Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
346 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "MI" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/michigan-delegation-members-urge-air-force-to-select-selfridge-air-national-guard-base-for-kc-46-tankers | Michigan Delegation Members Urge Air Force to Select Selfridge Air National Guard Base for KC-46 Tankers | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), and U.S. Representatives John James (R-MI-10), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Bill Huizenga (R-MI-4), and Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) are urging U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to select Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to host a new squadron of KC-46A refueling tankers. The letter to Secretary Kendall highlights Selfridge’s unique capability to host these tankers while reiterating the Michigan congressional delegation’s commitment to ensuring Selfridge is also selected to host a new, long-term fighter jet mission. This comes after the Air Force identified Selfridge as “an indispensable source of tanker capacity for our national security” in a letter to Peters and Stabenow in 2021. “The Michigan Congressional Delegation expresses our strong belief that Selfridge is the ideal location for a squadron of KC-46A refueling tankers and a recapitalization of the A-10 squadron into an advanced fighter,” the letter stated. “With this in mind, we urge the Air Force to base a squadron of twelve KC-46s at Selfridge in addition to a future replacement fighter mission due to its strong operational track record, exceptional personnel, and strategic location.” “We know Selfridge’s advantages, its exceptional operational track record, and the 127th Wing’s outstanding personnel make Selfridge an ideal candidate for a squadron of KC-46s and a future fighter mission,” the letter continued. “Our delegation and state are totally dedicated to fighting for Selfridge with Governor Whitmer’s proposed $100 million investment in base and runway improvements a tangible example of this commitment. We look forward to working closely with you and your office to ensure Michigan continues to be a value add to the Total Force… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-combat-human-rights-abuses | Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Help Combat Human Rights Abuses | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan legislation to help American businesses combat human rights abuses. Senator Peters’ Combating Human Rights Abuses Act – which he reintroduced with U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) – would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce to help educate American exporters that are, or are considering, exporting goods in partnership with businesses in the People’s Republic of China where forced labor and significant human rights abuses have occurred. The bill would also direct the Commerce Department to offer guidance to exporters to help them avoid doing business with Chinese entities that may be implicated in forced labor or human rights violations. “Human rights abuses like those committed in China must be condemned,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud the Senate has unanimously passed this bipartisan legislation to provide American businesses with the information and transparency they need to avoid business dealings with entities in China that may be involved in forced labor or other atrocities.” The legislation has earned the support of the Uyghur Human Rights Project and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). “There is no room for half-measures to stop corporate complicity in the atrocity crimes against Uyghurs,” said Omer Kanat, Executive Director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project. “UHRP strongly endorses this Congressional action. It’s past time to end profits tied to entities that are using Uyghur forced labor, and tech companies that provide the 24-7 surveillance state enforcing the ongoing genocide of the Uyghur people.” The government of the People’s Republic of China has perpetrated egregious human rights abuses—including in Tibet and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region—against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups. The Chinese government’s actions have encompassed mass detention in internment camps, the use of forced labor, cultural cleansing,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-and-lankford-bipartisan-bill-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property | Senate Passes Peters and Lankford Bipartisan Bill to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Senate has passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and James Lankford (R-OK) 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 are looking to excess property– available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation – before buying new products to save taxpayer dollars. “Federal agencies have a responsibility to taxpayers use dollars responsibly. When it comes to purchasing goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles, agencies should consider reusing excess goods rather than buying them new,” said Senator Peters. “My 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.” “This is not that hard. Use the stuff you already have before you buy more stuff. When federal agencies just buy more, before they use what we already have, it shows a lack of commitment to saving taxpayer dollars. The federal government is already the largest single buyer of goods and services in the world, so we need to prioritize good stewardship and effective use of property the government has already purchased,” said Senator Lankford. “From paper clips to automobiles, Oklahoma families and businesses make decisions every day about how to use what they have before spending more money. We should always look for ways for the federal government to save more money and waste less time.” The 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 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senators-peters-and-stabenows-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-settle-longstanding-land-claims-of-the-keweenaw-bay-indian-community-clear-title-of-current-landowners | Senate Unanimously Passes Senators Peters and Stabenow’s Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Settle Longstanding Land Claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Clear Title of Current Landowners | 2023-12-18 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) to settle the longstanding land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and clear the title of current landowners in the community. The KBIC was guaranteed occupancy over a large area of land established as the L’Anse Reservation through Treaties signed in 1842 and 1854. Despite those Treaties, thousands of acres of the reservation were taken by the federal government without compensation and awarded to the State of Michigan. Peters and Stabenow introduced the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2023 in coordination with the KBIC and state and local governments to address this longstanding issue. Representative Bergman (R-MI-01) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “This bipartisan bill rightly settles the claims brought by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and provides legal clearance for local residents who currently own the property at issue,” said Senator Peters. “It’s time to right this wrong.” “Passage of this legislation resolving longstanding land claims is an important step forward. This bill is a long overdue solution,” said Senator Stabenow. “The Tribal Council and the whole Keweenaw Bay Indian Community are beyond overjoyed by the Senate’ unanimous passage yesterday of S. 195, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claims Act. We have sought relief and compensation for generations for the unlawful taking of our lands. Thanks to Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow we finally feel heard,” said Keweenaw Bay Indian Community President Doreen Blaker. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s land claims involve the dispossession of between approximately 1,333 and 2,720 acres of land transferred by the United States government to the State of Michigan as compensation for the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, as well as approximately 2,743 acres of swamplands. The KBIC asserts that as… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-highlights-new-safety-equipment-to-prevent-flight-cancellations-at-cherry-capital-airport | PHOTOS: Senator Peters Highlights New Safety Equipment to Prevent Flight Cancellations at Cherry Capital Airport | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | TRAVERSE CITY, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) – along with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regional Administrator Erik Amend, Cherry Capital Airport Director Kevin Klein and Cherry Capital Airport Authority Board Chair Steve Plamondon – participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Cherry Capital Airport. The new ILS will help provide pilots with precise navigation guidance when approaching the runway in bad weather or low visibility, preventing hundreds of flight cancellations each year. Peters was instrumental in spurring the FAA to expedite approval of the ILS for Cherry Capital Airport to ensure the airport can continue to provide safe, reliable air service while supporting local tourism and economic development. “Bad weather and flight cancellations cause serious disruptions to travelers, especially at this time of year,” said Senator Peters. “I’m glad I was able to help expedite the approval of this new safety equipment to ensure that Cherry Capital Airport is as safe and efficient as possible for the nearly 700,000 passengers each year who use the airport.” “Cherry Capital Airport would like to thank Senator Peters and his outstanding staff for all the assistance with the Instrument Landing System for Runway 10,” said Director Klein. “With Senator Peters’ help we were able to navigate the many layers of policy and regulations to achieve this project for the safety and reliability of air service to Northern Michigan.” In addition to assisting on the ILS project, Peters fought for additional support for Cherry Capital Airport, as well other provisions to support air service across the state. Peters recently helped secure $5.2 million in federal funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for the airport to replace five boarding bridges, which will improve its aircraft capabilities and competitiveness. Last year, Peters’ Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act was signed into law, which provides funding to commercial airports to purchase devices nee… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-domestic-semiconductor-manufacturing | Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. Peters’ Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act – which he reintroduced with U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Jon Tester (D-MT) – would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 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. Peters’ bill – which was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in May – would help address the ongoing global shortage of semiconductor technologies that has disrupted a range of industries in recent years including manufacturers and automakers in Michigan. Companion legislation led by Representatives Greg Pence (R-IN) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in July. “In order to remain a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century, we must continue to build on the investments we made in the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips, which we know will dictate the future of technology and innovation,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.“My bipartisan bill would do just that by strengthening our efforts to attract investment in American semiconductor manufacturers as well as their suppliers, reducing our dependence on foreign producers for these critical technologies and creating good-paying jobs here at home.” “We are grateful to Senator Peters and his colleagues for serving as catalysts in a bipartisan commitment to bet on American workers. Michigan has worked tirelessly over the last two years to enhance our competitiveness in the semiconductor industry: We signed an MOU to establish a global semiconductor center of excellence (M-STAR); provided the la… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-cornyn-introduce-bill-to-protect-americans-from-weapons-of-mass-destruction | Peters & Cornyn Introduce Bill to Protect Americans from Weapons of Mass Destruction | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and John Cornyn (R-TX), introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent a critical national security office that protects Americans from threats posed by weapons of mass destruction from being forced to close its doors. The authorization for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to expire early next year unless quick action is taken. Peters and Cornyn’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Extension Act of 2023 would ensure that the federal government can continue its work to defend against threats from weapons of mass destruction – which include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons. The bill provides stability for the office by extending the authority to conduct its national security missions for two more years. “Weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and radiological weapons, could have catastrophic effects if used in an attack on the United States. These threats are continuing to grow, and we must ensure that the Department of Homeland Security can continue its crucial work to address these serious risks uninterrupted,” said Senator Peters. “I will continue working along with Senator Cornyn to pass additional legislation to ensure the federal government can effectively address these complex and dangerous threats. But there is simply too much at risk if this office is forced to stop operations, and I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this short-term extension to protect our national security.” “While new technology has improved our lives in countless ways, it has also opened the door for bad actors to harm our country,” said Senator Cornyn. “The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office was created to prevent chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands, and this legislation would make sure it can continue protecting Americans from weapons o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-bill-with-senator-peters-provisions-and-michigan-priorities | Senate Passes National Defense Bill with Senator Peters’ Provisions and Michigan Priorities | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate has passed the government’s annual defense authorization bill, which includes key provisions and Michigan priorities secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI). Peters, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully led and supported multiple provisions in the bill – including to invest in Michigan’s military facilities, combat aggression by adversaries like the Chinese and Russian governments, advance PFAS removal efforts, and give servicemembers a pay raise. “Strong defense capabilities are key for our national security and the security of our allies, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure the U.S. military remains the strongest in the world,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “It authorizes key investments in Michigan’s military facilities that will contribute to our state’s continued role as a critical component of our national defense. Looking ahead, I will continue to do everything possible to secure the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Michigan’s many other defense installations, and to continue to increase our state’s defense footprint.” The annual National Defense Authorization Act sets the Department of Defense’s budget and policy priorities for the coming year. The Senate and the House of Representatives previously passed their own versions of the legislation. Leaders in both chambers then negotiated and came to an agreement on the legislation that passed the Senate today. Once the House passes the bill, it will head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities: $72 Million for a Ground Transport Equipment Building at the Detroit Arsenal: Peters secured an authorization of $72 million toward the construction of a new research and development laboratory to support the arsenal’s advanced tactical and combat system mission functions. He also secured an authorization for $2.4 million for the planning and design of a new tactical vehicle l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-bipartisan-provision-to-expand-access-to-opioid-addiction-treatment-for-adolescents-advances-in-senate | Senator Peters’ Bipartisan Provision to Expand Access to Opioid Addiction Treatment for Adolescents Advances in Senate | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – A bipartisan provision led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to expand access to opioid addiction treatment for adolescents has advanced in the Senate as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan SUPPORT for Patient Reauthorization Act would reauthorize federal funding for numerous opioid prevention, education, coverage, and treatment programs to help address the ongoing opioid epidemic that has devastated communities in Michigan and across the country. Peters’ provision in the SUPPORT Act – based off his Youth Prevention and Recovery Reauthorization Act – would reauthorize funding specifically for the Youth Prevention and Recovery Initiative. Peters established this initiative through legislation he authored into law in 2018 to make an existing substance abuse treatment program available for young adults. Peters’ provision would ensure this critical resource remains available to adolescents, families, care providers, and communities. The SUPPORT for Patients Reauthorization Act was approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), more than 695,000 American adolescents used opioids for nonmedical reasons in 2018, up by more than 400,000 since the last study was conducted in 2015. In December 2022, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that monthly drug overdose deaths nearly tripled among adolescents age 10 to 19 years during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Michigan, deaths from opioid overdoses have increased roughly 18 times from 1999 – 2021, when there were more than 2,800 overdose deaths. “Opioid addiction has devastated far too many families and communities throughout our state and country. To address this epidemic, we must make sure people have access to the kind of treatment they need to get better, especially our young people who have their whole lives ahead of the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-applaud-federal-funding-to-improve-safety-on-michigan-roadways | Senators Peters & Stabenow Applaud Federal Funding to Improve Safety on Michigan Roadways | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) applauded several federal investments coming to Michigan communities through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, which funds local and regional road safety projects that will help prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Funding for this program is made possible through the bipartisan infrastructure law that the senators helped enact. “It’s important that Michiganders feel safe when using our roadways, regardless of whether they are driving a car, riding a bike or walking,” said Senator Peters. “These federal investments will help our communities take the necessary steps to address safety concerns and ensure our roadways are as safe as possible.” “This investment will give our local communities the tools they need to keep Michigan pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers safe. Roadway deaths are all too common, and this is an important step to improve some of the most dangerous streets in our state,” said Senator Stabenow. Americans are currently enduring a safety crisis on our roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021, the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and the largest annual percentage increase ever recorded. Preliminary statistics from 2022 continue to indicate elevated rates of roadway fatalities. The SS4A program will help reverse this trend by supporting the development of comprehensive safety action plans, which help identify and address the most significant roadway safety concerns in a community. Once a comprehensive safety action plan is in place, a community is eligible to apply for additional grant funding to demonstrate or implement strategies defined in its action plan. The communities and entities listed below are receiving funding for demonstration and implementation activities related to an action plan: The City of Dearborn is receiving $24,894,430 to i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bill-to-protect-american-genetic-data-from-foreign-adversaries | Peters Introduces Bill to Protect American Genetic Data From Foreign Adversaries | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to combat the ability of foreign adversaries to steal American genetic data and personal health information. The bill would prevent biotechnology companies, such as the BGI Group (BGI), that have significant ties to foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party, from accessing American genetic data and personal health information by creating a comprehensive process to identify companies with business practices that pose a threat to U.S. national security. The bill would also ban companies that are identified as national security risks from receiving taxpayer dollars through federal government contracts. “Every day, Americans get blood drawn or take other medical tests to protect their health, but few people know exactly who might have access to the DNA information contained in those samples. As the biotechnology sector becomes more prominent in everyday life, the threats posed by biotech companies controlled by adversaries, like the Chinese government, loom larger.” said Senator Peters. “My bill will protect Americans’ personal health and genetic information from foreign adversaries who have the ability and motivation to undermine our national security.” Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding field with many beneficial applications, including promoting human health, improving agricultural production, and spurring industrial innovation. U.S. academic institutions and companies have accelerated investments in biotechnology to advance American science and maintain America’s economic edge in this highly competitive and complex field. However, biological data, such as DNA sequences, can be exploited for military purposes, used to invade privacy, and violate human rights. The U.S. intelligence community has cited the Chinese Communist Party’s concerted efforts to acquire human genetic and related data through biotechnology companies such as the BGI Group (BGI) as a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-federal-investment-to-expand-passenger-rail-service-in-michigan | Senators Peters & Stabenow Announce Federal Investment to Expand Passenger Rail Service in Michigan | 2023-12-08 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is receiving federal funding to plan for the development of three intercity rail corridors across Michigan – including new cross-border service to Ontario, Canada. This investment will expand accessible and affordable transportation service between key urban and rural communities throughout the state. The grant funding is made available through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, which was established by the bipartisan infrastructure law the Senators helped enact. “By investing in development of new and improved passenger rail service, we have an opportunity to transform how Michiganders travel across our state and region,” said Senator Peters. “I advocated for each of these MDOT projects because this funding will make rail transportation a more available and reliable option for travelers while spurring economic development.” “This investment will improve the reliability of our passenger trains so that people can count on more convenient schedules and trains that run on time. This is another investment in our state’s infrastructure that is long overdue that was made possible by our passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Senator Stabenow. “These grants will help the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) develop and update the service development plans for the Amtrak Pere Marquette, Blue Water, and Wolverine routes and collaborate with the Ohio Rail Development Commission on the Detroit-Toledo-Cleveland corridor,” said MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “We appreciate the work of our federal partners in Congress and the Federal Rail Administration in providing funds to help us identify areas in these rail corridors where we can make investments to improve reliability and reduce bottlenecks.” Each grantee selected by the FRA receives a $500,000 investment to initiate planning … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-urge-senate-appropriators-to-include-funding-for-f-15ex-fighter-jets-at-selfridge-in-defense-appropriations-bill | Peters, Stabenow Urge Senate Appropriators to Include Funding for F-15EX Fighter Jets at Selfridge in Defense Appropriations Bill | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) urged the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations to include funding in the 2024 defense appropriation bill for additional fighter aircraft such as the F-15EX at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Senators also advocated for continued funding for Exercise Northern Strike and the modernization of Army National Guard facilities to ensure equitable access for female servicemembers. In a letter to U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray and Vice Chair Susan Collins, Peters and Stabenow highlighted how crucial this funding is for defense priorities that are important to Michigan’s military installations and our country. “We strongly urge you to increase funding for the advanced procurement of additional fighter aircraft such as the F-15EX for Fiscal Year 2024. Bases around the country, including Selfridge Air National Guard Base, are set to see their aging fighter aircraft divested in the coming years. We must take action now to recapitalize bases like Selfridge, which is uniquely positioned to host a new, long-term fighter mission,” the Senators wrote. For years, Peters and Stabenow have led the effort to secure long-term investments for Michigan’s military installations, including Selfridge. This letter builds on these efforts. The full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Chairwoman Murray and Vice Chair Collins: As the House and Senate work towards passing the Fiscal Year 2024 defense appropriations bills, we urge you to fund the following defense priorities that are important to Michigan’s military installations and our country. We strongly urge you to increase funding for the advanced procurement of additional fighter aircraft such as the F-15EX for Fiscal Year 2024. Bases around the country, including Selfridge Air National Guard Base, are set to see their aging fighter aircraft divested in the coming years. We must take action now to recapitalize bases like Selfridge, which is uniquely posit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-presses-for-transparency-on-potential-impacts-of-postal-services-network-plan | Peters Presses for Transparency on Potential Impacts of Postal Service’s Network Plan | 2023-12-05 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, is pressing the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide transparency on the potential impacts of its Network Plan on delivery service and communities. In a letter, Peters requested details and analyses of the full scope and associated impacts of the Postal Service’s plans, which include changes to some facilities. Peters raised concerns about the pace of these changes, and called on the Postal Service to provide full transparency on its long-term plans to ensure that any changes will not harm delivery service. Peters also urged the Postal Service to fully cooperate with ongoing, independent oversight efforts by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and USPS Office of Inspector General. “In line with the Postal Service’s mission of reliably serving every community, it is essential to ensure full transparency about these plans and ensure any changes will not adversely impact service,” wrote Senator Peters. “It is essential that USPS study and disclose details about the impacts of any changes, including impacts on service. I urge the Postal Service to fully study the impacts of early facility changes before moving forward with plans.” Peters has championed efforts to protect the Postal Service and its 250-year tradition of delivery service to all Americans. Peters authored and led passage of a historic, bipartisan law to set the Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing and support the goal of providing long-term reliable service across the country. The law made the first major reforms to the Postal Service in more than 15 years, including requiring six-day delivery. The text of the letter is copied below and available here. Dear Postmaster General DeJoy, I write to request details about the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) planned and ongoing implementation of changes to its network, including additional information on the scope of these plans and their associated impacts. I urg… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-10-million-in-additional-federal-funding-for-new-beaver-island-ferry | Senators Peters & Stabenow Announce $10 Million in Additional Federal Funding for New Beaver Island Ferry | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been awarded $10,000,000 in federal funding to help construct a new passenger ferry to improve transportation between Charlevoix and Beaver Island. The grant funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program, which was established by the bipartisan infrastructure law that the Senators helped enact. “All year long, residents and tourists rely on ferry service for transportation to and from Beaver Island,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “I advocated for this grant funding, which will make transportation of both people and freight to Beaver Island more efficient while supporting the Island’s economy.” “Beaver Island is one of Michigan’s most unique communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “I advocated strongly for this project and understand what a vital service this is for residents and the local economy.” “Water transportation is essential for the residents and economy, carrying passengers, vehicles, and freight to and from the Island,” said Mary Cook, Executive Director of the Beaver Island Transportation Authority. “Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow have taken an interest in the unique transportation needs of our community and understand the importance of the ferry system for the Island. We are extremely grateful to them for doing so and thankful for their support of our grant applications for these projects.” Two ferries currently service Beaver Island, one of which is more than 60-years-old. A replacement vessel was designed in 2012, but did not have the funding to move forward. Using this DOT investment, along with a $6,628,285 grant the Senators helped secure in January, planning can now move forward for construction of an efficient, reliable, and environmentally-friendly ferry. The Beaver Island Transportation Authority is currently conducting a propulsion study to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-agreement-to-release-hostages-from-gaza | Peters Statement on Agreement to Release Hostages from Gaza | 2023-11-22 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the agreement reached to release 50 hostages held by Hamas and allow humanitarian aid to reach innocent civilians: “This agreement to release 50 women and children who have been held hostage by Hamas since their brutal attack on October 7th is welcome news. I appreciate the Biden Administration’s efforts to work with our international partners to broker this agreement, which will also allow additional humanitarian aid to reach innocent families in Gaza who have been dragged into this crisis by Hamas’s actions. “As the parties work to see this deal through, the United States and our international partners must continue working to secure the safe release of all the remaining hostages and protect innocent civilians. Finally, Israel must have the steadfast support of the United States – including additional aid – as it works to eliminate Hamas, end their deadly campaign and prevent this conflict from expanding.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-commercial-space-industry-policy-and-competitiveness | Senator Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Commercial Space Industry Policy and Competitiveness | 2023-11-20 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen commercial space policy and promote industry competitiveness by establishing a Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee within the Office of Space Commerce. This legislation enables the advisory committee to share important insights into non-governmental space activity and empowers its members to inform and shape federal policy and programs. “As connected technologies continue to evolve, space-based assets will only become more critical to our safety and national security,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation would give our space industry leaders a seat at the table to help shape federal space policy and ensure the United States is at the forefront of commercial space development.” “The commercial space industry is growing rapidly, and it is important for government to help it continue,” said Senator Wicker. “Establishing a new advisory committee staffed by subject matter experts across industry, academia, and policy will help us guide this industry into the next era.” The Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee would be comprised of 15 members who make recommendations on various priorities, including: Identifying challenges relating to international obligations and export controls that affect the commercial space sector. Addressing the need to access adequate, predictable and reliable radio frequency spectrum. Reviewing best practices for U.S. entities to avoid harmful environmental impacts to both earth and space. Providing recommendations on matters related to space sector development and other activities the advisory committee considers necessary. The Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee Act is supported by Commercial Spaceflight Federation and ATLAS Space Operations. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-congressman-kildees-retirement-from-congress | Senator Peters’ Statement on Congressman Kildee’s Retirement from Congress | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on U.S. Representative Dan Kildee’s (MI-08) decision not to seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives: “Congressman Kildee embodies the true meaning of public service. Dan has dedicated his life to improving the lives of people not only in his district, but across our entire state and country. I’ve had the honor of fighting alongside Dan both in the House and Senate to support our nation’s veterans and small businesses, lift up middle-class families, and ensure every American has access to safe drinking water. I wish him the very best and know that he will carry that compassion and commitment to the public good in whatever he chooses to do next.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-at-senator-peters-urging-senate-unanimously-approves-his-armenian-protection-act | At Senator Peters’ Urging, Senate Unanimously Approves His Armenian Protection Act | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate has unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan legislation – the Armenian Protection Act – which would prevent the U.S. from providing security assistance to Azerbaijan for two years. Senator Peters introduced the legislation in September in response to the Azerbaijani government’s ongoing attacks on ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. This effort came after Peters visited the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and viewed firsthand the 10-month long blockade of the Lachin corridor that has caused a humanitarian crisis for Armenians in the region. On the Senate floor, Peters delivered remarks calling on his colleagues to pass the legislation. “We must send a strong message and show our partners around the world that America will enforce the conditions that we attach to military aid,” said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee. “If we do not take action when countries willfully ignore the terms of our agreements with them, our agreements will become effectively meaningless and toothless. I urge my colleagues to join me in holding Azerbaijan accountable for their actions, enforce our agreements with them, and stand with the Armenian people in the face of unprovoked aggression.” To watch video of Senator Peters’ remarks on the Senate floor, click here or on the image below. Senator Peters’ Armenian Protection Act – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) – would end U.S. assistance to the Azerbaijani government that is currently allowed under a waiver to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Although the Freedom Support Act generally prohibits most bilateral assistance to Azerbaijan, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, waiver authority was added to Section 907 granting additional discretion to the President to provide aid to Azerbaijan. The waiver authority has been invoked annually by Presidents of both parties since 2002 and the Biden Administration is still reviewing its wai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-modernize-trucking-industry-and-reduce-emissions | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Trucking Industry and Reduce Emissions | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today introduced the bipartisan Supporting Trucking Efficiency and Emission Reductions (STEER) Act, a bill that would create a Department of Energy (DOE) voucher program to assist truckers in purchasing and installing fuel-saving, emission-reducing technologies on their trucks. Specifically, the voucher program would cover costs associated with adopting fuel-efficient technologies on Class 8 trucks, significantly reducing the up-front cost of materials and installation. “The trucking industry is a vital part of our economy, and it’s critical that we take steps to help make these vehicles more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective,” said Senator Peters. “The STEER Act is a commonsense solution that will help us modernize the trucking industry, reduce emissions, and create jobs.” The STEER Act would provide vouchers to truckers who install fuel-efficient technologies on their trucks, such as aerodynamic improvements, tire pressure monitoring systems, and waste heat recovery systems. These technologies can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% and can cut national fuel consumption by 4.5 billion gallons a year, saving truckers money and reducing emissions. “The bipartisan STEER Act is an important bill that achieves two goals simultaneously. The legislation will have an immediate, dramatic reduction on carbon emissions for the current generation of diesel trucks, while also speeding up the transition to tomorrow's alternative fuel vehicles through an investment in American technologies. By gaining better aerodynamics, trucks can increase range while also lowering emissions, helping truckers and fleets save time, fuel and money. This legislation is a true win-win-win for the trucking industry, the environment, and the American economy and I congratulate Senator Peters and Senator Ricketts for their leadership on this issue,” said Daniel Burrows, founder and CEO of TruckLabs. “The ICCT is very encouraged to see the STEER Act advancing through the legislative proc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-support-for-victims-of-human-trafficking | Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Increase Support for Victims of Human Trafficking | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ability to combat human trafficking. The legislation would make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program that helps provide support to individuals impacted by human trafficking. The bill would also improve and 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. “The federal government must increase support for victims of human trafficking and ensure that Homeland Security Investigations agents and others who work with these victims have the resources they need to effectively do their jobs,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan bill will bolster DHS’ ability to stop these horrific crimes and ensure that Department employees are better prepared to fight back against human traffickers.” Thousands of men, women, and children are trafficked in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. 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. Peters’ 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. The IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act would make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) program within HSI that provides outreach and t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-usda-purchase-of-michigan-apples | Peters, Stabenow Announce USDA Purchase of Michigan Apples | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will buy $60 million in fresh apples and $40 million in processed apples from Michigan farmers. These apples will then be distributed to food banks, school meal programs, and other programs across the country. Michigan is the nation’s third-largest producer of apples, with more than 14.9 million apple trees covering 34,500 acres across 775 family farms. Senators Peters and Stabenow urged the USDA to buy from Michigan farmers to help farmers with their surpluses from last year and this year’s harvest. “After advocating for this commonsense solution, I’m happy to announce that USDA is making a $100 million purchase of Michigan apples to take advantage of the surplus that our growers have experienced in recent years,” said Senator Peters. “Not only will this move protect businesses and workers throughout the state, it will help provide nutrition to folks in need around the country.” “Michigan farmers are the best in the world! We are one of the most agriculturally diverse states and one of the nation’s largest producers of apples. Because record-breaking crops and a significant surplus of apples is threatening to destabilize the market for farmers on orchards across Michigan, I urged the USDA to buy the apples they need from Michigan farmers. This will help our Michigan farmers and provide healthy, Michigan-grown apples to food programs across the country. That’s a win-win,” said Senator Stabenow. “Michigan apple growers produced a record crop for the second year in a row, which has been estimated to be larger than 2022,” said Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association General Manager Dan Drake. “Our apple industry was challenged with carryover of raw product from the 2022 apple crop in addition to retail sales of fresh and finished product being down. USDA has been a great partner to Michigan’s apple industry, and we are grateful the Secretary approved our request for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-correct-retirement-error-for-customs-and-border-protection-officers | Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Correct Retirement Error for Customs and Border Protection Officers | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers (CBPOs) can receive the retirement benefits they were promised when starting their service has passed the Senate. The bill corrects a mistake where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) incorrectly informed newly hired CBPOs that they would be eligible for proportional annuity, which means they would not have to retire at a certain age or reach 20 years of service to qualify for an enhanced retirement benefit. However, when CBP realized their error – more than ten years after these officers had started their service – they rescinded these benefits and will now require around 1200 officers, including 67 in Michigan, to meet additional requirements to receive the benefits they were initially promised when starting the job more than a decade ago. This has significantly impacted CBPOs’ ability to properly plan for their futures and ensure they can retire comfortably with the benefits they expected. Peters introduced similar legislation that advanced in the Senate last Congress. “Dedicated Customs and Border Protection officers should not have their futures disrupted due to a clerical error that happened over a decade ago,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill will ensure these brave officers – who tirelessly protect our communities each and every day – have the retirement benefits they were promised when they first started their service.” The CPBO Retirement Corrections Act would direct CBP to identify eligible individuals and notify them of the correction. Those impacted would then be eligible for a correction that would align their retirement benefits with the coverage they were promised. The legislation also includes a retroactive annuity adjustment for eligible individuals who retire before the date of enactment of this bill and grants the Department of Homeland Security the authority to waive maximum en… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/videopeters-convenes-hearing-to-examine-the-philosophy-of-ai-and-what-it-means-for-humanity | VIDEO: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine the Philosophy of AI and What it Means for Humanity | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine how the transformative potential of artificial intelligence will impact our society with expert witnesses who study the intersection of AI and economics, philosophy, history, and constitutional law. The hearing highlighted the lessons learned from past periods of great technological change, like the Industrial Revolution, to know how we can use AI in a way that builds a better future for humanity. The witnesses discussed the importance of having a framework in place to ensure this technological innovation will transform our world for the better while anticipating and addressing the potential harms that could occur. “Artificial intelligence has already begun to reshape the fabric of our society. Our response cannot come through piecemeal policy alone, or isolated technological ‘fixes.’ It must include a deeper examination of our history, our democracy, and our values, and how we want this technology to shape our future,” said Peters during his opening remarks. “We must look to the past and learn the lessons of previous technological revolutions. We must answer the ethical questions that A.I. poses and use these new technologies to build a world where humans can thrive. And we must protect our civil liberties and democratic institutions against the risks that these tools can pose.” To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks, click here. For text of Peters’ opening remarks as prepared, click here. To watch video of Senator Peters’ questions, click here. During the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed the need to create incentives for the private sector to ensure AI is being developed in a way that prioritizes responsibility and protects our democratic institutions against the risks that these tools can pose. Dr. Vallor discussed the need to use human values to guide the development of AI to ensure biases are not reflected in this technology. Dr. Ace… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-recognize-the-service-of-hmong-veterans-during-vietnam-war | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Recognize the Service of Hmong Veterans During Vietnam War | 2023-11-10 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation – the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act – to recognize the distinguished service of the Hmong veterans who served alongside American troops in the Vietnam War by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. As the Vietnam War spread south and west into Laos, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited and trained Hmong men to help American troops fight back against the communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao. At great risk to the safety of themselves and their families, Hmong soldiers fought the ground war, flew combat missions, gathered intelligence on North Vietnamese troop movements, interrupted the Ho-Chi-Min Supply Trail, and rescued American pilots downed behind enemy lines. The Hmong people suffered heavy casualties, and their soldiers died at a rate ten times as high as that of American soldiers in Vietnam. “More than 30,000 Hmong soldiers courageously stood with the American people during the Vietnam War, many of whom lost their lives in the fight against communism,” said Senator Peters. “This bill seeks to provide long-overdue recognition to Hmong veterans for their incredible sacrifices and distinguished service.” Following the war, many Hmong were displaced from their villages as they were either bombed or burned down by the North Vietnamese and over 150,000 Hmong fled Laos when the nation fell to communist forces in 1975. Due to their ties with the American military, many Hmong came to the United States as refugees to start a new life. Over the ensuing decades, Hmong populations and their traditions have become engrained in communities in Michigan and across the United States. Currently, there are over 327,000 Hmong living in the United States, including approximately 7,000 in Michigan. Peters is committed to supporting all of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation’s veterans and milita… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-honoring-veterans-day | Peters Statement Honoring Veterans Day | 2023-11-10 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and the son of a World War II veteran, today released the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day: “From the Revolutionary War to modern day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, generations of Michigan veterans have served our country with honor and distinction. On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service of America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who answered the call to defend our nation and our way of life, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” “Today, as we reflect on their service and steadfast dedication, we must continue striving to fulfill the promises made to the courageous servicemembers – and their families – by supporting their transition to civilian life through access to quality health care, higher education, meaningful professional opportunities and a dignified burial.” Peters has made veterans’ issues one of his top priorities in the Senate. This week, Peters announced bipartisan legislation with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to expand federal infrastructure contracting opportunities for service connected disabled veterans. He has also introduced a bipartisan bill with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to increase funeral benefits for eligible veterans. In 2016, President Obama signed into law bipartisan Peters’ bipartisan provisions to help veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI and other service-related conditions to upgrade their discharge status. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-urges-biden-administration-to-include-polysilicon-in-semiconductor-manufacturing-tax-credit | Peters Urges Biden Administration to Include Polysilicon in Semiconductor Manufacturing Tax Credit | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined Michigan’s Democratic congressional delegation in urging U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to ensure the proper implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act in order to support new jobs and economic growth in Michigan. The CHIPS and Science Act included a 25% advanced manufacturing tax credit, commonly known as 48D, to expand semiconductor manufacturing in America. The members’ letter to Secretary Yellen asks that semiconductor-grade polysilicon—the base material needed to make advanced semiconductor chips—be included in tax incentives to help boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductors and their components and create new, good-paying American jobs. The U.S. Department of Treasury is responsible for writing implementation guidance on what would be eligible for the tax credit and it is currently drafting that guidance. The CHIPS and Science Act is already helping to bring critical semiconductor manufacturing to Michigan and the U.S., including at manufacturing facilities like SK Siltron and Hemlock Semiconductor. Hemlock Semiconductor is just one of six companies worldwide that produces hyper-pure polysilicon for semiconductors. “As Members of Congress who helped carefully craft key provisions and proudly supported passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, we are committed to ensuring this historic law meets the primary policy objectives of onshoring semiconductor production in America. A critical component of meeting that objective is maintaining and expanding U.S. leadership in hyper-pure polysilicon production,” the members wrote. “We appreciated the President’s virtual participation at a celebration of the CHIPS and Science Act at Hemlock Semiconductor Company, where he heralded the bill’s passage as a boon for domestic semiconductor production. To ensure this becomes a reality, we strongly urge Treasury to incorporate semiconductor-grade polysilicon production as an eligible activity under the 48D advanced manufacturing investment tax credit in its final … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-national-diabetes-month-peters-reintroduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-prevent-diabetes-and-lower-health-care-costs | During National Diabetes Month, Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Diabetes & Lower Health Care Costs | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – During National Diabetes Month, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs for individuals at risk for diabetes, while saving long-term costs for Medicare. Peters’ Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act – which he introduced with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) – would extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to Americans with pre-diabetes and risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes. Under current law, Medicare will only cover medical nutrition therapy services for individuals who have already been diagnosed with diabetes or renal disease. Diabetes is the most expensive chronic health condition in the country, with approximately one in every four Medicare dollars spent on diabetes-related care. Research released by the American Diabetes Association found that the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was almost $413 billion, including more than $306 billion in direct medical costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 37 million Americans have diabetes and approximately 96 million adults have prediabetes. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports approximately 912,800 or 11 percent of Michiganders over the age of 18 are living with diabetes. “Expanding access to this type of health care will provide more Americans with the opportunity live longer, healthier lives, and without breaking the bank,” said Senator Peters. “It’s also a commonsense way to help lower Medicare costs for all taxpayers in the long-run, and I’ll keep fighting to get it passed and signed into law.” “Approximately 96 million Americans have prediabetes, putting them at elevated risk for developing type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. LaShawn McIver, Senior Vice President at the American Diabetes Association. “The American Diabetes Association supports the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act, which would provide access for medical nutrition therapy to seniors with prediabetes, help… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-over-38-million-to-support-michigan-rural-communities | Peters & Stabenow Announce Over $38 Million to Support Michigan Rural Communities | 2023-11-03 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will award $38,460,630 to support rural communities across Michigan. Senators Peters and Stabenow secured these funds through both the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law. “Investing in our rural communities ensures that every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Peters. “We worked hard to secure this funding, which will expand broadband service, support climate-smart agriculture and strengthen water infrastructure in rural communities across Michigan.” “My hometown of Clare was a great place to grow up. I secured this funding for families in Clare and Michigan’s other small towns so they have the tools to run their businesses and farms,” said Senator Stabenow. “Additionally, when we invest in rural America, we aren’t just investing in the families who live there. This money will help our entire state succeed. “The potato industry is hungry for grants that help them install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements in their operations. The more energy savings we can accumulate is directly related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to the decrease in overall power consumption, and thus opens the door for agriculture to play a large role in climate smart practices,” said Dr. Kelly Turner, Ed.D., CAE, Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. “Michigan Apple growers have always been innovative and forward-thinking, and oftentimes early adopters of new technology. It comes as no surprise that Laketop Orchards, LLC is a recipient of this grant to purchase and install a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system. MAC appreciates this grower family’s commitment to the future, not only saving dollars for their operation but also conserving energy. This effort positions them and Michigan’s Apple industry as leaders in agriculture technology and sustainability,” said Diane Smith, Executive Director … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-urge-biden-administration-to-require-insurers-to-fully-cover-over-the-counter-birth-control | Peters & Stabenow Urge Biden Administration to Require Insurers to Fully Cover Over-the-Counter Birth Control | 2023-11-03 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) joined 46 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to require federally and state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill—the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill, which will become available in early 2024—with no copays or out of pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement. “We urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products—including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Over 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.” “The availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA’s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage,” the senators continued. “Given the increased need for access to contraception in the wake of the Dobbs decision, this issue is incredibly timely and important.” Text of the letter can be found here. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-senate-pass-bipartisan-appropriations-package | Peters Helps Senate Pass Bipartisan Appropriations Package | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate pass a bipartisan package of appropriations bills with funding for key Michigan priorities, high-impact local projects, and federal programs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters helped author the bipartisan funding package, which included three appropriations bills: the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (VA) bill, the Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bill, and the Transportation and Housing bill. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to help draft these bills and ensure that funding for Michigan projects and priorities were included,” said Senator Peters. “Now that the Senate has passed this package in a bipartisan way, it’s critical the House follow suit and pass legislation to fund the government at the levels both chambers agreed to during the debt limit negotiations.” The package includes $3 million in funding Peters secured through an amendment for a federal program he established with his Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act, which provides funding for facilities that harbor survivors of domestic violence and their pets. The legislation also includes funding for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs, veterans’ medical care and benefits, and investments to modernize critical military infrastructure and to establish new defense facilities in Michigan. The package also includes $2.4 million Peters secured for the construction of a facility for a tactical vehicle laboratory at the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center in Warren, Michigan; $72 million for the construction of a Ground Transport Equipment Building at the Detroit Arsenal; and $24.5 million for new buildings at the Battle Creek Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center (MCRC). It includes investments in key transportation, workforce and housing initiatives, in addition to providing funding for rural airports and assistance for airports to transition away from using PFAS firefighting foam. The bill includes Pet… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-amendment-securing-3-million-for-paws-act-grant-program-to-support-survivors-of-domestic-violence-and-their-pets | Senate Passes Peters Amendment Securing $3 Million for PAWS Act Grant Program to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence & Their Pets | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate has passed a package of bipartisan government funding bills that includes U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) amendment to provide $3 million for a grant program that helps protect domestic violence survivors and their pets. Peters created the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program through bipartisan legislation he authored into law in 2018 – called the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act. This program provides funding for facilities that harbor survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence, along with their pets. Research has shown that domestic abusers often seek to manipulate or intimidate victims by threatening or harming their pets, however many domestic violence shelters are not equipped to accommodate pets. “No person should ever have to choose between leaving an abusive relationship or staying and risking their safety in order to protect their pets,” said Senator Peters. “I fought to secure this $3 million in federal funds to ensure that facilities in Michigan and around the country can continue to have the support they need to provide safe havens not only for survivors, but their pets too.” Since the grant program was first funded in 2020, there has consistently been high-demand from shelters for funding. However, without Peters’ efforts, the program would not have received federal funding for the upcoming year. Peters’ Senate-approved amendment secured $3 million in federal funding for the program for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024. Peters is additionally leading the charge to reauthorize funding for the program at $3 million annually over five years, starting in Fiscal Year 2025, to ensure funding remains available. The legislation passed by the Senate also included federal funding for military construction, as well as the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. The House of Representatives must pass its own government funding bills before a final fundin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-convenes-hearing-with-top-national-security-officials-to-examine-homeland-security-threats | VIDEO: Peters Convenes Hearing with Top National Security Officials to Examine Homeland Security Threats | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened an annual hearing with top national security and counterterrorism officials to examine evolving and persistent threats to homeland security. During the hearing, Peters raised concerns about how the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel is contributing to increased threats of violence in the United States, especially for Jewish, Arab and Muslim American communities. Peters and the witnesses also discussed what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) are doing to address pressing national security threats, including international and domestic terrorism, cyber-attacks, fentanyl trafficking, weapons of mass destruction and rogue drones. DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher R. Wray, and NCTC Director Christine Abizaid testified before the committee. “Today’s hearing is an important opportunity to discuss the wide range of threats facing our nation. I’m grateful that our top national security and law enforcement officials are here this morning to provide critical updates about what their agencies are doing to address threats to our homeland security,” said Peters during his opening remarks. “The full range of these threats, from terrorism, to drones, to a changing climate, pose a great danger to our communities. Our panel of witnesses will provide an essential perspective. They will help us understand what our agencies are doing to mitigate these national security threats, and what more Congress and the Administration can do to keep Americans safe.” To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks, click here. For text of Peters’ opening remarks as prepared, click here. To watch video of Senator Peters’ questions, click here. Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, DHS and FBI have warned of an increase in violence, hate and harassment against Jewish, Muslim… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-president-bidens-executive-actions-on-artificial-intelligence | Peters Statement on President Biden’s Executive Actions on Artificial Intelligence | 2023-10-31 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after President Joe Biden issued an executive order to establish new standards for use of artificial intelligence (AI): “We need to ensure there are guardrails in place for artificial intelligence to be used safely, ethically, and in a way that protects privacy rights and American jobs. The executive actions the Administration announced today will build on legislation I passed into law to set standards for how the federal government uses artificial intelligence and will help expand those standards to the private sector. It’s critical that we work to help ensure the United States continues to lead the world in artificial intelligence development and its safe and responsible use.” The Executive Order announced today comes after the AI in Government Act, which Peters cosponsored, became law in 2020. That legislation required the Administration to provide resources and guidance to federal agencies on the responsible acquisition and use of AI, advancing AI innovation, and managing AI risks in the federal government. The Executive Order reiterates and expands on the requirements of the AI in Government Act, and tasks the Office of Management and Budget to provide specific guidelines and oversee government use of AI. In addition, the Executive Order requires federal agencies to make AI training opportunities available. This requirement builds on Peters’ legislation that was signed into law in 2022 to create a training program to help federal employees responsible for purchasing and managing AI capabilities better understand the capabilities and risks of these technologies. Peters has also introduced bipartisan legislation to create an AI training program for federal supervisors and management officials. The Executive Order also reiterates the requirements set out in Peters’ Advancing American AI Act—which was signed into law last year—for federal agencies to protec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-meets-with-returning-citizens-and-workforce-development-leaders-in-detroit-after-announcing-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-reentry-programs | PHOTOS: Peters Meets with Returning Citizens and Workforce Development Leaders in Detroit After Announcing Bipartisan Legislation to Support Reentry Programs | 2023-10-31 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited the City of Detroit’s Northwest Activities Center to highlight his bipartisan legislation that supports reentry programs that help individuals reintegrate into their communities after incarceration or justice system contact. Peters’ Reentry Employment Opportunities Act would make the U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program permanent. The REO program provides grant funding to organizations that facilitate a smoother transition for returning citizens by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment. The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) – Detroit’s official workforce agency – received $1.1 million from the REO program to launch the Growth Opportunities Program, which supports young individuals who have entered or are at risk of entering the justice system. Peters toured the Northwest Activities Center’s workforce development facilities and sat in on a Growth Opportunities Program session, where he met with participants to hear firsthand how the program has helped them expand their career opportunities and establish economic independence. Peters was joined by Group Executive of Workforce Development and Detroit at Work for the City of Detroit Terri Weems, along with a program participant, Christian Gary, who spoke to how this support has helped him acquire and maintain employment since returning to his community. “Michiganders who have been involved with the criminal justice system face all kinds of challenges when they return home. Finding a job is one of the hardest,” said Senator Peters. “But far too often, these citizens are left to fend for themselves and navigate the journey home without the resources they need to get a job and start a new chapter of their lives. I’m fighting to protect the federal grant program that supports this vital work, which I got to see firsthand today, to help returning citizens find steady employment, reduce the chances of recidivism and grow the number of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-tentative-uaw-deals | Peters Statement on Tentative UAW Deals | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the news that General Motors and UAW have reached a tentative contract agreement, following similar tentative agreements reached with Stellantis and Ford last week. The contracts still need to be ratified by UAW members at each of the auto companies. “The UAW has now received historic contract offers from each of the Big Three auto companies. It’s a testament to how powerful workers are when they come together to collectively bargain for the wages, benefits, and job security they deserve. I’ll keep standing with them as they work towards ratifying a deal with each company — because when unions succeed, it’s a win for all workers.” Peters has been a consistent supporter of UAW workers. He has joined the picket line with UAW members in Michigan multiple times since the strike began. In July, Peters sent a letter to the CEOs of the Big Three auto manufacturers urging them to negotiate in good faith as the talks began. In August, he met with UAW members in Lansing to show his support and hear their priorities. Peters also organized a multi-member meeting with UAW President Shawn Fain earlier this year. Michigan is home to the most auto workers in the United States, and UAW represents around 70,000 auto workers in Michigan. The auto industry directly and indirectly employs 1.1 million workers in Michigan, or about 20 percent of the state’s workforce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-simplify-requirements-for-hazard-mitigation-grants | Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Requirements for Hazard Mitigation Grants | 2023-10-27 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to simplify its requirements for demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of hazard mitigation grants has advanced in the Senate. Generally, states, local governments, Tribes, and territories (SLTTs) that request hazard mitigation funding from FEMA are required to submit a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of their projects. Extensive applicant feedback has shown that the current BCA process is cumbersome and overly complicated, which puts small and underserved communities at a disadvantage for accessing grant programs. Peters’ bill would help streamline the application process and make it easier for all communities to apply for funding. FEMA hazard mitigation grant funds can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. The bill was passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “Communities that are most at-risk from natural disasters often face burdensome application requirements to access federal funding for disaster mitigation projects,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation would help improve access to federal grants for smaller and underserved communities so they can be better prepared to face future natural disasters.” The Facilitating Hazard Mitigations Projects Act would require FEMA to evaluate how to reduce the complexity of its cost-effectiveness requirements for hazard mitigation grants, and provide a report to Congress on that evaluation. This legislation also requires FEMA to consult with SLTTs and non-profit partners as it performs its evaluation. Under this bill, FEMA would still be required to ensure grants are cost-effective and meet all other grant eligibility requirements. Peters has been a leader in efforts to improve the federal grant… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-860000-in-federal-funding-for-michigan-communities-to-develop-safety-plans-to-prevent-roadway-deaths-and-serious-injuries | Peters & Stabenow Announce $860,000 in Federal Funding for Michigan Communities to Develop Safety Plans to Prevent Roadway Deaths and Serious Injuries | 2023-10-27 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced $860,000 in federal grants for Michigan communities to improve roadway safety by developing comprehensive safety action plans. The funding is being awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, which funds local and regional road safety projects that will help prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Funding for this program is made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Peters and Stabenow helped enact into law. The communities listed below are receiving funding to develop comprehensive safety action plans: Chikaming Township - $120,000 Jackson County - $500,000 Macatawa Area Coordinating Council - $240,000 “Michigan drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists deserve to know that our streets and roadways are as safe as possible,” said Senator Peters. “These important investments will help communities across our state identify roadway safety concerns and take steps necessary to prevent future injuries and deaths.” “This investment will give our local communities the tools they need to keep Michigan cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers safe. Roadway deaths are all too common, and this is a great first step to improving some of the most dangerous streets in our state,” said Senator Stabenow. More information about the Safe Streets and Roads for All program can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property-advances-in-senate | Peters Bipartisan Bill to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Advances in Senate | 2023-10-27 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property has advanced in the Senate. 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 are looking to excess property – available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation – before buying new products to save taxpayer dollars. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods in the world, but some of these goods go unused by agencies. These purchases include office supplies, equipment, and vehicles – all property that could be reused within the federal government,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill would hold agencies more accountable by ensuring the use of pre-owned federal property, which would help save taxpayer dollars and limit waste.” The 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. Peters has been a leader in efforts to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently. His bipartisan bill to streamline the federal property review process was signed into law. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-customer-service-at-federal-agencies | Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Improve Customer Service at Federal Agencies | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to improve and streamline the customer service that federal agencies provide in person, online, and over the phone has advanced in the Senate. The federal government provides a wide range of critical services, though many agencies can be difficult to navigate. Agencies that have made efforts to prioritize customer experience – including by offering services that limit wait times and hold times – have improved their ability to deliver services for the American people. The Improving Government Services Act would encourage all government agencies to offer a better and more secure experience for taxpayers by adopting customer service best practices from the private sector. The bill was passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “The federal government interacts with millions of taxpayers every day, but these interactions can lead to long wait times and poor customer service experiences,” said Senator Peters. “My commonsense bipartisan legislation will ensure that agencies improve taxpayer satisfaction by implementing private sector best practices like call backs and online services.” “We applaud Sen. Peters for his focus on customer experience and improved federal services. From taxpayers seeking IRS assistance to veterans receiving health care, the public engages with government services in countless ways and it’s important to ensure those services are user-friendly and accessible. Tackling this critical issue will help strengthen trust in our government and provide people with the high-quality federal services they expect and deserve,” Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. Agencies that have prioritized customer service best practices have not only seen their ability to deliver services improve, they have improved their customer satisfaction as well. For example, after implementing some ne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-hamas_demanding-the-immediate-release-of-all-hostages | Peters & Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Hamas & Demanding the Immediate Release of All Hostages | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce a bipartisan resolution condemning Hamas – the Iranian-backed terrorist group responsible for the premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 – and demanding that it release all hostages and return them to safety immediately. It is estimated that more than 200 people – including Americans – were abducted and are currently being held hostage in the Gaza Strip. Some of the hostages are children and the elderly, who Hamas has threatened to execute and broadcast their executions publicly. “The more than 200 people currently being held hostage by Hamas are not just numbers on a piece of paper. They are human beings – friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan resolution demonstrates our unwavering support for the Israeli people and demands that Hamas safely return these individuals to their loved ones and communities.” The text of the resolution can be found here. Peters joined the Jewish Federation of Detroit at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield to stand with the community following Hamas’ deadly terrorist attacks on Israel. Peters also recently joined Jewish leaders at the Woodward Avenue Shul in Royal Oak to discuss his efforts to support the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which helps houses of worship protect their facilities and communities against potential threats. In recent years, Peters led bipartisan legislation to reauthorize this program and ensure it continues to have sufficient funding. The program has seen an increased demand as hate crimes and related threats of violence have risen in recent years. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-reintroduces-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-reentry-opportunities-through-skills-trainings-and-apprenticeships | Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Reentry Opportunities Through Skills Trainings & Apprenticeships | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation designed to bolster reentry initiatives that center on offering employment preparation, pre-workforce training, and vocational apprenticeship prospects. The Reentry Employment Opportunities Act, which Peters introduced with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), would codify the U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program into law. The REO program is dedicated to supporting organizations on a national, regional, and local scale in their efforts to provide skill training programs. It facilitates a smoother transition for individuals reintegrating back into their communities after incarceration by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment. “Over an extended period of time, individuals who have completed their sentences have been unfairly denied the opportunities to enter the job market and embark on a fresh start in their lives,” said Senator Peters. “The Reentry Employment Opportunities Act would boost existing skills training and apprenticeship programs and provide a second chance for people in Michigan and across the country who are reintegrating back into their communities after being incarcerated.” The bill has been endorsed by the Center for Employment Opportunities, Detroit at Work, Rights4Girls, the Reentry Working Group, the Safer Foundation, and the National Youth Employment Coalition. “Programs that meet returning citizens where they are and help them transition back to day-to-day life have been shown to be invaluable when it comes to reducing recidivism,” said Dana Williams, President and CEO of Detroit at Work. “Without access to such programs, individuals re-enter society often with fewer opportunities to live fully than when they offended in the first place. If we want former offenders to become productive members of their communities, they must have access to resources that develop the skills employers need, as well as the supportive services and guidance that make t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-more-than-161-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-michigan-families-pay-their-energy-bills | Peters & Stabenow Announce More Than $161 Million in Federal Funding to Help Michigan Families Pay Their Energy Bills | 2023-10-25 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that Michigan is receiving $161,019,682 in federal funding to help low-income families and individuals keep the heat on in the winter and the air conditioning on in the summer. This assistance is made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income households afford their home heating and cooling bills, prevent energy shutoffs, restore services, make energy-related home repairs, and weatherize their homes to make them more energy efficient. Peters and Stabenow helped secure a $100 million increase for this critical program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. “Michigan communities can experience both bitter cold in the winter and extreme heat during the summer,” said Senator Peters. “I fought for this critical funding to help ensure folks have the support they need to keep themselves, their families, and their homes safe when we experience dangerous temperatures.” “Michigan is no stranger to extreme cold. As we head into the winter season, this critical funding will help ensure that Michigan families don’t have to choose between keeping the heat on and putting food on the table,” said Senator Stabenow. This funding announcement also includes the launch of the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool, which allows households across Michigan and the United States to quickly identify if they are eligible for LIHEAP assistance. More information about the LIHEAP program can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-applaud-150-million-in-federal-funding-to-strengthen-michigans-power-grid-against-bad-weather | Peters & Stabenow Applaud $150 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Michigan’s Power Grid Against Bad Weather | 2023-10-20 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today applauded the announcement of a $150 million Department of Energy (DOE) investment which will strengthen the state’s power grid against extreme weather. This funding is being granted to DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and American Electric Power through the DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. Peters and Stabenow wrote letters to the DOE supporting the grant application for each project. Additional information about each grant can be found below: DTE Energy is receiving $22.9 million to develop and build two sets of adaptive networked microgrids which will be installed at O’Shea Solar Park in Detroit. These microgrids will provide key insights into opportunities for load management, peak shaving and faster restoration for customers in urban areas. Consumers Energy is being awarded $100 million make upgrades to circuit systems on federally-designated Disadvantaged Communities and mitigate the impact of outages in the region. American Electric Power is receiving $27.8 million to deploy an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) across its entire grid and enhance grid flexibility and protect its system against threats of extreme weather. “As severe weather events become more common across Michigan, consumers are experiencing a growing number of electrical service disruptions,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to support these critical investments, which will make our electrical grid more resilient and protect consumers when weather events impact our state.” “Michigan residents know firsthand how more frequent extreme weather is taking a toll on our state’s electrical grid. These critical investments will help ensure Michigan households can count on reliable, affordable power no matter the forecast. These projects will not only help address the impact of the climate crisis in our homes, but will create more good-paying jobs,” said Senator Stabenow. The GRIP grant program invests in projects that imp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-calls-for-increase-in-funding-to-protect-houses-of-worship-and-other-nonprofits-against-threats-amid-historic-levels-of-hate-crimes | Peters Calls for Increase in Funding to Protect Houses of Worship and Other Nonprofits Against Threats Amid Historic Levels of Hate Crimes | 2023-10-20 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amid a historic rise in hate crimes in the U.S., U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) is calling for additional funding to protect synagogues, mosques, gurdwaras, African-American churches, and other religious or non-profit institutions from potential attacks. Peters – alongside U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) – urged the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to allocate $500 million in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) for Fiscal Year 2024 as Congress negotiates a government funding deal in the coming weeks. As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has continuously fought to increase funding for the NSGP, which provides grant funding to religious institutions and other nonprofits to help strengthen their security in the face of these rising threats and attacks. Last year, the NSGP distributed $305 million in funding, however, not all organizations that applied for funding received it. In August, $7.5 million in NSGP grant funding went to faith-based and other nonprofits across Michigan to help secure their facilities. Peters is pushing for an increase in funding to help meet growing demand for the program. “Every American has a fundamental right to practice their faith and live in their community safely and peacefully,” said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’ve repeatedly fought to increase funding for this critical program to help houses of worship—including synagogues, mosques and gurdwaras—as well as other community nonprofits secure their facilities, particularly as the number of hate crimes in our country continues to rise. As hostilities in the Middle East lead to increased tensions at home, I strongly urge my colleagues to fund the program at $500 million to help keep our communities safe.” Last yea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-urges-congress-to-extend-funding-for-affordable-connectivity-program-to-lower-high-speed-internet-costs-for-michiganders | Peters Urges Congress to Extend Funding for Affordable Connectivity Program to Lower High-Speed Internet Costs for Michiganders | 2023-10-20 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined 31 of his Senate colleagues in urging Congressional leaders to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides financial assistance to access high-speed internet for over 800,000 households in Michigan and more than 21 million working families across the nation. Senator Peters helped create this program through the bipartisan infrastructure law to lower high-speed internet costs for Michiganders and help more families and communities get connected. As a result of the program’s popularity, its funds are set to be depleted in a few months, far before the anticipated date. “We write to urge you to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides over 21 million working families with financial assistance for broadband access, to help bridge the digital divide so they can continue to afford the broadband services they need for work, school, health care, and more,” wrote the Senators. “Should ACP funding not be extended, millions of Americans could be at risk of losing access to broadband.” “Failing to extend funding would be irresponsible,” they continued. “We urge you to extend funding for the ACP in a government appropriations package and include a long-term solution that ensures efficient spending of taxpayer dollars.” The full letter can be found HERE. Senator Peters is committed to expanding high-speed internet access across Michigan. In June 2023, he announced that Michigan would receive more than $1.5 billion in federal funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, known as BEAD, to increase high-speed internet access. This funding was also made available by the bipartisan infrastructure law that Peters helped enact. In June, Senator Peters also announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded more than $61 million in federal funding for the Peninsula Fiber Network to connect unserved and underserved communities in Michigan to high-s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-colleagues-call-for-humanitarian-aid-for-civilians-in-gaza-and-the-west-bank | Peters and Colleagues Call for Humanitarian Aid for Civilians in Gaza and the West Bank | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined more than 30 of his Senate colleagues to urge the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza. “As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza prompted by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks, more than 1.2 million people are in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. More than one million people have fled the violence, stretching the already strained ability of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground to provide the food, medical treatment, and shelter they need to survive,” the senators wrote. The senators continued: “We support Israel’s right to defend its people against the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas. Hamas knew that the Israeli government would have to respond to the unconscionable murder and hostage-taking of its citizens and thus bears the blame for initiating this conflict. We also know there are many innocent Palestinians in Gaza who do not support Hamas and urgently need help as they seek to flee the fighting.” The senators highlighted the dire situation facing innocent civilians in Gaza: “More than one million people in Gaza have fled their homes in search of safety, with nearly half of those taking shelter in UN facilities. The United Nations estimates that Gaza will run out of food and water within days. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, running desperately short on supplies and impacted by the lack of electricity. The humanitarian needs on the ground have dramatically increased over the past week, and conditions will likely continue to deteriorate in the days and weeks ahead.” “We therefore urge you to join the international community in answering the call from the United Nations by contributing toward this lifesaving $294 million appeal, and ask that you work with the UN and its partners to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended recipie… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-simplify-requirements-for-hazard-mitigation-grants | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Requirements for Hazard Mitigation Grants | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to simplify its requirements for demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of hazard mitigation grants. Generally, states, local governments, Tribes, and territories (SLTTs) that request hazard mitigation funding from FEMA are currently required to submit a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of their projects. Extensive applicant feedback has shown that the current BCA process is cumbersome and overly complicated, which puts underserved communities at a disadvantage for accessing funds. Hazard mitigation grant funds can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. “Too often, complex application requirements limit the ability of underserved communities to access critical hazard mitigation funding that helps protect people and property against disasters,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation will help simplify the process and ensure communities in Michigan and across the United States will have the capacity to apply for critical FEMA funding.” The Facilitating Hazard Mitigations Projects Act would require FEMA to develop strategies for reducing the complexity of its cost-effectiveness requirements for hazard mitigation grants, and provide a report to Congress on how it is implementing those potential strategies. This legislation also requires FEMA to consult with SLTTs and non-profit partners as it performs its evaluation. Under this bill, FEMA would still be required to ensure grants are cost-effective and meet all other grant eligibility requirements. Peters has been a leader in efforts to improve the federal grant process and make it more equitable. He recently introduced the Streamlining Federal Grants Act, which directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to provide guidance to federal … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-receives-update-on-implementation-of-his-fairness-for-veterans-law | VIDEO: Peters Receives Update on Implementation of His Fairness for Veterans Law | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) received an update on the implementation of his Fairness for Veterans law during a Senate Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Joint Committee hearing focused on easing the transition from military service to civilian life. The law helps veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military by giving liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with a mental trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A less than honorable discharge is often given for instances of minor misconduct such as being late to formation and missing appointments – behavior that can be seen in those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. A servicemember’s discharge status impacts their eligibility for certain benefits, including Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and VA home loans. “We can all agree that it's critical that our veterans have the support that they need as they transition into civilian life, which is why it's been a priority of mine to introduce legislation that was signed into law to help veterans who may have been wrongly given a less than honorable discharge from the military as a result of PTSD and TBI that was simply not diagnosed,” said Senator Peters, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “We know that whether a veteran is entitled to VA benefits depends largely on the discharge status that's assigned to them, and VA benefits play an absolutely critical role in the successful transition to civilian life. It remains a key priority of mine that the discharge review boards continue to take these types of metal mental traumas into account when they're reviewing these petitions.” During the hearing, Peters asked Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Ashish Va… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-opioid-addiction-treatment-for-adolescents | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Opioid Addiction Treatment for Adolescents | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation today to reauthorize funding for a grant program he championed that expands access to opioid addiction treatment for adolescents. Peters’ bipartisan Youth Prevention and Recovery Reauthorization Act would build on previous legislation he introduced that was signed into law in 2018 as part of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act that established the Youth Prevention and Recovery Initiative to make an existing substance abuse program available for young adults. The legislation introduced today would reauthorize funding for the initiative within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure this critical resource remains available to adolescents, families, care providers, and communities. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), more than 695,000 American adolescents used opioids for nonmedical reasons in 2018, up by more than 400,000 since the last study was conducted in 2015. In December 2022, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that monthly drug overdose deaths nearly tripled among adolescents age 10 to 19 years during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Michigan, deaths from opioid overdoses have increased roughly 18 times from 1999 – 2021, when there were more than 2,800 overdose deaths. “The opioid epidemic is devastating communities in Michigan and across the country, and it’s tragic that the hundreds of thousands of young people suffering from this addiction are struggling to get the care they need,” said Senator Peters. “I’m pushing for the reauthorization of this critical program to expand lifesaving addiction treatments and resources for adolescents to help set them on a path toward recovery.” The Youth Prevention and Recovery Initiative provides funding to hospitals, local governments, and other eligible entities to increase access to opioid addicti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-customer-service-at-federal-agencies | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Customer Service at Federal Agencies | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve and streamline the customer service that federal agencies provide in person, online, and over the phone. The federal government provides a wide range of critical services, though many agencies can be difficult to navigate. Agencies that have made efforts to prioritize customer experience – including by offering services that limit wait times and hold times – have improved their ability to deliver services for the American people. The Improving Government Services Act would encourage all government agencies to offer a better and more secure experience for taxpayers by adopting customer service best practices from the private sector. “Taxpayers must be able to easily and efficiently reach federal agencies when they have questions about services or benefits,” said Senator Peters. “My commonsense bipartisan bill would require agencies to adopt customer service best practices that limit wait times and use callbacks to ensure taxpayers receive support in a timely manner.” Agencies that have prioritized customer service best practices have not only seen their ability to deliver services improve, they have improved their customer satisfaction as well. For example, after implementing some new customer service strategies, such as establishing a single phone number to access benefits and services and new ways for veterans to quickly access information, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saw veterans’ trust in the agency rise from 55 percent in 2016 to nearly 80 percent in 2023. The VA reported that in 2022, their AskVA service to improve responses to veterans’ questions successfully resolved 98% of inquiries received through the new system. By modernizing its call centers, the VA was able to address more than 50 million calls in 2022, leading to more than 70% of customers reporting that the service addressed their needs. The senator’s legislation would r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-visits-royal-oak-synagogue-amid-ongoing-hostilities-in-israel-and-gaza-discusses-the-importance-of-securing-houses-of-worship-against-threats-of-violence | Peters Visits Royal Oak Synagogue Amid Ongoing Hostilities in Israel and Gaza, Discusses the Importance of Securing Houses of Worship Against Threats of Violence | 2023-10-13 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | ROYAL OAK, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined Jewish leaders at the Woodward Avenue Shul in Royal Oak yesterday to discuss his efforts to help houses of worship improve their security and protect congregations from potential attacks. Peters was joined by Woodward Avenue Shul Rabbi Mendel Polter and Steven Ingber, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. “We’ve seen a shocking rise in violence targeting all manner of religious institutions – from synagogues, to gurdwaras, to mosques, to African-American churches. These institutions face bomb threats, hateful graffiti, the risk of arson, and many other security threats,” Senator Peters said. “I was honored to be here with faith-based and community leaders to highlight the critical importance of this program and help spread the word to other organizations who are interested in finding more ways to keep their communities safe.” “Our congregation has seen firsthand the effects of hate, bigotry, and ignorance,” said Rabbi Mendel Polter of Woodward Avenue Synagogue. “The Non-Profit Security Grant Program has helped protect Michigan’s religious organizations like ours from security threats, and allowed communities across our state feel safer in their houses of worship. I’m grateful to Senator Gary Peters for his leadership on this issue.” “Our congregations and communities face constant security threats,” said Steven Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. “As antisemitic violence increases around the world, Jewish people in Michigan and across the country are left even more vulnerable. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is one important step towards protecting religious organizations in our state, and I’m grateful to Senator Peters for strengthening this vital program.” Earlier this year, the Woodward Avenue Shul was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti and recently received funding from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to secu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-federal-contracting-opportunities-for-women-owned-small-businesses | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Federal Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses | 2023-10-11 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA’s mission is to service the more than 27 million veterans who have selflessly served their country. To accomplish this mission, the VA acquires a high-quantity and broad spectrum of products and services through its nationwide system of hospitals, clinics, data processing centers, and National Cemeteries. The VA purchases these goods and services on a national, regional, and local level – from large and small businesses alike. However, the VA is currently not required by statute to prioritize federal contracting opportunities for the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business Program – which helps provide a level playing field for women business owners in industries where they are underrepresented. Peters’ Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Women Owned Small Businesses Act – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) – would add the Women-Owned Small Business Program to the list of Small Business Administration programs that must be considered for federal contracting opportunities with the VA. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and women are a critical component of that success,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Armed Services Committee. “I’m leading this bipartisan bill to ensure small businesses owned and led by women have access to the valuable contracting opportunities offered by the VA to support their success and local economies throughout our state.” “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our state’s economy, and risk-taking men and women demonstrate everyday what it means to ‘Make it in Michigan’ by fundamentally transforming their communities and creating places where people want to live, work, play, and stay,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. CEO of the Michigan Economic Development… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-tribal-access-to-priority-resource-concern-determination-process | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Tribal Access to Priority Resource Concern Determination Process | 2023-10-10 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase tribal visibility in the priority resource concern (PRC) determination process. A priority resource concern (PRC) is currently defined as a natural resource concern or problem determined by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and identified at the national, state, or local level. Peters’ Tribal Conservation Priorities Inclusion Act – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) in June 2023 – would amend this definition to include tribes as entities that can identify PRCs. Adding tribes to the list of entities that can identify PRCs would increase tribal visibility during the PRC determination process and facilitate a deeper consideration of tribally driven concerns through National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) funding, which can be used to address soil erosion, surface and groundwater contamination, plant and animal health, and more. The NRCS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) primary private lands conservation agency and provides financial assistance and personalized conservation planning to help producers meet their unique natural resource conservation and business goals. “The process of identifying and determining natural resource concerns is critical to keeping our environment strong and healthy for future generations. We need to ensure our tribal communities, who have a deep understanding of these issues, have the ability to voice their concerns. I’m leading this bipartisan bill and working to get it passed through the upcoming Farm Bill to improve the inclusivity and effectiveness of this process,” said Senator Peters. Peters’ bill would not require any changes to the PRC determination process – it simply enables states to take tribally identified environmental priorities into consideration. Peters is pushing for the bill to be included in the 2023 Farm Bill. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-2). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-calls-for-immediate-legislative-action-to-support-ukraine | Peters Calls for Immediate Legislative Action to Support Ukraine | 2023-10-06 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) called on congressional leadership in the U.S. House and Senate, as well as the chairs and ranking members of the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees, to advance legislation that will provide critical and sustained security and economic support for Ukraine. In a letter with his colleagues, Peters called for immediate legislative action to guarantee that Ukraine is provided the vital resources necessary to continue to push back on Putin’s illegal and unjust invasion. Peters, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has been a strong advocate for U.S. support of Ukraine. “It is past time for the U.S. Congress to take up and pass legislation guaranteeing Ukraine has the critical resources necessary to continue defending themselves against Putin’s illegal war,” Peters and the Senators wrote. “We urge you to act immediately to advance legislation that will provide critical and sustained security and economic support for Ukraine to the President’s desk for his signature.” A copy of the letter can be found below: We write to request urgent action to advance critical and sustained security assistance and economic support for Ukraine. We appreciate the bipartisan statement issued by Senate leadership over the weekend, reiterating that support for Ukraine remains a top legislative priority. Congress cannot sit idly by while Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues. This past weekend, Congress came together to pass a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded and avoid an unnecessary and devastating government shutdown. We supported this important compromise to ensure a functioning United States government. However, we share our constituents’ frustration and concern that this package failed to include emergency funding necessary to support Ukraine in its response to Putin’s inhumane and illegal war. The bipartisan Senate CR in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-pushes-commerce-secretary-to-ensure-the-chips-act-continues-to-invest-in-michigans-economy-and-the-future-of-the-auto-industry | VIDEO: Peters Pushes Commerce Secretary to Ensure the CHIPS Act Continues to Invest in Michigan’s Economy and the Future of the Auto Industry | 2023-10-06 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) emphasized the importance of investing in Michigan’s economy and the future of the U.S. auto industry through the CHIPS and Science Act, which Peters helped author and enact. Peters urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to ensure that funding from the law is committed to domestic manufacturing of mature semiconductor chips, which are used in automobiles, as well as other semiconductor related components. Reducing our reliance on foreign manufacturers and boosting domestic production of these components will strengthen our global economic competitiveness and our national security. “One of the primary goals of the CHIPS and Science Act was to address a crisis in the automotive supply chain that was preventing consumers from being able to purchase vehicles and resulting in furloughs of auto workers due to mature chip shortages,” said Senator Peters. “Your department has pledged to spend $10 billion in CHIPS funding to fix that…. but in addition to making more mature chips here, we must also use the CHIPS and Science Act to invest in the future of the automotive industry – and that means research and development.” “Michigan stakeholders have already mobilized to meet that challenge – and one example is the STAR initiative to establish a semiconductor center of excellence in Michigan. Led by the internationally renowned research center, IMEC, semiconductor equipment manufacturer KLA, the University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community College, the STAR initiative will focus on advancing microelectronics research for vehicle electrification and autonomous automotive solutions. These innovative solutions will help cement the United States leadership not only in the future of semiconductors, but also in the future of the automotive industry,” he continued. In response, Secretary Raimondo committed to working with Senator Peters to ensure the CHIPS and Science Act continues to invest in research and development and job tr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-leads-bipartisan-colleagues-to-introduce-bill-removing-presidential-authority-to-provide-aid-to-azerbaijan-following-attacks-on-armenian-people | Peters Leads Bipartisan Colleagues to Introduce Bill Removing Presidential Authority to Provide Aid to Azerbaijan following Attacks on Armenian People | 2023-10-05 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) led a bipartisan group of his colleagues, including U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and John Kennedy (R-LA), to introduce legislation that would prevent the U.S. from providing security assistance to Azerbaijan until it has been determined that they are not taking offensive action against the Armenians. The Senators introduced the legislation in response to the unilateral seizure, by force of arms, of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan. “The Azerbaijani government has made it clear – it will use its military resources to eliminate the presence of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.” said Senator Peters. “The United States cannot be complicit in Azerbaijani violence against the Armenian people. We must pass this legislation to block additional American aid to Azerbaijan until it puts an end to its aggression in the region.” “It’s absurd that our nation has provided security assistance to Azerbaijan for decades, despite existing law requiring the President to certify that Azerbaijan is not taking offensive action against Armenian,” said Senator Rubio. “This bill is an important first step, as would be sanctioning Azerbaijani officials under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.” “The United States must take a stand to make sure the Azerbaijani government does not inflict further suffering on ethnic Armenians,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation, which is intended to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions in Nagorno-Karabakh.” “Through the 907 waiver authority, Americans saw their tax money used to provide weapons to Azerbaijan to attack lands where Armenians have lived for centuries. That is not only wrong, it’s perverse. This bill withdraws that authority,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The United States must send a clear message that we will not support the Azeri regime as it continues its campaign of ethnic cleansing against… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-advocates-for-michigan-airports-at-hearing-with-faa-nominee | VIDEO: Peters Advocates for Michigan Airports at Hearing with FAA Nominee | 2023-10-05 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) advocated for efforts to strengthen and support Michigan airports during a confirmation hearing for Michael Whitaker, the nominee to become Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Peters underscored the need to protect rural air service and hold airlines accountable to their commitments under the FAA’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which is essential to rural airports, communities, and businesses in Michigan and across the country. Peters also secured a commitment from Whitaker to ensure that, if confirmed, he will work on a plan to replace a 60-year-old air traffic control tower at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan to help the airport expand and modernize to accommodate its rapidly growing demand. Peters additionally emphasized the need to end toxic PFAS contamination at airports and address workforce shortages, including by passing the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023, which Peters is helping to write as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. To watch video of Senator Peters questioning FAA Administrator nominee Michael Whitaker about these priorities, click here or on the image below. Below is a transcript of Peters’ questions and Whitaker’s answers at the hearing: PROTECTING ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE IN MICHIGAN Peters: As Michigan’s senator, I have the privilege of representing 9 rural airports that are served by Essential Air Service program. That is the most of any state in the lower 48, and many of those airports are in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula and host only a couple of round trips per day. In fact, I'm going to take one of those aircraft on Friday up to one of those northern Michigan cities that is serviced through EAS. The proposed Senate FAA reauthorization bill this year includes a provision that I championed that would hold airlines accountable when they break their contracts with these small communi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-confirmation-of-susan-declercq-to-be-united-states-district-court-judge-in-the-eastern-district-of-michigan | Peters, Stabenow Announce Confirmation of Susan DeClercq to be United States District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Michigan | 2023-10-04 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced the U.S. Senate has confirmed Susan DeClercq to be U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. DeClercq was nominated by President Biden on May 3. On June 7, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing considering her nomination. A video of the hearing can be found here. A video of Senator Peters’ remarks can be found here, and a video of Senator Stabenow’s remarks can be found here. “Susan DeClercq is a public servant, whose staunch commitment to defending justice, civil rights, and our Constitution will serve the people of Michigan well,” said Senator Peters. “She is exceptionally qualified with an outstanding legal career that reflects her integrity and utmost respect for American institutions and democracy. I was honored to help confirm her to the U.S. federal bench.” “Susan DeClercq will be an outstanding U.S. District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Michigan. Her time in the U.S. Attorney’s office and in other roles in Michigan have demonstrated her thoughtfulness and intellect. Her confirmation is great news for Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow. Susan K. DeClercq has been Director and Counsel of Special Investigations at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan since 2022. Ms. DeClercq previously served as an Assistant U.S Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan from 2004 to 2022, where she had several leadership roles, including serving as Chief of the Civil Division. Ms. DeClercq worked for Skadden, Arps, Slate, and Meagher & Flom in Washington, D.C. as a litigation associate from 2001 to 2004. From 1999 to 2001, she served as a law clerk for Judge Avern Cohn on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. DeClercq received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Wayne State University School of Law in 1999 and her B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1995. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-led-by-peters-and-stabenow-calling-for-immediate-release-of-michigander-paul-whelan | Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Led by Peters & Stabenow Calling for Immediate Release of Michigander Paul Whelan | 2023-10-04 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan, bicameral resolution led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) calling for the immediate release of Michigander Paul Whelan from authorities under the Russian government. A companion resolution was introduced and passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2023. The Senate resolution can be found by clicking here. “The Russian government’s unjust imprisonment of Paul Whelan is a political sham that has gone on far too long,” said Senator Peters. “I’m pleased the Senate unanimously passed this resolution which demonstrates our commitment to bringing this nightmare to an end, and ensuring Paul returns home to be reunited with his family and loved ones.” “Paul Whelan needs to come home. Paul has spent more than 1,741 days languishing in a Russian prison without any due process or credible evidence presented against him. I’m glad the Senate came together to call on the Russian government to release Paul. I will continue to work with the Biden Administration, my colleagues and Paul’s family to end his unjust imprisonment and bring him home,” said Senator Stabenow. Peters and Stabenow have continuously pressed for Whelan’s release since he was detained in Russia more than four years ago and will continue to work with his family and the U.S. Department of State to secure his safe return to Michigan. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-remove-presidential-authority-to-provide-aid-to-azerbaijan | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Remove Presidential Authority to Provide Aid to Azerbaijan | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced a bipartisan bill that would prevent the U.S. from providing security assistance to Azerbaijan until it has been determined that they are not taking offensive action against the Armenians. Peters introduced the legislation in response to the Azerbaijani government’s ongoing attacks on ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Earlier this week, Peters was in Armenia to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and view the 10-month long blockade of the Lachin corridor that has caused a humanitarian crisis for Armenians in the region. “The Azerbaijani government has made it clear – it can and will use its military resources to impose violent attacks against the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Senator Peters. “The United States cannot be complicit in Azerbaijani violence against the Armenian people. We must pass this legislation to block additional American aid to Azerbaijan until it puts an end to its aggression in the region.” Peters’ 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. Although the Freedom Support Act generally prohibits most bilateral assistance to Azerbaijan, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, waiver authority was added to Section 907 granting additional discretion to the President to provide aid to Azerbaijan. The waiver authority has been invoked annually by Presidents of both parties since 2002 and the Biden Administration is still reviewing its waiver authority for 2023. This week, Peters also joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers 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. A copy of the letter can be found here. Peters has previously raised concerns regarding the Azerbaijani military attacks on the Armenian peopl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-senator-dianne-feinsteins-passing | Peters Statement on Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Passing | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s passing. “Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer, and her life of public service leaves behind a profound legacy. From her time in San Francisco’s City Hall to her decades of service in the U.S. Senate, Dianne spent her career as a fierce advocate who fought to get things done for her constituents and the American people. Her diligence, hard work, and commitment to bipartisanship allowed her to achieve real results, even as she took on some of the toughest issues of the day. As a model and mentor for women in American politics, Dianne opened the door for generations of public servants. Her legislative and political accomplishments are only surpassed by her compassion as a colleague and friend. I am grateful to have served alongside Dianne, and Colleen and I send our deepest condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-more-than-20-million-in-federal-funding-to-replace-the-manistee-river-bridge-in-manton | Peters & Stabenow Announce More Than $20 Million in Federal Funding to Replace the Manistee River Bridge in Manton | 2023-09-27 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is awarding the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) $20,385,000 in federal funding to replace the Manistee River Bridge in Manton. The replacement project will increase the weight capacity of the bridge and preserve an important rail crossing that links Northern Michigan to global shipping partners. Funding for the project is provided through the FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which was funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law the Senators helped enact. “Investments in our rail infrastructure are critical for local communities and to spur economic growth,” said Senator Peters. “Replacement of the Manistee Bridge will create jobs, improve rail safety, and provide our shipping companies with a more efficient rail connection to partners both regionally and globally.” “Because of our passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are able to invest in critical infrastructure like the Manistee River bridge that has been in need of upgrades for many years. This investment is especially important because it will create jobs and bolster economic growth across northern Michigan communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “The Michigan Department of Transportation is pleased to be awarded this CRISI grant to replace the Manistee River railroad bridge that was built in 1888 and is well past its useful life,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich, P.E. “Replacing this structure will ensure today’s heavier freight railroad cars will be able to cross the bridge and that there will be no disruptions to northern Michigan supply chains.” The CRISI grant program invests in railroad infrastructure projects that improve safety, efficiency and support economic development in communities across the country. More information about the CRISI grant program can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-travels-to-armenia-calls-for-increased-us-action-as-situation-in-nagorno-karabakh-worsens | Peters Travels to Armenia, Calls for Increased U.S. Action as Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh Worsens | 2023-09-26 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee, recently returned from a congressional delegation to Armenia to meet with key Armenian and international officials and to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border to view the blockade of the Lachin corridor that has caused a humanitarian crisis for Armenians in the region. “I’m deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Senator Peters. “This visit confirmed that we must do more to protect Armenian lives and prevent ethnic cleansing. Increased aid to the Armenian people is critical, and we must stop providing aid to Azerbaijan and impose targeted sanctions on the Aliyev regime. Organizations providing humanitarian aid must be allowed into the region and international observers should be deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh to bear witness to what’s happening on the ground. I will continue to stand with and advocate for the Armenian people and Michigan’s strong Armenian community.” Peters met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, Vice President of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan, members of parliament leading the opposition, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien, Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan, representatives from the EU Mission in Armenia, and residents who have been displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. He visited the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan, where he laid flowers to honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians killed in the genocide. Last week, Peters gave a speech on the Senate floor condemning the Azerbaijani government’s military aggression and violence toward Armenia and called on the U.S. to stand behind the Armenian people. Peters also recently helped introduce bipartisan legislation in the Senate that would provide humanitarian assistance to Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, prevent addit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-ahead-of-president-biden-joining-striking-uaw-workers-on-picket-lines-in-michigan | Peters Statement Ahead of President Biden Joining Striking UAW Workers on Picket Lines in Michigan | 2023-09-25 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement ahead of President Biden’s visit to Michigan to join striking UAW workers on the picket line: “UAW workers sacrificed to keep our auto industry afloat in 2008 and 2009. Now, they’re asking for their fair share of the success that auto companies have experienced in recent years. I was proud to stand on the picket lines with the UAW on Day 1 and 2 of this strike, and I’m happy to have President Biden in Michigan fighting in solidarity alongside workers. This fight is not only about UAW workers getting the wages, benefits, and job security they deserve — it’s about fighting for the future of the American middle class.” Peters 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 joined the picket line with UAW workers in Wayne, Michigan on Day 1 and Day 2 of the strike. In July, Peters sent a letter to the CEOs of the Big Three auto manufacturers urging them to negotiate in good faith as the talks began. In August, he met with UAW members in Lansing to show his support and hear their priorities. Peters also organized a multi-member meeting with UAW President Shawn Fain earlier this year. Michigan is home to the most auto workers in the United States, and UAW represents around 70,000 auto workers in Michigan. In addition, the auto industry directly and indirectly employs 1.1 million workers in Michigan, or about 20 percent of the state’s workforce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-announces-over-13-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-operations-at-selfridge-air-national-guard-base | Peters Announces Over $1.3 Million in Federal Funding to Support Operations at Selfridge Air National Guard Base | 2023-09-22 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that Harrison Township will receive $1,366,576 to upgrade critical water infrastructure that supports operations at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The funding will help Harrison Township – which provides essential water services to Selfridge and its surrounding areas – revamp the sanitation sewer systems that service the base to protect water flow and ensure Selfridge remains operational during power outages. This investment from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program will make Selfridge more resilient, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly – all factors that the Defense Department considers when determining where to place new missions and units. Peters helped secure the funding in the national defense bill through his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Peters also supported Harrison Township’s application, writing a letter to the Defense Department in support of this project in June 2023. “As the largest military installation in our state, Selfridge Air National Guard Base is vital to Michigan’s defense footprint, national security, and economy,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Armed Services Committee. “I’ve made it a top priority to ensure Selfridge gets the resources it needs to remain at the forefront of our national defense strategy, and I’m pleased to announce this new investment will help position the base for the future and make it more resilient.” Peters — who drilled at Selfridge while serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve — has been a champion for Selfridge. In May, he participated in the groundbreaking for a new $28 million aircraft hangar made by possible by federal funding Peters secured through his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. The new 41,900 square-foot facility will transform two hangars into a new hangar equipped for fighter maintenance. The new facility will house maintenance on the main level and leader… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-after-nagorno-karabakh-bombing-peters-condemns-azerbaijan-for-continued-military-aggression-violence-toward-armenian-people | VIDEO: After Nagorno-Karabakh Bombing, Peters Condemns Azerbaijan for Continued Military Aggression, Violence Toward Armenian People | 2023-09-21 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) condemned the Azerbaijani government’s military aggression and violence toward the Armenian people, which this week led to the killing of dozens of Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. During his speech, Peters called on his Senate colleagues and the Biden Administration to stand in solidarity with the Armenian people as they face a humanitarian crisis and existential threat from Azerbaijan. “The Azerbaijani government has made it clear, their goal is to erase the historic presence of Armenians in this region,” said Senator Peters. “If we continue to let this crisis devolve, then we are complicit in the violence. I call on my Senate colleagues and the Biden Administration to stand against the cruelty of the Azerbaijani government – and stand beside the Armenian people.” To watch Senator Peters’ speech on the Senate floor, click here. Peters previously raised concerns to the Biden Administration regarding the deployment of U.S. security assistance to Azerbaijan in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in March 2023. In March, Peters also met with members of Michigan’s Armenian community to listen to their concerns and recommit to holding Azerbaijan accountable. Below is the text of Peters’ remarks as prepared for delivery. “In the mountains of Nagorno-Karabakh – a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor has left over 100,000 ethnic Armenians cut off from the world – deprived of the food, the water, fuel, and medical care they need to survive. “Last week, one resident made a plea. She asked: ‘How many more people will have to die before the world takes notice?’ “Today, that question carries new meaning – as the Armenian people not only confront dwindling resources but heavy bombardment. On September 19th, Azerbaijan violated the fragile peace and began bombing Nagorno-Karabakh. “While a ceasefire was announced this morning, we cannot ignore the violence and we must stand w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-lankford-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property | Peters and Lankford Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property | 2023-09-20 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced bipartisan legislation 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 encourage federal agencies to consider reusing the surplus property of other agencies – available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation – before buying new products to save taxpayer dollars. “Every year government agencies purchase new office supplies, equipment and vehicles even though other agencies may already own surplus items that could meet those needs in a more cost-effective way,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill would ensure agencies can save taxpayer dollars and maintain the supplies they need by reusing excess property the government already owns.” “This is not that hard. Use the stuff you already have before you buy more stuff. When federal agencies just buy more, before they use what we already have, it shows a lack of commitment to saving taxpayer dollars. The federal government is already the largest single buyer of goods and services in the world, so we need to prioritize good stewardship and effective use of property the government has already purchased,” said Senator Lankford. “From paper clips to automobiles, Oklahoma families and businesses make decisions every day about how to use what they have before spending more money. We should always look for ways for the federal government to save more money and waste less time.” The 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 an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-uaw-strike | Peters Statement on UAW Strike | 2023-09-15 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the news that the United Auto Workers (UAW) has announced a strike against the Big Three auto manufacturers – General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford. “I stand in solidarity with UAW workers as they strike to fight for a contract that gives them the wages, job security, and benefits they deserve. UAW members made huge sacrifices to help save the auto industry in 2008 and now that the Big Three are making historic profits, the workers deserve to get their fair share of the success. UAW workers are making the best cars in the world in Michigan and it’s critical they continue to be the future of the industry, especially as we transition to electric vehicles.” In July, Peters sent a letter to the CEOs of the Big Three auto manufacturers urging them to negotiate in good faith as the talks began. In August, he met with UAW members in Lansing to show his support and hear their priorities. Peters also organized a multi-member meeting with UAW President Shawn Fain earlier this year. Michigan is home to the most auto workers in the United States, and UAW represents around 70,000 auto workers in Michigan. In addition, the auto industry directly and indirectly employs 1.1 million workers in Michigan, or about 20 percent of the state’s workforce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-calls-for-fair-contract-as-september-14th-deadline-approaches-for-uaw-negotiations | Peters Calls for Fair Contract as September 14th Deadline Approaches for UAW Negotiations | 2023-09-14 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement in advance of the September 14th deadline for members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) to negotiate a new labor contract with the Big Three automakers – General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. “As we get down to the wire before Thursday’s deadline, I urge both parties to continue negotiating to secure a contract as soon as possible that provides workers with fair wages, benefits, and job security. UAW workers built the middle class, and to this day they are the heart of the auto industry and deserve their fair share of its success. I’ve met with and have been in constant communication with UAW members – including UAW President Shawn Fain – and representatives from the Big Three auto manufacturers, and I’m hopeful that both parties will continue to negotiate in good faith towards a fair contract.” In July, Peters sent a letter to the CEOs of the Big Three auto manufacturers urging them to negotiate in good faith as the talks began. In August, he met with UAW members in Lansing to show his support and hear their priorities. Peters also organized a multi-member meeting with UAW President Fain earlier this year. Michigan is home to the most auto workers in the United States, and UAW represents around 70,000 auto workers in Michigan. In addition, the auto industry directly and indirectly employs 1.1 million workers in Michigan, or about 20 percent of the state’s workforce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-advocates-for-michigan-defense-priorities-at-hearing-with-air-force-nominee | VIDEO: Peters Advocates for Michigan Defense Priorities at Hearing with Air Force Nominee | 2023-09-14 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) advocated for Michigan’s defense priorities during a confirmation hearing for General David W. Allvin, the nominee to become Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, highlighted the need for continued action to address PFAS contamination across Michigan and pressed for continued support of Michigan’s defense installations, including Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC). “I appreciated the opportunity to discuss Michigan’s defense priorities with General Allvin,” said Senator Peters. “Our state plays a key role in our national defense, and we must ensure our defense installations continue to be part of our long-term strategic goals.” During the hearing, Peters acknowledged the steps taken by the Air Force to treat PFAS contamination, but stressed the need for continued action to remediate the impacts of these toxic chemicals. “There’s still more work that needs to be done to expedite these clean-up efforts,” Peters said during the hearing. “I’m going to continue to hold the Air Force and other federal agencies accountable for protecting public health in Michigan.” Peters went on to highlight the recent visit of Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, to Michigan’s Camp Grayling, a facility of the NADWC, to observe military training exercises at Northern Strike. Peters asked General Allvin how he would prioritize joint force exercises if confirmed. “The Assistant Secretary seemed particularly impressed with the Michigan Guard’s ability to host and lead a multi-national, multi-component Joint Force training exercises using assets like the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, as well as Camp Grayling, and the vast physical space and spectrum that’s available in Northern Michigan,” Peters said during the hearing. General Allvin responded, “I w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-convenes-hearing-to-examine-how-federal-government-purchases-artificial-intelligence-technologies | VIDEO: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine How Federal Government Purchases Artificial Intelligence Technologies | 2023-09-14 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine how the federal government should update its procurement and acquisition policies to promote the responsible and effective adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. During the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed how to ensure that the federal experts charged with purchasing these systems are best prepared to adopt and deploy AI tools, provide transparency around their use, and mitigate potential risks. This was the third hearing in a series Peters is convening on artificial intelligence to discuss how lawmakers can support American development of AI to ensure it benefits society, strengthens our nation’s competitiveness on a global stage, and helps industry and government become more effective, while limiting potential harms. “In order to successfully and effectively purchase and use AI tools, federal agencies have to be prepared to address issues like privacy concerns about the use of federal data to train commercial models and preventing bias in government decision-making,” said Peters during his opening statement. Peters continued: “We must be nimble whenever the government collaborates with the private sector, but this is especially true with AI, where new developments emerge almost every single day and tools that are purchased are actively learning and changing as they are used.” To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks, click here. For text of Peters’ opening remarks, as prepared, click here. To watch video of Senator Peters’ questions, click here. During the hearing, Peters discussed the importance of using AI systems to provide more efficient services to Americans and automate routine tasks to enhance the federal workforce. The hearing discussed what the current AI procurement processes looks like, what should be prioritized when evaluating possible systems, and what agencies must do to ensure taxpayer money is spent effective… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-misconduct-at-detroit-va-medical-center-peters-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-ensure-accountability-and-neutrality-in-va-peer-review-process | Following Misconduct at Detroit VA Medical Center, Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Accountability & Neutrality in VA Peer Review Process | 2023-09-12 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Following the misconduct and leadership failings found at the John D. Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Detroit, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure neutrality and accountability in the VA’s peer review process – which is used to improve quality of care at VA medical facilities in Michigan and across the country. In November 2021, the VA Office of the Medical Inspector (OMI) investigated allegations regarding the quality of care at the Detroit VA Medical Center. In April 2022, the OMI released its findings that resulted in 10 recommendations, including to ensure quality reviews. In response to a congressional request from Peters, along with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) and U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-6) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), the Office of Inspector General (OIG) opened an inspection to assess the facility’s progress implementing the OMI’s recommendations. During the inspection, the OIG identified additional concerns that the facility still needed to resolve regarding the peer review process of Peer Review Committee members. Peters’ VA Peer Review Neutrality Act – cosponsored by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-AR) – would help address these concerns and ensure the process is conducted effectively by requiring that peer reviewers must withdraw from the review process if they had direct involvement in the case in question or there is a conflict of interest. Peters’ bill would also require that peer reviews of Peer Review Committee members – which are responsible for investigating complaints or concerns about quality of care – must be evaluated at a final level by a neutral peer review committee at another VA facility. The bill would additionally require the VA to ensure a plan is in place to fill vacant medical center director positions within 180 days. “I was appalled to learn of the misconduct and blatant failure from leadership at the Detroit VA Medical Center. Our nation’s veterans… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-announces-michigan-to-receive-51-million-in-funding-from-safeguarding-tomorrow-revolving-loan-fund-program | Peters Announces Michigan to Receive $5.1 Million in Funding from Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program | 2023-09-12 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced today that Michigan will receive $5.1 million from the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program to help communities invest in projects that will protect against severe flooding, rising water levels, coastal erosion, and other natural hazards. The program was created by Senator Peters’ Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, which was signed into law in 2021. As a part of the bipartisan infrastructure law, Peters secured the first federal funding to help kick start the program. “Communities across Michigan have faced catastrophic challenges from recent severe storms and floods, and these types of disasters will only continue to increase. I passed the law creating the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program to ensure that Michigan communities will have more support to protect their infrastructure, residents and small businesses from these threats,” said Senator Peters. “Today’s announcement is an exciting step towards getting these federal dollars into the hands of local communities so they can invest in infrastructure upgrades to address storm and flood damage and make our state more resilient for the future.” “Senator Peters worked hard with President Biden to pass the historic legislation that created this powerful new financing tool as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This capability will allow communities to leverage federal capital to build resilient infrastructure and tackle increasingly frequent and severe climate-fueled disasters,” said Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor. “The Biden-Harris Administration, with bipartisan support in Congress, has made billions of dollars available to help build resilience nationwide, but economically disadvantaged communities can still face barriers when it comes to financing their own mitigation projects,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This innovative, ne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-kennedy-lead-bipartisan-resolution-designating-patriot-week | Peters, Kennedy Lead Bipartisan Resolution Designating Patriot Week | 2023-09-11 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September 11th through September 17th as Patriot Week. Co-founded by Oakland County Judge Michael Warren, Patriot Week was created to remember the lives lost on the September 11th terrorist attacks, honor Constitution Day on the 17th, and encourage students to engage in American history and civics. “Patriot Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the moments that have shaped our nation’s history, and recognize the values and ideals that define who we are as Americans,” said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “Just as our nation came together in the days following the horrific September 11th terrorist attacks, we must always stay unified as Americans to address the serious issues our country faces today. I am thankful for all of Judge Warren’s efforts to bring forth this important initiative and proud to lead this annual recognition in the Senate.” “Patriot Week celebrates the heroes throughout our nation’s distinguished history, and helps us honor America’s story together," said Senator Kennedy. "As we remember the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, and the bravery of first responders on that day, we remain inspired by Americans’ love of country.” “Despite the seemingly unending waves of tumult facing our nation, we know that the American people can overcome these challenges and thrive if we work together, remembering what unites us,” said Patriot Week co-founder Judge Michael Warren. “By renewing America’s spirit by deepening the appreciation of the First Principles, Founding Fathers and other Patriots, vital documents and speeches, and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history, we need Patriot Week more than ever. Co-founder Leah (my then 10 year old daughter) and I remain very touched by the bipartisan partnership of Senators Peters and Kennedy in shepherding another Patriot Week resolution in the world’s greatest deliberati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-in-advance-of-22nd-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks | Peters Statement In Advance of 22nd Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks | 2023-09-08 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Armed Services Committee — who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve including volunteering again after 9/11 — released the following statement in advance of the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: “On September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack forever changed the fabric of our nation. We must never forget the 2,977 people who lost their lives on that day, and the first responders who selflessly ran into danger to save lives. More than twenty years later, we must continue to support these heroic first responders, as well as the dedicated servicemembers and veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism. “In the more than two decades since this horrible tragedy, the threats to our nation have continued to evolve. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue leading efforts to ensure that our federal government has the tools and resources necessary to protect against these threats – foreign or domestic. “In the days after September 11th, our nation came together to show our enemies that our resolve will always be greater than theirs. As we mark this tragic anniversary, we must remember to unite against the challenges we face and ensure that American communities are safe and secure for years to come.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-visits-central-asia-to-reaffirm-us-commitment-to-the-region-help-counter-russian-and-chinese-influence | Peters Visits Central Asia to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to the Region, Help Counter Russian and Chinese Influence | 2023-09-08 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee, recently returned from a congressional delegation to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to demonstrate U.S. engagement and commitment and to help counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region. “This trip was an important opportunity to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to Central Asia and discuss security concerns in the region and our shared strategic goals,” said Senator Peters. “As Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine continues, it’s imperative that the United States stays engaged with partners around the world, particularly those with historical ties to Russia like the Central Asian states. The United States remains committed to working with these countries to deepen economic ties, further security cooperation, and ensure respect for territorial sovereignty by preventing Russian or Chinese dominance of the region.” Peters met with government officials and civil society leaders throughout the region to discuss shared security, economic and political concerns. In Kyrgyzstan, Peters met with President Sadyr Japarov, Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev, and Defense Minister Baktybek Bekbolotov to discuss the relationship between Kyrgyzstan and the United States. Peters urged Kyrgyz authorities to combat Russia-related sanctions evasions and to reject the Russian-style 'Foreign Agents' legislation, which would negatively impact non-governmental organizations, pending before Parliament. In a meeting with Parliamentary Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiev, Peters conveyed U.S. support for Kyrgyz efforts to increase English language education. He also met with representatives from the National Democratic Institute to discuss democratic governance and accountability issues. In Tajikistan, Peters met with Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo and Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin to discuss security cooperation between the two nations and count… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-leads-bipartisan-legislation-to-reauthorize-funding-for-paws-act-to-support-survivors-of-domestic-violence-and-their-pets | Peters Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Funding for PAWS Act to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence & Their Pets | 2023-09-07 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the grant program established by the Protecting Animals with Shelter (PAWS) Act to help protect domestic violence survivors and their pets. Peters created this program, known as the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program, through bipartisan legislation he authored into law – called the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act – which provides funding for facilities that harbor survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence, along with their pets. Since the grant program was first funded in 2020, there has consistently been high-demand from shelters for PAWS funding. Peters – along with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) – is now leading the effort to extend federal support for the program by reauthorizing $3 million for the program annually over the next five years. “No person should ever have to choose between leaving an abusive relationship or staying and risking their safety in order to protect their pets,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I previously authored the law to create this needed program, and why I’m now fighting to ensure facilities in Michigan and around the country have the federal support they need to continue providing safe havens for not only survivors, but their pets too.” Research has shown that domestic abusers often seek to manipulate or intimidate victims by threatening or harming their pets – with one study finding that up to 84 percent of women entering domestic violence shelters reported their partners had threatened, abused, or killed the family pet. Moreover, nearly half of survivors report having stayed with their abuser due to fear over what would happen to their pet. A 2007 study found that as many as one-third of domestic abuse survivors reportedly delayed leaving their abuser for an average of two years out of concern for the safety of their pet. Research has also indicated that domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announces-more-than-11-million-in-federal-funding-for-the-city-of-charlotte | Peters, Stabenow Announces More Than $1.1 Million in Federal Funding for the City of Charlotte | 2023-09-06 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the City of Charlotte will receive $1,170,091 in federal funding to hire three additional firefighters and help the Charlotte Fire Department safely respond to emergencies. This federal grant comes from the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. “It is critically important that our communities have emergency responders who are prepared to protect Michiganders and their property,” said Senator Peters. “This grant will provide the City of Charlotte with federal resources to help maintain and hire more staff to ensure they can do their jobs safely and effectively.” “Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help the City of Charlotte make sure there is always someone there to answer the call in an emergency.” “We are incredibly grateful to receive the SAFER grant award from FEMA. This grant will provide us with additional personnel to be able to respond to emergency calls in the City of Charlotte and the surrounding townships that we serve,” said Captain Dan Daly of the Charlotte Fire Department. “We would like to thank Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow for being instrumental in providing grant opportunities to rural fire departments in the state of Michigan.” Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program grants. More information on the grant program can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-peters-travels-across-michigan-on-annual-motorcycle-tour-highlights-work-on-issues-important-to-michiganders | ICYMI: Peters Travels Across Michigan on Annual Motorcycle Tour, Highlights Work on Issues Important to Michiganders | 2023-08-29 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) recently completed his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan, riding over 1,300 miles and highlighting the work he’s doing in the Senate on issues important to Michiganders including increasing support for workforce development programs, standing with workers and veterans, upgrading our roads and bridges, helping farmers address threats to their crops, and growing our state’s defense footprint. Peters, an avid motorcycle rider, made stops in Muskegon, Ironwood, Escanaba, Traverse City, Bay City, Lansing, and Novi. He was joined on the ride by veterans, motorcycle safety advocates, workers, and constituents. WHTC Holland: Peters Focuses on Vets Issues in Annual Summer Motorcycle Tour “How is Michigan’s junior US Senator spending his summer recess from Washington? Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Hills) is in the middle of his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the PACT Act becoming law. Peters says the PACT Act has started to deliver VA benefits to veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic chemicals during their service. Peters is making stops as part of his “Paving the Way for Michigan’s Future” tour.” WXMI Grand Rapids: Peters Kicks Off Motorcycle Tour “US Senator Gary Peters is on his motorcycle tour across Michigan. A journey which is meant to talk about the state's future started in Muskegon. Wednesday’s stop dedicated to celebrating the one year anniversary of the PACT Act. The legislation allows more than 16,000 veterans to apply for injury assistance in the form of benefits and health care. “Well, as we were passing the PACT Act, we knew there was a very large number of veterans who had been exposed to these nasty toxic chemicals in war zones. Certainly burn pits, agent orange in the Vietnam War era, and that wasn't fully covered. So this was needed legislation,” Peters said. “Peters is also making stops in Ironwood, Escanaba, Traverse City, Bay City, and Lansing before ending his track in Novi.” WOOD … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-moolenaar-dingell-urge-fda-to-issue-new-bone-graft-guidance-after-tuberculosis-outbreak-and-patient-deaths | Peters, Stabenow, Moolenaar, Dingell Urge FDA to Issue New Bone Graft Guidance After Tuberculosis Outbreak and Patient Deaths | 2023-08-29 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), along with U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar (MI-2) and Debbie Dingell (MI-6) today urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide additional guidance and updated donor ineligibility criteria for human issue transplant products. They sent the bipartisan letter following a recent outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in bone graft material that has led to serious health complications and deaths of patients across the country, including in Michigan. “In July 2023, a physician with Michigan Medicine contacted us regarding a TB infection transmitted from a ViBone Allograft to his patient. This patient experienced severe health complications after being one of 36 patients who received infected bone matrix materials that were implanted in patients across the country,” Peters, Stabenow, Moolenaar and Dingell wrote. “Regrettably, on August 10, 2023, the patient passed away due to the TB infection. No patient should suffer such devastating health outcomes from a transplant product.” This incident marks the second TB contamination to occur at Azyio Biologics, a company located in Silver Spring, MD. A similar outbreak occurred in 2021 where TB was transmitted via bone graft. “We have long supported investments into medical research that have produced life changing therapies, products, and pharmaceuticals for patients across the country,” Peters, Stabenow, Moolenaar and Dingell continued. “While Azyio took proactive testing precautions after the 2021 incident, these precautions were not sufficient to prevent an outbreak two years later.” The letter also references an Aug. 7, 2023 bulletin released by the American Association of Tissue Banks, which is the top accreditor of bone and tissue transplant banks. The bulletin, titled “Requirements and Recommendations for Reducing Risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission,” outlines donor ineligibility criteria including TB exposure, infection, travel history and age. “We urge the FDA to consider t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-steps-announced-by-the-air-force-to-prevent-further-spread-of-pfas-contamination-at-former-wurtsmith-air-force-base | Peters Statement on Steps Announced by the Air Force to Prevent Further Spread of PFAS Contamination at Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base | 2023-08-17 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, released the following statement on the U.S. Air Force’s announcement that they will install groundwater treatment systems at two additional Wurtsmith sites to prevent further spread of PFAS-contaminated water into local water systems. “This announcement is a positive step in our yearslong effort pressing the Air Force to address PFAS contamination at Wurtsmith,” said Senator Peters. “I welcome this action to prevent the spread of these toxic chemicals, but there is no question more must be done — and the Air Force must expedite cleanup efforts to protect public health and ensure access to clean drinking water in Oscoda. I’ll continue to push the Air Force to take additional steps and hold them – and other federal agencies – accountable to mitigate PFAS at Wurtsmith and in other Michigan communities.” “We are thrilled that our citizen-developed plan to “Stop the Bleeding” at Wurtsmith has become the Defense Department’s national policy directive, and that Wurtsmith, fittingly, is the first place it’s being implemented,” said Tony Spaniola of Need Our Water (NOW) in Oscoda. “We thank Senator Peters and other members of Congress for their tireless efforts on our behalf, and we specifically thank Under Secretary La Plante for his leadership on this important issue. There’s more work to be done at Wurtsmith and other military installations across the country, and we look forward to continuing our efforts with Senator Peters and others to get additional interim remedies implemented with all deliberate speed.” "Advocates from Oscoda and communities across the state have worked tirelessly to bring PFAS contamination to the forefront for decision makers to find solutions to address these toxic contaminants in our water. These actions by the Department of Defense will help protect the health of community members in Oscoda and set a model for addressing PFAS contamination caus… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-delivers-remarks-at-major-defense-conference-in-novi-during-final-stop-of-annual-motorcycle-tour | PHOTOS: Peters Delivers Remarks at Major Defense Conference in Novi During Final Stop of Annual Motorcycle Tour | 2023-08-17 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) concluded his annual motorcycle tour today with a stop in Novi, where he delivered remarks about Michigan’s role in our national defense at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS) hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association. “Michigan has and will continue to play a crucial role in our national defense,” said Senator Peters. “Our state is fundamental to developing and advancing innovative solutions to our most pressing national security challenges. “Just as World War II was won with vehicles made in Michigan, the threats of the 21st century will be met by the solutions found in our state and I’m determined to equip Michigan with the resources and support it needs to meet those challenges.” Peters has fought to grow Michigan’s important role in testing ground vehicle systems and other innovative technologies to enhance our nationalsecurity. As a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of the Senate Armed Service Committee and Appropriations Committee, Peters has delivered and is advocatingforfederal resources to support ground vehicle research and other technology developments in Michigan. By bringing key militaryinvestmentstothe state,including in Southeast Michigan,Petersisworking to keep Michigan at the cutting-edge of technology to help our servicemembers complete their missions safely and efficiently, protect national security and bolster the economy. On this year’s motorcycle tour, Peters rode more than 1,300 miles across Michigan and made stops in Muskegon, Ironwood, Escanaba, Traverse City, Bay City, Lansing, and Novi. To download high-resolution photos from the event, click here. Images are courtesy of Senator Peters’ office. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-meets-with-local-uaw-in-lansing-on-annual-motorcycle-tour-to-discuss-priorities-for-michigan-autoworkers | PHOTOS: Peters Meets with Local UAW in Lansing on Annual Motorcycle Tour to Discuss Priorities for Michigan Autoworkers | 2023-08-17 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | LANSING, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) stopped in Lansing today during the final day of his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. As part of his “Paving the Way for Michigan’s Future” tour, Peters visited United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 652 and met with members and retirees to discuss priorities that are important to autoworkers. “UAW members are building the best cars in the world in Michigan, and they’re critical for the success of the auto industry and our economy as a whole,” said Senator Peters. “Whether it’s fighting for better wages, safer workplaces, access to health care or a dignified retirement, unions like the UAW have continued to show up and deliver results that lift up our communities and all American workers. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to listen to local UAW workers and hear their priorities – I remain committed to standing with our workers as they fight for a stronger future.” Peters grew up in a union household and has been a champion for Michigan and American workers, including union workers. His father was an NEA teacher and his mother was a nurse’s aide, who worked with the SEIU to organize her workplace and his father-in-law is a UAW Local 5690 retiree. Peters is a committed advocate for workers’ right to collectively bargain and fight for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-inflation-reduction-act | Peters Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act | 2023-08-16 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | TRAVERSE CITY, MI –U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Peters helped pass and enact into law. “I was proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and in the first year of this historic law it’s clear this legislation is lowering costs and making important investments for Michigan families and our economy. This law is capping insulin at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare, reducing prescription drug costs and energy costs for families, accelerating the transition to clean energy and tackling climate change – all while creating jobs, incentivizing domestic manufacturing and strengthening supply chains.” The Inflation Reduction Act is working to: LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS: Allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices and cap out-of-pocket costs to $2,000 annually, which will lower prescription drug costs. It has also reduced the cost of insulin, capping at $35 per month co-pays for seniors on Medicare plans. Peters previously cosponsored legislation that would allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and lower the costs of insulin and save patients’ money. LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS: Has reduced Affordable Care Act premiums for millions of Americans for three years, through 2025. Without this provision, millions of Americans could have faced higher health care premiums for quality coverage. INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY & DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING, COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE: Has made historic investments in tackling climate change, while lowering energy costs, increasing clean energy production and reducing carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030. It included clean energy tax credits for consumers and manufacturing. The consumer tax credits are for electric vehicles and encourage families to make their homes more energy efficient and run on clean energy. The bill also provided manufacturing incentives including tax credits to encourage the onshoring of supply chains and accelerate domestic manufacturing of solar panels, w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-stops-in-bay-city-on-annual-motorcycle-tour | PHOTOS: Peters Stops in Bay City on Annual Motorcycle Tour | 2023-08-16 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | BAY CITY, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) stopped in Bay City today during his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. Peters was joined by Trevor Keyes, President and CEO of the local economic development agency Bay Future Inc., and Bay County Road Commission Chairman Bill Schumacher to highlight the importance of federal funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help replace the aging 85-year-old Lafayette Street Bridge. Peters helped enact the infrastructure law and secure a $73 million federal grant to support reconstruction of the Lafayette Street Bridge. Peters, Schumacher, and Keyes held a press conference in Bigelow Park, located near the Lafayette Street Bridge. “This is a game-changing federal investment that will both repair and upgrade the Lafayette Street bridge to ensure it remains operational for residents, workers, and businesses for years to come,” said Senator Peters. “Folks in the Bay Region and communities across our state depend on safe, reliable roads and bridges every single day, whether it’s to get to work, school, the grocery store, or their doctors’ appointments,” Peters continued. “By making these investments now to improve our infrastructure, we can also help encourage local economic growth in the long-run while supporting good-paying jobs for Michiganders.” “The Lafayette Bridge project has been a city priority for years, and thanks to Senator Peters’ leadership in the Senate, we are receiving the funding we need to get this critical infrastructure project across the finish line,” said Chris Girard, Bay City 6th Ward Commissioner. “Senator Peters is always working to find solutions to issues important to Michiganders. That’s why he’s been named the most effective U.S. Senators. Senator, we appreciate you fighting to bring federal resources back to Bay City.” “The workers and businesses of our communities — from small businesses to manufacturers to health care organizations — all rely on strong, safe, resilient infrastructure,” said Trevor Keyes, President & CE… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-stops-in-traverse-city-on-annual-motorcycle-tour-presses-for-passage-of-his-swat-act-to-address-invasive-fly-hurting-michigan-fruit-growers | PHOTOS: Peters Stops in Traverse City on Annual Motorcycle Tour, Presses for Passage of His SWAT Act to Address Invasive Fly Hurting Michigan Fruit Growers | 2023-08-16 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | TRAVERSE CITY, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) stopped in Traverse City today as part of his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. On his “Paving the Way for Michigan’s Future” tour, Peters visited Michigan State University’s Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center and met with local cherry growers to press for passage of his bipartisan SWAT Act in the upcoming farm bill. Peters’ SWAT Act would help reduce the spread of spotted wing drosophila (SWD). SWD is an invasive insect that continues to hurt growers in Michigan and across the country by laying their eggs in soft-skinned fruit crops such as cherries and blueberries, making crop loads unsellable. Peters’ Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act would establish a fund managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen efforts that mitigate the spread of this invasive pest, helping to keep costs down for growers and prevent their crops from being spoiled in the first place. During the stop, Peters toured the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center and met with Michigan State University horticulturalist Dr. Nikki Rothwell and staff to learn about the center’s ongoing efforts to reduce spotted wing drosophila in Michigan cherry orchards. Peters also heard from local cherry growers about how SWD is impacting their crops, businesses, and livelihoods. Along with Dr. Rothwell, Peters was joined at the event by Cherry Ke, Inc. Vice President Nels Veliquette, King Orchards Vice President Juliette King-McAvoy, and Ben LaCross, Operations Manager for LaCross Farms in Leelanau County and District 9 Director for the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors. “Protecting Michigan’s cherry industry and the ability of our growers to stay competitive is a top priority,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why after hearing from growers across our state that these invasive flies are threatening their businesses and livelihoods, I wanted to come here to Traverse City to see firsthand this local effort to develop tools to help mitigate their sprea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-stops-in-escanaba-on-annual-motorcycle-tour | PHOTOS: Peters Stops in Escanaba on Annual Motorcycle Tour | 2023-08-15 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | ESCANABA, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) stopped in Escanaba today on his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. On his “Paving the Way for Michigan’s Future” tour, Peters visited Bay College to see firsthand how their workforce development efforts are helping students obtain in-demand jobs. Peters also toured the college’s “Water Lab” where students in the Water Resource Management Program and Water Technology Program acquire specialized training in water and wastewater treatment and water pollution prevention – skills critical to ensuring clean drinking water for Michiganders and protecting the Great Lakes. Following the tour, Peters joined senior leaders from Bay College to discuss how they are helping to meet regional and statewide workforce demands –supporting local businesses and industries critical to Michigan’s future. “There is a growing need in our state for workers that have the technical training in water management and technologies – and Bay College is answering the call,” said Senator Peters. “These skills training programs are not only creating a pipeline of qualified workers to our water sector – but helping to protect our Great Lakes and ensure Michiganders have clean drinking water.” “I’ll keep fighting to boost federal support for workforce development initiatives like those here at Bay College to keep Michigan competitive in the 21st century economy,” Peters continued. “We want to thank Senator Peters for visiting Bay College during his UP tour and taking the opportunity to learn about what Bay College is doing within their water program to support Michigan’s workforce,” said Dr. Nerita Hughes, Bay College President. “Bay College’s water programs continue to support water and wastewater operations around the State of Michigan through flexible, competency based trainings and coursework. We were thrilled to have Senator Peters on campus and make him aware of our ability to impact Michigan’s workforce,” said Cindy Gallagher, VP of Business, Technology, Allied Health and Workforce Develop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-pact-act | Peters Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the PACT Act | 2023-08-10 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act being signed into law. “The PACT Act is delivering long overdue benefits and health care to Michigan veterans who were exposed to harmful substances like Agent Orange and toxic burn pits during their service. In the year since this bill was signed into law, thousands of Michigan veterans have gained access to this health care, and I encourage toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors to apply for these benefits if they haven’t already.” The PACT Act is working to ensure all generations of veterans exposed to toxic substances can access essential services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by: Expanding VA health care eligibility to millions of post-9/11 combat veterans; Creating a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure; Adding 23 health conditions related to burn pit and toxic-exposure to the VA’s list of service presumptions, including hypertension; Expanding the list of locations officially recognized as being related to Agent Orange exposure from service (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll); Strengthening federal research on toxic exposure; Providing additional resources to ensure VA workforce and systems can withstand increased demand; Investing to improve VA claims processing, workforce, and health care facilities; Bolstering development of the VA’s workforce by increasing the limits of student loan repayment programs and streamlining the hiring process; and Allowing servicemembers and military families to seek financial compensation for injuries or illnesses they suffered as a result of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina—an issue that has impacted some Michiganders… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-chips-and-science-act | Peters Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the CHIPS and Science Act | 2023-08-09 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the day the CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law. “The CHIPS and Science Act is creating jobs, boosting our country’s economic competitiveness, bolstering our national security, and increasing our domestic semiconductor manufacturing. In the year since the CHIPS Act was signed into law, we’ve seen investments in Michigan that are helping to ensure our state remains at the forefront of manufacturing in the United States and across the world.” Peters helped author and enact the CHIPS and Science Act, which included a provision he secured with Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) to support the domestic production of mature semiconductor technologies and ensure that projects supporting critical manufacturing industries, including the automotive sector, are given priority status. The CHIPS and Science Act also included Peters’ bipartisan Investing in Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing Act, which is working to ensure federal incentives to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing include U.S. suppliers that produce materials for semiconductor manufacturing – bolstering semiconductors supply chains and Michigan manufacturers. In the year since the CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law, Michigan has received more than $675 million in commitments from private companies to invest in semiconductors and electronics, according to the Biden Administration. Michigan has also received direct federal investments through the law, including the $400,000 grant that was announced earlier this year for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center to help Michigan manufacturers strengthen their supply chains. For more information about investments made in Michigan through the CHIPS and Science Act, visit invest.gov. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-kicks-off-annual-motorcycle-tour-by-marking-one-year-anniversary-of-pact-act-with-veterans-in-muskegon | PHOTOS: Peters Kicks Off Annual Motorcycle Tour by Marking One Year Anniversary of PACT Act with Veterans in Muskegon | 2023-08-09 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | MUSKEGON, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) kicked off his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan in Muskegon today by joining local veterans and veterans services leaders at the USS Silversides Museum to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act becoming law. The PACT Act has started to deliver VA benefits to veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic chemicals during their service. Peters, an avid motorcycle rider, is also making stops in Ironwood, Escanaba, Traverse City, Bay City, Lansing, and Novi as part of his “Paving the Way for Michigan’s Future” tour. Veterans in Michigan and across the country are now able to apply for the new benefits that Peters helped enact into law one year ago through the PACT Act. The PACT Act delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans — and their survivors — for the first time in our nation’s history. The law also ensures that veterans have access to toxic exposure screenings at VA health facilities across the country. Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, helped pass the bipartisan legislation in the Senate, which was signed into law in August 2022 by President Biden. “Thanks to the PACT Act, Michigan veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their service are starting to receive the long overdue benefits they deserve,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I was honored to join veterans in Muskegon to talk about how this law is making a difference, and as we celebrate one year of the PACT Act it’s important to keep encouraging veterans and their survivors to apply for these VA benefits and health care.” “The PACT Act has already helped thousands of Michigan veterans and their families – like myself and my own – receive critical health care and benefits,” sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-announces-annual-motorcycle-tour-across-michigan | Peters Announces Annual Motorcycle Tour Across Michigan | 2023-08-07 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that he will begin his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan this Wednesday in Muskegon. Peters, who is an avid motorcycle rider, will travel across the state to talk about “Paving the Way for Michigan’s Future.” “My favorite way to travel across our state and meet with Michiganders is by riding my motorcycle,” said Senator Peters. “It’s an opportunity to not only reflect on the progress we’ve made together but to look ahead – and that’s why this year’s tour is called ‘Paving the Way for Michigan’s Future.’” “I’m looking forward to talking about everything from increasing support for workforce development programs, standing with Michigan workers and veterans, upgrading our roads and bridges, helping farmers address threats to their crops, and growing our state’s defense footprint.” Peters will be making stops in Muskegon, Ironwood, Escanaba, Traverse City, Bay City, Lansing, and Novi. He will start in Muskegon on Wednesday, August 9th and conclude the tour on Thursday, August 17th in Novi. During the tour, Peters will be joined on the ride by veterans, motorcycle safety advocates, workers, and constituents. Peters, who founded the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, will ride more than 1,300 miles across the state. Additional information regarding his stops will be announced in the coming days. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-over-25-million-in-federal-support-for-michigan-fire-departments | Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $2.5 Million in Federal Support for Michigan Fire Departments | 2023-08-04 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that several local fire departments across Michigan will receive a total of over $2.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. Detroit will receive $354,545 for paramedic and fire marshal training. Peninsula Township will receive $17,744 to update their fire hose system. Sodus Township will receive $809,548 to upgrade their air packs and breathing system. Bellevue will receive $907,727 to upgrade their air packs. Home Township will receive $372,844 to purchase a new fire truck. “Firefighters are an essential part of our communities and work tirelessly to protect Michiganders’ lives and property,” said Senator Peters. “This funding will help ensure that fire departments have the federal resources they need to keep our communities safe and to do their jobs safely and effectively.” “Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the training and equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.” “The Sodus Township Volunteer Fire Department along with Benton Charter Township Fire Department and St. Joseph Charter Township 1 & 2 Fire Department are so pleased to receive this FEMA grant. Sodus is a rural community that is pleased to support the community and help other township fire departments as well,” said Chief Everett Steinke of the Sodus Township Volunteer Fire Department. “This grant will go a long way to help us to upgrade our cascade system to a compressor and fill station. The grant will provide us with much needed new air packs, giving us lighter weight and more efficient time when in use. This helps us to be more compatible with our neighboring departments for mutual aid. Thank you to Senator Stab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-help-improve-the-federal-grant-application-process | Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Help Improve the Federal Grant Application Process | 2023-08-03 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that would help streamline the administration of grant programs across the federal government has advanced in the Senate. Governments and organizations in small and rural communities often struggle when applying for federal grants because they lack the necessary resources to navigate a complicated application process. Peters’ bill would simplify this application process to increase access to federal grants for all communities. The legislation builds on a 2019 law led by Peters that required federal grant programs to streamline data standards for applications and reporting. The bill was passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where Peters serves as Chair, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “Complicated and outdated processes to apply for federal grants often result in underserved communities missing out on opportunities to receive critical funding,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation will help modernize this process and make sure every community in Michigan and across the nation has an equal opportunity to receive federal funding.” The Streamlining Federal Grants Act directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to provide guidance to federal agencies on how they can simplify and streamline their grant application processes, including by making notice of funding opportunities easier to understand, updating software and systems that are used to apply for and manage federal grants, and implementing common data standards for grant reporting. The bill also requires agencies to appoint a senior official to develop and implement these plan to improve their grant application and reporting processes. By improving and updating the process to apply for federal grants, Peters’ legislation would reduce the burden on organizations applying for grants, and ensure the fair and efficient distribution of federal grants to communities with the greatest need. Peters also held a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-announces-75-million-in-security-grants-to-faith-based-and-nonprofit-institutions-across-michigan | Peters Announces $7.5 Million in Security Grants to Faith-Based and Nonprofit Institutions across Michigan | 2023-08-03 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced that $7.5 million in grant funding will be awarded to nonprofits and faith-based organizations across Michigan to help them protect their facilities against potential attacks. The funding is from the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which Peters has championed, to help religious institutions, including synagogues, churches, mosques, gurdwaras, and other nonprofits, strengthen their security in the face of rising threats and attacks. Peters helped lead the reauthorization of this essential program last Congress, and has helped secure substantial funding increases in recent years, including $305 million in a funding bill that was signed into law last year. “Houses of worship in Michigan and across the country continue to face threats and attacks that are inspired by hate based on religion, like antisemitism and Islamophobia,” said Senator Peters. “While this funding will be critical to helping communities feel safer, I will continue pushing the federal government to do more to combat the continued threat of domestic terrorism, including white supremacist violence.” The number of hate crimes in the United States in 2021, the most recent year for which data is available, increased 11.6% over 2020, including more than 1,590 hate crimes categorized as anti-religious. Hate crimes motivated by religious bias comprised an increased proportion of hate crimes overall, up from 13.3% of total hate crimes in 2020 to 14.1% in 2021. Further, data collected by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and Center for Strategic and International Studies show that the greatest terrorist threat to Americans is from domestic violent extremists motivated by white supremacist and anti-government beliefs. This includes deadly attacks at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Funding from the NSGP c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-helps-advance-funding-to-strengthen-national-security-and-support-michigans-defense-footprint-including-selfridge-through-senate-appropriations-defense-bill | Peters Secures, Helps Advance Funding to Strengthen National Security and Support Michigan’s Defense Footprint, Including Selfridge, Through Senate Appropriations Defense Bill | 2023-08-02 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) recently helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act. This bipartisan legislation would fund a pay increase for servicemembers and high-impact local projects in Michigan that are vital to our national security. The bill now advances to the full Senate. Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law. “Strengthening Michigan’s defense footprint and our national security is one of my top priorities, and this bill includes a number of priorities that are critical for our national defense – including to support the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base,” said Senator Peters. “As we continue to work on legislation to fund the government, I’ll keep pushing to ensure we have the resources necessary to protect and defend our nation.” The bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Funding for Exercise Northern Strike: Would provide $24 million, a record amount, for Exercise Northern Strike, the National Guard Bureau’s largest joint service, multi-component exercise that takes place annually at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), which is comprised of the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Northern Michigan. Peters has championed support for Northern Strike, which contributes to our military readiness and enhances our defense capabilities. Support for the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base: Peters secured language encouraging the Air Force to adequately support Air National Guard units. The first provision directs the Secretary of the Air Force to plan and budget for the recapitalization of Air National Guard units to ensure they are equipped with modern platforms. This type of planning will enable Congress … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-peters-highlights-bipartisan-law-to-expand-financial-assistance-for-maritime-cadets-at-northwestern-michigan-colleges-great-lakes-maritime-academy | PHOTOS: Peters Highlights Bipartisan Law to Expand Financial Assistance for Maritime Cadets at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy | 2023-08-01 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | TRAVERSE CITY, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, spoke today at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College to spotlight his bipartisan legislation recently signed into law by President Biden. Peters’ Changing Age-Determined Eligibility to Student Incentive Payments (CADETS) Act expands the Student Incentive Payment Program eligibility age for financial assistance to cadets who attended one of the six State Maritime Academies and commit to a post-graduation service obligation to include any qualified student who will meet the age requirements for enlistment in the U.S. Navy Reserve at their time of graduation. In return for their commitment to serve, cadets can now receive up to $32,000 in this incentive payment funding over four years to help offset the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, and living costs as a result of Peters’ legislation. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy – one of the six national academies – is based at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. During his visit, Peters was joined by Northwestern Michigan College President Dr. Nick Nissley and Superintendent of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy Rear Admiral Gerard Achenbach, Ed.D. “More maritime cadets, like those at our Great Lakes Maritime Academy, will be able to receive a quality, affordable education now that the CADETS Act is law” said Senator Peters. “The CADETS Act will not only incentivize these cadets to serve after graduation but will strengthen our national security and economy.” “The CADETS Act will go a long way to making education more accessible and meeting workforce needs,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, President of Northwestern Michigan College. “We appreciate the hard work of our lawmakers to advocate for this important change.” “If not for Senator Peters’ leadership, the CADETS Act would not have been passed. Thanks to Senator Peters’ dedication, many more of Michigan’s non-traditional students an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bills-to-simplify-application-process-for-federal-disaster-assistance-programs | Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bills to Simplify Application Process for Federal Disaster Assistance Programs | 2023-08-01 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – The Senate passed two bipartisan bills authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to streamline the application process for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs that assist individuals who have been impacted by severe storms, floods, wildfires, and more. The bills would establish a universal application across federal agencies for disaster survivors, and create one application deadline for two in-demand FEMA programs that individuals use for federal disaster assistance. The bills now move the House of Representatives for consideration. “Duplicative and complicated application processes for federal disaster assistance are the last things families should have to worry about after having their lives upended by natural disaster,” said Senator Peters. “These bills will ensure that families in Michigan and across the nation can access the federal support they need to recover from extreme weather.” Currently, individuals that seek federal aid to recover from a disaster must fill out separate and detailed applications depending on what agency they need help from – a process that can take weeks or even months. These burdensome applications can overwhelm some survivors, causing many to simply give up trying to access desperately needed assistance and pushing survivors beyond their breaking point. Peters’ Disaster Assistance Simplification Act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require FEMA to establish a universal disaster application across federal agencies for disaster survivors who are seeking federal recovery aid. The bill would allow FEMA to share information on disaster survivors with other federal agencies to simplify recovery efforts and reduce the burden on survivors after a disaster. The legislation would make FEMA the lead agency in implementing the universal disaster assistance application for disaster victims. Finally, the bill requires all information sharing practice… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-paul-and-rubio-bipartisan-bill-to-create-one-deadline-to-apply-for-fema-disaster-assistance-programs-for-individuals | Senate Passes Peters, Paul & Rubio Bipartisan Bill to Create One Deadline to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance Programs for Individuals | 2023-08-01 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Marco Rubio (R-FL) to create one application deadline for two Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs that individuals use for federal disaster assistance has passed the Senate. FEMA’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and Individuals and Households Program (IHP) currently have different application deadlines, which can cause confusion for disaster survivors who may have trouble tracking when they need to apply for each program. The senators’ bipartisan legislation would ensure these programs have the same deadline to reduce the burden on people who need them to rebuild their lives after disasters. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. “Survivors of natural disasters depend on the federal government for assistance to recover. By aligning the deadlines for in-demand disaster assistance programs, this bipartisan legislation will decrease confusion and make it simpler for families to access critical federal resources,” said Chairman Peters. “When natural disaster strikes, people already have enough stress and confusion to contend with, and it is imperative that the government does not exacerbate the situation by imposing complicated and confusing rules,” said Ranking Member Paul. “In order to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for those seeking aid, I supported the Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act which would simplify the federal disaster assistance process by aligning the deadlines for two programs." “Unnecessarily complicated bureaucracy often stands in the way of the government helping its citizens,” said Senator Rubio. “I was proud to work with Senator Peters to pass this bill, and I look forward to seeing this common sense bill become law.” The bipartisan Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act would help reduce confusion for disaster … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-senate-homeland-security-appropriations-bill-with-investments-to-promote-secure-and-efficient-trade-protect-communities-from-natural-disasters-and-address-evolving-security-threats | Peters Helps Advance Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Bill with Investments to Promote Secure & Efficient Trade, Protect Communities from Natural Disasters, and Address Evolving Security Threats | 2023-07-31 | 2023 | 2023-07 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) recently helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass theFiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would fund Michigan priorities, including through investments to support a new Great Lakes icebreaker, address the threat of oil spills on the Great Lakes, secure our ports of entry, protect communities from natural disasters, and address cyber-attacks and threats to houses of worship and our critical infrastructure. The bill now advances to the full Senate. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law. “The federal government must work to safeguard Michiganders and Americans from persistent and evolving threats to our national and economic security,” said Senator Peters, who also serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “This bill would ensure the Department of Homeland Security has the resources it needs to prevent drug trafficking at ports of entry, help communities mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, combat criminal hackers and foreign adversaries who target our most essential networks, and help faith-based organizations protect themselves from attacks inspired by white supremacy and other forms of hate. It would also ensure the Department is working to prioritize the needs of the Northern Border, including by examining potential ways to build on Selfridge’s role as a key national and homeland security asset.” The bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Funding for the Great Lakes Center of Expertise for Oil Spill Preparedness & Response:Would provide funding for the U.S. Coast Guard National Center of Expertise for the Great Lakes based in Sault Ste. Marie, which Peters led the charge to help create and secure funding for. He also worked to ensur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:18:03Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);