Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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273 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "MI" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-votes-to-help-pass-the-social-security-fairness-act | Senator Peters Votes to Help Pass the Social Security Fairness Act | 2024-12-21 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act to ensure that public sector workers, such as teachers, postal workers, police officers, and firefighters, receive the full Social Security benefits they have paid into and earned. The bipartisan legislation, which Peters cosponsored and pushed for, will restore the full Social Security benefits of tens of thousands of Michigan workers and retirees. The bill previously passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to the President to be signed into law. “Folks who dedicate their careers to the public good, whether it’s teaching our kids or keeping our communities safe, deserve to receive the full Social Security benefits that they paid into and earned once they retire,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to help pass this commonsense bill that will restore and protect the benefits of thousands of hardworking Michiganders.” The Social Security Fairness Act will repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions that reduced Social Security payments for certain retirees who also received pension income. The WEP currently impacts about 2 million Social Security beneficiaries and the GPO impacts nearly 800,000 retirees across the country. Peters has long fought to protect Americans’ hard-earned benefits and ability to retire with dignity and security. Earlier this year, Peters urged the Social Security Administration to address mistaken overpayments that placed undue financial burdens on social security recipients. Peters is also a proud cosponsor of, and has urged Congress to pass, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen the federal laws that protect workers’ right to form a union to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-peters-urging-senate-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-authorities-to-address-drone-threats-from-expiring | At Peters’ Urging, Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Authorities to Address Drone Threats from Expiring | 2024-12-20 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters?(D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to prevent the current authorities used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to disable drones that pose a security threat from expiring tonight at midnight. Peters’ Counter-UAS Authority Extension Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), extends the counter-drone authorities through September 30, 2025. “As we near the deadline to fund the government tonight without a clear path from my Republican colleagues in the House, it appears that we're once again on the brink of a government shutdown. And when the clock runs out at midnight, the current authorities that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have to safely disable drones that pose a security threat will also expire, and we simply cannot let that happen,” said Senator Peters. “I just received unanimous consent to pass a bill that will extend the current authorities for one year. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for joining me in passing this legislation so that our federal law enforcement agencies can continue to protect against dangerous drones while giving us additional time to work on bipartisan legislation that Senator Johnson and I have authored to strengthen counter drone efforts.” To watch video of Senator Peters’ remarks, click here. There are currently more than 1 million drones registered in the United States. This rapidly growing number of drones create a higher risk of both unintentional disasters and malicious activity from foreign adversaries or criminal organizations that seek to weaponize drones or engage in illegal activities. Recent reports of menacing drones in New Jersey and communities across the country have highlighted the need to pass and expand the ability of law enforcement agencies to be able to safely disable… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-urges-commerce-department-to-finalize-new-rule-to-protect-national-security-and-secure-us-automotive-supply-chains | Senator Peters Urges Commerce Department to Finalize New Rule to Protect National Security and Secure U.S. Automotive Supply Chains | 2024-12-20 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to finalize its recently announced rule that would protect American consumers and companies against the national security threats posed by allowing vehicles and technologies controlled by Chinese Community Party-backed (CCP) companies to be imported or sold in the United States. The letter underscored the significant national security concerns associated with key Chinese-controlled vehicles and connected technologies in vehicles. This rule would also help to secure the U.S. automotive supply chain and protect the United States’ global leadership in automotive innovation as China seeks to flood the global automotive market with highly subsidized Chinese vehicles. “We cannot allow technologies from foreign entities of concern on our roads that can store and share Americans’ personal data, commit espionage, and even manipulate our cars,” Peters wrote. “The Department of Commerce, and your Office in particular, is at the forefront of the Administration’s effort to protect and defend Americans from vehicles that could compromise our national security. I welcomed the work of your team in recent months to propose a comprehensive rule that protects against the urgent and significant national security threat posed by the sale and import of vehicles and vehicle technology controlled or vulnerable to manipulation by our adversaries. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain, keep the United States at the forefront of global mobility innovation, and create more good-paying jobs here at home.” The letter continued: “Now that the public comment period for the proposed rule has closed, I urge you to quickly consider stakeholder input and take the necessary steps to finalize this rule. I look forward to our continued work together to secure our supply chains and support American manufacturing on a level playing field. Peters has consistently worked to combat the national security and economic threats posed … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-meets-with-intended-secretary-of-transportation-nominee-sean-duffy-to-discuss-michigan-priorities | Peters Meets with Intended Secretary of Transportation Nominee Sean Duffy to Discuss Michigan Priorities | 2024-12-19 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC –– U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports, released the following statement after meeting with former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, President-elect Trump’s intended nominee to serve as Secretary of Transportation: “Michigan is the capital of the auto industry –– our workers keep Americans on the road. I made it clear to former Congressman Duffy that a top priority of mine is making sure that the future of the auto industry is built in my home state and pressed him to commit to working with me towards that goal if he’s confirmed as Secretary of Transportation. “We specifically discussed steps we can take to bolster America’s competitive advantage over China, how we can make our roads safer for everyone, including through the responsible deployment of critical safety technologies, and additional developments we can foster to keep Michigan and our entire country at the forefront of automotive innovation and manufacturing. “I also raised additional Michigan priorities like keeping our Great Lakes healthy for future generations, protecting resources that I secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to restore our roads, bridges, railroads, maritime ports and airports, and the need to continue providing the resources Michigan needs for efficient, state-of-the-art infrastructure. “I appreciate former Congressman Duffy’s openness and readiness to have a conversation about these and other issues, and I look forward to learning more about his vision to lead the Department of Transportation as his confirmation process continues.” Senator Peters has an extensive track record of fighting for Michigan’s transportation needs. He has pushed to counter the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. He also worked to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has alr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-azerbaijan-for-human-rights-violations-against-armenians-in-nagorno-karabakh | Senator Peters Leads Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Azerbaijan for Human Rights Violations Against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh | 2024-12-19 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the government of Azerbaijan for committing human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing, torture, restrictions on freedom of movement, and the illegal detention of political prisoners, against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. “Azerbaijan cannot go without consequences for the atrocities it has inflicted on the Armenian people,” said Senator Peters. “This resolution demonstrates our continued commitment to standing with the Armenian people in the face of Azerbaijan’s unprovoked aggression on Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. I'll also keep working to pass my bipartisan legislation to end U.S. assistance to the Azerbaijani government and to hold the Azeri officials who have been involved in these attacks accountable.” Within two weeks after Azerbaijan’s large-scale military offensive on September 19, 2023 against the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians – nearly the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh – fled to Armenia in fear of further persecution. The attack also took the lives of hundreds of soldiers and dozens of civilians. Before the attack, Azerbaijani forces blockaded the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world, to prevent imports of essential goods, humanitarian convoys, and all passages of food, fuel, and medicine from the Red Cross to the ethnic Armenians that lived in the territory. Since the 2023 attack, dozens of Armenian prisoners of war, civilian captives, and political leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh continue to be unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan on politically motivated charges or no charges at all. Azerbaijani forces also systemically destroyed Armenian cultural heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh, including churches, monasteries, cemeteries, and other cultural monuments. Senator Peters has been a strong and continued advocate for Michigan’s vibrant Armenian community. Peters recently met with President-elect Trum… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-secures-funding-in-national-defense-bill-to-replace-chinese-made-telecom-equipment-protect-us-broadband-networks-against-cyber-threats | Senator Peters Secures Funding in National Defense Bill to Replace Chinese-made Telecom Equipment, Protect U.S. Broadband Networks Against Cyber Threats | 2024-12-19 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters has secured robust funding in the recently passed national defense bill for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Plan, otherwise known as the “Rip and Replace” program. This federal program helps American internet service providers remove and replace compromised Chinese-made telecommunications equipment currently being used in the United States, which can pose a serious threat to our national security. It also enables many rural broadband providers, including those in Michigan, to improve and expand their network coverage for the first time in years. In total, this program directs more than $57 million to Michigan, where more than 300 sites have been found to be compromised by Chinese-made equipment and require new, more secure technologies. This specific provision provides $27 million to Northern Michigan University to upgrade their Educational Access Network, enabling them to expand broadband access beyond the thousands of students and families they serve in communities across the Upper Peninsula. “Using this Chinese-made telecommunications equipment provides our adversaries with an entry point to infiltrate our networks or launch cyberattacks that can steal information or harm our people, infrastructure or institutions,” said Senator Peters. “This robust funding will allow us to rid our networks of this risky technology, helping to bolster our national cybersecurity defenses while ensuring service providers across Michigan can continue to provide essential internet service to some of the most rural and underserved areas of our state.” “We appreciate Senator Peters’ support in helping secure $27 million to support Upper Peninsula residents who desperately need and who do not always have access to affordable broadband that supports their educational, e-commerce, and healthcare needs. This funding ensures continued internet service for the 16,000 families served by Northern Michigan University and delivers secure wireless broadband connections t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-pass-national-defense-bill-with-provisions-to-strengthen-michigans-defense-footprint-support-servicemembers-and-veterans | Senator Peters Helps Pass National Defense Bill with Provisions to Strengthen Michigan’s Defense Footprint, Support Servicemembers & Veterans | 2024-12-18 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate has passed the annual national defense bill, which includes numerous provisions secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to strengthen Michigan’s defense footprint and support our nation’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Peters led and supported provisions to invest in Michigan’s military facilities, advance PFAS removal efforts, give servicemembers a pay raise, and combat aggression by U.S. foreign adversaries like the Chinese and Russian governments. “I fought to secure policies in this bill that will help ensure Michigan’s first-rate military installations, like Selfridge, continue to play an essential role in our national defense operations,” said Senator Peters. “This bill also makes needed investments to clean up harmful PFAS contamination near military bases, get our servicemembers a well-earned pay raise, and support Michigan’s robust defense sector as our workers produce the cutting-edge technologies that keep our servicemembers safe.” Peters continued, “I’m also proud that this bill includes my provision to establish a Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge to support the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to train personnel and test new technologies that will protect Americans from the security threats we face along the Northern and Southern Borders, like drug and human trafficking.” The national defense bill sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has become law for more than 60 consecutive years.?Both the House and Senate have now passed this bill, and it heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Below are provisions in the bill that Senator Peters successfully led or supported: Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities Supporting New Fighter Mission for Selfridge: Peters secured language in the bill that encourages the Air Force to plan for replacement of the 25 Air National Guard fighter aircraft squadrons across the country with advanced fighter aircraft – including t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-national-safety-system-for-commercial-drivers-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law | Senator Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen National Safety System for Commercial Drivers Heads to President to Be Signed into Law | 2024-12-13 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The House recently passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to strengthen the national safety system for commercial drivers. Peters’ Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), will protect funding for the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), a crucial, nationwide computer system that ensures commercial drivers have only one license and one complete driver record. State driver licensing agencies utilize the CDLIS to complete safety procedures such as sharing out-of-state convictions and withdrawals, transferring the driver record when a commercial driver license holder moves to another state, and responding to requests for driver status and history. The bill, which unanimously passed the Senate in September, now heads to the President to be signed into law. “CDLIS is an essential system used in Michigan and nationwide to make sure commercial drivers are approved to operate on our roads. However, recent changes to its funding source could jeopardize the system’s effectiveness,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud that this commonsense, bipartisan bill to permanently reinstate the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ authority to operate CDLIS will soon become law. This needed step will help improve safety in the commercial driving industry, which impacts communities throughout Michigan and every state.” Up until 2022, states paid fees to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to operate the system. However, a statutory review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees CDLIS, found that fees cannot legally go to AAMVA under current law. If not addressed, FMCSA will be forced to operate the program with limited available resources. Peters’ bipartisan bill would reinstate the previous funding structure through AAMVA to protect this critical system and ensure FMCSA is not forced to reallocate fed… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-federal-building-security-heads-to-presidents-desk-to-be-signed-into-law | Peters Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Building Security Heads to President’s Desk to be Signed into Law | 2024-12-12 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to improve security for federal employees and members of the public who use federal buildings passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Every day, federal facilities face a wide range of threats, including active shooters, cyber-attacks, hostile surveillance, improvised explosive devices, and more. The bipartisan Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 will require federal agencies to adequately respond to security recommendations issued by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) within 90 days. “Millions of dedicated federal employees and the Americans who are accessing critical government services visit federal buildings across the nation every day – and they deserve to feel safe and secure in those spaces,” said Senator Peters.“Once signed into law, this bill will help ensure federal agencies are following the most up-to-date security recommendations to protect both these facilities and the people in them.” More than 9,000 federal facilities hosting 1.4 million employees and countless visitors are protected by the FPS within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While FPS plays a key role in keeping federal facilities safe, agencies can be vulnerable to security threats when they do not adopt FPS’ facility security recommendations. In fiscal years 2017 through 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that FPS submitted over 25,000 facility security recommendations, yet agency facility security committees completely ignored 57 percent of those recommendations. When agencies did acknowledge the FPS guidance– they only implemented 27 percent of the recommended security measures. Chairman Peters convened a hearing in November 2023 on the growing threats to federal buildings where witnesses testified that agencies are currently ignoring more than half of FPS recommendations to improv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-meets-with-intended-homeland-security-secretary-nominee-kristi-noem-to-discuss-michigan-and-national-security-priorities | Peters Meets with Intended Homeland Security Secretary Nominee Kristi Noem to Discuss Michigan and National Security Priorities | 2024-12-11 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after meeting with Governor Kristi Noem, President-elect Trump’s intended nominee to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: “As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am focused on strengthening the safety and security of Michigan communities. Today, I met with Governor Noem, where we discussed our shared commitment to keeping our nation safe, Michigan’s unique security needs and the most pressing national security threats facing our homeland. “I pressed Governor Noem for her commitment to ensure that, if confirmed, she will make security at our Northern Border a priority along with the Department’s ongoing efforts to address needs at the Southern Border, including by continuing to build on the Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. We also discussed the work underway to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge next year and expand the customs plaza at the Blue Water Bridge, which represents two of the nation’s busiest trade corridors, and the need for the Department to provide adequate staffing at these ports of entry. “I also raised concerns I have heard from my constituents about the Department’s travel screening processes, the need to increase transparency and accountability around these screenings, and the need to reform the redress process to provide Americans with a meaningful path to resolve their travel concerns. It is essential that the Department prioritize these reforms to ensure that the programs are effective in protecting our national security and the civil liberties of Americans. “Finally, we discussed the importance of countering rapidly evolving threats, including cyber-attacks and the threats posed by unmanned drones. I appreciate Governor Noem’s willingness to have an open discussion about these and other homeland security issues, and I look forwa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-provision-in-national-defense-bill-to-support-northern-border-security-operations | Peters Secures Provision in National Defense Bill to Support Northern Border Security Operations | 2024-12-10 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters secured his bipartisan legislation to strengthen Northern Border security as a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which the House and Senate are currently working to pass. The provision, based on Peters’ bipartisan Northern Border Coordination Act, expands the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center. Peters secured $3 million in March to establish and operate this Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border. “The Northern Border Mission Center will help strengthen our Northern Border security by supporting current Department of Homeland Security operations, including personnel training and testing for new border security technologies right here in Michigan,” said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “This Center will be a critical tool to help the Department of Homeland Security better track threats along the Northern Border, including illicit drug trafficking and the rise of illegal drone use across the border. After securing the funding needed to launch the Center earlier this year, I’m pleased to have secured this provision in the annual national defense bill to expand the Center’s role and further cement its future as a key component in homeland security efforts. Most importantly, I’m proud this Center will help ensure Selfridge Air National Guard Base continues to play a pivotal role in our national security.” “The Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base will be an epicenter where our service women and men, civilian personnel and public safety professionals will continue to protect our borders and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-secure-government-buildings-from-foreign-adversaries | Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Government Buildings from Foreign Adversaries | 2024-12-09 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to help ensure federal agencies are better able to prevent unauthorized access to buildings leased by the federal government has passed the Senate. The Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act will require the federal government to assess whether property located near federally leased space could provide opportunities for espionage attempts, cyber-attacks, or unauthorized access. The legislation builds off a law authored by Peters in 2020 that required the federal government to determine if office space it leases is owned by foreign entities. "Federal agencies often store sensitive materials in office buildings. By ensuring the government is vigilant about security threats to these physical spaces, we can strengthen national security and prevent foreign adversaries and other malicious actors from stealing critical information," said Senator Peters. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly raised concerns that federal agencies are vulnerable to espionage and other intrusions because individuals could exploit security loopholes to gain unauthorized access to spaces used for classified operations or to store sensitive data. The senators’ legislation would ensure there is government-wide guidance for agencies to ensure spaces located near high-security leased federal properties do not pose a threat to the safety and security of sensitive materials. The Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to coordinate an interagency study with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and other relevant federal agencies to establish a security assessment process on space adjacent to high-security space leased by the federal government. The process would be used to screen for potential risks in occupancies and help secure sensitive office space. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-equip-female-dhs-officers-with-next-generation-body-armor-technology | Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Equip Female DHS Officers with Next Generation Body Armor Technology | 2024-12-04 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters to provide next generation body armor tailored to best meet the coverage, fit, and functionality needs of female law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has passed the Senate. Recent ballistic testing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified that body armor typically used by DHS officers can allow bullets to deflect off the chest of the armor and hit the throat area, leaving female officers, and some male officers, vulnerable. The bill would require all agencies under DHS to provide law enforcement personnel with appropriately fitting improved ballistic body armor to keep them safe. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the House for consideration. “Law enforcement officers deserve protective body armor that keeps them as safe as they keep us. My bill will ensure that all officers, regardless of gender or body type, will have access to the most advanced and effective safety equipment,” said Senator Peters. In 2022, the FBI conducted ballistic testing using updated procedures and improved body molds that accounted for different body types. The testing found that the commonly used body armor, when tested on female and certain male molds, was vulnerable to a bullet, or other projectile, ricocheting off the top center of the front armor panel and into the throat area, which could kill an officer. Since the testing, improved ballistic body armor has been created and is available, but DHS does not provide this potentially life-saving body armor to their officers. The bipartisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act would require all agencies under DHS to provide their female law enforcement officers, and any law enforcement personnel, with improved ballistic body armor to better protect them in the line of duty. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-senator-peters-featured-in-new-tv-segment-on-national-center-of-expertise-peters-established-to-protect-the-great-lakes-from-potential-oil-spills | ICYMI: Senator Peters Featured in New TV Segment on National Center of Expertise Peters Established to Protect the Great Lakes From Potential Oil Spills | 2024-12-03 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) was recently featured in a new TV segment produced by Detroit PBS and Great Lakes Now, a public media program covering issues affecting the future of the Great Lakes. The segment highlights the critical work of the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise, which Peters established in 2018 through legislation he authored and passed into law. Peters created the Great Lakes Center of Expertise to study the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses to protect the Great Lakes from a potential spill, given current oil spill response technologies are primarily designed for saltwater environments. Detroit PBS / Great Lakes Now: Oil Spills and Buried Rivers Click HERE or on the image above to watch the segment. Peters led the effort to establish the Great Lakes Center of Expertise after the then-Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard told Peters at a committee hearing in 2017 that the agency was not prepared for an oil spill in the Great Lakes, saying that more science and research was needed. After establishing the Great Lakes Center of Expertise, Peters successfully secured $4.5 million in total to kick-start the initiative. Peters then announced that the Great Lakes Center of Expertise would be dual headquartered in Michigan at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor to maximize its research and operational capabilities. Peters led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Center for Freshwater Research and Education at LSSU, which is home to the Center of Expertise, in 2022. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has continued to advocate for additional funding to support the Great Lakes Center of Expertise’s work. The Great Lakes Center of Expertise is responsible for identifying gaps in Great Lakes oil spill research, including providing assessments of major scientific or technological deficiencies in responses to p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-advance-us-manufacturing-policy-and-competitiveness | Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness | 2024-12-02 | 2024 | 2024-12 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act – which he reintroduced with U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mike Braun (R-IN) – would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy. The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would be made up of manufacturers, labor representatives, and academic experts. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce. The Advisory Council would then advise the Secretary of Commerce and Congress annually on how to ensure the U.S. remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing by providing lawmakers with a national strategic plan – including recommendations to address workforce issues, supply chain interruptions, and other logistical and emerging challenges. “We must ensure that the United States remains a global powerhouse for advanced manufacturing to continue to drive economic growth and outcompete countries like China,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “This bipartisan legislation would bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and experts in the industry to help strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming years.” “This initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation’s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-on-veterans-day-senator-peters-presents-military-medals-to-mid-michigan-gold-star-family-of-vietnam-veteran-at-saginaw-valley-state-university | PHOTOS: On Veterans Day, Senator Peters Presents Military Medals to Mid-Michigan Gold Star Family of Vietnam Veteran at Saginaw Valley State University | 2024-11-11 | 2024 | 2024-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – On Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) presented a Mid-Michigan Gold Star family with several military medals awarded to their late father, Captain James McClain, for his service in the Vietnam War. After serving in the Michigan National Guard, Captain McClain enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a Civic Action Advisor in the U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry Division in South Vietnam from February to July of 1964, where he helped build roads and provide support to local innocent civilians impacted by the war. Captain McClain was tragically killed when he and fellow servicemembers were ambushed by Viet Cong forces while returning from a mission. Captain McClain was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his service, as well as the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam National Order Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman Badge, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. “Captain McClain was a true American hero. He risked and ultimately gave his life in service to our nation and democracy, and he did so while seeking to build connection and understanding between two peoples,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “This Veterans Day, I am honored to help recognize his profound bravery and selflessness, as well as the sacrifices of his family.” “We are honored to have been given the opportunity to welcome Captain McClain’s family and to see his service medals awarded on campus,” said SVSU President George Grant Jr. “We are home to many military-affiliated students at SVSU, and ceremonies such as this remind us of the value and importance of their military service to our nation.” Captain McClain’s daughter contacted Peters’ office for assistance acquiring her family’s Gold Star Lapel Button, through which the office discovered and shared her father’s numerous accolades from the service. During the event, Peters presented Captain… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:07:06Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-peters-releases-statement-ahead-of-veterans-day | VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of Veterans Day | 2024-11-08 | 2024 | 2024-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today released a video to honor Veterans Day on Monday, November 11th, 2024.? “Throughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life. Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Senator Peters. “As we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes.” Click here for video of his remarks and see below the text as delivered: “Throughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life. “Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. “And as we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes. “We have a responsibility to ensure that veterans have access to the benefits that they have earned, including access to quality health care, education and workforce opportunities and a dignified burial. “My father was a World War II veteran. His service inspired me to join the United States Navy Reserve when I was honored to serve alongside dedicated men and women and eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. “Supporting our nation's veterans is personal to me. So to all of our nat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:07:06Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-following-months-of-advocacy-peters-applauds-dhs-decision-to-designate-lebanon-for-temporary-protected-status | ICYMI: Following Months of Advocacy, Peters Applauds DHS Decision to Designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status | 2024-11-01 | 2024 | 2024-11 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauds the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 11,000 Lebanese individuals currently in the United States. This decision follows months of advocacy by Peters calling on DHS to take this action that will allow Lebanese nationals who are approved to remain safely in the United States due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region. “The concerning and rapidly changing situation in Lebanon presents a serious safety risk for the many Lebanese nationals who are currently in the United States,” said Senator Peters. “This announcement is very welcomed news. I pressed the Administration to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status to ensure that the nearly 11,000 workers, students and tourists will be able to remain safely in the United States and work legally to support themselves and their families during the ongoing conflict in the region.” Peters previously sent a letter in June and in early October urging the Administration to make the TPS designation. Following Peters’ first letter, the Administration authorized Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals in the United States. DHS then issued guidance outlining the application process for eligible individuals to apply for DED-based employment authorization. The recent TPS designation for Lebanon will allow eligible individuals to remain safely in the United States for 18 months and give them the ability to work legally to support themselves. Below are statements in support of Peters’ calls for Lebanon to be designated for TPS. “NNAAC welcomes the decision to extend TPS for Lebanon designation that we have pursued along with Senator Peters while we grieve the loss of so many loved ones in Lebanon. Our priority remains an immediate ceasefire however we will continue pursuing all pathways to protect the safety of our community members,” … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T22:07:06Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-lead-legislation-to-protect-access-to-quality-affordable-health-care | Senator Peters Helps Lead Legislation to Protect Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care | 2024-10-31 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) cosponsored legislation to protect access to quality, affordable health care for millions of Americans. The Healthcare Affordability Act would make permanent the Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) that were created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and enhanced by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, two historic laws that Peters helped enacted. These highly effective tax credits have encouraged more than 21 million Americans to register for health care insurance coverage to afford routine doctors’ visits, prescription drugs, unexpected medical emergencies, preventative services, and more, with lower out-of-pocket costs. Enhanced PTCs have also protected Americans against rising health care costs and provided stability for providers, particularly in rural areas. Enhanced PTCs were extended by the Inflation Reduction Act that Peters also helped enact but are set to expire in 2025. Nearly 80 percent of Michiganders who are enrolled in an ACA health insurance plan are qualified for enhanced PTCs. If they are allowed to expire more than 63,000 Michiganders could lose their health care coverage entirely, about 31,000 Michiganders could lose access to the benefits of the tax credit, and 177,000 Michiganders would remain insured but face higher costs. In fact, it would also lead to an average increase of $66 per month in health care premiums for Americans across the country. The Healthcare Affordability Act would ensure Americans continue to have access to affordable health care options by permanently extending this tax cut. “Every American, no matter their socioeconomic status, deserves access to quality, affordable health care,” said Senator Peters. “I am proud to cosponsor this legislation that would permanently protect this coverage, which has helped more than one million Michiganders secure the health care they need. I’ll keep fighting to lower health care and prescription drug costs for families in Michigan and across the country.” Peters has long fought to expand Americans’… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-nearly-119-million-in-federal-funding-to-improve-rail-infrastructure-across-michigan | Senator Peters Announces Nearly $119 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Rail Infrastructure Across Michigan | 2024-10-29 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is investing $119 million to support five major commercial and passenger rail improvement projects across Michigan. These projects are funded by the FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which was funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law Peters helped enact. “Michigan communities and businesses depend on rail infrastructure for safe and efficient transportation of essential goods across the state, as well as to regional and global partners,” said Senator Peters. “These five projects will strengthen our railways and expand shipping capacity while creating jobs and spurring economic growth.” Below are descriptions of each project: Detroit RECHARGED - Realizing Environmental Changes Happening Around Railroads Generating Equitable Development: The Michigan Department of Transportation will receive $67,440,000 to improve and expand capacity of the Livernois Intermodal Facility by installing 17,200 feet of new rail track. The project will also make important site enhancements on at the Livernois Intermodal Facility, including new pavement and replacing aging diesel gantry cranes with new hybrid and fully electric models. Huron Subdivision Track & Service Improvement Program: The Lake State Railway Company will receive $27,130,810 to install approximately 52 miles of continuous welded rail between Pinconning and Alpena. Funding will also improve 34 highway-rail crossings and upgrade train signal devices at 13 locations along the route. Leveraging Ludington: The City of Ludington will receive $16,400,000 to make improvements along a key rail route between Ludington and Grand Rapids, and enhance the Ludington Rail yard to improve efficiency and reliability of safe movement of goods throughout the area. Wolverine and Blue Water Capacity Enhancement: The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) will receive $8,384,000 to restore functionality of the historic … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-michigan-will-receive-nearly-134-million-to-upgrade-water-infrastructure | Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce Michigan Will Receive Nearly $134 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure | 2024-10-29 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced Michigan will receive $133,663,000 in federal funding to upgrade Michigan’s outdated water infrastructure and keep communities safe. This funding will support local projects to improve wastewater management systems, protect freshwater resources, and deliver safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses. This investment comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, that the senators helped enact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. “This robust investment will help our state make great strides in upgrading Michigan’s outdated water infrastructure, addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, and safeguarding our state’s unmatched freshwater resources,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to play a role in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made these upgrades possible, and I’m glad that this support will go to the communities in our state who need it most. We must continue working to ensure that every Michigander has access to safe drinking water.” “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow. “This new investment will improve our water systems, clean up pollution, keep our drinking water safe, fix old pipes, and more. Step-by-step, this law is making our state a safer, better place for families to live.” “Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-applaud-196-million-in-federal-funding-to-replace-river-raisin-bridge-revitalize-i-75-in-monroe | Senators Peters and Stabenow Applaud $196 Million in Federal Funding to Replace River Raisin Bridge, Revitalize I-75 in Monroe | 2024-10-28 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) applauded an announcement that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive more than $196 million in federal funding to replace the River Raisin Bridge and revitalize three miles of Interstate 75 corridor in Monroe. This project will also promote travel into Downtown Monroe by reconfiguring existing Front Street and Elm Avenue Interstate 75 interchanges and improving access to the non-motorized River Raisin Heritage Trail. Funding for this project comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program, which has received historic levels of funding thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law the senators helped enact. “Replacing the River Raisin Bridge is essential for ensuring the long-term stability of our state and regional transportation network,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to support MDOT’s application for this funding, which will improve roadway safety and make travel more efficient for the estimated 61,000 vehicles that cross the bridge every day to get to work and deliver essential commodities throughout the region.” “This project is another example of how this administration’s investments are making a difference in communities across Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow. “From the thousands who cross the bridge every day, to businesses that rely on the bridge to ship their goods, this is a critically important federal investment in Michigan’s infrastructure.” This project was announced as part of a larger $4.2 billion U.S. Department of Transportation investment made from both the INFRA and National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) grant programs, supporting 44 infrastructure projects across the United States that aim to improve safety and mobility of people and goods. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-raskin-call-for-robust-census-bureau-funding-to-ensure-accurate-count-of-every-community | Peters & Raskin Call for Robust Census Bureau Funding to Ensure Accurate Count of Every Community | 2024-10-25 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, calling for robust funding for the U.S. Census Bureau as they work to finalize the final fiscal year 2025 (FY25) appropriations bills. Peters and Raskin stressed that the Census Bureau needs adequate funding as it prepares for the 2030 Decennial Census, which will help control long-term costs and ensure accurate counts of all populations, including rural and urban areas. Communities across the country, including Michigan and Maryland, depend on accurate census data for everything from school funding and classroom sizes to resources for road construction and Congressional representation. “While we understand the pressures of this fiscal year, we request that you keep in mind the timeliness of adequate Census Bureau funding to help control long-term costs and meet critical national data needs,” wrote Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Raskin. “Given our oversight over the Census Bureau, we understand FY25 funding is particularly crucial for 2030 Census preparations and efficiency, as well as necessary economic data and crucial national surveys.” In the letter, Peters and Raskin call for robust funding for the Census Bureau at a time when the Bureau is required to ramp up 2030 Census preparations. The Bureau needs sufficient funding this year to complete critical planning and testing for the 2030 Census, which is essential to ensure an accurate count. For the 2020 Census, inadequate funding forced the Bureau to cancel multiple key tests, including every planned test in a rural area and on American Indian reservations. These populations were then undercounted in the 2020 Census. Additional populations were undercounted in 2020, including children, African Americans, and the Hispanic or Latino populations, and adeq… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-tours-detroit-olympia-armory-to-highlight-ongoing-facility-improvements-to-better-accommodate-women-servicemembers | PHOTOS: Senator Peters Tours Detroit Olympia Armory to Highlight Ongoing Facility Improvements to Better Accommodate Women Servicemembers | 2024-10-25 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) toured the Michigan National Guard’s Detroit Olympia Armory to highlight the ongoing facility improvements being made on site to better accommodate women servicemembers. National Guard armories provide spaces for servicemembers to conduct trainings and carry out missions with access to the necessary equipment and logistical resources. Many armories were first designed for an all-male force, however, women servicemembers now make up nearly 18 percent of the Michigan Army National Guard. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters secured nearly $26 million in federal funding last year for the National Guard Bureau to modernize armories across Michigan, including $2,570,000 specifically for upgrades at the Detroit Olympia Armory. During the event, Peters underscored how providing adequate facilities for women servicemembers will help bolster recruitment as well as Michigan’s defense capabilities. “The growing the number women in our Armed Forces makes us stronger and better prepared to tackle the challenges of the future,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “As more women enter the National Guard, we must modernize facilities to ensure they have the same resources and opportunities as their male counterparts. These needed upgrades will ensure that women serving at the Detroit Olympia Armory have the appropriate and up-to-date amenities they need to effectively carry out their missions.” “Modernizing our Michigan National Guard armories is a testament to Senator Peters’ commitment to improving the lives of service members and their families,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Our National Guard armories are the cornerstone of our local communities, where thousands of Soldiers live, work and serve every day.” Peters included a provision in the annual bill to fund the Department of Defense that directed the National… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-leads-senate-colleagues-in-urging-stellantis-to-keep-its-promises-to-uaw-autoworkers | Peters Leads Senate Colleagues in Urging Stellantis to Keep Its Promises to UAW Autoworkers | 2024-10-24 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) led a group of 21 colleagues in urging Stellantis to keep promises it made to its autoworkers. In a letter to Stellantis CEO Carlos Taveras, the senators expressed the need for the automotive manufacturing company to honor the collective bargaining agreement signed last year with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and deliver on its commitments to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America. “We are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year’s collective bargaining agreement,” wrote the senators. “We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.” In the contract ratified last year, Stellantis committed to: Make nearly $19 billion in new investments and product commitments in the U.S. Continue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025. Manufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026. Re-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was “indefinitely idled” last year. Establish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere. Instead, Stellantis has taken actions that undermine the obligations made to the UAW and leave “behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today,” wrote the senators. These actions may include plans to move production of the next generation Dodge Durango out of the U.S. and into “low-cost” countries like Mexico, as well as delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant. This year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world. The company has also benefited from bill… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-michigans-hemlock-semiconductor-will-receive-major-federal-grant-from-chips-and-science-act | Peters & Stabenow Announce Michigan’s Hemlock Semiconductor Will Receive Major Federal Grant from CHIPS and Science Act | 2024-10-21 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) will receive up to $325 million in federal funding to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on its existing campus in Hemlock, Michigan. The new facility will allow the company to expand production of hyper-pure polysilicon needed to manufacture semiconductor chips, which are used to make a wide variety of products including vehicles, cell phones, washing machines, medical devices, agricultural equipment, solar panels, and defense technologies. The funding comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation Peters and Stabenow helped craft and pass into law to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips, create American jobs, and strengthen U.S. national security by lessening our dependence on foreign companies for these critical technologies. This investment is expected to create 180 good-paying manufacturing jobs, as well as thousands of construction jobs, in Michigan. Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) is the nation’s leading producer of hyper-pure polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries and one of only five companies in the world capable of producing the highest quality polysilicon for semiconductor chips. “In Michigan, our workers know how to make things well and with precision. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce this major investment that is going to keep Michigan at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, nationally and globally, and create thousands of good-paying jobs in our state,” said Senator Peters. “As one of just five companies worldwide and the only company headquartered in the U.S. that produces hyper-pure polysilicon for semiconductors, Hemlock Semiconductor plays a critical role in both our economy and national security. I’m proud to have authored the provision in the CHIPS and Science Act that ensured HSC would be eligible for this grant and have since continued to advocate for HSC as they work to ramp up production here at home. This funding will be a cataly… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-tours-genesee-countys-ignite-initiative-to-highlight-funding-he-secured-to-support-initiatives-success | Senator Peters Tours Genesee County’s IGNITE Initiative to Highlight Funding He Secured to Support Initiative’s Success | 2024-10-21 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | FLINT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) toured the Genesee County Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE) initiative’s facilities today to highlight the need for additional funding to support the initiative’s success. Founded in 2020 by Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson, IGNITE has shown to reduce recidivism rates by providing incarcerated individuals with valuable education and skills training opportunities needed to obtain meaningful employment after completing their sentence. In 2022, Peters secured $768,000 in federal funding that enabled the launch of IGNITE. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Peters is now working to deliver additional resources to support the initiative’s growing success. Most recently, Peters secured $500,000 for IGNITE in the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. If passed into law, this funding would be used to modernize the Genesee County Jail’s facilities to improve culinary and computing education classes offered under IGNITE. “Reentry initiatives like IGNITE are a proven success. By providing access to education and career training, not only do they significantly lower the chances of individuals returning to the justice system, they also support local law enforcement and help keep our communities safe,” said Senator Peters. “It was rewarding to see the transformational opportunities being provided here in Genesee County to help returning citizens embark on a fresh start on life, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure the initiative has the funding it needs to continue bolstering and expanding its services.” “We cannot expect someone to leave the jail and be a better person if we don’t do something different. IGNITE is changing the way we do corrections by transforming lives, and when we transform lives, we transform communities. This couldn’t be accomplished without support from elected officials like Congressman Kildee and Senator Peters,” said Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swans… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-introduce-legislation-to-protect-michigan-small-businesses-impacted-by-low-snowfall | Senator Peters Helps Introduce Legislation to Protect Michigan Small Businesses Impacted by Low Snowfall | 2024-10-17 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce legislation to protect small businesses that have been harmed by milder winters and low snowfall levels in recent years. The Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act would ensure small businesses that rely on strong winters are eligible for disaster relief through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program during winters with below average snowfall or snow cover. “With visitors traveling from around the world to experience the benefits of Michigan winters, snowfall is a critical component of our state’s economy, particularly for communities Up North,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to help lead this commonsense bill that would not only protect Michigan small businesses and workers, but also the unique character of the communities they support.” The EIDL program provides small businesses with the resources they need to remain operational while recovering from a disaster. Under current law, disasters that qualify for assistance include droughts, ice storms, and blizzards, but do not account for winters without enough snow. However, last winter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared 42 Michigan counties as drought disaster areas due to lack of snow. As a result, small businesses across Michigan suffered severe losses and were forced to cut staff or close their doors completely due to lack of visitors or demand for their services. The State of Michigan has lost millions of dollars in revenue and Michigan’s ski hills lost an estimated $41 million last season. Additionally, according to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, over 3,400 employees that operate Michigan’s ski hills were laid off due to the unseasonably warm winter. Michigan’s winter recreation industry is driven by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sleigh rides, as well as snowboard manufacturers and snow removal services. By extending a crucial safety net to these small businesses, the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-at-us-ports | Senator Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity at U.S. Ports | 2024-10-16 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to strengthen cybersecurity at U.S. ports. Port security is critical to the success of our nation’s economy, supply chains, industrial base, and national security. However, cybersecurity vulnerabilities continue to threaten their security. For instance, many U.S. ports, including strategic ports used by the military, utilize Chinese-made cranes that could expose the port to malicious cyber activity and disrupt port operations. The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act would strengthen the security of U.S. ports by requiring all applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to have necessary digital infrastructure or software in place to address cybersecurity threats. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would help strengthen our nation’s defenses against cyberattacks by making sure ports have the necessary digital infrastructure and safeguards in place to protect both U.S. national security and supply chains as goods move throughout our waterways,” said Senator Peters. “Senator Peters’ steadfast approach to legislating in a technology driven age will continue to provide critical protections for U.S. Ports and the infrastructure investments being made by the American taxpayer. The Senator clearly understands that as Port investment evolves with technology, that proactive cybersecurity planning must accompany federal spending,” said Captain Paul C. LaMarre III, President of the American Great Lakes Ports Association. The PIDP, which falls under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Maritime Administration, helps ports on our Great Lakes, coasts, and rivers improve the movement of goods and services. The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act would ensure applicants of the program have certified that they have an approved National Maritime Transportation Security Plan to reduce cybersecurity risks. Peters introduced the legislation with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-bills-to-name-post-offices-after-distinguished-michiganders-signed-into-law | Peters & Stabenow Bills to Name Post Offices After Distinguished Michiganders Signed into Law | 2024-10-10 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Three bills authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to name U.S. Postal Service facilities after distinguished Michiganders have been signed into law. One bill will designate the post office located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office.” Sojourner Truth was an African American woman, born enslaved in 1797. She became one of our nation’s most preeminent abolitionists and women’s suffragists, advocating throughout the nation and later settling in Michigan. Another bill will designate the post office located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan as the “Robert Hayden Post Office.” Robert Hayden was the first African American national Poet Laureate, the first Black faculty member at the University of Michigan’s English department, and an Ann Arbor resident. The final bill will designate the post office located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the “Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office.” Jefferson was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Forces with the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, and an educator with the Detroit Public Schools. “These three courageous Americans are owed an immense debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifices. By naming these post offices in their communities, I hope this serves as an added daily reminder of the legacies they leave behind in Michigan and our nation,” said Senator Peters. “The lives of these brave Michiganders will be remembered for many generations to come.” “As our nation’s first African American Poet Laureate, Robert Hayden made an incredible impact on our country, providing extraordinary contributions to American history, culture, and education. Serving as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II and later as a Detroit-area educator, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was a role model and ment… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-urges-department-of-defense-inspector-general-to-conduct-additional-oversight-of-pfas-remediation-efforts-in-michigan | Peters Urges Department of Defense Inspector General to Conduct Additional Oversight of PFAS Remediation Efforts in Michigan | 2024-10-09 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of the Inspector General calling for additional oversight and a comprehensive report on the department’s efforts to remediate harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the surrounding communities of Oscoda and Grayling, Michigan. Peters’ letter follows a 2019 request from U.S. Representative Dan Kildee (MI-08) to examine DoD’s use of PFAS at military sites across the country, as well as how military personnel and civilians living near those sites are affected by PFAS exposure, which the DoD Inspector General detailed in a 2021 report. Peters convened an oversight hearing on that report, where he called for DoD to do more to help clean up contaminated sites. Since that 2021 report, the Biden Administration announced new, stronger standards to limit exposure to PFAS in drinking water, and DoD has announced additional clean up efforts, including a expansion of remediation strategies developed by the Oscoda community. Given those developments, Peters is calling for the DoD Inspector General to conduct additional reviews and provide new information about DoD’s PFAS cleanup efforts. Representative Kildee is leading the Michigan delegation in a companion letter to further the request. “PFAS chemicals remain a grave danger to the health of our communities and environment. Residents of Oscoda and Grayling, Michigan, continue to cope with exposure from toxic PFAS chemicals stemming from the decades of extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire suppressant at Wurtsmith and Camp Grayling,” wrote Senator Peters. “While I am pleased that we have been able to increase resources and personnel to remedy these harmful chemicals, I remain concerned for the health and well-being of my constituents in these communities.” Peters continued: “With t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-resolution-to-recognize-national-chemistry-week | Senator Peters Leads Resolution to Recognize National Chemistry Week | 2024-10-09 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing October 20-26 as National Chemistry Week to celebrate chemistry’s important role in addressing critical challenges around the world. The resolution was introduced alongside fellow Congressional Chemistry Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Full text of the resolution is available here. “Each year, National Chemistry Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements in chemistry innovation that improve our everyday lives and support good-paying jobs in Michigan,” said Senator Peters. “I’m honored to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan resolution to recognize chemistry professionals and encourage students to pursue a career in STEM fields.” National Chemistry Week is a community-based program of the American Chemical Society that unites students, professional communities, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. The event aims to motivate young people, especially women and members of underrepresented groups, to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and pursue science-related careers. This year’s National Chemistry Week theme is “Picture Perfect Chemistry.” Peters helped create the Senate Chemistry Caucus in 2017 to provide a bipartisan forum to discuss issues dealing with the science of chemistry and America’s chemical business sector, which play a critical role in our economy and the creation of innovative products vital to everyday life. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/us-senate-unanimously-passes-peters-backed-bipartisan-resolution-to-commemorate-national-community-policing-week | U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Peters-Backed Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate National Community Policing Week | 2024-10-09 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – A bipartisan resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to commemorate National Community Policing Week has unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the service and sacrifice of the law enforcement community and underscores the importance of community policing. Additionally, the resolution encourages civilians, law enforcement agencies and public servants to work together to find solutions to improve public safety and strengthen community relationships. Full text of the bipartisan resolution is available here. “Building trust between residents and local law enforcement is key to the safety of our communities,” said Senator Peters. “I am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Community Policing Week and recognize the important work being done to strengthen our neighborhoods and keep people safe.” Peters has consistently worked to enhance public safety by supporting the brave men and women who sacrifice their own lives protecting our communities. Last year, the Senate passed Peters’ Strong Communities Act, which aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and their communities by providing recruits with federal grants to attend school or academy if they agree to serve in a law enforcement agency in their respective communities. In 2023, the Senate also passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Peters to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program – a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-introduce-legislation-to-grant-federal-recognition-to-the-grand-river-bands-of-ottawa-indians | Peters, Stabenow Introduce Legislation to Grant Federal Recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians | 2024-10-08 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation that seeks to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB). In addition to granting federal recognition to the GRB, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would make its members eligible for benefits and services provided by the federal government, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. U.S. Representative Scholten (D-MI-03) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The GRB is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The GRB originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Today, most of the GRB’s membership resides in Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties. “For decades, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians has been working to gain federal Tribal recognition,” said Senator Peters. “This bill would finally give them the recognition they deserve, bringing federal resources to its members and protecting their Tribal lands for future generations.” “The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have deep roots in Michigan going back generations,” said Senator Stabenow. “The tribe is recognized by the State of Michigan, but not by the Department of Interior. This legislation would finally grant federal recognition to this tribe.” “On behalf of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, I thank Sen. Peters and the delegation members who introduced and co-sponsored this bill. After decades of delays, this bill brings renewed hope that our Tribe will achieve federal recognition and our members will gain access to the resources they deserve, including critical funding for social services, education, housing, elder care, exercising our treaty rights and weighing in on federal legislation that impacts tribes. We are grateful to Sen. Peters for his leadership and dedication to justice for the Grand River Bands,” said Ron… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-legislation-to-increase-support-for-victims-of-human-trafficking-signed-into-law | Peters Legislation to Increase Support for Victims of Human Trafficking Signed into Law | 2024-10-07 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ability to combat human trafficking has been signed into law. The IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act will make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program and provide support to individuals impacted by human trafficking. The law will also make permanent an existing program that ensures the wellbeing of HSI employees and partners who are exposed to repeated stress and associated trauma through their work to support victims and investigate these horrific crimes. “Providing support to those affected by human trafficking is an important step in the effort to counter human trafficking,” said Senator Peters. “This new law will ensure that resources for victims of human trafficking, as well as the professionals assisting them, will be more readily available.” Thousands of men, women, and children are trafficked every year in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises of jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims. Based on calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project found that in 2020 there were at least 16,658 sex trafficking victims and survivors in the United States. However, the actual number of these crimes may be much larger because these crimes often go unreported. The legislation will provide increased resources and support to these victims, as well as HSI employees and partners who work to bring them recovery, stabilization, and justice. The IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act will make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) program within HSI that provides outreach and training to investigators, forensic interviewers, victim assistance specialists, task force officers, and other partners who have been exposed to trauma while worki… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-one-year-anniversary-of-october-7th-attack-on-israel | Senator Peters’ Statement on One-Year Anniversary of October 7th Attack on Israel | 2024-10-07 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel: “One year ago, the world witnessed the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists slaughtered innocent Israeli mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and grandparents who were visiting family, attending a music festival, or simply going about their daily lives. We will never forget the horrors of October 7 and the more than 1,200 lives lost that day. One year later, we are still working to secure the release of the 101 hostages who have yet to return home safely. The United States will always stand with Israel and support its right to defend itself against such heinous attacks. “This past year has been difficult for many Michiganders, who have been faced with rising antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab hate, ongoing fears about potential violence and their families’ safety at home and in the region, and who have seen little progress made towards ending the conflict sparked by Hamas’ actions. “As we remember and honor the victims of that tragic day, as well as the hostages and civilians who remain in harm’s way, we must also come together to forge a path forward, to condemn the hate that has become so pervasive since that day, and to continue our pursuit of enduring peace, security, and stability in the region.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-efficiency-of-legislative-process-signed-into-law | Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Efficiency of Legislative Process Signed into Law | 2024-10-04 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has been signed into law. The CBO Data Access Act will provide the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) with timely access to information they need to complete estimates on the budgetary impacts of legislation before it can be voted on in the Senate. CBO estimates are required to advance almost all legislation through Congress, but procedural issues can delay this office’s ability to obtain the information needed from federal agencies to complete these analyses. The delays in CBO’s receipt of agency information and data can also adversely impact their ability to provide the most accurate analyses. “The Congressional Budget office ensures that lawmakers clearly understand the financial impacts of proposed reforms. Thanks to a bipartisan effort to move this critical legislation, we have removed roadblocks that will allow the Congressional Budget Office to more readily access data, issue reports and inform Congress,” said Senator Peters. “This law is an important step to help Congress make timely, informed decisions on legislation that will benefit all Americans.” Peters’ Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Data Access Act will eliminate procedural delays in CBO’s ability to access information from federal agencies by providing CBO with the same exemption to the Privacy Act granted to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and both chambers of Congress. Similar to the GAO’s exemption, CBO would still be required to maintain agencies’ data at the same level of confidentiality that is required of the agency from which the data originated. This law’s passage exemplifies Peters’ efforts to improve the lives of Michiganders, and by making the Congressional process more efficient, he makes meaningful progress for all Americans. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-resolution-led-by-peters-to-honor-james-earl-jones | Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Led by Peters to Honor James Earl Jones | 2024-10-04 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that honors the late actor James Earl Jones, who passed away in early September 2024. Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi then moved to Manistee, Michigan, and later attended the University of Michigan. He was widely known for his roles in The Lion King, Star Wars, Field of Dreams, and more. Peters led the resolution with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). See the full text of the resolution here. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-peters-convenes-hearing-to-examine-potential-conflicts-of-interest-in-federal-contracting-that-put-national-security-at-risk | ICYMI: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine Potential Conflicts of Interest in Federal Contracting that Put National Security at Risk | 2024-10-03 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine the national security risks posed by federal contractors with conflicts of interest. Specifically, the hearing examined conflicts that can arise when federal contractors, such as consulting firms and technology providers, do business with both the U.S. government and foreign adversaries or have clients with connections to adversarial nations. During the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed examples of recent troubling conflicts of interest from some federal contractors, and highlighted the need to prevent future conflicts of interest. Prior to the hearing, Peters sent a letter urging the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council to issue a rulemaking to prevent conflicts of interest in government contracting after missing its deadline by more than three months. This overdue guidance was required by Peters’ Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, which was signed into law in 2022. “From modernizing and enhancing the safety of our infrastructure and power grid – to providing critical intelligence that safeguards our nation from foreign and domestic threats – the scope of government contractors’ support is immeasurable. To ensure that government contractors are truly working in the best interests of Americans – we must ensure they are meeting the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and transparency by removing conflicts of interest from their work,” said Peters during his opening statement. Peters continued: “I am confident that we can all agree that Americans deserve full assurance that federal contractors are providing transparency and avoiding any potential conflicts before they are awarded taxpayer dollars.” To watch video of Senator Peters’ questions, click?here. During the hearing, Peters and the witnesses discussed what steps Congress should take to mitigate future risks relating to federal … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property-signed-into-law | Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Signed into Law | 2024-10-03 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property has been signed into law. Federally-owned personal property includes physical items such as office supplies, furniture, automobiles, and heavy machinery. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and this law will ensure agencies are looking to excess property – available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation – before buying new products in order to save taxpayer dollars. “Agencies should always consider reusing excess goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles rather than buying them new, and this law will ensure they do just that,” said Senator Peters. “This law will hold the federal government more accountable by ensuring they only spend taxpayer dollars on essential items. The American people know what it means to be frugal and reuse what they own: it’s time federal agencies do the same.” The Reuse Excess Property Act will update existing requirements for agencies to report their excess personal property to the General Services Administration (GSA) by making those reports available to the public as well. This will help agency officials and taxpayers better understand the extent to which agencies are working to cut wasteful spending through the use of excess property. The bill also requires agencies publicly report on their guidance on the use of excess personal property and designate an employee to be responsible for searching through available excess personal property for items that meet agency needs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bill-to-extend-department-of-homeland-security-joint-task-forces-authority-signed-into-law | Peters Bill to Extend Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Forces Authority Signed into Law | 2024-10-01 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bill authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to reauthorize Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Joint Task Forces (JTF) authority has been signed into law. Joint Task Forces allow DHS to establish joint operations using DHS personnel and resources to secure U.S. land and maritime borders, address homeland security threats, and establish regional operations to tackle ongoing homeland security challenges like drug smuggling and trafficking. Peters’ law extends this authority for an additional two years to enable DHS to maintain the existing Joint Task Force and continue efforts to protect the homeland. “Joint Task Forces are an important tool to help DHS protect the homeland and combat transnational crime,” said Senator Peters. “My new law will ensure DHS can continue to coordinate effectively across agencies, and with critical international partners, to address these complex security challenges.” Congress codified DHS Joint Task Forces as part of its yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in fiscal year 2017. DHS currently uses this authority through its Joint Task Force-East, which works to strengthen coordination of U.S. government agencies as well as international partners to combat transnational criminal organizations and address maritime migration. Joint Task Force-East has led efforts to improve intelligence and information sharing among these partners to coordinate operations more effectively, better identify suspicious vessels, such as those potentially involved in drug trafficking, and target pathways used for smuggling. The DHS Joint Task Force Reauthorization Act will extend the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and operate Joint Task Forces for two more years. The law will require the Secretary to develop a staffing plan for these JTFs and include it in reports to Congress. It will also require the Secretary to give Congress an annual briefing on Joint Task Force-East’s staffing and resource needs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs-heads-to-senate | Peters Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs Heads to Senate | 2024-10-01 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program has advanced in the Senate. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “Americans across the nation are experiencing the devastation caused by more frequent and catastrophic natural disasters. These individuals must have swift access to federal resources in order to piece their lives back together,” said Senator Peters. “My commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA individual disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to survivors for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.” The bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to strengthen our federal disas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-by-reusing-excess-federal-property-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law | Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Save Taxpayer Dollars by Reusing Excess Federal Property Heads to President to be Signed into Law | 2024-10-01 | 2024 | 2024-10 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The House passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to hold agencies more accountable to the public on how they reuse excess personal property. Federally-owned personal property includes physical items such as office supplies, furniture, automobiles, and heavy machinery. The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and this bill would ensure agencies consider excess property – available at no cost apart from any necessary transportation – before buying new products to save taxpayer dollars. The bill passed the Senate in December 2023 with an amendment by unanimous consent before heading to the House. It now heads to the President to be signed into law. “Federal agencies must use taxpayer dollars responsibly. Agencies should consider reusing excess goods like office supplies, equipment, and vehicles 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. The American people deserve smarter federal agency spending practices, and this bill helps ensure that.” 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. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-lankford-and-klobuchar-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-transparency-of-the-senate-confirmation-process | Committee Passes Peters, Lankford & Klobuchar Bipartisan Bill to Improve Transparency of the Senate Confirmation Process | 2024-09-30 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, James Lankford (R-OK), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to improve transparency of the Senate confirmation process for Congress and the public has advanced in the Senate. This bill would create a dashboard to identify and track the status of nominations for the more than 1,300 Senate-confirmed, executive branch positions including which positions that are vacant or held by an official in an acting role. The number of political appointees subject to confirmation continues to grow, and delays in the confirmation process have led to increased vacancies and discouraged qualified individuals from seeking these roles. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “The American people deserve to know that there is a transparent, responsible nomination and confirmation process within the Senate. Too many political nominations are getting stuck in a cumbersome process, which leads to vacancies and less time for the Senate to work on moving legislation. In some cases, vacant administration positions take hundreds of days to confirm,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill will ensure the Senate is held accountable, while also enhancing the Senate’s ability to efficiently process pending confirmations and swiftly push legislation forward.” “Instead of confronting the real economic and national security problems facing America, much of the Senate’s time is taken up by confirming a seemingly endless number of political nominees. This bill will allow us to identify and address the causes for chronically vacant positions and ultimately free up floor time for the Senate to debate the issues Oklahomans care about,” said Senator Lankford. “The Senate has a critical role under the Constitution to provide a check on the executive branch by requiring advice and consent over key positions that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-and-lankford-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-transparency-and-improve-the-federal-permitting-process | Committee Passes Peters and Lankford Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency and Improve the Federal Permitting Process | 2024-09-27 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and James Lankford (R-OK) to update the federal permitting process and increase Congressional oversight of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) has advanced in the Senate. This bill would make technical and commonsense improvements to the authorities of the Permitting Council which has been charged with improving the permitting and environmental review process for certain critical infrastructure projects. Since its authorization in 2015, the Permitting Council has struggled to coordinate projects due to ambiguities in its authority and scope as an independent agency. This bill would bolster the Permitting Council’s ability to coordinate projects, clarify which projects can be covered, and strengthen Congressional oversight. The bill follows an oversight hearing Peters convened on the Permitting Council in July. 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. “As we invest in our nation’s infrastructure, it’s crucial that we optimize our permitting processes to ensure projects move forward efficiently, while still conducting the appropriate environmental reviews,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill will empower the Permitting Council to better coordinate between agencies and streamline approvals for critical infrastructure projects. By improving this process, we’re not just cutting red tape – we’re accelerating the development of projects that will create jobs, boost our economy, and improve quality of life for Americans across the country, while maintaining our commitment to robust environmental stewardship.” The Permitting Council, established by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in 2015 aims to streamline permitting for critical infrastructure projects. However, its effectiveness has been limited, with only 37 projects successfully coordinated sin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-tillis-lankford-and-welch-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs-heads-to-senate | Peters, Tillis, Lankford, & Welch Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs Heads to Senate | 2024-09-27 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program has advanced in the Senate. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “Americans across the nation are experiencing the devastation caused by more frequent and catastrophic natural disasters. These individuals must have swift access to federal resources in order to piece their lives back together,” said Senator Peters. “My commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA individual disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to survivors for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.” “It’s past time we end the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to disaster relief and cut the red tape that prevents many communities from accessing the relief they desperately need,” said Senator Tillis. “This common-sense legislation provides greater flexibility for communities in need, saves tax-payer dollars, and helps communities recover faster.” “When disaster strikes, red tape shouldn’t get in the way of Oklahomans getting assistance from federal agencies,” said Senator Lankford. “The Disaster Survivors Fairness Act streamlines the process to get resources to those who need it most.” “Once-in-a-generation disasters are now happening every year because of climate change. We've seen it in Vermont with back-to-back floods, and in so many other disaster-impacted communiti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-and-lankford-bill-to-save-taxpayer-dollars-and-reduce-government-bureaucracy-by-eliminating-outdated-advisory-committee | Committee Passes Peters and Lankford Bill to Save Taxpayer Dollars and Reduce Government Bureaucracy by Eliminating Outdated Advisory Committee | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 save taxpayer dollars and reduce government bureaucracy has advanced in the Senate. The legislation would eliminate the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress (ACRC), which would save tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. The ACRC was created in 1990 to report on the preservation of congressional records, but its members believe that NARA, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives now effectively manage congressional records issues on their own without the need for the committee’s advisory role. In its place, the legislation would require the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to submit an annual report to Congress. “When federal advisory committees have outlived their original purpose, Congress must act to save taxpayer dollars and improve government efficiency,” said Senator Peters. “By eliminating this outdated and unnecessary Advisory Committee, we can streamline how Congress manages its records while ensuring they are appropriately preserved for future generations.” The Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress Sunset Act of 2024 would require the Director of the Center for Legislative Archives of the National Archives to submit an annual report on the management and preservation of the records of Congress during the previous year to the Archivist of the United States, the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and the Committee on House Administration. The Archivist, Secretary, and Clerk would then meet to review this report within 60 days of submission. The Advisory Committee would sunset 60 days after this bill is enacted. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-bills-to-name-post-offices-after-distinguished-michiganders-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law | Peters & Stabenow Bills to Name Post Offices After Distinguished Michiganders Heads to President to be Signed into Law | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Three bills authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Debbie Stabenow (MI) to name U.S. Postal Service facilities after distinguished Michiganders have passed the House. The bills now head to the President to be signed into law. One bill would designate the post office located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office.” Sojourner Truth was an African American woman, born enslaved in 1797. She became one of our nation’s most preeminent abolitionists and women’s suffragists, advocating throughout the nation and later settling in Michigan. Another bill would designate the post office located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan as the “Robert Hayden Post Office.” Robert Hayden was the first African American national Poet Laureate, the first Black faculty member at the University of Michigan’s English department, and an Ann Arbor resident. The final bill would designate the post office located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the “Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office.” Jefferson was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Forces with the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, and an educator with the Detroit Public Schools. “We owe these three courageous Americans a debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifices. Naming these post offices in their communities is just one small, daily reminder of the legacies they leave behind in Michigan and our nation,” said Senator Peters. “May the lives of these Michiganders be remembered for many generations to come.” “As our nation’s first African American Poet Laureate, Robert Hayden made an incredible impact on our country, providing extraordinary contributions to American history, culture, and education. Serving as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II and later as a Detroit-area educator, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-legislative-process-efficiency-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law | Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Legislative Process Efficiency Heads to President to be Signed into Law | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Susan Collins (R-ME) to provide the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) with timely access to information they need to complete estimates on the budgetary impacts of legislation that has passed the Senate. CBO estimates are required to advance almost all legislation through Congress, but procedural issues can delay this office’s ability to obtain the information needed from federal agencies to complete these analyses. The delays in CBO’s receipt of agency information and data can also adversely impact their ability to provide the most accurate analyses. The senators’ bipartisan legislation would make the legislative process more efficient by reducing the time it takes for CBO to obtain data from federal agencies. The bill passed the Senate in June 2023 with unanimous consent before passing out of the House. It now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “The Congressional Budget Office provides critical information to lawmakers to help them best understand the financial impacts of proposed reforms. By cutting red tape to provide CBO with timely access to data, we can ensure Congress is making informed decision and advancing legislation that works for the American people,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation will streamline how CBO accesses information, issues reports, and informs Congress on the budgetary impacts of proposed legislation.” The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Data Access Act would eliminate procedural delays in CBO’s ability to access information from federal agencies by providing CBO with the same exemption to the Privacy Act granted to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and both chambers of Congress. Similar to the GAO’s exemption, CBO would still be required to maintain agencies’ data at the same level of confidentiality that is required of the agency from which the data originated. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-senator-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-national-safety-system-for-commercial-drivers | Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen National Safety System for Commercial Drivers | 2024-09-26 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan legislation to strengthen the national safety system used for commercial drivers. Peters’ Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) Act would protect funding for the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), a crucial, nationwide computer system that ensures commercial drivers have only one license and one complete driver record. State driver licensing agencies utilize the CDLIS to complete safety procedures such as sharing out-of-state convictions and withdrawals, transferring the driver record when a commercial driver license holder moves to another state, and responding to requests for driver status and history. Peters introduced the bill in December 2023 with U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN). The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the bill in July 2024. “This essential system is used nationwide to make sure commercial drivers are approved to operate on our roads, but recent changes to its funding source could jeopardize the system’s effectiveness,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would reinstate and make permanent the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ authority to operate CDLIS to improve safety in the commercial driving industry which impacts communities throughout Michigan and every state.” Up until 2022, states paid fees to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to operate the system. However, a statutory review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees CDLIS, found that fees cannot legally go to AAMVA under current law. If not addressed, FMCSA will be forced to operate the program with limited available resources. Peters’ bipartisan bill would reinstate the previous funding structure through AAMVA to protect this critical system and ensure FMCSA is not forced to reallocate federal tax-payer dollars away from its own safety priorities to su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-paul-blumenthal-and-johnson-release-bipartisan-report-examining-us-secret-service-security-failures-and-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-trump | Peters, Paul, Blumenthal and Johnson Release Bipartisan Report Examining U.S. Secret Service Security Failures and Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump | 2024-09-25 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, 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 Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Johnson, (R-WI), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released a bipartisan interim report on the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) security planning, communications and coordination failures that contributed to the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald. J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The interim report includes key findings and recommendations to address those failures and ensure the Secret Service can effectively carry out its protective mission. “From planning missteps, to the siloed and flawed communication to the lack of effective coordination between law enforcement, to the breakdowns in technology, the Secret Service’s failures that allowed an assassination attempt on former President Trump at his July 13 rally were shocking, unacceptable, and preventable – and they led to tragic consequences,”said Chairman Peters. “Moving forward, our bipartisan interim report makes recommendations for needed reforms to address these serious failures, provide accountability and transparency for the American people, and ensure that the Secret Service has the tools and resources they need to prevent another disaster like this from happening.” “Our initial findings clearly show a series of multiple failures of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and an inexcusable dereliction of duty,” said Ranking Member Paul. “Not only did USSS fail to ensure the AGR roof was adequately covered, they were also aware of a suspicious individual with a rangefinder for at least 27 minutes and did not delay proceedings or remove former President Trump from the stage, even after being informed that the suspicious individual was on the roof of the AGR building. Someone needs to be held accountable for these egregious failures by the USSS, and despite USSS, DHS, FBI, ATF, and other federal … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-support-for-victims-of-human-trafficking-heads-to-president-to-be-signed-into-law | Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Support for Victims of Human Trafficking Heads to President to be Signed into Law | 2024-09-24 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The House passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-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 emotional 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. "It is crucial that individuals impacted by human trafficking receive support after the trauma they have endured,” said Senator Peters. “We must also ensure that HSI personnel have resources and tools available to manage the vicarious trauma they are exposed to doing their critical work. We must continue the fight against human trafficking and improve DHS’ ability to end these heinous crimes.” 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. The senators’ 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 training to investigators,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-transparency-of-the-senate-confirmation-process | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Transparency of the Senate Confirmation Process | 2024-09-24 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve transparency of the Senate confirmation process for Congress and the public. This bill would create a dashboard to identify and track the status of nominations for the more than 1,300 Senate-confirmed, executive branch positions including which positions that are vacant or held by an official in an acting role. The number of political appointees subject to confirmation continues to grow, and delays in the confirmation process have led to increased vacancies and discouraged qualified individuals from seeking these roles. “The Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on presidential appointees, but unfortunately the cumbersome confirmation process and growing number of nominees is cutting into the amount of time Congress can devote to moving legislation that benefits the American people,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill will ensure there is more transparency and accountability in the nomination and confirmation process, help identify and address the backlog of vacant positions waiting to be filled, and enhance the Senate’s ability to swiftly process pending confirmations.” With more than 1,300 positions subject to Senate confirmation, in recent Congresses the Senate has spent more time voting on nominations than on legislation according to analysis by the Partnership for Public Service. Despite the time spent voting on nominations, the Senate has been confirming fewer nominees than ever before. While confirmations for Cabinet Secretaries, critical national security roles and other high-profile positions are often prioritized, confirmations for lower-level positions can be indefinitely delayed, and some positions never receive nominations. This legislation will help identify reforms that would help reverse these trends and provide the Senate with the appropriate resources and time to both legislate and ensure that quali… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-young-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-modernize-federal-agency-data-management | Peters and Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Federal Agency Data Management | 2024-09-23 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize federal agencies and ensure they have the proper data protections and governance in place to adopt and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. This legislation would extend the Chief Data Officers Council and require the Council to examine the federal government’s data management practices to improve data quality, access and transparency - and ultimately to enable better services and potential cost savings. “As the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow, federal agencies must have strong data practices and protections in place to better provide efficient and effective services to the American people,” said Senator Peters. “Extending the Chief Data Officers Council will ensure that the federal government is able to pursue best practices to manage and protect data, especially as agencies increasingly adopt AI and other technologies to improve government operations.” "I worked with former Speaker Paul Ryan to establish the Chief Data Officer (CDO) Council, via the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, to better coordinate data sharing and best practices across the federal government,” said Senator Young. “Our bill builds on the Council’s existing efforts and makes AI readiness part of the Council’s purpose, while requiring the CDO Council and the OMB Director to report detailed recommendations on data policy changes. This bill will help the federal government operate more effectively and provide taxpayers with better service.” Since it was established in 2018, the CDO Council has successfully released toolkits, reports, and pilot programs aimed at improving data sharing practices. It is currently set to expire in 2025. The bipartisan Modernizing Data Practices to Improve Government Act would extend the CDO Council for 7 years to help address new data management challenges r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs | Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs | 2024-09-23 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs. “Severe weather and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more catastrophic and more costly, leaving people across the country in need of swift federal resources to help assist their recovery,” said Senator Peters. “My commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to individuals for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.” The bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led several efforts to strengthen our federal disaster preparedness and response. Earlier this year, Peters’ bipartisan bill to create one deadline to apply for two FEMA disaster assistance programs was signed… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-applauds-new-biden-administration-rule-banning-chinese-vehicle-software-and-technologies-to-protect-national-security | Senator Peters Applauds New Biden Administration Rule Banning Chinese Vehicle Software and Technologies to Protect National Security | 2024-09-23 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s new rule banning key Chinese and Russian-controlled software and hardware in vehicles. The proposal would help safeguard American consumers and companies against the national security threat posed by allowing certain vehicles and technologies made by Chinese Community Party-backed (CCP) companies to be imported or sold in the United States: “I applaud the Administration for taking this needed step to protect American citizens and critical infrastructure from the serious national security threats posed by Chinese and Russian vehicle components. We simply cannot allow technologies controlled by foreign entities of concern on our roads that are capable of storing and sharing Americans’ personal data, committing espionage, and even manipulating our cars. “Vehicle technologies made by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies, assisted by China’s unfair trade practices, also present a real threat to U.S. economic competitiveness, intellectual property, and automotive manufacturing. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain and keep Michigan at the forefront of global mobility innovation and the creation more good-paying, union jobs here at home.” Peters has consistently worked to combat the national security and economic threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. Peters recently sent a letter to several Chinese automakers pressing for more transparency into their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The letter highlighted the significant national security concerns associated with importing vehicles made by companies with CCP ties into the U.S, such as allowing the CCP to access Americans’ sensitive personal data and gathering information about our critical infrastructure by leveraging certain connected vehicle technologies. During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing earlier this year, Peters urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to ensure the Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-reduce-dependence-on-china-and-other-adversarial-nations-for-critical-minerals | Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Dependence on China and Other Adversarial Nations for Critical Minerals | 2024-09-20 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Mitt Romney (R-UT), and James Lankford (R-OK) to reduce the United States’ reliance on China and adversarial nations for critical minerals. Critical minerals and rare earth metals are used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries, military equipment, and other technology that is vital to American economic competitiveness and homeland security. China remains the largest source for more than half of the critical minerals on the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2022 list that the United States imports, such as lithium and cobalt. The senators’ bill would address this threat to our manufacturing supply chains by creating an intergovernmental task force to identify opportunities to increase domestic production and recycling of critical minerals. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. “America must reduce its reliance on China and other adversaries for critical minerals and rare earth metals in order to stay competitive on the global economic stage – especially when it comes to the future of electric vehicles and the auto industry,” said Senator Peters. “Our nation’s dependence on foreign sources for these materials creates a serious threat to our national and economic security. My bipartisan legislation will mitigate this growing threat by strengthening our domestic supply chain and creating more good paying jobs here at home.” The bipartisan Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act creates a presidential task force with representatives from federal agencies who must consult with state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to determine how to address national security risks associated with America’s critical mineral supply chains. The task force will also identify new domestic opportunities for mining, processing, refinement, reuse, and recycling of critical minerals. The legislation would also require the task force to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-355-million-in-funding-for-michigans-battery-manufacturing-sector | Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce $355 Million in Funding for Michigan’s Battery Manufacturing Sector | 2024-09-20 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced $355 million in federal funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to boost the domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials in Michigan. The funding will create good-paying jobs in Michigan, strengthen our supply chain, and support our national security. This investment comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Peters and Stabenow helped enact in 2021. “These investments are a game-changer for battery manufacturing in Michigan and will create hundreds of good-paying jobs in communities throughout our state,” said Senator Peters. “I’m thrilled to announce this funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help ensure we have a strong, domestic battery supply chain to support Michigan’s auto companies and workers as they build the vehicles of the future.” “Michigan workers and manufacturers are the best in the world. That’s why our state will continue to lead the way as we transition to electric vehicles and a clean energy future,” said Senator Stabenow. “These exciting investments will help strengthen our domestic supply chains and create more good-paying jobs right here at home.” “The Michigan ethos is embedded in America’s industrial fabric, and the Biden-Harris Administration is deepening that proud manufacturing legacy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "Thanks to the Investing in America agenda, Michigan is poised to see over $1 billion more in public-private investment creating hundreds of new jobs for workers across the state who are essential to ensuring our national energy security.” The recipients include: Revex Technologies, Inc.: Revex Technologies Inc. will receive $145 million to strengthen the domestic nickel supply chain and create good-paying clean tech jobs in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This project is a partnership between Revex, a next-generation critical mineral processing company, and Eagle Mine, the only operating U.S. primary nick… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bill-to-reform-traveler-redress-process-and-improve-screening-practices | Committee Passes Peters Bill to Reform Traveler Redress Process and Improve Screening Practices | 2024-09-19 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to improve screening practices at airports and ports of entry that repeatedly affect individuals who pose no danger to national security and ensure counterterrorism resources are used effectively has advanced in the Senate. The bill will help evaluate a ballooning set of screening processes, some related to the terror watchlist, by improving transparency about these processes and by requiring the Homeland Security Secretary to reform the redress process to allow affected Americans, who are not a national security threat, to seek an effective remedy. 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. “Americans who pose no threat to national security should not face a maze of travel screenings and a flawed redress process,” said Senator Peters. “My legislation will bring more transparency and accountability to our travel screening practices to ensure that the government is effectively protecting the nation, and agencies can carry out their missions while also protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of travelers.” In December 2023, Chairman Peters published a report that revealed that well-intentioned screening practices at airports and other ports of entry have ballooned over time, often at the expense of travelers who pose no threat to national security. Members of the Arab, Muslim, and South Asian American communities report that they are unfairly targeted by these screening practices; however, federal agencies do not effectively assess whether discrimination occurs in these processes. These practices are intended to protect the U.S. from terrorists and other security threats, but these practices have expanded into a layered and duplicative screening system that is difficult for the government to explain, and for American citizens to understand why they have been flagged for secondary screening or how they can seek re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-the-doobie-act | Committee Passes the DOOBIE Act | 2024-09-18 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bill authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to ensure applicants for federal positions or security clearances are not being denied solely on the basis of past recreational and medical marijuana use has advanced in the Senate. Under current law, qualified candidates may be denied federal employment or security clearances due to past use of marijuana or cannabis products, despite legalization of these products at the state level throughout the nation, including in Michigan. While federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), have issued guidance stating that past marijuana use alone should not disqualify candidates, many potential applicants remain hesitant to pursue federal positions due to a fear of automatic disqualification. The Dismantling Outdated Obstacles and Barriers to Individual Employment (DOOBIE) Act would align federal hiring practices with current guidance on past marijuana use, broaden the applicant pool by providing clarity for prospective federal employees, and help the government compete with the private sector for talent. 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 must adapt its hiring practices to reflect the evolving legal and social landscape of our nation,” said Senator Peters. “My bill takes a crucial step by aligning federal policy with existing agency guidance, ensuring that past marijuana use alone doesn’t automatically disqualify talented individuals from public service. This approach will expand our talent pool and create a fairer, more inclusive hiring process.” Current federal law allows highly qualified individuals to be denied federal employment or security clearances based on past use of marijuana or cannabis products, despite legalization at state levels. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have legalized bo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-convenes-hearing-to-examine-roles-of-nonpartisan-civil-servants-and-political-appointees-in-national-security-and-federal-operations | VIDEO: Peters Convenes Hearing to Examine Roles of Nonpartisan Civil Servants and Political Appointees in National Security and Federal Operations | 2024-09-18 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine the roles of nonpartisan civil servants and political appointees in national security and federal operations. The hearing examined the impact of Schedule F, an Executive Order that would put thousands of federal employees' jobs on the line, and how this proposal could lead to a less effective workforce and undermine national security. The committee heard from expert witnesses on what steps Congress must take to strengthen the civil service and ensure the federal government is not at risk of losing the expertise of nonpartisan civil servants through proposals like Schedule F. “Right now, people are hired for the civil service because of their ability to do the job, not their political connections. They are career civil servants, who serve across Presidential administrations regardless of political party. This ensures that our civil service is highly trained and able to deliver for our citizens. But some Presidential administration officials, and organizations advising Presidential administrations, have pursued sweeping changes to this system” said Peters during his opening statement. Peters continued: “Most recently, the prior administration sought to replace at least 50,000 nonpartisan career civil servants with appointees who followed the former President’s politics. This change would not only hinder our government’s efficiency, it would be disastrous for the American people. It would drain the federal government of institutional knowledge, expertise, and continuity. It would slow down services, make us less prepared when disaster strikes, and erode public trust in government.” 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 raised concerns that proposals like Schedule F could impact… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-michigan-will-receive-173-million-from-femas-safeguarding-tomorrow-revolving-loan-fund-program | Senator Peters Announces Michigan will Receive $17.3 Million from FEMA’s Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program | 2024-09-17 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced today that Michigan will receive $17.3 million – the largest allocation of the 12 states awarded – from the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program’s fiscal year 2024 cycle. This funding will be used to help communities across Michigan 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. “As severe weather becomes more frequent and challenging for communities across Michigan, it’s more important than ever that we ensure our state has the resources needed to protect our residents, our businesses, and our critical infrastructure,” said Senator Peters. “I passed legislation to create the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program to address serious challenges across our state, and I’m excited that Michigan is receiving the largest investment from the program to help build more resilient infrastructure and help our communities prepare for extreme weather events in the future.” Severe storms, extreme flooding, rising water levels and high winds – exacerbated by climate change – are causing more destructive and costly natural hazards than ever before. Communities in Michigan and across the country are facing serious flooding, coastal erosion and high-water level challenges that have destroyed homes and beaches and have even forced residents to relocate. Peters’ STORM Act created the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program, which provides capitalization grants to states to fund low-cost loans to support local disaster mitigation and resilience projects in a cost-effective way. Last year, Peters helped secure $5.1 million in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-peters-releases-statement-after-republicans-again-block-legislation-to-protect-the-right-to-access-ivf | VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement After Republicans Again Block Legislation to Protect the Right to Access IVF | 2024-09-17 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement after Senate Republicans again blocked passage of legislation that would guarantee the right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) services that American families depend on to start a family. The Right to IVF Act, which Peters cosponsored, was introduced earlier this year in response to continued efforts across the country to limit access to reproductive health care, including access to IVF and ART services. “IVF is a vital resource that helps hundreds of thousands of Americans start or grow their families. But extremist Republicans are trying to eliminate this reproductive freedom,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I’m proud to support the Right to IVF Act, which would establish IVF as a statutory right, require employer-sponsored and other public insurance plans to cover fertility treatments, expand options for veterans and servicemembers, and protect Americans against excessive out-of-pocket costs.” Peters continued, “I’m incredibly disappointed that my Republican colleagues have once again blocked this critical legislation. But I’ll never stop standing with Americans who simply want a chance to start their family.” Click HERE to watch the video. The Right to IVF Act is a package of bills that together would protect the ability to receive – and for health care professionals to provide – IVF services. Additionally, the package would expand IVF insurance coverage, making it more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans. Specifically, the Right to IVF Act includes: The Access to Family Building Act, which Peters also cosponsored, that would ensure individuals have the right to access IVF and ART services. It would also protect the right of insurance providers and insurers to cover these services. The Veteran Families Health Services Act, which would allow servicemembers to preserve gametes both before deployment to a combat zone or hazardous duty assignment and after … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-klobuchar-durbin-murray-and-warner-call-on-agencies-to-prioritize-election-security-in-advance-of-the-2024-presidential-election | Peters, Klobuchar, Durbin, Murray, and Warner Call on Agencies to Prioritize Election Security in Advance of the 2024 Presidential Election | 2024-09-13 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chair of the Rules Committee; Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Judiciary Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; and Mark Warner (D-VA), Chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence, are calling on the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Director of National Intelligence to do everything in their power to ensure the security of our elections. As the threat to our election security continues to evolve, agencies must have the proper capabilities and resources in place to combat potential threats like cyberattacks, foreign influence operations, and physical violence against election workers and infrastructure. “With less than two months remaining before the November 5, 2024, Presidential election, we write to express concerns about threats posed to the election and to encourage each of your agencies to do everything necessary to ensure the election is conducted in a safe, secure, free, and fair manner,” wrote the senators. “Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of American democracy, yet election officials at the state, local, Tribal, and territorial level have expressed concerns for the safety of our nation’s elections infrastructure and the physical security of election workers.” The senators continued: “However, more must be done to counter the persistent threats outlined above and ensure that election workers can accomplish our shared goal of free, fair, and secure elections. For these reasons, we urge you to continue to prioritize preparations to detect, prevent, and mitigate threats against election systems, officials, and workers.” As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has long fought to ensure the United States has safe and secure elections. As a part of the bipartisan infrastructure law – Peters secured $… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-urges-chinese-automakers-to-provide-transparency-into-chinese-communist-party-ties | Senator Peters Urges Chinese Automakers to Provide Transparency into Chinese Communist Party Ties | 2024-09-12 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, along with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), are pressing several Chinese automakers for more transparency into their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a letter, the Senators highlight the significant national security concerns associated with importing vehicles made by companies with CCP ties into the U.S, which could potentially allow the CCP to access Americans’ sensitive personal data and gather information about our critical infrastructure by leveraging certain connected vehicle technologies. “These sensors can collect data about road conditions, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and individuals in the car to be used for safety and convenience applications, but—in the hands of our adversaries—they could be used to map our critical infrastructure and roads, track the movements of U.S. citizens, provide access to the electric grid, and generally surveil Americans,” wrote the Senators. The Senators continued: “As the potential national security threat posed by connected vehicles becomes more acute, we believe you must make clear the depth and nature of your ties to the CCP, as well as your future plans to potentially import vehicles into the U.S. market.” China became the second largest exporter of vehicles in the world last year, as the global automotive market has recently been flooded with Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). The letter was sent to leaders of Geely Holding, Great Wall Motors Group, SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, BYD, and GAC Group. Peters has previously underscored the need to combat the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. In March, Peters wrote a letter to Secretary Raimondo and the United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai highlighting the need for continued application of Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and supporting the Department of Commerce’s announcement of an in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-the-23rd-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks | Peters Statement on the 23rd Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks | 2024-09-11 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: “On this somber day, 23 years ago, a terrorist attack took the lives of 2,977 Americans and forever changed our nation. The day of the attack, our nation felt immense sorrow and heartbreak, but in the aftermath, Americans rallied to show our enemies that we are stronger when we come together. As time goes on, we must never forget those who lost their lives that horrific day and the heroic first responders who risked their safety and ran headfirst into danger, as well as the servicemembers and veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism.” “In the years since this horrific attack, the threats that face our nation have continued to evolve. We must be prepared to protect American communities from harm, and I am committed to ensuring that our federal government has the appropriate tools to address persistent and emerging security threats – both foreign and domestic – while building a resilient democracy that respects the civil rights and civil liberties of Americans at home.” “On September 11th, 2001, our nation experienced one of our darkest moments. As we remember this tragic anniversary and think of the families whose loved ones never came home, we must continue to stand together to solve the tough challenges of tomorrow and defend our freedoms for future generations.” Peters serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as well as a member of the Armed Services Committee. Peters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve at age 34, where he earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the September 11th terrorist attacks, he volunteered again for drilling status and served overseas as part of his Reserve duty. He later earned a diploma from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-leads-bipartisan-resolution-designating-patriot-week | Senator Peters Leads Bipartisan Resolution Designating Patriot Week | 2024-09-11 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – For the 6th consecutive year, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) has introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September 11th through September 17th as Patriot Week. Co-founded by Oakland County Judge Michael Warren, Patriot Week aims to honor and remember the lives lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks, commemorate Constitution Day on the 17th, and encourage students to engage in American history. “Patriot Week is a time to honor those who died during the horrific terrorist attacks on 9/11, and recognize the profound bravery of the first responders and servicemembers who answered the call to defend our nation in one of our darkest moments,” said Senator Peters. “Just as we came together in those days following September 11th, this resolution encourages us to always stay unified and remember our core values as Americans, in order to address the challenges we face ahead. I continue to be thankful for Judge Warren’s efforts to help champion this important initiative each year.” “Remembering what makes America the greatest nation in world history is extraordinarily important if we hope to maintain our freedoms and liberty,” said Patriot Week co-founder Judge Michael Warren. “Patriot works to do just that. Co-founder Leah, my then 10-year-old daughter, and I applaud Senators Peters and Kennedy for reaching across the aisle to promote another Patriot Week resolution in the world’s greatest deliberative body.” “In this very divisive time, we can too often overlook what unites all of us as Americans. Patriot Week is a nonpartisan initiative that helps us embrace the Constitution and our foundational First Principles that we should all support,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement of the Michigan Supreme Court. “By deepening our appreciation for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and our commitment to the rule of law, equality, limited government, and our unalienable rights, Patriot Week is sorely needed to help renew the spirit of America.” Peters introduced the resolution wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-more-than-2-million-in-federal-support-for-southeast-michigan-fire-departments | Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce More Than $2 Million in Federal Support for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments | 2024-09-06 | 2024 | 2024-09 | 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. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that local fire departments across Southeast Michigan will receive more than $2 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) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. Earlier this year, Peters led passage of bipartisan legislation to extend these programs, helping to ensure local fire departments have the resources necessary to continue protecting their communities and responding effectively to emergencies. “Our firefighters and first responders are an essential part of every Michigan community. It’s imperative that they have the resources they need to keep themselves and Michiganders safe during an emergency,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I passed legislation to extend these critical grant programs so we can continue to invest in our local fire departments in the years to come.” “Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep us safe and give our first responders the equipment and training they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.” Below are descriptions of each project: Dearborn Fire Department: The City of Dearborn Fire Department was awarded $798,146 to upgrade portable radio equipment and purchase equipment needed to keep turnout gear clean and safe. The funding will also be used to provide staff trainings on issues related to emergency response and wellness. Wayne Fire Department: The City of Wayne Fire Department will receive $96,190 to purchase a new power load and stretcher system. Funding will also be used to upgrade an existing department vehicle with an improved exhaust capture system. Livonia Fire Department: The Livonia Fire Department will receive $71,371 to upgrade its thermal imaging cameras on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-bipartisan-central-asia-caucus | Senator Peters Announces Bipartisan Central Asia Caucus | 2024-09-05 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee, announced the formation of the Senate Central Asia Caucus. This bipartisan caucus – which Peters will co-chair with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) – will focus on strengthening the United States’ relationship with our strategic partners in Central Asia, increasing bilateral trade and investment, and supporting regional stability and security as Central Asia becomes increasingly vulnerable to the influence of Russia, China, and Iran. “I’m proud to help establish this bipartisan coalition to strengthen and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to our strategic partners throughout Central Asia,” said Senator Peters. “Last year, I visited Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to meet with top officials and deepen the trust and partnership between our nations. This caucus will seek to build on those efforts and others, with the goal of improving U.S. trade relations, creating bilateral economic opportunity, bolstering our security against the rising threats posed by China, Russia, and Iran, and strengthening our counterterrorism cooperation.” Peters has consistently worked to strengthen U.S. national security and address rising global threats posed by U.S. foreign adversaries, specifically China, Russia, and Iran. Last year, Peters 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. Peters met with government officials and civil society leaders throughout the region to discuss shared security, economic and political concerns. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-telemental-health-care | Senator Peters Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Telemental Health Care | 2024-09-04 | 2024 | 2024-09 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a group of his colleagues in leading bipartisan legislation to help increase Americans’ access to telemental health care services. Currently, Medicare patients can be treated virtually for mental health concerns, but are first required to be seen in-person by a health care professional within six months before they receive telemental health services. The Telemental Health Care Access Act Peters cosponsored would remove this barrier for Medicare beneficiaries by eliminating the requirement that patients must be regularly seen in-person. Peters joined U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Mike Braun (R-IN) in leading the legislation. “I’m proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill to remove a barrier that is preventing Americans from receiving the mental health care they need,” said Senator Peters. “Eliminating this outdated requirement is especially needed to support older Americans and folks living in rural communities, who often have more difficulty accessing in-person services on a regular basis.” A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that 1 in 5 Michiganders who have mental health care needs have utilized telehealth, compared to 1 percent of such visits before the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to telehealth services is particularly needed in Michigan, where 38 of Michigan’s 83 counties currently lack a behavioral health provider. The Telemental Health Care Access Act would additionally require the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the utilization of mental and behavioral health services through telehealth. The bipartisan bill is supported by numerous stakeholders, including the American Counseling Association, American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association on Health and Disability, Clinical Social Work A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-nearly-15-million-in-federal-support-for-northern-michigan-fire-departments | Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce Nearly $1.5 Million in Federal Support for Northern Michigan Fire Departments | 2024-08-29 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) announced that local fire departments across Northern Michigan will receive nearly $1.5 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) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. Earlier this year, Peters led passage of bipartisan legislation to extend these programs, helping to ensure local fire departments have the resources necessary to continue protecting their communities and responding effectively to emergencies. “Firefighters and first responders risk their lives to protect our communities and families. It’s essential that we make sure they have the tools necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to lead the charge to extend these critical grant programs so we can continue to invest in our local fire departments in the years to come.” “Our firefighters in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula 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 equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.” Below are descriptions of each project: City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department: The City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department was awarded $234,666 to promote wellness among its firefighters, such as by providing cancer screenings and physicals. Funding will also be used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and an air monitoring device. Chippewa County Regional Grant Award: Six Chippewa County fire departments will receive $666,045 to purchase more than 100 new portable radios. This funding will improve communications for each of the participating agencies: the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department; Soo Township Fire Department; Bay Mills Township Fire Department; Sugar Is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-senator-peters-leads-annual-motorcycle-tour-across-michigan | ICYMI: Senator Peters Leads Annual Motorcycle Tour Across Michigan | 2024-08-28 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) led his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan this month to hear firsthand from Michiganders and highlight ways he is delivering for Michigan communities. Peters’ ‘Kalamazoo to the Soo’ tour made stops in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Traverse City, Sault Ste. Marie, Grayling, and Sanford. In total, Peters rode more than 800 miles across Michigan on this year’s tour, and was joined by veterans, motorcycle safety advocates, union workers, and constituents. Peters is an avid and long-time motorcycle rider who founded the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus. WWMT CBS 3 Kalamazoo: Michigan Sen. Peters champions workers’ rights on 800-mile motorcycle tour “Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) has once again hit the road in his annual Motorcycle Tour across Michigan. “Spanning about 800 miles, the ride helmed by Peters, an avid motorcyclist, looks to ‘underscore the need to protect workers’ right to collectively bargain for the wages, benefits and job security they deserve,’ according to organizers. “Starting at Kalamazoo’s IBEW Local 131 Wednesday morning, Peters met with union workers and retirees to hear their concerns and what the U.S. Senate should be addressing. “‘The ride across Michigan that I do every year allows me to see firsthand what’s happening in communities across the state, how federal investments are making a difference,’ Peters said. ‘It’s a great opportunity to be out to talk to folks, and as an avid motorcyclist, as I do these meetings across the state, if I have to go from point A to point B, why not do that on a motorcycle,’ Peters said. ‘I’m blessed to be joined with a lot of other folks who enjoy your motorcycling as well as we travel across the state.’ “When asked what it takes to have a strong middle class in Michigan, Peters explained there needs to be a ‘strong union movement,’ citing that approval ratings for unions are the highest they’ve been since 1965. “‘People understand that being a part of a union is important for wages and benefits, and the ability to r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-more-than-14-million-in-security-grants-for-faith-based-and-other-nonprofit-institutions-across-michigan | Senator Peters Announces More Than $14 Million in Security Grants for Faith-Based and Other Nonprofit Institutions Across Michigan | 2024-08-28 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced that more than $14 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 comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which helps religious institutions, including synagogues, churches, mosques, gurdwaras, and other nonprofits, strengthen their security in the face of rising threats and attacks. “As houses of worship in Michigan and across the country continue to face threats and attacks, it’s imperative that our communities have the resources they need to ensure people can worship safely and peacefully,” said Senator Peters. “This funding is essential and will help houses of worship throughout Michigan protect both their facilities and their congregations. I’ll keep fighting to secure increased funding to bolster this critical program, particularly as the number of hate crimes in our country continues to rise.” The number of hate crimes in the United States in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, increased 7.2% over 2021, including more than 2,042 hate crimes categorized as anti-religious. Hate crimes motivated by religious bias comprised an increased proportion of hate crimes overall, up from 15.1% of total hate crimes in 2021 to 18.1% in 2022. Further, hate incidents against Jewish, Arab, and Muslim Americans have reached historic highs since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza. Funding from the NSGP can be used by religious and other nonprofit institutions for securing facilities, personnel training, and other activities to help protect against attacks. Peters has been a champion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Peters helped lead reauthorization of the program last Congress. He has also helped secure substantial funding increases for the program i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-helps-lead-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-retirement-security-for-non-profit-employees | Senator Peters Helps Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Retirement Security for Non-Profit Employees | 2024-08-27 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to expand retirement savings opportunities for workers at non-profit organizations. The Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act – which Peters introduced with U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) – would allow employees that are enrolled in 403(b) retirement savings plans to invest in collective investment trusts (CITs). A CIT is a tax-exempt investment vehicle that provides a diversified, pooled investment option, similar to a mutual fund. Under current law, unlike 401(k) holders, 403(b) plan participants are not able to use this stable, lower-cost investment option in their plan. This commonsense legislation would create parity between 403(b) and 401(k) retirement savings plans to help improve retirement security for more than 15 million hardworking employees of non-profit organizations, such as hospitals, universities, and charities. According to the Michigan Nonprofit Association, as of December 2021, Michigan had over 53,000 nonprofit organizations that employed almost 11 percent of the state’s workforce. “Hardworking charity and non-profit employees who support our healthcare and human services, arts and culture, civic engagement, and more deserve access to all available financial tools that can help them plan for retirement,” said Senator Peters. “This legislation would put those using a 403(b) plan on a level playing field with other retirement plan participants by allowing them to invest in collective investment trusts, giving them an equal opportunity to achieve their financial goals.” The Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act is supported by the American Retirement Association, Investment Company Institute, American Heart Association, American Council of Life Insurers, Habitat for Humanity, Principal Financial Group, Prudential, Stable Value Investment Association, State Street Global Advisors, Teachers Insurance an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-concludes-annual-motorcycle-tour-in-sanford | PHOTOS: Senator Peters Concludes Annual Motorcycle Tour in Sanford | 2024-08-09 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | SANFORD, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) concluded his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan today. Peters first rode to Camp Grayling where he welcomed top U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) officials to showcase Michigan’s first-rate military facilities and defense capabilities. Peters then rode to Sanford where he was joined by local leaders to underscore the importance of supporting communities in the wake of natural disasters. Peters made stops in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Traverse City, and Sault Ste. Marie before concluding his tour in Sanford. Peters – an avid and longtime motorcycle rider – rode about 800 miles across Michigan on this year’s tour. At Camp Grayling, Peters welcomed U.S. Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo to Camp Grayling – a key component of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. Peters and Camarillo observed Exercise Northern Strike – the National Guard’s largest joint service, multicomponent training exercise – which takes place annually in Michigan and helps strengthen our nation’s military readiness and warfighting capabilities. The group viewed various training scenarios, including exercises for defense against unmanned aerial systems. Peters underscored how Michigan’s military facilities are critical to our nation’s defense. “It was great to have Under Secretary Camarillo in Michigan today to witness firsthand the world-class facilities and training available here at Camp Grayling,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Armed Service Committee. “Michigan plays a critical role in our national defense, and I’ll continue working to bring top military leaders to our state to showcase these contributions and unique abilities. I’ll also keep fighting to deliver the federal resources our state needs to support our servicemembers and keep Michigan’s military installations on the cutting-edge.” Peters has been a longtime supporter of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, which includes both Camp Grayling and the Alpena… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-stops-in-traverse-city-and-sault-ste-marie-on-day-2-of-annual-motorcycle-tour | PHOTOS: Senator Peters Stops in Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie on Day 2 of Annual Motorcycle Tour | 2024-08-08 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) visited the FishPash construction project in downtown Traverse City today during his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. Peters then rode to Sault Ste. Marie to visit the Soo Locks and discuss the ongoing construction of a critical new lock system. Peters – an avid and longtime motorcycle rider – was joined by guest riders on his tour. Peters made stops in Kalamazoo and Wyoming yesterday and will ride to Sanford tomorrow. Peters will ride about 800 miles across the state on this year’s tour. In Traverse City, Peters highlighted how the FishPass project will support Great Lakes ecology and fisheries. FishPash serves as the capstone of the nearly 20-year project that has brought together federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to restore more than 100 miles of the Boardman (Ottaway) River. The project will replace the deteriorating Union Street Dam and reconnect the Boardman (Ottaway) River to Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. Once completed, FishPash will have the ability to sort and selectively pass desirable fish through the dam while blocking harmful invasive species, such as sea lamprey, from traveling up the river. The project will also support local restaurant and recreation businesses by supporting recreational opportunities on the river. Peters helped secure $6.4 million in federal funding for FishPass through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). “This project is a reflection of the passion and commitment that Michiganders have for protecting our Great Lakes and their waterways,” said Senator Peters. “The Great Lakes aren’t just a feature of our state, they are in our DNA, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative plays a vital role in ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant for future generations. It’s among my top priorities to make sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to have the resources it needs to support critical projects like FishPash.” “We are grateful to be surrounded by freshwater in Traverse City, and th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-senator-peters-kicks-off-annual-motorcycle-tour-across-michigan | PHOTOS: Senator Peters Kicks Off Annual Motorcycle Tour Across Michigan | 2024-08-07 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | KALAMAZOO, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) kicked off his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan today with local unions members and retirees at IBEW Local 131 in Kalamazoo. Peters then rode to the Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming to highlight the facility upgrades being made to better accommodate women servicemembers. Peters – an avid and longtime motorcycle rider – was joined by guest riders on the tour. Peters will ride about 800 miles across the state on this year’s tour, making additional stops in Traverse City, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sanford. In Kalamazoo, Peters underscored the need to protect workers’ right to collectively bargain for the wages, benefits, and job security they deserve. Peters also highlighted how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that he helped pass, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is creating good-paying union jobs across the state by supporting projects to upgrade Michigan’s critical infrastructure. Peters additionally helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act into law, which enacted some of the strongest labor protections to date, and is expected to create more than 1.5 million American jobs over the next decade by investing in clean infrastructure projects and onshoring U.S. manufacturing and supply chains. “There’s no better place to start this trip than in Kalamazoo,” said Senator Peters. “This community is a great example of the work going on across Michigan to strengthen our communities, and to do it with union labor. IBEW Local 131 and other building trade unions in West Michigan are executing critical projects that create good jobs for Michiganders and boost our economy. I’ve always been proud to stand with unions and will continue doing everything I can to help working people throughout Michigan.” “We’re grateful for Senator Peters’ efforts to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and other historic federal investments that will protect and create good-paying jobs for union workers here in West Michigan and across our state … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-secures-helps-advance-funding-to-support-michigans-defense-footprint-strengthen-national-security-and-support-servicemembers-in-senate-appropriations-defense-bill | Senator Peters Secures, Helps Advance Funding to Support Michigan’s Defense Footprint, Strengthen National Security, and Support Servicemembers in Senate Appropriations Defense Bill | 2024-08-06 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Act, bipartisan legislation that supports servicemembers, Michigan defense installations, and funds high-impact local projects in Michigan that are vital to national security. 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. “This bipartisan legislation takes a number of critical steps towards strengthening our national defense,” said Senator Peters. “It supports servicemembers and their families, expands Michigan’s defense footprint, harnesses the power of America’s military manufacturing sector, and bolsters our national security. These are commonsense priorities that go beyond partisan lines — and I will do everything I can to see this agreement passed into law.” The bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Supporting Servicemembers and Families: Pay Raise for Servicemembers: The bill fully funds the 4.5% pay raise for servicemembers requested in the President’s budget request. For junior enlisted personnel, it provides funding to support a larger 5.5% pay raise. It fully funds the basic allowance for subsistence, basic allowance for housing, and includes $251 million for basic needs allowance for members of the military and their families with a household income that is less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines. It also fully funds the President’s budget request to address ongoing recruiting challenges. Child Care & Early Education: The bill fully funds the President’s budget request for the operation, renovation, and repair of child development centers, and it supports full-day, universal pre-K for military families. Suicide Prevention and Response: The bill fully funds the President’s budget request of $261.2 million for suicide prevent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-safeguard-taxpayer-dollars-and-improve-independent-auditing-of-federal-grant-recipients | Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard Taxpayer Dollars and Improve Independent Auditing of Federal Grant Recipients | 2024-08-05 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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 led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to improve the quality, usability, and completeness of independent audit data has advanced in the Senate. State, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments receiving over $1 million in federal grants must submit annual independent audits of their financial controls, but the resulting public data is often fragmented, limiting federal oversight and informed decision-making in grant allocation. This bill would enhance the federal government’s responsiveness to audit findings, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and improve fraud risk identification by making audit data more accessible. 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. “Effective oversight of federal grants is crucial to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill will improve the quality and accessibility of audit data, which will enhance our ability to fight fraud and increase transparency of federal grant program spending for the American public.” “I am very pleased that the bill incorporates multiple GAO recommendations to help improve the quality and completeness of information on single audit results. It is a step in the right direction in helping to ensure federal award recipients are complying with the requirements of their awards. If effectively implemented, the provision in the bill will strengthen accountability and transparency over federal funds,” said Eugene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted issues affecting the reliability and usefulness of independent audits for state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments receiving over $1 million in federal grants. These issues include inconsistent audit data quality, instances of noncompliance wit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-funding-to-support-local-economic-development-initiatives-and-improve-access-to-health-care-in-senate-appropriations-bills | Peters Secures Funding to Support Local Economic Development Initiatives & Improve Access to Health Care in Senate Appropriations Bills | 2024-08-05 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) secured federal funding to support economic and workforce development initiatives and expand access to quality health care while helping the Senate Appropriations Committee pass both the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. 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. “This bipartisan legislation would fund important local projects and make key investments to strengthen Michigan’s workforce training programs, health care and community services,” said Peters. “I’ll continue working to get this bill passed into law to deliver these important resources to communities across our state.” The bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Growing Workforce Development and Educational Opportunities: Masonry Workforce Partnership in Livonia: Peters secured $2 million for the Schoolcraft Community College District. Funding will be used in partnership with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers to create a collaborative learning model to prepare students for a trades career while earning college credit. Expanding Opportunities for Youth Summer Employment in Detroit: Peters secured $2 million for the City of Detroit to help expand its Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program, which addresses youth unemployment among Detroit's young population through fostering partnerships, increasing outreach, and providing comprehensive support to participants. Aviation Workforce Training in Battle Creek: Peters secured $909,000 for Western Michigan University to purchase training equipment necessary to prepare qualified graduates for the aviation industry. Career Tech Center in Grand Rapids: Peters secured $750,000 for the K… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-designate-the-mastodon-as-americas-national-fossil | Senate Unanimously Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Designate the Mastodon as America’s National Fossil | 2024-08-05 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | DETROIT, MI – Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to designate the Mastodon as the United States’ first-ever national fossil has unanimously passed the Senate. Currently, nearly every state has a designated state fossil – including Michigan – which named the Mastodon as its state fossil in 2002. The National Fossil Act aims to highlight the Mastodon’s importance to American natural history and celebrate discoveries of Mastodon fossils throughout Michigan and the country. Peters introduced this bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). “Michigan made history when we uncovered one of the most complete skeletons of the Mastodon ever found, and we continue to find traces of this prehistoric giant all throughout our state,” said Senator Peters. “The Mastodon represents a unique piece of both Michigan’s and our nation’s history. By establishing the Mastodon as our national fossil, we can better preserve that history and inspire a new generation of scientists and researchers to continue their pursuit of discovery.” The Mastodon lived more than 13,000 years ago, predominantly in an area that would eventually become the United States of America. Standing at over 10 feet tall, weighing more than 11 tons, and carrying a pair of 16-foot-long tusks, the Mastodon bears resemblance to its distant cousin, the Mammoth. Mastodon fossils are uniquely exclusive to North and Central America and its bones have been unearthed in every state across the continental U.S. Mastodon fossils have been found in more than 250 locations across Michigan. One of the most complete Mastodon skeletons ever found was discovered near Owosso, Michigan, and is currently displayed at the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History. The longest and most intact trail of Mastodon footprints ever uncovered, about 30 footprints, were also detected in Michigan near Ann Arbor. Most recently in 2022, a historic discovery was made in Kent County when a juvenile Mastodon skeleton was found roughly 75-80 pe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-senate-energy-and-water-development-appropriations-bill-with-investments-for-upgrading-soo-locks-protecting-great-lakes-and-strengthening-domestic-supply-chains | Peters Helps Advance Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill with Investments for Upgrading Soo Locks, Protecting Great Lakes and Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains | 2024-08-02 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would fund Michigan priorities including upgrading the Soo Locks and improving ports, mitigating the spread of invasive carp, and preventing flooding, as well as supporting scientific discovery and bolstering U.S. manufacturing and innovation. The bill now advances to the full Senate. “This bipartisan legislation will deliver on key priorities in Michigan and across the country,” said Senator Peters. “It will help protect our natural resources, build more resilient infrastructure, support innovative research, and safeguard our critical supply chains. I'll continue working toward its passage in the Senate and will doing whatever I can to ensure U.S. energy security and support our water infrastructure.” 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 bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Strengthening Michigan’s Infrastructure: Delivering Resources to Complete Soo Locks Project: Peters secured $450 million in federal funding for the Soo Locks construction project. Funding in this bill comes from $264 million included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ budget, as well as an additional $186 million Peters secured in a congressionally directed spending request. This combined funding should deliver the remaining resources needed to complete construction of the new Poe-sized lock. Supporting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: The bill provides $10.344 billion in total funding for the Corps of Engineers to support critical engineering projects for our nation’s waterways. Brandon Road Lock and Dam Funding: Peters secured language in the bill that delivers nearly $18 million for op… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-create-leasing-program-for-underutilized-space-held-by-federal-agencies | Senate Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Create Leasing Program for Underutilized Space Held by Federal Agencies | 2024-08-02 | 2024 | 2024-08 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 create a program that allows federal agencies to lease underutilized properties with approval from the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), and to use the rent payments to help fund capital projects and facilities maintenance. Currently, many federal agencies hold underused property that they need and cannot sell – but could be fully utilized by other public or private entities. “The federal government has a duty to limit wasteful spending and use taxpayer dollars effectively. By leasing underused space at federal properties, we can ensure the government is considering every opportunity to generate additional revenue,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help save taxpayer dollars and help agencies reduce costs.” Federal agencies routinely hold property that could be used more effectively by other public and private entities. For example, an agency campus could have extra space they cannot sell, but could provide an optimal home for solar panels. Some agencies could also have space and equipment they need part time, but could otherwise be well-suited to university or private partnerships. Peters’ bipartisan legislation would allow federal agencies to explore ways to fully utilize their property, and generate revenue to fund other projects such as long-needed maintenance, revitalization, and other improvements, as well as deficit reduction. The Saving Money and Accelerating Repairs Through Leasing (SMART Leasing) Act would create a pilot program to allow federal agencies to sublease underutilized non-excess real property and related personal property to any person or entity at fair market value, including another department or agency of the federal government or an entity of a state or local government. The legislation requires the GSA Administrator to certify that any lease will not ha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-authorize-fema-to-accept-tribal-government-requests-for-fire-management-assistance-grants | Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Authorize FEMA to Accept Tribal Government Requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) introduced that requires FEMA to accept requests from Tribal governments to receive a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declaration has advanced in the Senate. Currently, FEMA can accept Emergency and Major Disaster Declaration requests from Tribal governments, but the agency is not authorized to accept FMAG requests directly from Tribes. This limitation impedes Tribes’ capacity to access federal resources for wildfire management directly and undermines Tribal independence by forcing them to work through state governments rather than having the option to interact directly with federal authorities for this specific type of assistance. 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. “As natural disasters like wildfires become more frequent, Tribal governments must have a clear and direct path to request for federal funding,” said Senator Peters. “Current regulations prevent FEMA from accepting FMAG Declarations from Tribes, but my bipartisan bill will close this gap and ensure Tribal governments have the option to directly access FEMA funding when emergencies strike.” Currently, FEMA offers three types of declarations for wildfire disaster assistance: Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declarations, Emergency Declarations, and Major Disaster Declarations. While the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act granted federally recognized Tribal governments the authority to directly request Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations from the President or go through a state request, this does not extend to FMAG Declarations. As a result, FEMA is not authorized to accept direct requests from Tribal governments, which means Tribes can only receive FMAG assistance as subrecipients of state-approved declarations, despite their status as sovereign nations. The bipartisan Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Gove… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-harmonize-federal-cybersecurity-regulations | Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Harmonize Federal Cybersecurity Regulations | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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 led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to establish a comprehensive framework for streamlining cybersecurity regulations across the federal government has advanced in the Senate. The bill would mitigate challenges associated with conflicting, contradictory cybersecurity compliance requirements by establishing an interagency Harmonization Committee at the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). Last month, Chairman Peters held a hearing to examine the current federal efforts to align overlapping federal cybersecurity standards. Witnesses emphasized the significant impact that duplicative or contradictory requirements have on businesses and the need for Congress to take swift action to standardize regulations across critical infrastructure sectors and bring all federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies, together. 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. “Cybersecurity is one of the greatest challenges we face, but overlapping and conflicting federal cybersecurity regulations can hinder our ability to protect against and respond to rapidly-evolving cyberattacks,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill will streamline the federal cybersecurity environment and address challenges that our businesses and critical infrastructure operators may face while working with federal agencies to ensure we can effectively respond to cybersecurity threats.” As cyberattacks grow in intensity and frequency, the cybersecurity compliance environment has become increasingly complex as agencies and regulatory bodies work to prevent online attacks. In many instances, rather than promoting increased cybersecurity, the complex, contradictory, and convoluted compliance landscape has forced companies to spend time, money, and expertise on regulatory examinations. By some estimates, cybersecurity teams are spending 40 to 70% of their time on compliance… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-announces-annual-motorcycle-tour-across-michigan | Senator Peters Announces Annual Motorcycle Tour Across Michigan | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) announced that he will begin his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan next Wednesday, August 7th. Peters’ “Kalamazoo to the Soo” tour will make stops in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Traverse City, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sanford. Throughout the tour, Peters will be joined on the ride by veterans, union workers, motorcycle safety advocates, and constituents. “There’s no better way to see our beautiful state than on a motorcycle,” said Senator Peters. “I’m grateful for the opportunity this tour brings each year to meet with Michiganders and talk about how, together, we are making our state a better place to work, live, and raise a family. This year, I’m looking forward to our ride from the ‘Zoo to the Soo.’” “We’re going to be talking about everything from protecting workers’ rights, to strengthening Michigan’s defense assets and critical infrastructure, to boosting local economic development and ensuring Michigan communities can quickly recover when struck by disaster,” Peters continued. Peters will start the tour in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, August 7th and conclude the tour in Sanford on Friday, August 9th. Additional information regarding his stops will be announced in the coming days. Peters, an avid and long-time motorcycle rider, who founded the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, will ride about 800 miles across the state on this year’s tour. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-releases-statement-after-republicans-block-legislation-to-cut-taxes-for-hardworking-families | Senator Peters Releases Statement After Republicans Block Legislation to Cut Taxes for Hardworking Families | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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 after Senate Republicans blocked the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would have provided tax cuts to hardworking Michigan families by expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The legislation also would have provided additional tax relief to businesses for research and development and small business expensing, as well as Americans impacted by major natural disasters: “Today, I voted for commonsense legislation that would have delivered a much-needed tax break to hardworking families in Michigan and across the country, and would have helped address Michigan’s affordable housing shortage. It would also have provided financial relief to small businesses, and expanded disaster relief for Americans whose lives have been upended by natural disasters. I am deeply disappointed that despite these clear benefits that would have created jobs, spurred economic growth, and bolstered our nation’s global competitiveness, Republicans voted overwhelmingly to block this bill from becoming law.” The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which would boost affordable housing tax credits, and significantly increase the supply of affordable housing units nationwide. The bill would also restore several tax provisions to support businesses, including tax cuts for small businesses that invest in research and development (R&D), expand tax breaks for those impacted by natural disasters, and create a framework with Taiwan to further strengthen economic ties between our nations. The legislation passed the House of Representatives in January 2024 with overwhelming bipartisan support in a 357-70 vote. Peters has repeatedly fought to deliver tax breaks to hardworking families. Peters helped lead the effort to expand the CTC through the American Rescue Plan, which specifically provides critical support t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-release-of-michigander-paul-whelan | Senator Peters Statement on Release of Michigander Paul Whelan | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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 release of Michigander Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who was unjustly detained and sentenced by Russian authorities in December 2018: “Today is a joyous and long overdue day for Paul, his family, and all who have been working tirelessly to get him back home to Michigan. For the past several years, I have worked with Administration officials, my colleagues, and Paul’s family to press for his release, and I’m beyond relieved that today marks the end of this unimaginable nightmare for Paul and his loved ones. Michigan welcomes him home with open arms.” “I’m also relieved that American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was wrongly imprisoned by Russian authorities for simply doing his job, will too be coming home to him family and friends.” Peters has continuously pressed for Whelan’s release since he was detained in Russia more than five years ago and has worked with Paul’s family as well as the Administration and U.S. Department of State to secure his release and safe return to Michigan. During the Trump Administration, Peters led several efforts calling for “all appropriate” action to be taken to obtain Whelan’s release. Peters also lead a bipartisan resolution calling for the immediate release of Whelan from authorities under the Russian government, which passed in the U.S. Senate unanimously in 2021. Peters again led a bipartisan coalition in introducing a resolution calling for the immediate release of Whelan, which again passed the Senate unanimously last year. Peters additionally raised the issue of securing Whelan’s release with top Cabinet officials in both the Trump and Biden Administrations, including current National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-secure-450-million-in-federal-funding-in-senate-appropriations-bill-to-fully-fund-soo-locks-project | Senators Peters and Stabenow Secure $450 Million in Federal Funding in Senate Appropriations Bill to Fully Fund Soo Locks Project | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | 2024-08 | 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) secured the $450 million in federal funding included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for the Soo Locks construction project. Peters and Stabenow pushed for more than $264 million for the project in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ budget. Peters and Stabenow then additionally secured more than $186 million in congressionally directed spending for the completion of the project. Once passed into law, the funding secured in this bill should allow the Army Corps to award all remaining construction contracts for the Soo Locks project, putting the project on a glidepath towards timely completion. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters voted to advance the bill to the full Senate. “The Soo Locks are critical not only to Michigan but to our entire country. Even a temporary shutdown of just one lock would have catastrophic impacts on U.S. jobs, supply chains, and national security,” said Senator Peters. “Building this new lock is necessary to protecting this vital gateway for transporting goods throughout the Great Lakes and beyond, and I was proud to secure the funding needed that will finally see this project across the finish line.” “In Michigan, we know how vital the Soo Locks are. We are on borrowed time until something happens that shuts them down, which would have devastating consequences for the economy and our national security,” said Senator Stabenow. “That’s why I’ve been fighting in the Senate for over 15 years to ensure the Army Corps has the resources and flexibility they need to build a new lock. This funding is a crucial step in keeping this project on track and finally finishing a second Poe-sized lock.” The new lock system will be the same size as the existing 55-year-old Poe Lock, the only lock capable of handling the largest vessels that travel through the Great Lakes. The Soo Locks allow ships carrying essential cargo – such as iron ore pellets u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/committee-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-the-federal-government-safely-and-responsibly-purchases-and-uses-artificial-intelligence | Committee Passes Peters Bipartisan Bill to Ensure the Federal Government Safely and Responsibly Purchases and Uses Artificial Intelligence | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to establish guardrails to ensure the federal government can harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, while safeguarding against potential harms, has advanced in the Senate. As federal agencies are seeking to ramp up their purchase and use of AI systems, there is a pressing need to set standards and safeguards that will ensure the adoption of safe, secure and trustworthy AI to serve the American public. The legislation requires agencies to assess and address the risks of their AI uses prior to buying and deploying the technology. Additionally, the bill ensures the federal government reaps the benefits of this technology through the creation of pilot programs to test more flexible, competitive purchasing practices. This landmark legislation builds on requirements in the Advancing American AI Act, led by Peters, which became law in 2022. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “While AI has the capacity to greatly enhance federal services, we must be vigilant about its deployment,” said Senator Peters. “These new measures will guide agencies in adopting AI technologies responsibly, ensuring that taxpayer-funded systems are not only effective but also trustworthy.” The federal government is already using AI to interact with and make decisions about the public, and use of the technology is only expected to grow. While AI technology can help improve government efficiency, it can also pose risks if deployed improperly. The bipartisan Promoting Responsible Evaluation and Procurement to Advance Readiness for Enterprise-wide Deployment (PREPARED) for AI Act will guide the federal government’s activities, personnel and processes to effectively and responsibly procure and use AI. The bill requires agencies to determine whether their AI uses are high risk, with a focus on protecting the publi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-senate-appropriations-bill-with-important-investments-to-strengthen-public-safety-economic-competitiveness-and-great-lakes-protections | Peters Helps Advance Senate Appropriations Bill with Important Investments to Strengthen Public Safety, Economic Competitiveness, and Great Lakes Protections | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, bipartisan legislation to fund Michigan priorities, high-impact local projects and federal programs that support manufacturing, the economy and environment, public safety and law enforcement as well as cutting-edge research. “This bipartisan legislation advances critical projects in Michigan and across the country,” said Senator Peters. “It will enhance public safety, boost economic competitiveness, and help safeguard our most important natural resources. It will also deliver on two of the priorities that Michiganders care about most: supporting local law enforcement and protecting the Great Lakes. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding and look forward to getting it across the finish line.” 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 bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Strengthening Michigan’s Manufacturing Sector CHIPS and Science Act: The bill includes a significant increase in funding for science and technology programs to continue implementation of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act that Peters helped craft and pass into law to help drive U.S. economic competitiveness. The funding provided in this bill for scientific research will ensure the U.S. remains competitive with the Chinese government and other foreign competitors in the fields that will dominate the global economy in the coming years, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, microelectronics, and clean energy. Trade Restrictions on Chinese EVs: Peters secured language in the bill to protect U.S. automotive manufacturing jobs. The bill recognizes the threat posed by the potential for highly subsidized Chinese… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-state-and-foreign-operations-appropriations-bill-secures-investments-to-strengthen-our-national-security-and-promote-human-rights-globally | Peters Helps Advance State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, Secures Investments to Strengthen Our National Security and Promote Human Rights Globally | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2025 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. This bipartisan legislation advances America’s foreign policy objectives and works to address growing threats and ongoing conflicts across the globe. The House of Representatives, meanwhile, 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. “Today, we are faced with an increasingly dangerous world — one in which our interests and allies are under threat,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation responds to those challenges. It will help safeguard human rights, boost global health outcomes, support our international partners, and strengthen democracy around the world. I look forward to passing these resources into law – and will continue working to strengthen our global standing and national security.” The bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Supporting Allies and Partners and Countering Malign Actors: The bill helps ensure the U.S. delivers on its commitments to our allies and partners, including by delivering critical funding for economic, security, and other assistance for allies across the globe, supporting Ukraine, and fully funding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israel and the MOU with Jordan. The bill also increases funding for the Countering People’s Republic of China (PRC) Influence Fund, enhances strategic investments to counter Russian influence and aggression, and increases funding for partner military financing, training, and education globally. Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: The bill includes $1.4 billion to strengthen law enforcement cooperation between governments and to counter drug trafficking, which includes $170 million— $45 million more than fiscal year 2024—to support efforts to stop global flows of fentanyl a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-statement-on-passage-of-the-kids-online-safety-act-and-childrens-online-privacy-protection-act | Senator Peters’ Statement on Passage of the Kids Online Safety Act and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act | 2024-07-31 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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) released the following statement after helping to pass the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act: “These two bipartisan bills represent the most significant child online safety legislation in years. They will help keep kids safe on social media and ensure that their personal data is private and protected. I was proud to support this commonsense legislation and am heartened to see it pass with such overwhelming bipartisan support.” Peters is a cosponsor of both the Kids Online Safety Act and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The Kids Online Safety Act – which Peters helped advance in the Senate as a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee – would protect children online by providing young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to help safeguard against online harms. The bill would require social media platforms to put the well-being of children first, ensuring an environment that is safer by default. It also would require independent audits by experts to ensure the platforms are taking meaningful steps to address risks to kids. COPPA 2.0 would update the landmark Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) – enacted in 1998 – to strengthen privacy protections for young people, ban targeted advertising to kids and teens, and create an Eraser Button for parents and kids by requiring companies to permit users to delete information. Peters, who also serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, last year convened a hearing to examine how social media platforms continue to prioritize increased user engagement and revenue over safety and security. Peters also released an investigative report that found social media companies’ current incentive structures contribute to the spread of extremist content. He previously led a hearing with independent social media experts to discuss how the spread of extremist content on social media … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-senate-appropriations-bill-secures-investments-to-improve-water-infrastructure-protect-our-waterways-and-support-michigans-national-parks | Peters Helps Advance Senate Appropriations Bill, Secures Investments to Improve Water Infrastructure, Protect our Waterways and Support Michigan’s National Parks | 2024-07-30 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would fund Michigan priorities and high-impact local projects that make key investments to strengthen water infrastructure and improve access to clean drinking water for Michiganders. The legislation also includes funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which plays a critical role in protecting and restoring Great Lakes waterways and habitats. The House of Representatives, meanwhile, 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. “Every American has a fundamental right to clean drinking water,” said Senator Peters. “In Michigan, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that is done when we fail to protect such a critical resource. This bipartisan legislation helps meet that challenge. It will improve water infrastructure across the state and commit key resources to protecting our Great Lakes. These have been two of my top priorities throughout my time in the Senate, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation into law.” The bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Protecting our Great Lakes, Fisheries and Environment: Funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Peters secured $371 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), an increase over Fiscal Year 2024. The GLRI is the largest investment in the Great Lakes’ health, ecosystem, and water quality. Since the program’s inception in 2010, $4 billion has been used to fund over 8,000 projects to combat the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, harmful algal blooms and loss of fish and wildlife habitats. During his time in the Senate, Peters has championed the GLRI, and earlier this y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-helps-advance-transportation-housing-and-urban-development-appropriations-bill-with-michigan-wins | Peters Helps Advance Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Bill with Michigan Wins | 2024-07-30 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing, Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation would fund Michigan priorities, high-impact local projects and federal programs that support key transportation, workforce and housing initiatives. The legislation would also help advance auto safety and innovation in addition to assistance for airports to transition from PFAS firefighting foam at airports. 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. “From resources for local transportation, infrastructure and housing projects across our state to funding to improve auto safety and help airports move away from PFAS firefighting foam, this bill would help Michiganders across our state,” said Senator Peters, who serves on the Appropriations Committee and as Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports. “This bill is a positive step and I’ll keeping advocating for these Michigan priorities as we continue to work to fund the government.” The bill includes measures led and supported by Peters, including: Funding for an I-75 overbuild in Detroit: Would provide $1,879,000 for the City of Detroit to advance the I-75 overbuild project. The project would create a nearly 5 acre cover over I-75 near Cass Corridor that would connect the community to downtown. Funding to support the renovation of Beecher High School in Flint: Would provide $2 million to support the renovation, remodeling, and reopening of a new Beecher High School building in Flint to improve facilities and opportunities for students. Funding to replace the Capital Region International Airport’s terminal: Would provide $8.1 million for architectural and engineering services … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-bill-to-improve-the-federal-governments-document-classification-and-declassification-system | Peters Introduces Bill to Improve the Federal Government’s Document Classification and Declassification System | 2024-07-29 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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 streamline the government’s national security classification system and reduce the massive declassification backlog. Over-classification undermines national security by limiting important information sharing between federal agencies, limits government transparency and costs taxpayers as much as $18 billion a year to maintain. This bill would strengthen the ability of the public and Members of Congress to make declassification requests, codify and strengthen prohibitions on improper classification, and ensure taxpayer dollars support an efficient system that correctly classifies and declassifies information to improve government transparency. “Our current classification system is not just costly, outdated, and inefficient—it’s a growing crisis that undermines both our national security and government transparency,” said Senator Peters. “We are facing an overwhelming backlog of hundreds of millions of pages awaiting declassification and experts telling us that 50 to 90 percent of classified materials could be made public without risk to our national security. This over-classification obscures truly sensitive information and erodes trust in government. My bipartisan bill will address this issue by updating the classification system to enhance our ability to safeguard critical information, while promoting the transparency that is so vital to our democracy.” The number of classified documents in the federal government’s inventory is currently unknown, but government officials suggest it holds billions of records, and that as many at 50 million new classified records are created every year. This expansive classification system costs taxpayers as much as $18 billion to manage every year. Despite an executive order directing automatic declassification of records after 25 years, these measures often fall short in practice, resulting in a government-wide declassifica… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photos-us-senator-gary-peters-visits-home-of-michigan-veteran-after-connecting-him-with-local-non-profit-to-replace-aging-roof-at-no-cost | PHOTOS: U.S. Senator Gary Peters Visits Home of Michigan Veteran After Connecting Him with Local Non-Profit to Replace Aging Roof at No Cost | 2024-07-26 | 2024 | 2024-07 | Democrat | Senate | MI | Gary C. Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | garypeters | https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | GRAND RAPIDS, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited the home of Chris Temple, a Grand Rapids veteran to celebrate the collaborative efforts of Senator Peters’ office and Home Repair Services, a local non-profit organization, that resulted in making critically needed repairs to the veteran’s home. “Within a day of reaching out to Senator Peters, I was connected to the team at Home Repair Services who assisted me with these critical repairs,” said Temple. “I want to thank Senator Peters and his staff for making my request a priority, and for working alongside local partners to make sure I got the help I needed.” Earlier this year, United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran Chris Temple wrote a letter to Senator Peters seeking assistance to make city mandated improvements to his home’s roof. After hearing about Temple’s situation, Peters’ Grand Rapids staff notified local government, veteran, and non-profit groups to see what assistance was available. Home Repair Services quickly stepped up to make necessary roof repairs to help Temple avoid possible eviction. In all, nearly $17,000 in improvements were made to the house as part of Home Repair Services’ Veteran Heroes Program. Peters and Temple were joined by representatives from Home Repair Services who highlighted their Veterans Heroes Program, which offers home improvement assistance to United States military veterans across Kent County. “When veterans like Chris return home from service, it's our job as Americans to honor the incredible sacrifice they made to protect our freedoms,” said Senator Peters. “I couldn’t be more proud of the role my office played in getting Chris the help he needed, and it was great to join him today to celebrate the collaborative efforts that helped get this job done.” During the event, Peters also encouraged Michigan residents to reach out to his office for constituent casework services, just as Temple did for help with his roof repairs. Acting as a liaison between constituents and the federal government, cas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-paul-blumenthal-and-johnson-press-federal-agencies-and-local-law-enforcement-for-information-related-to-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump | Peters, Paul, Blumenthal and Johnson Press Federal Agencies and Local Law Enforcement for Information Related to the Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump | 2024-07-25 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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) and Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, are pressing the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and key local law enforcement officials to provide information related to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The bipartisan document request follows a bipartisan announcement from Peters and Paul to investigate the security failures that led to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13th. “We write to request documents and information related to the assassination attempt on former President Trump and the loss of life of one attendee and injuries to two others during a campaign rally in Butler, PA, on July 13, 2024,” wrote the senators. “As Senator Peters and Senator Paul indicated in their letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas and FBI Director Wray on July 15, 2024, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has initiated a bipartisan investigation into how this attack was able to occur, what security, personnel, or other failures contributed to the attempt, and steps that must be taken to ensure any mistakes are avoided in the future.” The senators are requesting information from three federal agencies and five state and local law enforcement agencies related to the security preparations for and response to the attack during the campaign rally in Pennsylvania and the failures that led to an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The senators are seeking information on security preparations, intelligence gathering on potential violence prior to the attack, and detailed explanations of the agencies’ security response. The following is an initial list of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-historic-first-committee-advances-peters-merkley-hawley-ossoff-and-rosen-bipartisan-legislation-to-ban-member-stock-trading | In Historic First, Committee Advances Peters, Merkley, Hawley, Ossoff and Rosen Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Member Stock Trading | 2024-07-24 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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, negotiated by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and built off of Merkley’s ETHICS Act, to ban Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependents from holding, buying, or selling stocks has advanced out of committee. This is the first time a Senate Committee has marked up legislation barring stock trading by Members of Congress. The bipartisan modified legislation, which was sponsored in committee by Peters, Hawley, Ossoff and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), would immediately ban Members of Congress from buying stocks and other covered investments and prohibit members from selling stocks 90 days after enactment. The bipartisan legislation passed by the committee also requires Members of Congress, the President and the Vice President to divest from all covered investments, starting in 2027. The bill was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Chair. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. “The people we represent deserve to have complete confidence that their federal elected officials are working in Americans’ best interests, and not their own personal financial interests,” said Senator Peters. “By passing this legislation out of committee with bipartisan support, we have taken a monumental step towards getting this bill one step closer to becoming law and finally barring bad actors from taking advantage of their positions for their own financial gain. I’m grateful to Senators Merkley, Hawley, Ossoff, and Rosen for their hard work to advance this commonsense legislation that will help restore Americans’ faith that Congress is always working on their behalf.” “Members of Congress should serve the people, not their portfolios. For the first time, a Senate committee considered and passed legislation to ban Congressional stock trading, a practice that appears deeply corrupt to the American people and erodes public respect for our govern… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-and-senate-judiciary-committee-to-convene-hearing-examining-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump | Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee & Senate Judiciary Committee to Convene Hearing Examining the Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump | 2024-07-24 | 2024 | 2024-07 | 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) and Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chair and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, announced a joint oversight hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM to examine the security failures that led to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The committees will hear testimony from U.S. Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13th. The following witnesses are confirmed: Ronald L. Rowe, Jr, Acting Director of the U.S. Secret Service; Paul Abbate, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The hearing is part of a bipartisan Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs investigation led by Peters and Paul, and will follow a joint briefing for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee with U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. WHEN: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 WHERE: SD-G50 or watch the livestream here and here TIME: 10:00 AM Members of the media: If you plan to attend, please email gabriella_zwolfer@hsgac.senate.gov andkylie_nolan@hsgac.senate.gov. Please note that media are required to display current press credentials. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z |
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