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://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-time-has-come-reopen-government,Dingell: Time has come to reopen the government,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following comment on the continued government shutdown: As this unnecessary shutdown continues, the President needs to show leadership by reopening the government. Every single Democrat agrees keeping our nation secure is our number one priority. Let's debate in Congress, on the floor and in committee, the best ways to keep our borders secure. Using hundreds of thousands of federal workers including members of the Coast Guard working on the Great Lakes and TSA agents keeping airports safe as pawns are no way to run the government. It's disrespectful to the service and time federal employees devote to our country. Time has come for us reopen the government and leave debate for border security to regular order. Dingell and her office remain open for residents of the Twelfth Congressional District who need assistance with federal agencies, including Social Security, Medicare, veterans' benefits, and others. If you are in need of assistance please call her Dearborn Office at 313-278-2936, her Ypsilanti Office at 734-481-1100, or visit DebbieDingell.House.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-time-has-come-reopen-government-0,Dingell: Time has come to reopen the government,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following comment on the continued government shutdown: As this unnecessary shutdown continues, the President needs to show leadership by reopening the government. Every single Democrat agrees keeping our nation secure is our number one priority. Let's debate in Congress, on the floor and in committee, the best ways to keep our borders secure. Using hundreds of thousands of federal workers including members of the Coast Guard working on the Great Lakes and TSA agents keeping airports safe as pawns is no way to run the government. It's disrespectful to the service and time federal employees devote to our country. Time has come for us reopen the government and leave debate for border security to regular order. Dingell and her office remain open for residents of the Twelfth Congressional District who need assistance with federal agencies, including Social Security, Medicare, veterans' benefits, and others. If you are in need of assistance please call her Dearborn Office at 313-278-2936, her Ypsilanti Office at 734-481-1100, or visit DebbieDingell.House.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-nominates-32-michigan-students-to-military-academies,Senator Stabenow Nominates 32 Michigan Students to Military Academies,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Nominates 32 Michigan Students to Military Academies Thursday, December 27, 2018 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced today that she has nominated 32 Michigan students for placement at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service, said Senator Stabenow. Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well. Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenow's office went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by veteran, military and community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied. The following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region): Southeast Michigan: Alfred Biland Chesterfield, West Point Anthony Demitry Novi, Air Force Academy Ava Millman Ann Arbor, Naval Academy Daniel Reimchen Lake Orion, West Point Delace Jia Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy Erika Rapp Whitmore Lake, West Point Jacob Muscato Pinckney, Air Force Academy Joshua Klein West Bloomfield, West Point Julia Marshall Belleville, Naval Academy Michael Lance Ann Arbor, West Point Michael Yamin Bloomfield Hills, Air Force Academy Rachael Baker Leonard, Air Force Academy Savannah Benson-China Detroit, Air Force Academy West Michigan: Brandon Pham Grand Rapids, Naval Academy Diego Campos Battle Creek, Naval Academy Jack Horton Hastings, West Point Janna Ercole Nunica, West Point Mary Podiak Portage, Naval Academy Mason Doorn Lowell, Air Force Academy Tyler Twiss Holland, West Point Upper Peninsula: Dante Cyrus Houghton, Air Force Academy Peter Nyfeler Marquette, Air Force Academy Peyton Johnson Iron Mountain, Naval Academy Northern Michigan: Henry Carroll Traverse City, West Point Joseph Buswinka Manistee, Air Force Academy Matthew Jeffery Sheridan, Merchant Marine Academy Samuel Lowery Alanson, Naval Academy Mid-Michigan: Caitlin Crittenden Lansing, Air Force Academy Colin Day Haslett, West Point Flint/Great Lakes Bay/Thumb Region: Connor Van Loo Freeland, Naval Academy Emily Jedrzejczak Avoca, Naval Academy Malan Manwaring Clio, Merchant Marine Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-and-republicans-shut-down-us-government-forcing-hundreds,President Trump and Republicans Shut Down U.S. Government Forcing Hundreds of Thousands of Workers to Go Without Pay During the Holidays,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"During Trump Shutdown, Constituents Encouraged to Reach Out to Congressman Kildee's Office if they Need Assistance WASHINGTON Early this morning, the U.S. federal government partially shut down following President Trump and his fellow Republican's failure to pass a budget. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) is working to reopen the government and help constituents during the shutdown. Despite controlling the House of Representatives, Senate and the White House, Republicans failed to do their job and pass even a short-term budget to keep the government open. President Donald Trump previously said he would be proud to shut down the government if the spending bill to keep thegovernment operating did not fund a wall on the southern border. Like my constituents, Iam frustrated that Republicans in Congress have failed to do their job and pass a budget. This is no way to run the corner grocery store, let alone the government of the United States.President Trump knows he does not have the votes to fund his border wall.Democrats support border security that makes sense, not an expensive and ineffective wall on the southern border.The American people want the President and Congress to compromise and keep thegovernment open.I am ready to work with Republicans to pass a budget that protects our national security and keeps the government open. Because of the Trump Shutdown, more than 800,000 federal employees will be forced to go without pay over the holidays, including more than 41,000 federal law enforcement agents and homeland security personnel. During the October 2013 government shutdown, each day cost the American people approximately$1.5 billion, which resulted in a total $24 billioncost to the U.S. economy.The Council of Economic Advisers has estimated that the shutdown resulted in 120,000 fewer private sector jobs created during the shutdown. Residents of the Fifth Congressional District are encouraged to contact Congressman Kildee's office if they are in need of assistance, including help with federal agencies, Social Security, Medicare, or veterans' benefits. Constituents can reach out online atwww.dankildee.govor by telephone at 810-238-8637. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-looming-government-shutdown,Dingell Statement on Looming Government Shutdown,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following statement as the federal government comes closer to a shutdown: A government shutdown is unacceptable. It's a lack of leadership from President Trump and Republican Congressional Leaders. The American people expect their government to work for them and listen. It's the holiday season, we should be showing America our better selves not driving the nation into a pointless shutdown. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-paul-jones-lankford-bill-to-streamline-federal-property-review-process-to-be-signed-into-law,"Peters, Paul, Jones, Lankford Bill to Streamline Federal Property Review Process to be Signed into Law",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.18 Peters, Paul, Jones, Lankford Bill to Streamline Federal Property Review Process to be Signed into Law WASHINGTON, DC Today the U.S. House passed bipartisan legislation introduced byU.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) and James Lankford (R-OK) to save taxpayer money by streamlining the federal inventory review process. Currently, many federal agencies only declare property as excess during periods of transition, such as office moves or space reductions. This can result in agencies retaining or storing unneeded property that could be utilized by other agencies or in the private sector. All four Senators are members of the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management Subcommittee, and Peters and Paul serve as Ranking Member and Chairman, respectively. The bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Federal agencies shouldn't be spending taxpayer money storing equipment they don't even need while other agencies purchase new items that could be acquired from other federal offices where it's not needed,said Senator Peters. I am pleased this bipartisan legislation to cut down wasteful government spending and save taxpayers' hard-earned dollars on unnecessary equipment storage and purchases will be signed into law. Our legislation forces the federal government to look inward to see where it can better use the resources it already has instead of simply assuming it can keep taking more and more from the American people forever. I applaud the U.S. House for taking this practical step and passing this important reform,said Senator Paul. This is a great step toward cutting government waste and using our limited resources more efficiently. Taxpayers rightly expect their government to make the best use of their hard-earned tax dollars and we should consistently pursue efforts like this to root out inefficiencies wherever they exist,said Senator Jones. Federal agencies need to determine what is excess property and sell it or give it to another agency,said Senator Lankford. There is no gain to the taxpayer when agencies pay extra storage costs to hoard their unneeded equipment. This bipartisan policy solution gives a clear process for federal agencies to review their inventory to determine necessity and usability. By making simple process changes, we can prevent future waste, continue to develop oversight of federal properties, and save taxpayers money. TheFederal Personal Property Management Actdirects federal agencies to assess property more regularly according to guidance set by the General Services Administration (GSA), including the age and condition of the property and the extent to which the property is used and needed. The GSA has outlined a government-wide excess property disposal process, but previously lacked the authority to tell agencies how or when to identify excess property. By implementing this assessment process, agencies can more frequently declare excess property, allowing for its disposal. The legislation also creates a uniform standard for how agencies assess their most valuable property, allowing for a better understanding of the value of the government's personal property. When agencies declare a piece of property excess, other federal agencies and certain non-agency recipients have 21 days to claim the property. If unclaimed after 21 days, there is a 5 day period for state agencies to claim property, after which property is declared surplus and made available for sale or donation to the general public. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-amash-announce-senate-passage-of-legislation-naming-lake-odessa-post-office-after-michigans-first-female-letter-carrier,"Stabenow, Peters, Amash Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Lake Odessa Post Office after Michigans First Female Letter Carrier",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow, Peters, Amash Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Lake Odessa Post Office after Michigan's First Female Letter Carrier Friday, December 21, 2018 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) as well as U.S. Congressman Justin Amash (MI-03) announced that the Senate has passed H.R. 1850 to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 907 Fourth Avenue in Lake Odessa as the Donna Sauers Besko Post Office Building. Donna Sauers Besko was an Okemos native who became Michigan's first female letter carrier. This legislation, authored by Congressman Justin Amash, passed the House of Representatives earlier this month and Senators Stabenow and Peters led the effort to pass it in the Senate. The bill now heads to the President's desk for signature. We are so grateful for Donna Sauers Besko for her leadership and inspiration in becoming our first female letter carrier in Michigan, said Senator Stabenow. I was glad to partner with Senator Peters and Congressman Amash to pass this bill that honors Donna Sauers Besko. Donna Sauers Besko's commitment to the mission of the United States Postal Service helped brake a barrier and blaze a career path for countless others, said Senator Gary Peters. Renaming the postal facility in Lake Odessa after Donna Sauers Besko will serve as a fitting tribute to her life's work, and I was proud to join with Senator Stabenow and Congressman Amash to pass this legislation. It has been a pleasure to work with Mrs. Donna Sauers Besko's family, as well as local officials and members of the community, to honor this pioneering figure in Lake Odessa's and the Post Office's history, said Representative Amash. With this naming, the Donna Sauers Besko Post Office Building can serve as a reminder to everyone not to let anything stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. Donna Sauers Besko was born in Okemos in 1918. She started her career working as a clerk for the United States Postal Service out of the post office in Lake Odessa. After Lake Odessa switched to city delivery, she applied to be a letter carrier. Mrs. Sauers Besko became Michigan's first female letter carrier and went on to work as a rural letter carrier in Perry until President Lyndon Johnson appointed her Postmaster of the post office in Ovid, Michigan. She retired from this position in 1980 after working for the United States Postal Service for 28 years. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-potential-government-shutdown,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Potential Government Shutdown,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement after President Donald Trump said he will not sign the current Senate-passed budget bill that funds the government: Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House. If the government shuts down, make no mistakethis will be the Trump shutdown. This is no way to run the corner grocery store, let alone the government of the United States. President Trump knows he does not have the votes to fund his border wall. Democrats support border security that makes sense, not an expensive and ineffective wall on the southern border. The American people want the President and Congress to compromise and get things done, not throw a temper tantrum when we do not get what we want. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-unveils-2018-holiday-jingle,Dingell Unveils 2018 Holiday Jingle,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) continued a Dingell holiday tradition, releasing the 2018 edition of the annual Dingell Jingle. Full text of the jingle can be read below. IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR It's the most blunderful time of year With the President yelling And surrogates saying it's fine do not fear it will be different next yearrrr there's nothing to fearrrr It's the most blunderful time of the year It's the mad-maddest season of all With4amtweeting and oval officemeetings And not getting his wallll It's the mad-maddest season of all There'll be tax cuts not working Healthcare for fixing And potholes still covered in snow There'll be scary false stories And tales of the glories of Infrastructure bills of long, long ago It's the most ridiculoustime, of the year There'll be many late-night meetings And covfefe flowing WhenIndividual 1'sshutdown draws near It's the most ridiculous time of the year There's a new Speaker hosting The Blue Wave is growing And some decency back in DC There'll be compromise needed And working together To get the bipartisanship of long, long agooooo It's the most wonderful time of the year There is more that unites us Than which divides us When we hold others dear It's the most blunderful time Yes, the most maddening time But the most wonderful time Of the year",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-over-counter-drug-safety-bill,House Passes Over-the-Counter Drug Safety Bill,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to improve the safety of drugs sold over-the-counter. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) led the effort with Representatives Bob Latta (DROH), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Susan Brooks (R-IN). Sixty percent of all medicines sold in the US are over-the-counter, yet the FDA only has 18 full-time employees overseeing that market. The Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act reforms the outdated over-the-counter monograph system. The legislation modernizes the monograph framework and allows new, safe products to come to market more quickly while addressing safety issues. Also, the legislation boosts the FDA's budget by creating a new user fee program for over-the-counter drugs which will help give FDA the resources they need to oversee the industry and review new, innovative products. American's use over the counter products every day and trust they are safe for use, said Dingell. We need to ensure the FDA has the authority and resources they need to make good on this expectation. Over-the-counter medicines can have very serious health effects on those using them and we need to make sure the agency can act quickly if a safety concern is discovered. This bill is a win-win. Patients and consumers will benefit from the improved safety of their products, and industry will get a reliable pathway to bring new, innovative products to the market such as sunscreen which hasn't seen a new product approved in over a decade. The package of health bills passed by the House also includes provisions by Dingell to strengthen and evaluate emergency preparedness procedures for hospitals and long-term care facilities. Dingell wrote the Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane season, which caused flooding and power outages at hospitals and medical facilities from Florida to Puerto Rico, resulting in public health emergencies and, in some cases, loss of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-president-trump-signs-bipartisan-farm-bill-,Senator Stabenow: President Trump Signs Bipartisan Farm Bill,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow: President Trump Signs Bipartisan Farm Bill Thursday, December 20, 2018 Today U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow applauded the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill after President Trump signed the bill into law. Stabenow co-authored the bill as Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The 2018 Farm Bill is now the law of the land, said Senator Stabenow. In Michigan, agriculture is our second largest industry, supporting one in four jobs. This bill will grow our state's diverse agricultural economy and support our farmers, families, and rural communities. The bipartisan bill strongly supports Michigan's farmers and agricultural economy, which is the state's second-largest industry. The bill also has a major impact in protecting Michigan's Great Lakes, investing in our small towns and rural communities, promoting Michigan forestry, supporting local food economies, and providing healthy food for families. A summary of the 2018 Farm Bill is available here. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-announces-22-million-federal-grant-protect-flint,Congressman Dan Kildee Announces $2.2 Million Federal Grant to Protect Flint Children from Lead Poisoning,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Grant Will Help to Identify and Remove Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Flint Homes FLINTCongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today announced that the city of Flint will be receiving a Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant to protect children and families from exposure to lead. The $2,299,437 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will fund a comprehensive program to identify and remove lead-based paint hazards in homes in Flint. Congressman Kildee has previously urged the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to award this grant funding to Flint. There is no safe level of lead exposure and we should be doing everything we can to eliminate lead hazards from homes and neighborhoods, said Congressman Kildee. This federal grant will help the city of Flint expand programs to reduce lead and paint hazards in homes, as well as train dozens of Flint residents to be certified in lead remediation. I am proud to work with Mayor Weaver to bring these much-needed resources to Flint. I am excited that the city of Flint will be receiving another grant from HUD to address lead-based paint, allergens and safety issues in homes. This grant was something that my staff, led by the Chief Public Health Advisor, Chief Recovery Officer and Deputy Director of Economic Development, worked diligently to secure. This was important to us on a personal level. We know first-hand the dangers of lead poisoning and if there is anything we can do to prevent our children and families from ever experiencing it again on any level, from any source, we will do it. The grant funding will also be used to train residents and businesses to carry out lead hazard control activities. We are grateful to Secretary Carson and the HUD office of Lead Hazard Control and Health Homes for awarding this grant to the City of Flint, said Mayor Weaver. Lead exposure can seriously harm human health, particularly children under the age of six. Many homes in Flint were built before 1979, the year in which the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-trump-s-lead-action-plan,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President Trumps Lead Action Plan,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Lead Action Plan that fails to address important measures to protect families from lead exposure: Despite its name, this new plan lacks any real action to protect children and families from lead exposure. Administrator Wheeler, just like hispredecessorScott Pruitt, appears to be all talk and no action. Buried in today's announcement is the fact that the EPA will delay updating the federal Lead and Copper Rule, which has not been updated in more than 25 years. The Trump Administration also continues to fail to test for lead in drinking water at all federally assisted housing. Outdated laws and weak lead testing guidelines contributed to the water crisis in my hometown of Flint. That is why I've introduced bills to update the Lead and Copper Rule and require testing for lead in drinking water at all federally assisted housing. These bills would result in real action to keep our children safe from lead. ### Congressman Kildee previously introduced the National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence (NO LEAD) Act on November 14, 2016, and again on October 25, 2017, with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). This comprehensive legislation would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to update the Lead and Copper Rule within nine months. The bill also would improve lead testing procedures by banning techniques that disguise lead levels in water and prioritize testing for facilities with pregnant mothers and children. Additionally, it would provide more information to the public on the safety of their drinking water and lowers the level of lead contamination in drinking water that would trigger when a public water system must act to remove lead from drinking water. Congressman Kildee, working again with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Todd Young (R-IN), introduced the Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act on September 25, 2018. This bipartisan bill would help protect families from lead exposure by requiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to inspect for lead service lines, create a grant program to address lead contamination and allow a cross-check for lead in water when remediating a home for lead found in paint at federally assisted housing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senate-unanimously-approves-bipartisan-stabenow-bill-to-ensure-veterans-in-michigan-receive-full-housing-benefits,Senate Unanimously Approves Bipartisan Stabenow Bill to Ensure Veterans in Michigan Receive Full Housing Benefits,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Unanimously Approves Bipartisan Stabenow Bill to Ensure Veterans in Michigan Receive Full Housing Benefits Wednesday, December 19, 2018 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced unanimous Senate passage of legislation she cosponsored, the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act, to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans in Michigan for missed or underpaid housing benefits. In 2017, Congress passed the Forever GI Bill which was designed to reimburse student veterans based on the zip code they live in and not the location of their school. Following passage, the VA issued a number of improper payments and it is believed that hundreds of thousands of veterans have been impacted by the VA's processing delays, including more than 82,000 veterans who were still waiting to receive their housing payment as of November 8. The Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act addresses the VA's failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates set by requiring the VA to: End improper payments as soon as possible; Establish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error; Provide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and Certify the department is fully compliant with the law. Our student veterans shouldn't have to reach into their own pockets to pay for a benefit they have earned, said Senator Stabenow. This bill holds the VA accountable for its failures in properly repaying our student veterans. The Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act was introduced by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and is also cosponsored by Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The legislation will now go to the House. In November, Senator Stabenow sent aletterto VA Secretary Robert Wilkie calling for transparency regarding its efforts to expedite processing of living stipend payments for veterans receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Senator Stabenow also sent a letter in December to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General Michael Missal to launch an investigation into missed or underpaid VA benefits. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-trump-s-regulation-ban-bump-stocks,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President Trumps Regulation to Ban Bump Stocks,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement after the Department of Justice issued a regulation banning bump stocks under the National Firearms Act of 1934: Dangerous bump stocks and any device that acts like a machine gun has no place on America's streets. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives previously concluded that bump stocks cannot be banned with federal regulation, so I am concerned President Trump's regulation will not get the job done. Congress must act. That is why I have joined my Republican and Democratic colleagues to introduce the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act that would close this dangerous bump stock loophole to make our communities safer. Republicans in Congress, however, have continued to block this bill. I am ready to work with anyone, including the President, who wants to pass legislation to get bump stocks off of the streets. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-mayor-duggan-agriculture-leaders-highlight-farm-bill-wins-for-michigan,"Senator Stabenow, Mayor Duggan, Agriculture Leaders Highlight Farm Bill Wins for Michigan",2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow, Mayor Duggan, Agriculture Leaders Highlight Farm Bill Wins for Michigan Monday, December 17, 2018 DETROIT U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Michigan agriculture leaders today highlighted the wins for Michigan in the recently passed 2018 bipartisan Farm Bill at an event at Eastern Market. They were joined by Mike DiBernardo from Eastern Market, Pete and Paul Blake from Blake's Orchard, as well as Jerry Ann Hebron from Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. It was so great to join the Mayor and Michigan agriculture leaders today in Detroit as we highlighted the wins for our state in my bipartisan Farm Bill, said Senator Stabenow. The Farm Bill will grow our state's diverse economy and support our farmers, families, and communities. It's truly a bipartisan victory that has Michigan on every page! ""Thanks to Sen. Stabenow's efforts, the 2018 Farm Bill will support Detroit's growing agriculture sector, said Mayor Duggan. Not only does it allow for greater access to fresh produce in cities like Detroit, it will create new opportunity for urban gardeners who want to start or expand their own agriculture business."" Recent passage of the 2018 Farm Bill by Congress is very important to Eastern Market's customers and growers, said Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation. Funding of USDA programs that support farmers and build stronger rural communities helps improve the sustainability of local food production and processing while support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps vulnerable urban households afford healthy and nutritious food. Congratulations to Senator Stabenow and other leaders in the Senate and House for working across party lines to craft and pass legislation that helps Americans from all walks of life. The 2018 Farm Bill provides critical support for Michigan apples and ciders and other locally grown and Michigan-made products, said Paul Blake from Blake's Orchards. We are grateful for Senator Stabenow's long-standing support for Michigan's apple industry and fruit growers. Thanks to Senator Stabenow's leadership, the 2018 Farm Bill recognizes urban agriculture for the first time ever, said Jerry Ann Hebron from Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. Detroit is home to so many nationally recognized leaders in urban agriculture who support our communities and families by making sure people have access to healthy local foods. Last week, the Farm Bill passed the Senate by a margin of 87-13 and the House 369-47. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bipartisan Farm Bill strongly supports Michigan's farmers and agricultural economy, which is the state's second-largest industry. The bill protects Michigan's Great Lakes, invests in our small towns and rural communities, promotes Michigan forestry, supports local food economies, and provides healthy food for families. A summary of the 2018 Farm Bill is available here. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-on-federal-court-ruling-threatening-health-care-for-millions-of-americans,Stabenow Statement on Federal Court Ruling Threatening Health Care for Millions of Americans,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow Statement on Federal Court Ruling Threatening Health Care for Millions of Americans Saturday, December 15, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released the following statement on the ruling by a federal judge in Texas overturning the Affordable Care Act: This outrageous ruling threatens health coverage for millions of Americans. If you have a pre-existing condition, you could be denied insurance or have to pay more for your coverage. Without the federal tax credits, insurance would become unaffordable for many Americans and being a woman could once again be considered a pre-existing condition. Mental health services and affordable medicine would be put at risk. And Healthy Michigan that covers one million Michiganders would be gone! This ruling must be overturned. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-senate-passage-of-legislation-naming-howell-post-office-after-wwii-veteran,"Peters, Stabenow Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Howell Post Office after WWII Veteran",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18 Peters, Stabenow Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Howell Post Office after WWII Veteran WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced that the Senate has passed H.R. 6020 to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 325 South Michigan Avenue in Howell as the Sergeant Donald Burgett Post Office Building. Sergeant Burgett lived almost his entire adult life in Howell and was a World War II combat veteran. This legislation, authored by Congressman Mike Bishop, passed the House of Representatives in September and Senators Peters and Stabenow led the effort to pass it in the Senate. The bill now heads to the President's desk for signature. From fighting through battlefields across Europe to lending a helping hand to fellow veterans back home, Sergeant Burgett devoted his life to serving others, said Senator Peters. I'm honored to help ensure Sergeant Burgett will be recognized for his lifelong devotion to his community and his country. We are so grateful for Sergeant Burgett, who helped defend our country during World War II and then continued to serve his community for many years after, said Senator Stabenow. I was glad to partner with Senator Peters to pass this bill that honors Sergeant Burgett for his service. Sergeant Donald Burgett was a member of the 101st Airborne The Screaming Eagles, A Company. He fought in battles throughout the European Theatre, including at Normandy on D-Day. After the war, he was a very active member of his community, including extensive service with the VFW American Legion and Disable American Veterans. Sergeant Burgett authored four books giving firsthand accounts of the paratroopers' experience in WWII. He passed away on March 23, 2017 at the age of 91. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-announce-senate-passage-of-legislation-naming-howell-post-office-after-wwii-veteran,"Stabenow, Peters Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Howell Post Office after WWII Veteran",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow, Peters Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Howell Post Office after WWII Veteran Friday, December 14, 2018 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that the Senate has passed H.R. 6020 to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 325 South Michigan Avenue in Howell as the Sergeant Donald Burgett Post Office Building. Sergeant Burgett lived almost his entire adult life in Howell and was a World War II combat veteran. This legislation, authored by Congressman Mike Bishop, passed the House of Representatives in September and Senators Stabenow and Peters led the effort to pass it in the Senate. The bill now heads to the President's desk for signature. We are so grateful for Sergeant Burgett, who helped defend our country during World War II and then continued to serve his community for many years after, said Senator Stabenow. I was glad to partner with Senator Peters to pass this bill that honors Sergeant Burgett for his service. From fighting through battlefields across Europe to lending a helping hand to fellow veterans back home, Sergeant Burgett devoted his life to serving others, said Senator Peters. I'm honored to help ensure Sergeant Burgett will be recognized for his lifelong devotion to his community and his country. Sergeant Donald Burgett was a member of the 101st Airborne The Screaming Eagles, A Company. He fought in battles throughout the European Theatre, including at Normandy on D-Day. After the war, he was a very active member of his community, including extensive service with the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Sergeant Burgett authored four books giving firsthand accounts of the paratroopers' experience in WWII. He passed away on March 23, 2017 at the age of 91. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-after-classified-briefing-yemen,Dingell Statement after Classified Briefing on Yemen,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement after receiving a classified briefing on the US military's involvement in Yemen from Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: The ongoing war in Yemen has caused endless suffering and is a serious humanitarian crisis. The decision to send the military to war is perhaps one of Congress' greatest responsibilities. The Senate is having the debate the House should also be having. For the third time, the House has shut down debate by quietly sneaking it into a procedural vote. Today, House members received an update from military and diplomatic officials. Families in my hometown are telling me about horrific conditions. People are starving, homes have been bombed, diseases including a cholera epidemic are rampant, and too many have been lost to a reckless Saudi-led aerial bombing campaign. Congress has a moral responsibility to end the war in Yemen. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bill-to-protect-survivors-of-domestic-violence-and-pets-to-be-signed-into-law,Peters Bill to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence & Pets to be Signed into Law,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.18 Peters Bill to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence & Pets to be Signed into Law WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded Congressional passage of bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) to help protect domestic violence survivors and their pets. The Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act helps provide funding for facilities that harbor survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence and their pets, or are looking to do so. The legislation passed the Senate and the House of Representatives as part of a larger bill setting agriculture policy and now goes to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Survivors of domestic violence should never have to decide between leaving an abusive relationship or staying and risking their safety to protect their pets, said Senator Peters. This bill will help ensure more safe havens for survivors and their pets are available - so together they can begin a new chapter in their lives. We applaud Sen. Peters for his leadership on the PAWS Act to protect domestic violence victims and their pets. Pets are a significant source of support, and oftentimes, a family member. No one should ever be forced to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pets, said Holly Gann, Director of Federal Affairs, Animal Wellness Action. ThePAWS Actexpands existing federal domestic violence protections to include threats or acts of violence against a survivor's pet, and provides grant funding to programs that offer shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence survivors with pets. The bill also requires the full amount of the survivor's losses for purposes of restitution in domestic violence and stalking offenses to include any costs incurred for veterinary services relating to physical care for the survivor's pet. Multiple studies have shown that domestic abusers often seek to manipulate or intimidate their victims by threatening or harming their pets, but according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), only three percent of domestic violence shelters across the country accept pets.The ASPCA reported that a study in Wisconsin found 68 percent of domestic violence survivors reported their abusers were also violent towards their animals. A similar study found that as many as 25 percent of domestic violence survivors have returned to an abusive partner out of concern for their pet. A separate 2007 study found that as many as one-third of domestic abuse survivors reported they delayed leaving an abuser for an average of two years out of concern for the safety of their pet. The PAWS Act is supported by a number of organizations, including the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the United States, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, the National Link Coalition, the Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T) Program, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Animal Welfare Institute, RedRover, the National Animal Care & Control Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, YWCA USA, the American Kennel Club, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Sheriffs' Association. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-floor-remarks-in-favor-of-ending-us-support-to-saudi-led-coalition-in-yemen,Peters Floor Remarks In Favor of Ending U.S. Support to Saudi-Led Coalition in Yemen,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.18 Peters Floor Remarks In Favor of Ending U.S. Support to Saudi-Led Coalition in Yemen WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor in support of bipartisan legislation that would end U.S. support to Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, which is exasperating the worst humanitarian crisis in decades. Click here for video of his remarks and below is the text as prepared for delivery: Mr. President, I rise today to address the war in Yemen, which is causing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. Tens of thousands of young children have already died from starvation. And millions more in Yemen remain threatened by famine and disease. Yemen is experiencing the worst cholera outbreak in history with over 1 million cases. In recent months the crisis has accelerated, growing at a rate of 10 thousand cases each and every week. The air campaign in Yemen, led by Saudi Arabia, is now in its third year. And every day, every day, it makes the humanitarian crisis in Yemen worse. Bombs dropped by Saudi Arabia are killing women and children, destroying roads and bridges, disabling electricity and water services and leveling schools, hospitals and mosques. Meanwhile, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stand credibly accused of ordering the murder of a United States resident and journalist known for his criticism of the regime. Currently, we are debating a resolution that directs the President to remove the U.S. military from hostilities in Yemen and end our nation's unauthorized participation in this conflict. I am proud to cosponsor Senate Joint Resolution 54, and I voted to bring it to the floor because the United States should not be providing aerial refueling to Saudi jets bombing Yemen indiscriminately. The United States Senate should pass this resolution and send a clear message that our military will not prolong and worsen a humanitarian tragedy led by an increasingly brutal regime. This is also why I've voted against arms sales of additional air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia. More arms sales, and more military support for Saudi Arabia is not how we end this crisis. We need meaningful diplomatic and political solutions to alleviate human suffering in Yemen. This is issue is deeply personal to me and many Michiganders. I'm proud to represent a vibrant and dynamic Yemeni American community in Michigan. I share their heartbreak over the tragic situation impacting innocent Yemenis. Our nation must show real leadership, and take action to ensure that food, water, medicine and all necessary humanitarian supplies are made available to those who so desperately need them. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-farm-bill-kildee-provisions-expanding-food-assistance-programs,House Passes Farm Bill with Kildee Provisions Expanding Food Assistance Programs,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Bill Doubles Funding for a Program Supporting Michigan's Double Up Food Bucks and Prevents Cuts to Food Assistance for Michigan Families Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today applauded the bipartisan passage of the Farm Bill that included his legislation to expand access to healthy and locally-grown fruits and vegetables in Michigan and prevent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Farm Bill includes Congressman Kildee's legislation, the Gus Schumacher Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program Reauthorization of 2018, which doubles funding for the fruit and vegetable incentives program from $125 million to $250 million over the next five years. This will help fund programs that increase access to fruits and vegetables like Michigan's successful Double Up Food Bucks' program. These programs double the purchasing power of SNAP benefits if recipients use them to buy nutritious fruits and vegetables at participating local grocery stores and farmers markets. In addition, Congressman Kildee has fought vigorously against cuts to food assistance, commonly referred to as SNAP. Today's Farm Bill passage makes no cuts to food assistance, which over 1.3 million Michiganders rely on to provide food for themselves and their families. Earlier this year, Congressman Kildee led the fight against a Republican Farm Bill that would have kicked more than 200,000 Michiganders off of the program. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly two thirds of SNAP recipients are children, disabled or elderly. I am proud to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan Farm Bill that doubles funding for fruit and vegetable food incentive programs like Michigan's Double Up Food Bucks program, Congressman Kildee said. This Farm Bill supports Michigan's family farmers and increases access to healthy food for those on food assistance. In Michigan, Double Up Food Bucks has helped thousands of families put healthy fruits and vegetables on the table, including families in Flint who are still dealing with the consequences of the water crisis. I want to thank Senator Debbie Stabenow, along with Congressmen Colin Peterson and Jim McGovern, for their tireless work to pass this legislation. Congressman Dan Kildee has been a longtime champion of SNAP incentives, which are a win for families and for farmerswhich means they're a win for the American people. Such wins are proof both parties can come together to work for the good of the country, said Oran B. Hesterman, Founder & CEO, Fair Food Network. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm Bill by a vote of 369-47. The U.S. Senate previously passed the Farm Bill on December 11, 2018, and the bill will now move to the President's desk. Since being elected, Congressman Kildee has worked to expand access to locally-grown, affordable and nutritious food for Michigan families. Kildee successfully pushed bipartisan legislation in the 2014 Farm Bill to provide $125 million for SNAP fruit and vegetable incentive programs like Michigan's successful Double Up Food Bucks Program. In 2017, Michiganders used $4.5 million in combined SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks sales of fruits and vegetables at over 250 sites, including 95 grocery stores. 95 percent of Michigan residents live in a county with a Double Up Food Bucks site. This program has benefited over 1,000 farmers in Michigan. In 2013, Congressman Kildee lived on a food stamp budget for an average Michigander $31.50, or $4.50 a day for one week to raise awareness about billions of dollars in SNAP cuts proposed by Republicans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kildee-bergman-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-identify-toxic-pfas,"Reps. Kildee, Bergman Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Identify Toxic PFAS Chemical Contamination Sites in Michigan, Across U.S.",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation Funds $50 Million to Search for PFAS in Water, Soil and Air Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help identify sites in Michigan and across the U.S. that may contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are toxic chemicals that are a threat to public health. The Kildee-Bergman legislation would authorize $50 million for the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) to search for toxic PFAS chemicals in water, soil and air across the country. The bill would also help provide states like Michigan, as well as public health officials, with information to identify contamination and better protect communities. In order to speed up clean-up efforts and protect our communities, we need to first identify PFAS sites that exist in Michigan and around the country, Congressman Kildee said. This bill is an important first step in making sure that state and federal governments have the proper resources to clean up PFAS contamination. I am proud to work with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to make sure that Michigan families are not exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals. Every family deserves the peace of mind in knowing their water is safe and clean. Limited data regarding breadth and scope of PFAS contamination throughout the state and country has left countless families with the feeling of uncertainty when it comes to whether their water is safe for consumption. Our bipartisan legislation takes the necessary steps to begin identifying the areas affected by these chemicals and allows for appropriate remediation plans to be set in place. I look forward to helping enhance community health as we gain a better understanding of the work ahead of us, said Congressman Bergman. Toxic PFAS chemicals have been used in manufacturing, consumer products and firefighting foam for decades and now have been found to be dangerous to humans. These chemicals have been used around many military bases and industrial sites, including the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, where PFAS have now leached into groundwater and local-area wells. Despite knowing the potential threat of PFAS contamination, clean-up of the chemicals has proven to be an expensive endeavor, and many states and local communities do not currently have the resources to address the public health risk. The Kildee-Bergman legislation would authorize new funding to help states like Michigan address the ongoing contamination threat. The Kildee-Bergman bill is also sponsored by Congressman Sandy Levin (MI-09), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Congressman Peter Welch (VT-At large) and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02). U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has previously introduced a Senate-companion bill, S. 3382. Congressman Kildee has worked with Republican and Democrats at all levels of government to address PFAS contamination. In Congress, he has previously introduced legislation to ensure that veterans and their families exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals at military installations get the health care services and benefits they need through the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). And to protect from future contamination, Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton lead a bipartisan letter calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen protections for PFAS in drinking water. In addition, they introduced a bipartisan bill to require federal facilities that are responsible for PFAS contamination to develop a plan of action with states affected by the chemicals. Additionally, Congressman Kildee, along with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, worked to include language authorizing a health study on PFAS exposure in the National Defense Authorization Act, which became law in December 2017. In September 2019, the three lawmakers successfully included funding to address ongoing drinking water contamination issues in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-floor-remarks-supporting-resolution-to-target-dark-money-in-politics,Peters Floor Remarks Supporting Resolution to Target ‘Dark Money’ in Politics,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.18 Peters Floor Remarks Supporting Resolution to Target Dark Money' in Politics WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor today in support of a Congressional Review Act resolution that would overturn Internal Revenue Service guidance easing donor reporting requirements for certain tax-exempt groups that engage in political advertising. Click here for video his remarks and text as prepared for delivery: Mr. President, I rise today in support of overturning the Treasury Department's rule to allow even more dark money' into our political process. This action by the Trump Administration allows tax-exempt groups to hide the identities of their donors. It allows big corporations and wealthy individuals to inappropriately influence elections by contributing to outside groups in secret. This amounts to unlimited corporate political spending effectively silencing the voices of everyday voters. Under this President the Internal Revenue Service is looking out for wealthy donors not for hard-working, middle-class families. I strongly support today's action to overturn this rule. We need to reform our campaign finance system improve disclosures and transparency and restore the voice of the people in the democratic process. Michigan voters deserve to know who is behind the money being spent in our elections. We must take steps to improve transparency and restore trust in our electoral system. Above all, we must ensure that every American has an equal say in our elections regardless of their means. The right of every citizen to make their voices heard at the ballot box is the very foundation of our democracy. I will continue fighting to ensure the voices of Michigan families aren't drowned out by big corporations or wealthy individuals with limitless resources who are trying to buy influence in our elections. We should be working to bring transparency to our political system not shielding special interest groups big donors and this Administration's political allies. I will support today's IRS Dark Money Rule CRA, and urge my colleagues to join me in giving power back to the American people. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-streams-wetlands-critical-clean-water,"Dingell: Streams, Wetlands Critical to Clean Water",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced plans to roll back protections for wetlands and clean water: President Trump's latest attempt to undermine environmental protections may be his most egregious attack yet. Growing up on the river, I remember swimming in dirty water and we couldn't eat the fish we caught. The Clean Water Act has cleaned up our waters, got rid of pollutants and dangerous toxins, and protected the water from further contamination. The reality is streams and wetlands feed into our rivers, lakes, bays, and coastal waters. Congress cannot roll back the protections to maintaining clean water across the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-urges-mi-state-legislature-reject-hazardous-waste-disposal-bill,Dingell Urges MI State Legislature to Reject Hazardous Waste Disposal Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) urged Michigan Speaker of the House Tom Leonard and the state legislature to reject a proposal to allow hazardous waste disposal facilities across Michigan to accept material up to ten times more radioactive than what is currently permissible under state law. The legislation proposes to increase disposal levels for TENORM, a technologically enhanced and naturally occurring radioactive material. Most TENORM waste is a byproduct of the hydraulic fracturing process for oil and natural gas, as well as from the mining industry, water treatment process, and some consumer products. In a letter to Speaker Leonard, Dingellsaid, We must stand up for the health and safety of Michigan's future generations and uphold strong environmental safeguards long-termnot cater to corporate interests. I would have hoped all Michigan leaders learned something from the Flint water crisis, apparently not. On behalf of my constituents and all the leaders, stakeholders, and communities who oppose this harmful bill, we urge you to oppose Senate Bill 1196 and not bring the bill to a vote. Dear Speaker Leonard: This letter is being sent in opposition to Senate Bill 1196. Passage and enactment of this bill is dangerous to communities in Michigan and would allow increased hazardous waste disposal in the state and most significantly in Wayne County communities in my district. The senate bill, introduced only last month, would allow hazardous waste disposal facilities across Michigan to accept ten times more radioactive waste than what is currently permissible under state law. In fact, the legislation proposes to increase TENORM (technologically enhanced, naturally occurring radioactive material) disposal levels above the accepted standard of 50 picocuries per gram, as proposed in a February 2015 report from the Michigan TENORM Disposal Advisory Panel created by Governor Rick Snyder. Most TENORM waste is a byproduct of the hydraulic fracturing process for oil and natural gas, as well as from the mining industry, water treatment process, and some consumer products. TENORM materials and the hazards associated with them are not well understood. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to its own website, admits they do not completely understand all the potential radiation exposure risks it presents to humans and the environment. We should not weaken any environmental regulations at the state or federal level if we don't understand the potential risks. The aim of this bill would clearly benefit only one Type I disposal facility permitted to accept hazardous waste materials in Michigan. This facility, US Ecology Michigan, is located in Wayne Countywhere 1.7 million residents call homeand is looking to expand its facility to specifically take in more TENORM materials from out of state. In response, there is building opposition, including myself. The Wayne County Commission has also passed a resolution opposing the expansion plan for the facility. The policy of the bill, as well as the process, is concerning. Recently, Senate Bill 1196 was expedited through the legislative process and passed the Michigan State Senate last week. In the Michigan House it advanced out of the Natural Resources Committee and could be voted on as soon as this week. We must stand up for the health and safety of Michigan's future generations and uphold strong environmental safeguards long-termnot cater to corporate interests. I would have hoped all Michigan leaders learned something from the Flint water crisis, apparently not. On behalf of my constituents and all the leaders, stakeholders, and communities who oppose this harmful bill, we urge you to oppose Senate Bill 1196 and not bring the bill to a vote. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens and the environment should be our shared top priority. We should not be passing bills to allow more radioactive waste in Michigan. This is an issue that should rise above party. Thank you for your urgent attention and consideration of this important matter. Sincerely, DEBBIE DINGELL Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-ukrainian-famine-resolution-passes-house,Levin Ukrainian Famine Resolution Passes House,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Also Speaks on Current Russian Aggression in Ukraine WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Sandy Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement after the House passed a resolution he authored that remembers the victims and survivors of the 1932-33 Ukraine Famine, known as Holodomor. I was privileged to be in Ukraine for the commemoration of the 1932-33 Ukrainian Famine, known as Holodomor. Millions in Ukraine died because of this genocide perpetrated by the Soviet Union. At the commemoration in Ukraine, there was special mention of the Holodomor Memorial in Washington, D.C. The passage of this resolution, which reminds the world of Holodomor, is another reflection of the basic values of the American people. --- In addition, today Rep. Levin spoke on a separate resolution addressing recent Russian aggression against Ukraine. Below are his comments, as prepared, related to that resolution: I applaud the leadership of this committee, Mr. Royce and Mr. Engel, for bringing up this resolution. The Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-chairs Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Andy Harris, Brian Fitzpatrick, and I issued this statement rebuking the Russian Federation's aggressive attack on Ukraine near the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov: 'As co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, we strongly condemn Russia's dangerous naval assault on Ukrainian ships. This episode, as well as Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports, is a deeply disturbing sign of continued Russian aggression in its efforts to tighten its bloody grip and illegitimate occupation of the Crimean peninsula. 'We join the international community and our NATO allies in resolute affirmation of the fact that Crimea and its surrounding waters belong to Ukraine. We call on Russian authorities, in accordance with international law, to cease any and all interference with access to Ukrainian ports and the Azov Sea. Russia must end this bloody and unjust occupation of Ukrainian sovereign territory.' I was in Ukraine at the time of the Russian attack. I was at meetings where the president of Ukraine spoke out clearly against the Russian action on behalf of the people of Ukraine. He also spoke out on what was the main aim of Russia's military actions to undermine Ukraine's efforts to build democracy. Today, there is a dangerous tilt to authoritarianism in many places around the world. This makes Ukraine's struggle to resist aggression, safeguard its independence, and develop democracy all the more important. Ukraine has witnessed firsthand that the challenges of democracy are not easily overcome. That makes it all the more important to overcome the threats to democracy, such as injustice and corruption. The United States must support Ukraine in its efforts. We must deepen our determination to help the fight for freedom and democracy, never making heroes out of dictators. That is what this resolution is all about. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-urges-clear-and-decisive-stand-against-rohingya-genocide,Levin Urges Clear and Decisive Stand Against Rohingya Genocide,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Sandy Levin (D-MI) delivered remarks on the House Floor during consideration of H.Res.1091. --- (Remarks as Prepared) Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution calling for the release of the two journalists imprisoned after investigating attacks against the Rohingya ethnic minority in Burma, also known as Myanmar. As I said in the resolution I introduced in early September calling for their release, the Burmese police captain involved in their arrest reportedly admitted during the trial that his superior ordered him to entrap the journalists. The atrocities committed against the Rohingya mass killings, rape perpetrated on a massive scale, whole villages burned to the ground with people being burned alive in their homes, and over 700,000 fleeing the violence to neighboring Bangladesh has been so extreme that the United Nations issued a report earlier this year calling for Burma's military leaders to be investigated and prosecuted on the charges of genocide. There can be no doubt about the culpability of Burma's military in the oppression and violence inflicted on the Rohingya. I had the privilege of meeting Aung San Suu Kyi a few years ago as part of a delegation led by Nancy Pelosi, joining in admiration for her perseverance and triumph over oppression. There has been a hesitation by some to criticize Suu Kyi, worrying that it could make it more likely the military would take over the civilian government she leads. But her words and actions in the face of what in reality has been genocide have been deeply disturbing, contrary to her past example as a beacon of freedom. In 2017, the late John McCain and Richard Durbin introduced in the Senate and I introduced in the House a resolution that encouraged Aung San Suu Kyi to live up to her inspiring words upon receiving the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize with respect to ethnic reconciliation in Burma, and in particular to address the historic and brutal repression of the Rohingya in Rakhine State. Unfortunately, that resolution was not acted on. When Aung San Suu Kyi later said that we believe that for the sake of long-term stability and security, we have to be fair to all sides, it was a disturbing message of minimisation. Suu Kyi later said, In a way we can say that we understand our country better than any other country does and I'm sure you will say the same of yours, that you understand your country better than anybody else. As Bishop Desmond Tutu said in a letter to Suu Kyi, my dear sister: If the political price of your ascension to the highest office in Myanmar is your silence, the price is surely too steep. This resolution speaks out against the genocide and crimes against humanity that occurred in Rakhine State. All of humanity must speak out clearly and decisively. I urge unanimous support for this resolution. --- Rep. Levin has been outspoken regarding the treatment of the Rohingya and the imprisonment of journalists covering the atrocities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-to-serve-as-ranking-member-of-the-senate-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee,Peters to Serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18 Peters to Serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Peters to Focus on Secure Communities, Cutting Government Waste WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) will serve as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the U.S. Senate's principal oversight committee, in the 116th Congress. The committee is responsible for ensuring all federal departments and agencies are operating effectively, and also oversees the Department of Homeland Security. Peters previously served as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management within the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The committee plays a vital role in our nation's security, and as Ranking Member I will work to promote the safety and security of all communities, said Senator Peters. Our country faces a number of challenges, whether it is securing our Northern and Southern borders, combatting cutting-edge threats like cyber attacks or ensuring local communities have the resources they need to respond to emergencies. I look forward to working with Senator Johnson and our colleagues to address these serious challenges and ensure that the communities our constituents call home are great places to live, work and raise a family. Peters helped introduce the Northern Border Security Review Act, which was signed into law in 2016, to strengthen security at the Northern Border with Canada, encourage the secure and smooth flow of international trade, protect Michigan's ports and prevent human trafficking. To support local communities, he authored a bipartisan provision to help fire departments save money by hiring and promoting trained part-time first responders to full time positions using Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. Peters has also made cybersecurity a key focus, introducing bipartisan legislation to boost the federal government's cybersecurity workforce, as well as help local governments and small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity practices. I will also be focused on using the committee's oversight role to make government work more efficiently for taxpayers, said Senator Peters. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that tax dollars are being used wisely, and I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to cut waste, reduce fraud and streamline government performance for hardworking families in Michigan and across the country. Peters has made good stewardship of federal dollars a priority in the U.S. Senate. He introduced the bipartisan Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act, which was signed into law in October 2015, requiring federal agencies to encourage the use of less expensive remanufactured parts in federal vehicle repairs. A provision based on Peters' bipartisan Federal Acquisitions Savings Act was signed into law earlier this year to help cut costs on federal equipment by requiring agencies to consider leases or short-term rentals when those options are more cost effective than purchasing equipment. He also introduced the Federal Personal Property Management Act, bipartisan legislation to streamline the federal government's efforts to sell or dispose of excess equipment that is being stored at taxpayer expense. Peters has also conducted oversight of Trump Administration officials' excessive travel spending, and has asked 14 federal agencies to detail their fraudulent spending. In addition to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters currently serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the Joint Economic Committee. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senate-passes-final-bipartisan-2018-farm-bill-co-authored-by-senator-stabenow,Senate Passes Final Bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill Co-Authored by Senator Stabenow,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Final Bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill Co-Authored by Senator Stabenow Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Today, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry announced Senate passage of the Farm Bill conference report, which represents the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill. The bipartisan bill strongly supports Michigan's farmers and agricultural economy, which is the state's second-largest industry. The bill also has a major impact in protecting Michigan's Great Lakes, investing in our small towns and rural communities, promoting Michigan forestry, supporting local food economies, and providing healthy food for families. The 2018 Farm Bill is a bipartisan victory that has Michigan on every page, said Senator Stabenow. This is a strong bill that will grow Michigan's diverse agricultural economy and support our farmers, families, and rural communities. I'm pleased the Senate has moved forward with the bill and look forward to the House considering it soon. In June, Senator Stabenow and Agriculture Committee Chairman U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) co-authored the 2018 Senate Farm Bill, which the U.S. Senate passed on a historic, bipartisan vote of 86-11. The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee formed to reconcile the differences between the Senate bill and the House version. In the Conference Committee, Senator Stabenow served as one of the four leaders and worked with Senate and House conferees to co-author the final bill. A summary of the 2018 Farm Bill is available here. Jim Byrum, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, said: This Farm Bill is critical for farmers, families, businesses and communities across Michigan. We applaud Senator Debbie Stabenow for once again working across the aisle to get a commonsense, bipartisan Farm Bill across the finish line. We truly appreciate the bipartisan cooperation shown by Senator Stabenow and her colleagues to put good ideas on the table and move forward a Farm Bill that ensures a strong and productive Michigan agriculture sector. Ken Nobis, President of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, said: As Michigan's largest agriculture commodity, our dairy farmers are a significant contributor to our state's economy. The new improvements in the Farm Bill will provide much-needed help for our dairy farmers, who have struggled from low milk prices. We thank Senator Stabenow for leading the effort to improve the dairy safety net in the Farm Bill. Jason McConnachie, President of the Michigan Corn Growers Association said: Michigan's corn growers applaud the passage of a new farm bill that preserves risk management tools that farmers depend on and continues funding important market development programs that help build our industry. Senator Debbie Stabenow's leadership on this issue has been critical and we thank her for her hard work on behalf of Michigan's corn growers. Jed Welder, Board Member of the Michigan Farmer Veteran Coalition, said: Agriculture provides military veterans with meaningful careers and the opportunity to continue serving our country. Michigan farmer veterans across the state appreciate Senator Stabenow's support to secure new resources in the Farm Bill that help us start and sustain a life on the farm. Joan Nelson, Director of the Allen Neighborhood Center and Farmers Market, said: The Farm Bill has helped the Allen Farmers Market, Incubator Kitchen, and Exchange Food Hub bring fresh, healthy food to families and institutions in our community, while also providing Michigan farmers with multiple opportunities to sell their locally grown products. Thanks to Senator Stabenow's leadership, the new Farm Bill will continue to help farmers markets and other local food initiatives grow and thrive for years to come. Joe Cramer, Executive Director of Michigan Bean Commission said: The 2018 Farm Bill is a huge milestone for the Michigan bean industry. By protecting key programs that Michigan agriculture needs to continue to compete globally, this bill provides certainty and support for our farmers and their families. We worked very closely with Senator Stabenow and look forward to continuing to work with her to find new ways to strengthen Michigan's agricultural economy."" Ray Van Dreissche, Director of Government Relations for Michigan Sugar Company said: Sugar policy in this Farm Bill protects our growers from unfair trading practices and is a huge win for Michigan. The nearly 1,000 farm families who own Michigan Sugar Company, as well as the 2,300 employees who work at the cooperative are very thankful to Senator Stabenow for her leadership and hard work in getting this bill done. Rich Bowman, Director of Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan:For years, the Farm Bill has been the single largest source of federal conservation incentives for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners and this bill carries on that proud tradition. The Nature Conservancy is excited to see Senator Stabenow's efforts in championing this legislation lead to its passage. Once implemented, the Farm Bill will benefit our fish and wildlife, our Great Lakes and the conservation minded landowners who are our neighbors here in Saginaw Bay and across the country. Greg Bird, Executive Director of the Michigan Vegetable Council, said:Senator Stabenow has been a champion for Michigan's diverse agricultural economy and the wide variety of vegetables we grow here. We appreciate the Senator's work in the Farm Bill to provide certainty for our farmers through risk management tools, innovative research, and new market opportunities. Tom Anthony, President of Michigan Rural Water Association, said: Because many rural communities face challenges with water and waste water infrastructure, the Farm Bill is critical to helping small towns provide clean and affordable water and waste water service. Senator Stabenow has been a leader for rural Michigan, working to ensure that families and businesses across the state have safe and affordable and reliable access to water and sewer services. Al Dietrich, Owner of Dietrich Orchards, said: Michigan is one of the largest producers of apples in the country andthe programs of the Farm Bill will allow the Michigan Apple industry to forge partnerships, increase market presence, and provide safe, high-quality fruit to consumers. The new Farm Bill will help our state's apple growers continue to be productive and profitable. We appreciate Senator Stabenow's long-standing support of Michigan's apple industry."" Dennis West, President of Northern Initiatives, said:The Farm Bill's rural development initiatives are essential to the growth and development of rural small businesses across the state. It's great news that this Farm Bill will expand important investments for rural communities particularly for rural high-speed internet, which is vital to help businesses launch, grow and succeed. I appreciate Senator Stabenow's continued leadership for rural Michigan. Scott Robbins, Director of the Sustainable Forest Initiative and Public Affairs of Michigan Forest Products Council said: Michigan Forest Products Council applauds Senator Stabenow and her colleagues for their agreement on the 2018 Farm Bill. The new Farm Bill's Forestry title contains a variety of new provisions that will benefit Michigan's forest products industry, including the expansion of the popular Good Neighbor authority and a provision to return the proceeds of Good Neighbor timber sales right back to our national forests in Michigan. Additionally, we appreciate Senator Stabenow's leadership to include her Timber Innovation Act, which will drive new markets for innovative wood products and accelerate the interest we're already seeing in this technology at Michigan State, Michigan Tech, and with industry partners across the state. Glen Chown, Executive Director of Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, said: ""Farmland preservation boosts our economy, protects scenic views, ensures food security and safeguards a way of life here in Michigan. Senator Stabenow has worked tirelessly to secure vital funding that permanently preserves critical farms throughout the state, from the West Michigan Fruit Belt to urbanizing areas in central and southern Michigan. We are so grateful for her incredible leadership not just for Michigan, but for her work in preserving farms and ranches across the country."" Phil Korson, President of theCherry Marketing Institute, said: Michigan's cherry industry is incredibly important to our state's agricultural economy. The Farm Bill makes important strides for specialty crops that will help our farmers grow and sell their cherries here at home and abroad. We appreciate the work Senator Stabenow has done as a champion for Michigan cherry growers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-final-farm-bill-has-michigan-on-every-page,Stabenow: Final Farm Bill has Michigan on Every Page,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow: Final Farm Bill has Michigan on Every Page Farm Bill Conference Committee releases final 2018 Farm Bill co-authored by Senator Stabenow Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Today, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry praised the release of the Farm Bill conference report, which represents the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill. The bipartisan bill strongly supports Michigan's farmers and agricultural economy, which is the state's second-largest industry. The bill also has a major impact in protecting Michigan's Great Lakes, investing in our small towns and rural communities, promoting Michigan forestry, supporting local food economies, and providing healthy food for families. The 2018 Farm Bill is a bipartisan victory that has Michigan on every page, said Senator Stabenow. This is a strong bill that will grow Michigan's diverse agricultural economy and support our farmers, families, and rural communities. I'm committed to getting this bill across the finish line by the end of the year. In June, Senator Stabenow and Agriculture Committee Chairman U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) co-authored the 2018 Senate Farm Bill, which the U.S. Senate passed on a historic, bipartisan vote of 86-11. The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee formed to reconcile the differences between the Senate bill and the House version. In the Conference Committee, Senator Stabenow served as one of the four leaders and worked with Senate and House conferees to co-author the final bill. A summary of the 2018 Farm Bill follows: The 2018 Farm Bill The bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill will support the one in four jobs related to food and agriculture in Michigan. It will provide five years of certainty for Michigan's farmers, fuel opportunity in rural communities and grow small businesses. It continues historic investments in land, water and wildlife conservation, will grow Michigan local food economies, and will support families working hard to make ends meet. A Jobs Bill for Michigan The bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill fuels economic opportunity and job growth both on and off the farm in small towns and cities alike. It creates certainty not just for farmers and farm workers, but also for equipment manufacturers, food processing businesses, retailers, and many other employers across Michigan. One in four jobs in Michigan are supported by agriculture, which is the state's second-largest industry. The food and agriculture sector contributes $101.2 billion to Michigan's economy annually. Rural economic development initiatives attract new employers to Michigan's small towns and rural communities through Main Street infrastructure improvements and expanded access to high-speed internet. Forest management and innovation supports 30,000 Michigan forestry jobs, including loggers and mill workers in northern Michigan and the UP, all while finding new uses for Michigan-grown wood in manufacturing and building construction. Support for farmers markets and food hubs helps family farmers and local businesses sell locally grown food and made-in-Michigan products to families, schools, and restaurants, driving the local food economy. Historic, new urban agriculture investments creates new economic opportunities and makes it easier for urban farmers to start, expand, and protect their businesses. Clean energy and efficiency upgrades help small businesses and farmers invest in wind and solar technologies that lower utility bills and support energy installation jobs in Michigan. Support for bio-based manufacturing creates rural and urban manufacturing jobs by using Michigan-grown crops like corn and soybeans to make biofuels and Michigan-made goods like seat cushions and steering wheels. Supports Michigan Farmers From bad weather to volatile markets, farming is one of the riskiest businesses out there which is why farmers need a strong safety net. The bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill equips Michigan farmers with risk management tools that help them stay afloat during unexpected disasters, while also allowing them to tap into new markets to boost their bottom line. Expanded crop insurance improves access for veterans, beginning farmers, and Michigan's fruit and vegetable growers. Improvements to Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage risk management tools for farmers and new support for dairy producers, spearheaded by Senator Stabenow. Creates improved dairy coverage options at more affordable rates and refunds up to $58 million in premiums paid under the former program. Permanent export opportunities will help Michigan farmers find new global markets for their goods. Continued support for specialty crop growers, which Senator Stabenow first authored in a new title in the 2008 Farm Bill, will strengthen Michigan's diverse fruit and vegetable industry, increase productivity and drive demand for the food they grow. New help for beginning farmers, veterans, and urban agriculture creates opportunities to expand Michigan's diverse agricultural economy and builds the bench to support the future of Michigan agriculture. Strengthened support for organic agriculture protects the integrity of Michigan organic products and helps farmers transition into a fast-growing sector of agriculture. Investments in agricultural research support the ground-breaking science and technology research being done at Michigan State University, fueling innovation and safeguarding Michigan's agricultural economy. New national vaccine bank will protect livestock and poultry from disease outbreaks. Protects the Great Lakes and Promotes Outdoor Recreation The bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill continues to be one of the most significant investments in the conservation of land, water, and our Michigan way of life. Through targeted conservation efforts, the Farm Bill protects our Great Lakes and rivers, while preserving wildlife habitat to support hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. Strengthened regional conservation partnerships will leverage nearly $3 billion in private investment over the next decade for projects that protect the Great Lakes and improve wildlife habitat for hunting and fishing. Expanded conservation support for working farms will help farmers protect water quality and reduce nutrient runoff into the rivers and streams that feed into Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay, while maintaining productive and profitable farmland. New hunting and fishing opportunities are created by adding new acres to the Conservation Reserve Program and expanding public access on private land in Michigan for outdoor recreation. Recreation and wildlife habitat in Michigan's National Forests are strengthened through U.S. Forest Service partnerships with landowners, industry, and the state. Strengthens Michigan's Small Towns and Rural Communities Michigan's small towns and rural communities need real resources to thrive in the 21st Century. The bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill has made critical investments to spur economic development and improve the quality of life for families. Rural water infrastructure investments address harmful contaminants like PFAS and ensure Michigan households and businesses have clean drinking water. Resources to fight the opioid epidemic will expand telemedicine and treatment facilities in rural Michigan communities. Expanded high-speed internet will help to connect nearly 1 million people in rural Michigan who lack access. Support for rural businesses, which has already invested $322 million in nearly 1,000 Michigan businesses, fuels manufacturing, rural entrepreneurship, and the revitalization of main streets. Community facility investments will continue to build hospitals, improve schools, and strengthen fire and police stations in small towns across Michigan. Improves Food Access for Families Just as the farm bill provides a safety net for Michigan farmers, it also includes a safety net for families. Building on the 2014 Farm Bill, which has saved $80 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill strengthens the integrity of the program, while preserving food access for families. New job training opportunities will help SNAP participants find and keep good-paying jobs. Permanent investments for Double Up bucks will help SNAP families purchase Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables. Reduced paperwork for seniors makes accessing food assistance easier for grandparents on fixed incomes. Stronger oversight of SNAP will help ensure every dollar goes to families in need. Farm to Food Bank initiative will provide healthy, Michigan-grown foods to families, while reducing food waste. Increases support for those struggling with food insecurity and homelessness. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-urge-epa-to-protect-michiganders-from-lead-in-drinking-water,Peters & Stabenow Urge EPA to Protect Michiganders from Lead in Drinking Water,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.18 Peters & Stabenow Urge EPA to Protect Michiganders from Lead in Drinking Water WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today wrote a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler pressing the agency to implement all of the recommended policies from a July 2017 EPA Inspector General report regarding best practices to prevent another drinking water crisis from lead contamination. While EPA has acted on many of the Inspector General's recommendations, the agency has refused to establish national controls to ensure states are complying with the Lead and Copper Rule. Insufficient federal oversight of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) was a significant factor that contributed to the Flint water crisis. Flint is a stark, devastating example of just why a national and comprehensive oversight approach is essential, wrote the lawmakers. People died after being literally poisoned by their own drinking water, and thousands of Flint children will suffer the lasting consequences of local and state management failures coupled with ineffective federal oversight. At least 90 people were sickened and 12 people died from Legionnaire's disease caused by changes in the Flint water supply that also exposed more than 9,000 Flint children to lead. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can cause significant health, neurological, behavioral, intellectual, and academic impairments. Recent testing in Detroit public schools found that more than half of the 106 schools in the district have lead contaminated water. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go to ensure safe drinking water, the lawmakers continued. The Detroit school district is to be commended for initiating testing and identifying alternative safe water sources, as Michigan has no state-wide rules that require school districts to test for lead in their tap water. And Detroit's experience is unfortunately not unique; schools in some cities across the nation have relied on bottled water for more than a decade. To strengthen federal oversight of safe drinking water, Peters and Stabenow worked to include a provision in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act requiring the EPA to notify the public of dangerously high levels of lead in drinking water when local and state officials fail to do so. The legislation also included $100 million in funding to help fix Flint's drinking water infrastructure, funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country and $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead. A copy of the letter can be found here and below: December 10, 2018 Acting Administrator Wheeler Environmental Protection Agency 1101A, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20460 Dear Acting Administrator Wheeler, We write to convey our concern that EPA leadership has not yet come to agreement with your Inspector General's office on all management recommendations stemming from the Flint water crisis, and to request a meeting with you to discuss EPA's ongoing efforts to protect the public and particularly children from lead in drinking water. We would like to better understand the agency's concerns and challenges in implementing the Inspector General's recommendations, and to work with you to ensure that what happened in Flint never happens to another community. Last July EPA's Inspector General office issued a report identifying nine recommendations to strengthen EPA's oversight of drinking water systems and ability to effectively monitor states' compliance with the federal Lead and Copper rule. We joined with colleagues through the 2019 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriation bill to require EPA to use appropriated funding to implement the Inspector General's recommendations. We are grateful that EPA has implemented several recommendations to strengthen regional enforcement and compliance, for instance providing the public with greater visibility on the results from EPA's ongoing reviews of Michigan's Safe Drinking Water program. However, we understand that EPA has disagreed to implement the Inspector General's recommendation to establish national controls to ensure states are effectively monitoring compliance with the Lead and Copper rule. Further, it is our understanding that EPA would prefer to implement a pilot or trial approach to compliance, while the Inspector General is urging this approach be broadened. Flint is a stark, devastating example of just why a national and comprehensive oversight approach is essential. People died after being literally poisoned by their own drinking water, and thousands of Flint children will suffer the lasting consequences of local and state management failures coupled with ineffective federal oversight. We fought for a year to secure emergency assistance for Flint families through the WIIN Act back in 2016, but the needed investment Congress made then is not enough. We must do everything we can to make sure what happened in Flint does not ever happen to another community. But we will not protect other children across Michigan and the nation if we fail to solve the management failures that led to Flint. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go to ensure safe drinking water. A recent review of water testing results at Detroit Public schools found that one school had more than 54 times the allowable amount of lead under federal guidelines, while others exceeded copper level by nearly 30 times. Currently, more than half the 106 schools inside Michigan's largest school district have lead contaminated water. The Detroit school district is to be commended for initiating testing and identifying alternative safe water sources, as Michigan has no state-wide rules that require school districts to test for lead in their tap water. And Detroit's experience is unfortunately not unique; schools in some cities across the nation have relied on bottled water for more than a decade. Within the WIIN Act is a provision we authored to require the Environmental Protection Agency to directly notify the public of dangerously high lead levels in drinking water if the local public water system and State fail to do so. We have also supported efforts to strengthen school and day care drinking water testing. These will be impossible unless EPA implements a national compliance approach that can quickly identify potential risks. Acting Administrator Wheeler, it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that communities in Michigan and across the country have access to safe drinking water. We believe EPA's oversight and compliance efforts are vital to that effort. We hope we can soon find a time to meet so that we might better understand the agency's concerns and challenges in meeting the Inspector General's recommendations. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-and-peters-urge-epa-to-protect-michiganders-from-lead-in-drinking-water-,Stabenow & Peters Urge EPA to Protect Michiganders from Lead in Drinking Water,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow & Peters Urge EPA to Protect Michiganders from Lead in Drinking Water Monday, December 10, 2018 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today wrote a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler pressing the agency to implement all of the recommended policies from a July 2017 EPA Inspector General report regarding best practices to prevent another drinking water crisis from lead contamination. While EPA has acted on many of the Inspector General's recommendations, the agency has refused to establish national controls to ensure states are complying with the Lead and Copper Rule. Insufficient federal oversight of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) was a significant factor that contributed to the Flint water crisis. Flint is a stark, devastating example of just why a national and comprehensive oversight approach is essential, wrote the lawmakers. People died after being literally poisoned by their own drinking water, and thousands of Flint children will suffer the lasting consequences of local and state management failures coupled with ineffective federal oversight. At least 90 people were sickened and 12 people died from Legionnaire's disease caused by changes in the Flint water supply that also exposed more than 9,000 Flint children to lead. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can cause significant health, neurological, behavioral, intellectual, and academic impairments. Recent testing in Detroit public schools found that more than half of the 106 schools in the district have lead contaminated water. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go to ensure safe drinking water, the lawmakers continued. The Detroit school district is to be commended for initiating testing and identifying alternative safe water sources, as Michigan has no state-wide rules that require school districts to test for lead in their tap water. And Detroit's experience is unfortunately not unique; schools in some cities across the nation have relied on bottled water for more than a decade. To strengthen federal oversight of safe drinking water, Stabenow and Peters worked to include a provision in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act requiring the EPA to notify the public of dangerously high levels of lead in drinking water when local and state officials fail to do so. The legislation also included $100 million in funding to help fix Flint's drinking water infrastructure, funding to activate at least $200 million in low-interest loans to upgrade water infrastructure in communities in Michigan and across the country and $50 million to address the health care needs of children who have been exposed to lead. A copy of the letter can bebelow: December 10, 2018 Acting Administrator Wheeler Environmental Protection Agency 1101A, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20460 Dear Acting Administrator Wheeler, We write to convey our concern that EPA leadership has not yet come to agreement with your Inspector General's office on all management recommendations stemming from the Flint water crisis, and to request a meeting with you to discuss EPA's ongoing efforts to protect the public and particularly children from lead in drinking water. We would like to better understand the agency's concerns and challenges in implementing the Inspector General's recommendations, and to work with you to ensure that what happened in Flint never happens to another community. Last July EPA's Inspector General office issued a report identifying nine recommendations to strengthen EPA's oversight of drinking water systems and ability to effectively monitor states' compliance with the federal Lead and Copper rule. We joined with colleagues through the 2019 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriation bill to require EPA to use appropriated funding to implement the Inspector General's recommendations. We are grateful that EPA has implemented several recommendations to strengthen regional enforcement and compliance, for instance providing the public with greater visibility on the results from EPA's ongoing reviews of Michigan's Safe Drinking Water program. However, we understand that EPA has disagreed to implement the Inspector General's recommendation to establish national controls to ensure states are effectively monitoring compliance with the Lead and Copper rule. Further, it is our understanding that EPA would prefer to implement a pilot or trial approach to compliance, while the Inspector General is urging this approach be broadened. Flint is a stark, devastating example of just why a national and comprehensive oversight approach is essential. People died after being literally poisoned by their own drinking water, and thousands of Flint children will suffer the lasting consequences of local and state management failures coupled with ineffective federal oversight. We fought for a year to secure emergency assistance for Flint families through the WIIN Act back in 2016, but the needed investment Congress made then is not enough. We must do everything we can to make sure what happened in Flint does not ever happen to another community. But we will not protect other children across Michigan and the nation if we fail to solve the management failures that led to Flint. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go to ensure safe drinking water. A recent review of water testing results at Detroit Public schools found that one school had more than 54 times the allowable amount of lead under federal guidelines, while others exceeded copper level by nearly 30 times. Currently, more than half the 106 schools inside Michigan's largest school district have lead contaminated water. The Detroit school district is to be commended for initiating testing and identifying alternative safe water sources, as Michigan has no state-wide rules that require school districts to test for lead in their tap water. And Detroit's experience is unfortunately not unique; schools in some cities across the nation have relied on bottled water for more than a decade. Within the WIIN Act is a provision we authored to require the Environmental Protection Agency to directly notify the public of dangerously high lead levels in drinking water if the local public water system and State fail to do so. We have also supported efforts to strengthen school and day care drinking water testing. These will be impossible unless EPA implements a national compliance approach that can quickly identify potential risks. Acting Administrator Wheeler, it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that communities in Michigan and across the country have access to safe drinking water. We believe EPA's oversight and compliance efforts are vital to that effort. We hope we can soon find a time to meet so that we might better understand the agency's concerns and challenges in meeting the Inspector General's recommendations. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/in-the-news/water-crisis-raised-profile-crusading-lawmaker,Water crisis raised profile of crusading lawmaker,2018-12-08,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Michigan Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee has been at the forefront of pushing the federal government to help Flint recover from its drinking water crisis. FLINT, Mich. Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee steered his Chevy SUV through the streets of this hard-luck Rust Belt town. He looked puzzled for a moment as he saw a long line of cars outside the local Methodist church late on a midweek morning. ""What is going on here? Oh, I bet it's water distribution,"" said the Michigan lawmaker, quickly realizing volunteers were putting free cases of bottled water and lead-fighting vegetables into cars that had been lined up for hours. That scene has played out repeatedly in Flint during the past four years as the city has battled one of the worst municipal water crises in modern history. A fateful cost-cutting decision by the state, coupled with aging pipelines, left the city's 100,000 residents with unhealthy levels of lead in their water. The result threatened brain damage in children and corroded engine parts at the local General Motors Co. factory. Flint, already one of the poorest cities in the nation due to the demise of domestic auto manufacturing, became the poster child for the nation's infrastructure woes and lost faith in government. And even now, months after the state did extensive tests to declare the water safe, many residents are skeptical that they can drink from their taps. ""No one trusts them for good reason. Trust is maybe the biggest casualty of the water crisis,"" said Kildee, who only drinks bottled or filtered water in Flint and at his home in a neighboring township. The situation has turned Kildee, elected less than a year before the water crisis began, into a leading congressional voice on infrastructure. He helped secure $170 million in federal funds for upgrading his hometown's contaminated water supply system. ""We have not gotten everything we want, but everything we've gotten, we've gotten because of Dan Kildee,"" said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) when she visited Flint as part of a congressional delegation in September. With the new Congress and the White House eager to move on a large public works package, Kildee will be a player, given his success in getting aid for Flint and his ability to tell the story of his water-ravaged community. Understanding the veteran lawmaker's approach a large dose of economic pragmatism coupled with a progressive's faith that government can take on big projects offers a sense of how Capitol Hill might find common ground on infrastructure. A broader infrastructure push Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who is expected to chair the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the next Congress, credits Kildee for taking a ""leadership role"" on water infrastructure and expects he'll be ""very engaged"" on any emerging package. DeFazio said Democrats will try to move fast on infrastructure next year. ""If we don't get something major done in six months, it won't happen, because we enter the presidential cycle. My intention is to get something done,"" he adds. Kildee is eager to join the push for a new infrastructure package in the new Congress and is quick to use Flint as example of what happens when roadways, water systems, schools and other infrastructure are underfunded for decades. ""The Flint water crisis is the strongest argument that we can make that we have to breathe life back into these places, or we're just going to pay a massive price for it. If that doesn't stand up as an argument for this kind of investment, I don't think anything will,"" said Kildee, who estimates that local, state and federal funding for responding to the Flint water crisis tops half a billion dollars. Kildee is enough of a pragmatist to realize that arguing there's a moral imperative to repair the nation's aging road, bridges, railways and schools alone won't get Congress to a bipartisan deal on infrastructure. ""If we rely only on people who think about environmental justice to solve this problem, this problem is never going to be solved. The orientation of most of the people I deal with is economic,"" said Kildee. Like the White House and most on Capitol Hill, Kildee favors a ""go big"" on infrastructure approach, but wants specific spending marked for older, industrial cities such as Flint. Without a focus on those economically downtrodden cities, he fears new spending would only expand the economic gap between communities facing challenges and those that are rapidly growing and thriving. ""What I am pushing is we devise a Marshall Plan for these older cities, so in concert with the effort to rebuild the whole nation's infrastructure, we're overinvesting in these weak places to allow them to catch up,"" said Kildee, a co-chairman of the Urban Caucus who has begun holding roundtables to build support for his idea. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), the incoming chairman of the centrist New Democrat Coalition, a group that's likely to be crucial to moving any infrastructure package, said other lawmakers are willing to listen to Kildee's view. He's rare in this Congress that he has gotten things done on infrastructure. He can engage as someone who has actually gotten stuff done,"" Kilmer said. It's not only Flint where Kildee is drawing attention on environmental issues. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), who had dealt with water-quality issues in his suburban district, said Kildee is seen as credible on water issues given his experience in Flint. Boyle said he and other lawmakers have turned to Kildee for help addressing the emergence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in drinking water at sites near former military bases across the country. Kildee, who has signed on bipartisan legislation to set a federal standard for PFAS in drinking water, calls the contaminant some ""bad shit"" already hitting communities in his district and around the country. ""I think this is going be a massively expensive problem, and it's not going away,"" he adds. Pushing for Flint Kildee was doubtful when he first heard about the plan for pumping water from the Flint River until a new, more cost-efficient line could be built to Lake Huron. ""If you are from this town, it sounded like the punchline to a joke,"" he said, noting that the river runs adjacent to some of the city's onetime large auto manufacturing plants. Almost as soon the city switched supplies in 2014, Kildee heard from constituents about water quality. He helped arrange water drives and sought more state testing. But, he says, the ""game changer"" was when scientific tests during the summer of 2015 showed unsafe levels of lead leaching into the water. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a physician at Flint's Hurley Medical Center who published a study in 2015 that found elevated lead levels in young children from Flint, credits Kildee with standing by her work until it was widely accepted. ""When my research came out and everybody was attacking me, including at the federal level, Congressman Kildee went out and defended me,"" said Attisha, who believes Flint shows the risks that comes in denying rather than accepting basic science research. Her study eventually led the state to switch the city back to its original water supply, and Kildee would host her as his guest at the State of the Union. Kildee's first legislative move on Flint was relatively modest, but he made sure it was bipartisan so he could notch an early success. He joined with then-Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) to get overwhelming House support for a measure that when signed into law gave EPA 24 hours to notify the public when elevated lead is found in drinking water. His bigger challenge would be convincing a GOP-controlled Congress that it should help fund the replacement of Flint's water lines, a move many conservatives saw as a state and local responsibility. The Michigan lawmaker sought to personalize the city's crisis, arguing that its residents were the victims of a government error. He made that case by highlighting Flint's struggles in floor speeches, taking multiple congressional delegations to the city and buttonholing any lawmakers he could to warn that the same thing could happen in their districts. ""There's a tendency, absent other information, for policymakers and others to look at the condition in these cities and blame the local leadership, public and private, for the conditions. It's an easy thing to do because it absolves state and federal policymakers from any responsibility for the conditions,"" said Kildee. His efforts helped, but it also would take pairing Flint aid with a popular water projects bill and a year-end spending bill to get the funds in place in late 2016. And even then, getting it through the Senate required some legislative muscle from Michigan Democratic Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. Stabenow said Kildee gained ""valuable firsthand"" experience in addressing infrastructure needs as they partnered to pass the Flint aid package. ""It was a long, hard-fought victory for the people of Flint, and I know he will use that experience to help other communities address these issues,"" she said. From East Flint to Broadway On the east side of Flint, long the rougher part of this town, Kildee stood in a empty lot on a quiet street filled with mostly vacant, single-family homes that have fallen into disarray with the city's economy. The house Kildee lived in for the first four years of his life once stood here, until he ordered it torn down as part of his efforts as a county official to remove thousands of blighted structures in Flint. ""I looked at the foreclosure list and thought, 'Wow, I can't believe it,'"" said Kildee, who recalled being flooded with memories as he kicked in the front door, walked into his first bedroom and then sat on the front porch the day the house was razed. An expert in land issues, Kildee was a leader in the shrinking cities movement before being elected in his first run for Congress in 2012. He won the seat held for more than three decades by his uncle, Dale Kildee, an under-the-radar, New Deal-style Democrat. Easily re-elected to a fourth term last month, Kildee did not expect to become a leading voice on water issues. He asked for and got a seat on the Financial Services Committee, where he expected to work on urban development policy. As a county official, Kildee became a national expert on redevelopment by finding ways to make it easier for the county to take over and then control or tear down abandoned properties via land banks. He created one of the nation's first in Flint, which led to more than $100 million in redevelopment projects. He also found novel ways to spread federal funds over multiple brownfield sites in the same county. Kildee, 60, has spent almost his entire adult life in elected office after winning a seat on the local school board at 18 while a freshman in college in 1977. He ran as a student activist, one frustrated with attempts to cut a peer counseling program, and wore an African dashiki to his first board meeting. ""It was a shock. It was part of the takeover of the school board by a new majority; it was a shift away from the banking and business community being in charge to more like a community-controlled school board,"" he said. Kildee jokes that he may have seemed a radical at the time, but he was not nearly as outrageous as his former Flint high school friend, future filmmaker Michael Moore, who won a seat on a neighboring school board around the same time. Moore spent much of his time on the board suing his own district. The lawmaker said the two remain ""good friends,"" and he even made a special appearance in Moore's recent one-man show on Broadway. He used his interview segment of the show with Moore to warn that there are potential Flints across the country. Asked about his long-term goals in Congress, Kildee does not rule out one day running for a leadership post, though he passed on a run for governor this year to stay in the House. His role as the face of Flint won't hurt, nor will the $1.7 million he raised or donated for 84 House candidates in the most recent election cycle. But Kildee said he's just as content to stay in his current role as an advocate for investing in the rebuilding of America's older cities. He adds, ""There aren't very many of us who bring it up very often. I am like a broken record: Any opportunity I have, I raise the issue.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democrats-call-epa-provide-data-pfas-chemicals,Democrats Call on EPA to Provide Data on PFAS Chemicals,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Representatives Paul D. Tonko, the top Democrat on the Energy & Commerce Environment Subcommittee, Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Peter Welch (D-VT) sent a letter to EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler today calling for greater transparency regarding any data, testing and consent agreements tied to commercial approval or environmental release of perfluorinated compounds (PFAS). Since the enactment of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, EPA has been required to collect additional data before approving new chemicals under its chemical safety program. We are writing to you on behalf of communities we represent that are concerned about the presence of perfluorinated compounds in their drinking water, the letter reads. EPA has allowed many perfluorinated chemicals onto the market since the launch of the PFOA Stewardship Initiative [including] nearly 900 perfluorinated compounds. The letter calls on EPA to release findings on the following questions no later than December 21, 2018: How many new perfluorinated chemicals has EPA allowed to enter commerce in the United States since the launch of the PFOA Stewardship Initiative? How many since the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the Twenty First Century Act took effect? How many, if any, new perfluorinated chemicals has EPA blocked from entering commerce in the United States since the launch of the PFOA Stewardship Initiative? How many since the effective date of the Lautenberg Act? How many of the newly introduced perfluorinated chemicals were subject to consent orders requiring the development of test data? Provide all studies and test results submitted to EPA pursuant to consent orders on perfluorinated chemicals, as well as the anticipated completion date for any ongoing studies. How many of the newly introduced perfluorinated compounds were subject to limits on environmental releases? What monitoring or enforcement has been done to ensure those limits are followed? For each of these limited perfluorinated compounds, provide the locations where they are produced. Provide all monitoring data tracking compliance with environmental release limits imposed by consent orders on perfluorinated chemicals. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-invites-president-trump-visit-idled-gm-facilities-and-workers,Dingell Invites President Trump to Visit Idled GM Facilities and Workers,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), joined a group of her colleagues from Michigan and Ohio in formally inviting President Donald Trump to visit the communities impacted by General Motors' decision to idle several North America plants. The invitation was led by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and was also signed by Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and Rep.-Elect Andy Levin (MI-09). Respectfully, we invite you to join us to visit the Lordstown Assembly, Warren Transmission, Brownstown Battery, Baltimore Operations and Detroit-Hamtramck plants, to meet the workers who will soon receive pink slips. This idling will impact over 14,000 workers, including the layoff of 3,300 production workers in the United States and 2,500 in Canada, and another 8,000 salaried employees, the Members wrote. We urge your Administration's intervention in every manner possible to seek both short and long term remedies for these workers, the auto-part supplies that will also be impacted, and the communities sure to be severely impacted by these job losses, the Members continued. Our communities need deliverance on your promises to invest in and restore America's manufacturing might and to put an end to the outsourcing of American jobs. We will work with you and your Administration to reinvest and modernize American auto manufacturing. Thank you for review of this urgent request, the Members concluded.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-announce-407-million-for-infrastructure-projects-in-sault-ste-marie-berrien-county,"Stabenow, Peters Announce $40.7 Million for Infrastructure Projects in Sault Ste. Marie, Berrien County",2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow, Peters Announce $40.7 Million for Infrastructure Projects in Sault Ste. Marie, Berrien County Funding will Help Restore Carbide Dock Port Near Soo Locks, Complete US-31 Connection to I-94 in Berrien County Friday, December 07, 2018 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow andGary Peterstoday announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award two grants totaling $40.7 million for infrastructure projects in Sault Ste. Marie and Berrien County. The $20.7 million will go towards repairs for the Carbide Dock Port, which is located on the same waterway as the Soo Locks and serves as a staging area for vessels needing emergency assistance. The additional $20 million will help directly connect US-31 to I-94 in Berrien County. Reliable and modern infrastructure is critical to Michigan's economy and job creation,said Senator Stabenow.Today's federal investment will help connect two important freeways in Berrien County and make important upgrades near the Soo Locks. Michigan is a hub for international commerce and trade, and we need modern infrastructure to support our economy. I applaud today's announcement that two key projects in Michigan will receive federal funding, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. The Soo Locks are critical to the flow of goods through the Great Lakes, and this funding will provide much needed repairs to the Carbide Dock Port. Connecting US-31 to Interstate 94 has long been a priority in Southwest Michigan, and I'm pleased that this federal funding will make that route a reality. The Carbide Dock Port in Sault Ste. Marie is located on the same waterway as the Soo Locks and the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. The funding announced today will rehabilitate the Carbide Dock Port and reconstruct connecting truck routes to the Dock. The relocation of US-31 from Napier Road to I-94 in Berrien County will better provide a free flow of traffic between the two freeways. The funding will go towards the completion of the last two miles of the limited access US-31 freeway from Napier Avenue to I-94 in Berrien County. The grant was awarded through DOT's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) transportation grant program, formerly known as the TIGER grant program. The BUILD program provides investments in key surface transportation projects around the country, which are awarded on a competitive basis for projects with significant regional impact. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-after-meeting-gm-ceo-mary-barra,Dingell Statement After Meeting with GM CEO Mary Barra,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement after meeting with GM CEO Mary Barra: ""It was important that Mary Barra meet with the Michigan delegation today to address the high level of concern about the potential plant closings and keeping jobs in the Michigan and United States. A key issue we discussed was GM's continued decision to locate product in Mexico the most recent being the Blazer several month ago. This past year, GM produced 726,000 vehicles in Mexico. Over 80 percent of those vehicles were shipped to the US for sales to American consumers. In contrast, production at the GM plants targeted for closure was 165,000 in the US and 100,000 in Canada. GM's excess capacity in North America has been created by GM's investment decisions in the last several years. Product decisions made by the company have left US and Canadian plants with low volume. We want to keep that product here. It's clearly a very complicated time. This is a cyclical industry operating in an extremely competitive global environment. Other countries work hard to keep jobs in their countries, and we want to work hard to keep jobs in this country's and support the hard-working men and women. We also want to make sure we are supporting policies that keep this country at the forefront of innovation and technology and the United States remain a world-wide leader in transportation and mobility. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-president-s-task-force-us-postal,Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on Presidents Task Force on the U.S. Postal Service,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Lawrence issued the following statement, in response to a report released by the President's Task Force on the U.S. Postal Service: This report is the product of a secretive, closed-door process that excluded the American people. Unsurprisingly, its recommendations are not a serious effort to help the Postal Service address its long-term future. As a former employee of the Postal Service for over 30 years, I know what this public service means to people and am committed to its true success. From the beginning, the President's Postal Task Force has been a bad-faith effort by the Trump Administration to attack our public postal service and postal workers. It is not focused on the important, long-term goal of affordable, public mail delivery for every American. Instead, the Administration began the Task Force with questionable motives and proposed privatizing the Postal Service, threatening to take away basic mail service from millions of Americans. The Task Force also refused to operate in a transparent manner and engage with Congress. As a member of the Oversight Committee, I demanded the Task Force turn over documents showing who it met with and how it came up with its recommendations, but it did not comply. The Postal Service is a government institution with a mission of public service: to ensure that all Americans can have reliable mail service, no matter who they are or where they live. Without a well-functioning public Postal Service, many Americans would lose access to affordable mail delivery that their families, businesses, and lives rely on. In contrast to this hasty and non-transparent report, I and my colleagues in Congress have spent years negotiating the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act, which would put the Postal Service on a more sustainable path. This bill has overwhelming support from Democrats, Republicans, and postal stakeholders. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and to protect a public Postal Service for all Americans. ### View the Task Force report on the United States Postal System. Background: Lawrence is a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Postal Service. Through that committee, she has been active in bipartisan efforts to stabilize the Postal Service and ensure it can thrive well into the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-407-million-for-infrastructure-projects-in-sault-ste-marie-berrien-county,"Peters, Stabenow Announce $40.7 Million for Infrastructure Projects in Sault Ste. Marie, Berrien County",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 Peters, Stabenow Announce $40.7 Million for Infrastructure Projects in Sault Ste. Marie, Berrien County Funding will Help Restore Carbide Dock Port Near Soo Locks, Complete US-31 Connection to I-94 in Berrien County WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award two grants totaling $40.7 million for infrastructure projects in Sault Ste. Marie and Berrien County. The $20.7 million will go towards repairs for the Carbide Dock Port, which is located on the same waterway as the Soo Locks and serves as a staging area for vessels needing emergency assistance. The additional $20 million will help directly connect US-31 to I-94 in Berrien County. Michigan is a hub for international commerce and trade, and we need modern infrastructure to support our economy. I applaud today's announcement that two key projects in Michigan will receive federal funding, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. The Soo Locks are critical to the flow of goods through the Great Lakes, and this funding will provide much needed repairs to the Carbide Dock Port. Connecting US-31 to Interstate 94 has long been a priority in Southwest Michigan, and I'm pleased that this federal funding will make that route a reality. Reliable and modern infrastructure is critical to Michigan's economy and job creation, said Senator Stabenow. Today's federal investment will help connect two important freeways in Berrien County and make important upgrades near the Soo Locks. The Carbide Dock Port in Sault Ste. Marie is located on the same waterway as the Soo Locks and the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. The funding announced today will rehabilitate the Carbide Dock Port and reconstruct connecting truck routes to the Dock. The relocation of US-31 from Napier Road to I-94 in Berrien County will better provide a free flow of traffic between the two freeways. The funding will go towards the completion of the last two miles of the limited access US-31 freeway from Napier Avenue to I-94 in Berrien County. The grant was awarded through DOT's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) transportation grant program, formerly known as the TIGER grant program. The BUILD program provides investments in key surface transportation projects around the country, which are awarded on a competitive basis for projects with significant regional impact. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-michigan-state-legislature-s-lame-duck-session,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Michigan State Legislatures Lame Duck Session,2018-12-05,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement on the lame duck session of the Michigan Legislature, where Republicans are pushing legislation to limit the powers of incoming democratically-elected officeholders, as well as actions to limit the use of science when cleaning up toxic chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): This 11th hour power grab by Republicans in the lame duck legislature is an absolute disgrace. Having lost at the ballot box in the last election, Republicans in the Michigan Legislature are pushinglegislation that seeks to overturn the will of the voters and protect special interests. Republicans have introduced legislation to obstruct ballot proposals overwhelmingly passed by Michiganders, including voter-passed laws to legalize marijuana, ensure fair political maps, and expand access to the ballot box. If Republicans have their way, they will cancel wage increases for Michigan workers and take away paid sick leave benefits for families. This extreme Republican power grab would also severely undermine the power of the newly-elected Attorney General and Secretary of State. One bill would also restrict the state from considering scientific studies when addressing toxic PFAS chemicals. Ignoring science will jeopardize public health and hurt progress in cleaning up PFAS contamination around the state. The science shows that these chemicals are harmful to humans and we need to be doing everything we can to expedite remediation. We must do everything we can to stop this blatant abuse of power. Governor Snyder should veto these bills. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-announces-class-2023-nominations-us-service-academies,Congressman Dan Kildee Announces Class of 2023 Nominations to U.S. Service Academies,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kildee Annually Nominates High School Seniors for Prestigious Service Academies Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today announced his nominations for the U.S. service academies for the class of 2023. Members of Congress annually nominate students from their district to attend service academies and, if selected, these students will receive a free education and earn a commission in the U.S. military or be selected to serve in the maritime industry. The U.S. military academies are federal academies for undergraduate education and training of commissioned offers for the U.S Armed Forces, including the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co., the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. I am proud to announce my nominations for the class of 2023 at our precious military academies. This group of young adults I am nominating represent the best of our country. They have demonstrated their commitment to serve our country and I look forward to following their bright futures, said Congressman Kildee. The nominees are: Wyatt Smith from Grand Blanc; Sarah Fejedelem from Flint; Alejandra Fulgencio from Saginaw; Carter Johnson from Flushing; Jacob Fagerstrom from Clio; Sophia Clements from Fenton; Patrick Perkins from Grand Blanc; Malan Manwaring from Clio; Sarah Cook from Swartz Creek; Brian Case from Davison; Marlando Wade from Flint; and Michael Kramer, who is currently serving on active duty. Every year, Congressman Kildee nominates highly-qualified Michigan students to attend the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination. The honor of attending a service academy comes with a commitment to serve in the military or maritime service upon graduation. More information about the nomination process for military academies, including the application for next year's class, is available here and at dankildee.house.gov. Any students with questions should call Congressman Kildee's office at 810-238-8627. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-costello-introduce-bipartisan-vawa-health-legislation,"Dingell, Costello Introduce Bipartisan VAWA Health Legislation",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Ryan Costello (PA-06) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the health care system's identification, assessment and response to domestic violence, sexual assault and dating violence survivors with an expanded focus on accessing behavioral health and safety resources across the lifespan. Studies show a strong correlation between those receiving mental health and substance abuse services and the likelihood of domestic violence as a root cause. Between 31 and 67 percent of women in substance use disorder treatment programs report experiencing domestic violence within the past year and over 50 percent of survivors of domestic violence have experienced depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. More collaboration is needed between health systems and community advocates to ensure victims have the support they need to escape the abuse and improve their overall health and safety. In an effort to bring together mental health and substance abuse treatment centers and domestic and sexual violence service providers, Dingell and Costello introduced the Violence Against Women Health Act. The legislation would build upon the 2013 Violence Against Women Act's (VAWA) health title, a prevention and response initiative that trains health care providers and strengthens collaborations between public health and domestic violence agencies to better identify and serve victims of violence. The Violence Against Women Health Act expands training to behavioral health care providers on how to assess for signs of domestic violence and adds a focus on early childhood programs and abuse in later life to recognize the lifetime impacts of violence and abuse. There is no reason a survivor should face hurdles when trying to connect with the services they need to recover, said Dingell. Medical professionals of all kinds can save lives through a referral to the appropriate domestic violence and sexual assault community services. Our bipartisan legislation brings together the fragmented mental health and domestic violence systems so we can best serve survivors. So far, the VAWA Health Program has trained more than 13,000 health care providers to assess for and respond to domestic and sexual violence in over 230 clinical settings serving more than 1.3 million patients. Growing a network of medical professionals who are trained to spot signs of abuse will strengthen communities, said Costello. Children and elders can be survivors too, we need to think outside the box on how to prevent violence across the spectrum. You can read the text of the Violence Against Women Health Act here, and the summaryhere. In addition to Dingell and Costello, the Violence Against Women Health Act is co-sponsored in the House by Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Mimi Walters (R-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), and John Katko (R-NY). The legislation is also supported by numerous organizations including the American Academy of Neurology, American Psychological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, YWCA USA, Futures Without Violence, National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health, DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Ujima: The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence in the Black Community, and National Network to End Domestic Violence. Women and children who have lived through domestic violence and sexual assault require health professionals to provide services sensitive to the traumatic events they have experienced. The number of people affected by gender-based violence will only continue to increase as women and survivors are stepping out of the shadow of fear. It is crucial that health professionals meet them where they are, prevent re-traumatization, and recognize the long-lasting impact of violence throughout an individual's lifetime, said Alejandra Castillo, CEO of YWCA USA. With support from VAWA Health Title, health providers have been key partners in helping identify and support victims of domestic and sexual violence but there is so much more work to be done. Representatives Costello and Dingell are champions for woman survivors and their families and this bipartisan legislation is laying the groundwork for preventing and addressing the health impacts of violence and abuse across the lifespan, said Esta Soler, President of Futures Without Violence. As someone who has been working on issues related to violence against women for 40 years, it has taken a long time for policymakers to recognize the intersections between mental health, substance use and domestic violence and to support policies and services that address these concerns. While it is well documented that violence against women has significant mental health and substance use-related consequences, clinicians are frequently unaware of the types of abuse specifically targeted towards a survivor's substanceuse and mental health. Common examples include: intentionally undermining a partner'ssanity and sobriety, preventing a partner from accessing treatment, sabotaging a partner's recovery efforts, and using mental health and substance use issues to discredit a partner with potential sources of safety and support. Historically, addressing these less visible forms of abuse has been viewed as a secondary priority. By recognizing these links and supporting a new behavioral health pilot program along with enhanced research and data collection, we will be able to change the way behavioral health providers and systems respond to domestic violence. said Carole Warshaw, M.D., Director of the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-provision-establishing-great-lakes-coast-guard-center-of-expertise-signed-into-law,Peters Provision Establishing Great Lakes Coast Guard Center of Expertise Signed Into Law,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.04.18 Peters Provision Establishing Great Lakes Coast Guard Center of Expertise Signed Into Law Center of Expertise Will Study Impacts of Oil Spills in Freshwater Environments WASHINGTON, DC President Donald Trump has signed into law a provision authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to establish a U.S. Coast Guard National Center of Expertise (NCOE) for the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes NCOE will examine the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses. Current oil spill response technologies are primarily designed for saltwater environments. Last year, the then-Commandant of the Coast Guard told Peters at a hearing that the agency was not prepared for an oil spill in the Great Lakes, saying that more science and research must be done. Peters' provision was signed into law as part of broader Coast Guard legislation and he serves on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard. An oil spill in the Great Lakes would be detrimental to our economy, our environment and our drinking water, and I was alarmed to hear that current technology is insufficient to clean up an oil spill in one of our most precious natural resources,said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.The new Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise will build upon the good work already happening in Michigan to further advance research, development and testing of freshwater oil spill response equipment and protect the Great Lakes for generations to come. I appreciate the support of Sen. Peters for this bipartisan legislation, which includes a provision he championed to establish a Great Lakes Center for Expertise. The Center for Expertise will study and provide valuable insight into freshwater oil spill response efforts and other critical environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes region,said Senator John Thune (R-SD), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Peters' provision directs the NCOE for Great Lakes Oil Spill Preparedness and Response to be located near critical crude oil pipeline infrastructure in the Great Lakes and at an institution of higher education that has already has aquatic research facilities and expertise on Great Lakes water resources. Coast Guard NCOEs focus on different aspects of the Coast Guard's marine safety mission, including liquefied natural gas transport, the outer continental shelf, towing vessels and investigations among others. Among other issues, the COE will: Identify gaps in Great Lakes oil spill research, including an assessment of major scientific or technological deficiencies in responses to past spills in the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies, and seek to fill those gaps; Monitor and assessthe current state of knowledgeregarding freshwater oil spill response technologies and the behavior and effects of oil spills in the Great Lakes; Conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation for freshwater oil spill response equipment,technologies, and techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in the Great Lakes; Help train first responderson the federal, state and local level on the incident command structure system and response technologies and strategies; and Work with academic and the private sectorto develop and standardize maritime oil spill response training. This legislation builds on Senator Peters' efforts to improve oversight of pipeline operations in the Great Lakes. Earlier this year, Peters held a Senate Commerce Committeefield hearingin Traverse City on Line 5 that runs through the Straits of Mackinac. Last Congress, Petershelped passbipartisan legislation reauthorizing the federal agency overseeing pipeline safety, which included provisions designating the Great Lakes an unusually sensitive area, subjecting the Great Lakes basin to higher standards for safe pipeline operation, and improving oil spill response plans to address ice cover. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-colleagues-call-for-inspector-general-investigation-into-vas-failure-to-pay-veterans-full-benefits,"Senator Stabenow, Colleagues Call For Inspector General Investigation into VAs Failure to Pay Veterans Full Benefits",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow, Colleagues Call For Inspector General Investigation into VA's Failure to Pay Veterans Full Benefits Tuesday, December 04, 2018 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General Michael Missal to launch an investigation into missed or underpaid VA benefits. Stabenow joined Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and John Boozman (R-AR) in a bipartisan letter to the VA's Inspector General calling for answers on how the technical errors occurred, how quickly any reimbursements will be made, and how the VA plans to make sure all benefits will continue to be paid out without interruption. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability, the lawmakers wrote. It is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018. The letter was also signed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Todd Young (R-ID), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Doug Jones (D-AL) as well as U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA). Earlier this year, Stabenow introduced theStudent Veterans Housing Actto ensure student veterans do not lose VA housing benefits in between academic semesters. In November, Senator Stabenow sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie calling for transparency regarding its efforts to expedite processing of living stipend payments for veterans receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. It is believed hundreds of thousands of veterans receiving GI Bill benefits have been impacted by VA's processing delays, including more than 82,000 veterans who were still waiting to receive their housing payment as of November 8 according to VA data. Full text of the letter is below: Dear Mr. Missal: We are writing to request an investigation into allegations that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will withhold retroactive payments for missed or underpaid monthly housing stipends that it failed to pay veterans during delayed implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48), known as the Forever GI Bill. According to NBC News on November 28, 2018 (Veterans Affairs Dept. tells Capitol Hill it won't repay underpaid GI Bill benefits recipients), VA officials told congressional staff that making retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends would not be possible because it would create auditing challenges for the VA and delay future claims processing. That decision would be contrary to law and leave an estimated 360,000 veterans robbed of the benefits owed to them. We understand that Under Secretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence, in testimony before the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday, sought to clarify the VA's position by stating that every veteran will be made whole, including with retroactive payments, for their housing benefits. However, it remains unclear if VA intends to provide retroactive payments to veterans for housing stipends based on rates that they were legally entitled to beginning August 1, 2018, or if the VA only intends to make veterans whole based on the rates as they existed before the law took effectand remain in violation of existing law. It is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability. In an effort to help us better understand VA's plan to provide complete relief to those veterans impacted by the delayed implementation of the Forever GI Bill, we request your assistance to answer the following: Does the VA intend to apply the August 1, 2018, housing stipend rates, as required by law, for retroactive payments to eligible beneficiaries? If not, under what legal authority would the VA withhold retroactive payments based on the rates required in the Forever GI Bill? Who will be responsible for determining which veterans can receive retroactive payments for missed or underpaid benefits, including adjusted housing stipend rates that took effect on August 1, 2018? How and when will VA process these retroactive repayments to eligible veterans? How, if at all, have IT infrastructure investment decisions at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans? How, if at all, have staffing shortages at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans? How, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address IT infrastructure investment challenges at its regional processing centers in its fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget request? How, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address staffing shortages across the VA system, including at the Veterans Benefits Administration that is responsible for processing claims and retroactive payments to veterans, in its FY 2020 budget request? As always, we appreciate your support of our oversight responsibilities. Your prompt attention to this request will help us as we prepare to consider the VA's FY 2020 budget request so that we can evaluate whether the VA has requested the appropriate resources that it needs to make timely beneficiary payments and deliver other promised care to our veterans. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-passing-president-george-h-w-bush,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on the Passing of President George H. W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after the death of President George H. W. Bush: Ijoin all Americans in mourning President Bush's death. President Bush graciously served his country for more than 70 years, not only in the Armed Forces as a Naval aviator during World War II, but also a decades-long career in public service, including as the 41st President of the United States. As the Commander in Chief, Vice President of the United States, U.S. Envoy to China, Director of the Central Intelligence, Ambassador to the United Nations and a Member of Congress, President Bush was a steady and humble leader during challenging times. His legacy and service will be remembered for the better world he left us all. For President Bush, elected office was always about service to others and the greater good. I first met President Bush in 1992, right after the presidential debate in Michigan against Bill Clinton and Ross Perot. President Bush was as kind and generous then as he was later in life. As we celebrate his life's accomplishments and mourn his passing, I know that President Bush and his wife of 73 years, the late Barbara Bush, are once again together now. Jennifer and I extend our condolences to the entire Bush family for their loss. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-passing-of-president-george-hw-bush,Peters Statement on Passing of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.18 Peters Statement on Passing of President George H.W. Bush WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement on the passing of President George H.W. Bush: With the passing of President George H.W. Bush, the nation has lost a respected lifelong public servant. Whether flying a combat mission over the Pacific as a WWII pilot or representing the United States on the world stage as president, George H.W. Bush demonstrated grace and a fierce dedication to America and her ideals in everything he did. Colleen and I extend our deepest condolences to President George W. Bush, Governor Bush and the entire Bush family as they grieve the loss of their family patriarch. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush,Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush Saturday, December 01, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released the following statement on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush: We mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush and honor his lifetime of service to our country as a Navy pilot in World War II, a diplomat, and a statesman who brought principled leadership to the world. Our hearts are with the entire Bush family during this difficult time. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-president-trump-s-new-nafta,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President Trumps New NAFTA,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the United States Mexico Canada Agreement: Michigan families have been hurt by unfair trade deals in the past, so it's important we get any new agreement right. Simply renaming NAFTA,however, will not protect good paying jobs and grow our economy. Any new trade deal must put the middle class and working people first. As Congress receives the details and specific language for this new agreement, I need to see stronger enforcement mechanisms of higher labor and environmental standards, which will help Americans compete in a global economy.In the coming weeks, I'll be watching to see if Mexico reforms its labor laws to ensure workers are paid for an honest day's work. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-recycling-nafta-won-t-help-american-workers-industry,"Dingell: Recycling NAFTA Wont Help American Workers, Industry",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) made the following statement after President Trump signed the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA): Simply giving NAFTA a new name won't give us any new results. Jobs will continue to move out of the country and overseas until trade agreements put workers in America first. The administration will try to sell this deal as a win for American workers. If President Trump is ready to bring stability to trade policy and to craft a deal that levels the playing field and brings jobs back to our country, I'll work with him. But signing a document simply to say the President made a deal won't help American workers and won't keep jobs in the US. Just this week we have witnessed the real effect of unfair trade policies as GM shutters more plants and leaves over 6,200 hardworking men and women's jobs hanging in the balance. Americans deserve policies that will improve job stability and fair trade and not just words, but real actions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lawrence-sends-letter-gov-rick-snyder-apply-grants-support-laid,Rep. Lawrence Sends Letter to Gov. Rick Snyder to Apply for Grants to Support Laid Off Workers,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"""In light of General Motor's announcement to end production at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, I have sent a letter to Governor Rick Snyder urging the state of Michigan to apply for the National Dislocated Workers Grants. These grants would help with reemploying laid off workers and enhancing their employability and earnings while also ensuring the city of Detroit and southeast Michigan have the proper resources to help the affected workers maintain their livelihood. This community and these workers deserve better. The time is now!"" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-reports-michigan-businesses-are-violation,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Reports that Michigan Businesses Are In Violation of Michigan Water Quality Regulations,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after it was reported that the state of Michigan is aware that certain Michigan businesses are discharging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in levels exceeding Michigan law: The state of Michigan must enforce water quality laws immediately and be fully transparent with residents if waterways in Michigan are contaminated. We know PFAS are dangerous chemicals and we should be doing everything we can to keep our communities safe, including enforcing existing laws that protect public health and the environment. I will continue to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to regulate PFAS at a federal level, expedite cleanup efforts and keep Michigan families safe. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-elected-house-democratic-leadership-position,Dingell Elected to House Democratic Leadership Position,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) was elected by her colleagues to serve as Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC). Dingell will work with DPCC Chair David Cicilline (D-RI) and fellow Co-Chairs Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA) to develop the Caucus policy agenda and communications strategy. Thank you to my colleagues who elected me to serve as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. It's an honor to join my colleagues David Cicilline, Ted Lieu, and Matt Cartwright to help shape Democratic strategy and message for the next two years. Two years ago, I predicted Donald Trump could become President. I listened to people in my district and many of them didn't think Democrats cared about them. During the next two years, no matter your district or background, we have to listen to the working men and women and show them we are going to deliver on issues that matter to them. They want good-paying jobs; access to quality, affordable healthcare; and after working a lifetime they want to have a safe and secure retirement. They want stable trade policies that keep manufacturing jobs in our country, and protections that keep our air and water clean while conserving the environment for generations to come. Democrats also take seriously their Constitutional responsibility to hold the Administration accountable and to protect the fundamental civil rights of freedom of religion, speech and the press. Democrats in Congress are already working hard for the American people, and I look forward to working with every single member of the Democratic Caucus. I'm honored to serve among leadership.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-names-new-chief-staff,Dingell Names New Chief of Staff,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) named Dearborn-native and long-time aide Greg Sunstrum as her Chief of Staff. Sunstrum will take over for Peter Chandler, who will begin a new role with TechNet a trade association advocating for the innovation economy after serving in Dingell's office for more than three years. The ending of a Congress and the start of a new session often witness change as people decide to try new challenges and opportunities, said Dingell. Peter was an invaluable member of Team Dingell. For over 20 years, he dedicated his career to public service and improving the lives of working men and women, first for the people in Maine, and then in Michigan and across the country. Greg is well prepared to meet this new challenge and his experience will ensure a smooth transition into the next Congress. I'm proud of our team and look forward to continuing to serve the people of the 12th Congressional District. Sunstrum has been Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff since Dingell came to Congress in 2015. He advised Dingell in the areas of healthcare, autos, and pensions issues she cares deeply about and are pivotal her legislative agenda. Sunstrum began his career on Capitol Hill working for Former Congressman John Dingell after graduating from the University of Michigan. Sunstrum grew up in Dearborn, MI. Every day it's an honor to come to work on behalf of the hard-working men and women of Southeast Michigan, said Sunstrum. Michigan's 12th Congressional District is my home and I'm eager to continue fighting for the issues that will make a difference in the lives of Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-pension-committee,Dingell Statement on Pension Committee,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement after the Pension Select Committee announced it could not reach an agreement by the November 30 deadline: While it's disappointing that the Joint Select Committee could not reach an agreement prior toNovember 30, our commitment to protecting pensions will not waver. The Committee did invaluable work in shining light on this looming catastrophe and bringing a diverse group of stakeholders together to discuss solutionsto bring much-needed certainty and relief to worried pensioners. But there remains an urgent need to act. The PBGC will run out of funds by 2025 and millions of retirees pensions will be at risk sooner than that. Our to-do list only grows longer as wecontinue our work to find a solution that protects pensions workers have earned, gives employers the certainty they need, and puts the entire multiemployer system on solid footing going forward. Pension Select Committee Co-Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) announced a commitment to keep working toward a solution to fix the pension crisis despite not meeting the November 30 deadline. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-lawrence-frankel-speier-kuster-call-sec-devos-rescind-title-ix,"Reps. Lawrence, Frankel, Speier, Kuster Call on Sec. DeVos to Rescind Title IX Proposed Rules",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, the leadership of the Democratic Women's Working Group (DWWG), Representatives Jackie Speier (CA-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), as well as Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) and 76 of their House colleagues sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos condemning her recently proposed rule for Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX). The letter urges Secretary DeVos to withdraw these dangerous proposed policy changes and arrange meetings with a broad range of survivors and survivor advocacy organizations to develop meaningful guidance on Title IX that protects all students. This rule is a blatant attempt to silence survivors of sexual harassment and violence and force them back into the shadows. A year after the Me Too movement went viral, we will not tolerate a system that shames and blames victims, the Representatives said. The epidemic of sexual harassment and violence in our K-12 schools and on college campuses continues to be a threat to students' rights to pursue their education. We cannot condone proposals that will result in fewer survivors coming forward to report their assaults and make it harder for those who do to seek justice. You must do more, not less, to ensure the safety of students across the country. The proposed rule is Secretary DeVos' latest attempt to roll back protections for survivors of sexual harassment and violence in our K-12 schools and on college campuses. In September of 2017, the Department of Education received over 16,000 formal comments during the public comment period on deregulation, which showed overwhelming support for the Obama Administration's 2011 and 2014 Title IX guidance documents. This guidance built upon previous policy precedent from the Clinton and G.W. Bush administrations. Despite this support Secretary DeVos chose to rescind these critical civil rights documents and released inadequate interim guidance that has left schools and survivors in limbo for over a year. The Representatives asked Secretary DeVos to respond within two weeks of receipt of the letter. A copy of the letter is attached to this press release. The complete list of cosigners are as follows: Reps. Jackie Speier (CA-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Alma Adams (NC-12), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24 ), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-27), David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Susan Davis (CA-53), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Elizabeth H. Esty (CT-05), John Garamendi (CA-03), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Denny Heck (WA-10), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson (GA-04), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Al Lawson Jr. (FL-05), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-09), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Jacky Rosen (NV-03), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Janice Schakowsky (IL-O9), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Dina Titus (NV-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Peter J. Visclosky (IN-01), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Peter Welch (VT-AL), Fredrica S. Wilson (FL-24), and John Yarmuth (KY-03). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-planned-signing-new-nafta,Levin Statement on Planned Signing of New NAFTA,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Sandy Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement regarding the planned signing of the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): The fatal flaw of the original NAFTA signed 25 years ago the lack of assured and real labor reform in Mexico remains the major weakness of the new NAFTA, or USMCA, being signed tomorrow. The agreement fails to forcefully and directly address, in language and in practice, this fundamental issue. Failing that, it will only lock in the status quo of massive outsourcing to Mexico for decades to come and its consequences. Under NAFTA, Mexico sought to attract foreign capital by keeping workers' wages at rock bottom levels through the denial of basic labor rights. Mexico now has close to the lowest worker pay in the entire industrial world lower than even China. This not only denied Mexican workers a path to the middle class, but also suppressed wages and took jobs from U.S. workers, especially in auto manufacturing and parts. The election of new leadership in Mexico provides that, after 25 years of a trade agreement built on the lowest economic common denominator, there is hope that there will be real change. But hope must become reality in the daily lives of workers. The initial breakthrough of the May 10th provision on labor standards must lead to a dramatic change in the status quo. Mexico's industrial policy of suppressed wages must be dismantled. This means direct steps to end Mexico's thousands of so-called protection contracts, signed without the support or even the knowledge of workers, as well as other key reforms must take place before the U.S. Congress votes on any new NAFTA. And there must be strong assurances of continued, vigorous enforcement. Indirect efforts, such as new rules of origin, will simply not get the job done. Anything less would be a grave injustice to American workers and likely a dead-end in a new Democratic House of Representatives. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bill-to-commemorate-end-of-wwii-passes-senate,Peters Bill to Commemorate End of WWII Passes Senate,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.18 Peters Bill to Commemorate End of WWII Passes Senate WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today applauded Senate passage of legislation he introduced to establish a commemorative program ahead of the 75th anniversary of World War II in 2020. The program's goals are to honor veterans, educate the public about the history of World War II, highlight the service of the men and women who served our nation on the home front during the war, recognize the contributions of our allies and remember the horrors of the Holocaust. Peters, who is a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and the son of a World War II veteran, introduced the bill with Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dean Heller (R-NV). When the forces of tyranny threatened the annihilation of our values and our way of life, an entire generation of Americans answered the call to defeat evil in its worst forms, said Senator Peters. I am pleased the Senate has passed this bipartisan effort to honor the servicemen and women of World War II as we approach the 75th anniversary of the end of the war. Michigan built the Arsenal of Democracy that overwhelmed the Axis Powers on battlefields across the globe, and this legislation will ensure the war and its impact on history will always be remembered. The legislation, 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act, would authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program that supports federal, state and local governments as well as non-profit organizations and groups organizing commemorative events and direct the Department of Defense to consult with United States Holocaust Memorial Museum regarding commemorative activities. Federal funding for the program would be matched with private donations and in-kind contributions to support federal, state and local governments as well as non-profit organizations and groups conducting 75th Anniversary of World War II commemorative activities. Peters has been a strong voice in Congress for our nation's servicemembers and veterans. In 2016, President Obama signed into law Peters' amendment to help veterans erroneously discharged from the military due to behavior linked to mental traumas, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Most recently, Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to update the current funereal benefit system for eligible veterans to treat all non-service connected deaths equally, regardless of where the veteran passes away. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-calls-president-trump-work-democrats-national,Congressman Dan Kildee Calls on President Trump to Work with Democrats on National Manufacturing Policy to Support American Workers,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kildee Speaks on the House Floor Against Plant Closures, Layoffs WASHINGTON Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) spoke out on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today, November 28, 2018, against recent manufacturing plant closures in Michigan. During his speech, Kildee expressed the need for the President to work with a new Democratic majority in the 116th Congress on national manufacturing and trade policy that supports American workers, not just the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations. On October 31, 2016, during the campaign, then-Candidate Trump traveled to Warren, Michigan, and promised Michigan workers that you won't lose one plant. I promise you that. One of the plant closures announced this week was just miles from where Trump spoke in 2016. The full video of Congressman Kildee's remarks on the House floor can be found here: A full transcript of the speech is below: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During the campaign, then-Candidate Trump came to Warren, Michigan and promised workers and, I quote, You won't lose one plant. I promise you that.' The President's promises ring hollow. Just this week, General Motors planned to close five plants, including factories in Michigan just miles where President Trump made his broken campaign promise. These plant closures are symbolic of the Trump economy, one that does not work for the American worker. It works for board room executives. It works for wealthy shareholders. It works for corporations and the people at the very top. I'm a Flint, Michigan, kid. General Motors was founded in my hometown. We know what happens when companies move their jobs overseas. We used to have 80,000 auto jobs in my town, now less than 10,000. These plant closures have a devastating impact on the lives of thousands of people. We need an economy that works for everyone and we need a President that's willing to work with Democrats and Republicans to craft an industrial policy that puts America to work, that stands up for the American worker. No more hollow promises, Mr. President. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-ford-jobs-announcement,Dingell Statement on Ford Jobs Announcement,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) made the following statement after Ford announcement about jobs: Ford's announcement today continues to be a warning about the strength of the auto industry in this country. We all must pay attention to what this means for workers, the industry, and the whole economy. While I am deeply disturbed at the elimination of a shift in my district, I appreciate Ford's concern for their employees and their commitment to keeping jobs in the US. Democrats and Republicans must continue to work together to ensure we have a strong, healthy economy that supports workers, provides good-paying jobs, levels the playing field with strong consistent trade policies, and keeps our country as the world leader in transforming mobility. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-floor-remarks-opposing-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-nominee-kathleen-kraninger,Peters Floor Remarks Opposing Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Nominee Kathleen Kraninger,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.28.18 Peters Floor Remarks Opposing Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Nominee Kathleen Kraninger WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) spoke on the Senate floor today in opposition of the nomination of Kathleen Kraninger to be the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Below is video of his remarks and text as prepared for delivery: Mr. President, I rise today in opposition to the nomination of Kathleen Kraninger to be Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB. This is one of the most important positions in our entire government, a job dedicated to protecting consumers from fraudsters, predatory lending and dangerous financial products that can drive families to bankruptcy. Ms. Kraninger does not have the experience, or the values, to hold such an important job. She has fully endorsed this Administration's ongoing efforts to systematically dismantle protections for consumers. This time last year, I led over 40 of my colleagues in writing to the President urging him to nominate a professional, bipartisan expert with a proven record of being tough on financial institutions that rip off consumers. Instead, this Administration has spent the past year working to gut the CFPB under Interim Director Mulvaney. They have frozen data collection of consumer complaints and undermined enforcement tools. They have slow-walked enforcement actions and weakened protections for service members and seniors. They have stripped the Fair Lending Office of enforcement powers and closed the Office of Students and Young Consumers. Ms. Kraninger supports all of these actions, and all of these actions run contrary to the mission and purpose of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This nominee is not a bipartisan professional with a proven record of financial enforcement, she is a politically driven choice who will dismantle protections for our military and veterans, our students and seniors and all American consumers. Mr. President, I had the honor of serving on the Dodd-Frank Conference Committee, where we finalized the strongest Wall Street reform bill in generations and created the CFPB. I have spent the past decade defending the CFPB from one attack after another, efforts to cut off its funding, efforts to make it harder for them to hire qualified staff and efforts to make it harder for them to put in place important new protections for the American people. And Mr. President , it is unconscionable that this Administration will now spend the coming years attacking the CFPB from within by putting in place leadership that fundamentally does not believe in protecting consumers. We need to hold financial bad actors and special interests accountable, not let them set the CFPB's agenda. My Democratic colleagues and I told the President this a year ago and I'll say it again today, the nation needs a professional, bipartisan expert with a proven record of being tough on financial bad actors to run the CFPB. Ms. Kraninger does not meet this standard so I will oppose her nomination and urge my colleagues to join me. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-trump-s-economy-does-not-work-american-worker,Congressman Dan Kildee: Trumps Economy Does Not Work for the American Worker,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kildee Discusses General Motors' Decision to Lay Off Thousands of Workers in Michigan, North America WASHINGTON Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) appeared on CNN today, Tuesday, November 27, 2018, to discuss the recent announcement by General Motors to close five manufacturing plants in North America, including in Michigan. On CNN, Congressman Kildee stated GM's decision was symbolic of the Trump economy working for only the wealthiest Americans, shareholders and corporations. To me, this is really symbolic of the Trump economy. The Trump economy does not work for the American worker. It works for stockholders and people at the top. And he promised, actually on October 31, 2016, he was in Warren, Michigan, and he promised that no plants would close. He essentially made a guarantee. He's been made a fool of once again, Congressman Kildee said. This is why the President needs to stop tweeting about this. He needs to stop bloviating about the promises that he is going to make, and he actually needs to roll up his sleeves and get to work on policy that actually helps American workers. So far, he has not done this. This Trump economy rewards people at the top and then leaves autoworkers looking for a job after 20 or 25 years, Congressman Kildee continued. The full video can be found here: A full transcript of the interview is below: BROOKE BALDWIN: The President tweeted he is disappointed in GM and its CEO and is now looking at cutting all GM subsidies. With me now, Congressman Dan Kildee, a Democratic Congressman from Michigan where two of these two GM plants, Warren and Detroit, are set to close. So, Congressman Kildee, thank you for being with me, first of all. Let's begin with the Presidents tweets. Have you looked, and how would you respond? REP. DAN KILDEE: Well I just saw them, and it doesn't make any sense. This is no coordinated policy on his part. What it looks like to me, is that the President has been made a fool of by his own words and now he is trying to hit back. He's trying to divert attention back to General Motors by, again, threatening them with something that would cause the loss of additional jobs. It just doesn't make sense. To me, this is really symbolic of the Trump economy. The Trump economy does not work for the American worker. It works for stockholders and people at the top. And he promised, actually on October 21, 2016, he was in Warren, Michigan, and he promised the no plants would close. He essentially made a guarantee. He's been made a fool of once again, and now he is just hitting back to try and divert attention from his own failures. BROOKE BALDWIN: Can you explain to people who don't work in the American auto industry, who are hearing cutting subsidies' and they're thinking, what does that mean?' I mean what's the real-life impact on for these hardworking Americans in your home state? REP. DAN KILDEE: Well it translates to jobs. The tax subsidies that are generally put in place to incentivize new product development ultimately can lead to new lines of cars being produced. That means jobs for Americans. So, the idea that the President would cut thoselook I get it, I understand it. I'm frustrated too. I'm not happy with General Motors. But President Trump can't have it both ways. He can't run for election on the absolute promise that he is bringing these jobs back, and the specific promise to the people of Warren, Michigan, that they would not lose their factory. And then, when they do lose their factory, when those Americans do lose their jobs after having made sacrifices to keep that company open, he tries to divert attention and take the attention away from his failure to keep his promise. It was a promise that nobody believed he could keep anyway. BROOKE BALDWIN: Do you think that will work with your constituents? Do you think that will work with your constituents, many of whom voted for him? I mean there hadn't been a Republican go that way since 1988 for a President. Will they believe what you're saying? REP. DAN KILDEE: I don't think they care about what we say. I think what they care about is what happens to them in their own lives. And this is why the President needs to stop tweeting about this. He needs to stop bloviating about the promises that he is going to make, and he actually needs to roll up his sleeves and get to work on policy that actually helps American workers. So far, he has not done this. This Trump economy rewards people at the top and then leaves autoworkers looking for a job after twenty or twenty-five years. After having sacrificed to keep that company opened to see their jobs taken away just proves that this President is not what he says he is. We saw that, hopefully this opens the eyes to the American people. But, beyond that they don't care about that. The people, the workers back home want to see you roll up our sleeves and get to work, and actually create an economy that works for everybody. BROOKE BALDWIN: Listen, I have been, I have reported from the assembly lines at one of those plants in Warren, Michigan. I've spoken with these good folks that you are referring to, and I hear you talking about, you know, the Presidents promises, and putting blame on the President who has been made to look a fool, but when you talk about the future of cars in America, you know one of the reasons GM felt this move was necessary, was they make a lot of sedans. And the fact is, you know, Americans increasingly prefer SUVs and not to mention the Trump tariffs are creating bigger costs for the automaker, and then GM is seeing the industry changing. Congressman, why aren't they allowed to adapt? REP. DAN KILDEE: They should be allowed to adapt. My message to GM is build those cars here. Build those trucks here. If the industry is changing, if the products that the Americans want to purchase, or the rest of the world want to purchase, if that product is changing build them in the country that rescued the American auto industry. Build them in the country that made sure that the industry and that company specifically stayed alive at its moment of greatest need. I don't remember the Mexican government or the Chinese government stepping up when the American auto industry was flat on its back. The American workers, specifically those auto workers, made sacrifices. They gave up wages. They gave up benefits. Many of them gave up retirements in order to preserve that company, and now we see when they want to change the distribution of the manufacturing, the choice being to move away from American manufacturing. I understand changing product lines. I'm from Flint, Michigan. We've been able to adapt over the years. We can do that. The American worker can build anything, just give them a chance. BROOKE BALDWIN: Quickly, Congressman Kildee. Did you reach out to the President about any of this before the announcement? REP. DAN KILDEE: No, because we, I was little irritated by that too, we heard about the announcement on CNN. So, we did not get a call from General Motors, we did not get any heads up from the White House. But believe me, we clearly are reaching out to the White House to talk about this. BROOKE BALDWIN: Did you reach out at all? I mean that's unfortunate that you heard about it from us, but have you reached out at all since? Or even Mary Barra? Any conversations? Because separately we heard from Larry Kudlow a bit ago, and he was saying that he had had a conversation with Mary yesterday, and that he said workers may be able to transfer to other plants. And he mentioned Michigan. REP. DAN KILDEE: Well, here is the problem. When you reduce the overall workforce, and workers have to travel to another state to keep their job other workers are still being displaced. So, you know, I think this is often the way explained in ways that nobody is going to lose their job, because they will have the opportunity to transfer to a place where they don't know anyone, or they have no family, or they have no roots. And there is still a net loss of manufacturing jobs that support so many other jobs in those communities. A single manufacturing job in my hometown of Flint, Michigan supports seven other jobs in the local economy. So, this is not just autoworkers that are impacted. This is again, another hit to places like Youngstown and Warren, and all those communities that build great products with great workers who ought to be given a chance to continue to do that. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-dismissal-siddiqui-family-lawsuit,Dingell Statement on Dismissal of Siddiqui Family Lawsuit,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"TAYLOR, MI Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) made the following statement after a judge dismissed the Siddiqui Family's lawsuit against the US Marine Corps: We have a moral responsibility to hold those responsible accountable for Private Siddiqui's death and continue to pursue justice for the Siddiqui family. No family should have to endure this kind of tragedy. I continue to believe that the coroner should revisit the suicide declaration as even the Marine's investigation shows not all the facts were present at the time of the ruling. My office remains committed to serving the Siddiqui family through their loss and help them find any peace of mind possible. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-gm-plant-closures-announcement,Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on GM Plant Closures Announcement,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) made the following statement after General Motor's announcement about job cuts: As many prepare to enjoy this holiday season with family and friends, thousands of autoworkers abruptly received word that they must now prepare to be unemployed. This decision will have a profoundly damaging effect on American workers and families; many of whom live in communities in dire need of more job opportunities, not less. As the Representative of constituents who will be directly affected by the Metro Detroit area plant closures, this decision is an especially hard-hit home to the Motor City and many Michiganders. Too many hard-working Americans face challenges in safeguarding worker's rights and job security protections all while dealing with the daily trials of income inequality. This is a time for us to come together and do all we can to support our American workforce. I have spoken with the UAW Regional Director in Michigan, and I look forward to working with them to find solutions and support for those who have been affected by these closures and cuts. Innovation and upward mobility of our American companies is certainly important for our economy; however, this success should not be at the expense of our American workforce. I have personally reached out to the GM CEO to speak on this matter and am awaiting a response. Also, Congress must do more to ensure that our laws and regulation protect our American workers as our auto industries continues their legacy as one of the great prides of our nation. We will continue to be engaged on the frontlines in support of our American workforce. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-responds-gm%E2%80%99s-announced-job-losses,Levin Responds to GMs Announced Job Losses,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Sandy Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement in response to General Motors' announced plans to stop production at 5 of its plants, including one in Warren, MI: The recent General Motors announcement must serve as a major wake up call - for the entire nation, not only workers. The GM announcement highlights the grievous flaw in the old NAFTA, which remains with the new one as currently negotiated. Mexico's persistent, suppressed low wages of a few dollars per hour caused a major outsourcing of vehicle and supplier production to Mexico, suppressing American wages and creating job loss. A signing of the new NAFTA as negotiated and implemented to date will only bake in the old NAFTA for another 30 years, absent dramatic new changes in law and in practice. Not changes in rules of origin or loose talk about tariffs. The outsourcing over the years to Mexico involved trucks and SUVs and their components, now the major source of American purchases for passenger vehicles. The failure to act on our past pleas to face up to this reality will hopefully now be heard and acted on by responsible parties. Rep. Levin has continually pressed for real labor reform in Mexico. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-colleagues-urge-hud-to-improve-oversight-of-lead-poisoning-prevention-programs,"Peters, Colleagues Urge HUD to Improve Oversight Of Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs",2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.27.18 Peters, Colleagues Urge HUD to Improve Oversight Of Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), along with nine of his Senate colleagues, sent a letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) urging the agency to immediately improve its oversight of lead-based paint hazards in federally-assisted housing to ensure that families and children are protected from exposure to lead. The letter comes on the heels of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommending that HUD take immediate action to improve all of its protocols for identifying and remediating the presence of lead-based paint hazards in federally-assisted housing. While we appreciate HUD's recent efforts to adopt a lower blood lead level threshold equivalent to the CDC's standard for lead exposure in children that requires action, the GAO report makes clear that HUD should improve virtually all of its protocols for identifying and remediating the presence of lead-based paint hazards in federally-assisted housing,the Senators wrote.Given the overwhelming evidence of the dire long-term health and financial costs associated with lead poisoning, we urge HUD to take immediate action to implement the recommendations outlined in the GAO report. Peters authored a bipartisan amendment with Senator Todd Young (R-IN) that passed the Senate earlier this year requiring the GAO to conduct a study investigating the current efforts of HUD and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mitigate exposure to lead, including through home demolitions and renovations.Joining Peters on the letter are U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Patty Murray (D-WA). According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead-based paint hazards, such as dust containing lead and chips from deteriorated lead-based paint, are the most common source of lead exposure for U.S. children. A 2011 HUD survey found that lead-based paint is in roughly 37 million U.S. homes, of which 93 percent were built before 1978the year lead-based paint use in housing was banned in the United States. A copy of the letter can be foundhereand below: November 26, 2018 Dear Secretary Carson: We urge the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to quickly implement recommendations outlined in the recently released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, Lead Paint in Housing: HUD Should Strengthen Grant Processes, Compliance Monitoring, and Performance Assessment, to ensure that families and children living in federally assisted housing are protected from the devastating consequences of lead poisoning. We believe addressing the concerns outlined in the GAO report is crucial to fulfilling HUD's role to provide access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Lead hazards in a home pose serious health and safety threats to children. Lead poisoning causes significant health, neurological, behavioral, intellectual, and academic impairments. When absorbed into the body, especially in young children, lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development and growth, and cause learning or behavioral problems. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead-based paint hazards, such as dust containing lead and chips from deteriorated lead-based paint, are the most common source of lead exposure for U.S. children. A 2011 HUD survey found that lead-based paint is in roughly 37 million U.S. homes, of which 93 percent were built before 1978the year lead-based paint use in housing was banned in the United States. HUD has the responsibility to provide Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with resources to address lead-based paint hazards, including providing guidelines and awarding grants to help identify and remediate lead-based paint in federally assisted housing. The GAO report concluded that opportunities exist for improvement in HUD's oversight, inspection, performance assessment, and reporting of its lead hazard grant and rental assistance programs. The report found that HUD can improve its implementation of lead paint hazards programs in the following ways: better documenting and evaluating to ensure that residents of PHAs that are most at-risk of lead are receiving the targeted resources they need; ensuring compliance by PHAs of existing lead paint hazard regulations; and implementing a comprehensive performance assessment, reporting, and communication strategy for PHAs to ensure that they are complying with existing lead paint mitigation procedures and controls. While we appreciate HUD's recent efforts to adopt a lower blood lead level threshold equivalent to the CDC's standard for lead exposure in children that requires action, the GAO report makes clear that HUD should improve virtually all of its protocols for identifying and remediating the presence of lead-based paint hazards in federally-assisted housing. Given the overwhelming evidence of the dire long-term health and financial costs associated with lead poisoning, we urge HUD to take immediate action to implement the recommendations outlined in the GAO report and to provide us with an update no later than December 14, 2018. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-general-motors-decision-close-plants-cut,"Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on General Motors Decision to Close Plants, Cut Thousands of Jobs",2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement following General Motors' announcement that they will close five North American factories and cut thousands of jobs in Michigan and across the country: The American people and the federal government have supported General Motors through difficult times and the industry should have the back of American workers. In a time of huge corporate tax cuts and back-to-back years of record operating profits, General Motors should be investing in American workers, not shipping jobs overseas. Auto workers made sacrifices during the Great Recession and it is wrong to lay off thousands of American manufacturing jobs now. I ask that General Motors reconsider its plan to close these plants and lay off thousands of American workers. America has the best workers in the world. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-support-nancy-pelosi-speaker-house,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee in Support of Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement in support of Nancy Pelosi to be the Speaker of the House in the 116th Congress: When my hometown of Flint needed help, Nancy Pelosi came to me and asked what she could do to make sure Flint families got justice and the resources they needed to recover. She has not only visited Flint multiple times, but she worked with me to pass a $170 million aid package that is helping to replace lead pipes and expand access to health care for Flint families. This Flint aid package was no small feat, especially in a Republican-controlled Congress. But Nancy Pelosi never gave up on Flint and got the job done. It is exactly this type of commitment that we need from the next Speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi is tough and knows how to get things done. Because of her leadership, millions of Americans have access to health care, workers have stronger on-the-job protections and better wages, and our country is a more equal place for all Americans. There is a lot of work to do in the 116th Congress, and a new Democratic majority must get to work on day one on the kitchen table issues that matter most to the American people: lowering the cost of health care premiums and prescription drugs, improving our roads, bridges and water systems, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and cleaning up government. Nancy Pelosi is the right person to lead a new Democratic majority that will focus on these important issues. I fully support Nancy Pelosi to be the Speaker of the House in the 116th Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-gm-jobs-announcement,Dingell Statement on GM Jobs Announcement,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"DEARBORN, MI Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) made the following statement after GM's announcement about jobs: This is a warning and we all must be concerned about protecting jobs and keeping them in this country. I care deeply about working families hearing this news right now. If we want our auto industry to continue to be the global leader in transforming mobility, federal policy must ensure we keep them at the forefront of innovation and technology. Congress must work together on bipartisan policies that keep manufacturing jobs in this country, develops clean energy, and supports infrastructure to transform our mobility future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/statement-congressional-ukraine-caucus-co-chairs-aggressive-russian-naval-attack,Statement from Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs on Aggressive Russian Naval Attack Against Ukraine,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressional Ukraine Caucus Chairs, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Andy Harris (R-MD), Sander Levin (D-MI), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) issued a statement rebuking the Russian Federation's aggressive attack on Ukraine near the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov: As co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, we strongly condemn Russia's dangerous naval assault on Ukrainian ships. This episode, as well as Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports, is a deeply disturbing sign of continued Russian aggression in its efforts to tighten its bloody grip and illegitimate occupation of the Crimean peninsula. We join the international community and our NATO allies in resolute affirmation of the fact that Crimea and its surrounding waters belong to Ukraine. We call on Russian authorities, in accordance with international law, to cease any and all interference with access to Ukrainian ports and the Azov Sea. Russia must end this bloody and unjust occupation of Ukrainian sovereign territory. Six soldiers were injured and three Ukrainian naval ships, along with the crew members, were captured. Read more about the attack here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-gm-production-announcement,Peters Statement on GM Production Announcement,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.26.18 Peters Statement on GM Production Announcement WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement on General Motors' announcement to end production at plants in North America, including the Detroit-Hamtramck facility: I'm extremely disappointed by GM's announcement to cut thousands of jobs, and my heart goes out to the Michigan workers and their families who are receiving this terrible news during the holiday season. As GM considers further investment and employment decisions, I strongly encourage them to hire, invest and grow here in the United States. American workers make the best products, and they can outcompete anyone when given a level playing field. Congress and the Trump Administration must focus on policies that encourage automakers to invest in American R&D and manufacturing facilities to create good-paying jobs in the United States and ensure continued American leadership in the automotive industry. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-the-general-motors-plant-closures-in-michigan-,Senator Stabenow Statement on the General Motors Plant Closures in Michigan,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Statement on the General Motors Plant Closures in Michigan Monday, November 26, 2018 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today released the following statement after General Motors announced they plan to close plants in Detroit-Hamtramck and Warren: I am deeply disappointed by the GM plant closures announcement today and the devastating impact it will have on our workers, their families and our communities. Michigan has the best autoworkers in the world and I know there's no job that they can't handle. As GM considers future investments and products, it is critical that those investments be madein Michigan - not overseas! And most importantly it is critical to find opportunities for the workers who've lost their jobs because of today's announcement. I will continue to stand with Michigan's autoworkers and our communities no matter what. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-remembers-holodomor-special-plenary-session-ukrainian-parliament,Levin Remembers Holodomor at Special Plenary Session of Ukrainian Parliament,2018-11-23,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Sandy Levin (D-MI) delivered remarks during a special plenary session of the Ukrainian Parliament commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Ukraine Famine-Genocide, known as the Holodomor. Rep. Levin is a co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. He authored legislation that facilitated the creation of the Holodomor Memorial in Washington, D.C. near the U.S. Capitol. He is the lead sponsor of H.Res.931, which raises awareness of the Holodomor. The following are his remarks before the Ukrainian Parliament, as prepared: --- (Remarks As Prepared) Many decades ago, when I was at college, I read a book about the Soviet Union. I found the book an overall exoneration of the Soviet Union's lack of democracy and its embrace of authoritarianism. What literally jumped off the page for me was treatment of a subject that was new to methe famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. The author claimed that the stories of the famine were exaggerated suggesting that there were many fewer millions of lives lost than had been said by others. This dangerously dismissive and insensitive language stayed etched in my memory throughout the years. It stayed with me as part of a Congressional delegation visiting Sarajevo, Serbia and Croatia and meeting with President Slobodan Milosevic. It stayed with me when Elie Wiesel urged President Clinton not to forget Bosnia. In 1992, my Congressional district included an area with a large Ukrainian American community. The relationships that I developed and the conversations that we engaged in on a wide range of issues over two decades were vital to my work in Congress. What ensued was the formation of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus in 1997. It allowed Members of Congress from around the country with a special interest in Ukraine to join together and work together on issues important to Ukraine and the Ukrainian-American relationship. I remember vividly joining the protest at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington during the Orange Revolution, when the government then in power overturned the democratic vote in Ukraine. It also was a remarkable experience to join the protest rally outside the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren, MI during the Revolution of Dignity, the fifth anniversary of which also is being acknowledged these days. Those experiences and many others that I shared with the Ukrainian American community over these past four decades inspired me to introduce the resolution in Congressa long effortthat led to the building of the magnificent monument to Holodomor in Washington. This touching monument located so prominently near the United States Capitol is an important acknowledgement of this terrible stain in global history and a vital learning experience for generations to come. Holodomor is a reminder of the value of democracy. The truth about the famine was suppressed by the totalitarian Soviet regime. One of the advantages of democracy is that there are more ways for the truth to be brought out, and fewer barriers to overcome. Holodomor is both a cry for freedom and a cry against authoritarianism. As Winston Churchill said, No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. He went on to say that Democracy is the worst form of government but it's better than all other forms. Democracy can sure be very messy, but its goal can be far better than a worst form of government. Today, there is a dangerous tilt to authoritarianism in many places around the world. This makes Ukraine's struggle to resist aggression, safeguard its independence, and develop democracy all the more important. Holodomor was a weapon of a dictator against the Ukrainian people; such a tragedy should deepen our determination to fight for freedom and democracy, rather than make heroes out of dictators. Ukraine has witnessed firsthand that the challenges of democracy are not easily overcome. That makes it all the more important to overcome the threats to democracy, such as injustice and corruption. The United States must support Ukraine in its efforts. It was deeply painful but essential to read the stories in Anne Applebaum's new book Red FamineStalin's War on Ukraine. She told how Ukrainian peasants were forced to make a fatal choice. They could give up their grain reserves and die of starvation or they could keep some grain reserves hidden and risk arrest, execution, or the confiscation of their foodafter which they would also die of starvation. She described this poignant memory of one person: The mothers with babies in their arms made the strongest impression... I remember seeing one such mother who looked more like a shadow than a human being. She was standing by the side of the road, and her little skeleton of a child, instead of suckling her mother's empty breast, sucked its own small knuckles thinly covered with translucent skin. I have no idea how many of the unfortunates I saw managed to survive. Every morning on my way to work I saw bodies on the pavements, in ditches, under a bush or a tree, which were later carried away. Personal stories must be recounted and remembered. A genocide, if not clearly told, can facilitate another. I would like to acknowledge Borys Potapenko, a Ukrainian American community leader with whom I have worked for nearly 40 years and who did so much to make this visit possible. I am very grateful to all of you for inviting me to share this commemoration of Holodomor with the hope that it can and will lead to a more humane and just society and world. My budama pamya tatay ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-and-joyce-urge-president-budget-robust-glri-funding,Levin and Joyce Urge President to Budget Robust GLRI Funding,2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Sandy Levin (MI-09) and Dave Joyce (OH-14) led a bipartisan letter signed by over 40 Members of Congress urging President Trump to allocate robust funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in his Fiscal Year 2020 budget proposal. The Great Lakes are a vital resource for our nation important to its health and economic wellbeing which is why the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to garner broad, bipartisan support for robust funding year after year, said Rep. Levin. The Great Lakes are a national treasure, said Rep. Joyce. Our nation depends on the lakes as a mode of transportation and shipping and a source of drinking water for the region, not to mention the recreational benefits that draw millions of visitors annually. We must protect this critical resource. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects remove barriers to fish spawning areas, restore beneficial uses in Ohio's Areas of Concern, reduce harmful algal blooms and protect natural habitats. I am proud to lead yet another letter requesting full funding for the GLRI. The GLRI program supports federal agencies making grants to local and state entities for toxic cleanup projects, coastline as well as wetlands restoration projects and invasive species-related projects. The President's 2018 budget proposal would have zeroed out funding for the program and the President proposed cutting the program's 2019 budget by ninety percent. Bipartisan efforts led by Reps. Levin, Joyce, and Congressional colleagues from the Great Lakes region saw funding restored through the appropriations process. This summer, the House approved GLRI funding at the full, $300 million level. To read and download the letter, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-nomination-andrew-wheeler-epa-administrator,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on the Nomination of Andrew Wheeler as EPA Administrator,2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump nominated acting-Administrator Andrew Wheeler to become the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator: Trump's nomination of Andrew Wheeler as EPA Administrator continues this Administration's attack on our environment and public health. As Acting Administrator, Andrew Wheelera former coal lobbyistrepealed the Clean Power Plan, delayed updates to the Lead and Copper rule, failed to prevent exposure to harmful PFAS chemicals and supported the President's budget cuts to the Great Lakes. I ask my colleagues in the Senate to oppose Andrew Wheeler's nomination and urge the Trump Administration to nominate an EPA administrator that will uphold the EPA's mission to protect our environment and the health of Michigan families. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-stands-against-public-charge-rule-change-unfair-harmful,"Dingell Stands Up Against Public Charge Rule Change; Unfair, Harmful Immigration Standards",2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) filed official public comments with the Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services in opposition to a proposed rule that changes longstanding immigration policy on the public charge determination. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, if finalized, would fundamentally change who is allowed to enter or stay in the United States based on their use of public benefits in the future. The proposal broadens the public charge definition, expands the types of benefits for consideration, and suggests introducing an unprecedented income test and negative factors against immigrants seeking a visa or permanent legal status including being a child or a senior, non-English speakers, poor credit history, having a large family, or a treatable medical condition. In her public comments, Dingell wrote, Diversity is one of this nation's greatest strengths. The proposed rule would make harmful changes to longstanding immigration policy on the public charge determination, which fails to live up to our shared American values. On behalf of many of my constituents who work in assisting immigrants tobuild new lives and all those who could be affected, we object to the changes in the proposed rule and urge you to withdraw it. Dingell continued, We need to put a human face on this debate. The proposed rule would unfairly penalize a pregnant mother, here under expiring Temporary Protected Status and receiving Medicaid, seeking a green card to stay in the country with her husband, or a graduate student with DACA status who incurred a medical bill because they were not eligible for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and now has a temporarily low credit score. The United States has always kept our doors open for those seeking a better life for them and their families and we should not retreat from that commitment. You can read Dingell's public comments in full here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-upton-take-action-protect-seniors-impoverishment-due-long-term,"Dingell, Upton Take Action to Protect Seniors from Impoverishment Due to Long-Term Care Costs",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Fred Upton (R-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to extend financial protections to seniors who receive long-term care in their home or a community setting. Medicaid the primary payer for long-term care, services, and supports includes protections to prevent a spouse from depleting all their financial resources due to a significant others' long-term care needs. In order to maintain Medicaid eligibility, beneficiaries with a family member needing long-term care, services, or supports may be put in a situation where they need to spend down their resources, or potentially bankrupt themselves, in order to get the care they need. Under current mandates, spousal impoverishment protections in Medicaid prevent unnecessary financial harm in cases where one spouse needs long-term care in a nursing home or institutional care facility. But protections for care at home or in the community which tends to be less costly and less disruptive for families are due to expire in a few weeks at the end of the year. In aneffort to erase the institutional bias that has led seniors to choose more costly nursing homes over impoverishment, Dingell and Upton have introduced the Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act. The legislation permanently extends spousal impoverishment protections for Medicaid beneficiaries receiving long-term care in a home or community care setting. Our long-term care system is broken, said Dingell. Seniors and their families already face too many challenges when navigating long-term care, and they should not have to get divorced or go broke just to be eligible for the care they need. Our bipartisan bill permanently extends spousal impoverishment protections to seniors no matter if they are receiving care in home, in the community, or in a nursing home facility. Long-term care for our seniors and their families should be about improving quality of life, said Upton. Our bipartisan bill does that. It will help seniors protect their nest eggs and improve home and community-based services here in Michigan and across the country. I'm glad to partner with Rep. Dingell to push this much-needed fix across the finish line. You can read the text of the Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act here. The Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act is supported by the National Council on Aging, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autism Society of America, Community Catalyst, National Association for Home Care & Hospice, Jewish Federations of North America, LeadingAge, National PACE Association, Center for Medicare Advocacy, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Center for Public Representation, and Justice in Aging. Older Americans needing long-term care are more likely to be able to stay out of nursing homes if they are married. Current law makes no sense - federal Medicaid protections for spouses of nursing home residents are permanent, but protections for spouses of those getting home care expire at the end of this year. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) strongly supports legislation introduced by Rep. Dingell to address this bias, keep older couples together, and reduce unnecessary nursing home placement, said Howard Bedlin, Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy of the National Council on Aging. Individuals who require assistance with daily activitiesshould be allowed to age in place and not be forced to go into a nursing homesimplyto protect their spouse from becoming poor. That's why we are extremely thankful to Rep. Dingell for introducing a billtoextend the mandate that Medicaid's spousal impoverishment protections for nursing home care also apply to home and community-based services, said Michael Amoruso, President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Justice in Aging strongly supports the Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act because it will give marriedseniors and people with disabilities a meaningful choice to age in place with their spouse and stay connected to their families and communities, without fear of financial ruin, said Kevin Prindiville, Executive Director of Justice in Aging. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswomen-lawrence-and-plaskett-lead-letter-president-trump,Congresswomen Lawrence and Plaskett Lead Letter to President Trump Condemning His Treatment of African American Women Journalists,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representatives Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) and Stacey Plaskett (VI) led a letter to President Donald Trump which raises concerns with his denigrating treatment of journalists, specifically his recent berating of three African American women journalists; Abby Phillip, April Ryan and Yamiche Alcindor. Equally important, the letter calls for an apology to these three women and to the American public. African American women in the United States have historically endured the duality of race and gender discrimination, intimidation and humiliation. President Trump has a history of berating and insulting women and minorities and his recent rhetoric only serves to perpetuate the deprecation of women, in particular African American women. As Vice Chair of the Democratic Women's Working Group (DWWG), an Executive Board Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and as an African American woman, I believe it is my duty to stand up and speak out against this kind of damaging and dangerous rhetoric. I am proud to join my colleagues in the DWWG and the CBC to make a clear and bold statement that these kinds of attacks are simply unacceptable. -Rep. Brenda L. Lawrence The freedom of the press should not be sacrificed because the President condemns its role in the world. The press is a mule used to express the sentiments of not only African Americans, but the American people. African American female journalists have changed the course of history through literature, spoken word and on the media. We will continue to advocate on behalf of the women that tell our story and the story of the American people. -Rep. Stacey Plaskett Lawrence and Plaskett were joined in sending the letter by 23 colleagues from the Democratic Women's Working Group and the Congressional Black Caucus. Full text of the letter and signatories can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-moolenaar-announce-senate-passage-of-legislation-naming-beaverton-post-office-after-wwii-veteran,"Peters, Stabenow, Moolenaar Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Beaverton Post Office after WWII Veteran",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.18 Peters, Stabenow, Moolenaar Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Beaverton Post Office after WWII Veteran WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04) today announced that the Senate has passed H.R. 6116 to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 362 North Ross Street in Beaverton as the Colonel Alfred Asch Post Office. Colonel Asch was a native of Beaverton and a decorated World War II combat veteran. This legislation, authored by Congressman John Moolenaar, passed the House of Representatives in September and Senators Peters and Stabenowled the effort to pass it in the Senate. The bill now heads to the President's desk for signature. Throughout his distinguished military career, Colonel Asch displayed time and again the courage and conviction that was forged in Beaverton, said Senator Peters. Designating Beaverton's USPS Facility as the Colonel Alfred Asch Post Office is a fitting tribute to his years of exemplary service, and I am pleased to see this legislation move forward. We are so grateful for Colonel Asch, who helped defend our country during World War II and then continued to serve for many years in our military, said Senator Stabenow. I was glad to partner with Senator Peters and Congressman Moolenaar to pass this bill that honors Colonel Asch for his service. Colonel Asch was an American hero and it has been wonderful to lead this special effort honoring him as a proud son of Beaverton, said Congressman Moolenaar. He bravely flew missions during World War II, helped develop post-war civilian flight practices, and never forgot where he was from, funding a scholarship at CMU for Gladwin County residents. I am grateful to Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters for their support of this legislation honoring Colonel Asch. Colonel Alfred Al Asch, who was born and raised on a farm in Beaverton, flew many successful combat missions during World War II and was awarded 13 medals including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with the Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart. He passed away on December 8, 2013 at the age of 93. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-peters-moolenaar-announce-senate-passage-of-legislation-naming-beaverton-post-office-after-wwii-veteran,"Stabenow, Peters, Moolenaar Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Beaverton Post Office after WWII Veteran",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow, Peters, Moolenaar Announce Senate Passage of Legislation Naming Beaverton Post Office after WWII Veteran Friday, November 16, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04) today announced that the Senate has passed H.R. 6116 to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 362 North Ross Street in Beaverton as the Colonel Alfred Asch Post Office. Colonel Asch was a native of Beaverton and a decorated World War II combat veteran. This legislation, authored by Congressman John Moolenaar, passed the House of Representatives in September and Senators Stabenow and Peters led the effort to pass it in the Senate. The bill now heads to the President's desk for signature. We are so grateful for Colonel Asch, who helped defend our country during World War II and then continued to serve for many years in our military, said Senator Stabenow. I was glad to partner with Senator Peters and Congressman Moolenaar to pass this bill that honors Colonel Asch for his service. Throughout his distinguished military career, Colonel Asch displayed time and again the courage and conviction that was forged in Beaverton, said Senator Peters. Designating Beaverton's USPS Facility as the Colonel Alfred Asch Post Office is a fitting tribute to his years of exemplary service, and I am pleased to see this legislation move forward. Colonel Asch was an American hero and it has been wonderful to lead this special effort honoring him as a proud son of Beaverton, said Congressman Moolenaar. He bravely flew missions during World War II, helped develop post-war civilian flight practices, and never forgot where he was from, funding a scholarship at CMU for Gladwin County residents. I am grateful to Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters for their support of this legislation honoring Colonel Asch. Colonel Alfred Al Asch, who was born and raised on a farm in Beaverton, flew many successful combat missions during World War II and was awarded 13 medals including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with the Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart. He passed away on December 8, 2013 at the age of 93. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-offers-testimony-usitc-hearing-usmca,Levin Offers Testimony at USITC Hearing on USMCA,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Sandy Levin (D-MI) testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) this morning during its hearing on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a revision of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The following is the summary of his remarks, as prepared. The complete remarks, as prepared, may be viewed on the Congressman's website. --- (Summary of Remarks, As Prepared) The negative employment and wage effects of the current NAFTA arise from the failure to require real labor reform in Mexico. The result has been a fortification of very low wages in Mexico -- which has caused job loss and downward pressure on wages in the U.S. A new trade deal with Mexico must address this core problem directly and forcefully, which cannot occur by relying on changes to rules of origin, labor content rules, dispute settlement procedures or sunset clauses. A comprehensive ITC analysis of the USMCA is important to helping confront this fundamental issue. Failure to rectify the basic flaw in and the major source of controversy over NAFTA 25 years ago will jeopardize support from the new House Democratic majority. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-colleagues-call-for-increased-transparency-and-action-at-va-to-process-delayed-veterans-benefits-,"Senator Stabenow, Colleagues Call For Increased Transparency and Action at VA to Process Delayed Veterans Benefits",2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow, Colleagues Call For Increased Transparency and Action at VA to Process Delayed Veterans Benefits Thursday, November 15, 2018 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie to provide additional details about its efforts to expedite processing of living stipend payments for veterans receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Stabenow sent a letter with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Michael F. Bennet (D-CO) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). According to recent media reports, on-going problems with VA's IT system have resulted in many veterans not receiving the living stipend payments they use to pay for education and housing expenses in a timely manner, causing significant financial strain and hardship for veterans attempting to use the benefits they earned from their military service. Additionally, the senators requested that the Department confirm it will not retroactively collect overpayments to students resulting from other IT issues. Earlier this year, Stabenow introduced the Student Veterans Housing Act to ensure student veterans do not lose VA housing benefits in between academic semesters For many of our nation's veterans, the living stipend payments were expected by September 1, 2018, and the multi-month delays create a real crisis to not only their long-term education and career goals, but also their daily needs. Regardless of what caused or is causing the delay, we believe it is imperative for VA to address this issue with the urgency it deserves, wrote the senators in the letter. We will not stop pressing for information and action until every veteran receives the benefits they earned in their service to our country. As a nation we have a responsibility to be there for our veterans, and part of that duty involves fulfilling our promise to ensure they have access to education after they leave the service. These errors and delays undermine the intent of the GI Bill and put unnecessary and avoidable strain on veterans and their families during a critical time of transition, the senators added. It is believed hundreds of thousands of veterans receiving GI Bill benefits have been impacted by VA's processing delays, including more than 82,000 veterans who were still waiting to receive their housing payment as of November 8 according to VA data. Full text of the letter is below and the PDF is available HERE. November 13, 2018 The Honorable Robert Wilkie Secretary of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20571 Dear Secretary Wilkie: We are writing with significant concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' processing delays for veterans receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. For many of our nation's veterans, the living stipend payments were expected by September 1, 2018, and the multi-month delays create a real crisis to not only their long-term education and career goals, but also their daily needs. Regardless of what caused or is causing the delay, we believe it is imperative for VA to address this issue with the urgency it deserves. We will not stop pressing for information and action until every veteran receives the benefits they earned in their service to our country. The reported impact of these delayed benefits is significant. Media reports suggest between 340,000 and 360,000 veterans have been receiving the incorrect amount of money for their housing stipends due to ongoing information technology system failures at VA.[1] Additionally, reporting from last month suggests there is a backlog of between 140,000 and 228,000 pending education claims.[2] While we recognize that the policy for calculating Basic Allowance for Housing was recently revised and the number of claims overall has increased, these errors and corresponding delay are hurting veterans around the country who depend on these benefits to get the education they have earned. As of November 8, press reports citing VA data show over 82,000 veterans were still waiting on housing payments.[3] There is a serious risk of significant financial hardship or veterans even becoming homeless if they do not receive these payments. As a nation we have a responsibility to be there for our veterans, and part of that duty involves fulfilling our promise to ensure they have access to education after they leave the service. These errors and delays undermine the intent of the GI Bill and put unnecessary and avoidable strain on veterans and their families during a critical time of transition. We understand VA employees are working overtime and with additional support to address this challenge, but given the conflicting media accounts and the pressing nature of the concern, we ask for the following essential information necessary to conduct oversight on implementation of the GI Bill: An update on the number of veterans who are currently receiving the incorrect housing stipend amount, as well as an update on the number of education claims pending. The average wait time for payment of any education benefit claims, by type of claim. The number of regular or contract full-time equivalent (FTE) employees currently working to resolve the IT failure, disaggregated by hiring authority. The total number of FTEs receiving overtime pay for implementation, and the dollar amount of such overtime. A detailed report on the origin of the IT failures leading to processing delays, including when VA first became aware of the issue. An account of immediate steps being taken to ensure those veterans for whom the housing stipend is most essentialsuch as those with dependents or facing the risk of housing insecurity or homelessnessare prioritized. An account of why education claims are backlogged at a significantly higher rate than last year, and a plan for how VA will ensure this does not happen next year. Additionally, VA's education service has said processing times are higher in the fall since this is an entirely foreseeable issue, please describe what steps VA takes each year to increase processing capacity so wait times do not increase. We request periodic updates on the figures in questions one through four every two weeks until the problem is resolved. VA must also provide Congress with the steps it will take to ensure these issues never happen again. Finally, we ask that VA publicly confirm on its website that the agency will not retroactively collect overpayments to students resulting from the IT failures. These errors are not our veterans' fault and any collection will add further disruption and hardship to their education. [4] We appreciate all you do to ensure we live up to our duty to our veterans and hope to work with you and VA to ensure this issue is addressed as soon as possible. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-calls-congressional-debate-us-involvement-yemen-conflict,Dingell Calls for Congressional Debate on US Involvement in Yemen Conflict,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - After House Republican Leadership denied a floor vote on a War Powers resolution that would end U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell issued the following statement: The war in Yemen has cost thousands of lives and created a devastating humanitarian crisis, and U.S. participation in this conflict was never authorized by Congress. By preventing debate on the Yemen War Powers resolution, the current Republican leadership is abdicating Congress' Constitutional responsibilities in favor of short-term political considerations. U.S. military involvement in the Yemen conflict must be addressed by Congress, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that this resolution receives the consideration that it deserves. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-provision-establishing-great-lakes-coast-guard-center-of-expertise-passes-senate,Peters Provision Establishing Great Lakes Coast Guard Center of Expertise Passes Senate,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.14.18 Peters Provision Establishing Great Lakes Coast Guard Center of Expertise Passes Senate WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded passage of a provision he authored to establish a U.S. Coast Guard National Center of Expertise (NCOE) for the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes NCOE would examine the impacts of and develop responses to oil spills in freshwater environments. Current oil spill response technologies are primarily designed for saltwater environments. The Coast Guard Commandant told Peters at a hearing last year that the agency was not prepared for an oil spill in the Great Lakes, saying that more science and research must be done. Peters' provision passed as part of broader Coast Guard legislation. I was alarmed to hear from the Coast Guard that they are not able to adequately respond to an oil spill in the Great Lakes, putting at risk our economy, our environment and our drinking water, said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The Great Lakes Center of Expertise would leverage the good work already happening in Michigan to further advance research, development and testing of freshwater oil spill response equipment and protect the Great Lakes for generations to come. Peters' provision directs the NCOE for Great Lakes Oil Spill Preparedness and Response to be located near critical crude oil pipeline infrastructure in the Great Lakes and at an institution of higher education that has already has aquatic research facilities and expertise on Great Lakes water resources. Coast Guard NCOEs focus on different aspects of the Coast Guard's marine safety mission, including liquefied natural gas transport, the outer continental shelf, towing vessels and investigations among others. Among other issues, the COE will: Identify gaps in Great Lakes oil spill research, including an assessment of major scientific or technological deficiencies in responses to past spills in the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies, and seek to fill those gaps; Monitor and assess the current state of knowledge regarding freshwater oil spill response technologies and the behavior and effects of oil spills in the Great Lakes; Conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation for freshwater oil spill response equipment, technologies, and techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in the Great Lakes; Help train first responders on the federal, state and local level on the incident command structure system and response technologies and strategies; and Work with academic and the private sector to develop and standardize maritime oil spill response training. This legislation builds on Senator Peters' efforts to improve oversight of pipeline operations in the Great Lakes. Earlier this year, Peters held a Senate Commerce Committee field hearing in Traverse City on Line 5 that runs through the Straits of Mackinac. Last Congress, Peters helped pass bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the federal agency overseeing pipeline safety, which included provisions designating the Great Lakes an unusually sensitive area, subjecting the Great Lakes basin to higher standards for safe pipeline operation, and improving oil spill response plans to address ice cover. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-opening-remarks-at-field-summit-on-pfas-contamination,Peters Opening Remarks at Field Summit on PFAS Contamination,2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.18 Peters Opening Remarks at Field Summit on PFAS Contamination Peters: From across Michigan and the nation, communities are asking us: help protect our water. WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, today convened a subcommittee field summit in Grand Rapids, MI on contamination from Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The summit focused on how exposure to these chemicals impacts Michigan communities and will inform potential federal actions to support local efforts to address PFAS contamination. You can watch Senator Peters' opening remarks and video of each panel on his Facebook page. Below is the text of his opening remarks as prepared for delivery: Protect our water. We have to protect our water. It is as simple as that. That's why this September I convened the Senate's first hearing on highly-fluorinated chemicalsor PFAS to save a few syllables. These chemicals are widely used in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant upholstery, and many firefighting foams. They are toxic and not well regulated. Every day since the hearing in Washington DC, I have heard from mothers concerned about the tap water in their children's cups, from grandfathers afraid to serve fresh caught fish at the family dinner table, from home owners who see bone-white foam washing up on their docks and wonder if it's safe to swim, from firefighters, exposed to fluorinated foam for decades, who have sleepless nights before every health checkup. From across Michigan and the nation, communities are asking us: help protect our water. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and concern at the hearing in Washington. Dozens of Michiganders, including many of you here in the auditorium today, sacrificed their time and money to be there, in person, to tell the Committee, the Senate, and the nation: we have to protect our water. I know that so many more mothers and grandfathers and firefighters wanted to be with us in Washington but couldn't make the trip. That's why we are here today. I am honored to be in Grand Rapids to convene this field summit to discuss the emerging challenges related to PFAS contamination throughout our state. I appreciate the witnesses that have made time to be a part of this critical effort. I know that we share the overarching goal of protecting our water. The hearing last month was an eye-opening experience for many of my colleagues in Washington to the pervasive threat of PFAS contamination. Michiganders are unfortunately very familiar with water contamination and arefor good reasonhyper aware of the terrible consequence that federal, state, and local inaction can have on the health and well-being of our communities. Holding this summit here in Grand Rapids is intentional. Kent County has unfortunately identified a number of sites contaminated with PFAS. Toxic groundwater plumes impact thousands of residents, maybe tens of thousandsand that's part of the problem, we haven't conducted enough testing to know for sure. The consequences of improper waste disposal and industrial inaction have come back to haunt us in ways we are only beginning to understand. As the greater Grand Rapids community tackles the threat of PFAS the good news is that this area is uniquely equipped with the expertise, engagement, and philanthropic energy to overcome the challenges ahead. And through your hard work, you have gained the attention of people around the country. I am grateful to be here at Grand Valley State University, truly an impressive academic community that calls this area home, to highlight the importance of partnerships and collaboration. Our goal here today is not to simply call attention to the threat PFAS poses but to begin to identify a safer, healthier, and cleaner way forward. We must focus on solutions and be frank about the challenges that exist to meaningful progress at all levels of government. I appreciate the genuine engagement of all the participants today, each of whom I will introduce at the beginning of their panels. The EPA was invited to participate but declined. The Region 5 Director Cathy Stepp submitted written testimony and it will be included in the official record. I want to make special mention of two witnesses here with us today. I had the opportunity to meet with Sandy Wynn-Stelt when she came to Washington in September, her courage and conviction moved me then, and I am humbled that she will share her story with us today. When I first began to hear from constituents concerned about PFAS contamination, one name came up over and over again: Bob Delaney. Bob's decade-long work on PFAS, his tireless persistence in advancing our understanding of the threat, and his foresight and bravery in sounding the alarm, make him a legendary figure among the community of Michiganders working to protect our water. I also want to thank my counterpart with the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee, Senator Rand Paul, as well as Senator Ron Johnson, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for their support in convening this summit in light of the momentum we've been building since our last hearing. I look forward to continuing to work with them to find solutions. When the new Congress gavels in on January 3rd, 2019, I will continue to make sure that protecting our water is a top priority. We will hit the ground running, pursuing solutions to the PFAS crisis and identifying where federal action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted. This summit is one small step in that direction. We are in this together. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-cornyn-introduce-bill-to-expand-opportunity-for-disabled-veterans-in-highway-projects,"Peters, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Expand Opportunity for Disabled Veterans in Highway Projects",2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.08.18 Peters, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Expand Opportunity for Disabled Veterans in Highway Projects WASHINGTON, D.C. During National Veterans Small Business Week, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today announced bipartisan legislation to help expand the number of infrastructure contracts awarded to small businesses run by veterans with a service-connected disability. The Disabled-Veterans Rebuilding Infrastructure to Vitalize our Economy (DRIVE) Act creates a goal that 5% of the funding authorized in the last highway bill be extended to Service-connected Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Currently, the bill includes a contracting goal for disadvantaged businesses but none for SDVOSBs, despite the fact that there is a government-wide target for both categories. The men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms deserve every opportunity to succeed in civilian life after their service, said Senator Peters. America's servicemembers are trained to be resourceful, determined problem solvers, and this bill would afford them greater opportunities to put their unique skill set to work by rebuilding our country's roads, bridges, and tunnels. The grit, determination, and sacrifice engrained in America's servicemembers fuels small businesses across the country, said Senator Cornyn. Supporting these entrepreneurial veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country shows our continued gratitude and acknowledges the skills they bring to the table. The new SDVOSB contracting goal would be in addition to the current 10% goal for transportation contracts awarded to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), which are small businesses owned and controlled by women and other socially marginalized groups. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act, was signed into law in 2015 and authorized $305 billion over fiscal years 2016 through 2020 for highway, highway and motor vehicle safety, public transportation, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials safety, rail, and research, technology, and statistics programs. There are over 4.5 million veterans with a service-connected disability in America, including over 105,000 living in Michigan. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 20,800 small businesses nationwide that are owned by veterans with a service-connected disability, including 307 in Michigan. The DRIVE Act is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars. ""PVA's longstanding mission has always been to provide opportunities that advance the independence of our members, said Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America. This bill will ensure that service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses will not be at a competitive disadvantage in infrastructure contracts. Paralyzed Veterans of America supports this legislation and urges all members of the Senate to support our members and cosponsor this bill. The VFW thanks Senators Peters and Cornyn for their efforts to promote business opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses in the infrastructure field. The VFW gladly supports the DRIVE Act, which would provide veterans the opportunity to continue to build up our great nation, said Carlos Fuentes, National Legislative Service Director for Veterans of Foreign Wars. Vietnam Veterans of America strives to support and empower our members, including thousands of hard-working small business owners. The DRIVE Act will help level the playing field so service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses can compete for highway restoration contracts across the country. We appreciate Senators Peters' and Senator Cornyn's efforts on this legislation, and hope to see members of both parties come together to support America's veterans,"" said John Rowan, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America. America's servicemembers are leaders on the battlefield, in the air and at sea. As veterans, they are leaders in their communities and their work places, but too often veteran-owned businesses are not given the opportunity to compete with larger companies for infrastructure contracts. The American Legion thanks Senator Peters and Senator Cornyn for introducing the DRIVE Act and for recognizing the extraordinary potential of America's veterans, said Brett P. Reistad, National Commander, The American Legion? ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-democrats-winning-new-house-majority,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Democrats Winning a New House Majority,2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after Democrats won a majority of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives: ""The American people have spoken and elected a new Democratic majority in Congress. With last night's historic wins, a new Democratic majority will focus on kitchen table issues affecting working families, including lowering health care costs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, growing our economy so every worker can find a high-wage job, and restoring integrity to our government. ""I am excited to welcome new Midwest Democrats to Congress, including four new representatives from Michigan. I look forward to working with Haley Stevens, Elissa Slotkin, Andy Levin and Rashida Tlaib as we work to represent all Michigan families in Congress."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-to-convene-field-summit-on-pfas-contamination-in-michigan_,Peters to Convene Field Summit on PFAS Contamination in Michigan,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.02.18 Peters to Convene Field Summit on PFAS Contamination in Michigan GRAND RAPIDS, MI U.S. Senator GaryPeters(MI) will convene aSenate subcommittee fieldsummittitled Local, State and Federal Response to PFAS Contamination in Michigan at10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 13thin Grand Rapids, Michigan. TheFederal Spending Oversight & Emergency Management Subcommittee summitwill highlight how exposure to PFAS chemicals impacts Michigan communities and inform potential federal actions to support local efforts to address PFAS contamination. The summit will build on a Subcommittee hearing held last month in Washington, DC at Peters' request to assess the federal role in PFAS contamination. Despite Michigan's abundance of freshwater, communities from Parchment to Oscoda are facing man-made drinking water crises due to PFAS contamination,said SenatorPeters, Ranking Member of the Federal Spending and Emergency Management Subcommittee.Families across Michigan have been exposed to these dangerous chemicals, and the federal government has a responsibility to assist local communities as they monitor this crisis, begin cleaning up contaminated sites and prevent further harm to Michiganders. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of approximately 4,700 toxic chemicals that have been used for decades in firefighting foams and commercial applications, and have been linked to cancer as well as a wide variety of thyroid, kidney, liver, heart, reproductive and autoimmune problems. Invited witnesses: Panel I: Sandy Wynn-Stelt, resident of Belmont, Michigan Adam London, Administrative Health Officer, Kent County Health Department Dr. Rick Rediske, Senior Program Manager and Professor, Grand Valley State University Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute Drew YoungeDyke, Communications Coordinator, National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center Panel II: Dr. Patrick Breysse, Director, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) Robert Delaney, Environmental Specialist, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Carol Issacs, Director, Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) Cathy Stepp, Region V Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency *Witness list and panels are subject to change. WHO: U.S. Senator Gary Peters WHAT: Peters to Convene Senate Subcommittee Field Summit on PFAS Contamination in Michigan WHEN: Tuesday, November 13th at 10:00 AM WHERE: Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium Richard M. DeVos Center, Building E Grand Valley State University 401 Fulton St W Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Last month, Peters included a provision in legislation signed into law to give commercial airports the ability to discontinue the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS, since previous regulations requires the use of such foams. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Peters included language in the annual defense bill signed into law in September urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to develop fluorine-free firefighting foams. In August, Peters joined Senator Debbie Stabenow in introducing two bipartisan bills to require nationwide testing for PFAS contamination and to hold federal facilities, including active and decommissioned military bases, accountable for addressing PFAS contamination in Michigan and across the country. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/OpenEnrollment2018,Dingell Urges Michiganders to Explore Coverage Options on Healthcare.Gov,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"DEARBORN, MI Open enrollment for healthcare insurance begins today and will be available through December 15, 2018. Michiganders and people and across the country can explore their options for affordable health insurance at www.healthcare.gov for the next six weeks. This is critical for individuals and families that do not have employer-sponsored healthcare plans. Exploring all options for health insurance could save them money, there may also be assistance and subsidies and many may find a plan that better suits their healthcare or family's needs. Free, impartial help is available for consumers with questions by calling 1-800-318-2596 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or visiting localhelp.healthcare.gov to find an assister or navigator in your area. Healthcare Open Enrollment ends on December 15, 2018 for coverage starting January 1, 2019. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-announces-victory-for-michigan-cherry-growers-affected-by-unfair-trade,Senator Stabenow Announces Victory for Michigan Cherry Growers Affected by Unfair Trade,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Announces Victory for Michigan Cherry Growers Affected by Unfair Trade New changes, urged by Stabenow, will curb foreign imports and protect Michigan's cherry industry from harmful trade practices by Turkey Thursday, November 01, 2018 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today announced a major step forward to protect Michigan's cherry industry,which has struggled fromunfair trade practices by other countries.Starting on November 1,U.S. trade officials willno longer allow duty-free accessforcherry juiceimports from Turkey, providing certainty for Michigan cherry growers. In Michigan, we grow more tart cherries than any state in the country,said Senator Stabenow.Thischangeis a major victory that willhelplevel the playing field for our cherry industry. I applaud U.S. Trade RepresentativeRobertLighthizer for working with meonthis issueand I urge trade officials to continueto protect our cherry growers from unfair trade. This is a significant step forward for the Tart Cherry Industry,said Phil Korson, President of the Cherry Marketing Institute.The flood of cheap imports has severely affected Michigan cherry growers' bottom line. This important change will help ensure our world famous tart cherries are getting a fair shake. We appreciate Senator Stabenow's continued leadership for our industry. Recently, Turkey has dumped cherry products into domestic markets, creating a trade imbalance thathas made it harder for Michigan growers to sell their cherriesat a fair price. As a result, the cherry industryhas asked trade officials to step in and remove Turkey's unfettered access to U.S. markets.Senator Stabenow has repeatedly pressed federal trade officialstoenforcethe rulesto hold Turkey accountable and stop them from dumping cherries. Following the U.S. Trade Representative review urged by Senator Stabenow, a presidential proclamation officiallyre-imposed dutieson Turkishcherry juiceimportseffectiveNovember 1. Senator Stabenow has long been a champion for Michigan cherry growers and has led the effort to provide relief from trade imbalances.In addition to her work to improve trade policies, she successfully urged the USDA to make abonus purchaseto provide immediate support for cherry growers affected by unfair foreign competition. She also authored a new provision in the bipartisan 2018 Senate Farm Bill to ensure that imports have to meet the same standards as domestic products. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawrence-issues-statement-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting,Lawrence Issues Statement on Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting,2018-10-27,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"October 27, 2018 | Press Release Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), released a statement about the deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. My heart breaks for the families of those killed today at the synagogue in Pittsburgh and I'm praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. It is both disheartening and unacceptable how hate is being spread across our country today. Hatred and antisemitism are not American values. I'm reaching out to my Michigan congressional colleagues from both parties so that we can take a concerted, bipartisan stand. This violence must be stopped. We must have protections for all people of this country, including families in places of worship. I'm reaching out to our Jewish community leaders and our Oakland County Sheriff, to ensure safety precautions are in place for the many synagogues throughout my district and to reaffirm my commitment to tackle antisemitism in our midst. Our Detroit region's rich religious diversity is one of our strengths. I will continue to embrace that religious diversity, and keep working to ensure it brings us together and never tears us apart. The Constitution of the United States and the First Amendment enshrines freedom of religion and freedom of assembly; I took a solemn oath to uphold and protect those freedoms and I reaffirm that commitment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/all-house-oversight-committee-members-unite-issue-joint-statement,All House Oversight Committee Members Unite To Issue Joint Statement on Terrorist Attacks,2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (Oct. 26, 2018)Today, all Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued the following statement in response to multiple pipe bombs targeting government officials, press outlets, and others: In light of the terrorist acts of the last 48 hours, we are issuing this united statement to condemn in the strongest terms any actions that threaten to commit violence against the people of the United States, including current or former elected officials, members of the media, individual Americans, or anyone elseregardless of their political background or position. Just as importantly, we strongly condemn any rhetoric by current or former elected officials, members of the media, individual Americans, or anyone else that condones, excuses, or encourages such violence. As Americans, we believe that when our nation comes under attack, we are strongest when we stand together. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-capito-provisions-improving-opioid-treatment-for-adolescents-signed-into-law,"Peters, Capito Provisions Improving Opioid Treatment for Adolescents Signed Into Law",2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.25.18 Peters, Capito Provisions Improving Opioid Treatment for Adolescents Signed Into Law WASHINGTON, D.C. President Donald Trump has signed into law provisions based off the YOUTH Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to expand access to safe, effective treatment for adolescents and young adults struggling with opioid addiction. The provisions, which were included as part of broader legislation, expand an existing youth substance use disorder program to include young adults and help support the identification of best practices for overcoming barriers to medication assisted treatment (MAT) for young people. The opioid crisis has indelibly damaged the lives of Michiganders from every walk of life, and the effects of opioid use are especially tragic for young people with their whole lives ahead of them, said Senator Peters. Although this epidemic has already taken away countless graduations, weddings and grandchildren from affected families, I am pleased that this new law with help provide greater access to lifesaving medication-assisted treatment and put adolescents and young adults on the path to recovery. The president's signing of this important legislation into law codifies the federal government's response in addressing the opioid epidemic, Senator Capito said. I'm proud the YOUTH Act is a part of what is now law and for that we finally got this bipartisan focus on young adults struggling with addiction across the finish line. Click here to view Senator Peters' floor speech in support of opioid treatment bill The use of certain medications such as buprenorphine has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for opioid addiction and increases success rates for continuing treatment and recovery. MAT, which fuses behavioral therapy with buprenorphine or other medications, is a vital public health tool to prevent future loss of life for those suffering from opioid addiction. Despite an expansive body of research on the effectiveness of this treatment, MAT is still underutilized and is even less available to youth than to adults. The Peters and Capito provisions passed as part of the SUPPORT Act, legislation to increase federal agency efforts to properly address the opioid epidemic, including the effects of the crisis on children, families, and communities, researching and developing non-addictive pain killers, creating more flexibility to use telemedicine for SUD treatment, preventing drug diversion or illicit distribution of controlled substances and streamline data sharing between states. Among other provisions, the legislation requires the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve existing practices for preventing and treating opioid addiction, including the use of MAT and ways to overcome existing barriers to MAT for youth. The legislation will provide three-year grants to youth-focused entities for carrying out substance use disorder treatment, prevention, and recovery support services. It will expand an existing youth substance use disorder program at HHS to include services for young adults as well as children and adolescents. Senators Peters and Capito also authored an amendment in last month's Labor, Health and Human Services spending bill that directs the Administrator of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to submit a report to Congress within 180 days on agency activities related to MAT. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-stabenow-announce-1-million-in-funding-to-address-oscoda-pfas-contamination,"Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce $1 Million in Funding to Address Oscoda PFAS Contamination",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.23.18 Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce $1 Million in Funding to Address Oscoda PFAS Contamination WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced $1 million in new federal funding to help Oscoda Township provide safe drinking water and address contamination from chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Oscoda Township utilized changes made by Senators Stabenow and Peters in the2018 bipartisan budget billto raise the maximum amount of USDA emergency water grants from $500,000 to $1 million. This increase allowed the township to be awarded $1 million instead of the previous limit of $500,000. Oscoda residents are suffering serious health consequences from exposure to PFAS, and we must take every step to ensure Michiganders have access to safe and reliable drinking water,said Senator Peters.While this funding is an important step to help provide area residents with clean drinking water, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure the federal government devotes much-needed resources to help clean up contaminated sites and mitigate the harmful effects of PFAS exposure. Michigan families exposed to PFAS contamination are living with incredible uncertainty about the impact of these chemicals on their health and wellbeing, said Senator Stabenow. As the threats from PFAS contaminants become more known, I am working hard to make more federal resources available to address this serious and emerging threat. TheOscoda Charter Townshipwill receive a $750,000 Water and Environmental Programs Grant and a $250,000 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development agency. The combined $1 million in funds will be used to expand their municipal water system to approximately 140 residential users in an area of Oscoda Township due to PFAS contamination at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senators-stabenow-peters-announce-1-million-in-funding-to-address-oscoda-pfas-contamination,"Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce $1 Million in Funding to Address Oscoda PFAS Contamination",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce $1 Million in Funding to Address Oscoda PFAS Contamination New federal grants will help Oscoda Township provide residents with safe drinking water Tuesday, October 23, 2018 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $1 million in new federal funding to help Oscoda Township provide safe drinking water and address contamination from chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Oscoda Township utilized changes made by Senators Stabenow and Peters in the2018 bipartisan budget billto raise the maximum amount of USDA emergency water grants from $500,000 to $1 million. This increase allowed the township to be awarded $1 million instead of the previous limit of $500,000. Michigan families exposed to PFAS contamination are living with incredible uncertainty about the impact of these chemicals on their health and wellbeing, said Senator Stabenow. As the threats from PFAS contaminants become more known, I am working hard to make more federal resources available to address this serious and emerging threat. Oscoda residents are suffering serious health consequences from exposure to PFAS, and we must take every step to ensure Michiganders have access to safe and reliable drinking water,said Senator Peters.While this funding is an important step to help provide area residents with clean drinking water, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure the federal government devotes much-needed resources to help clean up contaminated sites and mitigate the harmful effects of PFAS exposure. TheOscoda Charter Townshipwill receive a $750,000 Water and Environmental Programs Grant and a $250,000 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development agency. The combined $1 million in funds will be used to expand their municipal water system to approximately 140 residential users in an area of Oscoda Township due to PFAS contamination at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. In addition to raising the maximum grant for emergency water grants, Stabenow and Peters recently worked across the aisle to introduce the PFAS Accountability Actand thePFAS Detection Actto improve the federal response to contamination and enhance detection. Rural development water infrastructure grants are part of the current Farm Bill, which Senator Stabenow authored as Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. This year, as the Ranking Member of the Committee, Senator Stabenow introduced a new bipartisan Farm Bill, which strengthens support for rural water infrastructure and targets investments to help even more communities affected by harmful contaminants like PFAS. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-announces-1-million-federal-grant-oscoda-clean-drinking,Congressman Dan Kildee Announces $1 Million Federal Grant to Oscoda for Clean Drinking Water,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Federal Funding Passed in Congress Will Now Be Granted to Oscoda Township OSCODACongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today announced that Oscoda Township will receive $1 million in two grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure Oscoda residents have clean drinking water. These grants will be used to connect homes that are using well water threatened by contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the municipal drinking water system to protect residents from PFAS exposure. I am proud to announce these federal grants to clean up PFAS contamination around former Wurtsmith Air Force Base and ensure clean drinking water for Oscoda residents, Congressman Kildee said. Families in Oscoda have waited too long for resources from the Air Force to protect their families from harmful chemicals. While I fought in Congress to get these funds for Oscoda to ensure drinking water for residents, the Air Force must do more to clean up the contamination that they caused. Oscoda Township will receive $750,000 in Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants and $250,000 in Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants. To secure this funding, Congressman Kildee worked with the USDA to advocate on behalf of Oscoda Township. Congressman Kildee also introduced an amendment that was passed in Congress to double the size of USDA Rural Development's Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants for communities with drinking water contamination. Congressman Kildee has repeatedly pushed the Trump Administration, the Air Force and all levels of government to more urgently address PFAS contamination across the country. In Congress, he has introduced legislation to ensure that veterans and their families exposed to toxic chemicals at military installations get the health care services and benefits they need through the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). In addition, to protect from future contamination, Congressman Kildee and Congressman Upton lead a bipartisan letter calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen protections for PFAS in drinking water. Additionally, Congressman Kildee, along with Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, worked to include language authorizing a health study on PFAS exposure in the National Defense Authorization Act, which became law in December 2017. Studies like this are the first step in ensuring service members and veterans exposed to PFAS get the healthcare and benefits they deserve. In March 2018, the three lawmakers successfully included funding to address ongoing drinking water contamination issues in the Fiscal Year 2018 budget bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-high-pfas-levels-deer-near-oscoda,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on High PFAS Levels in Deer Near Oscoda,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"OSCODACongressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement following reports that high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in deer in Oscoda Township: Deer hunting is an integral part of life in Michigan and no hunter should be worried that the deer they hunt and feed their families contains toxic chemicals. Because the Air Force has been slow to act, PFAS contamination is not only putting residents at risk, but hurting the local economy and costing Michiganders jobs. This week, I spoke with the Secretary of the Air Force, encouraging them to more urgently address PFAS contamination in Oscoda. I will continue to push the Air Force at every opportunity to act more quickly, while securing additional resources to clean up PFAS contamination in Oscoda. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-seeks-resolution-absentee-voter-mail-issues,Dingell Seeks Resolution to Absentee Voter Mail Issues,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"DEARBORN, MI Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) sent a letter to United States Postal Service Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan highlighting reported absentee voter issues in Michigan's 12th District. Dingell's office was contacted by multiple voters who had their ballots improperly forwarded back to their home after completing the form this week. USPS's response to these concerns has been prompt and thorough thus far, but the nature of this issue has the potential to affect many absentee ballots in the State of Michigan, wrote Dingell. These issues appear to be related to the design of the Michigan absentee ballots, which have bar codes on both sides of the envelope that can result in misreading by USPS machinery. Michigan residents deserve to have confidence that their absentee ballots will be processed without delay or issue, and it is important that we take seriously any concerns in this regard. The full letter can be read here and below. October 19, 2018 Ms. Megan J. Brennan Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer United States Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza S.W. Washington, DC 20260 Dear Ms. Brennan, This letter is to follow up on a mail issue discussed in the past weekly conversation between your staff and mine on pending constituent concerns. We need to ensure Michigan residents have confidence in their ability to vote absentee via mail in the upcoming election without issue. In the past several days, problems with the processing of absentee ballots have been raised by constituents in communities across Michigan's 12th district. Multiple individuals have reported problems where the completed absentee ballot was improperly returned to their home address rather than to the clerk's office. These issues appear to be related to the design of the Michigan absentee ballots, which have bar codes on both sides of the envelope that can result in misreading by USPS machinery. USPS's response to these concerns has been prompt and thorough thus far, but the nature of this issue has the potential to affect numerous absentee ballots in the State of Michigan. With this in mind, this letter is to follow up on these concerns to ensure that USPS is working to swiftly and efficiently address any problems relating to the mailing of absentee ballots. We understand, for instance, that Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township post offices will hand scan ballots to ensure that they reach their proper destination. Michigan residents deserve to have confidence that their absentee ballots will be processed without delay or issue, and it is important that we take seriously any concerns in this regard. We know you were not the originator of the issue, but we all need to work together to ensure that every vote counts. Thank you and I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-tours-delta-college-discusses-career-and-technical-education-,"Peters Tours Delta College, Discusses Career & Technical Education",2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.19.18 Peters Tours Delta College, Discusses Career & Technical Education Peters Highlighted Bipartisan Provisions Signed Into Law to Close Skills Gap in Michigan, Expand Career & Technical Education Training UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) today visited Delta College and highlighted bipartisan legislation recently signed into law to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) counselor awareness and training. Peters had the opportunity to see firsthand how the curriculum like Delta College's Computer Numerical Control (CNC) program is providing students with the technical skills needed to cater to local employment needs. We need a 21st century workforce to keep innovation and technology right here at home, and it was great to see how Delta College partners with local businesses to help close the skills gap in Michigan, said Senator Peters. My provisions that were recently signed into law will expand awareness of career and technical educations and postsecondary programs outside the traditional four-year college pathways that will minimize student debt and better meet the needs of local employers. Delta College is committed to putting students on high-demand career paths that will lead to a good job while keeping that talent right here in the Great Lakes-Bay Region, said Ginny Przygocki, Dean of Career Education/Learning Partnerships, Delta College. We appreciated the opportunity to show Senator Peters how Delta College's curriculum benefits both students and businesses in our region. According to the Joint Economic Committee, there are more than 44 million middle-skill jobs or careers that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree in the United States. More than a third of the 30 fastest growing occupations fall into this category. In Michigan, 36% of jobs are middle-skill, with the median middle-skill salary is slightly above $44,000 and projected job growth at 7%. Earlier this year, provisions based on legislation authored by Peters were signed into law as part of a larger career and technical education (CTE) bill. The provisions strengthen training and improve awareness of CTE for school counselors through grants to counselor training programs to assess evidence-based strategies for counseling on CTE pathways. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z