url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-joins-midwest-colleagues-introducing-bipartisan-legislation-bolster,Barrett Joins Midwest Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Dave Joyce (OH-14) introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program.

This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts.

“Protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our water, wildlife, and communities throughout the region,” said Barrett. “This bipartisan legislation will help bring federal resources to the table and strengthen the partnerships already working to preserve our state's natural resources. I’m proud to work with colleagues from across the region to ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come.”

“As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Walberg. “The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem.”

“As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest assets,” said Scholten. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This commonsense bill will strengthen the research and coordination that keeps the Great Lakes region healthy. Investing in our Great Lakes is investing in our future, and it’s crucial that we conserve this resource for the next generation.”

“As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I have made it my mission to have the federal government recognize the Great Lakes as a national priority,” said Huizenga. “The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act furthers this objective by enhancing the Great Lakes Commission’s steadfast work to protect and conserve Michigan’s most valuable natural resource.”

“The Great Lakes and their connected waterways are invaluable resources for Michigan and the United States,” said Dingell. “As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation for future generations to enjoy these national treasures.”

“Michigan is the Great Lakes state, period. Jobs, recreation, and tourism across the Midwest depend on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem,” said Stevens. “I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues of both parties to ensure that Michigan receives our fair share of federal investment that will protect and preserve our Lakes for generations to come.”

“As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region,” said Kaptur. “The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic well-being, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region.”

“The Great Lakes are a critical resource for the economies and communities that surround them,” said Joyce. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen federal partnerships and expand funding opportunities to advance the research, coordination, and conservation efforts needed to protect the Great Lakes — ensuring they remain a resource our communities can rely on for generations to come.”

“The Great Lakes Commission is grateful to Rep. Walberg for introducing this important legislation to designate the GLC as a regional partnership for the Great Lakes,” said GLC Chair Timothy Bruno, Great Lakes Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “This designation will allow the agency to build on its more than 70 years of regional leadership — fostering dialogue, building consensus, and advancing coordinated solutions to the Great Lakes’ most pressing challenges — to ensure the Great Lakes region continues to speak with a strong, unified voice. We look forward to working with our partners to realize the full benefits of this program for the region.”

Background

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) brings together eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces to protect the Great Lakes and promote economic growth in the Great Lakes Basin. The GLC is composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) coordinate interstate ocean and coastal resource management efforts and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Although NOAA administers four Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Gulf, and West Coast, the Great Lakes currently lack an ROP. Designating the GLC as the region’s ROP will ensure the Great Lakes region receives its fair share of program funding.

Companion legislation, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), has been advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7398,"Dingell Statement on Trump Administration Lowering Fuel Economy Standards, Ceding Ground to China",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement in the wake of the Trump Administration’s decision to lower fuel economy standards in internal combustion engine-powered cars:

“Today’s decision risks putting the American automotive industry at a competitive disadvantage while the rest of the world races ahead, and it also ignores the more pressing issue working men and women are facing right now with the cost-of-living crisis and the rising price of gas. Americans should have the freedom to choose the vehicle that works best for them, whether that’s electric, hybrid, or an internal combustion engine. But consumer choice and American leadership are not mutually exclusive,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The global auto industry is changing rapidly, and China and other countries are investing heavily in the technologies that will define the future. The global market wants electric vehicles, and we cannot afford to fall behind. Our auto industry cannot continue to be a political ping-pong ball every four years. We need stable policies that make transportation more affordable, support good-paying American jobs, and give our industry the certainty they need to invest, innovate, and compete. Michigan put the world on wheels, and I intend to make sure we remain competitive in the global marketplace. We need policies that give consumers choices while ensuring the next generation of vehicles, including EVs, are developed and built right here in America.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-bolster-great,"Walberg, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David Joyce (R-OH), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Hillary Scholten (D-MI) introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program.

This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts.

""As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Rep. Walberg. ""The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem.""

""As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region,"" said Rep. Kaptur. ""The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic wellbeing, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region.""

""As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I have made it my mission to have the federal government recognize the Great Lakes as a national priority,"" said. Rep. Huizenga. ""The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act furthers this objective by enhancing the Great Lakes Commission’s steadfast work to protect and conserve Michigan’s most valuable natural resource.""

""The Great Lakes and their connected waterways are invaluable resources for Michigan and the United States,"" said Rep. Dingell. ""As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation for future generations to enjoy these national treasures.""

""The Great Lakes are a critical resource for the economies and communities that surround them,"" said Rep. Joyce. ""As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen federal partnerships and expand funding opportunities to advance the research, coordination, and conservation efforts needed to protect the Great Lakes — ensuring they remain a resource our communities can rely on for generations to come.""

""Michigan is the Great Lakes state, period. Jobs, recreation, and tourism across the Midwest depend on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem,"" said Rep. Stevens. ""I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues of both parties to ensure that Michigan receives our fair share of federal investment that will protect and preserve our Lakes for generations to come.""

""Protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our water, wildlife, and communities throughout the region,"" said Rep. Barrett. ""This bipartisan legislation will help bring federal resources to the table and strengthen the partnerships already working to preserve our state's natural resources. I’m proud to work with colleagues from across the region to ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come.""

""As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest assets,"" said Rep. Scholten. ""I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This commonsense bill will strengthen the research and coordination that keeps the Great Lakes region healthy. Investing in our Great Lakes is investing in our future, and it’s crucial that we conserve this resource for the next generation.""

""The Great Lakes Commission is grateful to Rep. Walberg for introducing this important legislation to designate the GLC as a regional partnership for the Great Lakes,"" said GLC Chair Timothy Bruno, Great Lakes Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. ""This designation will allow the agency to build on its more than 70 years of regional leadership — fostering dialogue, building consensus, and advancing coordinated solutions to the Great Lakes’ most pressing challenges — to ensure the Great Lakes region continues to speak with a strong, unified voice. We look forward to working with our partners to realize the full benefits of this program for the region.""

Background

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) brings together eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces to protect the Great Lakes and promote economic growth in the Great Lakes basin. The GLC is composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) coordinate interstate ocean and coastal resource management efforts and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Although NOAA administers four Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Gulf, and West Coast, the Great Lakes currently lack an ROP. Designating the GLC as the region’s ROP will ensure the Great Lakes region receives its fair share of program funding.

Companion legislation, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), has been advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-epa-administrator-zeldin-highlight-reliable-energy-environmental,"Barrett, EPA Administrator Zeldin Highlight Reliable Energy, Environmental Protection Efforts in Mid-Michigan",2026-09-26,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Stockbridge, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett welcomed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to mid-Michigan to highlight efforts to unleash reliable energy production and promote critical research to help protect the environment from harmful chemicals.

The officials visited Enbridge’s Stockbridge Terminal and met with local energy leaders before heading to Michigan State University to see how researchers are studying the potential lasting effects and possible mitigation of PFAS chemicals. While at Enbridge, Barrett announced his support for pausing diesel exports to help rein in prices for transporting goods across the country.

“Hard-working families deserve to have confidence that they’ll be able to reliably heat their homes in the winter. Secure pipelines are the safest, most efficient, and most dependable way to transport fuel throughout our state,” said Barrett. “Prices at the pump and on utility bills are too expensive right now, and that’s why I’m continuing my work in Congress to unleash American energy production, expand refinery capacity, and protect the infrastructure that safely, cost-effectively transports fuel to and from those refineries. It’s also why I support pausing diesel exports to rein in prices that make shipping groceries and other products more expensive. Thank you to Administrator Zeldin for coming to mid-Michigan to see the work so many in our region are doing to fuel our communities and to protect people and our natural resources.”

“Energy fuels every part of our lives, but for years, Washington bureaucrats abused power to restrict critical energy infrastructure,” said Administrator Lee Zeldin. “At the Trump EPA, we are following the law, applying common sense, and helping to unleash U.S. energy dominance. As a result, good-paying energy jobs are being protected and created, and trillions of dollars in regulatory costs are being cut, while simultaneously fulfilling our statutory obligations and protecting our environment. It is great to be working alongside Representative Barrett to deliver for the American public.”

The Stockbridge Terminal is a crude oil tank facility which allows for the temporary storage of crude oil as it moves through the Enbridge pipeline system in mid-Michigan, connecting supply with numerous regional refineries. It serves as an important hub in Enbridge’s large North American network of critical pipelines, which are the safest and most affordable way to transport oil and natural gas. Barrett and Zeldin toured the facility and then met with leaders in Michigan’s energy industry. During the roundtable conversation, the group discussed the importance of expanding reliable energy production and maintaining critical infrastructure to safely, efficiently transport fuel for Michigan residents. Industry leaders also emphasized the need to build more refinery capacity to process raw materials into usable fuels. Barrett has made boosting American energy production a priority, helping pass critical reforms in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (H.R. 1) that will increase domestic production and help lower costs in the long run. He has long championed policies to promote competition and encourage production of affordable, reliable energy.

Barrett and Zeldin then met with researchers and toured Michigan State University’s Center for PFAS Research. University scientists are studying the impact on human health, agriculture, and the environment from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — long-lasting chemicals that break down very slowly — as well as how to mitigate any harm.

Background:

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act (H.R. 1) boosted American energy production by authorizing new oil and gas leases and undoing red tape imposed during the Biden administration. The historic law removed subsidies and carveouts for special interests, providing a level playing field that allows companies producing oil, natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear, or other energy sources to compete, innovate, and provide more efficient energy.",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1540,"Bergman, Van Drew, Davis, Golden introduce SMILE for Veterans Act",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Last week, Reps. Jack Bergman, Jeff Van Drew, Don Davis, and Jared Golden introduced the SMILE for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation establishing a Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program to reimburse community-based dental providers for care provided to rural Veterans.

Under current law, only about 15 percent of the nearly nine million Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for VA dental services. Eligibility is generally limited to Veterans with a service-connected dental condition, a 100 percent disability rating, or former prisoner-of-war status.

“For too many Veterans in rural communities, basic dental care is either too far away or simply out of reach,” said Rep. Jack Bergman. “The SMILE for Veterans Act offers a practical solution by connecting Veterans with trusted dental providers already serving their communities. Rather than building an expensive new federal system from the ground up, this legislation uses existing local providers to deliver care efficiently and closer to home.”

Efforts to broadly expand dental coverage through the VA have faced significant cost and capacity challenges, including the need for additional personnel, facilities, and community-care infrastructure.

The SMILE for Veterans Act takes a targeted approach by creating a reimbursement pathway for existing community-based dental providers to serve rural Veterans. By leveraging providers and infrastructure already in place, the legislation would expand access to dental care in underserved communities without requiring the VA to build a new system from the ground up.

“I spent 30 years as a dentist, and I can tell you that putting off dental care usually only makes things worse,” said Rep. Jeff Van Drew. “For veterans living in rural communities, sometimes the hardest part is simply finding a dentist close enough to get the care they need. That should not be the case. The SMILE for Veterans Act is a practical way to connect veterans with that care closer to home. To me, that is common sense.”

“Quality dental care is a critical part of keeping our veterans healthy, and too often, veterans in rural communities face significant challenges getting the care they need. The bipartisan SMILE for Veterans Act would give community providers across eastern North Carolina a way to deliver that care closer to home. Our veterans kept their promise to our nation, and we must always keep ours to them,” said Rep. Don Davis.

“VA health care is an essential benefit for our nation’s veterans, but for too long a lack of dental coverage has been a massive gap in care. The mouth is part of the body, and our veterans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get basic dental care. I’m proud to work with Reps. Bergman, Davis and Van Drew on the SMILE Act, which takes a smart first step toward more comprehensive coverage by focusing on rural areas where barriers to care are the highest and community providers that can help close the gap,” said Rep. Jared Golden.

The SMILE for Veterans Act is supported by AMVETS, the National Rural Health Association, and the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.

In 2024, the CareQuest Institute funded 10 projects across the country to identify the barriers Veterans face in getting oral health care. The Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) was among the recipients, and with the help of the funding, was able to hold community forums across the region. The forums brought together Veterans, servicemembers, families and caregivers, dental providers, insurers and health plans, and policymakers to discuss Veteran oral health and what keeps Veterans from getting care. The project, led by Frank Lombard, UPCAP’s U.P. Veterans Program Manager, produced troubling findings about the dental health and unmet needs of Veterans in rural Michigan. One survey of 835 Veterans found:

Poor oral health: More than a third of Veterans surveyed rated their oral health as only fair or poor.

Veterans are pulling their own teeth: 32 Veterans reported extracting one of their own teeth during or after military service because they couldn't get in to see a dentist – 1 in 8 of those who answered the question. Among Veterans who rated their oral health as poor, the rate was more than 1 in 4.

Widespread tooth loss: More than 75 percent of respondents who answered reported losing two or more teeth to decay or gum disease. Nearly 40 percent have lost six or more.

Enrolled in VA care, but no dental benefit: 83 percent of respondents are enrolled in VA health care, yet 44 percent reported they are not eligible for VA dental care, with another 32 percent unsure whether they qualify. Fewer than 2% reported being service-connected for dental care.

No dental insurance: Nearly 37 percent of Veterans reported having no dental insurance. Among those rating their oral health as poor, more than half are uninsured.

Cost is the leading barrier: Affordability was the most frequently cited reason for not visiting the dentist more often. That includes 43 percent of Veterans in poor oral health.

Long gaps in care: Nearly a third of Veterans had not seen a dentist in more than a year. More than 20 percent had gone three or more years. Among Veterans in poor oral health, 58 percent had not had a dental visit in the past year.

“The CareQuest Institute for oral health generously provided funding for the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress to conduct a rural Veteran oral health survey across our region. The results revealed systemic issues regarding problems with Veteran access to dental care. Although the majority of the 835 Veterans who completed the survey reported being enrolled in VA healthcare (696/83%), only 162 (19.4%) reported being eligible for dental services through the VA. Approximately 34% of Veterans reported their oral health as being fair (166) or poor (123). 307 Veterans reported having no dental insurance and 15 reported being unsure if they had any coverage. Lack of eligibility for dental care through the VA and the cost of care were some of the most frequent barriers highlighted in the survey results. Those who reported paying the most out-of-pocket for dental care were middle and lower income categories. The survey also revealed that many Veterans are struggling with serious and painful dental problems such as broken and cracked teeth, cavities, and abscesses. 32 veterans who completed the rural Veteran oral health survey even reported having to extract one of their own teeth during or after military service because they could not get into a dentist in time. No Veteran should ever have to pull one of their own teeth after the sacrifices they have made. This is a problem that must be solved,” said Frank Lombard.

“No Veteran should struggle to get the dental care they need because of where they live. For veterans in rural communities, limited options and long distances can make accessing oral health care especially difficult, and we all have a responsibility to help close those gaps,” said Melissa Burroughs, Senior Director of Public Policy at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “This legislation is an important step in addressing longstanding barriers to care for rural veterans, and it’s encouraging to see leaders from both parties working together on such a critical need.”",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-haley-stevens-has-new-bill-lower-retirement-age-americans-who-work,ICYMI: Rep. Haley Stevens Has New Bill to Lower Retirement Age For Americans Who Work With Their Hands,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 25, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act to lower the Social Security retirement age to 60 for workers in physically demanding careers.

The legislation would apply to physically demanding occupations, including jobs in manufacturing, construction, roofing, nursing, and more. The Social Security Administration would be responsible for identifying and regularly updating the list of qualifying occupations.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens’ Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act:

CNBC: New bill would lower Social Security retirement age for physically demanding jobs

By Lorie Konish

Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., on Wednesday introduced a new bill that would lower Social Security’s full retirement age for workers in physically demanding jobs.

Currently, the earliest Social Security retirement age is 62, though beneficiaries receive reduced monthly checks for starting that soon. By waiting until full retirement age — that’s 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later — they may receive 100% of the benefits they’ve earned.

Yet for blue-collar workers, staying longer in physically demanding jobs in order to reach those age milestones may be difficult, according to Stevens’ proposal.

Individuals who have physically demanding jobs are at risk of exiting the workforce earlier than planned, which can interfere with their ability to have a secure retirement, according to 2022 research from the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis at The New School.

CBS News: New bill would lower Social Security retirement age for some workers

By Mary Cunningham

Among the various proposals for bolstering Social Security is raising the retirement age at which Americans can claim full benefits. One lawmaker instead wants to lower it.

Stevens has said that lowering the retirement age for blue-collar workers is necessary to help those who may struggle working into their 60s, given that such jobs are often physically demanding.

""Michiganders who work with their hands shouldn't be forced to wait until their bodies give out to retire,"" she said in a statement on Thursday in unveiling the legislation in Washington, D.C.

Newsweek: Millions of Americans Could Claim Social Security Early Under New Bill

By Aliss Hingham

Some Americans working in physically demanding jobs could claim full Social Security retirement benefits at age 60 under a new bill introduced in Congress.

The proposal would create an exception to existing Social Security rules for workers who have spent enough of their careers in physically demanding jobs, allowing them to receive unreduced retirement benefits seven years before the current full retirement age.

“If we want to honor the dignity of work in this country, we need to lower the retirement age for physical laborers,” said Stevens.

Fast Company: Social Security retirement age would be lower for ‘blue collar’ workers under proposed bill: What that means

By Sarah Fielding

As things stand, any American born in 1960 or later can’t access their full Social Security benefits until the age of 67. A new bill is hoping to change that.

“Michiganders who work with their hands shouldn’t have to work until their bodies give out to retire,” Stevens said in a statement shared on X. “If you put in the work, you deserve the retirement you earned.”

Almost 40% of working U.S. civilians work a job that requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and other physically demanding activities.

MLive: Proposal would lower Social Security’s full retirement age to 60 for some workers

By Leada Gore

A new proposal would lower Social Security’s full retirement age for some workers in physically demanding jobs.

Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Michigan, introduced the ‘Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act’ this week. The bill would change full retirement age (FRA) – the point at which people can qualify for full Social Security benefits – to 60 for people in fields such as construction, roofing, manufacturing and nursing.

Under the bill, the Social Security Administration would set a list of qualifying jobs and update it every three years.

Deadline Detroit: Haley Stevens Introduces Bill To Lower the Social Security Age For Americans With Physically Demanding Jobs

By Allan Lengel

Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens on Wednesday announced proposed legislation — the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act — that would allow people with physically demanding jobs to collect full Social Security benefits at age 60.

“Michiganders who work with their hands shouldn’t be forced to wait until their bodies give out to retire,” Stevens said.

The Independent: New Social Security bill would lower retirement age to 60 for some workers

By Rachel Dobkin

The Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act was introduced by Representative Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat, Thursday. The bill would allow Americans who work with their hands to collect full Social Security retirement benefits when they turn 60.

“I look forward to bringing together my colleagues in Congress to fix this glaring issue for Michigan workers, strengthen Social Security, and ensure its solvency for generations of Americans to come,” said Stevens.

Those eligible for full retirement benefits at 60 would include workers in construction, roofing, nursing, manufacturing and other physically demanding jobs

WDIV-DET (NBC) — Detroit, MI

A new bill in Congress could lower the full Social Security retirement age to 60 for some workers.

Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, introducing the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act, aimed at people in physically demanding jobs like construction, nursing and manufacturing.

Under this proposal, workers would need to work a certain amount of years in qualifying jobs to get those full benefits at 60, the current full retirement age is 67.

###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-increase-transparency-ban-data-centers,"Barrett Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency, Ban Data Centers NDAs",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced the No Secrets for Data Centers Act to prohibit non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by government officials to conceal details of data center projects from the public.

The bipartisan bill, which applies to federal, state, and local officials, builds on the No Data Center NDAs Act Barrett introduced last month to prohibit members of Congress from signing NDAs to hide data center details. The legislation comes as government officials are increasingly signing NDAs with data center developers, keeping local residents in the dark about how the projects could affect natural resources and electric rates.

“Local residents must have the final say about data centers in their communities, and that means they need to know all the facts so they can make an informed decision,” Barrett said. “The recent surge in NDAs is keeping people in the dark about how a data center might affect their land, their water, and their electric bills — until it’s too late. Blocking these confidentiality agreements is an important step in our fight to increase transparency and protect citizens’ right to decide what is best for their community.”

“Big Tech needs to be transparent about these deals, not force local officials to sign NDAs and keep secrets from their communities,” said Landsman. “That means no more NDAs. Transparency can’t just be a promise – it needs to be law.”

“The American people have a right to know how data centers being built in their communities will affect local utilities, the local environment, and the local economy, and who will be responsible if and when things go wrong,” said Raskin. “Yet throughout the country, local officials are blocked from discussing these projects with their constituents because of the Non-Disclosure Agreements Big Tech companies are imposing to cloak these projects in secrecy. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Landsman to ban these corporate gag orders and make sure no public official is stifled in their most fundamental duty: answering to the people they represent and protecting their interests.”

The new bill also comes the week after Barrett and the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Ratepayer Protection Act to require large-load energy customers, such as data centers, to cover the full costs of increased grid capacity.

Background

The No Secrets for Data Centers Act would prohibit and invalidate NDAs signed by government officials to conceal details of data center projects. NDAs have gained attention in Michigan in recent years, with many federal, state, and local officials signing secrecy deals about a variety of proposed corporate projects.

The bill would also prohibit data center operators from receiving government incentives if the conditions include entering an agreement to keep information about the project confidential. Michigan currently prevents disclosure of details about data centers receiving targeted tax incentives, and other states have adopted similar confidentiality provisions.

Barrett has been a leader on reining in government overreach and increasing transparency and accountability for artificial intelligence and data centers. He voted against Michigan’s corporate welfare for data centers when he was a state lawmaker, and he’s introduced or co-sponsored the following bills in Congress:

The Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act (H.R. 10119) to prohibit federal agencies from overriding local land-use, zoning, siting, or permitting authority related to data centers.

The No Data Center NDAs Act (H.R. 10118) would prohibit members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about data centers, including any information about possible locations or how much water or energy a facility is expected to consume.

The Doctors Not AI Act (H.R. 10210), introduced by Barrett and Landsman, to ensure that artificial intelligence cannot make or dictate health insurance coverage decisions involving medical judgment.

The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act (H.R. 7218) to require AI chatbots to implement age verification measures to protect minors. The bill requires parental consent for minors using chatbots, bans chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communications with minors, and requires chatbots to notify a minor’s parent if the minor’s chat shows signs of suicidal ideation.

The AI Threat Output and Monitoring Incident Containment Act (H.R. 9965) to test advanced AI systems to prevent risks to nuclear safety.

The Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop.

The VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) to require VA employees — not AI — to make the final decisions for approval of disability claims or benefits. The bill also strengthens oversight and accountability for the VA’s digital benefits system.

The VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) to require the VA to disclose to every veteran any use of AI by the VA, including in claims processing and customer service chats.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7396,"Dingell, Moolenaar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Senior Care",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The PACE Improvement Act would support the expansion of current PACE programs and facilitate the establishment of new ones by giving PACE programs greater flexibility to enroll beneficiaries throughout the year, remove limitations on when entities may apply to become PACE organizations, make PACE a mandatory service under Medicaid, address outdated limitations and unnecessary constraints on the potential for the growth and expansion of PACE organizations, and more.

“The PACE model has been successful in helping seniors and Americans with disabilities age and live with dignity. As the third-largest PACE state, Michigan’s PACE providers deliver critical long-term services for individuals wishing to remain in their homes. But too many Americans continue to sit on waitlists to receive home and community-based services,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We must do more to ensure Americans have the option to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. With this bipartisan bill, we can put these long-term supports in reach for those who need them the most.”

“Michigan seniors should have more choices when it comes to receiving the care they need, including the option to receive home care. This is especially true in rural communities where long-term care options can be limited,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “This bipartisan legislation expands access to the PACE program, cuts unnecessary red tape, and gives more seniors the opportunity to receive high-quality care closer to home. I am proud to support this commonsense bill and will continue working to strengthen care for seniors across our state.”

The legislation is supported by the National Pace Association, PACE of Southeast Michigan, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, American Association on Health and Disability, CommunicationFIRST, Community Catalyst, Lakeshore Foundation, LeadingAge, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Disability Rights Network, and Village to Village Network.

“There is an incredible need for the life changing care PACE provides. More than 350,000 Michiganders are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and thousands more are already receiving long-term care because their needs have reached a nursing facility level of care. Yet PACE currently serves only about 6,500 people across our entire state. That gap represents an enormous opportunity to help more older adults remain independent, stay connected to their communities and receive the care they need,” said Brandon Young, President and CEO of PACE Southeast Michigan. “We see every day what happens when people are given that opportunity. They regain strength, increase their independence and find a meaningful sense of belonging. We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Dingell for recognizing the need and taking action to make PACE easier to access.”

""I don't know where I'd be without PACE,” said Carol Jackson, a PACE Southeast Michigan participant who lives in Trenton, Michigan. “The people here are like a family – my PACE family is my family. The elderly need places like PACE to survive on their own and be able to keep doing a lot with their lives. The people at my PACE center help all of us so much. No matter what we’re going through, they’re there for us. I'm so grateful that Debbie is supporting PACE by bringing this bill forward. I hope it passes, because there's so many more people out there who need PACE.""

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a model of care that integrates Medicare and Medicaid benefits for eligible beneficiaries. It provides comprehensive medical and social services to seniors and individuals living with disabilities that enables them to live in their homes and communities rather than receiving care in an institutional setting. Congresswoman Dingell, a co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus and the 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus, and Congressman Moolenar first introduced legislation on PACE in 2023.

Bill text can be viewed HERE.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-announces-bill-lower-social-security-age-americans-who-work,Rep. Haley Stevens Announces Bill to Lower Social Security Age for Americans Who Work With Their Hands,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) announced the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act, a bill to allow Americans who work in physically demanding jobs to collect full Social Security retirement benefits when they turn 60.

Under current law, Americans born after 1960 can begin collecting full Social Security retirement benefits at age 67 or reduced early retirement at age 62. But far too often, those who work in manual labor cannot continue working until 67 to receive the full benefits they’ve earned. Unable to claim full retirement benefits and with the strains of their day-to-day blue-collar work becoming increasingly unbearable, these workers find themselves in a difficult position as they look towards retirement.

Stevens’ bill lowers the eligible age for full retirement benefits to 60 for Americans who work in such jobs, including but not limited to construction, roofing, nursing, manufacturing, and more. The bill directs the Social Security Administration to identify and publish a comprehensive list of physically demanding occupations that would be covered under this law, and continue updating that list every three years.

“Michiganders who work with their hands shouldn’t be forced to wait until their bodies give out to retire,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “If we want to honor the dignity of work in this country, we need to lower the retirement age for physical laborers. I look forward to bringing together my colleagues in Congress to fix this glaring issue for Michigan workers, strengthen Social Security, and ensure its solvency for generations of Americans to come.”

At a time when America needs more people to enter the skilled trades and labor-intensive careers, Stevens’ bill creates a new incentive for Americans to pursue these jobs with the promise of retiring early and receiving their full Social Security benefits.

The bill doesn’t require Americans to exclusively work in physically demanding jobs their whole careers to become eligible. Rather, it establishes a weighted points system based on years worked to assess eligibility. If an individual reaches a total of 15 points or 20 total years of physically demanding work across their career, they qualify for early retirement once they turn 60. The points are tabulated as follows:

0.5 points for each year worked from the ages of 18-34

1 point for each year worked from the ages of 35-44

1 year worked from the ages of 45-54 counts as 1.5 points

1 year worked above the age of 55 until an individual passes away counts as 2 points

Text of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-selected-co-lead-new-bipartisan-working-group,Congresswoman Scholten Selected to Co-lead New Bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) has joined her colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus to co-lead a bipartisan working group focused on developing commonsense guardrails on artificial intelligence to promote accuracy, accountability and integrity.

“The rapid development of artificial intelligence and the recent, grave threats to our nation’s cybersecurity are warning signs that cannot be ignored,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “I am working legislatively to make sure American people and businesses have the tools they need to understand AI and use it responsibly. I am honored to co-lead this crucial working group to exercise Congress’s regulatory responsibility over the technology and establish much-needed guardrails. While we can and should lead the world in AI development, we also must protect ourselves and hold the companies developing it accountable.”

The Working Group will also examine how Congress can help workers and small businesses thrive in an AI-enabled economy, curb misuse of emerging technologies that threaten elections or public trust, protect families and consumers from harmful or deceptive applications, and strengthen national security. Congresswoman Scholten will be joined by Reps. Mike Lawler (D-NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Blake Moore (R-UT-01) as Vice Leads. Rep. David Joyce (R-OH-14), Susie Lee (D-NV-3), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-8), Steven Horsford (D-NV-4), Tom Kean (R-NJ-7), Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), and Scott Peters (D-CA-52) will all serve as additional Members of the Working Group.

The Working Group sent a letter to President Trump ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping asking for a coordinated international response to AI development and security. Read the letter here.

As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Congresswoman Scholten has already introduced and passed legislation to help small businesses learn about AI. HerAI-WISE Act,which passed the House in January 2026, requires the SBA to develop AI-literacy resources on its e-learning platform. Her AI for Main Street Act would expand the role of Small Business Development Centers in helping small businesses evaluate and integrate AI into their operations. Congresswoman Scholten has also introduced theSBA AI Adoption Reporting Act, which would direct the SBA to implement its recent findings on improving its AI use for contracting and research programs.

###",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z
https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-china-summit-rep-mcdonald-rivet-urges-leaders-prioritize-ai-cooperation,"Ahead of China Summit, Rep. McDonald Rivet Urges Leaders to Prioritize AI Cooperation, Protect Safety, & Mid-Michigan Jobs",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Kristen McDonald Rivet,M001237,mcdonaldrivet.house.gov,mcdonaldrivet,https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FLINT— This Thursday, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in Washington to discuss many issues, including the future of artificial intelligence. Ahead of the summit, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet sent a letter urging the Trump Administration officials to use the China summit to negotiate AI-related safety practices. She issued the following statement, encouraging the world leaders to prioritize cooperation and safe development.

“We need to reinvest in an economy that puts working Americans first. As the U.S. and China compete to lead the world on artificial intelligence, leaders must agree on common-sense regulations that protect people’s jobs, safety, and opportunities,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “That only works if it happens at a global scale. President Trump needs to use this summit to be tough with President Xi, making sure we have a universal set of rules for the future of AI that protect Americans’ security and pocketbooks.”

Alongside the letter, Congresswoman McDonald Rivet has led multiple efforts to establish guardrails on artificial intelligence and data center development, including…",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-demands-answers-ice-after-fatal-car-crash-grand-rapids,Congresswoman Scholten Demands Answers from ICE after Fatal Car Crash in Grand Rapids,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) released the following statement regarding the recent fatal car crash in Grand Rapids that involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Congresswoman Scholten also sent a letter to David Venturella, the Acting Director of ICE, demanding immediate answers on the tragedy.

“No traffic stop should end with a fatality. Something went wrong, and we need to know what and how. I have sent a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement demanding immediate answers about what happened and a transparent investigation into facts we don't yet know, so that we can prevent something like this from ever happening again. The purpose of federal law enforcement is to make our communities safer. We must make sure that is happening. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and remain in close contact with federal and local law enforcement until our community gets the answers we deserve.”

Congresswoman Scholten’s letter to ICE can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. Venturella:

I write regarding a fatal vehicle crash that occurred on September 20, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Publicly available news reports indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel initiated a pursuit that led to this crash and the death of Mario David Coronado Juarez. As the representative for Michigan’s Third Congressional District, I have an oversight responsibility to my constituents to understand the circumstances of this incident, including whether federal law enforcement conduct contributed to a constituent’s death and whether that conduct was consistent with applicable laws and agency policy.

To that end, I respectfully request that ICE confirm whether it or another federal agency was involved in any conduct related to the crash, and, if so, respond to the following questions:

What was the stated reason for the stop or attempted stop of the subject vehicle?

Was the subject the target of a preexisting warrant, order of removal, or ongoing investigation?

Did agents pursue rather than discontinue the stop when the driver failed to yield?

If yes, describe in detail the nature of the pursuit.

If no, describe in detail the steps taken to clearly demonstrate the stop was discontinued.

If a pursuit of any kind followed, was the pursuit classified as high-risk? If so, what factors were relied upon to justify that classification, and by whom?

Were the pursuing vehicle’s visual and audible signals activated for the duration of the pursuit?

How many agents and vehicles were involved in the pursuit, and were the pursuing vehicles(s) marked or unmarked?

Were agents involved in the pursuit equipped with and wearing body-worn cameras, and, if so, were those cameras activated during the incident?

Were the pursuing vehicles equipped with dash cameras, and, if so, was footage captured?

Please confirm that all body-worn camera footage, dash camera footage, and incident reports related to this crash are being preserved.

Is ICE willing to make relevant footage and records available to this office, local law enforcement, and the family of the deceased?

Was the relevant local or state law enforcement agency notified about ICE’s involvement in this crash, and, if so, when were they notified?

Is ICE required by policy or any existing agreement to notify or coordinate with local police before conducting operations or pursuits in this jurisdiction?

Has next of kin been notified, and by whom?

Given that this incident resulted in the death of one of my constituents, I request a written response no later than September 27, 2026. I also request an immediate formal briefing from the ICE Field Office leadership to the Michigan Congressional Delegation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7361,"Dingell, Colleagues Urge Trump to Maintain Protections Against Chinese Automobiles, Protect American Auto Workers and Manufacturing",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and 26 of her colleagues in the House of Representatives are urging President Trump to maintain protection of the U.S. auto industry from Chinese automobiles and connected vehicle technologies. The lawmakers are also pushing the administration to avoid opening the U.S. market to Chinese automobile imports and manufacturing as part of ongoing U.S.-China trade discussions, as well as protect the American automotive manufacturing base, workers, critical supply chains, and national security.

“The U.S. automotive industry supports approximately 10 million American jobs and sustains a broad manufacturing ecosystem that includes steel, semiconductors, batteries, electronics, machinery, and thousands of suppliers,” said the lawmakers. “These initiatives are critical to ensuring the United States has a clear and lasting framework to protect our automotive market, workers, critical supply chains, and national security.”

The lawmakers also highlighted the lack of a level playing field in the global marketplace due to unfair practices used by the Chinese government: “China is rapidly expanding its global automotive presence through massive government subsidies, state-directed investment, below-market financing, and other non-market policies and practices. These policies and practices have incentivized Chinese automakers to build significant excess production capacity to aggressively expand overseas, including through opaque corporate structures and partnerships. These subsidized Chinese automakers sell vehicles globally at unfair, artificially low prices that American manufacturers simply cannot compete with. In addition to government financing, Chinese automotive manufacturing relies on forced labor and other exploitative labor practices.”

Congresswoman Dingell’s latest effort follows an April 2026 letter to President Trump from her and 73 of her House Democratic colleagues urging the president to block Chinese automakers from accessing the United States market. In May 2026, she introduced bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China. In June 2026, the congresswoman raised concerns with the administration’s decision to permit Chinese connected vehicles to enter the United States, warning that allowing this poses a serious threat to American national security, driver privacy, and the competitiveness of the domestic auto industry. In August 2026, Congresswoman Dingell introduced another bipartisan bill that would direct the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive study of the national and economic security risks foreign adversaries pose to the United States automotive industry.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below

Dear Mr. President:

As you prepare for your upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, we write to emphasize the importance of protecting the United States automotive industry, its workers, and our economic and national security from the growing threat posed by China. We urge you to maintain strong protections against Chinese automobiles and connected vehicle technologies and ensure that China does not gain access to our market through direct imports, local production, and other avenues of circumvention.

China is rapidly expanding its global automotive presence through massive government subsidies, state-directed investment, below-market financing, and other non-market policies and practices. These policies and practices have incentivized Chinese automakers to build significant excess production capacity to aggressively expand overseas, including through opaque corporate structures and partnerships. These subsidized Chinese automakers sell vehicles globally at unfair, artificially low prices that American manufacturers simply cannot compete with. In addition to government financing, Chinese automotive manufacturing relies on forced labor and other exploitative labor practices.

From January through August 2026, China exported more than 6.2 million passenger vehicles, exceeding its passenger vehicle exports for all of 2025. In August 2026 alone, Chinese passenger vehicle exports increased more than 67 percent from the previous year. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle exports have grown even more rapidly, even as China’s domestic automotive market has weakened. These trends demonstrate the growing importance of overseas markets to China’s automotive sector and the scale of the challenge facing American manufacturers and workers.

Chinese automotive brands accounted for approximately 17 percent of new vehicle sales in Mexico during the first half of 2026, up from 14 percent a year earlier, with sales reaching 137,525 vehicles. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers continue to explore investment and production opportunities in Mexico. Canada has also established an annual quota of 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a 6.1 percent tariff rate, with the quota set to increase by 6.5 percent annually.

These developments underscore the need to ensure that our trade laws and North American agreements cannot become pathways for Chinese automakers to circumvent U.S. protections. A vehicle assembled in Canada or Mexico must not be considered free of the risks associated with Chinese ownership, control, technology, software, hardware, or supply chains. We must ensure that Chinese companies cannot establish a foothold elsewhere in North America and use that presence to gain access to the U.S. market, undermining our trade protections and exposing American workers and manufacturers to the same heavily subsidized, non-market competition we are seeking to address. Nor would a Chinese-owned or controlled manufacturing plant in the United States, even one employing American workers, eliminate the broader economic and national security risks posed by China. Moreover, we urge you not to open the U.S. market to Chinese automobile imports as part of ongoing U.S.-China trade discussions. Securing our North American supply chains through the USMCA review will mean little if Chinese vehicles are permitted to enter the U.S. market directly through our front door.

This is not just a matter of economics but of national security as well. As you know, modern automobiles are increasingly connected computing platforms, incorporating cameras, microphones, sensors, telecommunications equipment, software, and other technologies capable of collecting and transmitting significant amounts of information. Connected vehicles can collect troves of sensitive data about occupants, locations, surroundings, and infrastructure. Connected vehicles and technologies developed or produced by foreign adversaries present a myriad of opportunities for misuse of data or sabotage, such as through indirect or alternative connections that enable remote access or interference. There is a heightened risk when these technologies are controlled by a foreign adversary with a demonstrated interest in undermining democracy and exerting its strategic and economic position.

Congress has recognized the need to address these economic and national security risks and is taking bipartisan, bicameral action to strengthen protections against Chinese automobiles and connected vehicle technologies. Building on existing regulatory restrictions, legislative efforts in both chambers would establish durable safeguards for vehicles, software, hardware, and other technologies linked to China and other foreign adversaries. These initiatives are critical to ensuring the United States has a clear and lasting framework to protect our automotive market, workers, critical supply chains, and national security.

The U.S. automotive industry supports approximately 10 million American jobs and sustains a broad manufacturing ecosystem that includes steel, semiconductors, batteries, electronics, machinery, and thousands of suppliers. A significant influx of heavily subsidized Chinese vehicles would put substantial pressure on this industrial base and threaten our manufacturing capacity and jobs that depend on it. Once critical manufacturing capacity is lost, rebuilding it becomes impossible without decades of significant public and private investment.

Additionally, China’s ambitions extend well beyond finished vehicles. Chinese companies have developed significant positions in batteries, critical minerals, components, software, and other technologies essential to the modern automobile. As China pursues joint ventures, licensing arrangements, supply agreements, and other commercial relationships, we must also consider who owns or controls the underlying company, technology, software, hardware, and critical supply chains.

With that, we urge you to keep these economic and national security considerations in mind as you and your staff prepare to host the Chinese delegation this week. The United States should engage China from a position of strength while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect our automotive industry, workers, critical supply chains, and national security. Chinese automakers should not be permitted to use Canada, Mexico, USMCA, overseas manufacturing, or ownership and technology arrangements to circumvent U.S. protections.

We have an opportunity to establish clear and durable rules so that Chinese automakers cannot deeply embed themselves in our market. We look forward to working with you to ensure that we remain a global leader in automotive manufacturing and connected technology, while protecting our workers, supply chains, and national security that underpin that leadership.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7372,Dingell Introduces Resolution Recognizing the Importance of Continuous Care for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment on Medicaid,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced a resolution to recognize the importance of protecting continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals who are undergoing cancer treatment. Interruption to health coverage during cancer treatment can create unnecessary risk and hardship for patients. More than 75% of individuals undergoing cancer care have delayed or skipped vital treatment due to administrative issues with third-party systems. In many states, cancer patients are required to repeatedly verify their medical circumstances, even when state Medicaid programs already hold the necessary information. Streamlining Medicaid processes and reducing these hurdles is essential to ensuring support for those receiving cancer treatment.

""No one fighting cancer should ever have to pause or skip lifesaving treatment because of bureaucratic red tape. Forcing patients to jump through redundant administrative hoops creates unnecessary hardship and puts lives at risk. This resolution recognizes the importance of continuous coverage so that patients on Medicaid can focus on what matters most: their health and recovery.""

The resolution is endorsed by Less Cancer.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-stevens-introduces-paul-whelan-hostage-compensation-and,ICYMI: Rep. Stevens Introduces Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 21, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act, legislation to provide financial support to Americans who have been unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad as they return home and rebuild their lives.

The legislation is named for Michigan’s Paul Whelan, who was wrongfully detained in Russia for more than five years before returning home in August 2024. After his release, Whelan faced many of the financial challenges that can follow years of detention, including lost income, the loss of his home and job, and difficulties obtaining health insurance.

Here’s what Michiganders are hearing and seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens’ work with Paul Whelan to support Americans returning home after wrongful detention abroad:

The Detroit News: New bill would compensate returned political hostages like Paul Whelan

By Melissa Nann Burke

“Reintegration should not stop at the airport,” Stevens said, describing Whelan’s experience returning home without a place to live or his former job after five and a half years of lost earnings.

“This is a very solid piece of legislation that brings some dignity to the people who I believe are American heroes.”

Stevens said the goal is to establish “a transparent and objective formula” recognizing the economic consequences of wrongful detention, including time taken away from a person’s career and livelihood.

CNN: Paul Whelan helps craft bill to compensate Americans wrongly detained abroad

By Jennifer Hansler

Whelan called the legislation “a huge step forward” in ensuring wrongfully detained Americans receive support after returning home.

“For people like me who have come home after five-and-a-half years, we really don’t have very much. House is gone. Cars are gone. Employment’s gone. No health insurance,” Whelan told CNN.

Stevens said the legislation would ensure Americans who endure wrongful detention have resources to “regain their footing, reunite with their communities, and rebuild their lives.”

Deadline Detroit: Haley Stevens introduces ‘Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act’ Bill

By Allan Lengel

“When an American is wrongfully detained abroad, we do everything we can to bring them home. Our responsibility cannot end the moment they step back on American soil,” Stevens said.

Whelan said former hostages often return home having lost their income, health insurance, employment, transportation and housing.

“Providing compensation to former hostages is a step in the right direction in supporting their positive and productive reintegration,” Whelan said.

NPR News Now: Paul Whelan compensation bill introduced

“Hostages lose freedom. That means I wasn't earning an income. I wasn't saving for retirement,” Whelan told NPR.

Whelan said that when he returned home, his home and cars were gone and he had to rebuild his life.

CBS News Detroit: Paul Whelan reacts to bill supporting Americans wrongfully detained overseas

CBS News Detroit reported on Stevens’ legislation to provide support to Americans returning home after being wrongfully detained abroad.

Whelan thanked Stevens for introducing the legislation and discussed the challenges former detainees can face after returning home.

The report highlighted Whelan’s more than five years of wrongful detention in Russia and the legislation’s effort to help Americans rebuild their lives after returning to the United States

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-introduces-two-bills-ensure-transparency-accountability-ai-use-va,"Barrett Introduces Two Bills to Ensure Transparency, Accountability for AI Use at the VA",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) this week introduced the VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) and the VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) to ensure veterans get efficient, transparent, quality service and human review for benefit claims when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses artificial intelligence.

“Technology is supposed to be a tool to provide better, faster service. It should never get in the way of the care and benefits veterans earned,” Barrett said. “The bills I’m introducing will always put veterans first at the VA by requiring transparency about any AI use and making sure a real person — not just an AI system — reviews every veteran’s claim.”

Barrett, who chairs the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, has been leading efforts in Congress to oversee technological upgrades at the VA to ensure new systems are truly helping VA staff meet veterans’ needs. At a recent hearing, he discussed with senior VA officials the need for transparency and human accountability for AI use at the department.

Background

The VA provides a variety of benefits and services to veterans based on disabilities resulting from their military service. The VA Claims AI Accountability Act (H.R. 10418) would:

Ensure VA employees make all final decisions for approval of disability claims and benefits, including human review of each individual disability condition claimed;

Require the VA to maintain and continue improving its digital disability claims processing system to make sure it is accurately and efficiently getting veterans the benefits they earned; and

Strengthen oversight and accountability from Congress and the independent comptroller general.

The VA AI Transparency Act (H.R. 10417) would require the VA to disclose to every veteran any use of AI by the VA, including in claims processing and customer service chats.

Barrett has been a leader in reining in government overreach and increasing transparency and accountability for artificial intelligence technology and data center facilities. He has introduced or co-sponsored the following bills in Congress:

The Doctors Not AI Act (H.R. 10210) to ensure that artificial intelligence cannot make or dictate health insurance coverage decisions involving medical judgment.

The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act (H.R. 7218) to require AI chatbots to implement age verification measures to protect minors. The bill requires parental consent for minors using chatbots, bans chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communications with minors, and requires chatbots to notify a minor’s parent if the minor’s chat shows signs of suicidal ideation.

The AI Threat Output and Monitoring Incident Containment Act (H.R. 9965) to test advanced AI systems to prevent risks to nuclear safety.

The Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop.

The Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act (H.R. 10119) to prohibit federal agencies from overriding local land-use, zoning, siting, or permitting authority related to data centers.

The No Data Center NDAs Act (H.R. 10118) to prohibit members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about data centers, including any information about possible locations or how much water or energy a facility is expected to consume.

CLICK HERE to read the VA Claims AI Accountability Act.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7350,"Dingell, Fitzpatrick Express Concern About Staffing Challenges at CDC’s Injury Center",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) are voicing their concerns to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about staff reduction and hiring constraints at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Injury Center). These challenges have left our nation’s leading authority on preventing injuries and violence, the top cause of death for Americans ages 1–44, with critical vacancies, a major loss of institutional knowledge, and unstable leadership.

“Its staff provide technical expertise, data analysis, and oversight that ensure federal investments are used effectively and efficiently,” said the lawmakers. “If left unresolved, these challenges could contribute to a broader collapse of the nation’s injury and violence prevention capacity.”

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write to express serious concern about the current staffing challenges and hiring processes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Injury Center). Our goal is to ensure that Injury Center grantees have the support they need to operate effectively, and that staff have the resources required to ensure appropriate oversight of federal funds allocated by Congress to injury and violence prevention efforts.

The Injury Center is the nation’s leading authority on preventing injuries and violence, which remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. The Center funds programs in every state addressing urgent public health challenges, including suicide, overdose, intimate partner violence, falls, and drowning. Its staff provide technical expertise, data analysis, and oversight that ensure federal investments are used effectively and efficiently. Thanks in part to the Injury Center’s work, we have seen an unprecedented 26% reduction in overdose deaths rates from 2023 to 2024.

Currently, CDC is facing significant workforce challenges due to recent reductions in force (RIFs) and ongoing hiring constraints across the agency. These staffing challenges have been especially acute at the Injury Center. More than 200 staff members have been eliminated through RIFs, and the Center is operating with only a fraction of the full-time equivalent (FTE) employees it started with in 2025. The agency is down to fewer than 400 FTE currently, compared to over 700 in January 2025. This has left the Injury Center with critical vacancies, a significant loss of institutional knowledge, and a lack of stable leadership.

Despite submitting a request to HHS leadership for more than 150 positions to address these vacancies, the Center has only received approval to begin hiring for 40 positions. Additionally, the positions approved for hire do not match the positions that Injury Center leadership requested. Additionally, according to Injury Center officials, no new staff have been hired because the process remains lengthy, confusing, and difficult to navigate.

Since human resource functions were centralized at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and no longer operate within CDC, hiring officials have shared that the protocols are no longer clearly defined and thus require them to expend more time and resources as they engage with multiple HHS offices in attempts to be responsive. This fragmented process places a substantial administrative burden on hiring officials and contributes to significant delays.

Among the additional burdens, hiring officials are now required to interview every applicant received. To keep the number of mandatory interviews manageable, officials set relatively low caps on the number of applications accepted. This poses two distinct challenges. First, announcements close as soon as the cap is reached, even if the cap is reached before the closing date that was initially stated. This severely limits the applicant pool and reduces the Injury Center's ability to recruit a wide range of highly qualified subject-matter experts. Second, this imposes a significant human resource burden on the agency. For example, even a small applicant pool capped to 20 applicants requires 20 separate interviews and does not permit the agency the ability to rule out unqualified candidates to streamline this process.

Further challenges exist around ensuring employees affected by RIFs have access to these new postings. Despite the requirement that these employees must receive priority notification, this has not been the case under the new hiring processes. Without timely notification, priority hiring requirements are effectively undermined, making the hiring process less efficient and increasing the risk that the Injury Center will lose access to experienced, highly qualified personnel.

Together, the consequences extend beyond individual hiring decisions. Internally, prolonged vacancies and uncertainty undermine morale, disrupt continuity, and create avoidable onboarding and training costs. Externally, hard-won progress in reducing overdose deaths and other preventable injuries is at risk, and the nation’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to growing and evolving public health challenges is fundamentally undermined. If left unresolved, these challenges could contribute to a broader collapse of the nation’s injury and violence prevention capacity.

We respectfully request that you:

Review the current hiring process to ensure the Injury Center can fill vacancies that reflect its most urgent mission and workforce needs.

Establish clear, streamlined hiring protocols with defined responsibilities, timelines, and points of contact across HHS and CDC.

Reconsider requirements that effectively mandate interviewing every applicant, allowing officials to accept broader applicant pools and conduct merit-based screening.

Create a timely notification and application process for qualified employees affected by reductions in force when relevant positions are announced.

Ensure hiring officials receive advance or immediate notice when their announcements are posted.

Prompt action is needed to ensure that the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and other CDC centers can recruit and retain the workforce necessary to fulfill their mission. We appreciate your attention to these concerns and respectfully request a review of the processes described above.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcdonald-rivet-democratic-womens-caucus-call-hhs-withdraw-dangerous-plan,"Rep. McDonald Rivet, Democratic Women’s Caucus Call on HHS to Withdraw Dangerous Plan to Overhaul Head Start",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Kristen McDonald Rivet,M001237,mcdonaldrivet.house.gov,mcdonaldrivet,https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) sent a letter, calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw a proposed rule slashing 90% of Head Start Program Performance Standards, which would harm Head Start children, families, and classrooms.

“Head Start makes sure children from low-income families and children with disabilities have a loving place to learn and grow. There are decades of research proving Head Start kids do better in school and better in life,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “This Administration’s proposed overhaul will wreak havoc on what makes Head Start so special. It’ll make it harder for kids to learn, harder for teachers to do their jobs, and harder for working parents to make ends meet. We can’t let it go forward.”

For over 60 years, Head Start has provided child care and social services for children from low-income families, children with disabilities, dual language learners, and children experiencing homelessness. HHS’s proposed rule would eliminate over 1,400 regulatory provisions and largely defer rules and guidelines to states and local programs. These changes would severely diminish the quality of Head Start services, including:

Weakening protections for children with disabilities.

Eliminating federal limits on class size and staff-to-student ratios.

Rolling back credential requirements for Head Start staff and teachers.

Reducing health and safety protections for children.

Cutting program hours.

Leading the letter alongside Congresswoman McDonald Rivet are DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and DWC Members Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12). 70 Members of Congress signed the letter.

The letter from the lawmakers reads, in part, “This proposed rule guts an essential early childhood program and its services for hundreds of thousands of women and families nationwide, which would increase their costs and burden to replace those services. In today’s environment of rising costs, it is cruel to make life more difficult and expensive for these families.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Prior to serving in elected office, Congresswoman McDonald Rivet served as Executive Director of Michigan Head Start.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-joins-harrigan-davis-increase-rural-access-quality-health-care,"Barrett Joins Harrigan, Davis to Increase Rural Access to Quality Health Care",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined Congressmen Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Don Davis (NC-01) in introducing the Resources for Essential Access to Community Health (REACH) Act. This bipartisan legislation would incentivize health care professionals to serve rural areas and address critical workforce shortages.

“Too many of our rural communities don’t have enough doctors and nurses to provide essential care for the local residents who need it,” said Barrett. “Where you live should never be a barrier to accessing quality care. By providing an incentive to attract these professionals to our communities, our bipartisan REACH Act will make health care more affordable and accessible for families in rural mid-Michigan.”

Background

Specifically, the REACH Act (H.R. 10440) would provide a tax credit of up to $10,000 for primary care physicians (including OB-GYNs), mental health professionals, nurses, and medical residents who work at least 900 hours per year in a rural area. The tax credit would decrease for individuals making more than $170,000.

Rural communities face especially severe shortages of medical professionals. Approximately 61% of federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas are in rural communities, including Eaton and Shiawassee counties.

The legislation builds on the historic Rural Health Transformation Program, which Barrett and his colleagues passed into law last year to lower costs and expand access to health care in rural communities. Michigan will be receiving $173 million through the program, including $25 million announced this month to improve technology and internet infrastructure to help rural residents access quality health care.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1305,James: Families should not have to pay higher electric rates due to data centers,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,John James,J000307,james.house.gov,james,https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. John James voted on Wednesday for legislation to help ensure that companies profiting from data centers are the ones paying the cost of the electric grid upgrades needed to power them.

“Families should not have to pay higher electricity prices due to data centers,” said James, R-Shelby Township. “If a local community decides it wants to allow a data center, then the companies that build and profit from the data centers should cover the increased costs. There should be no increase in electricity bills for individual households.”

H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, requires state utility regulators and non-regulated utilities to consider implementing a federal standard for large-load customers. Under that standard, new facilities such as data centers with a peak demand of 100 megawatts or more would have to pay for the full incremental cost of power generation, transmission and distribution upgrades required to support the data center.

In addition, large-load customers would be required to provide the utility financial assurances to cover the up-front costs in advance of the utility making upgrades, so that the expense does not fall on local residential customers should a project fall through.

James said that preventing electricity rates from going up is only one of many factors surrounding the data center issue. He said local communities must retain control, and that data centers must not pollute, including water and noise pollution. He also said that data centers should go on old industrial brownfields, not productive green farmland.

The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.

James represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, which includes portions of Oakland and Macomb counties.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-introduces-bill-named-paul-whelan-help-wrongfully-detained,Rep. Haley Stevens Introduces Bill Named for Paul Whelan to Help Wrongfully Detained Americans Reintegrate into Society,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act, legislation to provide support to Americans who have been unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad as they return home and rebuild their lives.

Americans like Paul Whelan, for whom the bill is named, who endure wrongful detention often return home facing profound challenges. In addition to the emotional, mental, and social toll of captivity, former detainees can face severe financial hardship after months or years away from their jobs, families, and communities. Many return to lost income, mounting bills, defaulted loans, housing challenges, and barriers to reentering the workforce. They can also owe back taxes, late fees, and other financial obligations that accumulated while they were held abroad.

The Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act establishes a formal compensation program for Americans designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department. Eligible Americans, or their next of kin if the individual died in captivity, would be able to apply for a one-time, lump-sum payment based on the length of their unlawful or wrongful detention abroad.

“When an American is wrongfully detained abroad, we do everything we can to bring them home. Our responsibility cannot end the moment they step back on American soil,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “After enduring months or even years of wrongful detention, Americans shouldn’t have to face back taxes, late fees, lost income, and financial instability when they come home. Paul Whelan’s experience showed our country the extraordinary toll wrongful detention takes not only during captivity, but long after someone returns home. This legislation will make sure Americans who endure this unimaginable ordeal have the support and resources they need to regain their footing, reunite with their communities, and rebuild their lives.”

“When a former hostage steps onto U.S. soil, they often return to a home much different than the home they left, and with that loss is usually the loss of their income, health insurance, employment, transportation, and the housing they enjoyed before being held hostage,” said Paul Whelan. “Providing compensation to former hostages is a step in the right direction in supporting their positive and productive reintegration. Thanks to Representative Stevens, we are closer to ensuring that no former hostage is left behind in the struggle to regain their lives.”

“Hostage US recognizes the critical need for comprehensive support and services for former hostages and wrongful detainees. This bill represents an important step toward bridging the gap in immediate financial assistance for former wrongful detainees upon return. We are grateful to Representative Haley Stevens, her office, and the contributors for advancing this meaningful effort to strengthen support for returning Americans,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director, Hostage US.

“No American who has endured the trauma of wrongful detention should be left to shoulder the long-term consequences alone. Survivors often face significant challenges after returning home, including the struggle to become financially stable. The Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act represents an important commitment to supporting those who have suffered on behalf of our nation and helping them successfully reintegrate into their communities. We are proud to support its introduction, and we commend Rep. Stevens for ensuring that survivors receive the assistance and recognition they deserve,"" said Foley Foundation President and Founder, Diane Foley.

On December 18, 2018, Paul Whelan was arrested in Russia and accused of spying. For nearly six years, Mr. Whelan was wrongfully detained in a Russian prison. Thanks to steadfast advocacy from Rep. Haley Stevens and the Biden Administration, Mr. Whelan was released on August 1, 2024. Mr. Whelan is a Marine veteran and lives in Michigan.

Text of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-smith-owens-and-cassidy-lead-bicameral-effort-expand-educational,"Walberg, Smith, Owens, and Cassidy Lead Bicameral Effort to Expand Educational Opportunities",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) joined Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing the Educational Opportunities Expansion Package, two bills to strengthen his Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, a key provision of the Working Families Tax Cuts. The package aims to expand educational opportunities for students nationwide by removing the current state opt-in requirement and ensuring that scholarship donors are not restricted in their giving based on their marital status.

""Last year, Republicans' Working Families Tax Cuts became law, delivering the largest expansion of school choice in history. I support giving every family the opportunity to benefit, providing parents with greater flexibility to choose the educational environment that best supports their child’s needs. All children deserve access to an education that helps them achieve the American Dream, no matter their background or address,”said Chairman Walberg.

""My Federal Scholarship Tax Credit marked a critical victory for educational freedom nationwide. However, I know our work is not done. This is why I introduced my Educational Opportunities Expansion Package to ensure students nationwide can reap the full benefits of these scholarships, while also protecting benefactors from penalties based on their marital status. I am grateful for the strong bicameral support of my colleagues, and I look forward to working together to build on our success,” said Smith.

“Parents know what is right for their kids much better than any bureaucrat. I’m grateful for this legislation that strengthens school choice policies which puts parents in the driver’s seat of their child’s education and ensures the student can receive the education they deserve,”said Owens.

“As parents, we know our children better than anyone. When we put parents in charge of their child’s education, we give children the best opportunity to thrive,”said Dr. Cassidy. “Another win for School Choice!”

The Educational Opportunities Expansion Package is supported by the American Federation for Children, Invest in Education Coalition, Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Coalition Steering Committee, Ed Choice, and Agudath Israel of America.

BACKGROUND:

The Educational Opportunities Expansion Package includes two bills aimed at expanding access to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and restoring Congressional intent following changes made during the Senate parliamentarian’s review of the 2025 reconciliation.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-unanimously-passes-barrett-bill-honor-medal-honor-recipient-killed-pearl,House Unanimously Passes Barrett Bill to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Killed at Pearl Harbor,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Tom Barrett's (MI-07) bipartisan bill (H.R. 9570) to name the post office in Charlotte, Mich., after U.S. Navy Ensign Francis Flaherty, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and sacrifice during Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

""Ensign Francis Flaherty truly was a homegrown hero for our Charlotte community,"" Barrett said. ""He selflessly laid down his life during the attacks on Pearl Harbor trying to get his fellow sailors to safety, and his ultimate sacrifice continues to serve as an example for us all. Naming the post office in his honor will further promote and preserve his heroic legacy for generations to come.""

Barrett's bill (H.R. 9570) would name the Charlotte post office the ""Francis C. Flaherty Post Office Building."" He introduced the legislation in July with support from all 12 other members of the Michigan delegation in the House of Representatives.

Background:

Francis Charles Flaherty was born on March 15, 1919, in Charlotte, Michigan. He graduated from Charlotte High School and attended the University of Michigan before joining the U.S. Naval Reserve. Flaherty was stationed on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor during the December 7, 1941, attack. When the crew was ordered to abandon the sinking ship, Flaherty stayed in his turret, holding a flashlight to help the rest of his turret crew escape and sacrificing his own life. For this heroism, Flaherty was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his brother.

His remains were initially unable to be identified and were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2019, the military was able to identify his remains using DNA samples from family members, and the family chose to have him reinterred at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte in 2021. Barrett, a state senator at the time, participated in the homecoming procession and ceremony along with thousands of attendees, including family members, local residents, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Jeff Spivey.

Barrett previously led a successful effort to rename a portion of M-50 in Charlotte in honor of Flaherty. The bill that included Barrett's amendment naming the ""Ensign Francis Flaherty Memorial Highway"" passed the Michigan Legislature unanimously, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed it into law on July 29, 2021.

Click here to read H.R. 9570.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7344,"Dingell, Bacon Introduce Resolution Designating September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month to increase awareness of gynecologic cancers and encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment.

“Gynecologic cancers affect approximately 100,000 women every year, yet too many face diagnosis when it is already far along,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This bipartisan resolution is meant to break down stigma, make sure women know the warning signs, and encourage early detection. Early diagnosis saves lives, and we must ensure every woman has access to the comprehensive, affordable care she needs.”

“Gynecologic cancers affect thousands of women and families every year, and knowing the warning signs can make a real difference,”said Congressman Bacon. “This resolution will help raise awareness, encourage women to talk with their doctors when something does not seem right and support earlier diagnosis and treatment. I’m pleased to join Rep. Dingell in recognizing September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.”

The resolution is endorsed by the Society for Gynecologic Oncology.

“Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the five gynecologic cancers and ensure people know the signs and symptoms that may signal a need to speak with their healthcare provider. Early detection and timely access to high-quality, specialized care can make meaningful difference in outcomes and save lives. By increasing awareness, equipping people with the information they need, and breaking down barriers to care, we can help more people get the right diagnosis, treatment, and support, when they need it,” said Matthew A. Powell, MD, President, Society of Gynecologic Oncology.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7347,Dingell Continues Demands for Transparency from University of Michigan on Los Alamos Project,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) requested a full public disclosure of the underlying agreement between the University of Michigan (U-M) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) regarding their proposed joint research computing center in Ypsilanti Township. In a letter to U-M leadership, Congresswoman Dingell channeled the frustrations she has heard from her constituents about the minimal information the community has received about the agreement between U-M and LANL.

“Despite the size, scale, and significance of this project, the public has received minimal information about the actual agreement between U-M and LANL, including the legal authority for LANL’s proposed contribution, the source and status of the funds, and the conditions governing any financial commitment. There is an important distinction between an agreement stating that LANL may contribute $300 million and an executed federal appropriation, contract, or other federal financial instrument that has obligated taxpayer dollars for this facility. The public deserves clarity about that distinction and should not have to rely on conflicting or incomplete descriptions of the project’s federal funding,” Congresswoman Dingell wrote. “Given the continued lack of transparency and the significance of the community concerns surrounding this project, I ask that U-M make the underlying agreement publicly available so that Ypsilanti Township residents and local officials can better understand the proposed data center’s structure, funding, and accountability. I also urge U-M to provide clear answers to the following questions.”

The letter follows several oversight efforts led by Congresswoman Dingell demanding answers and transparency on the project for her constituents. This month, Congresswoman Dingell expressed her opposition to the Los Alamos Project and called on congress to enact comprehensive guardrails for large scale AI and data-center development. In June 2026, the congresswoman urged leaders at U-M and Los Alamos National Laboratory to respond to Ypsilanti Township community concerns directly and decisively regarding the proposed project. In August 2026, Congresswoman Dingell released a statement criticizing the selection of Ypsilanti Township as the site for the controversial project and called on U-M leadership to fully address the long-standing concerns of residents at its September town hall.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear President Grasso:

This letter is to follow up the ongoing concerns surrounding the proposed University of Michigan-Los Alamos National Laboratory research computing center in Ypsilanti Township and to request additional information regarding the agreement between the University of Michigan (U-M) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to develop this site.

I remain deeply frustrated by the lack of transparency, accountability, and meaningful communication surrounding this project. U-M and LANL have continued progress on this data center despite substantial and strong community opposition. Residents have spent years seeking answers about the project’s potential effects on water, electricity, noise, the environment, property values, and quality of life, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the entities involved. The community has been left to piece together information rather than receive clear answers from the institutions responsible for the project.

These concerns were particularly evident at U-M’s September 9, 2026, town hall, where residents expressed significant distrust regarding the U-M’s handling of the project. U-M itself acknowledged hearing “enormous anger” and “enormous distrust” from the community. This level of frustration underscores the need for a more transparent and accountable approach moving forward. The community must be treated as a meaningful partner in decisions that will affect its future, not as an afterthought.

U-M’s limited public information about the project’s financing and institutional arrangements is concerning. According to current project information, the proposed $1.25 billion facility would involve $300 million from LANL, $850 million from U-M, and $100 million in Strategic Site Readiness Program grant funding from the State of Michigan. The state has also indicated that the LANL facility would conduct federally funded research involving national security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy security.

Despite the size, scale, and significance of this project, the public has received minimal information about the actual agreement between U-M and LANL, including the legal authority for LANL’s proposed contribution, the source and status of the funds, and the conditions governing any financial commitment.

There is an important distinction between an agreement stating that LANL may contribute $300 million and an executed federal appropriation, contract, or other federal financial instrument that has obligated taxpayer dollars for this facility. The public deserves clarity about that distinction and should not have to rely on conflicting or incomplete descriptions of the project’s federal funding.

Given the continued lack of transparency and the significance of the community concerns surrounding this project, I ask that U-M make the underlying agreement publicly available so that Ypsilanti Township residents and local officials can better understand the proposed data center’s structure, funding, and accountability. I also urge U-M to provide clear answers to the following questions:

1. What is the date of the agreement between the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory to develop this data center?

2. Which parties signed this agreement?

3. Is this agreement legally binding?

4. Have any federal dollars been appropriated for this project?

5. Have any federal dollars been obligated for this project?

6. Have any federal dollars been transferred for this project?

7. What legal authority allows Los Alamos National Laboratory to make the proposed $300 million contribution towards this project?

8. Has the Department of Energy approved or authorized the agreement between the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory?

9. What conditions must be met before funding is put towards this project?

10. Was Los Alamos National Laboratory’s commitment to contribute $300 million contingent on site selection?

11. Was Los Alamos National Laboratory’s commitment to contribute $300 million contingent on environmental approvals?

12. Was Los Alamos National Laboratory’s commitment to contribute $300 million contingent on other regulatory approvals?

13. What happens to this commitment if this project is delayed, changed, or cancelled?

14. Who is responsible for cost overruns?

15. Does this agreement include any federal guarantees or commitments?

16. Is there a federal contract, cooperative agreement, grant agreement, memorandum of understanding, or federal instrument associated with this data center agreement or proposed data center?

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response and to U-M’s cooperation in providing the transparency and information the community deserves.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7348,Dingell Requests Review of Environmental Status of Proposed Site of Los Alamos Project,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is requesting the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conduct a formal review of the environmental status of the Textile Road Site in Ypsilanti Township, which has been selected for the proposed University of Michigan-Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) research computing center.

“The selection of this site, despite ongoing environmental concerns, warrants additional scrutiny. The proposed facility is a major development that should not move forward without a clear understanding of the site’s environmental history, remaining contamination, applicable restrictions, and the protections necessary to safeguard public health and the surrounding community,” Congresswoman Dingell wrote.

The letter follows several oversight efforts led by Congresswoman Dingell demanding answers and transparency on the project for her constituents. This month, Congresswoman Dingell expressed her opposition to the Los Alamos Project and called on congress to enact comprehensive guardrails for large scale AI and data-center development. In June 2026, the congresswoman urged leaders at U-M and Los Alamos National Laboratory to respond to Ypsilanti Township community concerns directly and decisively regarding the proposed project. In August 2026, Congresswoman Dingell released a statement criticizing the selection of Ypsilanti Township as the site for the controversial project and called on U-M leadership to fully address the long-standing concerns of residents at its September town hall.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Administrator Zeldin and Director Roos:

This letter is to request a formal review of the environmental status of the Textile Road Site in Ypsilanti Township, which has been selected for the proposed University of Michigan-Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) research computing center.

The selection of this site, despite ongoing environmental concerns, warrants additional scrutiny. The proposed facility is a major development that should not move forward without a clear understanding of the site’s environmental history, remaining contamination, applicable restrictions, and the protections necessary to safeguard public health and the surrounding community.

As you know, federal cleanup of the site was conducted under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a CERCLA record for the Textile Road Site [EPA ID MID980825558], which is located near the former General Motors (GM) Willow Run Plant. EPA records indicate that removal and cleanup work has been completed and that the site is now in an oversight and management phase.

The completion of cleanup activities does not resolve all questions about a site’s environmental status or the protections that may remain necessary. The public deserves a clear understanding of what contamination remains, what monitoring is required, and whether future construction activities could disturb contaminated soil or groundwater.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) also has an important role in maintaining information about contaminated properties and environmental restrictions in Michigan. EGLE’s RIDE Mapper identifies federally regulated Superfund sites and Michigan-regulated contaminated properties, including sites subject to environmental restrictions. EGLE also has responsibilities under Michigan’s environmental remediation laws, including Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

The need for clarity is particularly important as data center development accelerates nationwide. Recent reporting has described federal efforts to streamline environmental permitting for data centers, including potential changes affecting pollution permitting and public participation. Accelerating development must not come at the expense of careful environmental review, meaningful public participation, or the enforcement of protections designed to prevent exposure to contamination. For a project proposed on a site with a documented environmental history, those safeguards are vital.

Given the joint responsibilities of EPA and EGLE in evaluating environmental risks and overseeing remediation, I request that both agencies formally review the current environmental status of the Textile Road Site and identify what environmental protections, monitoring requirements, and restrictions remain in effect, while responding to the following questions:

What contamination remains at or near this proposed site?

What soil and groundwater monitoring requirements currently apply to this site, including any requirements established through CERCLA, state remediation programs, or other applicable authorities?

Who is responsible for conducting the required monitoring, and who is responsible for overseeing compliance?

How frequently are soil and groundwater samples collected, and what contaminants are included in the required testing?

Where are this site’s monitoring wells located, and can EPA and EGLE provide a map identifying their locations relative to this site?

What are the most recent soil and groundwater monitoring results, and do those results identify any ongoing contamination, environmental risks, or additional monitoring needs?

Are there any existing land-use restrictions, institutional controls, environmental covenants, or other restrictions applicable to this property?

Could anticipated construction activities, including excavation, grading, foundation construction, utility installation, or dewatering, disturb contaminated soil or groundwater, interfere with existing environmental protections, or otherwise create additional environmental risks?

What environmental reviews, permits, approvals, or other requirements must be completed before construction may begin, including any additional investigation or remediation that may be necessary given the site’s environmental history?

What agency has the legal authority to require construction to stop, impose additional protective measures, or otherwise intervene if contamination is discovered, disturbed, or presents an environmental risk during construction?

Who would be responsible for paying for any additional environmental testing, monitoring, remediation, or environmental response necessitated by this project?

EPA and EGLE should coordinate, as appropriate, to clearly establish which entity is responsible for each aspect of environmental monitoring, remediation, and construction oversight. Additionally, copies of any relevant environmental assessments, monitoring reports, institutional controls, environmental covenants, or other documents necessary to understand the site’s current environmental status should be made public and easily accessible.

The community deserves clear answers about the conditions of a site that may host a massive research computing facility. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your timely response.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcdonald-rivet-davis-lead-new-push-stop-tax-giveaways-data-centers,"Reps. McDonald Rivet, Davis Lead New Push to Stop Tax Giveaways for Data Centers",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Kristen McDonald Rivet,M001237,mcdonaldrivet.house.gov,mcdonaldrivet,https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"*WATCH REP. McDONALD RIVET’S OPENING REMARKS HERE*

WASHINGTON— Today, Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Don Davis (NC-01) led 25 Members of Congress in introducing the Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act, which would rein in tax giveaways for data center development.

Last year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) significantly expanded tax breaks that have helped spur the construction of AI data centers; that same legislation cut over $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP food assistance. The Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act would exclude data centers from benefiting from those OBBBA tax breaks. Specifically, the bill would exclude data centers from being able to take the 100% bonus depreciation tax deduction, and from being eligible for Opportunity Zone tax benefits.

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet said, “Washington is giving handouts to Big Tech companies while American families are drowning — I hear that word, ‘drowning,’ all the time from working parents back home. Tax cuts need to go to families, not data centers. We absolutely should not cut health care and food assistance for children and seniors to pay for tax giveaways to corporations. We have to fix it.”

Congressman Davis said, “When families are struggling at the pump, in the grocery store, and with rising utility bills, we cannot give data centers a blank check. We need time to fully understand the costs and consequences of these projects, including their impact on power grids, water systems, and utility costs for rural communities across eastern North Carolina and our nation.”

The bill text can be found HERE, and a one-pager on the bill can be found HERE.

Other members introducing the bill include Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), John Mannion (NY-22), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-announces-116-million-health-care-research-and,Congresswoman Scholten Announces $11.6 Million for Health Care Research and Supportive Services in West Michigan,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced $11,656,359 for a variety of medical research projects and investments in community health and well-being services across West Michigan. The funding is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“West Michigan continues to lead the way in medical research and community care, and these investments reflect the strength and diversity of the work happening right here in our district,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “From advancing research on diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases to supporting youth in need of housing, these grants will make a real difference in people’s lives. Federal investments like these are exactly how the government should be showing up for our communities, and I’ll keep fighting to secure them.”

Individual awards listed below:

This funding reflects Rep. Scholten's ongoing commitment to bringing federal investment back to Michigan's Third Congressional District. These investments will keep West Michigan at the forefront of medical research and accessible community health care.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-secures-key-wins-west-michigan-passage-2026-water,Congresswoman Scholten Secures Key Wins for West Michigan in the Passage of the 2026 Water Resources Development Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Vice Chair of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, secured key policy victories and critical investments for West Michigan in the House passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2026.

“Investing in water infrastructure means investing in jobs, environmental resilience, and the economic health of our local communities,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “As Vice Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I know how important it is that we work across the aisle to address the water infrastructure needs our country is facing. I am proud of the work of this Committee in getting this critical legislation passed, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get it across the finish line.”

Congresswoman Scholten’s specific wins include:

$115 million in new environmental infrastructure authorizations between Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties, as well as the state of Michigan, for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management and surface water resource protection.

The expedited completion of the streambank erosion and shoreline protection project in Muskegon Heights.

Language to direct the Army Corps to assess the impact of data centers on water resources.

The necessary authorization for a watershed-based study for the Muskegon River.

Several Great Lakes priorities, including language to adjust wage rates for Soo Locks employees; reauthorize the Great Lakes Commission; provide status updates on the Great Lakes recreational boating study; and expand funding eligibility to control aquatic plants and invasive species.

Dredging reforms to require local coordination and safe disposal of contaminated materials.

The reauthorization of FEMA’s High Hazard Potential Dam Program, and for language to assess levee risk, after significant flooding in Michigan this year.

A video of Congresswoman Scholten leading debate in support of WRDA26 on the House Floor is available here.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-shri-thanedar-bonnie-watson-coleman-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-ice-reporting-standards,"Representatives Shri Thanedar, Bonnie Watson Coleman Introduce Legislation to Strengthen ICE Reporting Standards",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Shri Thanedar,T000488,thanedar.house.gov,thanedar,https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Yesterday, Representative Shri Thanedar and Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman introduced the No ICE Deaths in the Dark Act, comprehensive legislation that will ensure that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports quickly and transparently on any deaths that occur in ICE custody. In a reversal from previous policy, ICE is no longer required to report certain deaths that occur within 30 days after release from custody, even when ICE detention or release conditions may have contributed to the death. This legislation would codify Biden-era reporting rules that required full reporting on these and all other deaths in ICE custody.

“Since President Trump took office, ICE has gotten out of control, detaining a record number of Americans in horrific conditions,” said Representative Shri Thanedar. “It is beyond unacceptable that detainees are dying in custody and ICE is refusing to report their deaths. I’m proud to introduce this necessary legislation with Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman to ensure ICE finally acts with the transparency the American people deserve and to protect the lives of those in detention centers.”

“ICE has had free reign to attack people in front of cameras, so it’s imperative we demand to see what is going on behind closed doors,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. “Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, one of my constituents, was denied medical care and died in ICE custody. How many other detainees have suffered from medical neglect while in custody, only to die once released? These people deserve justice too.”

This legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Steve Cohen, Herb Conaway, Jasmine Crockett, Danny K. Davis, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia, Dan Goldman, Al Green, Hank Johnson, Betty McCollum, LaMonica McIver, Analilia Mejia, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jan Schakowsky, Bennie G. Thompson, Rashida Tlaib, and Mike Quigley. It has also been endorsed by the following organizations: Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Coalition on Human Needs, Emgage Action, ICE Out of NJ Collective, Make the Road NJ, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, Public Citizen, and the Vera Institute of Justice.

The full text of the legislation can be seen here.

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/9/chairwoman-mcclain-secures-50-million-for-water-projects-in-house-passed-wrda-bill,Chairwoman McClain Secures $50 Million for Water Projects in House-Passed WRDA bill,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) today secured authorization for $50,000,000 in water infrastructure projects in Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. The legislation now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

“When you turn on the tap, you expect clean, safe drinking water to come out,” Chairwoman McClain said. “But as many families in Michigan know, aging infrastructure means we can’t take that for granted. This $50 million authorization will help communities upgrade the water systems families and businesses rely on every single day.

The legislation comes after a May 2026 water main break left families and businesses in Lake Orion and surrounding communities without running water for days. Subject to appropriations, the funding authorized by WRDA 2026will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to partner with local communities to improve water supply resiliency in the future.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-backed-ratepayer-protection-act-passes-house-0,Walberg-Backed Ratepayer Protection Act Passes House,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) voted to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that would require state public utility commissions to consider a strategy to make data centers pay their own way instead of passing costs on to American consumers.

The Ratepayer Protection Act codifies the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge from earlier this year, under which more than 300 other organizations ranging from utilities to data center developers committed to protecting communities from increased costs resulting from data center construction. The legislation would have state utility commissions consider large-load standards for data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power, to ensure they pay for the full incremental costs to serve their loads.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-strengthen-oversight-and-crack-down-fraud,Walberg Votes to Strengthen Oversight and Crack Down on Fraud,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) voted in favor of two bills that would strengthen federal oversight of taxpayer-funded programs and crack down on fraud. The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act and the Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act passed the House by votes of 352-72 and 217-207, respectively.

""Federal programs should support real families, rather than fraudsters,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""As Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, I helped usher multiple bills through the House earlier this year to strengthen oversight and institute safeguards against fraud in federal student aid and child care programs. These bills would build upon these efforts to further identify and crack down on fraud and hold criminals who are exploiting the system accountable.""

Background

Each year, fraudsters steal billions of dollars from Americans and taxpayer-funded programs, with the Government Accountability Office estimating up to $521 billion being lost due to fraudulent payments.

The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act would codify President Trump's Division for National Fraud Enforcement within the Department of Justice. Since its establishment in January, the division has uncovered billions of dollars in fraud. This legislation would ensure that an office is permanently in place to combat fraud across the federal government, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and hold fraudsters accountable.

The Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act would improve information-sharing between state administrators and federal law enforcement, making it easier to identify fraud more quickly.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walbergs-legislation-bridge-digital-divide-advanced-energy-and-commerce,Walberg's Legislation to Bridge the Digital Divide Advanced by Energy and Commerce Committee,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee voted to pass the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. Introduced by Congressmen Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA), the bipartisan legislation would implement a national strategy to accelerate the deployment of critical broadband infrastructure across the country.

""We cannot let Michigan's rural communities get left behind in today's digital age due to fragmented and overlapping broadband deployment efforts,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""I am proud to see the Energy and Commerce Committee advance the PLAN for Broadband Act to improve the efficiency and coordination of federal broadband programs. Developing a detailed roadmap that streamlines deployment efforts is a commonsense step we can take to increase reliable high-speed internet access for the rural communities that need it most.""

""For too long, broadband has failed to reach many of the communities who need it most,"" said Rep. Peters. ""This shortfall has left constituents in San Diego and communities across the country still waiting to be connected to the internet. Today, I'm glad to see the PLAN for Broadband Act pass out of committee, bringing us one step closer to closing the digital divide.""

Background

The PLAN for Broadband Act is based upon a Government Accountability Office report that found that federal broadband efforts are oftentimes fragmented and duplicative. While enough federal funding exists to bridge the digital divide, a national broadband strategy is needed to avoid duplicative efforts and ensure that funds are available to reach the truly unserved and underserved areas. The PLAN forBroadband Act would require the Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to close the digital divide.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/happening-soon-rep-haley-stevens-address-congress-60-minutes-democratic-vision,HAPPENING SOON: Rep. Haley Stevens to Address Congress for 60 Minutes on the Democratic Vision for America,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — This evening, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) will take to the House floor for a sixty-minute address to reflect on her time in Congress and her work alongside her Democratic colleagues.

The address will be streamed live here

###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-statement-hr-5334-lindsay-o-graham-sanctioning-russia,Congresswoman Scholten Statement on H.R. 5334 Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), released the following statement on her vote against the H.R. 5334 Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Actof2026.

“President Trump already has every tool at his disposal to sanction Russia and help Ukraine. If he had wanted to sanction Russia, he would have done it already. But instead of doing that, his family is partying with Russian oligarchs. Today’s vote is the sickest of its kind—using the good people of Ukraine as a ploy to give the President even more unchecked authority to enact his reckless tariff regime that is crippling American families. Under this tariff scheme, American families have already paid over $4,200 more on average per year and could pay an additional $8,000 under this bill. Enough is enough. It’s time to hold Russia accountable with meaningful sanctions, and put tariff control back in the hands of Congress where it belongs.”

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7327,"Dingell Passes Bill through House to Support Conservation of Birds, Bird Habitats",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) passed the bipartisan Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act to establish a federal grant program to support conservation of birds and habitats in urban areas. The bill passed the House of Representatives and now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“Birds play an important role in our ecosystems and our everyday lives, but unfortunately, we have lost nearly 3 billion birds in the last 50 years, and we need to take serious action to address this crisis,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act will provide federal funding to restore bird habitats and educate communities about the small steps we can all take to protect bird populations for generations to come.”

In North America, one in four breeding birds has been lost since 1970. The widespread loss and degradation of habitat is the biggest driver of bird population decline. Restoring bird habitat in urban areas can make a significant difference in conserving bird populations.

The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act would make $200,000 available annually through a competitive grant program to eligible entities, including Tribal, State, or municipal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, to promote urban bird conservation.

Specifically, the grant program aims to:

protect, restore, or enhance urban habitats for birds, including through the control of invasive species and the restoration of native plant species;

reduce urban hazards to birds; and

educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas.

educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas.

protect, restore, or enhance urban habitats for birds, including through the control of invasive species and the restoration of native plant species;

reduce urban hazards to birds; and

educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas.

protect, restore, or enhance urban habitats for birds, including through the control of invasive species and the restoration of native plant species;

reduce urban hazards to birds; and

educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas.

protect, restore, or enhance urban habitats for birds, including through the control of invasive species and the restoration of native plant species;

reduce urban hazards to birds; and

educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7329,"Dingell Opposes Los Alamos Project, Calls on Congress to Enact Guardrails Against A.I.",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) expressed opposition to the proposed University of Michigan (U-M) Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) research computing center at the Textile Road site in Ypsilanti Township. In a letter sent to Ypsilanti Township and U-M leadership, Congresswoman Dingell also called on Congress to enact comprehensive guardrails for large-scale AI and data-center development.

“The lesson from the U-M-LANL proposal is clear: the United States and the State of Michigan need the rules now, not later. The public deserves transparency before commitments are made, enforceable protections before construction begins, and a meaningful voice when a project has the potential to fundamentally change a community,” said Congresswoman Dingell.“For all of these reasons, I strongly oppose the proposed Textile Road Site in Ypsilanti Township. My opposition is not opposition to the University of Michigan, it is not opposition to research, and it is not opposition to artificial intelligence. Rather, my opposition is a demand that a project of this size and significance be developed responsibly, transparently, and with the people who will live with its consequences having a meaningful voice. The environmental history of the site makes the need for independent review even more important. The questions about water, electricity, schools, noise, and local authority make meaningful community involvement essential. We should not build first and regulate later. Innovation matters, but protecting our lives, our freedoms, our humanity, and our future must come first.”

The latest letter follows several oversight efforts led by Congresswoman Dingell demanding answers and transparency on the project for her constituents. In June 2026, the congresswoman urged leaders at U-M and Los Alamos National Laboratory to respond to Ypsilanti Township community concerns directly and decisively regarding the proposed project. In August 2026, Congresswoman Dingell released a statement criticizing the selection of Ypsilanti Township as the site for the controversial project and called on U-M leadership to fully address the long-standing concerns of residents at its September town hall.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Supervisor Stumbo and members of the Ypsilanti Township community:

The proposed University of Michigan-Los Alamos research computing center in Ypsilanti Township has become a deeply troubling example of what happens when a major project moves faster than meaningful community engagement, transparency, and public accountability. The University of Michigan (U-M) has repeatedly failed to adequately communicate with the community, particularly those who live closest to the proposed site. Residents have spent years asking basic questions about the project, its environmental impacts, its water and electricity demands, its noise, its long-term operation, and who ultimately has the authority to make decisions. Instead of receiving clear answers early in the process, the community has too often been left to piece together information without receiving the answers or facts it deserves.

That frustration was on full display at the recent U-M town hall on September 9, 2026, where residents expressed anger and distrust toward university officials. U-M itself acknowledged hearing “enormous anger” and “enormous distrust” from the community. These concerns are not imaginary or isolated. Local officials and residents have repeatedly questioned the project’s potential effects on water, electricity, property values, quality of life, noise, and the environment. The community should and deserves to be treated as a partner, not as an afterthought, and U-M’s handling of the site-selection process has only deepened that distrust.

Making matters worse, the roles and responsibilities of the entities involved in this project remain unclear and insufficiently transparent. U-M’s current information states that the $1.25 billion project involves $300 million from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), $850 million from U-M, and $100 million from the State of Michigan through a Strategic Site Readiness Program grant. The state has announced that the LANL facility would conduct federally funded research involving national security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy security.

Governmental Authority and Public Accountability

We need to be clear about the roles of federal, state, and local governments in this project. The project involves different layers of authority, including U-M as a public university and the activities authorized by its Board of Regents; the State of Michigan, because the project is supported by $100 million in state funding approved by the Michigan Legislature and is subject to applicable state laws and regulations; a reported agreement between U-M and LANL because of the stated federal research mission; and local government, with respect to the authority state law leaves to the township.

U-M has asserted that, as a state constitutional institution, it is exempt from ordinary local zoning and taxes. That legal question is central to this dispute. If a public university’s constitutional authority permits it to override local land-use decisions, the Michigan Legislature needs to determine whether that framework remains appropriate for projects of this size and potential impact. This should not be decided project by project. Communities deserve clarity about their authority when a state institution proposes an industrial-scale facility in or near their neighborhoods.

No community should have to discover after decisions have been made who has authority over water, electricity, environmental protections, noise, traffic, emergency planning, and other impacts for a project of this size. Those responsibilities must be established publicly and in writing before a project of this magnitude moves forward.

I understand that legislation has been introduced by Michigan State Representatives, including Representatives Jason Morgan, Morgan Foreman, Carrie Rheingans, Jimmie Wilson, and Jennifer Conlin of the Washtenaw legislative delegation, to address some of these issues, and I urge state legislators to support it. Additional work and legislation across all levels of government are necessary to establish clear rules and accountability in this area.

Federal Funding and the University of Michigan-Los Alamos National Laboratory Agreement

We need clarity about the federal agreement between U-M, LANL, and federal partners. Specifically, does a contractual financial commitment exist between Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the University of Michigan, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regarding this proposed facility? If so, what are the roles, responsibilities, financial interests, and contractual obligations of each party?

At the time the program was announced, the University stated in its “Make It In Michigan FAQ National AI Research Center” memorandum:

Has the federal funding already been approved/Is there a chance they won’t have it? Federal funding to support this project has not yet been appropriated. However, Los Alamos National Lab has consistently received its funding because its purpose is so vital to national security. In fact, in January 2023, it was reported that LANL received an unprecedented $4.6 billion budget (Source: Albuquerque Journal).

There is an important distinction between a statement that LANL may contribute $300 million under an agreement and an executed federal appropriation or federal contract that has obligated federal taxpayer dollars for this facility. My understanding from multiple official inquiries that I submitted is that there is no federal money appropriated and there is not a federal financial commitment.

There is an important distinction between a statement that LANL may contribute $300 million under an agreement and an executed federal appropriation or federal contract that has obligated federal taxpayer dollars for this facility. My understanding from multiple official inquiries that I submitted is that there is no federal money appropriated and there is not a federal financial commitment.

The public should not have to rely on conflicting descriptions. That is why I urge U-M and LANL to publicly produce the agreement, identify the legal authority and source of the dollars, identify whether the dollars have actually been appropriated or obligated, and identify every condition that must be satisfied before any federal money can be spent. This is basic transparency for a project involving more than $1 billion dollars and a federal national laboratory.

I will be seeking answers from the University of Michigan in a separate letter regarding the exact agreement between LANL and U-M. The public should be able to understand:

● The date of the agreement;

● The parties who signed it;

● Whether it is legally binding;

● Whether any federal dollars have actually been appropriated, obligated, or transferred;

● What legal authority allows LANL to make the proposed $300 million contribution;

● Whether DOE has approved or authorized the agreement;

● What conditions must be met before any money is provided;

● Whether the $300 million is contingent on site selection or environmental or other regulatory approvals;

● What happens to the commitment if the project is delayed, changed, or cancelled;

● Who is responsible for cost overruns;

● Whether there are any federal guarantees or commitments; and

● Whether there is a federal contract, cooperative agreement, grant agreement, memorandum of understanding, or other federal instrument associated with the proposed facility.

Concerns at the Textile Road Site

The selection of the Textile Road Site in Ypsilanti Township, despite ongoing environmental concerns, requires additional scrutiny. There are specific environmental concerns related to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) designation of the site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, including its close proximity to the former General Motors (GM) Willow Run Plant.

The federal cleanup of the site was conducted under CERCLA and its implementing regulations under the National Contingency Plan. Today, EPA maintains a CERCLA record [EPA ID MID980825558] for the Textile Road Site. EPA has stated that removal and cleanup work was completed and that the site is now in an oversight and management phase. EPA’s administrative record identifies the Textile Road Site as a Superfund site and documents EPA’s response actions under CERCLA. That history requires scrutiny, transparency, and answers for the community.

Likewise, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) maintains the state’s contaminated-site databases and RIDE Mapper, which includes federal Superfund sites and Michigan-regulated contaminated properties. EGLE also has responsibilities under Michigan’s environmental laws governing environmental remediation. EPA and EGLE should publicly establish the current environmental status of the site and clearly identify which agency has responsibility for each aspect of monitoring, remediation, and construction oversight.

I will be requesting in a separate letter that EPA and EGLE formally review the current status of the Textile Road Site and determine what environmental protections, monitoring, and restrictions remain in effect. We need answers to the following questions:

● What contamination remains at or near the proposed development site?

● What soil and groundwater monitoring is currently required?

● Who is responsible for conducting that monitoring?

● How frequently are samples taken?

● What contaminants are being tested for?

● Where are the monitoring wells located?

● What are the most recent test results?

● Are there existing land-use restrictions, institutional controls, environmental covenants, or other restrictions on the property?

● Could excavation, grading, foundations, utility installation, dewatering, or other construction activities disturb contaminated soil or groundwater?

● What agency has the authority to stop construction if contamination is discovered or disturbed?

● What additional environmental review is required before construction?

● Who will pay for any additional testing, remediation, or environmental response necessitated by the project?

Concerns about nearby schools are also important, and U-M must address potential impacts on nearby students, teachers, and school operations. That should include construction traffic, noise, air quality, emergency planning, environmental risks, and any other foreseeable impacts. Parents should not have to wait until construction begins to find out what a high-performance computing facility could mean for schools in the surrounding area.

Federal and State Guardrails for AI and Data Centers

The concerns raised by this project also point to a much larger national and state issue. The United States and Michigan need comprehensive guardrails for large-scale AI and data-center development. AI development can and should continue, but it must be responsible development that protects communities, clean water, environmental protections, and residential ratepayers.

The recent warnings by AI executives themselves, their employees, and other experts are chilling and require immediate policy action. That’s why I believe at the federal level, Congress must act now to establish appropriate guardrails. At a minimum, these standards should ensure:

● Large data centers, not residential ratepayers, pay the costs of the generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure required to serve them;

● Developers disclose projected electricity and water demand and the sources of those resources;

● Major facilities undergo comprehensive environmental review addressing water, air quality, stormwater, wetlands, wildlife, emissions, backup power, noise, traffic, and cumulative impacts;

● Water use is independently monitored, publicly reported, and subject to enforceable protections for drinking water, groundwater, rivers, and wetlands;

● Noise limits are independently measured and enforceable;

● Nearby schools and residential neighborhoods are protected;

● Emergency-response planning is developed with local officials;

● Communities have meaningful participation and enforceable community-benefit agreements; and

● There is clear public accountability for which governmental entity has authority to enforce each requirement.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/committee-advances-walbergs-legislation-protect-great-lakes-fisheries,Committee Advances Walberg's Legislation to Protect Great Lakes Fisheries,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously advanced the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act. Introduced by Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), the bill would ensure effective, science-based management of double-crested cormorant populations across the United States. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop regional management frameworks to guide the responsible take of double‑crested cormorants, working in coordination with the nation’s four Regional Flyway Councils.

Double‑crested cormorants have long posed challenges for fisheries and wildlife populations when their numbers become overabundant. In the Great Lakes, cormorant populations have wreaked havoc on fish stocks, inflicting millions of dollars in damage to the Great Lakes fisheries and threatening $5.1 billion in economic impact for recreational fishing.

The Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act would establish a comprehensive, collaborative framework to ensure that population management is effective and sustainable, better protecting fisheries and other wildlife habitats.

""The Great Lakes fisheries are vital to Michigan’s economy and environment, offering recreational opportunities for families and supporting local jobs and tourism,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""However, overabundant cormorant populations have damaged Great Lakes fish stocks. To protect our fisheries, we need a flexible, science‑driven framework to manage cormorants responsibly. The Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act will give our fisheries the tools they need to thrive and support Michigan’s economy for years to come.""",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7316,"Dingell, DeSaulnier Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) introduced the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centers to Establish National Training (AACCENT) Act, to expand access to augmentative and alternative communication for Americans across the country. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes any tool, technology, or service that supports people who use little or no verbal speech to communicate. AAC can enhance communication, foster language and literacy development and help millions of people access communication and participate in all aspects of life.

“Augmentative and alternative communication services, devices, and technology are essential for millions of Americans to work, learn, and stay connected with their communities and the world around them,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “AAC tools can significantly improve individuals’ quality of life and open opportunities that otherwise would not be available to them. This bill is a significant step to increase education and expand access to these vital resources.”

“Making assistive and augmentative technology more available will help the almost 5 million Americans with complex communication needs better connect with their communities, succeed in the classroom, participate in the workforce, and overall thrive,”said Congressman DeSaulnier. “Partnering with and advocating for the disability community has been one of the greatest sources of pride and joy throughout my career and I am proud to continue that work alongside Congresswoman Dingell by introducing this important legislation that will help millions of Americans live with greater independence and dignity.”

The AACCENT Act will establish three national resource centers coordinated to improve access to AAC information, tools and support for AAC users and their families. They also aim to increase the capacity and leadership skills of people who use AAC, their families and professionals.

More than 4 million people in the United States cannot reliably meet their daily communication needs using verbal speech. People who use and can benefit from AAC include those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down syndrome), acquired or degenerative conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s) and those with temporary conditions that limit vocal speech (e.g., those who are intubated post-surgery). Advances in AAC have enhanced communication and improved outcomes for millions of Americans, yet not everyone has access to AAC. Lack of knowledge and resources creates barriers for people who can benefit from AAC. The AACCENT Act will help reduce these barriers by creating resource centers focused on AAC.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Music Therapy Association, Disability Belongs, Autism Society of America, The Arc of the U.S., and ANCOR.

""Communication is fundamental to self-determination, belonging, and full participation in community life. The AACCENT Act recognizes that people with expressive communication disabilities deserve meaningful access to the tools, knowledge, and support needed to communicate authentically. Disability Belongs is proud to support this legislation and its commitment to disability-led solutions that expand opportunity across education, employment, health care, and community living,” said Ariel Simms, President and Chief Executive Officer of Disability Belongs.

""Communication is a fundamental part of being able to participate fully in our communities, yet too many people with Autism and other developmental disabilities face barriers to accessing the tools and support they need to be heard. The AACCENT Act recognizes that access to augmentative and alternative communication is not a luxury, it is essential to learning, working, building relationships, and participating fully in everyday life. We thank Representative Dingell for championing this important legislation and investing in the training, technical assistance, and resources needed to ensure every person has the opportunity to communicate and participate fully in society,” said Joseph P. Joyce, President and CEO, Autism Society of America.

Bill text can be found HERE.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7318,"Dingell, Colleagues Seek Answers on USDA Cancellation of Cyclospora Research",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and nine of her House Democratic colleagues are seeking answers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) following the unauthorized reorganization of its staff and research projects. This reorganization has put two research projects on cyclospora—the bacterium that caused the largest foodborne illness outbreak in United States history, with most of the cases occurring in Michigan–on hold. In a letter to the USDA Secretary, the lawmakers are calling on the USDA to reinvest in this research.

“Research projects like those focused on cyclospora play an important role in helping researchers, investigators, and public health officials understand the nature of an outbreak and build a strategy to prevent the next potential outbreak. Researchers who worked on the cancelled cyclospora projects have reported that they are unable to continue any research beyond preserving samples they received from previous outbreaks, and that they are having to turn down requests for assistance from other federal agencies investigating the outbreak,” said the lawmakers.

In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), and Yvette Clark (D-NY-09).

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:This letter is regarding reports that two of three cyclospora-related research projects conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have been shelved on the heels of an unprecedented outbreak of cyclosporiasis — the gastrointestinal illness associated with the cyclospora parasite — across 48 states and Washington D.C. The third research project, though not halted, is moving from the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Maryland to Iowa as part of USDA’s reorganization plan. Given that scientists working on this project are not expected to relocate, it is likely this research will not be conducted. While Americans are increasingly worried about the safety of our food supply and the ability of federal agencies to respond to outbreaks of foodborne illness like cyclosporiasis, it is especially concerning that USDA would rollback critical food safety research.

This summer’s outbreak of cyclosporiasis is the largest recorded outbreak of foodborne illness in United States history, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting over 18,000 confirmed cases, over 14,000 of which were in Michigan. There are nearly 12,000 additional non-laboratory confirmed cases, and potentially thousands more from people who did not seek medical care or testing. Research projects like those focused on cyclospora play an important role in helping researchers, investigators, and public health officials understand the nature of an outbreak and build a strategy to prevent the next potential outbreak. Researchers who worked on the cancelled cyclospora projects have reported that they are unable to continue any research beyond preserving samples they received from previous outbreaks, and that they are having to turn down requests for assistance from other federal agencies investigating the outbreak. This will likely have a similar effect on private institutions who wish to carry out cyclospora research, since they also rely on samples from ARS. Despite these reported disruptions, USDA has claimed that these labs will be uninterrupted, and that the ARS is “working with research leaders to ensure an orderly transition of programs.”

USDA has directed the blame to Congress, who voted to defund the ARS projects as part of a 2026 Continuing Resolution, enacted on November 12, 2025 However, the Department began planning for a significant workforce reduction and agency restructuring as early as April 2025, according to a document submitted to the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management. Notably, the November 2025 Continuing Resolution included language prohibiting the use of USDA funds for the Department’s reorganization plan without congressional approval, which they appear to be circumventing by proceeding with their plan to reduce the workforce and relocate staff and subcomponent agencies. This includes a 43 percent staffing cut for the ARS, which oversees scientific research like the three cyclospora projects at issue.

The Trump Administration has claimed that research facilities like BARC are too expensive, without regard for the potential cost of stopping this research altogether. According to CDC, there have been 922 cyclosporiasis hospitalizations. While we do not yet know the total cost to the health system of this outbreak, USDA’s Cost Estimates of Foodborne Illness data estimate that, in 2023, the cost of foodborne illness in the United States was $74.7 billion. These costs — compounded by drastic cuts to Medicaid, expired ACA tax credits, and dismantled public health programs — make it clear that we must invest in research to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.

As we continue to grapple with additional cases of foodborne illnesses in our food supply, the American people should be able to have confidence that the Trump Administration is working to investigate those cases and prevent future outbreaks. Therefore, we respectfully request that you respond to the questions below within two weeks of receipt of this letter.

For what reason did the Department choose not to seek congressional authorization for their reorganization plan? Do you plan to seek such authorization at any point or do you plan to proceed in direct violation of the law?

How many staff at ARS have been let go, left for another position or project, or retired?

a. What specific research was impacted by these departures?

How does USDA plan to ensure an “orderly transition of programs” throughout their reorganization process, despite their own acknowledgement that their relocation plans will result in significant staff attrition?

In terms of staff who have been ordered to relocate, how many are expected to vacate their positions instead of relocating?

What plans are in place to fill any vacancies that occur as a result of these staff departures?

What is the USDA’s plan for the relocation of research materials that are a part of the ongoing cyclospora research project at BARC? Specifically:

a. How does USDA plan to transport samples from BARC to the new location in Iowa?

b. How will USDA account for the potential impact of environmental factors on the integrity of the research conducted in the new lab location?

c. When can ARS researchers who are relocating to the new location expect their research equipment to reach them?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for providing a detailed response to these questions. At a time when Americans are counting on the federal government to protect the safety of their food supply, it is critical that USDA maintain the scientific capacity necessary to investigate outbreaks, support public health officials, and prevent future illnesses.

For what reason did the Department choose not to seek congressional authorization for their reorganization plan? Do you plan to seek such authorization at any point or do you plan to proceed in direct violation of the law?

How many staff at ARS have been let go, left for another position or project, or retired?

What specific research was impacted by these departures?

How does USDA plan to ensure an “orderly transition of programs” throughout their reorganization process, despite their own acknowledgement that their relocation plans will result in significant staff attrition?

In terms of staff who have been ordered to relocate, how many are expected to vacate their positions instead of relocating?

What plans are in place to fill any vacancies that occur as a result of these staff departures?

What is the USDA’s plan for the relocation of research materials that are a part of the ongoing cyclospora research project at BARC? Specifically:

How does USDA plan to transport samples from BARC to the new location in Iowa?

How will USDA account for the potential impact of environmental factors on the integrity of the research conducted in the new lab location?

When can ARS researchers who are relocating to the new location expect their research equipment to reach them?

For what reason did the Department choose not to seek congressional authorization for their reorganization plan? Do you plan to seek such authorization at any point or do you plan to proceed in direct violation of the law?

How many staff at ARS have been let go, left for another position or project, or retired?

What specific research was impacted by these departures?

How does USDA plan to ensure an “orderly transition of programs” throughout their reorganization process, despite their own acknowledgement that their relocation plans will result in significant staff attrition?

In terms of staff who have been ordered to relocate, how many are expected to vacate their positions instead of relocating?

What plans are in place to fill any vacancies that occur as a result of these staff departures?

What is the USDA’s plan for the relocation of research materials that are a part of the ongoing cyclospora research project at BARC? Specifically:

How does USDA plan to transport samples from BARC to the new location in Iowa?

How will USDA account for the potential impact of environmental factors on the integrity of the research conducted in the new lab location?

When can ARS researchers who are relocating to the new location expect their research equipment to reach them?

For what reason did the Department choose not to seek congressional authorization for their reorganization plan? Do you plan to seek such authorization at any point or do you plan to proceed in direct violation of the law?

How many staff at ARS have been let go, left for another position or project, or retired?

What specific research was impacted by these departures?

How does USDA plan to ensure an “orderly transition of programs” throughout their reorganization process, despite their own acknowledgement that their relocation plans will result in significant staff attrition?

In terms of staff who have been ordered to relocate, how many are expected to vacate their positions instead of relocating?

What plans are in place to fill any vacancies that occur as a result of these staff departures?

What is the USDA’s plan for the relocation of research materials that are a part of the ongoing cyclospora research project at BARC? Specifically:

How does USDA plan to transport samples from BARC to the new location in Iowa?

How will USDA account for the potential impact of environmental factors on the integrity of the research conducted in the new lab location?

When can ARS researchers who are relocating to the new location expect their research equipment to reach them?

For what reason did the Department choose not to seek congressional authorization for their reorganization plan? Do you plan to seek such authorization at any point or do you plan to proceed in direct violation of the law?

In terms of staff who have been ordered to relocate, how many are expected to vacate their positions instead of relocating?

What plans are in place to fill any vacancies that occur as a result of these staff departures?

What is the USDA’s plan for the relocation of research materials that are a part of the ongoing cyclospora research project at BARC? Specifically:

How does USDA plan to transport samples from BARC to the new location in Iowa?

How will USDA account for the potential impact of environmental factors on the integrity of the research conducted in the new lab location?

When can ARS researchers who are relocating to the new location expect their research equipment to reach them?

For what reason did the Department choose not to seek congressional authorization for their reorganization plan? Do you plan to seek such authorization at any point or do you plan to proceed in direct violation of the law?

For what reason did the Department choose not to seek congressional authorization for their reorganization plan? Do you plan to seek such authorization at any point or do you plan to proceed in direct violation of the law?",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-honor-national-physician,Rep. Haley Stevens Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Honor National Physician Suicide Awareness Day,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, alongside Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), announced a bipartisan resolution to recognize September 17th as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day and recognize the intense pressure and trauma physicians face in the workplace. The resolution enhances national awareness of the mental health crisis facing American physicians and honors the memory of the physicians we have lost to suicide. It also urges the establishment of national awareness and educational activities.

America’s physicians work under intense pressure and are regularly exposed to trauma on the job. Roughly 6 in 10 experience increased feelings of anger, tearfulness, or anxiety, while 55 percent have experienced debilitating levels of stress at one point. Seven in 10 physicians also report stigma surrounding mental health and seeking mental health care among physicians. More than half know a colleague or peer who has contemplated or attempted suicide.

“Every day, physicians across Michigan and our country dedicate themselves to caring for us during some of the most difficult moments of our lives, but too often, the people we rely on to care for us are struggling without the support they need,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “We have lost far too many physicians to suicide, and we cannot allow stigma or fear to prevent health care professionals from seeking help. National Physician Suicide Awareness Day is about honoring those we have lost, starting honest conversations about physician mental health, and making sure the people who care for us know that they do not have to struggle alone.”

In addition to Stevens and Fitzpatrick, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Nanette Barragán (D-CA).

The resolution is endorsed by the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation, Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Medical Association (AMA), American Hospital Association (AHA), American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM), Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

“For many physicians, caring for patients is more than a job, it's a calling. Yet, our healthcare system has failed to fully support those who care for us all. High administrative burdens, long hours, and stigma around seeking mental health care leave many physicians feeling burned out and isolated,” said Corey Feist, CEO & Co-Founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation. “The Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation is proud to support Reps. Stevens and Fitzpatrick's bipartisan resolution designating September 17 as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. By shining a light on physician mental health, honoring those we have lost, and prioritizing physician suicide awareness and prevention, this resolution helps take us one step closer to a country where all health workers feel safe seeking the mental health care they need. The Foundation looks forward to working with Congress to better protect and support health worker mental health.”

“National Physician Suicide Awareness Day was created by the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD) in 2018 to remember the physicians who have died by suicide and to shine a light on a hard truth: physicians die by suicide at more than twice the rate of the general population. Physicians devote their careers to caring for others, placing them at the heart of every community and at the bedside of patients and families suffering from illness. The factors leading to suicide are multifactorial and the demands of medicine carry additional emotional weight, including loss and responsibility for patients' lives. When compounded with personal and systemic pressures, a heavy burden is created, which is often borne in silence. In addition, physicians face additional suicide risk from their knowledge and access to deadly means. This resolution recognizes that suicidal ideation is not a burden physicians should carry alone, and implementation of suicide prevention interventions is a responsibility shared by their colleagues, institutions, and communities. Suicide is preventable. CORD proudly supports this resolution as a step toward a future in which physicians receive the same compassion and care they extend to their patients every day,” said Arlene Chung, MD, President-Elect of the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine.

“Physicians face disproportionately high rates of burnout, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk, driven by individual, environmental, and systemic factors,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). “Designating September 17 as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day is an important opportunity to bring greater visibility to physician mental health and to advance meaningful solutions, including increasing research, reducing stigma, and expanding access to mental health care. AFSP applauds Representatives Stevens and Fitzpatrick for introducing this bipartisan resolution to recognize the critical need to support physicians’ well-being and encourage more open conversations about mental health.”

“Physicians dedicate their lives to caring for others, yet too many are struggling to care for themselves. Workforce shortages, the frustration and lost productivity caused by relentless prior authorization demands, and the financial pressures of running a medical practice are taking a toll on physicians’ mental health. At the same time, stigma and fear that seeking mental health care could jeopardize a physician’s ability to practice can keep physicians from getting the help they need and contribute to far too many physician suicides. Recognizing and understanding the realities physicians face is an essential first step. We applaud Reps. Stevens and Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan effort to designate September 17 as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. The AMA looks forward to working with Congress on meaningful policy solutions to this complex and urgent problem,” said Willie Underwood, MD, MSc, MPH, President of the American Medical Association.

“The American Hospital Association thanks Representative Haley Stevens for introducing this resolution designating September 17 as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Physician suicide is a tragic issue that demands greater awareness, research, and action. By elevating this issue nationally, we can continue to reduce the stigma surrounding physician mental health. We are grateful for Representative Stevens’ leadership and commitment to supporting the well-being of the physicians and caregivers who care for patients every day,” said Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, Senior Vice President, Federal Relations at the American Hospital Association.

“Physicians dedicate their lives to caring for others, often meeting patients and families on some of the most difficult days of their lives. But those who support so many must know that support is there for them, too. With research showing that roughly one in ten physicians report recent or current suicidal ideation, we cannot afford to treat physician mental health as an afterthought. Designating National Physician Suicide Awareness Day is an important step toward breaking down stigma and encouraging physicians to seek help without fear,” said Vicki Norton, MD, FAAEM, President of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.

“The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), representing the nation’s hospitalists, is pleased to support the resolution recognizing September 17 as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. This important designation helps to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and seeking help, and promote a culture of well-being across our healthcare system. Every physician deserves the same compassion, support, and care they provide to their patients each day,” said Efrén C. Manjarrez, MD, SFHM, President of SHM’s Board of Directors.

“Emergency physicians care for patients every day, but many of us struggle in silence with our own mental health. We see the toll this takes and we know too many who have lost their lives to suicide. ACEP deeply appreciates Rep. Stevens and Rep. Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan work to shine a light on the mental health struggles of our health care workforce. We must continue the critical progress we are making toward eliminating barriers and stigma to ensure emergency physicians and health care workers can seek the mental health care and support they need and deserve.” said L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, president of American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

Text of the resolution can be found here.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/9/house-passes-chairwoman-mcclain-s-common-cents-act-to-end-wasteful-penny-production,House Passes Chairwoman McClain's Common Cents Act to End Wasteful Penny Production,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Today, the House passed H.R. 10167, the Common Cents Act, legislation led by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), to permanently end production of the penny for general circulation and modernize America’s coinage system.

“Washington has a spending problem, and it shows up in places big and small,” Chairwoman McClain said. “If the federal government is spending nearly four cents to make a penny worth one cent, something is broken. House Republicans are proving that common sense still has a place in government by cutting waste and protecting taxpayer dollars.”

The Common Cents Act ends production of pennies for general circulation while keeping existing pennies legal tender and allowing the U.S. Mint to continue producing collectible coins. It also establishes uniform guidance allowing cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five cents when exact change is unavailable. Electronic payments and other non-cash transactions will continue to be charged to the exact cent.

The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve to develop a national transition plan for the hundreds of billions of pennies already in circulation and requires Treasury to notify Congress before discontinuing any other circulating coin. It also authorizes a lower-cost nickel composition if testing shows it will reduce production costs without significantly disrupting coin-operated machines.

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7315,ICYMI: Dingell Marks 25th Anniversary of September 11,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"As the United States marks 25 years since September 11, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) penned an essay recounting her experience on that day and how Americans united the weeks that followed.

""We had been attacked, and we pulled together. For a brief time, the things that divided us seemed smaller than the things that united us. We talked to each other. We listened. We comforted strangers. We checked on neighbors. We reached across differences of faith, race and background. We spent time trying to understand one another rather than turning away,” Congresswoman Dingell wrote. “The Jewish community worked hard to support the Muslim community. Communities reached across lines of faith and ethnicity. People who might never have spoken to one another before stood together. Bridges were built.”

Congresswoman Dingell continued: “Twenty-five years later, I look around our country and worry about how many of those bridges are gone or endangered. Antisemitism is real. Hatred and fear directed at Muslims are real. Racism is real. Political and religious hatred can turn quickly into threats, violence and tragedy. We should be worried ‒ not because America is weak, but because we know how quickly fear can divide us if we allow it to. America did not deserve 9/11. No country deserves terrorism, hatred or violence. And no American should be made to feel unsafe because of their faith, religion, race, ethnicity or heritage. As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we will remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, and the countless families whose lives were changed forever. We will remember the firefighters, police officers, first responders and ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage. But remembrance must be more than looking backward. We should also remember who we were in the days after.”

Congresswoman Dingell’s op-ed can be found HERE and text is below:

The day, Sept. 11, 2001, is seeded in my mind and soul forever.

I was on one of the few planes still flying that morning. We landed at National Airport around 8 a.m., before the first tower was hit. Then U.S.-Rep. David Camp was sitting next to me. Before we left Detroit, I turned to him and said, ""I have the weirdest feeling. If you weren’t sitting next to me, I think I would get off this plane.""

We had no idea what was about to happen. As we watched planes crash into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon was attacked, and reports came that another plane might be headed toward the Capitol. But none of us fully understood what we were witnessing.

My husband, John, was in the Capitol. When people were being told to leave, he refused. He said, “No one is going to chase me out of the symbol of our democracy. I fought in World War II, and I’m staying here.”

Friends working at the White House came to my General Motors Foundation office in downtown DC, terrified. Secret Service agents had told women in heels to take off their shoes and run. Everything we knew about safety and normal life seemed to disappear in a matter of hours. No one was able to fly home. A few days later, John and I drove back to Michigan with Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. We were deeply worried about Dearborn, our hometown, and about the possibility of backlash and violence against our Muslim neighbors.

President George W. Bush addressed the nation at a Joint Session of Congress on Sept. 20, but we stayed in Dearborn because we believed that in a moment of fear, we had a responsibility to stand with our community and fight hatred wherever we saw it. Bill Ford and John Dingell hosted a candlelight vigil at the Henry Ford Museum. Thousands came. There was fear, and there was faith. There was grief, but there was also an extraordinary sense that we were going to stand together.

Then came the names. Friends who were lost. Sons and daughters of friends. One of John’s dearest friends. Firefighters and police officers who ran into burning buildings to save people and never came home. The grief was overwhelming.

But something else happened in those days that I will never forget: America came together.

It was one of the most horrific times in our nation’s history, and yet, in some ways, it was also one of the most special. We had been attacked, and we pulled together. For a brief time, the things that divided us seemed smaller than the things that united us. We talked to each other. We listened. We comforted strangers. We checked on neighbors. We reached across differences of faith, race and background. We spent time trying to understand one another rather than turning away. The Jewish community worked hard to support the Muslim community. Communities reached across lines of faith and ethnicity. People who might never have spoken to one another before stood together. Bridges were built.

Twenty-five years later, I look around our country and worry about how many of those bridges are gone or endangered. Antisemitism is real. Hatred and fear directed at Muslims are real. Racism is real. Political and religious hatred can turn quickly into threats, violence and tragedy. We should be worried ‒ not because America is weak, but because we know how quickly fear can divide us if we allow it to. America did not deserve 9/11. No country deserves terrorism, hatred or violence. And no American should be made to feel unsafe because of their faith, religion, race, ethnicity or heritage.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we will remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, and the countless families whose lives were changed forever. We will remember the firefighters, police officers, first responders and ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage. But remembrance must be more than looking backward. We should also remember who we were in the days after.

We were frightened, but we did not have to be consumed by fear. We were grieving, but we reached out to one another. We were attacked, but we did not have to turn our anger against innocent people in our own communities. We found strength in coming together. That is the lesson I hope we carry into the next 25 years.

We cannot change what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. We cannot bring back those we lost. But we can decide what their memory asks of us.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404531,Huizenga Statement Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,huizenga,https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Twenty-five years ago, our nation was forever changed. On September 11th, nearly 3,000 people were spending time with their friends, families, and loved ones for what would be the last time. For those of us who saw these tragic events unfold on national tv, the memories remain vivid. We remember watching in disbelief as a second plane struck the World Trade Center. We remember the smoke rising from the Pentagon and learning that another plane had gone down near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Across Southwest Michigan, friends. families, and communities, watched in disbelief. We prayed for our nation, our neighbors, and those directly impacted by his tragic day.

A quarter-century later, an entire generation of Americans know September 11 only as history. We promised to never forget, and part of that promise is ensuring we teach younger Americans about the events that transpired.

Our children and grandchildren should know about the passengers aboard Flight 93 who fought back. They should know about ordinary Americans who helped complete strangers in a time of crisis.

Teaching the next generation also means understanding what happened afterward too.

Across Southwest Michigan and the nation, Americans displayed the flag, gathered in churches, donated blood, and checked on their neighbors. At one of our darkest moments, Americans showed what courage, service, faith, and patriotism looked like.

Today, parents, grandparents, teachers, and veterans across Southwest Michigan have an important responsibility.

We cannot allow September 11th to merely become a chapter in a history book. We owe it to those who never came home, to the heroes who ran toward danger, and to friends and families who carry the memory of their lost loved ones forward. We must tell the next generation what happened that day, how our nation responded, and how every day Americans came together to meet the moment.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-moolenaar-introduces-patriot-week-resolution-0,Congressman Moolenaar Introduces Patriot Week Resolution,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced legislation to designate September 11 through 17 as Patriot Week. The legislation intends to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, recognize the ratification of the United States Constitution, and encourage each generation to reflect on our history and freedoms.

“As we remember the heroes and innocent victims killed on September 11 twenty-five years ago, we should also recall the profound unity Americans felt in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Patriot Week is a time to reflect on our founding values, and encourage a deeper exploration of our history with hope to restore this national unity. I am proud to introduce this resolution to recognize this week as Patriot Week; to encourage Americans to celebrate the freedoms we cherish and honor our Constitution,” said Congressman Moolenaar.

“Twenty-five years ago, terrorists attacked our country believing they could break the American spirit. Instead, one of our darkest days brought out the very best of America,” said Congressman Zach Nunn. “First responders ran toward danger, passengers aboard Flight 93 rushed the cockpit rather than allow their plane to become another weapon, and a generation of Americans raised their hand to serve. This Patriot Week, we honor the values our Founding Fathers passed down to us, embodied by everyday Americans in the weeks and months that followed the 9/11 attacks: service before self, courage in the face of adversity, and an unwavering commitment to our nation.”",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7314,Dingell Secures Over $258 Million in Healthcare Funding for the University of Michigan,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) announced she secured $258,717,781 in federal grant funding for the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor to support a wide range of research initiatives, including cancer research, aging research, allergy and infectious diseases research, and more. The funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and was made possible by Congresswoman Dingell’s advocacy.

“These funds are a critical step in improving the health and well-being of communities in Michigan and across the country,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “These grants will bolster the University of Michigan’s leadership in research and innovation. I am proud to have secured this money and will always work to deliver our state federal resources that lead to better treatments and patient outcomes.”

Some of the projects receiving funding include:

$7,168,226 for Cancer Research

$1,169,992 for Diabetes Digestive and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research

$1,520,330 for Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research

$562,696 for Aging Research

$1,028,998 for Cardiovascular Diseases Research

$629,003 for Oral Diseases and Disorders Research

$381,950 for Nursing Research

$376,460 for Human Genome Research

$375,336 for Biomedical Research and Research Training

$577,444 for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research

$598,644 for Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

$3,831,85 for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance

$1,347,673 for Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders

$43,947 for Lung Diseases Research

$178,515 for Vision Research

$249,938 for Opioid Programs

$610,843 for Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research

$223,829 for Blood Diseases and Resources Research

$505,710 for Alcohol Research Programs

$500,000 for Sickle Cell Data Collection Program

HHS is the largest grant-making agency in the United States. Most HHS grants are provided directly to states, territories, tribes, and educational and community organizations, then distributed to eligible individuals and organizations. For more information on HHS grants, click HERE.",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-champions-bipartisan-data-science-and-literacy-act-prepare,Rep. Haley Stevens Champions Bipartisan Data Science and Literacy Act to Prepare Students for Data-Driven Economy,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens alongside Reps. Jim Baird (R-IN), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Bipartisan Data Science and Literacy Act, to expand access to data science education and make sure Michigan students have the skills needed to compete in an increasingly data-driven economy.

Data science draws on statistics, computer science, and mathematics to analyze and derive insights from data. Yet many students graduate from high school without these foundational skills, even as nearly one in four jobs requires data science skills.

“Data is powering the technologies and jobs that will define America’s economic future, and our students deserve the skills to lead that future,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “Whether a student goes on to work on the factory floor, in a research lab, at a small business, or developing the next breakthrough technology, the ability to understand and use data will be increasingly important. This legislation is about making sure Michigan students are ready.”

“Data science education can be the catalyst that launches American scientific leadership into the stratosphere. Introducing children to STEM early gives them a foundation to continually build upon, preparing them to tackle increasingly advanced concepts as they reach higher education and enter the workforce. This is how we compound our scientific knowledge and foster the next generation of American innovation. Start early, build upon that knowledge, and grow our nation’s understanding of STEM,” said Rep. Jim Baird.

“Data is one of the most powerful tools shaping our society today. It helps businesses streamline supply chain operations, public health officials track and prevent disease, and Americans navigate nearly every aspect of modern life. Yet too many students lack access to the education they need to understand and use data effectively. Our bill would provide educators with the resources necessary to expand access to a quality data science education and prepare students for 21st century jobs,” said Rep. Don Beyer.

“Every generation has a responsibility to prepare the next for the world they will inherit. As data becomes foundational across nearly every field, our classrooms must keep pace. This legislation builds on the work we have led here in PA-1 to strengthen career and technical education, expand pathways into high-demand fields, and better connect learning with opportunity. The bipartisan Data Science and Literacy Act will carry that mission forward—equipping more students with the skills to succeed, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring America continues to lead,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

The Data Science and Literacy Act establishes a grant program at the U.S. Department of Education to expand access to data science education nationwide. The program would support data science instruction from pre-K through community college, strengthen students’ data literacy, and provide professional development opportunities for educators. The legislation also improves federal data collection and establishes evaluation and reporting requirements to guide future investments.

Specifically, the Data Science and Literacy Act authorizes educational grants for the following purposes:

Curriculum Development: Developing, implementing, and expanding data science curricula and instructional materials.

Student Support: Improving student outcomes in data science education, including targeted support for students historically underrepresented in the field.

Professional Development: Providing evidence-based training and recruitment support for educators to effectively teach data science and related subjects.

Partnerships: Supporting collaboration with community colleges, institutions of higher education, and other relevant organizations to strengthen data science education pathways.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The legislation is backed by Data Science 4 Everyone (DS4E), Alliance for Data Science & AI (ADSA), Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI), American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC), American Statistical Association (AmStat), Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE), Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), Digital Promise, INFORMS, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

“The average school experience is becoming disconnected from the fast-changing world our students are graduating into,” said Zarek Drozda, Executive Director of Data Science 4 Everyone (DS4E). “The question ‘why am I learning this?’ needs to have a better answer. Engaging in data science activities allows students to connect their academic subjects to the real-world, and learn a toolkit for navigating (and questioning) AI at the same time.”

“ADSA works with more than 100 institutions of higher education, from R1 universities, community colleges, HBCUs, and Hispanic-serving institutions. One thing we hear consistently is that they want to be better partners to the K-12 schools in their regions,” said Dr. Micaela Parker, Founder and Executive Director of Alliance for Data Science and AI (ADSA). “The Data Science and Literacy Act creates that opportunity by putting flexible resources into district, community college, and university partnerships to update curricula for the modern age. This bill reflects how students actually use data: across their whole education, not in a single elective. ADSA is proud to support it.”

“Too often, promising education investments go unmeasured, leaving us guessing about what actually works. The Data Science and Literacy Act gets this right by building evaluation into the bill from the start by directing the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to rigorously assess grant effectiveness and requiring grantees to continuously monitor their own progress. That commitment to evidence, not just access, is exactly what we want to see in federal education investments,” Sara Schapiro, Executive Director of Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI). “At the Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI), we believe every student deserves the tools to make sense of data and put it to work solving real problems. We're proud to endorse this bipartisan legislation and thank Representatives Stevens, Beyer, Kim, and Baird for their leadership in building a stronger STEM pipeline for the next generation.""

“H.G. Wells once said ‘Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write.’ (c. 1903) That day is today. This bill is the right step forward,” said Eddie Tchertchian, President of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC).

“The presence of AI in our everyday lives and work has made statistical thinking more critical than ever, so I applaud Representative Stevens and her cosponsors for reintroducing this bill, "" said Jeri Mulrow, President of the American Statistical Association (AmStat). “Statistical thinking, a core component of data literacy, is essential for today's students to effectively use AI, critically assess its outputs, and succeed in today's job market.”

“In continuing AMTE efforts to bring diverse mathematics teacher education communities together, our organization continues to support educators, coaches, consultants, specialists, and university and community college faculty to share and disseminate research, teaching, and community partnerships in different educational contexts,” said Farshid Safi, President of Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE). “AMTE, intentionally and toward a more comprehensive and inclusive lens, adopts an expansive view of the term mathematics education to include intersections with fields such as data science and statistics education, mathematical modeling, STEM education while partnering with those engaged in early childhood, PK-12, and post-secondary contexts.”

“Data shapes the technologies students use, the decisions they encounter, and the world they will help create. The 2026 CSTA PK–12 Computer Science Standards identify Data & Analysis as a core concept in foundational computer science education, calling on students to use data to solve problems, make discoveries, and express ideas while critically examining its quality, representation, privacy, and impact,” said Bryan Twarek, Head of Research and Innovation of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). “The Data Science and Literacy Act would invest in the curricula, professional development, and partnerships teachers need to prepare their students to become critical consumers, responsible creators, and informed participants in a world powered by computing.”

“Data literacy is a foundational tool for real-world agency. Preparing students for a changing economy requires updating what and how we teach, moving away from narrow metrics of success to build practical skills across disciplines,” said Jean-Claude Brizard, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Promise. “The Data Science and Literacy Act delivers flexible resources that allow school systems and postsecondary partners to strengthen teacher capacity and create powerful learning experiences for every student. Digital Promise strongly supports this legislation as a crucial investment in long-term economic mobility.”

“Ensuring that data literacy is a foundational aspect of education is a cornerstone of the United States’ long-term economic and national security. Data is everywhere and the ideas and demands to create more of it, and the evermore complex ways to deploy it, are growing more significant by the day,” said Jeff Cohen, Chief External Affairs Officer at INFORMS. “This bill is a key part of addressing the substantial shortfall of STEM-prepared students for the workforce of tomorrow. Operations research, analytics, and the science and technology of decision-making is predicated on the sound and ethical use of data. INFORMS strongly supports the bipartisan Data Science and Literacy Act of 2026 and looks forward to working to ensure its passage and effective implementation.”

“Our students are graduating into a world where the ability to understand, interpret, and use data is no longer optional; it is essential. Science and STEM education provide powerful opportunities for students to develop these skills as they use data to ask questions and make sense of the world around them,” said Brianna Reilly Oliveira, Director of Professional Learning for the National Science Teaching Association. “NSTA strongly supports the Data Science and Literacy Act and its investment in educators and students. By equipping educators with the confidence, tools and strategies to integrate data literacy into science and STEM instruction, we can better prepare all students to thrive in a data-rich world.”

###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-leads-bipartisan-resolution-designating-september-as-national-suicide-prevention-month,Congressman Shri Thanedar Leads Bipartisan Resolution Designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Shri Thanedar,T000488,thanedar.house.gov,thanedar,https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), along with Congressmen Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing September as “National Suicide Prevention Month” and September 10, 2026, as “World Suicide Prevention Day”. This resolution will bring awareness to the mental health battles that many face silently every day and decrease the stigma behind seeking treatment for mental illness.

“In 1996, I lost my first wife to her battle with mental illness,” said Congressman Shri Thanedar. The pain my young boys and I suffered was devastating and has stayed with me ever since. Her loss has inspired my work in Congress to ensure everyone has access to high-quality mental health care. By partnering in a bipartisan fashion with Representatives Bell and Lawler, we will bring awareness to this devastating issue and ensure that no more lives are lost to mental illness.”

""Suicide is an epidemic plaguing our youth that demands urgent attention, because behind every statistic is a family forever changed by a loss words can't capture,"" said Congressman Bell. ""In Missouri and across the nation, too many people are suffering in silence, believing they have nowhere to turn. National Suicide Prevention Month is about changing that. We must meet this crisis head-on by investing in mental health care, breaking down the stigma that keeps people from asking for help, and making clear that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is health, and no one should have to face their darkest moments alone. If you're struggling, help is always within reach — call or text 988.""

“Suicide is a devastating public health crisis, but it is not inevitable. We have a responsibility to ensure that people who are struggling know they are not alone and have access to the mental health care and support they need. During National Suicide Prevention Month and on World Suicide Prevention Day, we must recommit ourselves to breaking the stigma around mental health, expanding access to care, and doing everything we can to prevent the loss of another life,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

This resolution is supported by a broad range of mental health stakeholders, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, saying “Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with nearly 49,000 Americans dying by suicide in 2024 and an estimated 2.2 million suicide attempts,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). “AFSP commends Representatives Thanedar, Bell, and Lawler for introducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. By raising awareness about suicide and the critical need to expand access to quality mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services and care, we can help save lives and create a future where everyone has the support and resources they need to thrive.”

Another supporter, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said the following about Thanedar’s resolution: “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and every effort to prevent suicide must begin with ensuring people have access to the mental health care and support they need,"" said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day are important opportunities to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action. NAMI thanks Rep. Thanedar for recognizing suicide prevention as a national priority.”

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404530,"Huizenga Announces $1.6 Million in New Mental Health Funding for Kalamazoo, Ottawa, and Van Buren Counties",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,huizenga,https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced that Ottawa County, Van Buren County, and Western Michigan University will receive new grant funding through the Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen mental health services and support substance abuse recovery. These federal grant funds are a direct result of legislation supported by Congressman Huizenga.

“Connecting children, parents, and families across Southwest Michigan with mental health resources creates positive outcomes, strengthens our community, and makes Southwest Michigan an even better place to call home,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “I am committed to ensuring that those facing mental health and substance use challenges—some of life’s hardest struggles—have access to the best possible care, support, and resources.”

Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo is being awarded a $599,999 grant for their Family Trauma Assessment of Children and Caregivers work

Ottawa County Community Mental Health in Holland is being awarded a $616,685 grant for mental health & substance abuse services.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-haley-stevens-demands-swift-refunds-businesses-hit-illegal-trump-tariffs,Rep. Haley Stevens Demands Swift Refunds for Businesses Hit by Illegal Trump Tariffs,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens alongside Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-4) led their colleagues in calling on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott to immediately address administrative backlogs preventing American businesses from receiving refunds for duties paid under the Trump Administration’s illegal use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Businesses have reported that delays in CBP’s Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system are preventing importers from meeting the agency’s 90-day deadline to request refunds — potentially costing small businesses money they are legally owed.

“Sadly, businesses in our districts have reported significant logistical hurdles that they must clear to receive a refund,” the lawmakers wrote. “Under no circumstances should these companies bear the brunt of both the tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court and the denial of tariff refunds because of administrative mismanagement of the CAPE system.”

“Michigan businesses should not have to pay the price once let alone twice, first through illegal tariffs, and again because government red tape prevents them from getting their money back,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “Small businesses in Michigan operate on tight margins, and every dollar matters. CBP must fix these administrative roadblocks and make sure businesses receive every dollar they are owed.”

The Supreme Court ruled in February 2026 that President Trump’s use of IEEPA to impose sweeping tariffs was unlawful. Rep. Stevens is urging CBP to take all necessary steps to ensure importers receive full refunds for duties paid under the invalidated tariff regime.

Full letter here.

###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/substack-haley-stevens-what-it-means-be-michigan-democrat,SUBSTACK: Haley Stevens On What It Means To Be A Michigan Democrat,2026-09-05,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Labor Day, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens shared her reflections on what it means to be a Michigan Democrat.

Link to readhere.

###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-secures-1031000-for-cybersecurity-operations-center-at-university-of-detroit-mercy,"Congressman Shri Thanedar Secures $1,031,000 for Cybersecurity Operations Center at University of Detroit Mercy",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Shri Thanedar,T000488,thanedar.house.gov,thanedar,https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - This week, Congressman Shri Thanedar secured $1,031,000 in federal funding for the University of Detroit Mercy. Thanedar fought to pass this funding as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026. This critical investment will help establish a Cybersecurity Operations Center at the University of Detroit Mercy, in the heart of Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.

“Since coming to Congress, I have made it a key priority to bring federal dollars back to every corner of my district,” said Congressman Thanedar. “In Congress, I have brought Community Project Funding to all 20 towns in Michigan’s 13th District for the first time in over 50 years. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I know firsthand the importance of cybersecurity facilities like these to protect Americans from the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats they face from at home and abroad. I am grateful for the partnership of the University of Detroit Mercy in making this facility a reality.”

“This state-of-the-art cybersecurity center will provide our students one-of-a-kind training in the cybersecurity field and position them well to compete for jobs in the cyber and national security spaces after graduation,” said Donald B. Taylor, president of University of Detroit Mercy. “We are grateful to Congressman Thanedar for his advocacy in securing this funding, which will create an innovative educational opportunity for our students.”

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-haley-stevens-reflects-death-gloria-steinem,STATEMENT: Haley Stevens Reflects on Death of Gloria Steinem,2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the death of Gloria Steinem, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Gloria Steinem showed generations of women what it means to speak up, stand strong, and lead with courage. She opened doors, challenged the status quo, and inspired so many of us to keep pushing forward. Her legacy will live on in every woman who steps up to lead.”

###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-goldman-obernoltes-locomotives-act-passed-committee,"Moolenaar, Goldman, Obernolte's LOCOMOTIVES Act Passed by Committee",2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressmen John Moolenaar, Craig Goldman, (R-TX), and Jay Obernolte's (R-CA) legislation, the LOCOMOTIVES Act was passed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill prevents the State of California from placing unsustainable regulations on trains crossing into the state by revising Section 209 of the Clean Air Act. Current law allows states like California to request waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt policies stricter than federal emission standards.

""California bureaucrats should not be able to supersede federal law and prevent vital parts of Michigan's economy from accessing global markets. Our LOCOMOTIVES Act is a common sense proposal to allow industries that rely on railway transportation like Michigan agriculture and our auto industry to continue to operate under one national standard. I am grateful for Chairman Guthrie's leadership and his committee's support for my legislation, and I will continue my work to ensure our supply chains remain strong,"" said Congressman Moolenaar.

“A single state should not be allowed to impose unworkable mandates on our national rail system,” said Congressman Obernolte. “The LOCOMOTIVES Act protects jobs and investment in my district, including the Barstow International Gateway, while providing the consistent federal standards needed to keep goods moving across the country. I’m glad the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced this commonsense legislation.”

""I’m proud to have joined Rep. Moolenaar and Rep. Obernolte in leading the LOCOMOTIVES ACT, preventing California’s extreme green energy regulations from dictating how states like Texas handle their freight rail industry. Only Texas should set the rules for Texas—and I’ll keep fighting to make sure it stays that way,"" said Congressman Goldman.

The legislation's passage through committee was applauded by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Brett Guthrie.

“A strong freight rail system is the backbone of America's supply chain and interstate commerce, and no individual state should be allowed to mandate rules for the entire country. California's push to impose emissions mandates on locomotives would drive up costs on nearly everything that families buy from groceries to building materials. The LOCOMOTIVES Act ensures clear standards are in place to keep prices low for communities across the country. Thank you to Congressmen Moolenaar, Goldman, and Obernolte for their work on this important issue,” said Chairman Guthrie.

In 2023 the California Air Resources Board requested a waiver from the EPA to prohibit trains older than 23 years old from operating in the state, unless they are zero-emission, which would prevent two-thirds of currently operating trains from entering the state. Although California's waiver request was withdrawn, the state may resubmit a similar request at any time.

The LOCOMOTIVES Act is endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the North American Millers Association, the Supply Chain Federation, and the National Grain and Feed Association.",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-introduces-two-health-care-bills-lower-prescription,Congresswoman Scholten Introduces Two Health Care Bills To Lower Prescription Drug Prices and Improve Access to Care,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) introduced two bills to bring down health care costs for West Michigan families: the Fair Prescription Pricing Act of 2026, which caps what patients pay out of pocket for prescription drugs, and the Local Health Care Protection Act of 2026, which protects local hospitals from losing drug discount eligibility because of federal Medicaid cuts.

“Too many Americans are forced to choose between filling a prescription or paying for other necessities,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “These bills are about lowering costs and protecting the patients, families, and local hospitals caught in the middle. No patient should have to skip a prescription because they cannot afford it, and no hospital should have to shoulder unsustainable costs. I’m fighting to make sure hardworking Americans can afford the health care they need and deserve.”

Under current law, a patient's out-of-pocket cost for a prescription can sometimes exceed the actual average price of the drug itself, largely because of how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers structure cost-sharing behind the scenes. The Fair Prescription Pricing Act would close that gap by barring group health plans and insurers from charging any deductible, coinsurance, or copayment for an in-network pharmacy drug above the drug's nationwide average price

The Local Health Care Protection Act protects hospitals from losing access to the 340B drug discount program because Medicaid cuts have shrunk their patient rolls. The 340B program, subsidized by drug manufacturers, allows hospitals to buy outpatient drugs at a discount and reinvest those savings into charity care and community health benefits – free and reduced-cost care, health screenings, mental health and addiction treatment, and other services that keep vulnerable patients covered. Qualifying for the 340B program requires serving a certain volume of Medicaid patients, a threshold some hospitals are now falling below because of Republicans’ nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. The bill locks in eligibility for any hospital that qualified for 340B as of July 3, 2025, through fiscal year 2030 – so local hospitals can keep their doors open and continue funding the charity care and health programs their patients rely on.

This reflects Congresswoman Scholten’s ongoing effort to make life more affordable for American families. The Congresswoman is the co-chair and founder of the Lowering Cost Caucus, which brings together members of Congress to find real solutions to the affordability crisis squeezing communities across Michigan and the country.

###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-helps-introduce-bipartisan-bill-protect-patients-ai-insurance-denials,Barrett Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Protect Patients From AI Insurance Denials,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Buddy Carter (GA-01), and Kim Schrier (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan Doctors Not AI Act to ensure that artificial intelligence cannot make or dictate health insurance coverage decisions involving medical judgment. The bill would require a qualified, licensed health care professional, exercising independent clinical judgment, to make any decision that a particular procedure, treatment, or prescription is not medically necessary.

“Artificial intelligence should never replace the judgment of a doctor,” said Barrett. “When it comes to someone’s health and well-being, the outcome is too important to leave it up to an algorithm. This bill makes sure doctors — not AI — remain responsible for determining what care patients need while bringing greater transparency to the use of these technologies in health insurance.”

“When a computer system is making decisions about health care, people will get hurt,” said Landsman. “We have to make sure health care professionals remain the decision makers. If not, folks will be left with massive bills, their health getting worse, or even life-threatening consequences.”

The Doctors Not AI Act:

Ensures AI is used only in a supporting role and requires independent clinical judgment for decisions about whether care is medically necessary;

Requires insurers to include AI-generated outputs in the administrative record, disclose the use of AI systems in the claims review process, and make the documentation available to patients; and

Promotes fair coverage for mental health treatment by preventing disproportionate algorithmic scrutiny of care for mental health and substance use disorders.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/rep-tlaib-votes-against-funding-bill,Rep. Tlaib votes against funding bill ,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Rashida Tlaib,T000481,tlaib.house.gov,tlaib,https://tlaib.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) released the following statement after voting against the Continuing Resolution to fund the Trump administration’s war and inhumane deportation agenda:

“I refuse to give another dime toward Trump’s reckless war and racist mass deportations. While this wannabe dictator claims there’s no money for healthcare, food assistance, or Social Security, he has no issue funding endless wars, genocide and DHS’s violent deportation machine. Our residents are burdened by skyrocketing gas prices and terrorized by ICE agents, but Congress keeps pushing more money to our already over-inflated defense and DHS budgets. Congress and this administration’s priorities are severely out of touch.”

The Continuing Resolution includes $839.2 billion for the Department of Defense, $8.4 billion more than the DOD requested. The recently passed funding bill also gives another $11 billion to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for marine vessels, drones, and vehicles for law enforcement.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-condemn-horrors-socialism,Walberg Votes to Condemn the Horrors of Socialism,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) voted in favor of H.Res.1490, a resolution he cosponsored to condemn socialism in all its forms and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The resolution also condemns specific DSA policies, including allowing noncitizens to vote in American elections, and pledges to protect Americans’ right to vote. The resolution passed with 192 Democrats voting in opposition.

""Over the past few years, Michigan and the United States as a whole have seen a concerning rise in support for the destructive policies of socialism and leaders who seek to replace freedom with government control,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""From defunding the police to allowing noncitizens to vote in U.S. elections and seizing ownership of private corporations, the dangerous policies being pushed by the Democratic Socialists of America seek to undermine the very principles that have carried our nation through 250 years of freedom, ingenuity, and opportunity. America will not survive another 250 years by turning to extreme ideologies that have destroyed every society in history that they touched. We must reject these attempts and preserve the rights and freedoms of hardworking Michigan families.""

You may view a video of Congressman Walberg speaking on the House floor in support of the resolution here.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-keep-government-open-and-prevent-another-democrat-shutdown,Walberg Votes to Keep the Government Open and Prevent Another Democrat Shutdown,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) voted in favor of, and the House passed, the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2027. The legislation would continue federal funding through December 11, 2026, while Congress completes work on the full-year fiscal year 2027 appropriations bills.

""Senate Democrats have refused to advance a single fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill, abandoning regular order and jeopardizing the funding process,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""House Republicans will not allow the obstruction of Senate Democrats to trigger another government shutdown. This clean, short-term continuing resolution will keep the government open, providing stability for hardworking Michigan families while Congress continues to complete the appropriations process.""

Background

House Republicans have advanced all 12 bills for fiscal year 2027 funding out of the House Appropriations Committee, including 3 that have passed the House with bipartisan support. However, Senate Democrats have refused to advance a single appropriations bill ahead of the September 30 funding deadline.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-haley-stevens-condemns-socialism,STATEMENT: Haley Stevens Condemns Socialism,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today’s vote on Condemning and Denouncing the Horrors of Socialism, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“I am not a socialist, and I do not support socialism. I’m a Michigan Democrat who believes in capitalism, democracy, making sure billionaires pay their fair share of taxes, and standing with unions in the fight for workers’ rights.

“This is a cynical, Republican-forced vote designed to present a false choice: that standing up for voting rights means embracing socialism. It doesn’t.

“We can build things in Michigan, create good-paying union jobs, grow American manufacturing, and defend every citizen’s right to vote.

“That’s the Michigan I believe in.”

###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/subcommittee-advances-walbergs-legislation-accelerate-broadband-deployment,Subcommittee Advances Walberg's Legislation to Accelerate Broadband Deployment,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology advanced the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. The legislation, introduced by Congressmen Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA), would implement a national strategy to accelerate the deployment of critical broadband infrastructure across the country.

""As co-chair of the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus, I understand how current gaps in broadband coverage affect opportunities for families, students, and small businesses,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""The lack of a national broadband strategy has led to duplicative and wasteful efforts that delay the deployment of high-speed broadband across the nation. The PLAN for Broadband Act would increase coordination among all relevant agencies to streamline permitting, identify barriers to deployment, and ensure we can improve connectivity for rural communities. I am glad to see the subcommittee advance this vital legislation so we can bridge the digital divide.""

Background

The PLAN for Broadband Act is based upon a Government Accountability Office report that found that federal broadband efforts are oftentimes fragmented and duplicative. While enough federal funding exists to bridge the digital divide, a national broadband strategy is needed to avoid duplicative efforts and ensure that funds are available to reach the truly unserved and underserved areas. The PLAN for Broadband Act would require the Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to close the digital divide.",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7272,"Dingell, Colleagues Urge Trump to Recognize Importance of the U.S.-Canada Relationship",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and 87 of her House colleagues are urging President Trump to change his administration’s diplomatic approach with Canada and recognize the importance of the U.S.-Canada relationship. The effort follows further fraying in the two country’s relations amid President Trump’s escalating and chaotic use of trade barriers against Canada. In a letter to President Trump, the lawmakers specifically highlighted the risk to America’s economy should the president continue to use demeaning rhetoric and implement damaging policies against Canada.

“Your Administration’s escalating and chaotic use of trade barriers against Canada is putting this relationship at serious risk. Recent tariffs, continued threats of additional trade restrictions, and increasingly adversarial rhetoric are creating uncertainty for businesses, workers, farmers, and consumers on both sides of the border. American exports to Canada declined in 2025, while Canadian exports to the United States also fell substantially following the implementation of U.S. tariffs. Additionally, Canadian businesses are increasingly looking to diversify their supply chains and markets, which should concern your Administration,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers went on to describe the shared economic interests between the U.S. and Canada and the risks a worsening relationship would have on the American people.

“Our economic relationship is too important to put at risk. Our manufacturers, farmers, producers, small businesses, and consumers depend upon Canada, as Canadian businesses and workers depend upon access to the United States. Materials, parts, and components routinely cross the border as part of shared North American supply chains. Disrupting these relationships increases costs for American businesses and consumers, undermines our competitiveness, and puts good-paying American jobs at risk. For example, the North American automotive industry relies on a highly integrated supply chain in which parts and materials can cross the U.S.-Canada border multiple times before a vehicle reaches a customer. Similar integration exists across energy, agriculture, steel, aluminum, critical minerals, and manufacturing,” the lawmakers continued.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Mr. President:

This letter is to urge your Administration to change its diplomatic approach with our closest ally, Canada, and recognize the importance of the United States-Canada relationship.

Canada is not an adversary. Canada is a close friend, neighbor, ally, and economic partner whose security and prosperity is deeply intertwined with the United States. As you know, our countries share the longest international border in the world, generations of family and cultural ties, and deeply integrated economies and supply chains. We have stood together through war and peace and decades of cooperation. Our relationship is one of the world’s most enduring partnerships, built by generations of Americans and Canadians who work together, raise families, conduct business, travel, and share communities and culture.

Your Administration’s escalating and chaotic use of trade barriers against Canada is putting this relationship at serious risk. Recent tariffs, continued threats of additional trade restrictions, and increasingly adversarial rhetoric are creating uncertainty for businesses, workers, farmers, and consumers on both sides of the border. American exports to Canada declined in 2025, while Canadian exports to the United States also fell substantially following the implementation of U.S. tariffs Additionally, Canadian businesses are increasingly looking to diversify their supply chains and markets, which should concern your Administration.

Our economic relationship is too important to put at risk. Our manufacturers, farmers, producers, small businesses, and consumers depend upon Canada, as Canadian businesses and workers depend upon access to the United States. Materials, parts, and components routinely cross the border as part of shared North American supply chains. Disrupting these relationships increases costs for American businesses and consumers, undermines our competitiveness, and puts good-paying American jobs at risk. For example, the North American automotive industry relies on a highly integrated supply chain in which parts and materials can cross the U.S.-Canada border multiple times before a vehicle reaches a customer. Similar integration exists across energy, agriculture, steel, aluminum, critical minerals, and manufacturing.

To strengthen production and supply chains across North America, we must work with our American and Canadian partners. If our shared goal is to reduce dependence on China and other bad actors, treating Canada increasingly like an adversary is both counterproductive and dangerous. We should instead deepen economic cooperation with allies like Canada to increase domestic production and ensure critical goods and resources come from trusted partners.

We support fair and reciprocal trade and addressing legitimate trade barriers that disadvantage American workers and businesses. However, disagreements between close allies should be resolved through good-faith negotiations and established trade mechanisms, not through erratic trade policy, threats, and public disputes. Canada has already taken steps toward retaliation, demonstrating the real risk that continued escalation will harm American workers, businesses, farmers, and consumers and weaken the broader North American economy.

Our relationship with Canada also extends far beyond trade. We share vital defense and national security interests, energy resources, the Great Lakes, environmental responsibilities, agricultural markets, tourism, and millions of personal and economic ties across our border. We work together every day to protect North America, respond to emergencies, manage shared resources, and keep our communities safe. At a time of serious global economic and security challenges, we should be strengthening this partnership and the ties that make both countries safer, more prosperous, and more competitive.

We urge your Administration to treat Canada as the close ally, friend, neighbor, and economic partner that it is, and to resolve our differences through diplomacy while preserving and strengthening the relationship generations of Americans and Canadians have built. Just as a strong and prosperous United States is in Canada’s interest, a strong and prosperous Canada is also in America’s interest.

Thank you.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7273,"Dingell, Colleagues Introduce Bill Prohibiting Any Administration from Renaming Great Lakes",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), and Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) introduced legislation to stop the Trump Administration from unilaterally renaming Lake Ontario and protect the official names of all five Great Lakes. The Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act was introduced in response to President Trump’s signing of an executive order seeking to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America.

The Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act would:

Prohibit the federal government from renaming Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, or Lake Ontario;

Nullify Executive Order 14422, which renames Lake Ontario as “Lake America”; and

Block federal funds from being used to implement, administer, or otherwise give effect to the order or any substantially similar action.

“The Great Lakes are a shared treasure that generations of Americans and Canadians have worked together to protect. Canada is not our enemy. It is our neighbor, our ally, and one of Michigan’s most important economic partners. It is a friendship that no stroke of a pen should be able to erase,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “By preventing President Trump from trying to divide us with distracting public relations stunts, maybe then he will turn his attention to his reckless trade war that is raising costs and threatening American workers.”

“Americans are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and everyday essentials, and yet this President chooses to pick petty fights with our closest ally,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “This unserious, unacceptable attempt to rename the historic, shared Lake Ontario adds insult to injury as Trump’s tariffs drive up costs, making an already difficult situation worse. Our families, workers, and businesses need an administration focused on lowering costs and strengthening our economy, not distractions. Renaming a lake won’t put food on the table, lower anyone’s bills, or create a single job. It is a pathetic attempt to distract from an affordability crisis that this President has failed to fix.”

“Lake Ontario is Lake Ontario. President Trump can play games with a map all he wants, but I’m not going to stand by while he wastes the authority and resources of the federal government doing it,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This is ridiculous, it’s embarrassing, and it’s exactly the kind of unserious distraction Americans are tired of.”

Congresswoman Dingell is a fierce advocate for the Great Lakes and believes their names are part of our shared history, culture, and identity, and that they should not be used as a political pawn in the Trump Administration’s escalation of an unnecessary trade war. As co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force in the U.S. House, a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, and a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congresswoman Dingell has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to protect and preserve the Great Lakes.

In July 2026, Congresswoman Dingell, alongside the other three co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, urged the Trump Administration to lift the stop-work order and end the administrative review on the Brandon Road Lock and Dam complex. The critical project is designed to prevent invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes and devastating the region’s $11 billion fishing and recreation industry, and work was abruptly halted on July 24, 2026, putting Great Lakes ecosystems and the regional economy at severe risk. Also in July 2026, the congresswoman requested the Trump Administration release delayed funding that supports critical efforts to stop the spread of invasive species across the Great Lakes. Congresswoman Dingell is also a champion of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which is designed to protect and restore the Lakes, and she has consistently pushed for robust funding for it.

Bill text can be found HERE.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/substack-haley-stevens-reflects-michigan-democratic-party,SUBSTACK: Haley Stevens Reflects on the Michigan Democratic Party,2026-08-29,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of this weekend’s Michigan Democratic Party Convention, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens shared her reflections on the party on Substack.

Link to readhere.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-meets-workers-community-leaders-packed-week-traveling-mid-michigan,"Barrett Meets with Workers, Community Leaders in Packed Week Traveling Mid-Michigan",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lansing, Mich. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) this week met with local workers, business leaders, community officials, and residents across mid-Michigan to hear from them and discuss efforts to strengthen Michigan’s economy, improve infrastructure, and support local manufacturing.

Additionally, Barrett hosted a roundtable in Lansing on Monday where he met with leaders from Michigan’s energy industry to discuss ways to increase domestic energy production and lower costs for Michigan families.

“This summer I’ve had the opportunity to meet with thousands of workers, families, business owners, and community leaders from across mid-Michigan. I look forward to taking their views back to Washington to do the work that matters most to them,” said Barrett. “From lowering costs to standing up for local control and ending endless wars — I’ve heard their concerns firsthand, and I’ll never stop fighting to make sure the voices of the people I represent are heard in Congress.”

First, Barrett visited Michigan Paving and Materials in Lansing, whose workers produce asphalt and pave roads across the region. Barrett met with plant employees and highlighted how the no tax on overtime provision and federal investments in local infrastructure are supporting their industry and the communities they serve.

Barrett then toured the Clinton County Road Commission and met with local leaders about efforts to improve roads and bridges and strengthen cooperation between federal, state, and county governments to support safe and reliable transportation. Barrett has made rebuilding infrastructure a priority in Congress; he’s secured more than $15 million for mid-Michigan infrastructure projects and voted for the BUILD America 250 Act in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to extend and strengthen federal infrastructure funding programs.

Barrett also visited Clinton Transit, where he met with leaders, dispatchers, and drivers responsible for helping residents get to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other destinations across the community. The BUILD America 250 Act would also strengthen support for transit systems like Clinton Transit.

In Durand, Barrett and the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership hosted a roundtable at Great Lakes Fusion with local business leaders, who discussed strengthening the local economy, helping small businesses provide health insurance for their employees, promoting skilled trades education, and supporting workers.

Barrett then visited Lake Trust Credit Union in Brighton, where he met with the team about their work to help residents save for the future and access financing to buy homes or start small businesses. They also discussed Barrett’s work in Congress to lower costs and make homeownership more attainable for Michigan families.

The congressman also toured TG Fluid Systems in Brighton, a key supplier to Michigan’s automotive industry. He met with the men and women who manufacture vehicle fuel systems and discussed how Congress can continue supporting American manufacturing and Michigan’s auto industry.

At Eaton Community Bank, Barrett met with a wider range of community banking leaders from across mid-Michigan to discuss ways Congress can make housing more affordable and help more families achieve the American Dream of homeownership while strengthening protections against fraud and scams that steal their hard-earned savings.

Finally, Barrett met with members of the American Council of Engineering Companies to discuss his work investing in roads and bridges and hear from Michigan engineers about how Congress can continue improving transportation infrastructure across the state.",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7292,"Dingell, Harshbarger Introduce Legislation to Study Chinese Threats to the U.S. Auto Industry",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01) introduced the Automotive National and Economic Security Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that would direct the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive study of the national and economic security risks foreign adversaries pose to the United States automotive industry.

“I'm a car girl—I will always fight for our auto workers and this critical industry that is the backbone of America's economy. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan piece of legislation that will create good-paying jobs and protect our national security. And we must continue our efforts to decrease our reliance on China and create a level playing field,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

“China has a playbook, and we've watched them run it on critical minerals, shipbuilding, and batteries,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “Now they're setting their sights on the global automotive market, building out their industrial base with state subsidies and flooding markets with artificially cheap products to undercut American manufacturers. As vehicles become more connected and software-driven, that strategy isn't just an economic threat, it's a national security threat and a risk to the data of every American behind the wheel. This bill gives policymakers the facts we need to understand how deep this penetration goes and to protect our automotive industry before it's too late.”

Specifically, the study would examine:

Foreign ownership of, and state-directed investment in, U.S. automakers by foreign military organizations, political parties, and state-owned enterprises.

Joint ventures, subsidiaries, and commercial partnerships between U.S. manufacturers and foreign adversaries.

Transfers of critical and emerging technologies to foreign adversaries.

Impacts on U.S. national security, economic competitiveness, and intellectual property protection.

The bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit findings to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and to publish an unclassified report, within two years of enactment.

Bill text can be found HERE.

Foreign ownership of, and state-directed investment in, U.S. automakers by foreign military organizations, political parties, and state-owned enterprises.

Joint ventures, subsidiaries, and commercial partnerships between U.S. manufacturers and foreign adversaries.

Transfers of critical and emerging technologies to foreign adversaries.

Impacts on U.S. national security, economic competitiveness, and intellectual property protection.

Foreign ownership of, and state-directed investment in, U.S. automakers by foreign military organizations, political parties, and state-owned enterprises.

Joint ventures, subsidiaries, and commercial partnerships between U.S. manufacturers and foreign adversaries.

Transfers of critical and emerging technologies to foreign adversaries.

Impacts on U.S. national security, economic competitiveness, and intellectual property protection.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7268,"Dingell, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Sunscreen Access at National Parks",2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced the Sunscreen in Parks Findings Act (SPF) Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the National Park Service (NPS) to study and report on ways to make sun protection more available in national parks at low or no cost.

“This bipartisan legislation is about keeping people safe, expanding access to sunscreen, and decreasing rates of skin cancer. I am grateful for Congressman Lawler’s partnership as we work across the aisle to keep Americans safe as they enjoy the beauty and recreation our national parks have to offer,” said Congresswoman Dingell, Co-chair of the bipartisan House Cancer Caucus.

The legislation would require the NPS Director to submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources within one year after enactment, including:

The possible environmental effects of any sunscreen distributed in parks.

How usable the sunscreen would be for people with different skin tones.

A plan to increase visitor awareness about the importance of sun protection to help prevent skin damage and skin cancer.

“Protecting Americans from skin cancer starts with making basic sun protection readily accessible. Our national parks should be places where families can enjoy the outdoors while taking simple, commonsense steps to protect their health. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to expand access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures in our national parks,” said Congressman Lawler, Co-chair of the Extreme Heat Caucus and the Appalachian Trail Caucus.

A copy of the bill text can be found HERE.

The possible environmental effects of any sunscreen distributed in parks.

environmental effects of any sunscreen distributed in parks.

How usable the sunscreen would be for people with different skin tones.

A plan to increase visitor awareness about the importance of sun protection to help prevent skin damage and skin cancer.

The possible environmental effects of any sunscreen distributed in parks.

How usable the sunscreen would be for people with different skin tones.

A plan to increase visitor awareness about the importance of sun protection to help prevent skin damage and skin cancer.",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7269,Dingell Statement on Trump’s Attempt to Rename Lake Ontario,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order attempting to rename Lake Ontario:

“The Great Lakes are a shared treasure that generations of Americans and Canadians have worked together to protect. Donald Trump can sign all the executive orders he wants, but it will always be Lake Ontario. Canada is not our enemy. It is our neighbor, our ally, and one of Michigan’s most important economic partners. It is a friendship that no stroke of a pen can erase,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “President Trump is trying to divide us and distract people from his reckless trade war that is raising costs and threatening American workers. When he is done doing arts and crafts in the Oval, I’d suggest he turn his attention to his failed economy that is raising costs, eliminating jobs, and leaving working men and women behind.”",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/8/conference-chairwoman-mcclain-attends-michigan-farm-bureau-dinner-on-the-farm,ICYMI: Conference Chairwoman McClain Attends Michigan Farm Bureau Dinner on the Farm,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"MICHIGAN – House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) this week joined the annual Michigan Farm Bureau Dinner on the Farm at Zwerk & Sons Farms to highlight the benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts for Michigan farmers and to discuss ongoing work to pass a long-term Farm Bill.

Attendees included House Agriculture Committee Vice Chairman Austin Scott (R-Ga.); Matt Frostic of Frostic Farms and the National Corn Growers Association; Mike Noll of Noll Farms and Michigan Farm Bureau; and Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross.

“It was a rewarding evening of honest discussions with Michigan farmers who work tirelessly every day to feed our families and boost our economy. Washington should support their efforts by making their work easier,” Chairwoman McClain said. “I fought to deliver meaningful wins for our farmers through the Working Families Tax Cuts, and I will continue pushing to reduce input costs, cut through excessive red tape, and get a long-term Farm Bill across the finish line to bring much-needed relief to our agricultural community.”

“I want to thank Chairwoman McClain for inviting me to join her at Dinner on the Farm and giving me the opportunity to hear from Michigan’s farmers. Though our commodities may differ, our message remains the same: we will continue the fight in Washington to advance policies that support our producers and rural communities. Across the country, farmers want fair access to markets both domestically and abroad, they want Congress to address rising input costs, and they want to ensure the next generation can succeed on the farm. Chairwoman McClain is a fierce advocate for addressing these issues and I look forward to continuing to work with her on behalf of American agriculture,” House Agriculture Committee Vice Chairman Austin Scott said.

“We always look forward to working with our federal partners to advance crucial ag policies,” said Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross. “Farm Bureau couldn't be the voice of agriculture without our members coming to events like this, lending their voices and your credibility in the ag discussion. Because of our members, we are able to engage with elected officials in Washington, D.C., and in Lansing who are willing to advocate and listen to us — just like Congresswoman McClain is doing with the farm bill and E15.”

The Working Families Tax Cuts delivered major wins for farmers by strengthening crop insurance, raising reference prices, strengthening dairy coverage, and providing tax relief that helps family farms plan for the next generation.

The House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in April, but the Senate has yet to advance a Farm Bill to the floor.",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7274,"Dingell, Latta Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reshore American Manufacturing",2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Bob Latta (R-OH-05) introduced the bipartisan Biomanufacturing Excellence, Domestic Resilience, Output, and Competitive Know-how Act, or the BEDROCK Act. This legislation would help turn products invented in America into products made in America—supporting American manufacturing jobs, strengthening American supply chains, and reducing American dependence on Communist China.

Biomanufacturing uses biology to make products at industrial scale, such as new materials and medicines. American companies lead the world in discovering these new products, but all too often, the factories, suppliers, and jobs required to produce them at scale move overseas. Communist China has repeatedly made biomanufacturing a national priority; they now dominate the world’s fermentation capacity.

“America's manufacturing might has been hollowed out for decades,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen and create good-paying jobs, as well as reduce our reliance on China. I am proud to support this effort to invest in America's workers and ensure we do not cede our competitive edge to our adversaries.”

“Northern Ohio knows that manufacturing is the lifeblood of our economy,” Congressman Latta said. “For far too long, America has pioneered new inventions, only for Communist China to build the facilities—stealing the jobs that come with them. The BEDROCK Act would help reshore that work. This bipartisan legislation would create new opportunities for Ohio workers, strengthen the biomanufacturing supply chain, and make it easier for American manufacturers to produce at home.”

The BEDROCK Act would:

Designate a senior Department of Commerce official to lead efforts to strengthen U.S. biomanufacturing competitiveness;

Assess critical supply-chain inputs, domestic production capacity, commercialization barriers, and reliance on China and other foreign adversaries;

Develop a prioritized action plan and consolidate existing federal resources to address the most significant risks and barriers; and

Map federal commercialization processes, establish FDA and EPA points of contact, and publish industry-led practices to help companies scale production.",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7293,"Dingell, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Water Infrastructure and Protect Great Lakes Communities",2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06),Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), and Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), introduced the bipartisan Stormwater Treatment, Optimization, Resilience, and Management with Academic Technological Expertise and Research (STORMWATER) Act, legislation to strengthen communities’ ability to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and protect local waterways from pollution. This legislation is endorsed by the Great Lakes Commission.

“It is crucial we have protective measures in place for overflows in our lakes. Michiganders know all too well how drastic weather conditions can cause millions of dollars in damages and risk people’s lives. This reauthorization will not only continue to fund these lifesaving agencies, but will establish a new facility in the Great Lakes Basin,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“Every Western New Yorker deserves to know that when the next major storm comes, our communities have the infrastructure and expertise to withstand it,” said Congressman Kennedy. “The STORMWATER Act is about making that investment now – strengthening our water infrastructure, protecting our neighborhoods and businesses, and putting Great Lakes communities at the forefront of the technologies we need to safeguard the critical waters we all call home.”

“Communities across the Great Lakes region know firsthand the challenges that stormwater runoff and flooding can create for our homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure,” said Congressman Langworthy. “The STORMWATER Act will strengthen research and innovation, support communities working to address flooding, and establish a dedicated Center of Excellence focused on the unique needs of the Great Lakes Basin. As a member of the Great Lakes Caucus, I’m proud to join Congressman Kennedy in advancing this legislation and ensuring our region has the tools and expertise needed to protect our communities and keep our Great Lakes healthy for generations to come.”

The STORMWATER Act would reauthorize federal grant programs established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that support stormwater innovation, technical assistance, and flood mitigation. The existing grant programs are currently set to expire in September 2026. The legislation would extend them through fiscal year 2031, providing communities with the resources and continuity needed to plan and implement long-term infrastructure improvements.

The legislation would establish a Stormwater Center of Excellence specifically focused on the Great Lakes region. While four existing Stormwater Centers of Excellence currently provide regional expertise on stormwater infrastructure, there is no federally designated center focused specifically on the Great Lakes basin, a region containing approximately 21 percent of the world’s fresh water and 84 percent of North America’s surface fresh water. This Great Lakes-focused Center would ensure that communities across the region can access technical expertise tailored to their unique stormwater and water-quality challenges, including strategies to improve infrastructure, reduce flooding, and protect the lakes and waterways that are central to the region’s economy and quality of life.

Specifically, the STORMWATER Act would:

Establish a fifth Center of Excellence focused on the Great Lakes region, ensuring the region’s unique stormwater and water-quality challenges receive dedicated expertise;

Reauthorize $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support and maintain five Centers of Excellence;

Reauthorize $10 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for competitive Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project grants to support communities’ stormwater infrastructure needs.

""The Great Lakes Commission commends Rep. Kennedy for introducing the STORMWATER Act, which will ensure the Stormwater Centers of Excellence program continues nationwide while recognizing the Great Lakes as a unique resource increasingly threatened by stormwater impacts,” said Tim Bruno, Chair of the Great Lakes Commission. “Communities across the Great Lakes region are confronting more frequent flooding that threatens public health and water quality, carrying nutrients, debris, chemicals and other pollutants into our waterways. This bill will provide crucial resources to help communities prepare for and address these growing challenges.""

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melted snow cannot absorb into the ground and instead flows over hard surfaces like roads, rooftops, and parking lots. As that water moves rapidly into drainage systems and waterways, it can overwhelm infrastructure, contribute to flooding, and carry oil, debris, fertilizers, chemicals, and other pollutants into local streams and lakes.

For communities surrounded by the Great Lakes, these challenges are both environmental and economic. Stronger stormwater infrastructure can help protect homes and businesses from flooding, reduce pollution entering local waterways, and preserve the health and economic vitality of the Great Lakes for generations to come.

Bill text can be found HERE.

Establish a fifth Center of Excellence focused on the Great Lakes region, ensuring the region’s unique stormwater and water-quality challenges receive dedicated expertise;

Reauthorize $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support and maintain five Centers of Excellence;

Reauthorize $10 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for competitive Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project grants to support communities’ stormwater infrastructure needs.

Establish a fifth Center of Excellence focused on the Great Lakes region, ensuring the region’s unique stormwater and water-quality challenges receive dedicated expertise;

Reauthorize $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support and maintain five Centers of Excellence;

Reauthorize $10 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for competitive Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project grants to support communities’ stormwater infrastructure needs.

Establish a fifth Center of Excellence focused on the Great Lakes region, ensuring the region’s unique stormwater and water-quality challenges receive dedicated expertise;

Reauthorize $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support and maintain five Centers of Excellence;

Reauthorize $10 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for competitive Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project grants to support communities’ stormwater infrastructure needs.

Establish a fifth Center of Excellence focused on the Great Lakes region, ensuring the region’s unique stormwater and water-quality challenges receive dedicated expertise;

Reauthorize $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support and maintain five Centers of Excellence;

Reauthorize $10 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for competitive Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project grants to support communities’ stormwater infrastructure needs.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-82626,Statement [8.26.26],2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the office of Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens is thrilled to announce her engagement to longtime friend, attorney, and Huntington Woods resident Jason Turkish.

“Haley and Jason share a deep love of family, community, and long conversations that have only gotten better over the years. Jason, who is legally blind, has devoted his career as an attorney to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, from the courtroom to Capitol Hill. It was along the path of that work that Haley and Jason first met, brought together by a shared commitment to giving a voice to those too often unheard.

“What began as a friendship grew into a partnership grounded in shared values, plenty of laughter, and a deep love for the community they call home.

“They are overjoyed to begin planning their life together, surrounded by the family and friends they love in Oakland County, Michigan.”

###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-announces-249404-federal-funding-public-safety,"Congresswoman Scholten Announces $249,404 in Federal Funding for Public Safety Investments Across West Michigan",2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced $249,404 in federal funding for the City of Wyoming, the City of Kentwood, and the City of Grand Rapids and Kent County, through the U.S. Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The funding will support public safety equipment, community policing, and emergency response capabilities across West Michigan.

“Keeping our communities safe requires consistent investments in the personnel and tools that protect them,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “From new patrol equipment on our trails to community policing programs and emergency operations upgrades, this funding reflects the kind of practical, on-the-ground investment that makes a real difference here in West Michigan. I am proud to support the local leaders and first responders on the front lines of this work every day.”

Individual awards listed below:

$196,530 – City of Grand Rapids and Kent County

This funding will support the City of Grand Rapids' Neighborhood-Based Public Safety program, which organizes block clubs and neighborhood watch groups, and will fund technology upgrades for Kent County's Emergency Operations Center.

$33,574 – City of Wyoming

This funding will support the purchase and upfit of a street-legal utility task vehicle (UTV) for public safety patrols on the city's nonmotorized trail network and at large community events.

$19,300 – City of Kentwood

This funding will support the establishment of the city's Bicycle Program, used for public safety at festivals and parades, proactive enforcement in parks and commercial areas, and support for the County Metro Field Force protecting critical infrastructure.

This funding reflects Congresswoman Scholten's ongoing work to strengthen public safety infrastructure across West Michigan. In March, the Congresswoman secured $750,000 in federal funding for the Kent County Sheriff's Office through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process.

###",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-hosts-energy-roundtable-highlight-work-expand-energy-production-lower,"Barrett Hosts Energy Roundtable to Highlight Work to Expand Energy Production, Lower Costs",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lansing, Mich. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) on Monday joined leaders from Michigan’s energy industry for a roundtable conversation to highlight his work and discuss additional solutions to increase domestic energy production and lower costs for Michigan families.

Barrett voted to spur American energy dominance in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act last year, and he has long championed policies to promote competition and encourage production of affordable, reliable energy.

“The pain at the pump is real for all of the families like mine that are crisscrossing mid-Michigan to get from school to soccer practice and everywhere in between,” said Congressman Barrett. “In Congress, I’ve proudly led the charge to increase American energy production and strengthen competition in the market by advocating for permitting reform and rolling back burdensome regulations that have driven costs through the roof. It’s going to take all of us working together with the private sector to bring down energy prices, and I hope Democrats in Lansing can set aside their Green New Deal Mandates to join me in that effort.”

Under a state law passed in 2023 by Democrats along party lines, Michigan will require electricity production to use 100% green energy sources by 2040. Due to the cost of building the wind turbines and solar farms necessary to comply with the mandate, electric rates in Michigan are projected to double. Electric rates in the state are already the highest in the Midwest.

“Michigan’s oil and natural gas industry plays a critical role in powering millions of homes and businesses, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and strengthening the state’s economy,” said Chris Zeigler of the American Petroleum Institute, who spoke at the roundtable. “Modern, predictable permitting processes are essential to helping advance critical energy infrastructure projects and improve access to reliable, affordable American energy, and we applaud Congressman Barrett for his leadership on energy issues.”

Background:

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act (H.R. 1) boosted American energy production by authorizing new oil and gas leases and undoing red tape imposed during the Biden administration. The historic law removed subsidies and carveouts for special interests, providing a level playing field to allow companies producing oil, natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear, or other energy sources to compete, innovate, and provide more efficient, affordable energy.

At a time when the ongoing Iran conflict has throttled the worldwide energy market, Barrett has voted three times to end the conflict unless the people’s representatives in Congress provide clear authorization for military force in the region.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7265,Dingell Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade War,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement in the wake of a growing trade war between the United States and Canada:

“It is a dark moment for our country when the president is more comfortable cozying up to dictators and autocrats than working together to find common ground with our closest friend and ally. Canada and the United States share the longest international border in the world; we are bound together by generations of friendship, family, culture, and common democratic values, and yes, even Great Lakes,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The values that unite us are stronger than any policy disagreement that divides us. We are intertwined not just in our values, but also in our economies. Canada is a critical market for American manufacturers, farmers, energy producers, and more. And Americans depend upon Canadian products, energy, and natural resources. The United States needs to start treating Canada like the close partner they are, and both countries need to come back to the negotiating table and work out a fair and comprehensive deal. A prolonged and growing trade war will only hurt working men and women on both sides of the border.”",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/8/chairwoman-mcclain-holds-field-hearing-on-supporting-servicemembers-serving-on-school-boards,Chairwoman McClain Holds Field Hearing on Supporting Servicemembers Serving on School Boards,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"MICHIGAN - House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) today held a field hearing at Richmond City Hall titled Deployed, Not Disqualified: Defending Servicemembers in Our Schools. The hearing examined how schools, communities, and government can better support servicemembers participating in their local school systems.

Master Sergeant Raymond Stier, an elected member of the Richmond Board of Education, faced pressure from fellow board members to resign while deployed overseas, despite attending board meetings virtually when he could. Some board members later criticized his absence as a ""disservice"".

The hearing featured testimony from Amy Stier, Master Sergeant Stier's wife; Colonel Chris Neeley, superintendent of the South Carolina Public Charter School District; and Jonathan Butcher, an education policy expert at the Heritage Foundation.

""Richmond knew exactly whom it elected, a man with three decades in uniform,"" Chairwoman McClain said. ""After being deployed to the Middle East, despite significant time zone differences, Master Sergeant Stier continued to serve his community virtually. He kept his oath to his country and to this community and took fire for both. The board members should be ashamed of forcing a servicemember to choose between serving their country and their community.""

""Unfortunately, too many servicemembers face professional obstacles because of their military service, both while they are deployed and when they return home. Some have even faced outright employment discrimination, including in our nation's school systems,"" Chairman Walberg said. ""Our schools should welcome servicemembers home, not criticize or penalize them for serving. These are parents who can bring a spirit of service to school boards, classrooms, volunteer organizations, and school leadership.""",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/rep-tlaib-40-colleagues-demand-release-of-u-s-citizen-in-israeli-military-prison-in-bicameral-letter,"Rep. Tlaib, 40 colleagues demand release of U.S. citizen in Israeli military prison in bicameral letter",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Rashida Tlaib,T000481,tlaib.house.gov,tlaib,https://tlaib.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) led 40 Members of Congress, including six Senators, in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, demanding the immediate and permanent release of U.S. citizen Sama Safi, a 20-year-old student with a severe chronic health condition, from Israeli military prison. On June 2, in the middle of the night, Sama was torn from her family’s home in the occupied West Bank as part of a series of raids targeting Birzeit University students.

Rep. Tlaib also met virtually with Sama’s parents to discuss efforts for her release.

“With every additional day that Sama is subjected to deprivation and abuse by Israel, our fear grows that her spark is being dimmed; that we are losing pieces of her health, her strength, and the vibrant, loving spirit that makes her who she is,” said Sama’s parents. “Every morning, we wake wishing this was only a nightmare, hoping to open our eyes to the sound of Sama playing music. Every waking moment, we cannot help but imagine what she must be facing alone. Yet we are holding on to hope through those who stand with us and are helping us bring Sama home. We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Tlaib and all the signatories of this letter for standing with us in our urgent call to free Sama.”

“Every day that Sama remains wrongfully detained in these inhumane conditions, she is at greater risk of irreversible and life-threatening repercussions,” the Members wrote to Secretary Rubio. “It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all Americans abroad, with no exceptions. Her life is at risk on your watch. We urge you to act swiftly and use every tool at your disposal to secure the immediate release of Sama Safi so that she can receive the medical care she urgently needs and return to her family, her studies, and the life and freedom that every 20-year-old deserves.”

Sama has described horrific conditions and violence by guards in Israeli military detention, including frequent physical assault, gas and stun grenades thrown in overcrowded cells, and lack of food and water. Every day, thousands of Palestinians in Israeli detention are subjected to these conditions as part of what the United Nations Committee Against Torture described as “a de facto State policy of organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment.”

“Such wretched conditions and treatment have caused Sama’s health to rapidly decline to dangerous levels in detention. Sama suffers from a severe and complex chronic medical condition known as Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), which requires regular monitoring, daily medication, and recurring specialized biologic treatment abroad,” the Members wrote. “Sama has reported receiving her medication inconsistently, resulting in several missed doses. Stress positions and shackling have exacerbated her condition, causing severe rheumatoid and chest pain. Her doctors have warned that with her continued military detention and ‘being constantly exposed to conditions that exacerbate her inflammatory status, the possibility of progressive tissue injury and irreversible organ damage is our greatest concern.’”

On August 17, over 100 faith-based groups wrote a letter to Secretary Rubio demanding Sama’s release.

The letter was also signed by 34 Members of Congress: U.S. Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX–35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James McGovern (MA-02), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Derek Tran (CA-45), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NY-12).

Six U.S. Senators also signed the letter: Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The letter is endorsed by 85 organizations: IMEU Policy Project, A New Policy, Action Corps, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action), Arab American Caucus of the California Democratic Party, Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Studies at San Francisco State University, Arab Resource & Organizing Center Action (AROC Action), Arlington for Palestine, Beyt Tikkun Synagogue, Boston Coalition For Palestine, Brooklyn For Peace, CAIR Action, California Democrats for Justice in Palestine, Center for Constitutional Rights, Christians for a Free Palestine, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), Cleveland Peace Action, Codepink, Common Defense, Community Alliance for Peace and Justice, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), Detroit & MI National Lawyers Guild, Disability Justice for Palestine, Doctors Against Genocide, Emgage Michigan, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Gen-Z for Change, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Hind Rajab Foundation, Historians for Peace and Democracy, IfNotNow Movement, Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, Institute for Policy Studies New Internationalism Project, Jewish Voice for Peace, Just Foreign Policy, Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego, MARUF CT, Massachusetts Peace Action, Methodist Federation for Social Action, Minnesota Peace Project, MPower Change Action Fund, Musicians Against Genocide, Muslim Advocates, Muslims for Just Futures, NE Oakland Indivisible, NH Peace Action, North Carolina Peace Action, Northshore For Palestine, Orange County for Justice in Palestine, Palestine House of Freedom, Palestine Legal, Palestinian House Of New England, Pax Christi New York State, Peace Action Montgomery, Peace Action New York State, Peace Action of San Mateo County, Peace Justice Sustainability NOW, Philly Neighborhood Networks, Pittsburgh Palestine Solidarity Committee, Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico, Queer Folk Inc., Rabbis for Ceasefire, Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, ReThinking Foreign Policy, River Valley for Palestine, RootsAction, Statewide Indivisible Michigan, Stu Maismith Veterans For Peace, Syrian Community Network, Teaching Palestine: Pedagogical Praxis and the Indivisibility of Justice, The American Council for Judaism, The Justice Coalition, Transition Security Project, U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, US Palestinian Council, Veterans For Peace, Veterans For Peace Chapter 74, Washington for Peace and Justice, and We the People Dissent.

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-statement-hasan-pikers-recent-antisemitic-comments,Congresswoman Scholten Statement on Hasan Piker’s Recent Antisemitic Comments,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten issued the following statement after Twitch streamer Hasan Piker said that American Jews who support Israel are inviting violence. In his stream, Piker directly discussed and targeted Michigan State Senator Jeremy Moss, showing his picture and stating that “eventually someone will come around and take action not against Israel, but against American Jews.”

“Hasan Piker's talk of violence against American Jews, and directly naming a Michigan elected official, and future member of Congress, Jeremy Moss, is unacceptable. Full stop. Piker is a hack who thrives on hate, shock and awe because he lacks substance. It's dangerous for everyone. We should all be calling out this disgusting rhetoric so it loses its grip on our politics once and for all. It has no place in Michigan, and no place in our country.”

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-finishes-full-week-engaging-constituents-across-mid-michigan-including,"Barrett Finishes Full Week of Engaging with Constituents Across Mid-Michigan, Including an Interactive Town Hall",2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lansing, Mich. — This week, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) met with manufacturing workers, builders, military service members, and engaged with thousands of other local residents during a week of meetings across mid-Michigan that featured an interactive town hall event.

On Tuesday, Barrett was joined by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson for some of the week’s visits. He also held a live interactive town hall with more than 14,700 constituents from across Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

“The best way to represent the people of mid-Michigan is to be where they are — seeing how they live, meeting them where they work, and listening to the challenges they face every day,” said Barrett. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with thousands of people across our communities, and those conversations continue to give me a better understanding of what matters most to the families, workers, and businesses I represent. I’ll keep showing up, listening, and bringing their voices with me to Congress.”

First, Barrett visited the Military Entrance Processing Station in Lansing, which tests and enlists new recruits for the U.S. Armed Forces. Barrett met with station leadership and swore in a group of recruits.

Barrett then went to Clock Mobility, which sells accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts, and other mobility equipment for individuals with disabilities. He met with customers and staff and heard an update from Clock Mobility leaders about payment delays they have experienced when getting reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans’ vehicle modifications. Barrett’s CRUISE Act, which passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee earlier this year, would streamline the VA’s payment system for vehicle modifications.

In downtown Lansing, Barrett then hosted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson for a tour of construction at Tower on Grand. The skyscraper project is part of the New Vision Lansing development, which is investing more than $300 million to build about 600 new housing units and revitalize Lansing’s Downtown and Old Town neighborhoods.

Barrett also joined local residents and community leaders at the East Lansing Amtrak Station for CN Rail’s America250 Hometown Whistle Stop Tour. Featuring two locomotives emblazoned with patriotic designs, the tour through four Midwest train stations highlighted CN’s role in shipping products across the United States, including vehicles manufactured in Lansing.

During his live, interactive town hall over the phone and online, Barrett connected with more than 14,700 constituents, heard feedback, and answered tough questions about the USS Abraham Lincoln, data centers, North Korea, Medicaid, and more.

Finally, Barrett toured American Rheinmetall’s Lansing facility to meet with the workers manufacturing advanced technology and strengthening America’s defense industrial base.",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-introduces-bills-protect-local-communities-data-center-overreach,Barrett Introduces Bills to Protect Local Communities from Data Center Overreach,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today introduced legislation to ensure every community in Michigan and across the United States maintains their autonomy over the decision-making process related to building a data center. Specifically, the two bills would protect local control by prohibiting the federal government from overriding local zoning decisions and banning members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements related to data center projects.

The introduction of the legislation was first reported in The Detroit News.

“People in mid-Michigan are tired of big corporations and politicians negotiating backroom deals, especially when it comes to data center projects that impact every community differently,” said Barrett. “Families in my district are rightly concerned about the effect data centers could have on their utility bills, as well as the land and water in their neighborhood. They deserve to know all the facts and have the final say over any proposed project. That starts with stopping federal overreach and preventing the secrecy pledges that have plagued Michigan and undermined the power of local residents.”

Barrett has long opposed the government putting a thumb on the scale in favor of data centers. When he served in the Michigan House of Representatives, he voted against legislation his own party passed to give corporate welfare for data center construction and equipment purchases.

Below is additional information on the two bills Congressman Barrett introduced:

The Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act (H.R. 10119) would prohibit federal agencies from overriding local land-use, zoning, siting, or permitting authority related to data centers. It would also prevent federal agencies from leveraging federal funds for a data center to force state and local governments to give up their authority.

The No Data Center NDAs Act (H.R. 10118) would prohibit members of Congress from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about data centers, including any information about possible locations or how much water or energy a facility is expected to consume. NDAs have gained attention in Michigan in recent years, with many federal, state, and local officials signing secrecy deals about proposed corporate projects.

Barrett also recently co-sponsored a variety of bills to promote transparency and strengthen safeguards around the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), including:

The Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act (H.R. 7218) to require AI chatbots to implement age verification measures to protect minors. The bill requires parental consent for minors using chatbots, bans chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communications with minors, and requires chatbots to notify a minor’s parent if the minor’s chat shows signs of suicidal ideation.

The AI Threat Output and Monitoring Incident Containment Act (H.R. 9965) to test advanced AI systems to prevent risks to nuclear safety.

The Human Authority over Autonomous Weapons Act (H.R. 9729) to ensure that no autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled weapon system used by the United States military can carry out an intentionally lethal strike without meaningful human oversight or a human decision-maker in the loop.

CLICK HERE to read the Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act.",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/mi-congresswoman-haley-stevens-applauds-benson-and-brinks-leadership-says,"MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens Applauds Benson and Brinks’ Leadership, Says Michigan’s Future Is Bright",2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Haley M. Stevens,S001215,stevens.house.gov,stevens,https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released the following statement:

“Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinx fill me with a deep and profound excitement for Michigan’s future! Winnie has led Lansing with Michigan grit and determination, stopping MAGA insanity and delivering for Michiganders time and again, from lowering health care costs to making groceries more affordable to standing up for manufacturing and recognizing Canada as a strong ally to the U.S and Michigan.”

###",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404529,"Huizenga, Peters and Bipartisan Fiscal Forum Members Respond to Troubling Debt Milestone",2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,huizenga,https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum, released the following statements with fellow Members of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum, as the gross national debt recently surpassed $40 trillion. Annual interest payments on the debt are already approaching $1 trillion, more than the United States is projected to spend this year on defense, Medicare, or Medicaid. Absent meaningful action, the debt is only projected to increase, and this has real consequences for hardworking families.

“Our national debt threatens our economy, drives up interest rates, slows wage growth, and leaves us less prepared for the next emergency. We are in this together, regardless of party label. Addressing our looming fiscal challenges will take both parties, and a bipartisan fiscal commission is a practical step toward doing so.” — Representative Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum

“The national debt is now more than $40 trillion and we borrow nearly $2 trillion every year just to pay our expenses. As government borrowing grows, there is less money available in the system to help San Diegans afford homes, invest in their businesses, or take out loans. Congress must help working people keep up with the cost of living. The first step is to pass the Fiscal Commission Act.” — Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum

“It is difficult to comprehend the scale of a $40 trillion national debt. What should be easy to understand is that we cannot continue down this path. The cost of servicing our debt is already consuming resources that could be used to grow our economy, strengthen our national security, and improve Americans’ lives. Generations of leaders from both parties share responsibility for the debt we have accumulated, and all must share responsibility for the solution. That means controlling spending, pursuing policies that grow our economy, and addressing the long-term drivers of our debt. The scale of this challenge is immense, but it is not beyond our ability to solve. America is a land of possibility, and we still have the opportunity to put our finances on a stronger foundation. If we make responsible choices today, we can strengthen our economy, expand opportunity, and leave future generations a more prosperous nation.” — Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee

“Both parties talk a big game on fiscal responsibility — until they’re the ones who have to govern. Reducing our national debt shouldn’t be seen as a threat to one party’s agenda, but as a once-in-a-generation chance to work together for the good of all Americans. It’s worth remembering: the last time we actually balanced the budget, Republicans controlled Congress and a Democrat sat in the White House. Absent bipartisan legislation, it's only a matter of time before one of the two parties is left holding the bag.” — Representative Jared Golden (ME-02)

“This milestone is a grave reminder of what is at stake if we do not seek legislative solutions to our federal spending crisis. Before long, the next generation will not be able to secure a car or home loan, afford everyday purchases due to inflation, or save for the future. Congress must come together to craft bold solutions, crack down on fraud in our government programs, and put the wellbeing of our children and grandchildren at the forefront of our discussions.” — Representative Blake Moore (UT-01)

“Hard working families across the nation know the bitter reality of living with and paying off debt. Hopefully the painful reality of more than $40 trillion of gross national debt is the wake-up call Congress needs to take a page from our constituents, balance the budget, and restore fiscal stability to Washington.” — Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)

“This is yet another sobering realization for lawmakers that we can no longer delay in addressing the fiscal state of our nation. Our record level of debt threatens our national security, strains our vital safety net programs, and creates a cascade of negative consequences for Americans from Main Street to Wall Street. Congress must come together expeditiously to pursue bipartisan solutions that responsibly rein in runaway spending before it is too late — the future prosperity of our nation depends on it.” — Representative Steve Womack (AR-03)

""Reaching $40 trillion in national debt is a dark milestone that should concern every American. Democrats and Republicans alike have contributed to this crisis, including doubling the national debt over the past decade. We must make realistic, aggressive changes if we want to ensure that the most critical functions of our government continue to operate for future generations. We cannot solve this crisis without both parties coming together with a true willingness to do whatever it takes. It's time for Congress to take decisive action now."" — Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

While the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum does not endorse legislation, members of the group are leading a range of proposals that would seek to improve the nation’s fiscal outlook, including the Fiscal Commission Act, Sustainable Budget Act, Budgeting for a Better America Act, Fiscal Contingency Preparedness Act, Fiscal State of the Nation Act, and a resolution that would encourage Congress to achieve and maintain deficits at 3% of GDP. Adopting any or all these reforms would be a meaningful down payment toward fiscal responsibility.

The Bipartisan Fiscal Forum is a group of House members committed to raising awareness of the nation's unsustainable debt and working across the aisle toward a more responsible fiscal future.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-welcomes-secretary-burgum-and-speaker-johnson-mid-michigan-0,Barrett Welcomes Secretary Burgum and Speaker Johnson to Mid-Michigan,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lansing, Mich. — Yesterday, Congressman Tom Barrett welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to mid-Michigan to highlight the hard work of local residents in research, manufacturing, and construction.

Barrett and Burgum toured Michigan State University’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), which is receiving $125 million in federal investments Congressman Barrett secured earlier this year. They also both participated in the grand opening at LG Energy Solution in Lansing. Barrett and Johnson then toured the ongoing Tower on Grand construction, which will be a mixed-use skyscraper with housing and commercial units.

“Exciting things are happening every day across mid-Michigan that will continue to support new opportunities and growth in our communities — from cutting-edge rare isotope research to historic development that will make housing more affordable and revitalize our downtown,” said Barrett. “In Congress, I've taken action to lower costs for Michigan workers, create opportunities for manufacturing and engineering, and make it easier to build affordable homes for Michigan families. It was great to have Secretary Burgum and Speaker Johnson here to see the progress happening in my district thanks to the innovation and work ethic of the people I have the honor to represent.”

“Great to be hosted by Congressman Barrett in the Great Lake State to see firsthand the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), which demonstrates the importance of investing in cutting-edge research, advanced technologies and preparing the next generation to strengthen America's energy future - innovation made possible with the help of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “The U.S. needs more highly trained American workers capable of developing our domestic energy resources. Right here in Michigan, Michigan State University is playing a critical role in advancing that mission and helping drive innovation, workforce development and the leadership needed to deliver on the American Energy Dominance Agenda.”

“It was great to be in Michigan today and tour the New Vision Lansing development that is bringing new investment and housing to Lansing,” said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. “Thanks to Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts and the leadership of members like Congressman Tom Barrett, businesses are expanding and creating new jobs, working families are keeping more of what they earn, and we’re seeing long-term growth in all 50 states that’s raising wages for American workers. After four failed years of Bidenomics, Republicans are giving businesses the tools they need to grow and working families the relief they need to thrive.”

Barrett and Burgum met with Dr. Thomas Glasmacher, the laboratory director, along with other scientists and skilled workers, at the FRIB, a user facility for the Department of Energy that conducts nuclear physics research that is critical for national security and also has applications for energy, medicine, industry, and more. The lab has contributed more than $1 billion to Michigan’s economy since 2011, employs hundreds of workers from mid-Michigan, and purchases from hundreds of local suppliers. A government funding bill signed into law in January included $125 million Barrett secured for FRIB — $15 million to continue construction of its High Rigidity Spectrometer and $110 million for optimal operations and energy upgrades at the facility.

Barrett then attended a grand opening for LG Energy Solution’s new Lansing plant, which will manufacture battery cells for energy storage systems. The facility now employs about 900 workers, with plans to hire more as production scales up.

Barrett and Johnson toured construction at Tower on Grand Lansing, part of the five-building New Vision Lansing development, which includes five new or renovated buildings in Lansing’s Downtown and Old Town neighborhoods. Combined, the project will add nearly 600 residential units, as well as some commercial units.",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-introduces-the-stop-ice-price-gouging-act,Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces the Stop ICE Price Gouging Act,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Shri Thanedar,T000488,thanedar.house.gov,thanedar,https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) introduced the Stop ICE Price Gouging Act and released the following statement:

“Private detention companies should not be able to charge people in detention outrageous prices for basic necessities,” said Rep. Thanedar. “People should not have to pay unreasonable prices for everyday items like soap, toothpaste, or snacks. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity.”

Recent reports have found markups of 50% to 110% on basic items such as coffee, tampons, snacks, and batteries at detention facilities. While ICE detention standards require certain hygiene products to be provided at no cost, detainees are often given limited quantities that may not meet their needs. When detainees need to purchase additional items, they should not be subjected to excessive prices.

The Stop ICE Price Gouging Act would:

Cap the markup for essential items like soap, menstrual products, and toothpaste at 5%;

Cap the markup for all other items at 35%;

Prohibit additional fees, kickbacks, and revenue sharing arrangements.

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

###",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scholten-announces-271000-grand-rapids-childrens-museum,"Congresswoman Scholten Announces $271,000 for Grand Rapids Children’s Museum",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Hillary J. Scholten,S001221,scholten.house.gov,scholten,https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced Grand Rapids Children's Museum (GRCM) will receive a $271,000 matching grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that provides funding to libraries, archives, and museums across the country. This grant will support GRCM’s Play-Based Professional Development program, which provides hands-on training for early childhood educators in play-based learning methods and techniques.

“Grand Rapids Children's Museum has always understood that play is powerful — it's how kids learn, process the world, and build resilience,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “As families across West Michigan navigate rising rates of mental and behavioral health challenges in young people, this investment will help GRCM's staff deepen their expertise and expand access to play-based learning for even more kids in our community. I'm proud to see federal dollars going towards work that's already making a real difference in our community.”

“GRCM is our community's leader and primary advocate for the purpose and power of play. We are so excited for our team to develop and implement a new museum education initiative that will advance our mission and directly impact our community,” said Maggie Lancaster, CEO of Grand Rapids Children's Museum.

This funding is through the IMLS’ Museums Empowered grant program, an initiative that supports professional development and training to drive change and growth within museums. The initiative funds staff learning in three areas: integrating digital technology into museum operations, using evaluation to shape programs and improve outcomes, and strengthening organizational culture and staff capacity.

This funding reflects Congresswoman Scholten's ongoing efforts to bring federal investment to Michigan's Third Congressional District and support the institutions that strengthen education in West Michigan.

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-hosts-fifth-interactive-town-hall-14700-participants-across-mid,"Barrett Hosts Fifth Interactive Town Hall With 14,700 Participants Across Mid-Michigan",2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Tonight, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) hosted a successful interactive town hall with more than 14,700 constituents from across Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. This is Barrett’s fifth interactive town hall since taking office, which has allowed him to connect with more than 34,000 constituents no matter where they are.

“My job is to be mid-Michigan’s representative in Washington — not Washington’s representative in mid-Michigan,” said Barrett. “The best way I can do that is by hearing directly from the people I serve, and I’ve spent the summer on the road meeting with thousands of hardworking people to talk about real issues and hear their stories to help me do the real work back in Washington to improve their lives. I will keep fighting on behalf of every mid-Michigander to make our community safer, more prosperous, and a better place to raise a family.”

During tonight’s hour-long event, Barrett provided an update on his recent work in the House of Representatives, including his votes and legislation to limit the military conflict in Iran. He also spoke about his recent travels throughout the district to hear directly from families, business owners, farmers, workers, and more about the issues that matter to them.

The congressman also took questions on a wide range of issues, including his stance on the USS Abraham Lincoln, data centers, North Korea, Medicaid, and more.

BACKGROUND:

In the last 4 weeks, Barrett has traveled throughout Michigan’s 7th District to meet with constituents from all walks of life. He has visited dozens of locations across mid-Michigan, including local businesses, hospitals, colleges, factories, farms, and more.

The congressman has also responded to more than 148,000 phone calls, emails, and letters from constituents since taking office, on top of the many people from mid-Michigan he meets with each and every week. Barrett remains committed to hearing directly from his constituents, even those who disagree.",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/rep-tlaib-responds-to-targeting-of-michigan-muslim-families,Rep. Tlaib responds to targeting of Michigan Muslim families,2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Rashida Tlaib,T000481,tlaib.house.gov,tlaib,https://tlaib.house.gov/press,scraper,"Dearborn, Mich. – U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) released the following statement in support of the Muslim community in Dearborn, Michigan, which is being targeted by Islamophobic white supremacists and Christian nationalists:

“Islamophobic racists are yet again marching in Dearborn to terrorize a whole faith community. Dearborn is a beautifully diverse place, home to a vibrant, loving Muslim community, and our families do not deserve to be subjected to such hate and bigotry. Families are told to stay home for their own safety, unable to go back-to-school shopping, get groceries, or even walk outside. To all our Dearborn families and residents: I have your back. I wish I could take away this pain, but know that you are not alone. To our interfaith community that’s standing in solidarity with their Muslim neighbors: thank you for speaking out against this hatred. We need more of this love and compassion.

“More leaders, including local elected officials, must speak out, especially against the local instigators participating in the spread of hatred under the guise of faith. Their silence is complacent and normalizes fearmongering and racism. We know that targeting any community doesn’t allow any of us to be safe. People of all faiths and of all backgrounds belong, and deserve to practice their religion and celebrate their cultures freely without fear.”",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7244,Dingell Seeks Answers on Conditions Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln Following Concerning Reports,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) requested immediate answers from Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Navy officials after receiving troubling reports from constituents regarding deteriorating living conditions and basic necessity shortages aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

“There have been reports of unreliable access to hot water and laundry, shortages of basic supplies, including food and hygiene goods, significant disruptions in the mail system, deteriorating mental health and increasing suicide attempts, and limited opportunities for sailors to communicate with their families. I have constituents on board the Lincoln and I have heard directly from parents in my District wo are worried about the living conditions their family members are being subjected to while they serve our country. They speak of care packages that remain undelivered after months, low quality and rationed food, cold showers when the showers are available, and dangerously low crew morale. These reports demand immediate attention,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Cao:

This letter expresses increasing concern regarding the reported conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and requests information regarding the well-being of support servicemembers and the habitability of the Lincoln. I am writing to add my voice because the parents of my constituents serving aboard the carrier have contacted me with their concerns for the well-being of these servicemembers.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 250 days since departing from San Diego on November 21, 2025. The Lincoln was scheduled for a seven-month deployment in the South China Sea, instead, the carrier has not made a port call in over 200 days while supporting military operations against Iran. The deployment has been extended multiple times with no publicly announced return date.

There have been reports of unreliable access to hot water and laundry, shortages of basic supplies, including food and hygiene goods, significant disruptions in the mail system, deteriorating mental health and increasing suicide attempts, and limited opportunities for sailors to communicate with their families. I have constituents on board the Lincoln and I have heard directly from parents in my District who are worried about the living conditions their family members are being subjected to while they serve our country. They speak of care packages that remain undelivered after months, low quality and rationed food, cold showers when the showers are available, and dangerously low crew morale. These reports demand immediate attention.

The sailors on the Lincoln are maintaining and supporting some of the most sophisticated aircraft and weapons systems in the world, while under constant threat of attack from our enemies. They are working extraordinary hours aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while supporting military operations thousands of miles from their loved ones. These sailors deserve our full support, the least of which includes having their basic needs met.

Given these concerns, we would like to request your responses to the following questions no later than August 27, 2026:

As of August 13, 2026, did the USS Abraham Lincoln meet U.S. Navy habitability requirements?

Have habitability problems been identified? If so, what corrective action has been taken? If no action has been taken, what action will be taken?

Please list the supply shortages, including meals, and quality-of-life problems that have been identified aboard the Lincoln. What action has been taken to correct these problems? If no action has been taken, what action will be taken?

What is causing disruptions to mail delivery on the Lincoln and what action has been taken to ensure sailors will receive the packages their families send in a timely manner? If no action has been taken, what action will be taken?

What steps is the Navy taking to manage fatigue, morale, and quality of life during this extraordinarily demanding deployment for the Lincoln and other carriers, like the USS John Finn?

When will the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln return home to the United States?",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-honors-calhoun-county-veteran,Walberg Honors Calhoun County Veteran,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the office of Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) recognized Samuel ""Sam"" Dougherty of East Leroy as the Veteran of the Month for August at the Calhoun County Fair. The Congressman's office presented Sam with the Congressional Record containing his remarks honoring Sam's service and dedication to our country.

Sam Dougherty served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Combat Engineer from 1988 to 1994.

Following his service, Sam worked as the Director of Southwest Michigan Operations for the Michigan Workforce Development Institute, where he helped job seekers, including veterans, find employment opportunities. Since 2023, Sam has served as the Michigan State Representative for Helmets to Hardhats, a national nonprofit organization that connects military service members, veterans, and reservists with quality careers in the building trades.

Sam also served as a volunteer for a freedom hunt for disabled veterans at Fort Custer for 20 years and currently volunteers with the Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program, offering steadfast support to those who have borne the heaviest burdens of war. For his volunteer work with veterans, he has been awarded the Marine Corps League Distinguished Citizen Award.

""I am honored to recognize Sam Dougherty whose continued service and dedication to serving others represents the best of our armed forces,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""From his time serving as a Combat Engineer with the Marine Corps Reserve to his role helping fellow veterans find reliable employment and care, Sam's commitment to his country and local community has never wavered. I commend him for his service, which serves as an inspiration to us all.""

You can view a picture here.

Background

Congressman Walberg's office is accepting submissions for the Veteran of the Month program, an initiative to honor the exemplary contributions of veterans in Michigan's 5th Congressional District. Each month, Congressman Walberg will recognize one outstanding veteran, celebrating their commitment to serving our community and their exceptional service in the military.",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/8/icymi-chairwoman-mcclain-hosts-oakland-county-job-fair-for-michigan-job-seekers,ICYMI: Chairwoman McClain Hosts Oakland County Job Fair for Michigan Job Seekers,2026-08-15,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"MICHIGAN— On Thursday, August 13, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), in partnership with Michigan Works, hosted the inaugural Southeast Michigan Job Fair at Oakland University. The event connected employers with job seekers from across the region.

Joined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs, the event connected nearly 700 hardworking Michiganders with 100 businesses. Participating companies included General Motors, McLaren Health Care, and ZF Axle Drives, each offering a wide range of positions, from entry-level to skilled roles.

“Events like the Southeast Michigan Job Fair are critical to connecting job creators with hardworking Michigan job seekers,” Chairwoman McClain said. “Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, America is getting back to work, and employers and employees alike are experiencing much-needed relief, helping fulfill the America First agenda by expanding opportunities to quality, high-paying jobs.”",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-hears-about-agriculture-education-and-transportation-during-week,"Barrett Hears About Agriculture, Education, and Transportation During Week of Meetings Across Mid-Michigan",2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lansing, Mich. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) this week met with hardworking mid-Michiganders in agriculture, education, and transportation to hear from them about the issues that matter to their families and local businesses.

Throughout the week, Barrett toured local farms, held a roundtable discussion on free and fair agricultural trade, learned about research on crops and mobility technology at Michigan State University, visited a tutoring center, and hosted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for conversations about infrastructure and transportation.

“Meeting directly with mid-Michiganders, seeing their work firsthand, and hearing about their needs is the most important part of my job,” said Barrett. “This week, I appreciated listening to farmers, educators, scientists studying crop diseases and developing vehicles, local transportation leaders, and other hardworking residents. These helpful and informative discussions enable me to better represent the people of our communities and make sure their voices are heard in Washington.”

On Monday, Barrett visited Certain League Farms in Williamston and met with Mike and Roseann Bills, who raise asparagus, sunflowers, corn, horses, and puppies. The Billses have a daughter with special needs, and they founded the farm with a vision to offer adults with special needs the opportunity to reach their full potential and work a job that gives them dignity and purpose.

Barrett then visited the Plant Pathology Field Laboratory at Michigan State University and met with scientists who are conducting critical research to help farmers across mid-Michigan and the United States manage and mitigate crop diseases.

On Tuesday, Barrett met with Michigan farmers and agricultural industry leaders at AgroLiquid in St. Johns for a roundtable discussion hosted by Farmers for Free Trade. They discussed trade policy and priorities for the administration’s negotiations around extending the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Barrett then attended AgroExpo, an annual outdoor farm show in St. Johns, where he met with local residents participating in the event. AgroExpo brought together farmers, manufacturers, and others to make connections, showcase their work, and continue advancing the future of Michigan agriculture.

Barrett next attended Michigan State University’s Mobility Summit in East Lansing. He met with educators, students, and other researchers and addressed attendees about his work to invest in infrastructure and promote innovation that will ensure Michigan’s universities and industries continue leading in developing the next generation of transportation technology. He also highlighted the federal investment in autonomous vehicle research he secured on behalf of MSU.

On Wednesday, Barrett visited Sylvan Learning of Brighton, where Jessica and George Rollins shared about the tutoring and support their educators provide for local students.

On Thursday, Barrett welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to Lansing for a discussion with local transportation and infrastructure leaders, a tour of the Capital Region International Airport, and a visit to Dean Transportation.

On Friday, Barrett toured Two Sparrows Farm in Eaton Rapids, where Dan and Whitney Belprez raise livestock. Their first-generation family farm is especially focused on providing healthy meat and milk to mid-Michigan families.",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7241,"Dingell, Bergman Co-Lead Letter Highlighting the Essential Role of Gift of Life Michigan",2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), alongside nine of their Michigan colleagues in the U.S. House, co-led a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) highlighting the essential role of Gift of Life Michigan. Gift of Life Michigan is the federally designated non-profit Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) serving Michigan. As CMS undertakes this year’s OPO recertification process, the lawmakers are urging the administration to consider the essential role Gift of Life Michigan and its nearly 400 staff statewide play in serving their communities and sustaining the systems that make life-saving organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation possible.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz:

We write as the congressional delegation representing Michigan to express our strong support for the recertification of Gift of Life Michigan, the federally designated non-profit Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) serving our state. As CMS undertakes this year’s OPO recertification process, we urge you to thoughtfully consider the essential role Gift of Life Michigan—and its nearly 400 staff statewide—play in serving our communities and sustaining the systems that make life-saving organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation possible.

Since its founding in 1971, Gift of Life Michigan has built deep and enduring relationships with hospitals, health systems, medical examiners, transplant centers, and local community leaders across the state. They have also developed a profound understanding of Michigan’s population, the regional healthcare and governmental landscape, and the unique cultural contexts that shape effective donation work—expertise that cannot be quickly recreated or replaced without significant disruption and added taxpayer expense.

During the current certification cycle, Gift of Life Michigan has increased the number of organs available for transplant by 29% and expanded the Michigan Organ Donor Registry by 1.2 million people through sustained public education and community outreach12. The organization has also grown youth education efforts from 3,700 to more than 38,000 students, per internal data. Additionally, according to data from the Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan Department of State, Gift of Life Michigan worked with state legislators and the Secretary of State to make Michigan the first state in the nation to include a Donor Registry question on state income tax forms—an initiative that has already produced 38,000 new donor registrations since 2024.

Given Gift of Life Michigan’s decades of experience, strong performance, deep community partnerships, and critical role in ensuring access to donation and transplantation services, we urge CMS to provide full and fair consideration of the organization’s longstanding service and effectiveness.

Maintaining continuity with a well-established, community-rooted OPO is essential to preserving public trust, supporting donor families, and ensuring patients across Michigan and the nation continue to receive timely, high-quality, life-saving donation and transplant services.",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7243,Dingell Presses United States Postal Service on Mailing Disruptions,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is demanding answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) following delays of time-sensitive mail deliveries across Southeast Michigan. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, Congresswoman Dingell highlighted the responsibilities of the USPS to ensure deliveries are received in a timely fashion and the recent failures of the department to deliver voting materials during the Michigan primary elections. The mail was not returned, they sat in mailboxes, and they were not picked up.

“These delayed deliveries left many Ann Arbor residents without their scheduled absentee ballots and political mail, limiting their time to vote before the statutory deadline and possibly preventing them from casting their ballots and receiving important candidate information. USPS has a responsibility to deliver the mail reliably and on time, especially when those delays can directly affect Americans’ ability to participate in our democracy,"" said Congresswoman Dingell.

Congresswoman Dingell ended the letter with a series of questions, including a request for future actions the USPS has put in place to ensure that a similar situation does not recur.

This effort follows an April letter to the Trump Administration demanding answers for similar mail delivery disruptions

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

This letter is regarding mail service disruptions in my district, particularly the delay of absentee ballots and political mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a responsibility to remain accessible to all communities and ensure the delivery of essential mail, including bills, medications, legal documents, and urgent communications. The reliable delivery of time-sensitive mail is of the utmost importance.

I was alarmed to hear that on August 1, 2026, five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan, were left without assigned letter carriers, resulting in mail going undelivered. Just as concerning, USPS management failed to contact available employees to seek additional assistance in covering these routes, allowing the mail to remain untouched. Although employees are not required to work based solely on management’s outreach, failing to make any effort to find volunteers is unacceptable, particularly given that the state’s primary election was held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. These delayed deliveries left many Ann Arbor residents without their scheduled absentee ballots and political mail, limiting their time to vote before the statutory deadline and possibly preventing them from casting their ballots and receiving important candidate information. USPS has a responsibility to deliver the mail reliably and on time, especially when those delays can directly affect Americans’ ability to participate in our democracy.

This incident is increasingly troubling, as I had raised concerns about persistent mail delays in Southeast Michigan in April of this year. One would expect the Postal Service to take these concerns seriously and to ensure that sufficient staffing and management procedures are in place to prevent similar failures. USPS plays a critical role in facilitating participation in our democratic processes, and I will continue to work to ensure my constituents have the reliable service they deserve.

I request clarity regarding this issue in my district and would like written responses to the following questions:

Was USPS aware of the five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan not receiving mail on August 1, 2026?

What future actions has USPS put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur?

What steps have been taken to receive proper coverage for these five carrier routes?

Why were city carrier assistants or other employees not contacted to alleviate the situation?

To what extent did overtime compensation and labor costs factor into the mail coverage decision?

What were the delivery instructions for these routes and which level of management made the orders?

Was the mail eventually delivered to the five routes, and if so, when?

How will USPS ensure the statutory obligations and expectations of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 are met?

What plan of action does USPS have in place to ensure this issue is resolved by November of this year?

Was USPS aware of the five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan not receiving mail on August 1, 2026?

What future actions has USPS put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur?

What steps have been taken to receive proper coverage for these five carrier routes?

Why were city carrier assistants or other employees not contacted to alleviate the situation?

To what extent did overtime compensation and labor costs factor into the mail coverage decision?

What were the delivery instructions for these routes and which level of management made the orders?

Was the mail eventually delivered to the five routes, and if so, when?

How will USPS ensure the statutory obligations and expectations of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 are met?

What plan of action does USPS have in place to ensure this issue is resolved by November of this year?

Was USPS aware of the five carrier routes in Ann Arbor, Michigan not receiving mail on August 1, 2026?

What future actions has USPS put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur?

What steps have been taken to receive proper coverage for these five carrier routes?

Why were city carrier assistants or other employees not contacted to alleviate the situation?

To what extent did overtime compensation and labor costs factor into the mail coverage decision?

What were the delivery instructions for these routes and which level of management made the orders?

Was the mail eventually delivered to the five routes, and if so, when?

How will USPS ensure the statutory obligations and expectations of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 are met?

What plan of action does USPS have in place to ensure this issue is resolved by November of this year?",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1302,"Republican Reps. Steve Scalise, John James visit Temple Israel in show of support for Jewish community",2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,John James,J000307,james.house.gov,james,https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"A top member of Congress visited Michigan on Thursday to show support to the Jewish community following an attempted mass casualty attack that happened in March.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) visited Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. The congregation was the target of an attack by a gunman who rammed his truck, loaded with fireworks and gasoline, into the building and began shooting. The attack failed in part because the vehicle became jammed and the attacker was unable to get out of the burning vehicle, and he shot himself.

Around 140 children and staff were reportedly in the building at the time of the attack; had the attacker been able to exit the vehicle, the incident likely would have been far worse.

Scalise is the second highest-ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives, behind just the Speaker of the House. He was joined at Temple Israel by Rep. John James, who represents parts of Oakland and Macomb counties in Congress.

James co-sponsored the Jewish American Security Act (H.R. 9211), which would help protect members of the Jewish community and other faith groups. One of the ways it would do that is by authorizing a significant increase in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program that supports security at synagogues and other at-risk nonprofits.

“I appreciate Leader Scalise coming here to see the site of the attack first-hand, and to talk with community leaders,” said James, R-Shelby Township. “To have a top member of Congress visit signals that we are treating the rise in threats seriously, and that this is an urgent national concern.”

James immediately spoke in support of the congregation following the failed attack.

James also visited Israel in Nov. 2023, following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in which Hamas militants raped and murdered innocent civilians, many of them young people peacefully enjoying a music festival.

“There is a sickness in a certain segment of our population that reacted to the Oct. 7 terrorist attack with sympathy for the attackers, and which has spent the past few years irrationally targeting members of the Jewish community here in Michigan with hateful words and actions,” James said. “I fought extremists in Iraq; we cannot let that kind of violent thinking take root here in Michigan. Everyone should be able to live and worship in peace.”",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-welcomes-secretary-duffy-mid-michigan-meet-transportation-leaders,"Barrett Welcomes Secretary Duffy to Mid-Michigan to Meet with Transportation Leaders, Workers",2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lansing, Mich. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to mid-Michigan to meet with local leaders and workers, as well as to highlight the congressman and Trump administration’s joint efforts to invest in infrastructure, modernize air traffic control, and improve transportation for all Michiganders.

The officials held a roundtable with local leaders, toured the Capital Region International Airport, and visited Dean Transportation in Lansing. Transportation issues have been a top priority for Barrett, who successfully secured $15.3 million for mid-Michigan infrastructure projects, supported the BUILD America 250 Act to maintain and strengthen federal infrastructure and transit funding programs, and led efforts to make air travel safer after the tragic January 2025 collision over Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

“Whether flying across the country or driving to work across town, mid-Michiganders deserve safe, reliable transportation,” said Barrett. “That’s why I’ve been working in Congress and with the Trump administration to invest the people’s tax dollars in local infrastructure that makes a difference. I’m proud to have Secretary Duffy in Lansing to hear about the work our communities are putting in to fix our roads and bridges to continue making transportation safer and smoother.”

“Michiganders are fortunate to have Representative Barrett advocating on their behalf in Congress. His leadership has helped deliver vital funding for aviation infrastructure projects, including an overhaul of LAN’s air traffic control system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Together, we are building a stronger Michigan that will support not just jobs, but entire communities like Lansing for years to come.”

At the Capital Region International Airport, Barrett and Duffy held a roundtable with Capital Region Airport Authority CEO/President Nicole Noll-Williams, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, and other government, business, and education leaders involved in the transportation and infrastructure industry. Following the discussion, Barrett and Duffy toured airport facilities and equipment and took questions from press. Barrett recently secured a $7.8 million federal investment to help the airport replace its aging jet bridges.

“We’re grateful to welcome Congressman Barrett and Secretary Duffy to the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) and appreciate the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation about the issues and opportunities facing our airport and our region. It was also a great opportunity to showcase some of the exciting development taking place at LAN and the role the airport plays in connecting Mid-Michigan to the rest of the country and the world,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA). “We appreciate Congressman Barrett’s continued support of LAN and the region, and we’re grateful to have Secretary Duffy here to hear directly from our community and see the airport firsthand.”

Barrett and Duffy then joined CEO Kellie Dean and President Patrick Dean for a tour of the headquarters of Dean Transportation, which provides transportation consulting and bus and shuttle services — including transporting students for many school districts throughout Michigan.

“As we enter the back-to-school season, we’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase the work being done to keep students safe and to discuss how collaboration between transportation providers and policymakers can strengthen student transportation across the country,” said Patrick Dean, president of Dean Transportation. “As a family-owned and operated business, we are proud to highlight the work our team does daily.”

Participants in today’s roundtable included, among others:",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7232,Dingell Calls on University of Michigan to Fully Address Residents’ Concerns About Los Alamos at Upcoming Town Hall,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is calling on University of Michigan leadership to fully address the long-standing concerns of Ypsilanti Township residents at its upcoming town hall after it was announced that the University had selected the community as the site for the controversial Los Alamos National Laboratory data center.

“Ypsilanti Township residents have not been given sufficient opportunity to ask direct questions, challenge assumptions, or receive clear, honest answers from decisionmakers in real time. Given the scale and long-term implications of this project, the local community deserves far more than a one-way briefing that leaves questions unanswered and creates even more questions. The community deserves real engagement, transparency, and accountability,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

In a statement following the University’s site-selection announcement, Congresswoman Dingell reiterated that the way the University has communicated with the community is unacceptable. For years, Congresswoman Dingell has joined residents and local leaders in raising serious concerns about this project and the lack of transparency from the University.

“Key concerns include water use, such as how much water the facility will require, where it would come from, and what safeguards are in place to protect long-term regional supply. They also include energy demand and infrastructure strain, particularly how the data center will impact the electrical grid, who would bear the costs, and how it aligns with renewable energy commitments,” Congresswoman Dingell continued.

In her latest letter to University leadership, the congresswoman called on them to use the upcoming town hall as a true public town hall on its proposed data center — one that goes beyond a controlled presentation or pre-scripted information session and instead allows for genuine, two-way community dialogue.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear President Grasso:

This letter is regarding the University of Michigan’s announcement that it will hold a third public town hall on September 9, 2026, concerning the proposed data center in Ypsilanti Township.

The University must hold a true public town hall on its proposed data center — one that goes beyond a controlled presentation or pre-scripted information session and instead allows for genuine, two-way community dialogue. To date, the two events the University offered did not amount to a real town hall, and one was not even in the impacted community. Ypsilanti Township residents have not been given sufficient opportunity to ask direct questions, challenge assumptions, or receive clear, honest answers from decisionmakers in real time. Given the scale and long-term implications of this project, the local community deserves far more than a one-way briefing that leaves questions unanswered and creates even more questions. The community deserves real engagement, transparency, and accountability.

It is imperative that the University will use the September 9 event as an opportunity to meaningfully engage with the community and address the serious and unresolved questions surrounding this project.

Key concerns include water use, such as how much water the facility will require, where it would come from, and what safeguards are in place to protect long-term regional supply. They also include energy demand and infrastructure strain, particularly how the data center will impact the electrical grid, who would bear the costs, and how it aligns with renewable energy commitments. The Ypsilanti Township community is also concerned that this facility may be involved in the production of nuclear weapons and the study of defense capabilities. These are foundational public-interest issues that require open scrutiny, not limited disclosure. Equally important are the broader environmental impacts, including land use changes, emissions, heat generation, and potential effects on local ecosystems. The community deserves to understand not only the projected impacts, but also what mitigation strategies are being proposed, how effective they are expected to be, and what uncertainties remain.

There are also significant public safety and community impacts that must be addressed openly. These include construction-related disruption, long-term operational risks, traffic and infrastructure stress, and the cumulative effects on surrounding neighborhoods and public services. Questions also remain about how the project will affect local fire and law enforcement resources, given the University’s tax-exempt status and the potential demands this facility could place on local services. These concerns directly affect Ypsilanti Township and its residents’ quality of life, making public input essential rather than optional.

The town hall must be open to all members of the Ypsilanti Township community who wish to attend, without attendance restrictions, and provide residents a meaningful and real opportunity to raise their questions and receive answers. I have been calling on the University to hold a real town hall on this project and to meaningfully engage with the Ypsilanti Township community for years. The University cannot continue to disregard the community’s concerns and opposition simply because it disagrees with them, and the University needs to listen to why the community is opposed to this project.

I urge the University to treat the September 9, 2026, town hall as a true town hall and demonstrate through its actions a commitment to transparency, accountability, and meaningful community engagement. The University’s actions to date have contributed to the strong opposition of this project within the community, and my constituents deserve clear and substantive answers about how they will be impacted.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-meets-mid-michigan-farmers-discuss-trade-joins-effort-strengthen-usmca,"Barrett Meets with Mid-Michigan Farmers to Discuss Trade, Joins Effort to Strengthen USMCA",2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"St. Johns, Mich. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) on Tuesday met with mid-Michigan farmers, producers, and agricultural industry leaders to discuss trade policy and hear their priorities for negotiations around extending the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

A few days prior to the roundtable discussion, which was hosted by Farmers for Free Trade at AgroLiquid in St. Johns, Barrett joined a majority of House Republicans in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer pushing for improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) before agreeing to an extension.

“The farmers and producers in our mid-Michigan agricultural community work tirelessly to raise the animals and grow the food we all rely on,” said Congressman Tom Barrett. “Thanks to Farmers for Free Trade for bringing so many of them together. It was great to meet with them to hear how competitive access to trade markets in Canada and Mexico will help give them the certainty they need to continue fulfilling that mission. That goal — and leveling the playing field — must remain a top priority as the Trump administration begins renegotiating the USMCA.”

“We appreciate Congressman Tom Barrett for meeting with mid-Michigan agriculture leaders to discuss the importance of North American trade for our industry,” said Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu. “Michigan agriculture benefits greatly from exports and relies on strong trading relationships with Canada and Mexico. North American agricultural trade remains a top priority for our organization because exports are a key ingredient in the success of our state’s agricultural sector and broader rural economy.”

“Thank you to Congressman Tom Barrett for meeting with mid-Michigan farmers and agriculture leaders to discuss the ongoing USMCA negotiations,” said Jacob Smith, Michigan Farm Bureau Associate National Legislative Counsel. “A strong trading relation with our neighbors is vital to Michigan agriculture and ensures a dependable agriculture market across North America.”

“Canada and Mexico are Michigan's top two agricultural markets, and more than $1.7 billion in Michigan farm and food exports depend on them,” said Brian Kuhel, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade. “Congressman Barrett gave producers a direct line into that conversation today, and that is what the Joint Review needs. We are encouraged by the work underway to extend and strengthen USMCA, and we want farmer voices shaping that work.”

The letter, which 168 House Republicans signed, supports the Trump administration’s approach to the Joint Review process, which prioritizes outcomes over a set deadline to secure an extension.

“We believe that the USMCA has delivered many positive benefits, but there are key improvements that can and should be made through the Joint Review process,” said the lawmakers. “Thus, while our desired result is an extension agreed to by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, we support the decision to prioritize outcomes over a deadline. We hope that Mexico and Canada work constructively and expeditiously to achieve that result.”

They continued, “Those outcomes should include securing market access that was promised six years ago but not meaningfully delivered; addressing new actions taken by Mexico and Canada that harm American manufacturers, agriculture, service providers, and workers; confronting unfair trade and investment practices from third countries that seek to undermine the North American economy and threaten American jobs; and rationalizing tariff structures to strengthen regional competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

July 1 marked the first USMCA Joint Review, in which the U.S., Mexico, and Canada met to decide whether to extend the agreement for 16 more years. Mexico and Canada agreed to an extension, while the U.S. did not.

The USMCA remains in force until 2036 as the three sides continue to discuss improvements to the agreement.",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7199,Dingell Statement on Los Alamos Project Site Selection,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement criticizing the University of Michigan’s selection of Ypsilanti Township as the site for the controversial Los Alamos National Laboratory data center:

“It is deeply disturbing that the University of Michigan has chosen this site for the Los Alamos data center project despite the clear opposition of Ypsilanti Township residents and local leaders, and the way the University has communicated with the community is unacceptable. For years, I have raised serious concerns about this project and the lack of communication and transparency from the University.

I have repeatedly urged the University to listen to the impacted community, be transparent, and answer basic questions about the impact of this project. Instead, they have rebuffed these concerns and are ignoring the pleas from residents that do not want this. To make matters worse, Ypsilanti Township would see little benefit from an institution that pays no property taxes.

You cannot claim to value community input and then ignore the community when you do not like what it has to say. I will continue demanding transparency, accountability, and answers.”",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7198,Dingell Statement on President Trump’s Misguided Vaccine Order Jeopardizing Health and Safety of America’s Children,2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s Executive Order upending decades of federal guidance on which vaccines are administered to children:

“Parents already face enough challenges when it comes to keeping their children healthy. They should not be forced to pay for additional doctor visits, take more time off work, and make repeated trips to the doctor because the Trump Administration is choosing to make routine childhood vaccinations more complicated and burdensome. For decades, the combined MMR vaccine has safely and effectively protected children against serious and preventable diseases. Breaking it into separate shots administered at separate visits would create additional costs for families and unnecessary barriers to care. It also creates more opportunities for children to miss an appointment, fall behind on their vaccinations, and remain vulnerable to preventable illness. Even more troubling is that these changes are rooted in efforts to legitimize debunked claims that vaccines cause autism. Public health policy should be based on science and decades of evidence, not misinformation. There is nothing healthy about making proven preventive care more expensive, less accessible, and leaving our children less safe,” said Congresswoman Dingell.",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z