Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,490 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "MI" and year = 2015 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://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-gov-snyder-apology-over-flint-water-crisis | Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Gov. Snyder Apology Over Flint Water Crisis | 2015-12-29 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today on the ongoing Flint water crisis: Governor Snyder's apology over the Flint water crisis is appropriate, as are personnel changes announced today at the Department of Environmental Quality. Through this ongoing crisis, the people of Flint did nothing wrong they are victims of this failure of government. The State of Michigan must not only acknowledge its role in this crisis, but also take responsibility and act right away to make it right. The state can immediately step up to help the children of Flint who have suffered lead exposure. Today, the Governor alluded to more actions' in the coming days to help Flint residents. These actions by the state should include the establishment of a fund to ensure that kids who are at the greatest risk for health problems from lead poisoning receive the developmental, educational and nutritional support they need to help overcome the challenges associated with lead exposure. The State of Michigan can help these kids. If the state helps them now, they will have a better future. But we cannot delay every day kids in Flint lose without support is a day they cannot get back. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/officials-interfairth-and-civil-rights-activists-condemn-bigotry | Officials, interfairth and civil rights activists condemn bigotry | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | Congress members Brenda Lawrence (L), John Conyers and Debbie Dingell stand at the podium in front of a group of activists and officials at Charles Wright Museum of African American History, Dec. 21 DETROIT Heads of civil rights organizations, interfaith activists, government officials and religious leaders gathered at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American history to condemn the rising tides of Islamophobia, which are manifesting as hate crimes across the nation. Speakers from the group dubbed "One Nation, One Voice Against Bigotry and Hate Coalition" took turns denouncing xenophobia and promoting unity at a press conference on Monday morning. Nabih Ayad, chairman of the Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL), said those on the path of hate are on the wrong side of history. "We know very well that diversity inherently is very strong for this nation and for this community," he said. Democratic U.S. Reps speak out U.S. Reps. John Conyers (D-Detroit), Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) took part in the event and voiced support for the local Muslim community. "How wonderful it is to see in this important hall a group of men and women, leaders of many different organizations, coming together to speak out and encourage the diversity that marks us a great area," Conyers, the dean of the House of Representatives, said. Congresswoman Lawrence urged Americans to speak up against discrimination. "History has taught us that the biggest threat to our democracy is silence," she said. She said allowing bigotry to go on against one group puts the entire society at risk. "Collectively, if we raise our voices and not be silent, we can make a difference," Lawrence added. "We can show those who are misinformed that hatred will not be tolerated; not in this country, not in southeast Michigan." Rep. Dingell stressed that metro Detroit residents are united. She described Arab and Muslim Americans as friends and colleagues. "They are our neighbors; they are our sm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-stabenow-peters-new-resources-fight-blight-will-help-strengthen | Kildee, Stabenow, Peters: New Resources to Fight Blight will Help Strengthen Neighborhoods, Decrease Crime | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Studies Show Removing Blight Leads to Greater Economic Opportunity for Community and all Homeowners Congressman Dan Kildee, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI-05) today announced new efforts recently signed into law to help remove and repurpose thousands of abandoned properties in Flint and other cities across Michigan. Speaking in downtown Flint, the three members of Michigan's congressional delegation celebrated a provision they championed to allow the U.S. Department of Treasury to transfer $2 billion more into the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), a program that has already helped to clean up thousands of abandoned properties in cities across Michigan, including Flint, Saginaw and Detroit. Because of this provision, Treasury now has the authority to use the $2 billion to assist homeowners and eliminate blight through 2017. The provision, a part of the end-of-year omnibus bill, was passed by Congress last week and has been signed into law by President Barack Obama. One of my top priorities in Congress has been to support older, industrial communities like Flint and Saginaw so that they can compete in the new economy, Congressman Kildee said. Studies have proven that removing blight increases property values and decreases crime. But the real way I measure success is by imagining what an 8-year-old child sees when they stand on their front porch do they see a burned-out building? Or can get they go next door to play at a new park because we have cleared away the blight? These new efforts are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of Flint residents. This is a huge win for cities like Flint and Saginaw and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our neighborhoods, said Senator Stabenow. We're already seeing how this funding is making a real difference locally, where thousands of blighted properties have already been demolished. It's important our cities have the resources they need to continue making our neighborhoods safer places to raise a family. Flint, Saginaw and cities acro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-lawrence-passses-amendment-require-federal-tracking-educational | Rep. Lawrence passses amendment to require federal tracking of educational progress of foster youth | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brenda Lawrence has passed an amendment requiring the U.S. Secretary of Education to track the educational progress of foster youth in America, a key measure that will protect hundreds of thousands of foster care students across America. The congresswomans amendment was introduced as part of the Student Success Act, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), commonly known as No Child Left Behind. ESEA was previously reauthorized in 2002. Though there are provisions within the ESEA that Rep. Lawrence opposes, and will continue to work to address, her amendment is a positive step forward in ensuring that our foster youth are included in the tracking of all students educational progress. One of my core areas of concern and commitment is the continuing fight for the benefit of American public school children, particularly those who come from less affluent communities, Rep. Lawrence said. That is why I was so proud as a parent, as a grandparent, and as a former school board member to see my amendment included in the ESEA Reauthorization, which has been signed into law by President Obama. As a Democrat, Rep. Lawrences amendment was one of only a handful offered by the minority party that achieved support from the Republican-led chamber. The amendment requires the U.S. Secretary of Education to reject any state plan that fails to provide separate academic assessment reporting of foster care children. In 2010, there were 408,425 children placed in foster care in America, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Childrens Bureau. The amendment will also benefit organizations dedicated to ensuring foster children receive the care and attention they deserve, said Lilla Weinberger, Executive Director of the National Foster Youth Institute. Thanks to Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for ensuring that every state will be tracking the educational progress of its foster youth. These are our children, and we must make sure that they have every chance to succeed, Weinberger sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-passes-amendment-require-tracking | Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence passes amendment to require tracking of educational progress of foster youth | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence has passed an amendment requiring the U.S. Secretary of Education to track the educational progress of foster youth in America, a key measure that will protect hundreds of thousands of foster care students across America. The congresswomans amendment was introduced as part of the Student Success Act, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), commonly known as No Child Left Behind. ESEA was previously reauthorized in 2002. Though there are provisions within the ESEA that Rep. Lawrence opposes, and will continue to work to address, her amendment is a positive step forward in ensuring that our foster youth are included in the tracking of all students educational progress. One of my core areas of concern and commitment is the continuing fight for the benefit of American public school children, particularly those who come from less affluent communities, Rep. Lawrence said. That is why I was so proud -- as a parent, as a grandparent, and as a former school board member -- to see my amendment included in the ESEA Reauthorization, which has been signed into law by President Obama. As a Democrat, Rep. Lawrences amendment was one of only a handful offered by the minority party that achieved support from the Republican-led chamber. The amendment requires the U.S. Secretary of Education to reject any state plan that fails to provide separate academic assessment reporting of foster care children. In 2010, there were 408,425 children placed in foster care in America, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Childrens Bureau. The amendment will also benefit organizations dedicated to ensuring foster children receive the care and attention they deserve, said Lilla Weinberger, Executive Director of the National Foster Youth Institute. "Thanks to Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for ensuring that every state will be tracking the educational progress of its foster youth. These are our children, and we must make sure that they have every chance to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-kildee-new-resources-to-fight-blight-will-help-strengthen-neighborhoods-decrease-crime | Peters, Stabenow, Kildee: New Resources to Fight Blight will Help Strengthen Neighborhoods, Decrease Crime | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.15 Peters, Stabenow, Kildee: New Resources to Fight Blight will Help Strengthen Neighborhoods, Decrease Crime Studies Show Removing Blight Leads to Greater Economic Opportunity for Community and all Homeowners FLINT U.S. Senator Gary Peters, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today announced new efforts recently signed into law to help remove and repurpose thousands of abandoned properties in Flint and other cities across Michigan. Speaking in downtown Flint, the three members of Michigan's congressional delegation celebrated a provision they championed to allow the U.S. Department of Treasury to transfer $2 billion more into the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), a program that has already helped to clean up thousands of abandoned properties in cities across Michigan, including Flint, Saginaw and Detroit. Because of this provision, Treasury now has the authority to use the $2 billion to assist homeowners and eliminate blight through 2017. The provision, a part of the end-of-year omnibus bill, was passed by Congress last week and has been signed into law by President Barack Obama. Flint, Saginaw and cities across Michigan have been working hard to demolish blighted homes, increase property values and improve public safety in their communities, said Senator Peters. I was honored to work with Senator Stabenow and Congressman Kildee to ensure that communities across Michigan have access to additional Hardest Hit Fund resources that will help them continue to these critical efforts to revitalize their neighborhoods. This is a huge win for cities like Flint and Saginaw and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our neighborhoods, said Senator Stabenow. We're already seeing how this funding is making a real difference locally, where thousands of blighted properties have already been demolished. It's important our cities have the resources they need to continue making our neighborhoods… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-nominates-53-michigan-students-to-military-academies | Senator Stabenow Nominates 53 Michigan Students to Military Academies | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow Nominates 53 Michigan Students to Military Academies Tuesday, December 22, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced that she has nominated 53 Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service, said Senator Stabenow. Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well. Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenow's office went through a competitive application process that included interviews by community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied. The following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region): Southeast Michigan: Nicolas Bennett-Carpenter Bloomfield Hills, West Point Molly Brabant St. Clair Shores, Air Force Academy Kayla Bruner Lake Orion, Naval Academy Madison Burgin Lake Orion, Air Force Academy Tyler Chema Clarkston, Naval Academy Jay Cooke Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy Noah Dobos Chelsea, Naval Academy Naveen Fujii Ann Arbor, Naval Academy Zachary Hermosillo-Deboer Belleville, Merchant Marine Academy Hannah Homsy Grosse Pointe, West Point Aubrey Leggat Grosse Pointe, Naval Academy John Libcke West Bloomfield, Merchant Marine Academy Ian MacKinnon Plymouth, West Point Robert Martinez Flat Rock, Naval Academy Jamie Miller Rochester Hills, Naval Academy Nathanial Misra Rochester, Air Force Academy Wynter Nickless Farmington Hills, West Point Jorda… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/michigan-officials-announce-plans-revitalize-cities-and-neighborhoods | Michigan officials announce plans to revitalize cities and neighborhoods | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | New Flexibility Makes Up to $2 Billion Available to Help Continue Blight Removal Efforts U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) last week announced new opportunities tohelp cities across Michigan and the country revitalize neighborhoods and keep communities safe. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through Sept. 2016, gives the U.S. Department of Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion in additional funding to the Hardest Hit Fund. The Hardest Hit Fund provides resources to states for blight removal efforts and to help struggling homeowners. Michigan has received $498.6 million since the Fund was established in 2010. Senators Stabenow, Peters and Rep. Kildee led the bipartisan effort to include this new opportunity for funding in the end-of-year deal. We are seeing real progress in communities across our state from federal blight removal resources, said Senator Stabenow. This new flexibility is a huge win for Michigan cities and neighborhoods and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our communities and make sure our neighborhoods are safe places to raise a family. The Hardest Hit Fund has been a vital resource for cities across Michigan working to remove blight, improve safety and increase property values in their neighborhoods, said Senator Peters. This new option to transfer funding and shore up the Hardest Hit Fund will allow Michigan communities to continue these efforts and attract new private investments to help their communities grow. Getting rid of abandoned homes in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit helps to strengthen neighborhoods and decrease crime, said Congressman Kildee. We have already made great progress in removing blight from our communities and this new flexibility will help to unlock more economic opportunity for all Michiganders. I am elated that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/unlikely-partners-get-2b-blight-deal-done-congress | Unlikely partners get $2B blight deal done in congress | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | Detroit's road to get extra funding for blight fund included help from Jesse Jackson, Dan Gilbert, Chase's Jamie Dimon and a cast of others Buy Photo (Photo: Regina H. Boone/Detroit Free Press) WASHINGTON By Tuesday of this week, with just hours to go before congressional leaders would finalize the contents of a massive $1.15-trillion spending bill, it was still unclear whether a Detroit-led proposal to free up as much as $2 billion to help it and other cities across the U.S. demolish tens of thousands of abandoned, blighted buildings would make the cut. Some House Democrats were having second thoughts, concerned about other financial provisions in the bill and wondering whetherit was time to hit the pause button on those as well as the Michigan proposal to move $2 billion of unused cash into the Hardest Hit Fund, a program which, to date, has already sent the city $130 million to continue the nations most aggressive demolition effort. But with the future of those anti-blight efforts in Detroit and across Michigan on the line, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, knew there might not be a second chance. Thats when Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, hearing the news, quickly cast about for someone who could intervene with Democratic leaders to help. Then he remembered: Several months before, the Rev. Jesse Jackson had met Duggan and said, if he ever needed Jacksons help, just to call. Duggan did. And so did Jackson. I called him, he answered and I explained the problem, Duggan told the Free Press on Friday. I told him, this could be the biggest blight removal program the federal government has ever done. He listened for 10 minutes and said, Let me see what I can do. And he made a phone call. He called me back at 11:30 p.m. and said, You have a commitment. Half an hour later, Stabenow called Duggan again. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid had told her: The bill was done. Detroits plan widely expected to pay for demolitions there and in other old urban centers acros… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-state-efforts-to-restrict-voter-access-peters-cosponsors-legislation-to-expand-opportunity-for-early-and-absentee-voting | Following State Efforts to Restrict Voter Access, Peters Cosponsors Legislation to Expand Opportunity for Early and Absentee Voting | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.15 Following State Efforts to Restrict Voter Access, Peters Cosponsors Legislation to Expand Opportunity for Early and Absentee Voting WASHINGTON, DC After the Michigan Legislature this week passed a bill eliminating straight-ticket voting and rejected efforts to expand early voting options, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he will be cosponsoring legislation to expand access to early voting in federal elections and ensure voters in every state do not need an excuse to vote absentee. I am extremely disappointed in partisan political efforts in the Michigan Legislature that will erect barriers to the ballot box and make it harder for people to vote, said Senator Peters. The constitutional right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy, and we should be looking for ways to expand not restrict - voter access. I will continue working in the U.S. Senate to ensure that every American has the equal opportunity to cast their ballot and make their voice heard. The legislation Peters is cosponsoring amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by requiring every state, at a minimum, to either provide seven consecutive days of early voting during the 10-day period before a federal election, or not require voters to give an excuse in order to cast an absentee ballot by mail. The bill also ensures that states provide early voting at a sufficient number of locations statewide so all citizens have reasonable access to the polls before Election Day. Hardworking Americans who may find it difficult to make it to the polls on Tuesday will have the opportunity to vote on the day that works best for their schedules or vote absentee by mail. Every American has the right to exercise their fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy, and they should not have to face unnecessary burdens or restrictions to do so, said Senator Peters. For many people with busy work schedules or mobility impairments, getting to the polls on Election Day can be difficult, and I'm proud to cosponsor thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-dingell-s-holiday-jingle | Congresswoman Dingells Holiday Jingle | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today continued a Dingell holiday tradition, releasing the 2015 edition of the annual Dingell Jingle. Full text of the jingle can be read below. Twas the day the House finally finished its business We passed a budget! In time for Christmas! Unfortunately Congress waited until the last minute But thankfully Rubio didnt get his way in the Senate Now as we head home for holiday cheer and reflection Its time to continue an important Dingell tradition Year after year, amid clanking and clatter John Dingell wrote a jingle about the issues that matter He wrote about the years highlights and whats in fashion Sometimes he even wrote about the Kardashians Now with the holiday season near Here is a poem thats a reflection of a first year Its true that being a freshmans not always a dream Especially when you follow someone like the Dean But we share an approach not seen in a while We believe in working across the Congressional aisle The years been filled with challenges and treats We welcomed the Pope, who many wanted to meet We fought for American workers, to make families lives better Along the way, we may have ruffled the Presidents feathers What Madonna said about Michigan wasnt so nice Heres hoping that next time she might think twice Our Speaker retired, and we thanked him for trying He worked hard and did well in between all the crying So began the search to fill the job no one wanted Enter Paul Ryan with a new beard he flaunted From highways to schools, the last months been busy Passing bills and making progress has left some quite dizzy As 2016 approaches, we have an important decision Theres fear that many will stand behind Trumps vision In Michigan theres another pressing concern Will the Wolverines have the victory theyve earned To be sure, winning the Citrus Bowl is a must Happy holidays to you and your family, and in Harbaugh we trust | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-omnibus-appropriations-bill | Dingell Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined colleagues in the House to adopt, by a vote of 316 to 113, the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the government for 2016. This comprehensive funding bill isnt perfect, but it represents a bipartisan compromise that has many victories for Americas working families. It provides critical funding increases, including a $2 billion increase in funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health and up to $2 billion in funding to tear down blighted buildings, which is important for many Michigan communities. It includes a three year reauthorization and funding increase for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, our nations most vital conservation program which benefits literally every county in America; it includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; permanent health care funding for 9/11 first responders; and a two-year delay of the Cadillac tax on health plans, which matters to the working men and women of my district. In addition, Id like to thank Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey of the Appropriations Committee for including a measure I have championed to allow the President to award theMedal of Honor to Vietnam veteran Charles Kettles, a resident of Ypsilanti. There are flaws with this bill as well. I have concerns about lifting the longstanding ban on U.S. oil exports, which could result in higher gas prices in the United States. I am hopeful that the extension of the wind and solar tax credits will help counteract this by havinga positive impact on our environment and energy independence while creating good paying jobs. We should have also used this legislation to address the economic crisis in Puerto Rico, and I trust the Speakers word that it will be addressed next year. I also continue to have serious concerns about the discriminatory changes being made to the visa waiver program, and will continue working to ensure we do not target anyone based on nationality or relig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-brenda-lawrence-votes-omnibus-appropriations-bill-create-jobs-and | Rep. Brenda Lawrence Votes for Omnibus Appropriations Bill to Create Jobs and Grow the Economy with Investments in Americas Priorities | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Brenda Lawrence voted with the majority of her colleagues in the House to adopt, by a vote of 316 to 113, the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This measure funds the government for FY 2016. Today I cast my vote to avert a disastrous Republican government shutdown and to make vital investments in the future of Americas working families, Congresswoman Lawrence said. The bill implements the Bipartisan Budget Agreement adopted by Congress in October.Though it is far from perfect it is a true bipartisan compromise.It is not the bill I would have written, but it is a victory for working families over the Republican Congresss special interest priorities. My passion for protecting the core priorities of hard-working Americans such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; community improvement programs, such as blight removal; renewable energy; education; research and development; and infrastructure have been preserved and strengthened in this Omnibus package. Democrats won enormous improvements over the destructive FY 2016 appropriations bills Republicans wrote earlier this year. For most of this year, Republicans have been trying to make devastating cuts to our investments in the future of our hard-working American families cuts that would kill jobs and weaken our economic growth. For example, the House GOP bill would have slashed education initiatives by $2.5 billion below 2015 and cut HHS funding below the 2015 level. Instead, we have made strong investments in areas that will create jobs and grow the economy. I am deeply disappointed that Republicans insisted on lifting the oil export ban in this vital legislation to keep government open, Rep. Lawrence added. However, I am proud to say that Democrats were able to secure sweeping victories for Americas working families throughout the Omnibus. In addition to purging the bill of scores of Republicans poison pill policy riders, Democrats extended wind and solar tax credits that will eliminate around ten times more carbon pollution… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-extension-of-tax-credit-for-businesses-employing-military-reservists-and-national-guardsmen | Peters Applauds Extension of Tax Credit for Businesses Employing Military Reservists & National Guardsmen | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 Peters Applauds Extension of Tax Credit for Businesses Employing Military Reservists & National Guardsmen Peters Previously Introduced Bipartisan Bill Extending Tax Credit to Employers that Provide Differential Pay to Reservists Called to Active Duty WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today applauded the expansion and permanent extension of a tax credit for employers that provide differential pay to military reservists and National Guard members called to serve on active duty. The tax credit, which was included in an end-of-year government spending and tax bill, would apply to all businesses, but the extension is particularly helpful for small businesses that may find it more difficult to absorb the costs of providing differential pay. Earlier this year, Peters introduced the Military Reserve Small Business Jobs Act with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, to extend this tax credit for small businesses for five years, providing financial security for the families of Reservists and National Guardsmen serving on active duty. Michigan reservists and National Guardsmen stand ready to defend our nation at a moment's notice and play a critical role in keeping our military strong, said Senator Peters. When called to active duty, our servicemembers should not be forced to worry about how their families will pay for groceries or put gas in the car. We should reward employers and businesses that show their patriotism by providing differential pay to employees called to active duty, and I am pleased that this legislation permanently extending and expanding this important tax credit will soon be signed into law. There are approximately 824,000 reservists and National Guard members in America, and 15,438 of them serve in units in Michigan. Since September 11, 2001, over 905,000 reservists an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-stabenow-applaud-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-plastic-beads-out-of-great-lakes | Senators Peters, Stabenow Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 Senators Peters, Stabenow Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes Legislation Will Go To President's Desk for Signature WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senators Gary Peters andDebbie Stabenow today applauded the U.S. Senate's unanimous passage of the bipartisanMicrobead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which will protect the Great Lakes from pollution caused by small, plastic microbeads that are ingredients in certain soaps and personal care products. The legislation, which was sponsored by Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month. It will phase out the manufacturing of products with microbeads, which get through water treatment facilities and are harmful to fish and wildlife. This bill is similar to companion legislation that Senators Peters and Stabenowintroduced earlier this year. This commonsense, bipartisan effort to phase out microbeads in consumer products like face wash and toothpaste is an important step toward protecting our Great Lakes,said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.Synthetic plastic microbeads amplify the effects of pollution and threaten wildlife in the Great Lakes ecosystem. I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues are sending this vital measure to the President's desk to ensure our Great Lakes continue to thrive. Today's vote is great news for our Great Lakes, which are critical to our economy and Michigan way of lifesaid Senator Stabenow, co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.Microbeads pose a very real danger to our Great Lakes and threaten our fish and wildlife populations. This bipartisan bill is an important step in keeping our wildlife protected and our waters safe. Microbeads from products like face washes and toothpaste often end up floating in the Great Lakes, where they can build up as plastic pollution and are often mistaken for food by fish. A report by the St… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenows-bill-to-protect-homeowners-from-higher-taxes-passes-senate | Senator Stabenows Bill to Protect Homeowners from Higher Taxes Passes Senate | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow's Bill to Protect Homeowners from Higher Taxes Passes Senate Legislation Protects Homeowners from Being Hit with Extra Tax Bill Friday, December 18, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, today applauded the inclusion of her legislation to protect struggling homeowners from being hit with an extra tax bill in the end-of-year spending bill. The bill, which will fund the government through 2016, includes Senator Stabenow's Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act. The Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act makes sure homeowners aren't required to pay additional taxes when they receive mortgage principal forgiveness on their homes or sell their homes in what are commonly called "short sales." Senator Stabenow led the effort to include her bill in the end-of-year deal, which will go to the President's desk for his signature. So many families across the country, including many in Michigan, are faced with having to pay for mortgages that now exceed the value of their home, said Senator Stabenow. The passage of this bipartisan agreement means that families who are willing to work with their lenders will not be forced to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in additional income tax when they sell their home. The end-of-year deal extends through 2016 legislation originally authored by Senator Stabenow in 2007. Senator Stabenow led the effort last Congress to extend this provision in the Tax Increase Prevention Act, which extended the tax break through 2014. This bill will also add additional protections authored by Senator Stabenow to ensure that homeowners are eligible for relief as long as the agreement to reduce their mortgage debt is in writing before the date the provision expires. Declining home prices and rising foreclosure rates have forced many families to sell their homes for less than they paid for them, and sometimes for less th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senators-stabenow-peters-applaud-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-plastic-beads-out-of-great-lakes | Senators Stabenow, Peters Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Stabenow, Peters Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Plastic Beads Out of Great Lakes Legislation Will Go To President's Desk for Signature Friday, December 18, 2015 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today applauded the U.S. Senate's unanimous passage of the bipartisan Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which will protect the Great Lakes from pollution caused by small, plastic microbeads that are ingredients in certain soaps and personal care products. The legislation, which was sponsored by Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month. It will phase out the manufacturing of products with microbeads, which get through water treatment facilities and are harmful to fish and wildlife. This bill is similar to companion legislation that Senators Stabenow and Peters introduced earlier this year. Today's vote is great news for our Great Lakes, which are critical to our economy and Michigan way of life said Senator Stabenow, co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. Microbeads pose a very real danger to our Great Lakes and threaten our fish and wildlife populations. This bipartisan bill is an important step in keeping our wildlife protected and our waters safe. This commonsense, bipartisan effort to phase out microbeads in consumer products like face wash and toothpaste is an important step toward protecting our Great Lakes, said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. Synthetic plastic microbeads amplify the effects of pollution and threaten wildlife in the Great Lakes ecosystem. I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues are sending this vital measure to the President's desk to ensure our Great Lakes continue to thrive. Microbeads from products like face washes and toothpaste often end up floating in the Great Lakes, where they can build up as plastic pollution and are often mis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/fund-used-blight-demolition-set-receive-billions-more-under-push-congressman | Fund Used for Blight Demolition Set to Receive Billions More Under Push by Congressman Dan Kildee | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | A bill expected to be passed by Congress this week includes a provision fought for by Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) to transfer $2 billion more into the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), a program that has already helped to remove and repurpose thousands of abandoned properties in cities across Michigan, including Flint and Saginaw. Additionally, these new funds would have greater flexibility and could be used to make additional progress on removing blight, including past 2017, when the funds currently expire. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, along with a bipartisan coalition of Michigan's congressional delegation in the House, have offered their support for this new provision in the year-end government-funding bill, expected to pass this week. Getting rid of abandoned properties in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Detroit helps to strengthen neighborhoods and decrease crime, Congressman Kildee said. We have already made great progress in removing blight from our community, and this new flexibility will help to unlock more economic opportunity for all Michiganders. The Hardest Hit Fund was originally designed and is still working to keep people in their homes and prevent additional foreclosures after the Great Recession. In recent years, thanks to Congressman Kildee's efforts in Congress, the U.S. Treasury Department rightfully determined that removing blight in communities helps to stabilize and strengthen neighborhoods. Since 2013, Congressman Kildee has helped to secure over $200 million for Michigan cities to help get rid of large quantities of blight, including $32.7 million most recently in October. In Flint alone, nearly 2,000 run-down properties have been torn down and their land repurposed. In a House Financial Services Committee hearing in March, Congressman Kildee spoke with U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Jack Lew about transferring unused resources in the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) to the HHF for blight removal. Following up on that conversation, Congressman Kildee met with Tre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-peters-stabenow-legislation-award-medal-honor-ypsilanti-vietnam | Dingell, Peters, Stabenow Legislation to Award Medal of Honor to Ypsilanti Vietnam Veteran Included in Government Funding Bill | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that legislation they introduced, which would allow Major Charles S. Kettles of Ypsilanti to be awarded the Medal of Honor, will move forward as part of the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill. The legislation was introduced in November following a request from the Ypsilanti Rotary Veterans History Project to review Major Kettles actions during the Vietnam War. Upon review, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter determined that Major Kettles actions merited the nations highest military honor, but because the statute of limitations has passed, Congressional action is required. The legislation waives the time limitation and allows the President to make the final decision. It is expected to be considered in the House and Senate on Friday. Major Kettles is a true American hero, who courageously risked his life to ensure no soldier was left behind, said Congresswoman Dingell. His bravery, determination and unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemembers exemplify the highest values of the United States military, and it has been my honor to work with Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow to ensure his contributions to our country are properly honored. Major Kettles went above and beyond the call of duty with his selfless and heroic actions that saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Im pleased to work with Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Stabenow to recognize Major Kettles exemplary service and help ensure he is awarded the Medal of Honor he deserves. Decades ago, Michigans own Major Kettles courageously went back into enemy territory to save the lives of 44 of his fellow servicemen, said Senator Stabenow. This legislation will help make sure Major Kettles is awarded the Medal of Honor without delay and will recognize the true selflessness and bravery of his actions in Vietnam. On May 15, 1967, after an … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-tax-extender-package | Dingell Statement on Tax Extender Package | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement today on the Protecting Against Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. For too long, Americans of all walks of life have faced uncertainty about whether they would be able to receive important tax benefits that had been scheduled to expire. These benefits, like the earned income tax credit for low-income earners, the child tax credit for families, the American Opportunity Tax Credit for college students, the research and development tax credit for businesses, and enhanced deductions for charitable givers all provide critical financial support and incentives to deserving Americans. When we considered budget resolutions for FY16, Democrats and Republicans all agreed that these critical provisions should be extended, and we agreed any extension should be fully paid for as part of a tax reform package. Every budget proposal from the conservative Republican Study Committee budget to the liberal Progressive Caucus budget assumed these provisions would be offset. Unfortunately, this bill does not pay for the cost of making the tax cuts permanent. It violates the fundamental principal that we must pay for the cost of permanent tax changes, and as a result, it would add $622 billion to our nations debt. As a Budget Committee member, I take seriously our commitment to being good stewards of our nations finances. While we should make permanent most of the expiring provisions, especially the ones mentioned above, we shouldnt do it at a price of $622 billion that is not paid for. Reducing revenue levels to historic lows risks future cuts to critical programs like Social Security and Medicare. While this bill may be providing critical tax incentives for important causes like encouraging scientific research the debt we will incur to finance these tax breaks will eventually force us to make spending cuts that will hurt non-defense discretionary spending, which includes funding for job training programs, scientific research, Head Start, and countless ot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-issues-statement-tax-extenders-vote | Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence Issues Statement on Tax Extenders Vote | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Thursday issued the following statement after voting against the tax extenders package. My decision to vote no on the tax extender package was one that required careful deliberation and some difficult choices. There are provisions within the package that I support, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Enhanced Child Tax Credit, delaying the implementation of the Cadillac Tax for two years, and providing benefits for teachers. My decision, however, came down to the knowledge that this package increases our deficit by $622 billion. This program makes permanent tax breaks for corporations. Without this tax revenue, there will fewer funds available for critical government programs and services that benefit our most vulnerable citizens including seniors, veterans, and children. Without this tax revenue, we cannot make the investments needed to create jobs, grow our economy, and strengthen our national security. Detroit and Michigan are poised to become the greatest comeback story of all time. Without federal investment in critical sectors such as education and infrastructure, that comeback is severely threatened. Additionally, I am strongly opposed to the inclusion of international tax provisions in this permanent package. This bill makes the Active Financing Exception permanent, increasing the deficit by $78 billion over 10 years, and extends the Controlled Foreign Corporation Look-Through Rule for five years, which increases the deficit by $8 billion over 10 years. These two provisions alone will drastically deprive Americans of its corporate tax base and will force small businesses and individuals to make up for that lost revenue. Finally, this tax extenders package completely undermines the chance of enacting responsible, comprehensive tax reform. This $622 billion package, that is unpaid for, will rob our communities and schools of social programs and require the American worker to bear the tax burden of international corporations and big business. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/led-by-senators-peters-stabenow-and-congressman-kildee-members-of-michigan-delegation-announce-new-opportunities-to-revitalize-cities-neighborhoods | Led by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.15 Led by Senators Peters, Stabenow and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods New Flexibility Makes Up to $2 Billion Available to Help Continue Blight Removal Efforts WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. SenatorGary Peters (D-MI),U.S. SenatorDebbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) today announced new opportunities tohelp cities across Michigan and the country revitalize neighborhoods and keep communities safe. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, gives the U.S. Department of Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion in additional funding to the Hardest Hit Fund. The Hardest Hit Fund provides resources to states for blight removal efforts and to help struggling homeowners. Michigan has received $498.6 million since the Fund was established in 2010. Senators Peters, Stabenow and Rep. Kildee led the bipartisan effort to include this new opportunity for funding in the end-of-year deal. The Hardest Hit Fund has been a vital resource for cities across Michigan working to remove blight, improve safety and increase property values in their neighborhoods,said Senator Peters.This new option to transfer funding and shore up the Hardest Hit Fund will allow Michigan communities to continue these efforts and attract new private investments to help their communities grow." We are seeing real progress in communities across our state from federal blight removal resources, said Senator Stabenow. This new flexibility is a huge win for Michigan cities and neighborhoods and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our communities and make sure our neighborhoods are safe places to raise a family. Getting rid of abandoned homes in cities like Flint, Sa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-dingell-legislation-to-award-medal-of-honor-to-ypsilanti-vietnam-veteran-included-in-government-funding-bill- | Peters, Stabenow, Dingell Legislation to Award Medal of Honor to Ypsilanti Vietnam Veteran Included in Government Funding Bill | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.15 Peters, Stabenow, Dingell Legislation to Award Medal of Honor to Ypsilanti Vietnam Veteran Included in Government Funding Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), and U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12)today announced that legislation they introduced, which would allow Major Charles S. Kettles of Ypsilanti to be awarded the Medal of Honor, will move forward as part of the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill. The legislation was introduced in November following a request from the Ypsilanti Rotary Veterans History Project to review Major Kettles' actions during the Vietnam War. Upon review, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter determined that Major Kettles' actions merited the nation's highest military honor, but because the statute of limitations has passed, Congressional action is required. The legislation waives the time limitation and allows the President to make the final decision. It is expected to be considered in the House and Senate on Friday. Major Kettles went above and beyond the call of duty with his selfless and heroic actions that saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I'm pleased to work with Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Stabenow to recognize Major Kettles' exemplary service and help ensure he is awarded the Medal of Honor he deserves. Decades ago, Michigan's own Major Kettles courageously went back into enemy territory to save the lives of 44 of his fellow servicemen, said Senator Stabenow. This legislation will help make sure Major Kettles is awarded the Medal of Honor without delay and will recognize the true selflessness and bravery of his actions in Vietnam. Major Kettles is a true American hero, who courageously risked his life to ensure no soldier was left behind,said Congresswoman Dingell. His bravery, determination and unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemembers exemplify the highest values of the United States military, and it h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-arrival-syrian-refugee-dr-refaai-hamo-and-his-family-to-michigan | Peters Statement on Arrival Syrian Refugee Dr. Refaai Hamo & His Family to Michigan | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.15 Peters Statement on Arrival Syrian Refugee Dr. Refaai Hamo & His Family to Michigan Washington, DC Below is a statement from U.S. Senator Gary Peters following the arrival of Syrian refugee Dr. Refaai Hamo and his family to Michigan. Dr. Hamo and his story were recently featured on Humans of New York. Like so many people across the world, I was heartbroken to learn of the profound loss and tragedy Dr. Refaai Hamo and his family have endured. But I was also deeply inspired by his determination his passion to make a difference in the world. The Hamo family's perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity embodies the spirit of our country and what it means to be American. I have always been proud of the welcoming spirit and rich diversity that makes Michigan so great. Our vibrant Arab-American and Muslim communities includes some of the most patriotic individuals I know, whose contributions to our state's culture and economy are invaluable. The Muslim community is part of the fabric that weaves us all together, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of a community that embraces that diversity and makes Metro Detroit so unique - and so American. I know that in this time of great uncertainty, many people are concerned for our nation's safety. I understand that concern, and I share it. While I am committed to taking steps to keep our country secure, I do not believe the answer is shutting our doors to refugees who are fleeing brutal violence and persecution and already undergo one of the most extensive screening processes of any people entering our country. I also stand with my friends in the Arab-American community against the divisive, hateful rhetoric we have heard over the last few weeks. Our country is stronger when we join together and work side-by-side as Americans to meet the challenges we face. The United States has always served as a beacon of hope for persecuted peoples around the world. In times of difficulty and adversity, we cannot turn away from our shared v… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/led-by-senators-stabenow-peters-and-congressman-kildee-members-of-michigan-delegation-announce-new-opportunities-to-revitalize-cities-neighborhoods | Led by Senators Stabenow, Peters and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Led by Senators Stabenow, Peters and Congressman Kildee, Members of Michigan Delegation Announce New Opportunities to Revitalize Cities, Neighborhoods New Flexibility Makes Up to $2 Billion Available to Help Continue Blight Removal Efforts Thursday, December 17, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), along with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) today announced new opportunities to help cities across Michigan and the country revitalize neighborhoods and keep communities safe. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, gives the U.S. Department of Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion in additional funding to the Hardest Hit Fund. The Hardest Hit Fund provides resources to states for blight removal efforts and to help struggling homeowners. Michigan has received $498.6 million since the Fund was established in 2010. Senators Stabenow, Peters and Rep. Kildee led the bipartisan effort to include this new opportunity for funding in the end-of-year deal. We are seeing real progress in communities across our state from federal blight removal resources,said Senator Stabenow.This new flexibility is a huge win for Michigan cities and neighborhoods and will keep the momentum going to revitalize our communities and make sure our neighborhoods are safe places to raise a family. The Hardest Hit Fund has been a vital resource for cities across Michigan working to remove blight, improve safety and increase property values in their neighborhoods,said Senator Peters.This new option to transfer funding and shore up the Hardest Hit Fund will allow Michigan communities to continue these efforts and attract new private investments to help their communities grow." Getting rid of abandoned homes in cit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/bill-text-nurse-and-health-care-worker-protection-act-2015 | Bill text for the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2015 | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | John Conyers | C000714 | conyers.house.gov | legacy | Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan Formerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr. The Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative John Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective December 5, 2017. See Press Release The Interim Vacant Office Status: By federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below. Legislative Information: Until a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. Assistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework): The staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but require assistance in matters relating to federal government age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/executive-summary-hr-4266-nurse-and-health-care-worker-protection-act | Executive Summary of H.R. 4266, the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | John Conyers | C000714 | conyers.house.gov | legacy | Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan Formerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr. The Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative John Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective December 5, 2017. See Press Release The Interim Vacant Office Status: By federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below. Legislative Information: Until a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. Assistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework): The staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but require assistance in matters relating to federal government age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-franken-reintroduce-bill-protect-nurses-and-health-care-workers | Conyers, Franken Reintroduce Bill to Protect Nurses and Health Care Workers from Workplace Injuries | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | John Conyers | C000714 | conyers.house.gov | legacy | Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan Formerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr. The Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative John Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective December 5, 2017. See Press Release The Interim Vacant Office Status: By federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below. Legislative Information: Until a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. Assistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework): The staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but require assistance in matters relating to federal government age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-urges-fda-finalize-electronic-cigarette-rule-after-roadblock | Dingell Urges FDA to Finalize Electronic Cigarette Rule after Roadblock Averted in Government Funding Bill | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today thanked negotiators for preventing a poison-pill policy rider from being included in the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill that would have exempted electronic cigarettes from regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In August, following numerous reports of injuries caused by defective electronic cigarettes, Dingell wrote a letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Dr. Stephen Ostroff urging him to finalize a proposed rule to regulate the products as soon as possible. Dingells constituent, Sgt. Jason Diekman of Wyandotte, was among those injured this summer when an exploding electronic cigarette badly burned his arms and abdomen. Consumers deserve to know that the products they buy are safe for use, said Dingell. Such assurances currently do not exist for electronic cigarettes, and I am pleased that by stopping this damaging proposal, negotiators have helped pave the way for improvements in consumer safety. Now that this roadblock has been averted, the FDA must move as quickly as possible to finalize the proposed rule and protect public health. The proposed rule issued by the FDA would deem electronic cigarettes to be subject to FDA authority, meaning they would be regulated in the same manner as which the agency currently regulates cigarettes. Manufacturers of electronic cigarettes would be required to register with the agency, report product and ingredient listings, and include health warnings and minimum age restrictions. The policy rider being pushed in the House of Representatives would have exempted electronic cigarettes that are already on the market from being retroactively reviewed for safety once the rule is approved. In her August letter, Dingell urged the FDA to maintain a provision in the final rule that would require pre-market approval of any electronic cigarette that was on the market after February 15, 2007. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-joins-fight-remove-weapons-war-our | Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence Joins Fight to Remove Weapons of War from Our Communities | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today joined U.S. David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and other gun violence prevention advocates to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 and prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of new military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. Mass shootings have increased four times since the 1970s, with more than half of all mass shooters using assault weapons. That is why we must work to end this epidemic driven primarily by individuals armed with weapons designed for combat zones and that have become the weapon of choice for domestic terrorists, said Rep. Lawrence. Im proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015. This bill will save lives and reduce the toll of gun violence in our country. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 will prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of: Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a military-style feature that can accept a detachable magazine; Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds; Semi-automatic shotguns with a military-style feature; Any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds; And 157 specifically-named and listed firearms. The bill also sets new standards to prevent default proceeds the standard that allows firearms dealers to complete a sale if a buyers background check is not completed within three days. Under the proposed law, the background check period will be extended to 14 days for the sale or transfer of an existing assault weapon. If it is determined that a gun was sold to a prohibited individual, the FBI will be required to notify federal, state, and local law enforcement so the weapon can be retrieved as quickly as possible and the buyer can be held accountable for violating federal law. More than half of all mass shooters who killed four or more people used an assault weapon. Thats because the sole purpose of an assault weapon is to inflict as much damage as possible in as short an amount of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-applaud-facility-for-rare-isotope-beam-funding-in-government-spending-bill | Peters, Stabenow Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.15 Peters, Stabenow Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill Funding Will Support Construction of Advanced Research Facility at Michigan State University WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow applauded the year-end government spending bill released today includes $100 million in federal funding to continue constructing the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. The appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act funds the government through September 30, 2016, and Peters and Stabenow worked with their Senate colleagues to ensure this funding would be included in the final legislation. The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams will generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the Lansing area, create thousands of jobs and play a central role in training the next generation of nuclear physics researchers, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure funding for FRIB to ensure this world-class facility will be able to deliver new scientific breakthroughs and discoveries that will drive innovation in Michigan. "MSU continues to make terrific progress in building this state-of-the-art facility, which is critical for Michigan and our entire country, said Senator Stabenow. This new funding will bring MSU one step closer to creating thousands of jobs in our state. In November, Peters and Stabenow sent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development requesting $100 million in funding to ensure construction of FRIB, which is running on schedule and on budget, continues through fiscal year 2016. Since 2009, FRIB has been allocated $218 million in federal funding to complete the project. "MSU officials are pleased with the appropriation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-stabenow-announce-over-1-billion-to-protect-great-lakes- | Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.15 Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes Investments Will Help Combat Asian Carp, Improve Water Quality in Great Lakes WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced new funding and support that will bolster ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Initiative is a multi-year plan to restore and preserve the Great Lakes by eliminating toxins, combating invasive species, restoring habitats, and promoting the general health of the Lakes. Because of Sens. Peters and Stabenow's efforts, this bill not only funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, it also formally establishes the program into law. The end-of-year spending bill also directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite ongoing work and establish emergency procedures to prevent Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. Finally, this legislation includes over $1 billion in funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Both Senators Stabenow and Peters worked to include these investments and authorities in the bill. The Great Lakes are a vital economic engine for Michigan, driving our state's tourism, agricultural and commercial shipping industries, and supporting more than half a million jobs,said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force.These resources will help continue to protect the Great Lakes from serious threats ranging from industrial pollution to invasive species, and ensure the Great Lakes are healthy for the communities that rely on them for years to come. Just like generations before us, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the Great Lakes, said Senator Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. From Asian carp to water contamination, these kind of robust, b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senators-stabenow-peters-announce-over-1-billion-to-protect-great-lakes- | Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $1 Billion to Protect Great Lakes Investments Will Help Combat Asian Carp, Improve Water Quality in Great Lakes Wednesday, December 16, 2015 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced new funding and support that will bolster ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes. The end-of-year spending bill, which will fund the federal government through September 2016, includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Initiative is a multi-year plan to restore and preserve the Great Lakes by eliminating toxins, combating invasive species, restoring habitats, and promoting the general health of the Lakes. Because of Sens. Stabenow and Peters' efforts, this bill not only funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, it also formally establishes the program into law. The end-of-year spending bill also directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite ongoing work and establish emergency procedures to prevent Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. Finally, this legislation includes over $1 billion in funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Both Senators Stabenow and Peters worked to include these investments and authorities in the bill. Just like generations before us, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the Great Lakes, said Senator Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. From Asian carp to water contamination, these kind of robust, bipartisan commitments from Congress will help communities in Michigan combat the numerous threats that face our Great Lakes. Michigan's economy relies on the Great Lakes' multi-billion dollar fishing, boating, and tourism industries, and this critical support will help protect those jobs and our Michigan way of life. The Great Lakes are a vital economic engine for Michigan, driving our state's tourism, agricultural and commercial shipping industries, and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-applaud-extension-of-perkins-student-loan-program | Stabenow, Peters Applaud Extension of Perkins Student Loan Program | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Stabenow, Peters Applaud Extension of Perkins Student Loan Program Program Helps Students with Financial Need Pay for College Wednesday, December 16, 2015 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peterstoday applauded Senate passage of the Federal Perkins Loan Extension Act of 2015, a bipartisan, two-year extension of the Perkins Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to help students with exceptional financial need pay for their education. Peters and Stabenow previously sent a letter in October urging Senate leadership to pass an extension of the Perkins Loan Program after it expired on October 1st. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a one-year extension in September. Every child in America, no matter what their financial situation, should know that if they work hard the opportunity to attend college will be available after high school, said Senator Stabenow. The passage of today's bill means that thousands of students in Michigan will continue to have the resources and support they need to have a fair shot to get ahead in life. Thousands of students in Michigan rely on Perkins Loans to help finance their education, and this extension will ensure they can stay on track to pursue their degrees, said Senator Peters. Higher education can be a pathway to the middle class and strong future for students in Michigan and across the country, and I'm proud to support this essential program that helps our colleges and universities give the neediest students the assistance they need to get ahead. The Federal Perkins Loan Extension Act of 2015 will extend the Perkins Loan Program for two years through September 30, 2017, allowing current and new undergraduate borrowers to use Perkins Loans to pay for the 2017-2018 academic year. The lapse in the program put current students, including up to 150,000 current freshman, at risk of losing access to much-needed financial aid for the current and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-applaud-facility-for-rare-isotope-beam-funding-in-government-spending-bill | Stabenow, Peters Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Stabenow, Peters Applaud Facility for Rare Isotope Beam Funding in Government Spending Bill Funding Will Support Construction of Advanced Research Facility at Michigan State University Wednesday, December 16, 2015 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow andGary Peters applauded the year-end government spending bill released today includes $100 million in federal funding to continue constructing the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. The appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act funds the government through September 30, 2016, and Stabenow and Petersworked with their Senate colleagues to ensure this funding would be included in the final legislation. "MSU continues to make terrific progress in building this state-of-the-art facility, which is critical for Michigan and our entire country,said Senator Stabenow.This new funding will bring MSU one step closer to creating thousands of jobs in our state. The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams will generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the Lansing area, create thousands of jobs and play a central role in training the next generation of nuclear physics researchers, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure funding for FRIB to ensure this world-class facility will be able to deliver new scientific breakthroughs and discoveries that will drive innovation in Michigan. In November, Stabenow and Peterssent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development requesting $100 million in funding to ensure construction of FRIB, which is running on schedule and on budget, continues through fiscal year 2016. Since 2009, FRIB has been allocated $218 million in federal funding to complete the project. "MSU officials are pleased with… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/memorial-services-announced-jack-kildee | Memorial Services Announced for Jack Kildee | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | D. Jack Kildee of Flushing, father of Congressman Dan Kildee, died on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at his home surrounded by family. He was 85. His obituary can be read here. Information on visitation, memorial services and military graveside services are below: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5 9 p.m. ET at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI. Thursday, December 17, 2015 Visitation will be held on Thursday from 1 9 p.m. ET at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI. A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI. Friday, December 18, 2015 A military graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/33-members-congress-urge-congressional-leadership-consider-improvements | 33 Members of Congress Urge Congressional Leadership to Consider Improvements To Visa Waiver Bill Provisions | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | John Conyers | C000714 | conyers.house.gov | legacy | Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan Formerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr. The Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative John Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective December 5, 2017. See Press Release The Interim Vacant Office Status: By federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below. Legislative Information: Until a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. Assistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework): The staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but require assistance in matters relating to federal government age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-customs-bill-christmas-tree-holiday-season | Dingell: Customs Bill is Christmas Tree of the Holiday Season | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today voted against H.R. 644, a customs enforcement bill, which includes a number of political provisions that restrict negotiations on emissions standards and immigration and weaken existing law to deter human trafficking. Dingell spoke in opposition to the bill prior to the vote. Video is available here. The full text of Dingells floor speech can be read below. Mr. Speaker, when the Ways and Means Committee first began considering this bill, it represented a real opportunity to improve our system of trade and eliminate loopholes that allow foreign nations and bad actors to avoid our trade laws. Currency manipulation is the number one trade abuse that must be addressed. Unfortunately, this bill has become the Christmas tree of the holiday season, and it is being used to put lipstick on a pig that is our current trade negotiations. It ties our negotiators hands on even negotiating common emissions standards by restricting any consideration of climate issues, and prevents them from negotiating immigration related language as well. Further, it weakens existing trade laws designed to prevent human trafficking. And the ribbon on this Christmas surprise is a totally new provision on internet taxation that isnt even in the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee and could have unintended consequences that could bankrupt local governments. There are good provisions at the core of this bill to help improve our customs system, but they are outweighed by the political gamesmanship that has made this legislation impossible to support. We have seen too many other examples of last minute political provisions inserted in bills over the years, and we risk unintended consequences of these political provisions as well. Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-new-reports-dingell-walberg-question-patient-safety-ann-arbor | Following New Reports, Dingell & Walberg Question Patient Safety at Ann Arbor VA | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Following reports that surgeries have resumed at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Tim Walberg (MI-07) are seeking assurances that the surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions. In November, Dingell wrote to Director Robert P. McDivitt following reports that surgeries for veterans had been canceled or moved to another facility because particulate matter was observed on sterile surgical equipment. This week, Dingells office was notified by concerned constituents that surgeries have resumed despite the continued presence of particulate matter on the equipment. Patient safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Dingell and Walberg wrote in a letter today to Director McDivitt. We want to work with you to ensure that you have the resources you need to fix this problem as soon as possible, and we want to be partners with you in this effort. We also want to seek your assurances that the safety of patients continues to be your top priority and that surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions. The full text of the letter is available here and below. December 11, 2015 Mr. Robert P. McDivitt Director VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Dear Director McDivitt: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We write as strong supporters of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mission to care for those who have made numerous sacrifices for our nation. Subsequent to our conversation today, and following Congresswoman Dingells letter on November 23, 2015, we understand you have been working to identify the source of particulate matter that is being observed on surgical equipment and have taken steps to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, we have received calls telling us that surgeries have resumed despite the continued presence of particulate matter on surgical equipment. Patient safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. We want to wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/key-hillarys-success | The Key to Hillary's Success | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | The purpose of the ceremony at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, last week was to mark the legendary defiance of Rosa Parks on a city bus. But the accolades from the pulpit showered down on Hillary Clinton. Ben Crump, president of the National Bar Association, described Clinton as the "very definition of a trailblazer" whom he looked forward to watching his daughter see take her "rightful place in the White House." Parks' attorney, Fred Gray, induced a standing ovation when he thanked "the next president of the United States for being here." And Bernice King the youngest child of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a benediction asking for grace in this "century of the woman." The outpouring of reverence for Clinton, woven seamlessly throughout the commemoration of a civil rights icon, revealed the deep affection among the gathering of prominent African-Americans for the former secretary of state. Now, the Clinton campaign is attempting to harness that goodwill to achieve an onerous feat: maintaining the record-setting turnout among black voters inspired by President Barack Obama. Even as she navigates a primary in which she faces little competition for the African-American vote, Clinton has been nurturing the constituency with policy rollouts, private meetings and surrogate assignments. She's targeting black radio stations in South Carolina where more than half of the primary voters are African-American noting her proud service in the Obama cabinet. She's met with African-American mothers who have been thrust into the national spotlight for having lost children to gun violence. She's sat for interviews with influential African-American media figures like Al Sharpton, Roland Martin and April Ryan. And she's tapped familiar faces, like former host of "The View" Star Jones, to campaign on her behalf inside of black churches. On Friday, her campaign's African-American director will host a conference call with black sororities to continue the process of enlisting new vo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-kildee-dingell-lawrence-release-joint-statement-visa-waiver | Conyers, Kildee, Dingell, Lawrence Release Joint Statement on Visa Waiver Program Legislation | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representatives John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following joint statement on H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which would, among other things, prevent dual nationals of Iraq and Syria, or individuals who have traveled to these countries, from participating in the Visa Waiver Program. The first responsibility of government is to keep the American people safe. The American people are rightfully concerned about the threat of terrorism following the attacks in Beirut, Paris and San Bernardino. Recently, Congress and the Administration have been examining changes to the Visa Waiver Program to ensure that there are not any vulnerabilities that could put the American people at risk. There are many provisions of H.R. 158 that we support. Specifically, requiring all travelers under the Visa Waiver Program to have an unexpired, fraud-resistant electronic passport is an important security measure to take. We also support requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to study further ways to incorporate anti-fraud and deception technology into the Visa Waiver Program. Both of these steps will help improve our security here at home. However, we voted against the H.R. 158 today because we are concerned that the provisions in the legislation restricting the use of the visa waiver program to individuals who have travelled to Syria or Iraq or are dual nationals of these or other covered nations are discriminatory. These more controversial provisions have never been the subject of any committee hearing or markup and deserved more review and vetting before being considered on the House Floor. We are also concerned that these provisions contain no exceptions for journalists, researchers, human rights investigators or other professionals. There is also an issue as to whether the new requirement will result in our partner nations placing new limits on travel by U.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-cassidy-introduce-legislation-to-reform-it-management-systems-save-taxpayer-dollars | Peters, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Reform IT Management Systems, Save Taxpayer Dollars | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.15 Peters, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Reform IT Management Systems, Save Taxpayer Dollars WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) andBill Cassidy, M.D. (LA)introduced the Making Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies (MEGABYTE) Act of 2015 to reform the federal government's management of information technology (IT) software licenses.The non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that implementing oversight and management policies of federal software licenses saved a single agency$181 million tax dollars per year. If implemented, the MEGABYTE Act could yield billions in savings across the federal government Congress has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively,said Senator Peters.The federal government could potentially save billions of dollars every year by requiring better management of federal software license purchases. I'm proud to help introduce this commonsense measure that will cut wasteful spending and save taxpayers money. Billions of taxpayer dollars could be saved if federal agencies keep track of what software they buy. It's irresponsible they don't do so already, said Dr. Cassidy. Tax dollars could be better used on our troops and our classrooms, not redundant software licenses. The MEGABYTE Act saves tax dollars and cuts government waste through the following actions: The OMB Director shall issue a directive requiring executive agencies to identify clear roles, responsibilities, and central oversight authority within the agency for managing enterprise software license agreements and commercial software licenses. Agencies will also establish a comprehensive inventory, including 80 percent of software license spending and enterprise licenses in the agency. Regularly track and maintain software licenses to assist the executive agency in implementing decisions throughout the software license management life cycle. Analyze software usage and other data … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-education-measures-to-be-signed-into-law | Peters Education Measures to Be Signed into Law | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.15 Peters Education Measures to Be Signed into Law Provisions Supporting Dual and Concurrent Enrollment, Student Financial Literacy, Data on Dual Status Youth Included in Education Reform Bill WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded Senate passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), bipartisan legislation to reform the No Child Left Behind law and reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will be signed into law by the President, includes a bipartisan amendment Peters introduced with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) supporting dual and concurrent enrollment in schools. Two additional measures Peters championed are also included in the bill one to support funding for financial literacy programming and one to strengthen efforts to better identify dual status youth. Dual status youth are young people who come into contact with both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. I'm pleased that Congress has come together on a bipartisan basis to pass long overdue education reform that will help strengthen our primary education system and give kids a greater opportunity to get ahead, said Senator Peters. My provisions in this bill will support funding for dual enrollment programs that can help make college more affordable, arm students with the tools they need to make responsible financial choices in the future and protect our most vulnerable children from falling into the school-to-prison pipeline. The Gardner-Peters amendment will allow Title I funds to be used to support concurrent and dual enrollment programs at eligible schools, enabling high school students to simultaneously receive college-credit from courses taught by college approved teachers in secondary education. It also allows school districts to use fifth-year program partnerships to allow students to participate in concurrent enrollme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-pipeline-safety-provisions-move-forward-in-the-senate | Peters Pipeline Safety Provisions Move Forward in the Senate | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.15 Peters Pipeline Safety Provisions Move Forward in the Senate Provisions Advance as Part of Bipartisan Legislation Introduced by Peters & Commerce Committee Colleagues WASHINGTON, DC The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today approved bipartisan legislation U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced with his Commerce Committee colleagues to reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2019, and improve pipeline safety and oversight. The legislation, known as the Securing America's Future Energy: Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (SAFE PIPES) Act, included several pipeline safety provisions from the Pipeline Improvement and Preventing Spills (PIPS) Act that Peters introduced in September, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow. It's taken five years and nearly $1 billion to clean up the last oil spill from a pipeline break in Michigan, and a similar spill in the Great Lakes would be devastating to our economy, environment and drinking water supply, said Senator Peters. I'm proud to work with my Commerce Committee colleagues as we move forward with bipartisan legislation that will strengthen the safety of our nation's pipelines and protect our communities and natural resources from the threat of a pipeline break. "People in Michigan know all too well how devastating oil spills can be to our waterways, said Senator Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. Given the devastating consequences, we need to take a strong stand to prevent a spill from happening in our Great Lakes. This legislation will give the State of Michigan additional information to provide critical oversight and protections, and I applaud Senator Peters for moving this bipartisan bill forward in Committee. The SAFE PIPES Act includes several provisions and elements from Peters' original pipeline legislation that will help ensure the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/cyber-squadron-awarded-to-michigan-air-national-guard-in-battle-creek | Cyber Squadron Awarded to Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Cyber Squadron Awarded to Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek Following Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Signed by Entire Michigan Delegation, 110th Attack Wing Earns One of Four New Units Wednesday, December 09, 2015 Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI)and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) celebrated the announcement that the Michigan Air National Guard's 110thAttack Wing, stationed in Battle Creek, will be host of a new Cyber Operation Squadron distinction. Given the dependence of our country's military, infrastructure, and economy on computers and the Internet, this new cyber squadron puts Michigan at the forefront in protecting our nation,said Stabenow.Earlier this year, Congressman Upton and I led our colleagues on a tour of Michigan's military installations including Battle Creek Air National Guard Base to see firsthand the important role Michigan plays in our nation's defense. Today's announcement is a credit to the men and women in Battle Creek's 110thAttack Wing and underscores our state's leadership and expertise in cyber security. We're so proud of the effort put forth by our men and women in the Michigan Air National Guard to get the prestigious assignment,said Upton. Cyber security threats are one of the greatest national security threats we face today and our future depends on reliable cyberspace for everything from infrastructure, commerce, communications, and government. The 110thAttack Wing has demonstrated incredible skill and the team at Battle Creek, and the Michigan Air National Guard, is to be commended for the work they have done in proving their capability in the defense of our nation's cyber security. We must remain vigilant against the evolving national security threat posed by cyber attacks on our military assets, civilian infrastructure and financial sector,said Peters. I was proud to join with the Michigan Congressional Delegation to adv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-kildee-dingell-lawrence-release-joint-statement-visa-waiver | Conyers, Kildee, Dingell, Lawrence Release Joint Statement on Visa Waiver Program Legislation | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | John Conyers | C000714 | conyers.house.gov | legacy | Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan Formerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr. The Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative John Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective December 5, 2017. See Press Release The Interim Vacant Office Status: By federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below. Legislative Information: Until a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. Assistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework): The staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but require assistance in matters relating to federal government age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-donald-trump-s-proposal-ban-muslims-entering-us | Congressman Dan Kildee on Donald Trumps Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering the U.S. | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after Donald Trump proposed banning all Muslims from entering the United States: Donald Trump's call to block all Muslims from entering the United States flies in the face of the values that make our country great. His comments are offensive and un-American. When I think about Muslims, I think about Amir Hekmati, a Muslim-American who served the United States honorably in the Marines. Amir risked his life for our country and now is imprisoned in Iran because of his service. To think that Amir Hekmati a true patriot and Muslim would be demonized in such a way by a leading presidential candidate is disgraceful. There's no room in our country for such hateful rhetoric. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-terrorist-suspects-no-fly-list-should-not-be-able-buy | Congressman Dan Kildee: Terrorist Suspects on No-Fly List Should Not Be Able to Buy Deadly Weapons | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Kildee Pushes For Vote on Republican Bill to Better Protect American People from Threat of Terror Suspects Buying Guns in U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today pushed the U.S. House of Representatives to take up a bill that would make it more difficult for suspected terrorists to buy weapons in the U.S. Using rarely-invoked legislative rules, including a discharge petition and motions to adjourn, Congressman Kildee is seeking a vote on a bill, supported by Democrats and Republicans, that stops suspected terrorists from buying dangerous weapons. Right now in the U.S., anyone on the FBI's Terrorist Watch list is not allowed to fly on an airplane but still can buy weapons and explosives. For me, this is common sense if you are deemed too dangerous of a threat to fly, you are too dangerous to own a deadly weapon, Congressman Kildee said. With all of the terrorist threats we face, Congress must act to close this loophole that allows terror suspects to go to a gun store and walk away with whatever weapons they want. Congress can act immediately on a bill introduced by my Republican colleague, Peter King, which would close this dangerous loophole and help better protect the American people. H.R. 1076, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015, is a bipartisan bill introduced by Republican Rep. Peter King (NY-02) that would prevent anyone currently on the FBI's terrorist watch list from legally purchasing a weapon. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, in the last 11 years, over 2,000 suspects on the FBI's Watch List have tried to legally buy guns in the U.S. 91 percent of those terror suspects have succeeded in walking away with a deadly weapon. Congressman Kildee spoke about this bill on the House floor today and yesterday. He also offered a motion to adjourn on the House floor, in an attempt to push for a vote on this important bill. Additionally, Congressman Kildee also signed a discharge petition to try and force an up-or-down vote on Congressman King's bill. 218 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/delauro-doggett-kildee-and-slaughter-statement-eu-parliament-gaining-access | DeLauro, Doggett, Kildee, and Slaughter Statement on EU Parliament Gaining Access to TTIP Documents | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Dan Kildee (MI-5), and Louise Slaughter (NY-25), released the following statement regarding news that the European Commission offered European Parliament members access to all confidential documents related to trade talks with the United States: The decision by the European Commission to release confidential documents related to trade talks should be commended for its transparency. In contrast, USTR discloses nothing. It continues to thrive on secrecy, hiding the details of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. And the same can be said for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Rather than make the trade documents readily available to Members of Congress for review, the Administration entered into secret negotiations with foreign countries, including many with long histories of human rights abuses, child labor violations, sex-trafficking, environmental destruction, currency manipulation, and lax food safety standards. When the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership was finally made available to Members of Congress for review, it was far too late to have any meaningful effect on the outcome of a deal that will cost Americans jobs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-conyers-kildee-lawrence-release-joint-statement-visa-waiver | Dingell, Conyers, Kildee, Lawrence Release Joint Statement on Visa Waiver Program Legislation | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12),John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Dan Kildee (MI-05), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following joint statement on H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which would, among other things, prevent dual nationals of Iraq and Syria, or individuals who have traveled to these countries, from participating in the Visa Waiver Program. The first responsibility of government is to keep the American people safe. The American people are rightfully concerned about the threat of terrorism following the attacks in Beirut, Paris and San Bernardino. Recently, Congress and the Administration have been examining changes to the Visa Waiver Program to ensure that there are not any vulnerabilities that could put the American people at risk. There are many provisions of H.R. 158 that we support. Specifically, requiring all travelers under the Visa Waiver Program to have an unexpired, fraud-resistant electronic passport is an important security measure to take. We also support requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to study further ways to incorporate anti-fraud and deception technology into the Visa Waiver Program. Both of these steps will help improve our security here at home. However, we voted against the H.R. 158 today because we are concerned that the provisions in the legislation restricting the use of the visa waiver program to individuals who have travelled to Syria or Iraq or are dual nationals of these or other covered nations are discriminatory. These more controversial provisions have never been the subject of any committee hearing or markup and deserved more review and vetting before being considered on the House Floor. We are also concerned that these provisions contain no exceptions for journalists, researchers, human rights investigators or other professionals. There is also an issue as to whether the new requirement will result in our partner nations placing new limits on travel by U.S. citizens to their… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-senate-dems-urge-congress-to-work-in-bipartisan-fashion-to-address-devastating-impacts-of-climate-change-ahead-of-senator-cruz-led-congressional-hearing-to-continue-denying-climate-change | Peters, Senate Dems Urge Congress to Work in Bipartisan Fashion to Address Devastating Impacts of Climate Change Ahead of Senator Cruz-Led Congressional Hearing to Continue Denying Climate Change | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.08.15 Peters, Senate Dems Urge Congress to Work in Bipartisan Fashion to Address Devastating Impacts of Climate Change Ahead of Senator Cruz-Led Congressional Hearing to Continue Denying Climate Change WASHINGTON, DC Today, in advance of a controversial hearing designed to question the existence of climate change, U.S. Senators Gary Peters, Tom Udall, Brian Schatz and Ed Markey called on Republicans to work with Senate Democrats to take action to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change. While leaders from over 190 countries are gathered in Paris to negotiate an international plan to address climate change, Senator Ted Cruz is holding a Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee hearing that features controversial witnesses aiming to cast doubt on peer-reviewed data demonstrating the effects of climate change that is overwhelmingly supported by the scientific community. Additionally, 154 companies with operations in all 50 states have signaled their support for acting on climate change. The consequences of climate change are already wreaking havoc on our planet, threatening our food supply, our national security, our economy, and our health and safety. Rather than debating the existence of climate change, which 97% of scientists agree is happening, Congress should be discussing what actions we are going to take to address it, said Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Science, Space and Competitiveness Subcommittee. Investments in clean energy, enhanced vehicle efficiency and scientific research, particularly for NASA's earth sciences, can both help combat global warming and create jobs in America, and we need to come together in a bipartisan way to tackle these challenges. We need long term solutions on how to address climate change, not a continuation of denials that a problem even exists, said Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Bill Nelson. New Mexico is at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change impacts. We've seen rising temperatures, drought, floo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-passing-macomb-county-treasurer-ted-wahby | Levin Statement on the Passing of Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Sander Levin | L000263 | levin.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-09) today released the following statement on the passing of Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby: Ted Wahby was an incomparable people's person. Whatever public office he held, for him the test always was how his actions would improve the lives of others. So in our many discussions, he was most proud how as County Treasurer he helped keep thousands with financial stress from losing their homes to foreclosure. And he was especially pleased when we could join him at functions at Mt. Clemens General Hospital, now McLaren Macomb, to see how it serves so splendidly the health needs of tens of thousands. He leaves a legacy of superb public service in its best sense. He will be deeply personally missed by so many of us privileged to be his warm friend. #### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-president-s-address-terrorism | Dingell Statement on Presidents Address on Terrorism | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on the Presidents address on the tragedy in San Bernardino and the broader threat of terrorism. The most fundamental duty of government is to keep the American people safe. Following the recent attacks in San Bernardino, Paris, Beirut and elsewhere, people in this country are understandably frightened, and tonight the President emphasized the urgent need to work together within our communities and alongside our allies around the world to defeat and destroy terror groups and all they stand for. "It was critical that the President emphasized our values as Americans. He urged us to focus on what unites us, not what divides us to not stigmatize our Muslim friends and neighbors, but to come together around our common ideals as Americans to combat this growing threat. If we allow fear to cause hate and division, we allow terrorism to win. As the President said, we must not forget what makes us exceptional. Freedom is more powerful than fear and we all must work together diligently to prevent another attack from happening in the United States and stand united against hate and terror, which threatens us all. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-passing-of-ted-wahby | Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Ted Wahby | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Ted Wahby Sunday, December 06, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement on the passing of Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby: I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Ted Wahby. For decades, he served Macomb families with distinction and was a friend to so many who had the privilege to know him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his loving wife, Yvonne, and his entire family. He will be greatly missed. Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://dankildee.house.gov/kildee-syrian-refugees-victims-of-terror-federal-vetting-process-exhaustive/ | Kildee: Syrian refugees victims of terror, federal vetting process exhaustive | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Kildee: Syrian refugees ‘victims of terror,’ federal vetting process ‘exhaustive’ December 4, 2015 Kildee: Syrian refugees ‘victims of terror,’ federal vetting process ‘exhaustive’ Syrian refugees are “victims of terror” who have been conflated with perpetrators, according to U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, who criticized “cynical political gestures” to deny or limit resettlement opportunities in the United States. “If we really want to fight terror, we also have to be willing to say we’ll help those people who are seeking refuge,” Kildee, D-Flint, said Friday during a taping of “Off The Record” on WKAR-TV. “I think it’s a really dangerous place for us to go as a country when we start thinking about victims of violence who are seeking shelter from the United States, who don’t happen to look like a lot of Americans perhaps — maybe that’s the issue — somehow all of a sudden being the problem.” Kildee, taking questions from a media panel, criticized rhetoric from Republican presidential candidates like Donald Trump and said he disagreed with Gov. Rick Snyder’s decision to pause refugee resettlement efforts in Michigan while calling for a review thorough review of the security vetting process. “Nobody has been able to show me that the process is not exhaustive,” Kildee said. “It takes 18 to 24 months to get a person throughout the process, whereas just a passport held by a person of Syrian descent who might be a French citizen or a Belgian citizen could get them to New York in six hours.” The Obama administration, responding to the Paris attacks, this week announced a new screening process for passengers entering the U.S. under a visa waiver, flagging those who have previously traveled to a country known to harbor terrorists. That type of action is more appropriate than Congressional attempts to impose restrictions on Syrian refugees, according to Kildee. “The vetting process does work,” he said. “What isn’t working is we have a visa waiver program, the president is now addressing this, a visa waiver program that wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/was-attack-planned-parenthood-terrorism | Was Attack on Planned Parenthood "Terrorism?" | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | Last week, Planned Parenthood was the target of a tragic mass shooting when 57-year-old Robert Lewis Dear killed three people and injured nine others. Dear walked into the Colorado Springs clinic on the day after Thanksgiving and opened fire on Planned Parenthood staff and patients who were there to receive care. Before being apprehended, Dear engaged in a standoff with police that involved a lengthy shootout. When in police custody, Dear reportedly hinted his motive for the shooting by saying, no more baby parts. Dear, of course, is alluding to several controversial videos that were released by the Center for Medical Progress earlier this year in which a number of officials depicted as representing Planned Parenthood were secretly videotaped negotiating the sale of fetal organs and tissue. Many critics of the video believe the footage was heavily edited and is, therefore, misleading to the public. No matter where individuals fall on the issue of the validity of those videos, the anti-Planned Parenthood narrative has been played up well in the 2016 presidential race. During the second GOP Debate on CNN, Republican presidential candidate and former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina famously stated, I dare Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama to watch these tapes," she said on the stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library September 16th. "Watch a fully formed fetus on the table, its heart beating, its legs kicking, while someone says, 'We have to keep it alive to harvest its brain. That became one of the more memorable moments from the debate by Fiorina and has resonated with the Pro-Life movement as well as Congressional Republicans who have been seeking to defund Planned Parenthood over its use of taxpayer dollars to perform abortions. The House Oversight and Government Reform committee held a hearing in late September to investigate Planned Parenthoods practices by having Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, testify before the committee. Richards testimony was seen as necessary by Republi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-army-investigation-into-wrongful-discharge-of-servicemembers-with-mental-health-disorders | Peters Applauds Army Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.15 Peters Applauds Army Investigation into Wrongful Discharge of Servicemembers with Mental Health Disorders Peters Joined Colleagues in Calling for Investigation after Allegations that More Than 22,000 Soldiers Diagnosed with Mental Health Disorders were Dismissed for Misconduct WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today applauded the U.S. Army's announcement that they will conduct a thorough, multidisciplinary investigation into allegations that the Army has, since 2009, wrongfully dismissed more than 22,000 soldiers for misconduct after they returned from deployment and were diagnosed with mental health disorders. The Army's announcement comes after Peters joined 11 of his Senate colleagues in requesting the investigation. In a letter to Peters, Acting Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning noted that the Assistant Secretary of the Army, The Inspector General of the Army, The Auditor General of the Army, and other senior Army leaders would conduct the investigation and report their findings. For generations our servicemembers have answered the call of duty and defended our country, and I am very concerned that the Army may have erroneously discharged thousands of soldiers suffering from the invisible wounds of war, said Senator Peters. I am pleased that there will be a full-scale investigation into potentially incorrect dismissals, and I look forward to reviewing the U.S. Army's findings upon completion of its investigation. In November, Peters and his colleagues wrote a letter to Acting Secretary Fanning and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Mark A. Milley, expressing serious concern that the dismissed soldiers will not receive retirement and post-service employment eligibility benefits. The Senators additionally expressed concern that it may have been easier to dismiss servicemembers for minor misconduct possibly linked to the traum… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-passage-of-highway-bill-including-vehicle-to-infrastructure-technology-provision | Peters Applauds Passage of Highway Bill Including Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Technology Provision | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.15 Peters Applauds Passage of Highway Bill Including Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Technology Provision Peters' Provision Allows States to Use Existing Funds to Invest in Safety Technology WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) applauded the passage of a five-year highway bill in the Senate last night that includes language from his bipartisan Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Safety Technology Investment Flexibility Act of 2015. The provision allows states to use existing surface and highway transportation funds to invest in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technology that has the potential to help reduce traffic congestion and accidents. As we upgrade our nation's infrastructure, we should ensure that the United States remains a leader in the development and implementation of new technologies like vehicle-to-infrastructure communications that can prevent accidents and save lives, said Senator Peters. I am pleased that my provision allowing states to invest in these critical safety technologies was included in the highway bill, which will give states more certainty to plan long-term infrastructure and transportation projects that create jobs and support economic growth. The highway legislation, also called the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, authorizes $305 billion in federal funding for highway programs for five years, including the National Highway Performance Program (NHPP), the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) and the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Peters' provision authorizes states to use funds from NHPP, STBGP and HSIP to incorporate V2I technology in infrastructure upgrades. V2I technologies include wireless exchanges of safety and operational information between connected vehicles and infrastructure to help prevent collisions, relieve traffic congestion and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Examples of V2I applications include m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-pushes-action-flint-water-crisis-infrastructure | Congressman Dan Kildee Pushes Action on Flint Water Crisis, Infrastructure Investments at White House Meeting of Presidents Export Council | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke at the White House about the Flint water crisis and the need for critical investments in our nation's older, industrial cities like Flint, Saginaw and Bay City, especially when it comes to improvements to our infrastructure and aging water systems. Congressman Kildee's remarks came at a meeting of the President's Export Council, where he is one of only five members of the U.S. House of Representatives appointed to advisory board. The President's Export Council is the principal advisory council to the president on trade and manufacturing,made up of both government and private sector leaders. Since his appointment in January by former Speaker of the House John Boehner, Congressman Kildee has used his position on the council to push for policies that support American workers and American cities. It has also allowed him to advocate for economic policies that create jobs and boost U.S. manufacturing exports. A lot of cities are left behind, and it's largely because we have not given them the tools that they need to succeed, Congressman Kildee said today in his remarks. It's really important that we invest in these older communities. They can do wonders for our country, they can create greater equity, and they can actually grow our economy, but we've got to unleash their capacity, and it's going to take significant investment to do that. A video of Congressman Kildee's remarks can be viewed here, starting at 1:01:25. To learn more about the President's Export Council, visithttps://trade.gov/pec. A full transcript of Congressman Kildee's remarks, as delivered at today's meeting, is below: Thank you very much, and thanks for giving us each a few minutes to comment. As Congresswoman [Suzan] Delbene said, when we leave, it will not be because we're rushing from the room due to something that [U.S. Trade Representative] Mr. [Michael]Froman said it's because we have to go vote. Let me explain a bit. The goals of this organization are obviously critical to the success of this countr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-successfully-protects-michigan-afterschool-programs | Congressman Dan Kildee Successfully Protects Michigan Afterschool Programs with Passage of New Education Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Bipartisan Education Bill Contains Kildee-Sponsored Provisions Protecting Funding for Successful Afterschool Programs Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today praised the passage of a major education bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that protects critical funding for afterschool programs in Michigan and around the nation. S. 1177, a bipartisan education reform bill containing provisions Congressman Kildee fought for, will protect funding for afterschool programs in cities across Michigan and the U.S. There is no greater investment we can make than in our children and their future. Afterschool programs work they lead to higher grades, better school attendance and better behavior among kids, Congressman Kildee said. I am glad both Democrats and Republicans joined together to pass this bill. While this bill is not perfect, its continued support for afterschool programs in cities like Flint, Saginaw and Bay City is critical for hardworking families. The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), passed late Wednesday by 359-64, is the largest reform of national education policy since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. After Senate passage of the bill, it will go to the President's desk, where he is expected to sign it into law. Among its provisions, the bill sets aside dedicated funding for before and after school as well as summer recess extra-curricular programs. These programs, in areas such as music, sports, and drug prevention, provide an outlet for mid-Michigan youth outside of the classroom so they may become better students. The ESEA also will find new efficiencies in afterschool programs to increase their value to students and protects the programs' continued existence by preventing the funding from being diverted to other unrelated programs. Congressman Kildee has been a champion for afterschool programs in Congress. The original House version of the ESEA, introduced in February, eliminated funds entirely for afterschool programming from the 21st Century Community Learni… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-five-year-highway-reauthorization-step-right-direction-nation-s | Dingell: Five-Year Highway Reauthorization is Step in Right Direction for Nations Roads | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today said Congress has taken a step in the right direction to fix the nations roads. H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act, reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety and public transit projects for five years. The measure provides $281 billion in guaranteed funding for these programs, including $5.58 billion for Michigan an increase of more than $495 million from current levels. The legislation also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank for four years, which plays a vital role in helping Michigan businesses compete and succeed in the global economy. Today, Congress took a first step towards fixing our nations aging infrastructure, said Dingell. Instead of kicking the can down the road, this legislation begins to provide the certainty needed to plan for the future, invest in Michigans crumbling roads and bridges, and jumpstart stalled construction projects. This is a good start, but we need to do more to fully address the challenge of our crumbling infrastructure. I am also pleased that Congress finally acted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, which levels the playing field for American workers and businesses by helping them export their products overseas and create jobs at home. Since coming to Congress, Dingell has called for the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank to support American manufacturing jobs. In October, she signed a discharge petition that forced a vote to revive the Ex-Im Bank on the floor. This summer, Dingell visited Hancock Enterprises, Inc. in Taylor and Polytorx, LLC in Ann Arbor to highlight the critical role the Ex-Im Bank plays in helping Michigan manufacturers compete in the global economy. The bipartisan conference report includes a number of other key provisions, including: Increasing American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements; Increasing the percentage of funds within the Surface Transportation Program that flow directly to local regions, a top priority of local communities; and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lawrence-holds-ogr-interior-subcommittee-hearing-invasive-species | Rep. Lawrence holds OGR Interior Subcommittee hearing on invasive species policy in Michigan and U.S. | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Tuesday held a hearing as the ranking Democratic member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Interior Subcommittee to discuss the impact of invasive species in Michigan and throughout the United States and to review the progress of the National Invasive Species Council (NISC). During the hearing, Rep. Lawrence received a commitment from Council Executive Director Jamie Reaser that the NISC will have an updated plan ready for Congressional review this spring to better address the impact of non-native plants and animals, such as Asian carp and zebra mussels. Zebra mussels alone have caused Michigan more than $1 billion in damage by clogging pipes and filtration equipment of wastewater treatment plants. The mussels also pose economic threats to recreational and commercial fishing, activities that pump $4 billion to $7 billion into the economy every year, Rep Lawrence said. Additionally, the Great Lakes are facing threat from Asian carp which can devastate recreational fishing if not controlled. Recent reports show that these invasive fish have already caused significant ecological problems in the Ohio and Mississippi River basins. Experts at the hearing testified that invasive species cause an estimated $1.4 trillion worth of damage to the global economy every year and $120 billion to the U.S. economy each year. Among those who testified at the invitation of Rep. Lawrence was Dr. Alan Steinman, director and professor at the Robert B. Amis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University. I want to thank Mr. Steinman, Ms. Reaser, and everyone who participated in Tuesdays hearing to address this economic and environmental threat, Rep. Lawrence. It is clear that much more can and should be done, and I look forward to working with the Council in the coming year on improving our efforts to address this serious issue. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-miller-urge-obama-administration-to-support-funding-for-blue-water-bridge | Peters, Stabenow, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 Peters, Stabenow, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10) today wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan urging the Administration to make the expansion of a customs plaza for the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron a high priority for funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Despite land being cleared and property demolished in Port Huron for the expansion, funding for the customs plaza construction has yet to be allocated. The Blue Water Bridge is a vital component of economic expansion for the communities of Port Huron, and St. Clair County; the state of Michigan, and the nation as a whole, wrote Peters, Stabenow and Miller. As you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Blue Water Bridge is the United States' third busiest land crossing in value of shipments. In 2011, President Obama and Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined the Blue Water Bridge as a top priority in a plan to commit significant investments in physical infrastructure at key crossings to improve congestion and speed at U.S.-Canadian border crossings. The full text of the letter is available below, or click here: The Honorable Jeh Johnson Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Johnson: As you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Blue Water Bridge is the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/peters-stabenow-miller-urge-obama-administration-to-support-funding-for-blue-water-bridge | Stabenow, Peters, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Stabenow, Peters, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge Thursday, December 03, 2015 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters(D-MI) and Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) today wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan urging the Administration to make the expansion of a customs plaza for the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron a high priority for funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Despite land being cleared and property demolished in Port Huron for the expansion, funding for the customs plaza construction has yet to be allocated. The Blue Water Bridge is a vital component of economic expansion for the communities of Port Huron, and St. Clair County; the state of Michigan, and the nation as a whole, wrote Peters, Stabenow and Miller. As you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Blue Water Bridge is the United States' third busiest land crossing in value of shipments. In 2011, President Obama and Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined the Blue Water Bridge as a top priority in a plan to commit significant investments in physical infrastructure at key crossings to improve congestion and speed at U.S.-Canadian border crossings. The full text of the letter is available below, or click here: The Honorable Jeh Johnson Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Johnson: As you consider your Fiscal Year 2017 budget plans, we request that you make the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge Customs Plaza in Port Huron, Michigan, a high priority by supporting the strongest possible funding of the Facility Construction and Sustainment account at U.S. Customs and Border Protecti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-supports-major-education-bill-replace-no-child-left-behind | Dingell Supports Major Education Bill to Replace No Child Left Behind | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today supported S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, bipartisan legislation that will improve K-12 education and replace the broken No Child Left Behind law. The agreement is a compromise between the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives reached after months of negotiations, and is the first update to federal education law since No Child Left Behind in 2002. The bill now moves to the Senate for approval before being sent to the President for his signature. This legislation is a win for students, teachers and parents in Southeast Michigan and across the country, said Dingell. It ushers in a new chapter in improving our nations schools by finally fixing No Child Left Behind, which has been broken for too long. It encourages educational innovation, invests in early learning, helps improve low-performing schools, and allows flexibility at the local level while requiring the high standards our children deserve. This bipartisan compromise is a powerful example of what happens when we put partisanship aside and work together. We need more of this, and I hope it is just the beginning of a new era where we work together to solve our countrys problems. The bipartisan conference agreement includes a number of key provisions: Repeals the one-size-fits-all adequate yearly progress federal accountability system and replaces it with a statewide accountability system; Maintains important information about student performance; Helps states to improve low-performing schools; Improves accountability for learning outcomes for all students; Targets funds to at-risk children; Helps states increase teacher quality; and Provides greater funding flexibility to enhance support for students and schools. The legislation is supported by a broad cross-section of organizations, including the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, National Governors Association, National School Boards Association, National Alliance for Public Cha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/planned-parenthood-cancels-detroit-event-following-colorado-shooting | Planned Parenthood cancels Detroit event following Colorado shooting | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | Planned Parenthood canceled a Detroit event scheduled Monday, just days after last week's shooting massacre at Colorado clinic. The attack in Colorado Springs left three dead and several others injured. In an email, Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Desiree Cooper said the cancelationwas "not because of any specific security threats or concerns in Michigan." The event at the Detroit Health Center was expected to discuss Planned Parenthood's role in the fight against AIDS, ahead of World AIDS Day on Tuesday. U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence was scheduled to appear. "As everyone else is, we are grieving the unfortunate deaths of individuals based on what I feel was an act of terrorism," Lawrence said. Lawrence said she plans to reschedule the appearance. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-gardner-introduce-bill-to-expand-access-to-telehealth-services | Peters, Gardner Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Telehealth Services | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.02.15 Peters, Gardner Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Telehealth Services WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) today introduced the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act, legislation thatwouldexpand access to health care in rural areas by paving the way for Medicare to cover additional telehealth services. Currently, Medicare covers limited telehealth services, setting a poor industry standard, discouraging innovation, and restricting access to specialized services. Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare, helping more patients receive life-saving treatment, and we must ensure that people living in rural areas have equal access to the care they need, said Senator Peters. I'm proud to join Senator Gardner in introducing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that takes important steps to modernize Medicare, expand access to quality care for all seniors and improve patient outcomes. People living in rural Colorado should have access to the samehealth care services as those living in urban areas, saidGardner. Telemedicine hasthe power to increase access to specialized services in underserved communities, and potentially lower costs and improve patient outcomes. The Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act would pave the way for Medicare to expand coverage to additional telehealth services, and potentially provide those living with life-threatening conditions in rural America with more opportunities and more options to receive the carethey need. At the same time, this legislation would incentivize the industry to develop cutting edge technology that could revolutionize health care delivery. As we work toward a health care system that lowers costs and increases choices for consumers, it isimportantthat we advance commonsense legislation like the Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Actto achieve those goals. The Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allow eligible hospitals to test telehealt… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-releases-statement-regarding-death-detroit | Congresswoman Lawrence Releases Statement Regarding death of Detroit Activist Ron Scott | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Tuesday released the following statement regarding the passing of Detroit activist Ron Scott, who died on November 29th, 2015. Ron Scott was a fiery orator who shed light on the often ignored issues of racial inequality and, specifically, police brutality. I can personally recall times when I spoke to him when he was very angry. However, that anger came from his passion and he used that anger to fuel his fight to make his community, and the world, a better place. No one can deny the impact he had on Detroit, on Michigan, and on the country. It didnt surprise me, or anyone else who knew Ron, to read in the Free Press that he continued with his work and his fight up to the very end of his life at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. To the Scott Family, I offer my deepest condolences and my hope that Rons powerful and enduring legacy provides at least some small comfort during this most difficult time. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-stabenow-resolution-recognizing-rosa-parks-courage-contributions-to-the-civil-rights-movement | Senate Passes Peters, Stabenow Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.15 Senate Passes Peters, Stabenow Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks' Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement On 60th Anniversary, Senators Honor Parks' Heroic Refusal to Give Up Bus Seat WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow applauded the Senate's passage last night of a bipartisan resolution to honor the 60th anniversary of when civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Ala., bus. Parks' December 1, 1955 arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a turning point in the fight for civil rights. She and her husband, Raymond, relocated to Michigan in 1957 where she lived until her death in 2005. Rosa Parks is an example of how courage and determination can change the course of history,Senator Peters said.As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Rosa Parks' historic Montgomery bus ride that helped promote the fight for equality and justice during the Civil Rights Movement, we honor her legacy that inspires all Americans to stand up for justice and freedom. 60 years ago today, Rosa Parks changed our nation's history by courageously sitting down in order to stand up for human dignity,said Senator Stabenow. This resolution recognizes the critical role Parks played in the civil rights movement and highlights her heroism and bravery at a time of extreme unrest and discrimination in America. Parks was born in Alabama and is known as the first lady of civil rights. Her arrest led to 42,000 African Americans boycotting the Montgomery buses until the bus segregation law was changed over a year later. Senators Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Harry Reid (D-NV) and Ben Sasse (R-NE) cosponsored this reso… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senate-passes-stabenow-peters-resolution-recognizing-rosa-parks-courage-contributions-to-the-civil-rights-movement | Senate Passes Stabenow, Peters Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senate Passes Stabenow, Peters Resolution Recognizing Rosa Parks' Courage, Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement On 60th Anniversary, Senators Honor Parks' Heroic Refusal to Give Up Bus Seat Tuesday, December 01, 2015 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters applauded the Senate's passage last night of a bipartisan resolution to honor the 60th anniversary of when civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Ala., bus. Parks' December 1, 1955 arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a turning point in the fight for civil rights. She and her husband, Raymond, relocated to Michigan in 1957 where she lived until her death in 2005. 60 years ago today, Rosa Parks changed our nation's history by courageously sitting down in order to stand up for human dignity, said Senator Stabenow. This resolution recognizes the critical role Parks played in the civil rights movement and highlights her heroism and bravery at a time of extreme unrest and discrimination in America. Rosa Parks is an example of how courage and determination can change the course of history, Senator Peters said. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Rosa Parks' historic Montgomery bus ride that helped promote the fight for equality and justice during the Civil Rights Movement, we honor her legacy that inspires all Americans to stand up for justice and freedom. Parks was born in Alabama and is known as the first lady of civil rights. Her arrest led to 42,000 African Americans boycotting the Montgomery buses until the bus segregation law was changed over a year later. Senators Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Harry Reid (D-NV) and Ben Sasse (R-NE… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/locals-support-small-business-saturday | Locals Support Small Business Saturday | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | DETROIT -- From the city to the suburbs, Small Business Saturday is vital to so many trying to make it. The owner of Good Cakes & Bakes on Livernois Avenue is using her business to showcase other small businesses. Bryant Owens and Kummbareh Owens were there selling Everbutter Natural Hair Care. Jetta Barbee was also there with her husband selling gourmet popcorn. "This is an excellent way for us to get out there and get our product known," Barbee said. "Introduce it to the world." Its hard work, but Small Business Saturday means giving people a taste to let customers know that theyre here. In Detroit, attention is paid to businesses in downtown and midtown, but its the neighborhood businesses that need the focus. Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence was out helping local businesswomen get access to the resources they may need. "Get in touch with your small-business administration," Lawrence told local businesswomen. "I'm going to have a womens small business forum coming up in the months ahead." Small businesses like Stephanie Whitfields handmade jewelry were there as well. Whitfield left government work for her passion and start Salikas Hancrafted Jewelry. She hopes that districts like the one on Livernois continue to grow. "People can leave their neighborhoods and walk up and down the street and have many various businesses to shop at," Whitfield said. "We want to see more of this in the city." Small Business Saturday is all about residents supporting their neighbors who are trying to turn their dreams into a real business. Click here for video. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-urges-southeast-michigan-residents-join-small-business-saturday | Dingell Urges Southeast Michigan Residents to Join in Small Business Saturday | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | DEARBORN, MICongresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today released the following statement encouraging Southeast Michigan residents to participate in Small Business Saturday, which is this Saturday, November 28. Michigan is home to more than 850,000 small businesses that play a key role in creating jobs and supporting our local economies. Small business owners are our friends and neighbors, and their businesses from the local hardware store to our favorite restaurants and bookstores are part of the fabric of our state and a large part of what makes our region such a special place to live. I will continue working in Congress on legislation that will help our small businesses grow and succeed, and this Saturday, I hope you will join me in heading to Main Street to support the small businesses you love. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-releases-statement-release-video-police-shooting | Congresswoman Lawrence Releases Statement Regarding Fatal Police Shooting of Laquan McDonald | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Wednesday released the following statement regarding todays release of video evidence in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by a Chicago Police Officer. The October 20, 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago Police officers is yet another stark and tragic reminder of the serious challenges facing our communities and law enforcement agencies. Todays release of video footage of the shooting, evidence that was used to sustain a charge of murder against the officer who shot and killed Laquan, are disturbing and the case is one that demands full and thorough investigation and prosecution. But we must not stop there. We must cultivate better community policing policies focused on rebuilding trust between residents and law enforcement. We need greater cultural and gender diversity in our law enforcement agencies and a greater emphasis on community building and collaboration.We must end the practice of racial profiling and the overuse of lethal force. We must reaffirm for our authorities that when we allow law-abiding citizens to be treated differently based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, we are guilty of violating the U.S. Constitution. As a former Mayor, I know how valuable our law enforcement agencies are to building safe and happy communities. I also know that we must be steadfast in the administration of police discipline when it is warranted.It is critical that we act now to make our communities safer for everyone. I have also seen first-hand the transformative effect of community-informed and community-oriented policing. I believe that we can harness that power and achieve amazing things if we are all willing to commit ourselves to taking the difficult but necessary steps to rebuild that lost trust and work toward a better future together. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/detroit-news-dingell-probes-why-ann-arbor-va-cancels-vets-surgeries | The Detroit News: Dingell probes why Ann Arbor VA cancels vets surgeries | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Debbie Dingell is seeking answers from the director of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System following reports that surgeries for veterans were recently canceled or moved to another facility after particulate matter was observed on sterile surgical equipment. The health care system was investigated last year for a similar issue, but the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the VA inspector general later verified that changes were made at the hospital to resolve the issue. While recognizing you are canceling and moving surgeries to ensure no veterans are being put at risk, this situation is still concerning and raises questions about the source of this particulate matter and what actions are being taken to correct the problem, the Dearborn Democrat Dingellwrotelate Monday in a letter to Ann Arbor Director Robert P. McDivitt. Derek Atkinson, public affairs officer for the health care system, said a surgery stand-down was started the week of Veterans Day this month after staffers noticed a speck of micro-particulates inorganic material in a surgical equipment case. The matter is believed to have originated with a water main break in the hospital sterilization processing area but was not on the surgical tools, he said. This was after the sterilization process and before they were used in the OR, so no veterans were ever in harm's way, Atkinson said. This was proactive and really focusing on patient safety. Consequently, surgeries were not performed for several days and experts were brought in to evaluate the sterilization process and some equipment was replaced, he said. Meanwhile, patients were offered the option of undergoing surgery at the University of Michigan Health System or rescheduling the procedures later, he said. Surgeries have since resumed on a limited basis until we decide whats going on here, Atkinson said. Were still working through some things to get back up to where we want them to be. Officials hope to resume full caseloads soon. Click here to read the full story. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-announces-99m-cutting-edge-energy-technology-projects-ann-arbor | Dingell Announces $9.9M for Cutting-Edge Energy Technology Projects in Ann Arbor | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | DEARBORN, MI Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today announced that three Ann Arbor energy projects will receive more than $9.9 million from the Department of Energys (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The grants were awarded through the ARPA-Es OPEN 2015 program and come in advance of the COP21 U.N. Climate Negotiations in Paris next week. Accio Energy, Inc. in Ann Arbor, and two projects at the University of Michigan were selected to receive funding. Our scientists and engineers in Southeast Michigan are developing entirely new ways to generate, store and use energy, said Dingell. These cutting-edge technologies have the potential to solve some of our nations most pressing energy challenges, and this important investment will support efforts to combat climate change and enhance energy security around the globe. ARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. The OPEN 2015 projects come from 21 states and encompass 10 technical categories, including transportation, electricity generation and delivery and energy efficiency. Local projects receiving funding are below. For a full list of recipients, please click here. Accio Energy, Inc., Ann Arbor $4,500,000 Project Title: EHD Innovative Low-Cost Offshore Wind Energy Accio Energy, Inc. will develop and demonstrate an Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) turbine-less wind energy system that harvests energy through physical separation of charge. The technology uses the wind to separate a mist of positively charged water droplets from excess electrons that form a high voltage direct current source. The teams innovative approach could create an entirely new option for low-cost offshore wind. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor $3,500,000 Project Title: Transitioning Advanced Ceramic Electrolytes into Manufacturable Solid-State EV Batteries The University of Michigan will develop new electrode structures and manufacturing techniques to incorpor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-stands-veterans-questions-cancellation-surgeries-ann-arbor-va | Dingell Stands Up for Veterans, Questions Cancellation of Surgeries at Ann Arbor VA | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | DEARBORN, MI Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Director Robert P. McDivitt following reports that recent surgeries for veterans were canceled or moved to another facility because particulate matter was observed on sterile surgical equipment. The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System was investigated in 2014 for a similar issue, and the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the VA Inspector General later issued a report verifying that changes were made at the VA to solve the problem. While recognizing you are cancelling and moving surgeries to ensure no veterans are being put at risk, this situation is still concerning and raises questions about the source of this particulate matter and what actions are being taken to correct the problem, wrote Dingell. We want to work with you to ensure you have the necessary resources to identify and rectify the problem so everyone can have the highest confidence in the condition of the facilities which our veterans rely on. Dingell requested information about the status of construction of the new Sterile Supply Service area, which was a focus of the 2014 investigation, as well as steps and procedures put in place to ensure that patient safety is not compromised. Our veterans have made numerous sacrifices for our nation, and we have an obligation to make sure they are properly cared for, she continued. The full text of the letter is available here and below. November 23, 2015 Mr. Robert P. McDivitt Director VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Dear Director McDivitt: Thank you for speaking to me earlier today in response to a phone call I received from a concerned party about the recent cancellation of surgeries for veterans at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. It is my understanding that nurses in the operating room first began noticing particulate matter on sterile surgical equipment and, as a result of their vigilance and the administrations actions to ensure the safety of all patie… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-brenda-lawrence-introduces-promote-startups-act | Rep. Brenda Lawrence Introduces Promote Startups Act | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) recently introduced H.R. 4068, The Promote Startups Act of 2015, which would permanently increase the limitations on deductions for startup and organizational expenditures that entrepreneurs face. The Act seeks to raise the current tax deduction limit for startup expenses from $5,000 to $15,000 and raise the deduction limit for organizational expenses from $5,000 to $10,000. My bill sends a message to entrepreneurs across America that the cost of starting a new business must not get in the way of the ambition and innovation that drives entrepreneurs to create jobs and boost our economy, Rep. Lawrence said. Rep. Lawrence was joined by the bills original co-sponsors, the Ranking Democrat of the House Small Business Committee Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), and Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, Rep. Velzquez said.This legislation will lower barriers for entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures, creating greater economic opportunity in our communities.I applaud Congresswoman Lawrence for authoring this bill and am proud to support her efforts. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses continue to add more net new jobs than large businesses nationwide. Through the first three quarters of 2014, small businesses added 1.4 million net new jobs to the American economy. Entrepreneurship offers the opportunity for families to enter the middle class and the build wealth. By increasing tax deductions for small business owners, the Promote Startups Act of 2015 has the potential to increase the number of people who start small businesses and the percentage of small businesses that succeed, Rep. Clarke said. As a member of the Committee on Small Business, I will continue my work in support of entrepreneurs in Brooklyn and across the United States. In addition to the significant findings reported by the SBA, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundations annual report which tracks entrepreneurship… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/heavy-duty-trucking-house-bill-would-advance-clean-vehicle-technologies | Heavy Duty Trucking: House Bill Would Advance Clean Vehicle Technologies | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | A bill that would earmark funds for research and development of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies as well as create truck-specific programs within the Department of Energy (DOE) has been introduced in the House by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) as the Vehicle Innovation Act (VIA), H.R. 4106. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the legislation in the Senate earlier this year with cosponsors Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN). Their bill was passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as part of a larger package of energy legislation. According to the Senate and House sponsors, VIA legislation will promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies to create more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce dependence on foreign oil and support American auto manufacturers and suppliers. Rep. Dingell said the act would reauthorize the Department of Energys Vehicle Technologies Program, which works with light-duty automobile and medium- and heavy-duty commercial truck manufacturers and suppliers to conduct research and development to improve fuel efficiency in vehicles. She said examples of these technologies include mild hybrid, engine downspeeding, power pack modeling and testing, advanced boosting systems, new vehicle sensing and communication, hydrogen and natural gas refueling, and electric vehicle charging technology. In addition, the bill includes provisions that would encourage the development and use of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications systems that have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic accidents and congestion. Our nations vehicle suppliers and manufacturers have made major advances in cutting-edge fuel efficiency technologies in the last decade, and we need to keep that progress going, said Dingell. The Vehicle Innovation Act will build on successful research programs that have resulted in large savings for consumers at the pump and keep the U.S. and Southeast Michigan in the lead in developing high-tech, energ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-introduces-vehicle-innovation-act | Dingell Introduces Vehicle Innovation Act | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | DEARBORN, MI Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) introduced the Vehicle Innovation Act, legislation that will promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies that will create more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce our nations dependence on foreign oil and support American auto manufacturers and suppliers. Dingell recently announced the bill at Leggett and Platt Commercial Vehicle Products in Taylor, Michigan along with Senator Gary Peters, who introduced the companion bill in the Senate. Michigan has always been a leader in the automotive industry, and our vehicle suppliers and manufacturers are already driving the future of high-tech, energy-efficient vehicles, said Dingell. The Vehicle Innovation Act will keep that progress going by building on successful research programs to improve vehicle efficiency saving consumers money at the pump, improving our energy security and keeping the U.S. and Southeast Michigan at the forefront of vehicle innovation. I am proud to work with Senator Peters on this critical legislation that will ensure the cars and trucks of the future continue to be produced here in Michigan. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) applauds Rep. Dingell for todays introduction of the Vehicle Innovation Act, said Steve Handschuh, President and Chief Executive Officer, of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. This legislation encourages public-private partnerships that help motor vehicle suppliers innovate and develop new vehicle technologies for cars and trucks to be more fuel efficient with lower emissions. The programs in this bill will support domestic research and manufacturing activities and lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies. The work truck industry relies on research and development of advanced technologies to compete in a global marketplace and continue to meet the needs of vocational truck owners and fleet managers, said Steve Carey, Executive Director of NTEA-the Association for the Work Truck Industry.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/natural-resources-hearing-dingell-says-new-draft-bill-would-turn-tap | At Natural Resources Hearing, Dingell Says New Draft Bill would Turn off the Tap on Federal Conservation | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), ranking member of the Natural Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, expressed concerns this week about Chairman Rob Bishops (UT-01) draft legislation that would weaken and dramatically restructure the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Congress allowed the LWCF, the nations premier recreation and conservation program, to expire on September 30 for the first time in its 50 year history. Chairman Bishops proposal would end the LWCFs historic flexibility to fund areas of greatest need. It would also distort the original intent of the law by restricting federal land acquisition to only 3.5 percent of annual LWCF funding and diverting 35 percent to non-conservation purposes. I guess I have a very unique perspective here as the spouse of the man who wrote the original law, Dingell said during the committee hearing. Much has changed since then -- recreation demand has grown by leaps and bounds, and so have the development pressures on lands we need in our local, state, and federal parks and recreation areasWhat hasn't changed, at least until now, is the flexibility Congress gave ourselves in that original LWCF Act to spend more or less money year by year to one LWCF program or another based on the most pressing real-time needs. Even back in the 1960's, Congress made use of that flexibility and adjusted the balance of state and federal spending from year to year. For video of Dingells questions and answers from witnesses Kristen Sarri, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy Management and Budget at the Department of the Interior; and Travis Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Far Bank Enterprises, please click here. Created by Congress in 1965, the LWCF has safeguarded natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage sites in every state in the country. In Michigan, LWCF money was used to support the acquisition of the 410 acre Humbug Marsh unit to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. This investment protected the last mil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-introduces-legislation-to-encourage-charitable-foundation-investments-to-boost-economic-recovery | Peters Introduces Legislation to Encourage Charitable Foundation Investments to Boost Economic Recovery | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 11.20.15 Peters Introduces Legislation to Encourage Charitable Foundation Investments to Boost Economic Recovery WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters announced today that he joined Republican Senator Cory Gardner (CO) to introduce the Philanthropic Facilitation Act, legislation to streamline the approval process for charitable foundations to expand investments in local communities, increase economic development and create jobs. In Michigan, private organizations like the Kresge Foundation, Skillman Foundation, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Family Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation have helped boost economic recovery by providing financing, loans and grants to entrepreneurs and small businesses that grow local economies and revitalize communities. Charitable foundations are playing a significant role in the economic recovery of cities across Michigan by branching out into investment in economic development, said Senator Peters. This legislation will encourage philanthropic investments in our hardest hit urban and rural areas across the country to help organizations grow, create new jobs and continue giving back to our communities. I'm honored to work with Senator Gardner on this commonsense measure to help streamline the process for charitable foundations so they can expand the ways they serve our communities. Encouraging investment in both rural and urban settings is vital to growing our economy and creating jobs. The Philanthropic Facilitation Act benefits rural economies in particular by cutting red tape and removing barriers between philanthropists and small businesses, ultimatelyleading to more job creation, said Senator Gardner. "Private charities are more than willing to invest in and grow the economy but are too often deterred by government bureaucracy. Simply put, it's often too hard for philanthropists to identify qualified recipients for their charitable dollars. This legislation is a common-sense solution that gets government out of the way and encourages more investment where it's … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-urge-funding-for-great-lakes-heavy-icebreaker | Peters, Stabenow Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 11.20.15 Peters, Stabenow Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security calling for robust funding in the fiscal year 2016 appropriations legislation for the U.S. Coast Guard to design and build a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes region. Heavy ice cover seen in recent winters has seriously impaired commercial shipping and economic activity in the Great Lakes. Last winter, cargo shipping decreased by 3.2 million tons, costing $355 million in lost revenue and nearly 2,000 jobs. Heavy ice cover disrupts shipping and commerce on the Great Lakes, resulting in a severe loss of economic activity, revenue and jobs that depresses both the regional and national economy, wrote the Senators in the letter. It is essential that Congress provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to keep open shipping lanes in the Great Lakes and to conduct search and rescue missions to keep ships and their crews safe during winter's cruelest months. The U.S. Coast Guard currently operates nine icebreaking-capable cutters on the Great Lakes, some of which date back to the 1970s. With only one heavy icebreaker in the Great Lakes fleet, the USCG MACKINAW, the Coast Guard has struggled to combat near record-breaking ice cover on the Great Lakes in recent winters. The letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (WI), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Al Franken (MN), Bob Casey (PA), Joe Donnelly (IN) and Sherrod Brown (OH). As a member of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, Peters is focused on ensuring the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to maintain shipping lanes and conduct its law enforcement, port security, safety duties, and other vital services. He also called for the inclusion of a heavy icebreaker in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015. Senator Staben… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-urge-funding-for-great-lakes-heavy-icebreaker | Stabenow, Peters Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Stabenow, Peters Urge Funding for Great Lakes Heavy Icebreaker Friday, November 20, 2015 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security calling for robust funding in the fiscal year 2016 appropriations legislation for the U.S. Coast Guard to design and build a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes region. Heavy ice cover seen in recent winters has seriously impaired commercial shipping and economic activity in the Great Lakes. Last winter, cargo shipping decreased by 3.2 million tons, costing $355 million in lost revenue and nearly 2,000 jobs. "Heavy ice cover disrupts shipping and commerce on the Great Lakes, resulting in a severe loss of economic activity, revenue and jobs that depresses both the regional and national economy,"wrote the Senators in the letter."It is essential that Congress provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to keep open shipping lanes in the Great Lakes and to conduct search and rescue missions to keep ships and their crews safe during winter's cruelest months." The U.S. Coast Guard currently operates nine icebreaking-capable cutters on the Great Lakes, some of which date back to the 1970s. With only one heavy icebreaker in the Great Lakes fleet, the USCG MACKINAW, the Coast Guard has struggled to combat near record-breaking ice cover on the Great Lakes in recent winters. The letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (WI), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Al Franken (MN), Bob Casey (PA), Joe Donnelly (IN) and Sherrod Brown (OH). Senator Stabenow is Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, which is a bipartisan working group that advocates for the protection of our Great Lakes. Earlier this year, Senator Stabenow called for Congress to support a new Great Lakes icebreaker. As a member of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, Peters is focused on ensuring t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://levin.house.gov/press-release/statement-rep-levin-legislation-considered-house-syrian-refugees | Statement by Rep. Levin on Legislation Considered by the House on Syrian Refugees | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Sander Levin | L000263 | levin.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Levin today made the following statement on legislation considered by the House on Syrian refugees: The entire goal of terrorists in their cowardly acts of violence against innocent and unsuspecting civilians is to cause death, chaos, bring intense fear and intimidate the global community. We were victims of the most horrendous terrorist attacks on 9-11 and we all joined in feelings of renewed horror as we watched the terrorist attacks in Paris. We need to ensure that our response is both strong in purpose and effective. We did that after 9-11. We put in place the most stringent refugee resettlement program in the history of our country. These are the facts: Refugees are referred to the U.S. program after being screened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees who first determines if resettlement in a third country is the right solution. The current U.S. screening process takes between 18-24 months. It involves multiple Federal intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies, including the National Counterterrorism Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), State, and Defense, all aimed at ensuring that those admitted do not pose a threat to our country. These safeguards include biometric (fingerprint) to confirm identity, multiple layers of biographical and background checks, and medical screenings. Specifically, each applicants biographical information is checked against the Department of States Consular Lookout and Support System which includes terrorist watchlist information during prescreening. Then, Security Advisory Opinions from the law enforcement and intelligence communities for each applicant is secured. All of this information helps to inform the lengthy in-person interviews. DHS officers scrutinize the applicant's explanation of individual circumstances to assess whether the applicant meets statutory requirements to qualify as a refugee and that he or she does not present security concerns to the United State… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-brenda-lawrence-introduces-hr-4068-promote-startups-act | Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence introduces H.R. 4068, The Promote Startups Act of 2015 | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Brenda Lawrence | L000581 | lawrence.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) on Wednesday introduced H.R. 4068, The Promote Startups Act of 2015, which would permanently increase the limitations on deductions for startup and organizational expenditures that entrepreneurs face. The Act seeks to raise the current tax deduction limit for startup expenses from $5,000 to $15,000 and raise the deduction limit for organizational expenses from $5,000 to $10,000. My bill sends a message to entrepreneurs across America that the cost of starting a new business must not get in the way of the ambition and innovation that drives entrepreneurs to create jobs and boost our economy, Rep. Lawrence said. Rep. Lawrence was joined by the bills original co-sponsors, the Ranking Democrat of the House Small Business Committee Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), and Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, Rep. Velzquez said.This legislation will lower barriers for entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures, creating greater economic opportunity in our communities.I applaud Congresswoman Lawrence for authoring this bill and am proud to support her efforts. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses continue to add more net new jobs than large businesses nationwide. Through the first three quarters of 2014, small businesses added 1.4 million net new jobs to the American economy. "Entrepreneurship offers the opportunity for families to enter hte middle class and build wealth. By increasing tax deductions for small business owners, the Promote Startups Act of 2015 has the potential to increase the number of people who start small businesses and the percentage of small businesses that succeed," Rep. Clarke said. "As a member of the Committee on Small Business, I will continue my work in support of entrepreneurs in Brooklyn and across the United States." In addition to the significant findings reported by the SBA, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundations annual report -- which tracks… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1938 | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1939 | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Mid-Michigan | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1940 | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in West Michigan | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-initiative-to-expand-quality-health-care-in-mid-michigan | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Mid-Michigan | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Mid-Michigan Thursday, November 19, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for MidMichigan Health to help connect people in rural areas with quality health care. This $494,900 grant will benefit eight counties in Mid-Michigan. The funding, which comes from the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program, was authorized by Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill. "Families in Mid-Michigan often don't have access to the health care services they need in rural communities," said Senator Stabenow. "With telehealth, patients are able to get important checkups and medical care even though the doctor is hundreds of miles away, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Today's announcement will help make sure patients have access to specialists no matter what their zip code is." The support will help MidMichigan Health purchase telemedicine equipment that will be used in Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Huron Counties. Connecting clinics and hospitals through telemedicine helps make sure patients get the care they need while reducing the cost of travel and lost wages. Today's announcement is part of a $23.5 million investment in 75 projects across the country. Senator Stabenow is Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over the USDA and its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program. Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-initiative-to-expand-quality-health-care-in-northern-michigan-upper-peninsula | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula Thursday, November 19, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for Indigo Health to help connect people in rural areas with quality health care. This $226,803 grant will benefit 13 counties in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The funding, which comes from the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program, was authorized by Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill. "Families in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula often don't have access to the health care services they need in rural communities," said Senator Stabenow. "With telehealth, patients are able to get important checkups and medical care even though the doctor is hundreds of miles away, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Today's announcement will help make sure patients have access to specialists no matter what their zip code is." The support will be used to deploy two interactive telemedicine carts at clinics in Mason, Crawford, Charlevoix, Chippewa, Dickinson, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Luce, Manistee, Mackinac, Ostego, Schoolcraft and Wexford Counties. This funding will help rural hospitals provide constant care between patients and primary physicians through iNDIGO's Hospitalist Telemedicine Network, which allows for diagnoses and consultations at any time of the day. Today's announcement is part of a $23.5 million investment in 75 projects across the country. Senator Stabenow is Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over the USDA and its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program. Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-initiative-to-expand-quality-health-care-in-west-michigan | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in West Michigan | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow Applauds Initiative to Expand Quality Health Care in West Michigan Thursday, November 19, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for Spectrum Health System to help connect people in rural areas with quality health care. The $254,884 grant will benefit five counties in West Michigan. The funding, which comes from the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program, was authorized by Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill. "Families in West Michigan often don't have access to the health care services they need in rural communities," said Senator Stabenow. "With telehealth, patients are able to get important checkups and medical care even though the doctor is hundreds of miles away, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Today's announcement will help make sure patients have access to specialists no matter what their zip code is." The support will be used to help connect five rural clinics - located in Mason, Kent, Newaygo, Montcalm and Osceola Counties - to Spectrum Health's Butterworth Medical Campus in Grand Rapids. Connecting clinics and hospitals through telemedicine addresses physician and specialist shortages in the region while reducing the cost of travel and lost wages for patients. Today's announcement is part of a $23.5 million investment in 75 projects across the country. Senator Stabenow is Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over the USDA and its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program. Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-greater-transparency-and-accountability-needed-restore | Congressman Dan Kildee: Greater Transparency and Accountability Needed to Restore Public Confidence in Flint Water Crisis | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today testified before a meeting of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) about the Flint water crisis and changes to federal policy that can be made to promote transparency and accountability for city residents. A full transcript of Congressman Kildee's testimony can be viewed here. The NDWAC, made up of members of the public as well as state and local agencies, considers issues and advises the EPA Administrator on issues concerning drinking water protection and public drinking water systems. What happened in Flint is a failure of government, and we must ensure that it never happens again to Flint or any other community, Congressman Kildee said. The EPA has the ultimate responsibility to ensure that drinking water standards are followed. Any new federal rules, including changes to the Lead and Copper Rule, must promote greater transparency and accountability to restore public confidence, help protect public health, and ensure the safety of drinking water. For months, Congressman Kildee has been advocating for immediate resources from the state and federal government to help victims of the crisis and make much-needed improvements to Flint's water distribution system. In a letter sent last week to Gov. Rick Snyder, Congressman Kildee called for the state of Michigan to create a fund for ongoing assistance to Flint residents to respond to the short and long-term impacts of lead exposure. In discussions with health professionals, they have expressed the need for significant investments in the local health system in order to respond to the widespread exposure of lead to the people of Flint, including monitoring of future lead exposure. This fund should include support for, at a minimum, continuous health monitoring, early education programs, nutrition education, support services for children to succeed in school, and continued exposure efforts, Congressman Kildee's letter reads in part. We cannot sit back and do nothing and allow ou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-testimony-epa-drinking-water-advisory-council-regarding | Congressman Dan Kildee Testimony Before EPA Drinking Water Advisory Council Regarding Flint Water Crisis | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today testified before a meeting of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) about the Flint water crisis and changes to federal policy that can be made to promote transparency and accountability for city residents. A full transcript of his remarks, as delivered is below: I just want to bring to your attention the story of my hometown, Flint, Michigan. I'm sure many of you have been following the case of Flint. Water and the health of my community and the quality of water is the single most important issue right now back home. It's the one we hear about more than anything else. What happened in Flint is a failure of government. People expected that the government at multiple levels would be able to protect them by making sure that the water that they drink is healthy for them, and the government failed them. And I'm here to specifically address that. If it were not for some unsung heroes, some individuals back home that insisted and continued to press the case that the water in Flint was unsafe, it may have never have come to light. So people like Leanne Walters, who we will hear from, Dr. Marc Edwards, who provided the data that warned of this, data which was dismissed by many at multiple levels of government, and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, all of whom are here, who found elevated lead levels in Flint's children. Again, initially that data, that really important data, was essentially dismissed by individuals who were responsible to make sure that the water in my hometown, the water which was flowing through the plumbing of people in Flint, Michigan, was safe. Thanks to them we were able to uncover this incredible health crisis, and that's what I'm here to address. I also want to acknowledge and you'll hear from him again soon Senator Jim Ananich, whom I've known for a long time and who has been an important part of the effort back home. So after months, the state of Michigan finally admitted that federal drinking water laws, includ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/arab-american-news-congressional-resolution-condemns-beirut-attacks | The Arab American News: Congressional resolution condemns Beirut attacks | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congress stood for a moment of silence Wednesday to commemorate the victims of last week's double suicide bombing in Beirut and other ISIS victims across the world. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Republican California Rep. Derrell Issa, who is of Lebanese descent, are also sponsoring a House resolution to condemn the terrorist attack. The resolution was introduced by Republican N.Y. Rep. Richard Hanna. "I thank you for the opportunity to remember the innocent lives lost at the hands of ISIS terrorists and urge the administration to do everything in its power to bring those responsible to justice, and I ask for a moment of silence," Issa told lawmakers at the Capitol. Dingell condemned terrorism in Paris, Beirut across the world, paying tribute to Dearborn residents who died in the Beirut bombing. "For me these were attacks on my town, my community," the congresswoman said in a statement. At least 42 people died in the bombing in Borj el-Barajne, a Beirut suburb, on Nov. 12. A day later, bombing and shooting attacks killed more than 120 in Paris. ISIS claimed both assaults. Dingell warned against hatred and urged unity to combat terror. "I also want to remind people that terrorists try to destroy all that we know, create fear and division," she said. "We cannot allow them to create hate and fear within communities." Click here to view the full story. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-applauds-new-connected-vehicles-research-partnership-between | Dingell Applauds New Connected Vehicles Research Partnership between University of Michigan & Department of Energy | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Dingell | D000624 | debbiedingell.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined with the University of Michigan and U.S. Department of Energys Vehicle Technologies Office to announce a new research project that will study connected vehicles and whether they can help people drive more efficiently. The $2.7 million investment from the Department of Energy will couple the expertise of the University of Michigan with the Department of Energys Argonne and Idaho National Laboratories. The University of Michigan is already leading the way in vehicle innovation with the MCity Testing Facility, and this partnership will keep Michigan at the forefront of this progress, said Dingell. As we prepare for the future, it is critical that we understand how connected vehicles can improve vehicle efficiency, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and save consumers money at the pump so we can make sure these technologies continue to be developed and produced right here in Michigan. Nobody knows the magnitude of what the energy savings of connected and automated vehicles will be, said U-M Mobility Transformation Center Director Peter Sweatman. Were going to actively collect the data to do that. During the project, researchers will work with 500 privately-owned vehicles in the Ann Arbor area to collect information about how they are driven, including energy consumption, speed, and location. The study will examine how drivers interact with different technologies in connected vehicles, especially whether or not those technologies help them drive more efficiently. Argonne National Laboratory will provide modeling and simulation capabilities and develop a display module that the researchers will use to better understand driver behavior. Argonnes Autonomie modeling tool is already one of the most widely-used pieces of software to understand how various technologies interact and influence efficiency. In addition, Idaho National Laboratory will provide guidance about data collection and analysis. Idaho is one of the main leads on the Advanced Vehicle Testi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-applauds-27-million-project-with-university-of-michigan-for-study-of-connected-vehicles-and-fuel-efficiency | Peters Applauds $2.7 Million Project with University of Michigan for Study of Connected Vehicles and Fuel Efficiency | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Gary Peters | P000595 | www.peters.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Peters Applauds $2.7 Million Project with University of Michigan for Study of Connected Vehicles and Fuel Efficiency WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters today applauded the announcement of a $2.7 million project with the University of Michigan's Mobility Transformation Center (MTC), the Transportation Research Institute and the College of Engineering to study how connected vehicle technology can make driving more efficient. The project was announced today by the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office. Connected vehicle technologies like vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications allow vehicles to communicate with each and their environment to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents. Connected vehicles and infrastructure are the next frontier for American cars and drivers, and we must invest in and promote the development of these critical technologies that can improve vehicle performance, prevent accidents and save lives, said Senator Peters. This project will help the Mobility Transformation Center better understand how connected vehicles can making driving more efficient, reduce fuel consumption and save drivers money. Nobody knows the magnitude of what the energy savings of connected and automated vehicles will be, said MTC Director Peter Sweatman. We're going to actively collect the data to do that. Through the project, the University of Michigan's Mobility Transformation Center will conduct a research study using 500 privately-owned vehicles in the Ann Arbor area to collect data about how the vehicles are driven, including energy consumption, speed and location. The study will also examine how drivers use connected vehicle technologies with a focus on whether they can help make driving more fuel efficient. The University of Michigan will work in partnership with the Department of Energy's Argonne and Idaho National Laboratories to develop models of driving behavior and provide assistance with data collection and analysis. Peter… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-investment-to-connect-elkton-pigeon-bay-port-students-with-local-foods | Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Students with Local Foods | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Students with Local Foods Wednesday, November 18, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that the Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port school district will receive support to help bring locally grown food to school cafeterias. This $43,688 investment comes from USDA's Farm to School Program, which helps schools source healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy. Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill significantly expands support for Michigan farmers by creating new opportunities to sell locally grown and organic products. "Farm to school programs give needed support to Michigan farmers while educating and encouraging students to eat healthier," said Senator Stabenow. "Whether it's teachers, students, parents or farmers, everybody wins when Michigan-grown food makes it to cafeterias." This funding will help the Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port school district form a collaborative team with the local producers and community partners to offer students fresh and healthy foods. USDA's Farm to School Grants help schools respond to the demand for healthy food, which plays a critical role in helping children develop healthy habits which can benefit them for their entire lives. The Farm to School Program also educates students about how food grows through school garden programs and farm visits. Additionally, the program provides much needed access to new markets for locally grown and organic foods for producers and food businesses. Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-applauds-investment-to-connect-muskegon-county-students-with-local-foods | Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Muskegon County Students with Local Foods | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Debbie Stabenow | S000770 | www.stabenow.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Muskegon County Students with Local Foods Wednesday, November 18, 2015 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that four Muskegon County school districts will receive support to develop a plan to bring locally grown food to Muskegon County school cafeterias. This $43,500 investment will benefit the Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Whitehall and Montague school districts and comes from USDA's Farm to School Program, which helps schools source healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy. Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill significantly expands support for Michigan farmers by creating new opportunities to sell locally grown and organic products. "Farm to school programs give needed support to Michigan farmers while educating and encouraging students to eat healthier," said Senator Stabenow. "Whether it's teachers, students, parents or farmers, everybody wins when Michigan-grown food makes it to cafeterias." USDA's Farm to School Grants help schools respond to the demand for healthy food, which plays a critical role in helping children develop healthy habits which can benefit them for their entire lives. The Farm to School Program also educates students about how food grows through school garden programs and farm visits. Additionally, the program provides much needed access to new markets for locally grown and organic foods for producers and food businesses. Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conyers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/we-must-not-turn-our-backs-world-s-refugees | We Must Not Turn our Backs on the Worlds Refugees | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | John Conyers | C000714 | conyers.house.gov | legacy | Office of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan Formerly the Office of Representative John Conyers Jr. The Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative John Conyers Jr. will continue to serve the people of the Thirteenth Congressional District of Michigan under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Conyers resigned from Congress effective December 5, 2017. See Press Release The Interim Vacant Office Status: By federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below. Legislative Information: Until a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office. Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. Assistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework): The staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but require assistance in matters relating to federal government age… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-refugee-crisis-terror-attack-paris | Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Refugee Crisis, Terror Attack in Paris | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement on the ongoing refugee crisis and terrorist threat posed by ISIS: In the dangerous world we live in, and certainly after the terrorist attack in Paris, people's anxieties and fears are understandable. ISIS and other terrorist organizations pose a real threat to our common values, and they must be defeated. Our first priority must always be protecting Americans from harm. That includes a continued rigorous screening process that ensures law enforcement agencies have the proper resources to conduct background screenings, health checks and in-person interviews for every refugee seeking asylum in the U.S. We also must remember that refugees who are leaving their homes, overwhelmingly women and children, are victims of terror themselves. They are fleeing the same violence we saw in Paris. America is a nation of immigrants, and with vigorous safeguards I know that we can both protect the security of Americans while honoring our country's values to help the vulnerable and oppressed. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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