the Livernois Intermodal Facility, including new pavement and replacing aging diesel gantry cranes with new hybrid and fully electric models.\n\nHuron Subdivision Track & Service Improvement Program: The Lake State Railway Company will receive $27,130,810 to install approximately 52 miles of continuous welded rail between Pinconning and Alpena. Funding will also improve 34 highway-rail crossings and upgrade train signal devices at 13 locations along the route.\n\nLeveraging Ludington: The City of Ludington will receive $16,400,000 to make improvements along a key rail route between Ludington and Grand Rapids, and enhance the Ludington Rail yard to improve efficiency and reliability of safe movement of goods throughout the area.\n\nWolverine and Blue Water Capacity Enhancement: The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) will receive $8,384,000 to restore functionality of the historic double-track on Amtrak\u2019s Michigan Line between Glenwood Road and Niles in Wayne Township. This project will maximize performance and improve service speed.\n\nEnhancing Grade Crossing Safety in Rural Areas through FRA\u2019s LiDAR Data, Machine Learning, and Collaborative Risk Assessment for Railroads and Highway Agencies: Michigan State University will receive $428,133 to conduct research aimed at improving the safety of rural rail crossings. Researchers will utilize Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data provided by the Federal Railroad Administration to analyze rural crossings and develop new approaches for identifying roadway hazards.\n\nThe CRISI grant program invests in railroad infrastructure projects that improve safety, efficiency and support economic development in communities across the country. Peters has consistently advocated for the CRISI program and fought for Michigan applicants. Last year, he announced a $20 million CRISI grant awarded to MDOT for replacement of the Manistee River Bridge in Manton. As Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports, Peters held a field hearing in Lansing earlier this year to highlight the importance of the bipartisan infrastructure law and grant programs like CRISI for improving Michigan\u2019s transportation infrastructure across the state. More information about the CRISI program can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-michigan-will-receive-nearly-134-million-to-upgrade-water-infrastructure", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce Michigan Will Receive Nearly $134 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced Michigan will receive $133,663,000 in federal funding to upgrade Michigan\u2019s outdated water infrastructure and keep communities safe. This funding will support local projects to improve wastewater management systems, protect freshwater resources, and deliver safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses. This investment comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, that the senators helped enact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history.\n\n\u201cThis robust investment will help our state make great strides in upgrading Michigan\u2019s outdated water infrastructure, addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, and safeguarding our state\u2019s unmatched freshwater resources,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI was proud to play a role in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made these upgrades possible, and I\u2019m glad that this support will go to the communities in our state who need it most. We must continue working to ensure that every Michigander has access to safe drinking water.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for Michigan,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThis new investment will improve our water systems, clean up pollution, keep our drinking water safe, fix old pipes, and more. Step-by-step, this law is making our state a safer, better place for families to live.\u201d\n\n\u201cWater keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people\u2019s health, peace of mind, and the environment,\u201d said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. \u201cWith the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges\u2014from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.\n\nThese Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for Michigan \u2013 specifically $106,994,000 in Clean Water General Supplemental funding, $9,236,000 in Clean Water Emerging Contaminant funding, and $17,433,000 in Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant funding \u2013 will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF). The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. These critical programs help communities minimize pollution, invest in clean infrastructure projects, address emerging contaminants like PFAS, and implement systems to provide clean drinking water to residents.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-applaud-196-million-in-federal-funding-to-replace-river-raisin-bridge-revitalize-i-75-in-monroe", "Senators Peters and Stabenow Applaud $196 Million in Federal Funding to Replace River Raisin Bridge, Revitalize I-75 in Monroe", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) applauded an announcement that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive more than $196 million in federal funding to replace the River Raisin Bridge and revitalize three miles of Interstate 75 corridor in Monroe. This project will also promote travel into Downtown Monroe by reconfiguring existing Front Street and Elm Avenue Interstate 75 interchanges and improving access to the non-motorized River Raisin Heritage Trail.\n\nFunding for this project comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program, which has received historic levels of funding thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law the senators helped enact.\n\n\u201cReplacing the River Raisin Bridge is essential for ensuring the long-term stability of our state and regional transportation network,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI was proud to support MDOT\u2019s application for this funding, which will improve roadway safety and make travel more efficient for the estimated 61,000 vehicles that cross the bridge every day to get to work and deliver essential commodities throughout the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis project is another example of how this administration\u2019s investments are making a difference in communities across Michigan,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cFrom the thousands who cross the bridge every day, to businesses that rely on the bridge to ship their goods, this is a critically important federal investment in Michigan\u2019s infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThis project was announced as part of a larger $4.2 billion U.S. Department of Transportation investment made from both the INFRA and National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) grant programs, supporting 44 infrastructure projects across the United States that aim to improve safety and mobility of people and goods.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-raskin-call-for-robust-census-bureau-funding-to-ensure-accurate-count-of-every-community", "Peters & Raskin Call for Robust Census Bureau Funding to Ensure Accurate Count of Every Community", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, calling for robust funding for the U.S. Census Bureau as they work to finalize the final fiscal year 2025 (FY25) appropriations bills. Peters and Raskin stressed that the Census Bureau needs adequate funding as it prepares for the 2030 Decennial Census, which will help control long-term costs and ensure accurate counts of all populations, including rural and urban areas. Communities across the country, including Michigan and Maryland, depend on accurate census data for everything from school funding and classroom sizes to resources for road construction and Congressional representation.\n\n\u201cWhile we understand the pressures of this fiscal year, we request that you keep in mind the timeliness of adequate Census Bureau funding to help control long-term costs and meet critical national data needs,\u201d wrote Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Raskin. \u201cGiven our oversight over the Census Bureau, we understand FY25 funding is particularly crucial for 2030 Census preparations and efficiency, as well as necessary economic data and crucial national surveys.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, Peters and Raskin call for robust funding for the Census Bureau at a time when the Bureau is required to ramp up 2030 Census preparations. The Bureau needs sufficient funding this year to complete critical planning and testing for the 2030 Census, which is essential to ensure an accurate count. For the 2020 Census, inadequate funding forced the Bureau to cancel multiple key tests, including every planned test in a rural area and on American Indian reservations. These populations were then undercounted in the 2020 Census. Additional populations were undercounted in 2020, including children, African Americans, and the Hispanic or Latino populations, and adequate funding for preparations now will help reduce those undercounts in 2030. It will also help the Bureau better plan for long-term costs and avoid costly problems later in the census cycle. Sufficient funding is also crucial for other Census Bureau programs such as the Economic Census, supporting statistics that underlie the nation\u2019s leading economic indicators.\n\nThe text of the letter is copied below and available here.\n\nDear Chair Murray, Vice Chair Collins, Chair Cole, and Ranking Member DeLauro:\n\nIn our leadership roles on the authorizing committees with jurisdiction over the U.S. Census Bureau, we are writing to express our support for ensuring the Census Bureau receives the highest possible level of funding in the final Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations bill\u2014specifically the amount advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee, $1.577 billion. While we understand the pressures of this fiscal year, we request that you keep in mind the timeliness of adequate Census Bureau funding to help control long-term costs and meet critical national data needs.\n\nGiven our oversight over the Census Bureau, we understand FY25 funding is particularly crucial for 2030 Census preparations and efficiency, as well as necessary economic data and crucial national surveys. In particular, 2025 marks the midpoint in the decade-long preparations for the 2030 Census and is a critical turning point for an efficient and accurate census. The decennial census is required under the U.S. Constitution and accurate results are necessary for every community in the nation. Investing in the 2030 Census now is essential for controlling costs and reducing risks later in the census cycle. The Census Bureau must finalize long-term planning and testing this fiscal year, which in turn will allow it to execute the census and manage lifecycle costs over the next five years most efficiently. In FY25, the Bureau must establish the census operational design, plan for key contracts, and finalize preparations for the 2026 Census Test\u2014the first of two major field tests. These tests will inform key facets of the 2030 Census and mitigate problems.\n\nIt is important to avoid funding shortfalls like those that occurred early in the 2020 Census cycle, which forced the Bureau to scale back testing and adversely affected the 2020 Census. Due to inadequate funding for 2020 Census planning in Fiscal Years 2012-2017, the Census Bureau had to cancel every planned test in a rural area and on American Indian reservations, including two of three dress rehearsal sites in 2018. After the census, the Bureau\u2019s own accuracy estimates showed gaps including a net undercount of 5.64% on American Indian reservations, and a net undercount of 2.58% in rural areas (those counted using the \u201cUpdate Leave\u201d method). Due to the funding shortfall and cancelled 2020 tests, the Bureau was also unable to test new methods for electronically counting Group Quarters (e.g. nursing homes, college dorms, military quarters, and correctional facilities), which led to implementation problems and forced the Bureau to fall back on more costly and time-consuming procedures. These challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, created significant issues with Group Quarters data and led the Bureau to create a special program to review Group Quarters that were not correctly counted.\n\nAdequate support for decennial census preparations now will reduce the risk of unplanned costs later in the census cycle and will help ensure the 2030 Census is conducted accurately and efficiently. In addition to the decennial census, FY25 funding is crucial for the Economic Census, supporting statistics that underlie the nation\u2019s leading economic indicators. It will also keep Bureau programs on-schedule, fund essential surveys that countless communities and businesses rely on, support secure Census Bureau IT infrastructure, and ensure effective communication with states and jurisdictions.\n\nThis is a pivotal year to ensure robust support for the Census Bureau. The funding levels recommended by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees pose divergent outlooks for the Census Bureau. The funding level recommended by the House Appropriations Committee, $1.354 billion, falls below the agency\u2019s enacted FY24 level, jeopardizing critical data and future planning. We support the amount advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee and encourage you to keep in mind the essential nature of the Bureau\u2019s programs.\n\nThank you for considering our views as you negotiate the final FY25 appropriations measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-tours-detroit-olympia-armory-to-highlight-ongoing-facility-improvements-to-better-accommodate-women-servicemembers", "PHOTOS: Senator Peters Tours Detroit Olympia Armory to Highlight Ongoing Facility Improvements to Better Accommodate Women Servicemembers", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) toured the Michigan National Guard\u2019s Detroit Olympia Armory to highlight the ongoing facility improvements being made on site to better accommodate women servicemembers. National Guard armories provide spaces for servicemembers to conduct trainings and carry out missions with access to the necessary equipment and logistical resources. Many armories were first designed for an all-male force, however, women servicemembers now make up nearly 18 percent of the Michigan Army National Guard. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters secured nearly $26 million in federal funding last year for the National Guard Bureau to modernize armories across Michigan, including $2,570,000 specifically for upgrades at the Detroit Olympia Armory. During the event, Peters underscored how providing adequate facilities for women servicemembers will help bolster recruitment as well as Michigan\u2019s defense capabilities.\n\n\u201cThe growing the number women in our Armed Forces makes us stronger and better prepared to tackle the challenges of the future,\u201d said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \u201cAs more women enter the National Guard, we must modernize facilities to ensure they have the same resources and opportunities as their male counterparts. These needed upgrades will ensure that women serving at the Detroit Olympia Armory have the appropriate and up-to-date amenities they need to effectively carry out their missions.\u201d\n\n\u201cModernizing our Michigan National Guard armories is a testament to Senator Peters\u2019 commitment to improving the lives of service members and their families,\u201d said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. \u201cOur National Guard armories are the cornerstone of our local communities, where thousands of Soldiers live, work and serve every day.\u201d\n\nPeters included a provision in the annual bill to fund the Department of Defense that directed the National Guard Bureau to allocate modernization funding to update armories for women facilities like showers, bathrooms and lactation rooms. Peters then secured an increase of $75 million in modernization funding \u2013 nearly $26 million of which he secured specifically for upgrading Michigan\u2019s military installations and helping start projects that are shovel-ready. Peters also led a call for the National Guard Bureau to match the $55 million allocated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the State of Michigan for modernization efforts. During his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan this year, Peters also toured the Michigan National Guard\u2019s Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming to see similar upgrades being made to the armory\u2019s showers, bathrooms, and lactation rooms to better accommodate women servicemembers.\n\nAs the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual defense legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan\u2019s military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation\u2019s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.\n\nIn 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation\u2019s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. Last year, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act \u2013 which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans \u2013 and their survivors \u2013 for the first time in our nation\u2019s history.\n\nTo download photos from Peters\u2019 event in Detroit, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/biden-harris-let-ccp-affiliated-companies-rob-michigan-families-and", "Biden-Harris Let CCP-Affiliated Companies Rob Michigan Families and Receive Tax Credits", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman John Moolenaar today made the following statement after the Treasury Department released final IRS rules on the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code. These tax credits were created by the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, which was partisan legislation that passed in 2022 with no Republican votes. Chinese companies like Gotion which make battery components for electric vehicles would qualify for the tax credit.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the Treasury Department leaves the door wide open for Gotion and other Chinese companies to receive federal tax credits. It is a disgraceful policy that will take money from hardworking Michigan families and funnel it straight to Beijing while forcing our Michigan automakers to become more dependent on supply chains controlled by China. Democrats in Lansing have given Gotion $715 million in taxpayer support and now this Biden-Harris policy will let Chinese companies collect billions more from hardworking Michigan families.\"\n\nElectric vehicle supply chains are dominated by China, as \"Chinese companies supply 80 percent of the world\u2019s battery cells and account for nearly 60 percent of the EV battery market.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-leads-senate-colleagues-in-urging-stellantis-to-keep-its-promises-to-uaw-autoworkers", "Peters Leads Senate Colleagues in Urging Stellantis to Keep Its Promises to UAW Autoworkers", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) led a group of 21 colleagues in urging Stellantis to keep promises it made to its autoworkers. In a letter to Stellantis CEO Carlos Taveras, the senators expressed the need for the automotive manufacturing company to honor the collective bargaining agreement signed last year with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and deliver on its commitments to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America.\n\n\u201cWe are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year\u2019s collective bargaining agreement,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cWe urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.\u201d\n\nIn the contract ratified last year, Stellantis committed to:\n\nMake nearly $19 billion in new investments and product commitments in the U.S.\n\nContinue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025.\n\nManufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.\n\nRe-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was \u201cindefinitely idled\u201d last year.\n\nEstablish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere.\n\nInstead, Stellantis has taken actions that undermine the obligations made to the UAW and leave \u201cbehind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today,\u201d wrote the senators. These actions may include plans to move production of the next generation Dodge Durango out of the U.S. and into \u201clow-cost\u201d countries like Mexico, as well as delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant.\n\nThis year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world. The company has also benefited from billions of dollars in financial assistance from American taxpayers and the federal government. In July, the Department of Energy announced Stellantis would receive nearly $335 million in federal dollars to support Belvidere Assembly Plant\u2019s conversion to electric vehicle production.\n\n\u201cWe believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cThis is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.\u201d\n\nJoining Peters on the letter are Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D- CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Tina Smith (D-MN).\n\nPeters grew up in a union household, where his mother was a Service Employees International Union (SEIU) steward and his father was a member of the National Education Association (NEA). Peters is a proud cosponsor of and has urged Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the federal laws that protect workers\u2019 right to form a union freely and fairly. During UAW negotiations last year, Peters met with United Auto Workers (UAW) members in Lansing to show his support and discuss priorities that are important to autoworkers. Peters also joined UAW members on the picket line across Michigan as they negotiated for better wages, benefits, and job security. Following the UAW\u2019s historic contracts last fall, Peters led his colleagues in sending a letter to 13 non-unionized automakers urging them not to illegally block UAW unionization efforts at their manufacturing plants. Peters was joined by UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English as his guest for President Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address earlier this year.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Tavares:\n\nWe are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year\u2019s collective bargaining agreement.\n\nIn that contract, ratified by UAW members, Stellantis committed to \u201cestablish long-term stability and job security\u201d for its workforce. The agreement includes nearly $19 billion in new investment and product commitments in the United States, including promises to:\n\n\u00b7 Re-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was \u201cindefinitely idled\u201d last year;\n\n\u00b7 Establish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere;\n\n\u00b7 Continue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025; and\n\n\u00b7 Manufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.\n\nWe are deeply concerned that Stellantis is not keeping the promises it made to strengthen and expand good paying-union jobs in America.\n\nSpecifically, Stellantis is now delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant, leaving behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today. We are also concerned with reporting that Stellantis is planning to move production of the next generation Dodge Durango out of the United States, after previously announcing layoffs that threaten the economic security and well-being of thousands of autoworkers. Moreover, Stellantis has stated publicly that it plans to source 80% of supply from \u201clow-cost countries\u201d like Mexico. By your own admission, Stellantis\u2019s growth plan hinges on shifting \u201cindustrial production into cost competitive countries\u201d like Mexico, where workers are making substandard wages. These actions violate the obligations Stellantis made to the UAW. We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.\n\nThis year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. Last year, while blue collar auto workers in Belvidere were being laid off indefinitely, you were able to receive a 56 percent pay raise boosting your total compensation to $39.5 million, which made you the highest paid executive among traditional auto companies. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world.\n\nWe believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can and it must live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW. This is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.\n\nFor example, the Department of Energy announced in July that nearly $335 million in federal dollars would be going to supporting Belvidere Assembly Plant\u2019s conversion to electric vehicle production. With hundreds of millions of dollars of federal support going towards ensuring strong union jobs stay in the U.S., Stellantis must honor the promises it made to UAW workers and the Belvidere community.\n\nWe urge you to deliver on the commitments you made to the UAW in your 2023 national agreement without further delay.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1321", "Bergman & Michigan Republican Colleagues Demand Accountability After Chinese Nationals Breach U.S. Military Bases", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Last week, Representative Jack Bergman was joined by fellow Michigan Republican Members of Congress in sending a letter to Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd Austin, demanding answers and accountability after several breaches of military bases by Chinese nationals.\n\nThis letter comes after federal prosecutors charged five Chinese nationals on October 2, 2024 with crimes in connection to trespassing on the Camp Grayling training facility during Northern Strike \u2013 one of DOD\u2019s largest reserve component readiness exercises.\n\nAs the Members explained, this security breach was not an isolated incident:\n\n\u201cIn recent years, Chinese nationals have been found trespassing at military installations and other sensitive sites across the U.S., including a Naval station in Florida, a shipyard in Virginia, a Marine Corps base in California, and an arctic warfare training base in Alaska. The alarming rise in such breaches suggests a coordinated effort by the Chinese Communist Party to gauge the security of sites critical to U.S. national security, potentially in anticipation for an attack from within the homeland.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe know that weakness only invites aggression, which is why my colleagues and I are demanding swift action from our Defense Department to review and bolster the security of our sensitive sites. With a raging border crisis and a resulting increase in Chinese national encounters at our southern border, our Nation can\u2019t afford inaction on this issue. We must ensure accountability from the DoD to avoid any further incidents that could embolden and inform our enemies,\u201d Rep. Bergman stated.\n\n\u201cAfter the disturbing arrests of five Chinese nationals outside of Camp Grayling, Michiganders deserve answers,\u201d said Rep. Tim Walberg. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my Michigan Republican colleagues in demanding these answers and accountability from the Department of Defense. Beyond this, we cannot allow our colleges and universities to be used by adversaries to undermine our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cChina is our greatest geopolitical threat, and the repeated attempts by Chinese nationals to gain access to American military installations across the country are incredibly alarming,\u201d said Rep. Lisa McClain. \u201cThe incident at Camp Grayling was not a one-off event, and the Department of Defense needs to improve its security protocols to prevent further incursions and national security risks. We need answers from the DoD on how they plan to ensure the integrity and protection of our installations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis incident demands answers from the Defense Department. It also demands answers from Governor Whitmer. She is the commander in chief of the Michigan National Guard, and she has yet to act or comment on this security threat against our men and women in uniform. Finally, U-M must end its joint research institute with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the program these individuals were a part of when they came to Michigan,\u201d Rep. John Moolenaar stated.\n\nRep. Bill Huizenga added, \"The overt attempts by the CCP to weaponize its diaspora community to undermine US national security must be addressed. This is no longer a theoretical exercise. The University of Michigan has now been used on multiple occasions as a proxy for nefarious CCP activity. These actions demonstrate that Congress must re-examine the relationship between American colleges and universities and CCP entities.\"\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration has failed our national security, and the crisis at Camp Grayling is the most recent example. Our enemies no longer fear us, thanks to this administration. Their open borders and weak-on-China policies have emboldened our peer adversaries. The Department of Defense must provide us with an accurate and clear assessment of the incident to reassure our fellow Americans and Michiganders,\" Rep. John James concluded.\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-michigans-hemlock-semiconductor-will-receive-major-federal-grant-from-chips-and-science-act", "Peters & Stabenow Announce Michigan\u2019s Hemlock Semiconductor Will Receive Major Federal Grant from CHIPS and Science Act", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) will receive up to $325 million in federal funding to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on its existing campus in Hemlock, Michigan. The new facility will allow the company to expand production of hyper-pure polysilicon needed to manufacture semiconductor chips, which are used to make a wide variety of products including vehicles, cell phones, washing machines, medical devices, agricultural equipment, solar panels, and defense technologies. The funding comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation Peters and Stabenow helped craft and pass into law to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips, create American jobs, and strengthen U.S. national security by lessening our dependence on foreign companies for these critical technologies. This investment is expected to create 180 good-paying manufacturing jobs, as well as thousands of construction jobs, in Michigan.\n\nHemlock Semiconductor (HSC) is the nation\u2019s leading producer of hyper-pure polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries and one of only five companies in the world capable of producing the highest quality polysilicon for semiconductor chips.\n\n\u201cIn Michigan, our workers know how to make things well and with precision. That\u2019s why I\u2019m thrilled to announce this major investment that is going to keep Michigan at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, nationally and globally, and create thousands of good-paying jobs in our state,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cAs one of just five companies worldwide and the only company headquartered in the U.S. that produces hyper-pure polysilicon for semiconductors, Hemlock Semiconductor plays a critical role in both our economy and national security. I\u2019m proud to have authored the provision in the CHIPS and Science Act that ensured HSC would be eligible for this grant and have since continued to advocate for HSC as they work to ramp up production here at home. This funding will be a catalyst to that effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cMichigan knows all too well what happens when we are dependent on semiconductor chips made halfway around the world. That\u2019s why, as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, I led the effort with Senator Peters and Representative Kildee to make sure semiconductor chips are manufacturing here in the United States and there is no better place to make them than Michigan. This important federal investment will boost Michigan manufacturing, fix our broken supply chains, lower costs, and bring jobs home,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cI applaud Hemlock Semiconductor\u2019s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and improving our supply chains.\u201d\n\n\u201cHSC is proud to be a manufacturing powerhouse for two vital industries of the future\u2014semiconductor and solar. Bolstered by the CHIPS Act, we are planning for a once-in-a-generation investment in advanced technologies to continue serving as a top polysilicon supplier to the leading-edge semiconductor market,\u201d said HSC Chairman and CEO AB Ghosh. \u201cOur customers want high quality and sustainably made polysilicon. This proposed investment demonstrates that the Biden-Harris Administration, Governor Whitmer and our Michigan congressional champions understand HSC\u2019s unique ability to meet those demands and our crucial role in strengthening American interests. As the United States works to reshore critical supply chains, we hope to make additional investments.\u201d\n\nPeters and Stabenow have made strengthening American manufacturing and securing domestic supply chains a top priority. The CHIPS and Science Act includes a provision Peters and Stabenow authored to support the domestic production of mature semiconductor technologies and ensure that projects supporting critical manufacturing industries are given priority status, which would include the automotive sector. This is in addition to $50 billion already in the bill to incentivize U.S. production of all types of semiconductors \u2013 for a total of $52 billion. The CHIPS and Science Act also included Peters\u2019 bipartisan Investing in Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing Act, which ensures federal incentives to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing include U.S. suppliers that produce the materials and manufacturing equipment that enable semiconductor manufacturing \u2013 including HSC. This provision authored by Peters ensured HSC would be eligible for the grant funding announced today. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally authorized increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters and Stabenow.\n\nLast year, the Senate unanimously passed Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. Peters\u2019 Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s SelectUSA program, in collaboration with other federal agencies and state economic development organizations, to develop strategies that would attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.\n\nPeters and Stabenow also helped enact the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes a provision authored by Stabenow and supported by Peters to strengthen Buy American requirements and close loopholes to ensure the federal government is spending taxpayer dollars on American-made products that support American companies and workers. The law also requires federal infrastructure projects to use domestically produced materials, promotes domestic production of personal protective equipment, directs the creation of a BuyAmerican.gov website, and creates a Made in America Office in the White House. Finally, the law strengthens the Manufacturing Extension Partnership to boost opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses to sell products to federal agencies. Peters and Stabenow additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies, help combat the climate crisis and create millions of American jobs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-tours-genesee-countys-ignite-initiative-to-highlight-funding-he-secured-to-support-initiatives-success", "Senator Peters Tours Genesee County\u2019s IGNITE Initiative to Highlight Funding He Secured to Support Initiative\u2019s Success", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "FLINT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) toured the Genesee County Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE) initiative\u2019s facilities today to highlight the need for additional funding to support the initiative\u2019s success. Founded in 2020 by Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson, IGNITE has shown to reduce recidivism rates by providing incarcerated individuals with valuable education and skills training opportunities needed to obtain meaningful employment after completing their sentence. In 2022, Peters secured $768,000 in federal funding that enabled the launch of IGNITE. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Peters is now working to deliver additional resources to support the initiative\u2019s growing success. Most recently, Peters secured $500,000 for IGNITE in the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. If passed into law, this funding would be used to modernize the Genesee County Jail\u2019s facilities to improve culinary and computing education classes offered under IGNITE.\n\n\u201cReentry initiatives like IGNITE are a proven success. By providing access to education and career training, not only do they significantly lower the chances of individuals returning to the justice system, they also support local law enforcement and help keep our communities safe,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cIt was rewarding to see the transformational opportunities being provided here in Genesee County to help returning citizens embark on a fresh start on life, and I\u2019ll keep fighting to ensure the initiative has the funding it needs to continue bolstering and expanding its services.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe cannot expect someone to leave the jail and be a better person if we don\u2019t do something different. IGNITE is changing the way we do corrections by transforming lives, and when we transform lives, we transform communities. This couldn\u2019t be accomplished without support from elected officials like Congressman Kildee and Senator Peters,\u201d said Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson.\n\nPeters was joined by Ilona Curry, a returning citizen and IGNITE graduate who utilized the program\u2019s culinary training opportunities to obtain local employment.\n\nPeters is also working to pass his bipartisan Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Act, which would protect a critical grant program that supports individuals reintegrating back into their communities after incarceration. Peters\u2019 bill would codify the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program into law, strengthening reentry initiatives that center on offering employment preparation, pre-workforce training, and vocational apprenticeship prospects by equipping individuals transitioning back into their communities after incarceration with the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment. Peters witnessed the REO program\u2019s success firsthand earlier this year while visiting the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation\u2019s (DESC) Growth Opportunities Program, supported by funding from the REO program, where he heard from current participants how the program has helped them expand their career opportunities and establish economic independence.\n\nPeters has led numerous efforts to expand access to skills training and apprenticeship opportunities to strengthen local workforce development. Peters has secured federal funding for community colleges throughout Michigan, including Mott Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, and Macomb Community College, to strengthen their skills training programs, create state-of-the-art training facilities, and expand apprenticeship programs. In 2020, Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to allow more veterans to use their GI bill benefits toward securing a registered apprenticeship was signed into law. In 2018, Peters\u2019 legislation to expand career and technical education was also signed into law, which strengthens school counselor training and awareness of career and technical education so they can help inform students of post-high school education opportunities outside of the traditional four-year college degree.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-rubio-colleagues-call-treasury-retroactively-review-its", "Moolenaar, Rubio, Colleagues Call For Treasury to Retroactively Review Its Failure to Block Gotion Transaction", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Gotion Incorporated, a company with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party, has plans to develop a large industrial site in Mecosta County, Michigan near a U.S. military installation in the state. The failure of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to investigate and block this development poses a serious threat to U.S. national security.\n\nCongressman John Moolenaar (R-MI), U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and their colleagues, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging her to use CFIUS\u2019s authority to retroactively review the transaction after CFIUS failed to review it two years ago. The transaction should have been reviewed then because \u201cFederal regulations define the extended range of a military installation as land within a 100-mile radius of the military installation\u201d and CFIUS\u2019s own geographic reference tool shows the Gotion site is less than 60 miles from Camp Grayling.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury\u2019s apparent failure to block Gotion Incorporated (Gotion)\u2014an entity with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)\u2014from developing a large industrial site near a major U.S. military installation.\u201d\n\n\u201cGiven CFIUS\u2019 failure to launch a review of Gotion\u2019s site development when the project was first publicly announced two years ago, it is now imperative that CFIUS update its proposed rulemaking to clarify the Committee\u2019s ability to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that it previously failed to address.\u201d\n\nJoining Rubio and Moolenaar were Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), as well as Representatives Lisa McClain (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Jack Bergman (R-MI), John James (R-MI), and Tim Walberg (R-MI).\n\nFlashback\u2026 In September 2023, Rubio and Moolenaar sent a letter to Secretary Yellen urging CFIUS to review Gotion\u2019s ownership.\n\nThe full text of the new letter is below.\n\nDear Secretary Yellen:\n\nWe write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury\u2019s apparent failure to block Gotion Incorporated (Gotion)\u2014an entity with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)\u2014from developing a large industrial site near a major U.S. military installation. The scope of United States warfighting capabilities is extremely sensitive knowledge. We must only share this information selectively, exclusively, and knowingly with close allies and partners. Federal agencies have a duty to prevent America\u2019s adversaries from obtaining information concerning our national defense personnel and assets. As we are sure you will agree, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) plays a vital role in blocking foreign efforts to collect intelligence on our military via domestic investment.\n\nUnfortunately, CFIUS seems to have neglected a substantial foreign project constituting a major national security threat stemming from a major facility being constructed by Gotion. Gotion is the U.S. subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech, an electric vehicle (EV) battery company which is based in the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) and has documented ties to the CCP. The House Select Committee on the CCP has routinely documented Gotion High-Tech\u2019s notorious, widespread human rights abuses and use of forced labor in mainland China, in addition to its connection with Chinese paramilitary groups. Nonetheless, Gotion is currently constructing a $2.4 billion EV battery plant in Mecosta County, Michigan.\n\nIn June 2023, Gotion announced that its plans for plant construction were outside of CFIUS\u2019 jurisdiction and could therefore continue the project. But as you know, as of February 13, 2020, CFIUS\u2019 jurisdiction applies to greenfield investments when a foreign entity purchases real estate near certain sensitive military bases. Federal regulations define the extended range of a military installation as land within a 100-mile radius of the military installation (31 C.F.R. \u00a7 802.211). Covered installations include certain Army combat training centers within the continental United States (31 C.F.R. \u00a7 802.227(h)).\n\nAccording to CFIUS\u2019 own Part 802 geographic reference tool, Gotion\u2019s site in Michigan is located just under 60 miles south of the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center\u2014well within the regulation\u2019s definition of extended range. Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard training facility in the United States and is host to both the Northern Strike joint exercises and the National Guard Exportable Combat Training Center Exercises. Yet, despite Camp Grayling\u2019s significance, and the overwhelming evidence that this facility meets CFIUS\u2019 conditions for a sensitive military installation, CFIUS did not include the camp under its definition of covered real estate until its July 2024 proposed rule, \u201cDefinition of Military Installation and the List of Military Installations in Regulations Pertaining to Certain Transactions by Foreign Persons Involving Real Estate in the United States.\u201d\n\nGiven CFIUS\u2019 failure to launch a review of Gotion\u2019s site development when the project was first publicly announced two years ago, it is now imperative that CFIUS update its proposed rulemaking to clarify the Committee\u2019s ability to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that it previously failed to address. This step is well within CFIUS\u2019 authority under 50 U.S.C. 4565 \u00a7(b)(1)(D)(i). This common-sense measure would not only allow CFIUS to put a stop to Gotion\u2019s continued nefarious activity, but also the activities of many other adversarial entities that have slipped under CFIUS\u2019 radar and acquired land near sensitive military sites. CFIUS\u2019 failure to retroactively review these transactions would constitute a major security blunder and permit the CCP to engage in intelligence gathering that compromises our military capabilities and readiness.\n\nGiven the severity of what seems to be a grave lapse in CFIUS\u2019 judgement, we request answers to the following questions:\n\nWhy did CFIUS fail to designate Camp Grayling as an army combat training center under covered real estate until its July 2024 proposed rule?\n\nIf Camp Grayling\u2019s exclusion from covered real estate was a failure in oversight, what steps is CFIUS taking to rectify the situation?\n\nWhat action is CFIUS taking to stop Gotion from continuing its plant construction given its proximity to a major military installation?\n\nWill CFIUS commit to clarify its authority to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that have slipped under CFIUS\u2019 radar?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-death-hamas-leader-justice-his-victims", "Moolenaar: Death of Hamas Leader is Justice for His Victims", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Hamas leader and architect of the October 7th attacks on Israel, Yahya Sinwar, was killed in a targeted military operation conducted by Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed.\n\n\"The world is safer today thanks to the Israeli military operation that eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. American citizens have been killed by Sinwar and his terrorists, and his death today is justice for the families of his victims. I will continue to stand with Israel as it fights to free the remaining hostages and defeat Hamas,\" said Congressman John Moolenaar.\n\nSinwar organized the attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, where Hamas brutalized communities in southern Israel. Hamas killed more than 1,200 innocent civilians, and took 254 people, including 12 American citizens as hostage on October 7.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-secretary-sus-policies-hurting-michigan-farmers", "Moolenaar: Secretary Su\u2019s Policies Hurting Michigan Farmers", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Julie Su, the Acting Secretary of Labor the for the Biden-Harris administration, is expected to be in Michigan. Her policies have hurt Michigan farmers by mandating unsustainable wages for farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). This year, under Acting Secretary Su's direction, the AEWR in Michigan was raised to $18.50 per hour, the fourth highest rate in the nation.\n\n\"Many Michigan farmers are on the brink of bankruptcy because of the failed leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and Acting Secretary Su. I have met with fifth and sixth-generation farmers who fear that unless something changes, they will be the last in their family to farm. President Biden, Vice President Harris and Acting Secretary Su's policies are responsible for this hardship, and my bipartisan Supporting Farm Operations Act would help provide Michigan farmers overdue relief,\" said Congressman John Moolenaar.\n\nLast month, the Protect Our Product coalition had an event with Moolenaar to discuss the high labor costs of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s policies. The Michigan Farm News reported:\n\n\u201cFor the Kropfs, phasing out older varieties of apples on 25 acres carries a replanting cost of around $1 million. It\u2019s money the couple said they won\u2019t have if labor costs under the H-2A program continue to increase. \u201cThis money has to come from somewhere, and the price of the product has been relatively consistent, if not dropping,\u201d Chris Kropf said. \u201cWe have to control our labor costs \u2014 at all costs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-introduce-legislation-to-protect-michigan-small-businesses-impacted-by-low-snowfall", "Senator Peters Helps Introduce Legislation to Protect Michigan Small Businesses Impacted by Low Snowfall", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce legislation to protect small businesses that have been harmed by milder winters and low snowfall levels in recent years. The Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act would ensure small businesses that rely on strong winters are eligible for disaster relief through the Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program during winters with below average snowfall or snow cover.\n\n\u201cWith visitors traveling from around the world to experience the benefits of Michigan winters, snowfall is a critical component of our state\u2019s economy, particularly for communities Up North,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m proud to help lead this commonsense bill that would not only protect Michigan small businesses and workers, but also the unique character of the communities they support.\u201d\n\nThe EIDL program provides small businesses with the resources they need to remain operational while recovering from a disaster. Under current law, disasters that qualify for assistance include droughts, ice storms, and blizzards, but do not account for winters without enough snow. However, last winter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared 42 Michigan counties as drought disaster areas due to lack of snow. As a result, small businesses across Michigan suffered severe losses and were forced to cut staff or close their doors completely due to lack of visitors or demand for their services. The State of Michigan has lost millions of dollars in revenue and Michigan\u2019s ski hills lost an estimated $41 million last season. Additionally, according to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, over 3,400 employees that operate Michigan\u2019s ski hills were laid off due to the unseasonably warm winter.\n\nMichigan\u2019s winter recreation industry is driven by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sleigh rides, as well as snowboard manufacturers and snow removal services. By extending a crucial safety net to these small businesses, the Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act would help protect the livelihoods of Michiganders, particularly in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, by ensuring they are eligible for federal relief during unseasonably warm winters.\n\nPeters introduced the bill with U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/two-weeks-later-action-needed-governor-whitmer-following-ccp-spying", "Two Weeks Later: Action Needed from Governor Whitmer Following CCP Spying", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Two weeks after five Chinese nationals who were studying at the University of Michigan were charged with spying on Michigan National Guard (MNG) assets at Camp Grayling more action is needed from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the commander-in-chief of the MNG, to secure Camp Grayling and prevent espionage in Michigan.\n\nGovernor Whitmer needs to:\n\nCancel the millions of dollars in state funding for CCP-affiliated Gotion to bring 20-50 Chinese nationals to build and operate a battery component facility that is less than 100 miles from Camp Grayling.\n\nIssue a statement regarding the CCP espionage incident at Michigan\u2019s largest military base.\n\nAnswer questions about why the Michigan National Guard failed to stop the espionage from occurring.\n\nCall on the University of Michigan to end its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). The U-M students charged with spying were studying at U-M as part of U-M\u2019s partnership with SJTU. SJTU is linked to the cyber-spying unit of China\u2019s People\u2019s Liberation Army (PLA).\n\nCall on the legislature to bar U-M from using state funding to support its joint institute with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.\n\nAfter federal charges were announced against the U-M students on October 2, Congressman John Moolenaar again called on Whitmer to end state funding for Gotion. He also called for the University of Michigan to shut down its joint institute with SJTU.\n\nThis is the second time during Whitmer\u2019s governorship that Chinese nationals at U-M have been caught spying on U.S. military installations.\n\nLast year, the Wall Street Journal reported the FBI is aware of over 100 incidents of Chinese nationals gate crashing at sensitive sites across the US in the past three years. When asked if the CCP would utilize the Gotion plant for this kind of espionage, Bill Evanina, the former director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center responded, \"100%.\"\n\nAdditionally, earlier this year, Obama Defense Secretary Leon Panetta testified to Congress that the planned Gotion site would be used for espionage by the CCP. He said, \u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s any question that they are going to take advantage of that situation and I think we have to be very vigilant about what the hell is going on.\"\n\nIn January 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to Congress that allowing CCP-affiliated businesses to operate in the United States \u201ccan still raise national security concerns because it provides a vehicle for [the CCP] to, if they want to leverage that access, to conduct surveillance or other operations that undermine our national security, and we\u2019ve seen time and time again, where they have used that access, leveraged that access, to do that.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-at-us-ports", "Senator Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity at U.S. Ports", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to strengthen cybersecurity at U.S. ports. Port security is critical to the success of our nation\u2019s economy, supply chains, industrial base, and national security. However, cybersecurity vulnerabilities continue to threaten their security. For instance, many U.S. ports, including strategic ports used by the military, utilize Chinese-made cranes that could expose the port to malicious cyber activity and disrupt port operations. The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act would strengthen the security of U.S. ports by requiring all applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to have necessary digital infrastructure or software in place to address cybersecurity threats.\n\n\u201cThis commonsense, bipartisan bill would help strengthen our nation\u2019s defenses against cyberattacks by making sure ports have the necessary digital infrastructure and safeguards in place to protect both U.S. national security and supply chains as goods move throughout our waterways,\u201d said Senator Peters.\n\n\u201cSenator Peters\u2019 steadfast approach to legislating in a technology driven age will continue to provide critical protections for U.S. Ports and the infrastructure investments being made by the American taxpayer. The Senator clearly understands that as Port investment evolves with technology, that proactive cybersecurity planning must accompany federal spending,\u201d said Captain Paul C. LaMarre III, President of the American Great Lakes Ports Association.\n\nThe PIDP, which falls under the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) Maritime Administration, helps ports on our Great Lakes, coasts, and rivers improve the movement of goods and services. The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act would ensure applicants of the program have certified that they have an approved National Maritime Transportation Security Plan to reduce cybersecurity risks. Peters introduced the legislation with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).\n\nIn 2021, Peters helped Congress pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided robust funding for transportation and port infrastructure projects across the country. The historic law invested more than $17 billion in U.S. port infrastructure to make needed repairs and upgrades, reduce congestion to strengthen our supply chains and expedite commerce, and lower harmful emissions near ports to reduce environmental impacts on local communities.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led also numerous efforts to ensure our nation is better prepared to defend against cyberattacks. His historic, bipartisan provision to require critical infrastructure owners and operators to report to CISA if they experience a substantial cyberattack or if they make a ransomware payment was signed into law. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to enhance cybersecurity assistance to K-12 educational institutions across the country was also signed into law. Peters\u2019 bipartisan bills to bolster cybersecurity for state and local governments, strengthen the federal cybersecurity workforce, and help secure federal information technology supply chains have been signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1319", "Bergman Presses DoD on Forever Chemical Cleanup in Michigan", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Last week, Representative Bergman joined his Michigan colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to the Department of Defense (DoD), requesting a comprehensive report demonstrating how the Department of Defense\u2019s efforts to remediate harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have progressed, with a particular focus on military sites and surrounding communities in Michigan.\n\nAs the letter details, \u201cPFAS chemicals remain a grave danger to the health of our constituents. Residents in Michigan communities with former and current military bases continue to suffer the consequences of their decades-long exposure to these toxic forever chemicals.\u201d\n\nThe members continued, \u201cWhile we are pleased that some Interim Remedial Actions (IRA) are underway at these sites, we remain concerned about the health and well-being of residents in these communities. In 2019, members of Michigan\u2019s congressional delegation sent a letter to then DoD Acting Inspector General Glenn Fine, requesting a review of the DoD\u2019s use of PFAS at military sites around the country and the exposure to both military personnel and civilians living near those sites.\n\n\u201cWhile we appreciate the resulting report from the DoD OIG, many questions remain unanswered. Therefore, we request an updated analysis of the DoD\u2019s efforts to address PFAS contamination at former and current military bases that build on questions originally brought to your office\u2019s attention in 2019.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-detroit-news-news-article-gave-ccp-pass", "Moolenaar to Detroit News: \u201cNews\u201d Article Gave CCP a Pass", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "By Congressman John Moolenaar\n\nChad Livengood\u2019s recent article on electric vehicles ignored serious issues regarding the Chinese Communist Party, supply chain security, and human rights abuses while offering a case for increasing the involvement of Chinese companies in America\u2019s auto industry that was far too optimistic. The article was also condescending to the common-sense concerns of Michigan residents. These issues affect all of us in Michigan, whether we work for an automaker or simply pay our taxes.\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party seeks to increase America\u2019s dependance on China as a way of controlling our country. In April 2020, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said, \u201cwe must tighten international production chains\u2019 dependence on China.\u201d Additionally, the CCP has identified battery technology as a \u201cmajor technical domain\u201d that it would like to dominate for years to come.\n\nTragically, the EV supply chains controlled by the CCP are intertwined with human rights abuses and its genocide of a minority group known as the Uyghurs. Uyghurs are Muslims living in northwest China and the CCP has put millions of them into internment camps where they are forced into slave labor. One of the companies tied to this genocide is Gotion High-Tech, whose subsidiary wants to build a facility in the Big Rapids area. The company is receiving $715 million in state subsidies and tax breaks.\n\nMichigan residents are not misguided in their concerns about CCP-affiliated companies, and having political leaders bring a spotlight to these issues is not wrong, as Livengood seemed to suggest. In fact, more journalistic skepticism of these companies would help all Michigan residents. In the case of Gotion, for example, Livengood wrote the company will bring \u201c2,350 jobs averaging about $51,000 a year\u201d to Mecosta County. This contradicts his paper\u2019s reporting from April 2023, when \u201cGotion has said in its application for a property tax exemption, it expects an annual average wage at the facility of $61,995.\u201d So far, not one media outlet \u2013 including the News \u2013 has bothered to ask Gotion why it is now offering average wages $11,000 less than it promised the state legislature a year ago. CCP-affiliated companies are always changing their story, but their goal remains the same: further the CCP\u2019s agenda and increase America\u2019s dependence on China.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-vp-kamala-harriss-visit-michigan", "Moolenaar on VP Kamala Harris\u2019s Visit to Michigan", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be in Michigan today. Her visit comes after a new Quinnipiac poll shows 57% of Michigan residents oppose the Biden-Harris polices that push Michigan residents to own electric vehicles.\n\n\u201cVice President Harris says she wouldn\u2019t do anything differently than the past four years, and that means she would continue the Biden-Harris policies that push Americans toward buying cars they don't want and allow foreign adversaries to receive billions in taxpayer funding. Those policies are wrong, and they are out of touch. American companies should never have to compete with foreign adversaries receiving taxpayer funding,\u201d said Congressman John Moolenaar.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-d-mi-introduces-new-bill-make-it-easier-first-time", "Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) Introduces New Bill to Make it Easier for First Time Homebuyers to Afford a Down Payment", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Haley M. Stevens", "S001215", "stevens.house.gov", "stevens", "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill increases the amount of money individuals may withdraw from their IRA to use to purchase their first home from $10,000 to $25,000 making it easier to gain the first step on the property ladder while continuing to build their wealth and securing a safe place to live.\n\nKey provisions:\n\nAmends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $10,000 to $25,000 the maximum amount that may be withdrawn, without penalty, from a qualified retirement plan for the purpose of assisting a first-time homebuyer in purchasing a principal residence.\n\nThis increased distribution amount is adjusted annually for inflation for taxable years beginning after 2025.\n\n\u201cBuying a home not only provides families a place to live but is key to building wealth,\u201d said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). \u201cBy increasing the amount first time buyers may withdraw from their IRA savings to purchase a home, this bill will encourage young Americans to start saving earlier, help millions of Americans purchase their first homes, and allow the next generation to build wealth through homeownership. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce the First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act, so every American has a shot at the American dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cABA is pleased to support Rep. Stevens\u2019 First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act, which would help more Americans afford a down payment,\u201d said ABA Executive Vice President for Congressional Relations Kirsten Sutton. \u201cWith high prices keeping a home just out of reach for so many, this bill will help empower more prospective homebuyers to secure their dream of homeownership.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), we are pleased to support the First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act,\u201d said Bill Killmer, SVP of Legislative and Political Affairs. \u201cBy raising the IRA withdrawal limit for first-time home purchases to $25,000 and indexing it to inflation, this legislation connects the goal of homeownership with retirement savings, encouraging younger individuals to start saving earlier in order to build wealth over a longer period.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Association of REALTORS\u00ae fully supports the current-law incentive that allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $10,000 from a qualified retirement plan without having to pay the early withdrawal penalty,\u201d said NAR President, Kevin Sears. \u201cThis provision has helped many thousands to gather the necessary funds for a down payment. However, when this provision was enacted in the early 1990s, $10,000 went a lot further than it does today. So, increasing the amount to $25,000 is a much needed and very helpful step to assist families with the increasingly elusive but often vital goal of purchasing their first home. We express our gratitude to Rep. Stevens for her leadership on this important legislation.\u201d\n\nThe First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act is endorsed by the National Association of Realtors, the American Bankers Association, and the Mortgage Bankers Association.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/first-lady-jill-biden-comes-michigan-families-continue-struggle", "First Lady Jill Biden Comes to Michigan as Families Continue to Struggle", "2024-10-14", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, First Lady Jill Biden is expected to be in Michigan. The visit comes as Michigan families continue to struggle with inflation and higher prices caused by the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s reckless spending.\n\n\u201cBiden-Harris policies are hurting Michigan families with higher prices for groceries, housing, and energy. The First Lady\u2019s visit today promises more policies Michigan families cannot afford. I am working to cut wasteful federal spending and rein in inflation,\u201d said Congressman John Moolenaar.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1318", "Bergman Secures Victory for Michigan's School Resource Officers", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "In response to Lansing\u2019s $302 million cut to student mental health and safety resources in the Michigan state budget for FY 2025, Representative Jack Bergman introduced the School Resource Officer Funding Protection Act of 2024. The bill would require states to maintain or increase funding for school resource officer programs in order to remain eligible for full federal funding for elementary and secondary education.\n\nFollowing the introduction of this legislation, lawmakers in Lansing restored $125 million of the cut funding, with Governor Whitmer signing that funding into law yesterday.\n\n\"While I'm glad our pressure campaign succeeded in forcing Governor Whitmer to restore $125 million in cut funding for student mental health and school safety, it\u2019s hardly surprising that Democrats in Lansing exploited this bipartisan issue for political gain. Ramming the bill through without allowing any debate before the vote and with poison pills attached, they once again showed that they care more about politicizing our students rather than keeping them safe at school,\" Rep. Bergman stated.\n\nRead Rep. Bergman's bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-scholten-announces-12-million-grant-combat-human-trafficking-west-michigan", "Rep. Scholten Announces $1.2 Million Grant to Combat Human Trafficking in West Michigan", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Hillary J. Scholten", "S001221", "scholten.house.gov", "scholten", "https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GRAND RAPIDS, MI \u2013 Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) visited Safe Haven Ministries in Grand Rapids to congratulate the dedicated staff on their recently awarded grant. The $1.2 million investment will be split to fund a joint task force between Safe Haven and the Kent County Sheriff\u2019s Office (KCSO). The grant comes from the Department of Justice\u2019s Office for Victims of Crime and is known as an Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking Grant. Together, Safe Haven and KCSO will collaborate to combat human trafficking \u2013 a local issue that has national implications. Rep. Scholten authored a letter of support to the Department of Justice to bolster Safe Haven\u2019s application.\n\n\u201cBefore serving West Michigan as your representative, I served our community as a social worker and an immigration attorney,\u201d said Scholten. \u201cThroughout my career, I have helped people \u2013 particularly the most vulnerable \u2013 who were being trafficked and abused. Make no mistake, human trafficking does not always look like it does in the movies. It is happening right in front of us. We need victim advocates and resources to fight this crisis and break the cycles of violence and abuse. Safe Haven is equipped with the personnel and space to compassionately and effectively serve our most vulnerable neighbors, and with this grant and partnership with KCSO, they will be able to empower survivors.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-d-mi-introduces-new-bill-m1-concourse-pontiac-mi-remediate", "Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) Introduces New Bill at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, MI to Remediate & Redevelop More Disused Manufacturing Space Across U.S.", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Haley M. Stevens", "S001215", "stevens.house.gov", "stevens", "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PONTIAC, MI \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the RESTART Communities Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and hosted a press conference about the legislation at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, MI with Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel, M1 Concourse CEO Tim McGrane, and RACER Trust Deputy Redevelopment Manager and Director of Government Relations Patricia Spitzley. U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan (D-IN) co-sponsored this legislation.\n\nThe Revitalization Efforts for Sustainable Transformation and Remediation for Thriving Communities Act or the RESTART Communities Act aims to enhance interagency collaboration at the Federal level to empower local communities with the resources and practices needed to redevelop shuttered manufacturing sites requiring environmental remediation. This legislation will authorize the Federal government to create and disseminate best practices, streamline funding opportunities, provide other essential technical resources, and promote revitalization and remediation stakeholder collaboration to give manufacturing facilities and their surrounding communities a second chance at sustainable economic growth. By simplifying Federal support activities, the RESTART Communities Act empowers local communities to create new economic opportunities and protect the public health.\n\n\u201cThe RESTART Communities Act represents a significant step forward in unlocking incredible economic opportunities for shuttered manufacturing sites across the country, especially those that feature harmful environmental pollution,\u201d said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). \u201cBy bringing together local, state, and federal partners, we can clean up our communities and create new, high-quality jobs in the communities that need them most.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn Northwest Indiana and in manufacturing regions across the country, we must ensure communities have the full and efficient support of the federal government for remediation programs,\u201d said Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN). \u201cI am proud to join Rep. Stevens in supporting this outstanding initiative to promote streamlined processes and success for revitalizing local economies.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentative Stevens has long been a forward-thinking national leader on the need to support collaborative economic revitalization in communities affected by both job losses and environmental concerns,\u201d said Elliott P. Laws, Administrative Trustee, RACER Trust. \u201cThe RESTART Communities Act of 2024 provides important tools to promote community-focused solutions on a national scale, including training and educational programs to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills they will need to carry these initiatives in the future. As a member of the White House staff at the time, Representative Stevens was a key figure in building the framework of RACER Trust and has watched as RACER\u2019s application of its mandate has resulted in tens of thousands of new jobs and significant reductions in risks to human health and the environment. We are pleased to support Representative Stevens in her efforts and urge members of Congress to pass the RESTART Communities Act of 2024.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful for Congresswoman Stevens\u2019 continued bipartisan leadership to support economic development and community revitalization,\u201d said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair. \u201cThe RESTART Communities Act supports the core vision of Team Michigan\u2019s \u2018Make It in Michigan\u2019 economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects by empowering communities to breathe new life into outdated, shuttered manufacturing sites. When we strengthen a community\u2019s ability to create more vibrant places and welcome the businesses that employ their residents, it\u2019s a win for them. By streamlining and simplifying access to essential federal support through this act, more of our friends and neighbors will \u2018Make It\u2019 in Michigan.\u201d\n\n\"Too many communities in Michigan and across the country are dealing with legacy pollution from contaminated sites left behind by industry, and we need more tools for remediation and cleanup,\" said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. \"We appreciate Congresswoman Stevens' leadership with the introduction of the RESTART Communities Act, which will make sure that as many resources as possible can go toward remediation and revitalization of contaminated vacant sites. Local communities need all levels of government to be working together to better protect health, and the collaboration created by the RESTART Communities Act will help prevent the public's exposure to pollution, attract reinvestment for new businesses, and ensure that taxpayer resources are used effectively in the cleanup process.\"\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\nA complete recording of the press conference and accompanying photos can be found here.\n\nThe RESTART Communities Act is endorsed by the RACER Trust, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, the Detroit Regional Chamber, Oakland County, United Wholesale Mortgage, and Mayor of Pontiac Tim Greimel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-bills-to-name-post-offices-after-distinguished-michiganders-signed-into-law", "Peters & Stabenow Bills to Name Post Offices After Distinguished Michiganders Signed into Law", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Three bills authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to name U.S. Postal Service facilities after distinguished Michiganders have been signed into law.\n\nOne bill will designate the post office located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan as the \u201cSojourner Truth Post Office.\u201d Sojourner Truth was an African American woman, born enslaved in 1797. She became one of our nation\u2019s most preeminent abolitionists and women\u2019s suffragists, advocating throughout the nation and later settling in Michigan. Another bill will designate the post office located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan as the \u201cRobert Hayden Post Office.\u201d Robert Hayden was the first African American national Poet Laureate, the first Black faculty member at the University of Michigan\u2019s English department, and an Ann Arbor resident. The final bill will designate the post office located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the \u201cLieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office.\u201d Jefferson was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Forces with the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, and an educator with the Detroit Public Schools.\n\n\u201cThese three courageous Americans are owed an immense debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifices. By naming these post offices in their communities, I hope this serves as an added daily reminder of the legacies they leave behind in Michigan and our nation,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThe lives of these brave Michiganders will be remembered for many generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs our nation\u2019s first African American Poet Laureate, Robert Hayden made an incredible impact on our country, providing extraordinary contributions to American history, culture, and education. Serving as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II and later as a Detroit-area educator, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was a role model and mentor who inspired others to serve and pursue their dreams. Sojourner Truth escaped slavery and went on to help African Americans transition into a free life after the Civil War, dedicating her life to women\u2019s rights, racial equality and social justice. Naming these post offices after these three extraordinary Michiganders is a fitting tribute to their incredible lives,\u201d said Senator Stabenow.\n\nSojourner Truth was born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. She escaped slavery in 1827 and took her new name \u2013 Sojourner Truth \u2013 in 1843 before embarking on a path to preach for emancipation. After meeting Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1850, Truth began to passionately advocate for women\u2019s rights. Throughout her life, Truth fought bravely against racial injustices and spoke up for women\u2019s suffrage. In 1851, Truth gave her famous \u201cAin\u2019t I a Woman?\u201d speech to criticize race and gender discrimination at a convention in Akron, Ohio. In 1857, Truth moved to Harmonia, a former utopian community that was later incorporated into Battle Creek, Michigan. She spent the rest of her life advocating in various spheres and died in 1883 at the age of 86.\n\nRobert Hayden was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1913. Hayden attended Detroit City College (now Wayne State University) and went on to earn a Master of Arts degree at the University of Michigan. Hayden married Erma Inez Morris in 1940 and they moved to Ann Arbor in 1941. Hayden published nine collections of poetry during his lifetime, as well as essays and other works of literature, with much of his work touching on the Black American experience as part of the greater human experience. Hayden also taught at Fisk University in Tennessee. He returned to teach at the University of Michigan in 1969, becoming the first Black faculty member in the university\u2019s English department. Hayden achieved national and international recognition for his poetry. In 1976, he became the first African American to be appointed Consultant in Poetry by the Library of Congress \u2013 a role that is now known as Poet Laureate. Hayden passed away in Ann Arbor in 1980.\n\nAlexander Jefferson was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1921. Jefferson completed combat training at Selfridge Field in Mount Clemens and pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. He served in the military during World War II. During his time with the Tuskegee Airmen, Jefferson was shot down in France and captured by Nazi ground troops. He was a prisoner of war in German-occupied Poland before he was freed by General George Patton\u2019s U.S. Third Army. Jefferson returned to Michigan, where he became a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, earned a teaching certificate, and obtained a master\u2019s degree in education from Wayne State University. He was discharged from active duty in 1947 and retired from the Reserves in 1969 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jefferson taught elementary school science in Detroit, was appointed assistant principal, and retired in 1979 after 31 years of service to Detroit Public Schools. In 2016, Senator Peters helped honor Jefferson at a ceremony for France\u2019s Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal. This award is the highest honor France bestows on people who have carried out actions of great value to their nation. In 2016, Senator Stabenow also awarded Jefferson the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service and meritorious achievements as a Tuskegee Airman and POW during World War II at the 61st Annual Detroit NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-urges-department-of-defense-inspector-general-to-conduct-additional-oversight-of-pfas-remediation-efforts-in-michigan", "Peters Urges Department of Defense Inspector General to Conduct Additional Oversight of PFAS Remediation Efforts in Michigan", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to the Department of Defense\u2019s (DoD) Office of the Inspector General calling for additional oversight and a comprehensive report on the department\u2019s efforts to remediate harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the surrounding communities of Oscoda and Grayling, Michigan.\n\nPeters\u2019 letter follows a 2019 request from U.S. Representative Dan Kildee (MI-08) to examine DoD\u2019s use of PFAS at military sites across the country, as well as how military personnel and civilians living near those sites are affected by PFAS exposure, which the DoD Inspector General detailed in a 2021 report. Peters convened an oversight hearing on that report, where he called for DoD to do more to help clean up contaminated sites.\n\nSince that 2021 report, the Biden Administration announced new, stronger standards to limit exposure to PFAS in drinking water, and DoD has announced additional clean up efforts, including a expansion of remediation strategies developed by the Oscoda community. Given those developments, Peters is calling for the DoD Inspector General to conduct additional reviews and provide new information about DoD\u2019s PFAS cleanup efforts. Representative Kildee is leading the Michigan delegation in a companion letter to further the request.\n\n\u201cPFAS chemicals remain a grave danger to the health of our communities and environment. Residents of Oscoda and Grayling, Michigan, continue to cope with exposure from toxic PFAS chemicals stemming from the decades of extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire suppressant at Wurtsmith and Camp Grayling,\u201d wrote Senator Peters. \u201cWhile I am pleased that we have been able to increase resources and personnel to remedy these harmful chemicals, I remain concerned for the health and well-being of my constituents in these communities.\u201d\n\nPeters continued: \u201cWith the recent progress on developing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and viable cleanup methods for PFAS, some Interim Remedial Actions (IRAs) are now underway at Wurtsmith and Camp Grayling. These IRAs are not the final solution, and more work is required to fully address these contaminated sites. Therefore, I request an updated analysis of the DoD\u2019s efforts to address PFAS contamination at current and former military bases across the country that build on questions originally brought to your office\u2019s attention in 2019.\u201d\n\nPeters has worked with communities across Michigan for years on PFAS remediation efforts. In 2022, Peters convened a field hearing in East Lansing with officials from the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. This hearing examined federal efforts and coordination with state and local governments to clean up and prevent contamination from PFAS, and to examine the impacts exposure to these toxic chemicals has had on servicemembers, first responders, families, and other Michiganders. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, which assessed the federal government\u2019s response to PFAS contamination and remediation efforts. In 2022, Peters\u2019 bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law.\n\nText of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-resolution-to-recognize-national-chemistry-week", "Senator Peters Leads Resolution to Recognize National Chemistry Week", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing October 20-26 as National Chemistry Week to celebrate chemistry\u2019s important role in addressing critical challenges around the world. The resolution was introduced alongside fellow Congressional Chemistry Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n\u201cEach year, National Chemistry Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements in chemistry innovation that improve our everyday lives and support good-paying jobs in Michigan,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI\u2019m honored to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan resolution to recognize chemistry professionals and encourage students to pursue a career in STEM fields.\u201d\n\nNational Chemistry Week is a community-based program of the American Chemical Society that unites students, professional communities, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. The event aims to motivate young people, especially women and members of underrepresented groups, to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and pursue science-related careers. This year\u2019s National Chemistry Week theme is \u201cPicture Perfect Chemistry.\u201d\n\nPeters helped create the Senate Chemistry Caucus in 2017 to provide a bipartisan forum to discuss issues dealing with the science of chemistry and America\u2019s chemical business sector, which play a critical role in our economy and the creation of innovative products vital to everyday life.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/us-senate-unanimously-passes-peters-backed-bipartisan-resolution-to-commemorate-national-community-policing-week", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Peters-Backed Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate National Community Policing Week", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 A bipartisan resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to commemorate National Community Policing Week has unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the service and sacrifice of the law enforcement community and underscores the importance of community policing. Additionally, the resolution encourages civilians, law enforcement agencies and public servants to work together to find solutions to improve public safety and strengthen community relationships. Full text of the bipartisan resolution is available here.\n\n\u201cBuilding trust between residents and local law enforcement is key to the safety of our communities,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cI am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Community Policing Week and recognize the important work being done to strengthen our neighborhoods and keep people safe.\u201d\n\nPeters has consistently worked to enhance public safety by supporting the brave men and women who sacrifice their own lives protecting our communities. Last year, the Senate passed Peters\u2019 Strong Communities Act, which aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and their communities by providing recruits with federal grants to attend school or academy if they agree to serve in a law enforcement agency in their respective communities. In 2023, the Senate also passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Peters to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program \u2013 a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-introduce-legislation-to-grant-federal-recognition-to-the-grand-river-bands-of-ottawa-indians", "Peters, Stabenow Introduce Legislation to Grant Federal Recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation that seeks to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB). In addition to granting federal recognition to the GRB, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would make its members eligible for benefits and services provided by the federal government, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. U.S. Representative Scholten (D-MI-03) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe GRB is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The GRB originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Today, most of the GRB\u2019s membership resides in Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties.\n\n\u201cFor decades, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians has been working to gain federal Tribal recognition,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis bill would finally give them the recognition they deserve, bringing federal resources to its members and protecting their Tribal lands for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have deep roots in Michigan going back generations,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cThe tribe is recognized by the State of Michigan, but not by the Department of Interior. This legislation would finally grant federal recognition to this tribe.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, I thank Sen. Peters and the delegation members who introduced and co-sponsored this bill. After decades of delays, this bill brings renewed hope that our Tribe will achieve federal recognition and our members will gain access to the resources they deserve, including critical funding for social services, education, housing, elder care, exercising our treaty rights and weighing in on federal legislation that impacts tribes. We are grateful to Sen. Peters for his leadership and dedication to justice for the Grand River Bands,\u201d said Ron Yob, Chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.\n\nThis legislation is supported by community partners and local government leaders including the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds; the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades; and other key stakeholders throughout Michigan. Rep. Scholten\u2019s House companion legislation is supported by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Tim Walberg (R-MI-05), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), and John James (R-MI-10).\n\nPeters and Stabenow have previously led efforts to support Tribal communities across Michigan. In August, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced legislation authored by Peters that would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to accept requests from Tribal governments to receive Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declarations. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced by Peters and Stabenow to settle the longstanding land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and clear the title of current landowners in the community. The bill authorizes federal funds through the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that may be used by the KBIC for governmental services, economic development, natural resource protection, and land acquisition.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-legislation-to-increase-support-for-victims-of-human-trafficking-signed-into-law", "Peters Legislation to Increase Support for Victims of Human Trafficking Signed into Law", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) ability to combat human trafficking has been signed into law. The IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act will make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program and provide support to individuals impacted by human trafficking. The law will also make permanent an existing program that ensures the wellbeing of HSI employees and partners who are exposed to repeated stress and associated trauma through their work to support victims and investigate these horrific crimes.\n\n\u201cProviding support to those affected by human trafficking is an important step in the effort to counter human trafficking,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis new law will ensure that resources for victims of human trafficking, as well as the professionals assisting them, will be more readily available.\u201d\n\nThousands of men, women, and children are trafficked every year in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises of jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims. Based on calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project found that in 2020 there were at least 16,658 sex trafficking victims and survivors in the United States. However, the actual number of these crimes may be much larger because these crimes often go unreported. The legislation will provide increased resources and support to these victims, as well as HSI employees and partners who work to bring them recovery, stabilization, and justice.\n\nThe IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act will make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) program within HSI that provides outreach and training to investigators, forensic interviewers, victim assistance specialists, task force officers, and other partners who have been exposed to trauma while working with victims of human trafficking. The legislation will additionally require HSI to provide training, through the program, to these employees on available resources to help cope with burnout, compassion fatigue, and trauma. It also makes permanent and expands the HSI Victim Assistance Program that provides guidance on victim assistance, including training and technical assistance, and monitors compliance with federal crime victim statutes. The law increases the number of Victim Assistant Specialists to ensure every office participating in a human trafficking or child exploitation task force will have an assigned Victim Assistant Specialist, and also ensures that victims are provided with referrals for support services throughout the investigative and prosecutorial process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-one-year-anniversary-of-october-7th-attack-on-israel", "Senator Peters\u2019 Statement on One-Year Anniversary of October 7th Attack on Israel", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "DETROIT, MI \u2013 U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel:\n\n\u201cOne year ago, the world witnessed the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists slaughtered innocent Israeli mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and grandparents who were visiting family, attending a music festival, or simply going about their daily lives. We will never forget the horrors of October 7 and the more than 1,200 lives lost that day. One year later, we are still working to secure the release of the 101 hostages who have yet to return home safely. The United States will always stand with Israel and support its right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.\n\n\u201cThis past year has been difficult for many Michiganders, who have been faced with rising antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab hate, ongoing fears about potential violence and their families\u2019 safety at home and in the region, and who have seen little progress made towards ending the conflict sparked by Hamas\u2019 actions.\n\n\u201cAs we remember and honor the victims of that tragic day, as well as the hostages and civilians who remain in harm\u2019s way, we must also come together to forge a path forward, to condemn the hate that has become so pervasive since that day, and to continue our pursuit of enduring peace, security, and stability in the region.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-efficiency-of-legislative-process-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Efficiency of Legislative Process Signed into Law", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has been signed into law. The CBO Data Access Act will provide the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) with timely access to information they need to complete estimates on the budgetary impacts of legislation before it can be voted on in the Senate. CBO estimates are required to advance almost all legislation through Congress, but procedural issues can delay this office\u2019s ability to obtain the information needed from federal agencies to complete these analyses. The delays in CBO\u2019s receipt of agency information and data can also adversely impact their ability to provide the most accurate analyses.\n\n\u201cThe Congressional Budget office ensures that lawmakers clearly understand the financial impacts of proposed reforms. Thanks to a bipartisan effort to move this critical legislation, we have removed roadblocks that will allow the Congressional Budget Office to more readily access data, issue reports and inform Congress,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis law is an important step to help Congress make timely, informed decisions on legislation that will benefit all Americans.\u201d\n\nPeters\u2019 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Data Access Act will eliminate procedural delays in CBO\u2019s ability to access information from federal agencies by providing CBO with the same exemption to the Privacy Act granted to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and both chambers of Congress. Similar to the GAO\u2019s exemption, CBO would still be required to maintain agencies\u2019 data at the same level of confidentiality that is required of the agency from which the data originated. This law\u2019s passage exemplifies Peters\u2019 efforts to improve the lives of Michiganders, and by making the Congressional process more efficient, he makes meaningful progress for all Americans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-resolution-led-by-peters-to-honor-james-earl-jones", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Led by Peters to Honor James Earl Jones", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that honors the late actor James Earl Jones, who passed away in early September 2024. Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi then moved to Manistee, Michigan, and later attended the University of Michigan. He was widely known for his roles in The Lion King, Star Wars, Field of Dreams, and more.\n\nPeters led the resolution with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).\n\nSee the full text of the resolution here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1315", "Bergman Urges Road Commissioners: Protect Pictured Rocks Trail Access", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Representative Jack Bergman sent a letter to Marci Taskey, Chair of the Board of County Road Commissioners, imploring the Alger County Road Commission (ACRC) to continue their shared usage of County Highway 58 (H-58) with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).\n\nIf the shared usage agreement expires on December 1, 2024, DNR will no longer be permitted to operate designated Snowmobile Trail No. 422 on the 0.8-mile section of roadway that it currently shares with H-58 unless a new shared usage agreement is reached with ACRC. Given the local economic impact that last winter\u2019s drought had on the recreation and snowmobiling community, Rep. Bergman is determined to see this issue remedied.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://mcclain.house.gov/2024/10/mcclain-joins-effort-to-protect-u-s-businesses-from-harmful-canadian-tax", "McClain Joins Effort to Protect U.S. Businesses from Harmful Canadian Tax", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Lisa C. McClain", "M001136", "mcclain.house.gov", "mcclain", "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) joined several colleagues from the Michigan Congressional Delegation this week in a letter to the Biden Administration pressing for a direct response to Canada\u2019s recent enactment of a digital services tax (DST) against U.S. companies. The 3% discriminatory DST threatens to harm American workers and businesses and is a potential breach of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).\n\n\u201cThe USMCA created a prosperous and free-flowing economic environment in North America, where commerce was able to cross borders without unwarranted restrictions,\u201d said McClain. \u201cThe DST implemented by Canada not only threatens our trade agreement, but it will cause unnecessary harm to already struggling businesses and consumers. As one of our closest trade partners, I strongly urge them to rethink this action.\u201d\n\nThe United States Trade Representative has recently requested dispute settlement consultations with the Canadian government to address these concerns.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Reps. Dan Kildee (MI-08), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and John Moolenaar (MI-02).\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-peters-convenes-hearing-to-examine-potential-conflicts-of-interest-in-federal-contracting-that-put-national-security-at-risk", "ICYMI: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine Potential Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting that Put National Security at Risk", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine the national security risks posed by federal contractors with conflicts of interest. Specifically, the hearing examined conflicts that can arise when federal contractors, such as consulting firms and technology providers, do business with both the U.S. government and foreign adversaries or have clients with connections to adversarial nations. During the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed examples of recent troubling conflicts of interest from some federal contractors, and highlighted the need to prevent future conflicts of interest. Prior to the hearing, Peters sent a letter urging the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council to issue a rulemaking to prevent conflicts of interest in government contracting after missing its deadline by more than three months. This overdue guidance was required by Peters\u2019 Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, which was signed into law in 2022.\n\n\u201cFrom modernizing and enhancing the safety of our infrastructure and power grid \u2013 to providing critical intelligence that safeguards our nation from foreign and domestic threats \u2013 the scope of government contractors\u2019 support is immeasurable. To ensure that government contractors are truly working in the best interests of Americans \u2013 we must ensure they are meeting the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and transparency by removing conflicts of interest from their work,\u201d said Peters during his opening statement.\n\nPeters continued: \u201cI am confident that we can all agree that Americans deserve full assurance that federal contractors are providing transparency and avoiding any potential conflicts before they are awarded taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nTo watch video of Senator Peters\u2019 questions, click?here.\n\nDuring the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed what steps Congress should take to mitigate future risks relating to federal procurement and how federal agencies are currently addressing potential conflicts of interest in federal contracting. The committee discussed the importance of enforcing requirements and monitoring contracts to avoid risks, especially in relation to data, while also stressing the need to ensure the procurement process remains competitive. The witnesses highlighted that conflicts of interest can pose serious threats to our national security and warned that not addressing these concerns could potentially harm U.S. interests.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Signed into Law", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property has been signed into law. Federally-owned personal property includes physical items such as office supplies, furniture, automobiles, and heavy machinery. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and this law will ensure agencies are looking to excess property \u2013 available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation \u2013 before buying new products in order to save taxpayer dollars.\n\n\u201cAgencies should always consider reusing excess goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles rather than buying them new, and this law will ensure they do just that,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cThis law will hold the federal government more accountable by ensuring they only spend taxpayer dollars on essential items. The American people know what it means to be frugal and reuse what they own: it\u2019s time federal agencies do the same.\u201d\n\nThe Reuse Excess Property Act will update existing requirements for agencies to report their excess personal property to the General Services Administration (GSA) by making those reports available to the public as well. This will help agency officials and taxpayers better understand the extent to which agencies are working to cut wasteful spending through the use of excess property. The bill also requires agencies publicly report on their guidance on the use of excess personal property and designate an employee to be responsible for searching through available excess personal property for items that meet agency needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fbi-charges-chinese-nationals-spying-camp-grayling", "FBI Charges Chinese Nationals with Spying at Camp Grayling", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the Detroit News reported the FBI has charged five Chinese nationals who studied at the University of Michigan with espionage related charges. The five individuals are accused of taking photos of military equipment at Camp Grayling. While the students were taking photos, the Michigan Army National Guard was hosting training for the Taiwanese military.\n\n\u201cThis case shows once again that CCP espionage can happen anywhere in America and we must be vigilant. The CCP obviously has an interest in Camp Grayling and this is further evidence it would be a mistake for Michigan leaders to allow Gotion to build in our state. State funding for Gotion\u2019s plan to bring Chinese nationals to Mecosta County is an open invitation for further spying on Camp Grayling. For national security reasons, Governor Whitmer and the legislature must revoke state funding for Gotion immediately,\" said Congressman John Moolenaar.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, as chairman of the Select Committee on China, my committee recently issued a report on research security at our nation\u2019s universities. All of our nation\u2019s universities must shut down their joint institutes with Chinese universities, and enact stricter guardrails on emerging technology research. American universities must realize they are a target for espionage and protect the critical taxpayer-funded research they do,\u201d he continued.\n\nLast month, Moolenaar along with Chairwoman Virginia Foxx of the Committee on Education and Workforce released a report on research security at American universities. The five Chinese nationals charged with espionage were students at the University of Michigan through the schools joint partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-dingell-reintroduce-bipartisan-national-dam-and-hydropower", "Moolenaar, Dingell Reintroduce Bipartisan National Dam and Hydropower Safety Legislation", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that makes reforms and improvements to dam and hydropower safety operations and oversight in the United States. The National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act would enhance dam and hydropower safety operation requirements nationwide and aims to modernize existing infrastructure through the development of new best practices and improved communications between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and states.\n\nMoolenaar and Dingell originally pushed for the provisions after the 2020 Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam failures in Michigan caused $200 million in damage throughout the region\u2019s downstream communities, destroying homes, businesses, roads, and bridges.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation addresses failures in existing law and will help ensure compliance with the safety regulations that are needed to protect the American people,\u201d said Moolenaar. \u201cWe know in Michigan that the failures of federal bureaucrats, state officials, and a negligent dam owner led to devastating consequences, and we must update the laws to prevent that from happening again.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe 2020 breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams caused extensive damage in Michigan and its downstream communities. It drowned homes, businesses, and whole cities,\u201d said Dingell. \u201cIt is clear there are serious gaps in existing laws that need to be addressed, and this catastrophe could have been prevented. We can never let this happen again in any city in America with a high hazard dam.\u201d\n\nThe National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act would specifically do the following:\n\nAdd a new requirement to section 10 of the Federal Power Act to mandate dam and project works meet the FERC\u2019s dam safety requirements and to require the licensee to manage, operate, and maintain the dam and project works consistent with dam safety requirements.\n\nAmend section 15 of the Federal Power Act to require FERC to issue a new license only if the Commission determines the dam and other project works meet the Commission\u2019s dam safety requirements and that the operating conditions of the license are consistent with those requirements.\n\nRequire FERC to establish procedures for evaluating the financial health of prospective hydropower licensees.\n\nRequire FERC to convene a technical conference with State representatives to examine best practices for Dam Safety.\n\nAllow FERC to notify and share records with States when an issue is found and the licensee has failed to act and if FERC revokes or surrenders a dam's license.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-irans-attack-israel", "Moolenaar Statement on Iran\u2019s Attack on Israel", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "John R. Moolenaar", "M001194", "moolenaar.house.gov", "moolenaar", "https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Iran launched a series of ballistic missile attacks on Israel, escalating its effort to destroy Israel and jeopardizing the lives of millions of innocent people.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and Vice President Harris unfroze billions of dollars for Iran and Iran has used that money to fund attacks on Israel and Americans in the region. Their weakness has led to the attacks on Israel today. Their failures have completely erased the historic successes of President Trump when Iran was isolated, and Israel and the United States signed the historic Abraham Accords with key countries in the Middle East. We must unequivocally stand with Israel and never allow the terrorist Iranian regime to wipe Israel off the face of the earth,\u201d said Congressman John Moolenaar.\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration has unfrozen billions in sanctioned funds for Iran even though Iran is the largest state-sponsor of terrorist groups in the world.\n\nIn April, Treasury Deputy Secretary Adewale Adeyemo admitted to Congress that, \u201cWhat we\u2019ve seen time and time from the Iranian regime, is that they fail to feed their people and they put the IRGC first,\" Adeyemo said. \"Any dollar they have will go towards violent activity before they deal with their people.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmost none of the humanitarian money has been used for humanitarian purposes, because they don\u2019t care about getting drugs and food for their people,\u201d added Adeyemo.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bill-to-extend-department-of-homeland-security-joint-task-forces-authority-signed-into-law", "Peters Bill to Extend Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Forces Authority Signed into Law", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 A bill authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to reauthorize Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Joint Task Forces (JTF) authority has been signed into law. Joint Task Forces allow DHS to establish joint operations using DHS personnel and resources to secure U.S. land and maritime borders, address homeland security threats, and establish regional operations to tackle ongoing homeland security challenges like drug smuggling and trafficking. Peters\u2019 law extends this authority for an additional two years to enable DHS to maintain the existing Joint Task Force and continue efforts to protect the homeland.\n\n\u201cJoint Task Forces are an important tool to help DHS protect the homeland and combat transnational crime,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy new law will ensure DHS can continue to coordinate effectively across agencies, and with critical international partners, to address these complex security challenges.\u201d\n\nCongress codified DHS Joint Task Forces as part of its yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in fiscal year 2017. DHS currently uses this authority through its Joint Task Force-East, which works to strengthen coordination of U.S. government agencies as well as international partners to combat transnational criminal organizations and address maritime migration. Joint Task Force-East has led efforts to improve intelligence and information sharing among these partners to coordinate operations more effectively, better identify suspicious vessels, such as those potentially involved in drug trafficking, and target pathways used for smuggling.\n\nThe DHS Joint Task Force Reauthorization Act will extend the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and operate Joint Task Forces for two more years. The law will require the Secretary to develop a staffing plan for these JTFs and include it in reports to Congress. It will also require the Secretary to give Congress an annual briefing on Joint Task Force-East\u2019s staffing and resource needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs-heads-to-senate", "Peters Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs Heads to Senate", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program has advanced in the Senate. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAmericans across the nation are experiencing the devastation caused by more frequent and catastrophic natural disasters. These individuals must have swift access to federal resources in order to piece their lives back together,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA individual disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to survivors for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency.\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to strengthen our federal disaster preparedness and response. Earlier this year, Peters\u2019 bipartisan bill to create one deadline to apply for two FEMA disaster assistance programs was signed into law. Peters' bipartisan bill to simplify the federal application process by creating a universal FEMA application across federal agencies passed in the Senate. Peters secured $500 million in funding as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill for a program he created to help states establish revolving loan programs for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce the risk of shoreline erosion, extreme flooding, and other natural disasters. Peters\u2019 bipartisan legislation to protect FEMA Reservists from losing their full-time employment when they are called up to assist communities with disaster response was also signed into law. Finally, Peters\u2019 bill to help protect pets and other animals during and in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies was also signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law", "Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Heads to President to be Signed into Law", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The House passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property. Federally-owned personal property includes physical items such as office supplies, furniture, automobiles, and heavy machinery. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and this bill would ensure agencies consider excess property \u2013 available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation \u2013 before buying new products to save taxpayer dollars. The bill passed the Senate in December 2023 with an amendment by unanimous consent before heading to the House. It now heads to the President to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cFederal agencies must use taxpayer dollars responsibly. Agencies should consider reusing excess goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles rather than buying them new,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan legislation would hold the federal government more accountable by ensuring agencies consider goods that have already been purchased when looking for new personal property. The American people deserve smarter federal agency spending practices, and this bill helps ensure that.\u201d\n\nThe Reuse Excess Property Act would update existing requirements for agencies to report their excess personal property to the General Services Administration (GSA) by making those reports available to the public as well. This would help agency officials and taxpayers better understand the extent to which agencies are working to cut wasteful spending through the use of excess property. The bill would also require agencies to publicly report on their guidance on the use of excess personal property and designate an employee to be responsible for searching through available excess personal property for items that meet agency needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-lankford-and-klobuchar-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-transparency-of-the-senate-confirmation-process", "Committee Passes Peters, Lankford & Klobuchar Bipartisan Bill to Improve Transparency of the Senate Confirmation Process", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, James Lankford (R-OK), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to improve transparency of the Senate confirmation process for Congress and the public has advanced in the Senate. This bill would create a dashboard to identify and track the status of nominations for the more than 1,300 Senate-confirmed, executive branch positions including which positions that are vacant or held by an official in an acting role. The number of political appointees subject to confirmation continues to grow, and delays in the confirmation process have led to increased vacancies and discouraged qualified individuals from seeking these roles. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve to know that there is a transparent, responsible nomination and confirmation process within the Senate. Too many political nominations are getting stuck in a cumbersome process, which leads to vacancies and less time for the Senate to work on moving legislation. In some cases, vacant administration positions take hundreds of days to confirm,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy bipartisan bill will ensure the Senate is held accountable, while also enhancing the Senate\u2019s ability to efficiently process pending confirmations and swiftly push legislation forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cInstead of confronting the real economic and national security problems facing America, much of the Senate\u2019s time is taken up by confirming a seemingly endless number of political nominees. This bill will allow us to identify and address the causes for chronically vacant positions and ultimately free up floor time for the Senate to debate the issues Oklahomans care about,\u201d said Senator Lankford.\n\n\u201cThe Senate has a critical role under the Constitution to provide a check on the executive branch by requiring advice and consent over key positions that serve the American people in government,\u201d said Senator Klobuchar, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. \u201cThis has taken an increasing amount of time under presidents of both parties, and this common sense legislation will strengthen transparency and accountability for the Senate confirmation process as we continue working to improve it.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Partnership has long supported increased transparency in the Senate confirmation process, particularly the data around appointments, acting officials and newly created positions requiring Senate confirmation. We applaud the bill sponsors for continuing to identify ways to increase access to this data as an important step in reforming the confirmation process,\u201d said Max Stier, Founding president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.\n\nWith more than 1,300 positions subject to Senate confirmation, in recent Congresses the Senate has spent more time voting on nominations than on legislation according to analysis by the Partnership for Public Service. Despite the time spent voting on nominations, the Senate has been confirming fewer nominees than ever before. While confirmations for Cabinet Secretaries, critical national security roles and other high-profile positions are often prioritized, confirmations for lower-level positions can be indefinitely delayed, and some positions never receive nominations. This legislation will help identify reforms that would help reverse these trends and provide the Senate with the appropriate resources and time to both legislate and ensure that qualified candidates are being confirmed to serve in these key roles.\n\nThe bipartisan Improving Senate Confirmation and Vacancy Oversight Act of 2024 would require GAO to create a new data dashboard for tracking Senate-confirmed positions, that includes information collected by OPM on its existing PLUM website which currently tracks all political appointments. There is currently no central location for the public or Congress to identify which positions are vacant, the names of those serving in those positions, and the time it takes the Senate to confirm those roles. The data dashboard created by this legislation would provide critical data on the information gaps listed above. Additionally, the bill would institute new requirements for capturing the number of Presidential appointees requiring Senate confirmation (PAS) positions created and removed each year through legislation, so that Congress and the public can better understand new positions added to and removed from agencies by law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://mcclain.house.gov/2024/9/macedonia-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-resolution-supporting-macedonian-american-heritage-month", "Macedonia Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Resolution Supporting Macedonian American Heritage Month", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Lisa C. McClain", "M001136", "mcclain.house.gov", "mcclain", "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Macedonian Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution encouraging the designation of September as Macedonian American Heritage Month. The co-chairs released the following statement on the resolution\u2019s introduction:\n\n\u201cFor centuries, Macedonians have immigrated to America to throw off the yoke of communism and embrace the freedom to achieve the \u2018American dream\u2019. Their story is now our collective American story as Macedonian Americans around the country give back to their communities as business owners, elected officials, and civic leaders. Even more, North Macedonia is a valuable strategic partner and key ally of the United States in the Balkans. Macedonian Americans\u2019 contributions to our nation\u2019s culture and society deserve recognition, and we encourage all Americans to join us in observing Macedonian American Heritage Month.\u201d\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.\n\nThe Congressional Caucus on North Macedonia and Macedonian Americans is a bicameral, bipartisan group of members of Congress dedicated to maintaining and strengthening a positive and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and North Macedonia.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 630, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "MI", "p1": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 406, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 224, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 357, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 273, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "MI", "label": "MI", "count": 630, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 630, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-09-27,https~3A~2F~2Fmcclain~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2024~2F9~2Fmacedonia-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-resolution-supporting-macedonian-american-heritage-month", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MI&year=2024&_next=2024-09-27%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmcclain~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2024~2F9~2Fmacedonia-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-resolution-supporting-macedonian-american-heritage-month&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 436.664963606745, "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"}