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://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=957,Bergman Continues Bipartisan Effort to Expand Highspeed Broadband,2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Reps. Bergman, Neguse, and a group of bipartisan lawmakers unveiled new legislation to expand access to universal broadband.

H.R. 6314, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve funding mechanisms for the Universal Service Fund (USF), expanding access to broadband and other telecommunications services.

This legislation builds on Rep. Bergman’s efforts to require Big Tech companies to finance rural broadband programs through H.R.4905, the Big Tech Accountability for Broadband Act.

You can read more here.

“The way the federal government funds its largest broadband program is outdated. We need to modernize the USF so we can expand highspeed broadband to all who lack it, and not pay for it on the backs of seniors and working families,” said Rep. Jack Bergman.

“To fully participate in the modern era, small business owners, students, families, and workers in rural communities require consistent, reliable broadband connectivity,” said Rep. Joe Neguse. “Our bill, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, will ensure our federal agencies are utilizing all tools at their disposal to expand access to broadband and other telecommunications services, to connect our communities.”

Background:

The FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) finances roughly $9 billion worth of broadband support for rural areas, telehealth, schools and libraries, and low-income households each year.

The USF is replenished by FCC fees on telecommunications carriers, which are usually passed on to their customers through phone bills.

The bill, which is also cosponsored by Reps. Lizzie Fletcher, Diana DeGette, Angie Craig, and Kat Cammack, is the companion to Senate legislation originally introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/midland-high-students-win-2021-congressional-app-challenge,Midland High Students Win 2021 Congressional App Challenge,2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Midland High School seniors Lauren McGuirk, Elliana Rinn, and Allison Scheffer have won the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for Michigan's Fourth Congressional District with their app, Virtual Motion Therapy. The app is designed to help patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease have access to physical therapy exercises. It utilizes virtual reality technology to simulate hand-eye coordination exercises such as motioning to pop a bubble. The students have produced a video about their app, which can be seen here.

""Congratulations to Allison, Elliana, and Lauren on creating their new app and utilizing their skills to make a positive difference in the community. Learning a coding language and putting those skills to use can help open the door to good-paying jobs not only now, but also in the future,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""I want to thank everyone who participated in this year's Congressional App Challenge and encourage the incredibly talented students of mid and northern Michigan to participate again next year.""

The Congressional App Challenge is a yearly competition that takes place throughout the country where students design and create original apps. For more information on how to get involved, visit the Congressional App Challenge website here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=956,38 House Republicans File Amicus Brief in Support of Navy Service Members Seeking Religious Accommodations for the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate,2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Rep. Jack Bergman and 37 House Republicans led by Rep. Mike Johnson, filed an Amicus Brief before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas in support of 35 Navy service members seeking religious accommodations for the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The brief states: “The very first clause of the very First Amendment explicitly states that ‘Congress shall make no law… prohibiting the free exercise’ of religion. This amendment, case law, and Congress’s decision to pass the Religious Freedom Restoration Act all testify to the fact that, without entrenched, generally applicable, and judicially enforceable protections for religious liberty, lawmakers and government bureaucrats are susceptible to override sincere religious beliefs in favor of what they mistakenly see as the greater good. That is what is happening with Defendants’ vaccine mandate.”

The brief continues: “Plaintiffs’ religious liberty and the government’s asserted interest in protecting our service members from COVID-19 need not be in conflict, especially where, as here, the individuals seeking an exemption are willing to adopt non-vaccination measures to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-vaccine-mandate-decision-sixth-circuit-court,Moolenaar Statement on the Vaccine Mandate Decision by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals,2021-12-18,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Last night, a panel of judges for the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate for businesses of 100 employees or more. The panel decided 2-1 to lift the stay and allow the mandate to move forward. Opponents of the mandate immediately said they would appeal to the Supreme Court.

""The judges who approved of the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate have blown open a massive loophole for President Biden and future presidents to prescribe their preferred medicines through 'emergency' executive rule on millions of Americans,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""I believe Americans should have the right to decide if they want the vaccine and that implementing this mandate on employers is unconstitutional. If this mandate goes forward employers will be forced to find new workers and pay for millions of tests, and those costs will be passed on to Michigan families who are already facing rising prices for everything they buy. I will continue to fight this executive overreach in Congress and push for my legislation, the No Vaccine Mandate Act.""

Congressman Moolenaar introduced the No Vaccine Mandate Act last month. The legislation would prohibit the Department of Labor from spending taxpayer funding on enforcing the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration's vaccine mandate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-leads-letter-demanding-answers-real-cost-build-back,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Leads Letter Demanding Answers on Real Cost of Build Back Better Bill,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) led a letter to President Biden, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, White House Chief of Staff Ronald Klain, Acting Director of Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young and Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese asking for answers on the real cost of the Build Back Better bill.

“You and members of your Administration have repeatedly misled the American people when claiming the current $1.7 trillion version is fully paid for. As the original CBO score shows, the bill that recently passed the House of Representatives would add $167 billion to the deficit over 10 years,” said the Representatives. “Americans across the nation are struggling to keep up with the increased costs at grocery stores and at the gas pump. This is why now, more than ever, the American people must have transparency and clarity on its governments spending.”

Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Fred Upton (R-MI), John H. Rutherford (R-FL), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Bill Johnson (R-OH), David McKinley (R-WV), Jack Bergman (R-MI) Peter Meijer (R-MI), Bill Posey (R-FL), John Katko (R-NY), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI) Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Greg Steube (R-FL) Greg Murphy (R-NC), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Randy Weber (R-TX), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Scott Franklin (R-FL) joined McClain in sending the letter.

For a copy of the letter, click here.

The full text is below.

We write to you today on behalf of our current and future tax-paying constituents, in search of clarity on your position on allowing the Build Back Better bill’s main spending provisions to sunset, and whether you have a plan to pay for their potential extensions.

As you are aware, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released an analysis that showed the legislation would increase our deficit by $3 trillion over 2022 to 2031 if numerous spending programs were extended.[1] This analysis gives the American people a look behind the budget gimmicks being used and exposes the true cost of this bill.

You have claimed that if these provisions were extended, you are committed to covering the cost of each program extended.[2] However, you and members of your Administration have repeatedly misled[3] the American people when claiming the current $1.7 trillion version is fully paid for. As the original CBO score shows, the bill that recently passed the House of Representatives would add $167 billion to the deficit over 10 years.[4]

Our national debt is quickly approaching $30 trillion.[5] In March of this year, Congressional Democrats passed the Administration’s bill that added an additional $1.9 trillion to the debt. Now, the United States is currently experiencing the highest level of inflation since 1982.[6] Americans across the nation are struggling to keep up with the increased costs at grocery stores and at the gas pump. This is why now, more than ever, the American people must have transparency and clarity on its governments spending. It is crucial to the American people that you provide clear answers to the questions posed below.

1. The enhanced Child Tax Credit is due to end after 2022. Is it your long-term intention to make this provision permanent? If so, has the Administration devised a plan to pay for this extension? What is that plan?

a. CBO stated making the provision permanent would cost $1.597 trillion over 10 years.

2. The enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit is due to end after 2022. Is it your long-term intention to make this provision permanent? If so, has the Administration devised a plan to pay for this extension? What is that plan?

a. CBO stated making this provision permanent would cost $135 billion over 10 years.

3. The childcare and pre-K provisions are due to end after 2027. Is it your long-term intention to make this provision permanent? If so, has the Administration devised a plan to pay for this extension? What is that plan?

a. CBO stated making this provision permanent would cost $752 billion over 10 years.

4. The expanded health insurance subsidies are due to end after 2025 and 2026. Is it your long-term intention to make this provision permanent? If so, has the Administration devised a plan to pay for this extension? What is that plan?

a. CBO stated making this provision permanent would cost $220 billion over 10 years.

5. Is it your long-term intention to lift the cap on the state and local tax deduction after 2025? If so, how do you intend to make up for the revenue lost due to giving tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans?

a. CBO stated that removing this limit for the rich and wealthy after 2025 would cost

$245 billion over 10 years

6. If it is your long-term intention to extend these programs at an estimated cost of $3 trillion over 10 years, and you do have a plan to pay for them, do you believe the IRS will seek additional funding for their agents to target taxpayers with more audits?

The hardworking American families, the ones responsible for footing the bill, deserve to know whether they going to pay $1.7 trillion or $4.7 trillion. As such they also deserve to know how the Biden Administration plans on raising the revenue from them to cover the added $3 trillion cost.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-announces-grants-hillsdale-county-drug-treatment-court,Walberg Announces Grants for Hillsdale County Drug Treatment Court,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Jackson, MI—Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) announced that the Hillsdale County Drug Treatment Court has been awarded nearly $1.5 million in federal grants by the U.S. Department of Justice.

""No community is immune from the devastating impacts of our nation's drug crisis, and it is critical that we use every available tool to combat this epidemic,"" said Walberg. ""In the past, I've had the privilege of speaking at a graduation ceremony for Hillsdale County's Drug Treatment Court and commend those who completed this program. I've seen firsthand this successful model at work and the life change it can help bring about. With these grants, I am encouraged that Hillsdale County will have additional resources to help give more individuals and families a pathway to hope and recovery.""

The Drug Treatment Court will receive a $500,000 grant to enhance new and existing programs, including the implementation of a felony track which is expected to double the court's participant population. A second grant of $996,944 will go to the Family Treatment Court Project to expand its capability to serve additional families in the greater Hillsdale area.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/12/mcclain-thune-introduce-bicameral-legislation-protect-toddlers-federal,"McClain, Thune Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect Toddlers from Federal Mandates",2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) and U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced the Preventing Mandates on Toddlers Act. This bicameral legislation would nullify an interim final rule (IFR) that was published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that requires universal masking for all individuals in a Head Start facility above the age of two, including all staff, volunteers, and contractors. The IFR also requires toddlers to wear masks while they are outside on the playground, and it mandates staff and volunteers to be vaccinated by January 31, 2022.

“The science shows masking is detrimental to early child development. It’s time we start following the science, not the political science, and put policies into place that are beneficial to our toddlers and children,” said McClain. “This commonsense legislation ensures not a single dollar of taxpayer money will go to enforcing the HHS rule that is detrimental to our future generations.”

“The long arm of the federal government should not extend to the kickball field at our kids’ and grandkids’ playground,” said Thune. “A toddler mask mandate highlights everything that’s wrong with Washington, which is why I introduced this common-sense bill that would prohibit the Biden administration from enforcing or implementing this intrusive, one-size-fits-all Washington rule. It would ensure these decisions can continue to be made by individual Head Start programs and families who know these kids best – as they have been doing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Rick Allen (R-Ga.), Lance Gooden (R-Texas) and Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/michigan-republicans-secretary-state-benson-michigans-voter-rolls-need-be,Michigan Republicans to Secretary of State Benson: Michigan’s Voter Rolls Need to be Cleaned Up,2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) joined his colleagues in releasing a letter sent to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Friday requesting Michigan's top election official clarify the processes that were in place prior to the 2020 election to authenticate ballots and the processes currently in place for future elections. The letter was signed by all the Republican members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation.

In the letter the lawmakers write, ""Similar to the request made by Ranking Member Davis, please respond with a description of the processes you have in place to certify that only lawful ballots are cast and counted, including a detailed explanation of the processes that were in place for authenticating ballots in the 2020 election. Regarding the 2020 election specifically, please also respond detailing the processes that were in place at that time for removing deceased and ineligible individuals from Michigan's voter registration rolls. Lastly, please detail any changes you will make to your office's processes moving forward to guarantee that the voter registration rolls are regularly updated, specifically the removal of deceased individuals.""

""It is critical that we restore peoples' faith in the integrity of our elections. Maintaining an accurate and updated list of eligible voters is a key component of secure elections, and we are troubled by reports that thousands of deceased voters remain on Michigan's rolls. We echo our colleague Ranking Member Rodney Davis in calling for Secretary of State Benson to address these concerns immediately,"" said Congressman Tim Walberg.

""Properly maintaining the voter rolls in Michigan is critical to ensuring election integrity,"" added Congressman Bill Huizenga. ""As our state's top election official, Secretary Benson has the responsibility to make sure only eligible voters are casting ballots. It is imperative that Michigan has the proper policies in place to prevent illegal votes from being cast. This starts by making sure the voter rolls do not include individuals who are deceased, individuals who no longer reside in Michigan, or individuals who are not eligible to vote in Michigan.""

""It's incredibly disturbing that 26,000 deceased Michiganders are still registered to vote in Michigan,"" said Congresswoman Lisa McClain. ""We must ensure every legal vote is counted and there is no fraud in our elections. I urge Secretary Benson to remove deceased voters from our voter rolls, so our elections are secure.""

""During this time when our political discourse is incredibly fraught and divisive, it is more important than ever that the American people have faith in our democracy,"" said Congressman Peter Meijer. ""This starts with protecting our fair, free, safe, and secure elections. We must ensure that our voter lists are properly maintained and that only eligible voters can participate in future elections. I look forward to learning about Secretary Benson's plans to uphold this important responsibility in Michigan.""

""When folks in Michigan cast their ballot in local, state, and federal elections, they should be confident their vote is legally counted and that our elections are administered fairly,"" said Congressman Fred Upton. ""Maintaining clean and accurate voter rolls is critical to safe and secure elections, and helps ensure only registered Michiganders can vote on Election Day. We can all agree that folks who have moved away or passed away should be promptly removed from voter lists. This is just common sense.""

""Election security and integrity depends on having an updated and accurate list of voters, and I hope these concerns will be addressed quickly,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar.

""Ensuring every vote was legal - and every legal vote is counted - is paramount to upholding the integrity of our Nation's elections,"" said Congressman Jack Bergman. ""Failure to properly maintain our voter rolls in Michigan casts doubt on the process, and it's imperative Secretary of State Benson ensures the integrity of our state's elections.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/biden-spending-drives-inflation-highest-level-1982,Biden Spending Drives Inflation to Highest Level Since 1982,2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced inflation has risen to 6.8% - a 39-year high. Prices for gas, vehicles, rent, furniture, and air travel have all increased, with gas increasing by 6.1% for the second straight month. According to a recent survey, 60% of small businesses have been forced to raise prices in the last three months; 80% are facing increased labor costs; and 72% are facing price increases from suppliers.

""Inflation is hurting Michigan families and seniors, who are paying more everyday for what they need, including gas and groceries. Under President Biden, they have been forced to take a pay cut because their money simply does not go as far as used it to,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""I will continue to oppose Biden's partisan ""Build Back Better"" plan because we know the trillions he has already spent this year has contributed to the higher prices everyone is paying right now.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/12/rep-lisa-mcclain-cosponsors-bill-protect-pipelines-and-americas-energy,Rep. Lisa McClain Cosponsors Bill to Protect Pipelines and America’s Energy Independence,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) cosponsored legislation to prevent President Biden from punitively shutting down safe and existing energy pipelines like Line 5 without Congressional approval. The Protecting International Pipelines for Energy Security Act prohibits sole executive authority for revoking permits for the construction or operation of cross-border energy infrastructure facilities.

“Shutting down Line 5 in the middle of the winter would be deadly for those who rely on this pipeline to heat their homes. It would also cause fuel shortages at airports that rely on Line 5 for jet fuel during the holiday rush. It seems no one in the Biden Administration is thinking of the serious consequences shutting down this pipeline would have on not only Michigan, but the entire country,” said Rep. McClain. “I’m proud to join Rep. Walberg in introducing this legislation that would ensure President Biden get Congressional approval before shutting down crucial energy sources.”

“Across this country, hardworking families are facing skyrocketing heating costs this winter, and further constraining American energy will only make the crisis worse,” said Rep. Walberg. “Our international energy infrastructure should not be subject to the whims of an Administration that has repeatedly hurt America’s real world energy needs. Congressional approval should be required before the President unilaterally cancels a permit and blocks energy supplies that keep our homes warm and grow our economy. We continue to urge the Biden Administration to put the needs of Michigan families first.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-support-military-families-pay-raise-and-more-resources,Moolenaar Votes to Support Military Families with a Pay Raise and More Resources,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"On Tuesday night, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2022. The legislation includes a pay increase for U.S. servicemembers and extends retention bonuses for those who stay in the military. Additionally, the legislation increases parental leave and provides more support to military families with special needs children.

""I am proud to help support our brave servicemembers with increased pay and more resources for them and their families,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""This legislation will also give them the tools they need to keep the American people safe and meet the rising challenges from Russia, China, and terrorist organizations. Finally, this year's NDAA increases accountability and forces the Biden Administration to outline a plan for bringing home Americans who are still stranded in Afghanistan.""

The NDAA also has a number of provisions related to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, including a requirement for the Administration to brief Congress on how it will get Americans out of Afghanistan. There is also a prohibition on the Defense Department providing financial support to the Taliban and a prohibition on using U.S. aircraft to deliver cash to the Taliban.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-introduces-bill-protect-pipelines-and-americas-energy-security,Walberg Introduces Bill to Protect Pipelines and America’s Energy Security,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (MI-07) introduced legislation to prevent President Biden from punitively shutting down safe and existing energy pipelines like Line 5 without Congressional approval. The Protecting International Pipelines for Energy Security (""PIPES"") Act prohibits sole executive authority for revoking permits for the construction or operation of cross-border energy infrastructure facilities.

""Across this country, hardworking families are facing skyrocketing heating costs this winter, and further constraining American energy will only make the crisis worse,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""Our international energy infrastructure should not be subject to the whims of an Administration that has repeatedly hurt America's real world energy needs. Congressional approval should be required before the President unilaterally cancels a permit and blocks energy supplies that keep our homes warm and grow our economy. We continue to urge the Biden Administration to put the needs of Michigan families first.""

Walberg was joined by Reps. Bob Latta (OH-05), Jack Bergman (MI-01), John Moolenaar (MI-04), Lisa McClain (MI-10), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Bill Johnson (OH-06), and John Joyce (PA-13) as original co-sponsors of the PIPES Act. Last month, Reps. Walberg, Latta, and Bergman led a letter to President Biden highlighting the devastating economic consequences of shutting down Line 5.

""This Administration's energy policies have continually put the American people last, and this winter, folks back home in Ohio will continue to see their home heating costs rise,"" said Rep. Latta.""North American-made energy is critical to the infrastructure of our economy and the livelihoods of many middle class Americans. This legislation requires Congressional approval before a President can cancel a permit for cross-border energy facilities and ultimately shutdown essential pipelines like Line 5. These pipelines not only bring product to the Midwest, but they employ tens of thousands of hard working Americans. Because of the far reaching consequences that would result from shutting down pipelines like Line 5, Congress must have the ability to weigh in before the Biden Administration makes any rash decisions.""

""The fate of Michigan energy should not be decided by political games - plain and simple. This Administration has already shown it is willing to jeopardize our entire Nation's energy needs to score political points. The PIPES Act ensures Congress gets the final say on the operation of our pipelines or any other cross-border energy infrastructure. I'm grateful for this opportunity to work alongside Rep. Walberg to continue supporting Michigan's energy needs,"" said Rep. Bergman.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=955,Bergman Demands Accountability for Presidential Family Members with “Hunter Amendment”,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today , House Democrats voted on party lines to block Republicans’ attempt to advance Rep. Jack Bergman's common-sense “Hunter Amendment” to H.R. 5314 – Protecting Our Democracy Act, whichwould have cracked down on family members of the President and Vice President who improperly profit from foreign powers - such as the likes of Hunter Biden.

Hunter Biden has famously been investigated for various shady deals, such as with China, on behalf of the Biden family and selling political access to foreign entities.

Rep. Bergman stated, “In the same way a President or Vice President should not profit from their official positions, neither should their family members or the likes of Hunter Biden. I’m disappointed but not surprised the Democrat leadership in the swamp shot down this common-sense amendment.”

Adam Schiff’s bill, H.R. 5314, continues Democrats’ obsession with President Donald Trump by imposing unnecessary policies on the Presidency while protecting career politicians. Rep. Schiff is known for promoting the entirely disproven Russia Hoax, and his new legislation is a partisan distraction from President Biden and House Democrats’ multiple ongoing crises.

Specifically, the Hunter Amendment - which featured the support of Reps. Randy Feenstra, Rick Crawford, Glenn Grothman, David McKinley, Randy Weber, Tom Rice, Bob Gibbs, and Pat Fallon - would have amended H.R. 5314 to make immediate family members of the President and Vice President subject to penalties and enforcement under the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution.

You can read the amendment here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=954,Bergman Leads Michigan Representatives Calling for State Government to Oppose CMS Vaccine Mandate,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by his Republican colleagues in the Michigan congressional delegation, sent a letter to Governor Whitmer and Attorney General Nessel calling for the State of Michigan to join the legal action against the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ vaccine mandate for health workers. So far, 24 states have joined lawsuits against this mandate. These suits have so far resulted in a federal court issuing a preliminary injunction, temporarily halting the mandate from going into effect nationwide.

Rep. Jack Bergman stated: “For weeks I have heard from health workers, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other providers from across Michigan’s First District expressing their concerns with the CMS vaccine mandate. This rule, which was put in place without Congressional approval, will only worsen the ongoing healthcare workforce shortages – forcing many providers to cut their operating hours, reduce the number of services offered, or even close their doors entirely. While we continue to oppose these harmful and unconstitutional mandates from Washington, the State of Michigan must step up and do their part to protect our hospitals, health workers, and patients.”

The full letter, which outlines the harm the vaccine mandate will do to communities and health providers – especially in rural areas – can be read HERE.

Rep. Bergman is also a cosponsor of H.R. 5811, the No Vaccine Mandate Act, which would prevent the Biden Administration from using any funds appropriated by Congress to carry out any rules requiring a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, he cosponsored H.J.Res. 65, a resolution that would directly overturn the OSHA vaccine mandate for businesses with more than 100 employees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-passing-former-senator-bob-dole,Moolenaar Statement on the Passing of Former Senator Bob Dole,2021-12-05,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This morning, former Senator Bob Dole passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 98. Dole served his country in the European Theater during World War II where he sustained injuries that he would carry with him the rest of his life. His service as a captain in the Army earned him the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

In 1968, Dole was elected to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate where he would eventually serve as the Senate Majority Leader. He was the Republican Nominee for Vice President in 1976 and Republican Nominee for President in 1996. In 2018, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/12/sens-kennedy-and-warnock-introduce-senate-companion-bill-rep-mcclains-patient,Sens. Kennedy and Warnock Introduce Senate Companion Bill to Rep. McClain’s Patient Advocate Tracker Legislation,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Sens. John Kennedy (R-LA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Senate companion bill to Rep. Lisa McClain’s (R-MI) Patient Advocate Tracker Act. This bill will increase transparency and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans who report concerns they experience with VA health care services.

“The Patient Advocate Tracker Act is commonsense legislation that will make the VA more transparent and cause less frustrations for our veterans. Veterans deserve the best healthcare possible, and when they receive subpar care, they need to be able to easily report complaints to their patient advocate, track it and get the best outcome possible. This bill will simplify the process and help them track their complaint,” said McClain.

“Veterans have risked their lives on behalf of our country, and they deserve efficient, effective health care from the VA. The Patient Advocate Tracker Act would ensure the VA is more transparent and responsive to American service members by allowing them to file and track the status of their complaints. Bureaucracy shouldn’t keep veterans in the dark,” said Kennedy.

“Our veterans have given so much to defend our freedoms, and I’m proud to join Senator Kennedy in introducing this bill that takes important steps toward making sure we have a transparent VA system that works for our veterans. Not only do we need to work to ensure every veteran has timely and effective access to care, we also must ensure that when there is an issue with their care, their concerns are addressed promptly and transparently,” Warnock said.

The VA uses the patient advocate tracking system (PATS) to track and report complaints from veterans. The Patient Advocate Tracker Act would allow veterans to access PATS in order to file complaints and view the status of those health care concerns, including interim and final actions that the VA has taken to resolve issues facing individual veterans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/biden-continues-restrictions-months-after-declaring-independence-covid,"Biden Continues Restrictions, Months After Declaring Independence From COVID",2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, President Joe Biden announced an extension of his mask mandate on public transportation and a new testing requirement for people traveling internationally.

""In July, President Biden declared America free from COVID. Now, instead of letting Americans make their own choices, Biden continues to pursue mandates and impose restrictions on Americans. It has been nearly two years since the pandemic began in America and it is long past time for the Biden Administration to let families decide what is best for them,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar.

Continuing to impose restrictions on Americans after declaring the country free from COVID is another one of the Biden Administration's reversals on COVID. In late July, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said a vaccine mandate was ""not the role of the federal government."" However, weeks later, in early September, the Biden Administration announced a vaccine mandate. Congressman Moolenaar opposes that mandate and has introduced the No Vaccine Mandate Act to block funding for the enforcement of it.

Headlines from this past summer include:

NPR:

Image

Bloomberg:

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Politico:

Image

Roll Call:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-legislation-improve-service-va,Moolenaar Supports Legislation to Improve Service at the VA,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar is a cosponsor of two new bills that would improve services at the Department of Veteran Affairs. The first one is the VA Telehealth Strategy Act and second one is the POW Priority Care Act. The first bill would would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve telehealth accessibility for veterans. The second bill requires the VA to elevate former prisoners of war to Priority Group 1. Right now, former POWs are in Priority Group 3, out of eight priority groups at the VA.

""Telehealth services have been vital to veterans as they have received care over the past couple of years and the VA Telehealth Strategy Act will require the VA to improve care and convenience for our veterans,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""The POW Priority Care Act is also essential because it will help ensure that courageous veterans who endured enemy captivity will receive the care they need most. I hope the House will quickly pass both bills to help veterans receive the benefits they earned serving our nation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-welcomes-funding-northwood-repairs,Moolenaar Welcomes Funding for Northwood Repairs,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced a new $3.4 million grant to assist Northwood University with the cost of rebuilding six buildings on its campus.

""This funding will cover the cost of repairing damaged campus buildings, which in turn, will help Northwood students pursue the educational and extracurricular activities that are best for them,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""In the past year and a half, I have worked with federal, state, and local leaders to ensure our region receives the support it deserves, and today's grant from FEMA adds to more than $100 million dollars in federal support that has come to the region since last year's flooding.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=952,Bergman Demands Answers on Drone Sale to Qatar,2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) and Randy Weber (R-TX-14) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken objecting to the impending sale of $500 million worth of armed drones to the state of Qatar.

“Qatar has long operated not only as a principal sponsor of terror worldwide, but as a corrupting influence on U.S. institutions across the board,” stated Rep. Bergman. “Qatar’s abysmal human rights record is notorious, and on those grounds alone, I would seriously question this proposed deal.”

The Qatari regime has established one of the best-funded foreign influence peddling operations in the nation’s capital, and the tentacles of that operation extend from major media operations to educational institutions and think tanks. In addition, the Emir has engaged in ongoing efforts to influence United States foreign policy outside the scope of U.S. law governing the registration of foreign agents.

Qatar has long supported Hamas, along with its parent organization, the Muslim Brotherhood. The Qatari government has served as a safe haven for Hamas, providing financing, advocacy and even hosting its leadership. They have also provided a media platform for terrorist leaders on Al Jazeera, its state-controlled media operation.

The letter urges Secretaries Austin and Blinken to “raise these concerns on behalf of the American people” on the occasion of the Emir’s impending visit to the United States.

This imprudent sale of armed drones to a country with such an abysmal record of human rights and support for terror can only harm U.S. national security interests in the region and the reputation of the United States as a defender of human rights.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=949,"Bergman: Support Angel Families, Don’t Pay Illegal Immigrants",2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Rep. Jack Bergman and 18 of his Republican House colleagues sent a letter to the Biden Administration condemning its plans for massive payouts to illegal immigrants and instead requesting compensation for Angel Families and other American victims of the federal government’s failure to enforce our Nation’s immigration laws.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported on the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS), and Health and Human Services (HHS) considering payments of $450,000 per person, or close to $1 million per family, to those who illegally crossed the U.S. southern border and were being prosecuted under the law.

Such policies only incentivize increased border crossings and more instances of dangerous criminals being released into our local communities – and it is American citizens who pay the consequences.

Rep. Bergman and his colleagues condemned the administration’s plans and urged President Biden to instead compensate Americans harmed by these failed border policies.

Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime (AVIAC) President Don Rosenberg said, ""Our families have been destroyed. We will never see our loved ones again, and if we speak out, we’re either ignored or called racists and white supremacists. Illegal aliens are legally separated from their children for a brief time, and they are rewarded with settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is obscene.""

You can read the full letter here and below.

This effort has been supported by NumbersUSA and Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime (AVIAC).

--

Dear Attorney General Garland, Secretary Mayorkas, and Secretary Becerra:

In the wake of reports regarding your three agencies’ plans for $450,000 per person payouts to illegal immigrants, we urge you to condemn this idea and instead consider a way to compensate Angel Families and other victims for their suffering and loss of loved ones due to reckless open border policies, such as those advanced by the Biden Administration and its neglect of our nation’s border laws.

Crossing the border illegally should never be rewarded, but the Biden Administration has incessantly pursued border policies that incentivize mass illegal immigration. We’re experiencing record illegal crossings due to the President’s open borders rhetoric, pursuit of mass amnesty, and attacks on successful policies like construction of the border wall or “Remain-in-Mexico.” But your proposed payments to those who willfully break our laws represents the most radical, morally bankrupt, and wasteful idea of them all. In fact, it is a slap in the face to Angel Families.

Angel Families are those that have lost family members to illegal immigrants, and they’re becoming all too common due to the gravely mishandled border crisis. When you welcome a border surge and simultaneously withhold the resources and authorities to manage and vet illegal immigrants, you also allow dangerous criminals into our communities. Many of these deadly acts were entirely avoidable because they were committed by deportable immigrants and immigrants who were released from federal custody into the interior.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/11/rep-lisa-mcclain-votes-no-build-back-better-bill,Rep. Lisa McClain Votes No on “Build Back Better” Bill,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) voted against H.R. 5376, commonly referred to as the Build Back Better bill.

“This legislation is the largest tax and spending bill in modern history, which is why I voted no,” said Rep. McClain. “The Democrats are trying to turn our country into a cradle to grave welfare state on the backs of our children and grandchildren. Instead of spending money on unnecessary social welfare programs, America needs to get its spending under control.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-against-another-democrat-spending-spree,Moolenaar Votes Against Another Democrat Spending Spree,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted against the $1.7 trillion spending package passed by House Democrats on a largely party-line vote. In fact, the only bipartisanship came in opposition to the massive spending bill with one Democrat joining every Republican in voting against it.

""Michigan families are facing some of the highest inflation in the nation, fueled in part by the $2 trillion in spending Democrats passed in March. Now while Michigan families face higher costs for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Democrats are doubling down and passing another bill that costs nearly $2 trillion. Michigan families will be forced to pay the price while Democrats in Washington spend their hard-earned tax dollars,"" said Moolenaar.

""This legislation also contains terrible policies, including tax increases on 30 percent of middle class families and a federal takeover of child care that will limit the choices of Michigan parents while increasing costs. This radical legislation will expand the size of the federal government, creating a cradle-to-the-grave takeover of American life that will squeeze 330 million unique Americans with top-down policies that don't fit their lives,"" added Moolenaar.

""Finally, at a time when we need to be attracting manufacturing back to America so we can secure our supply chains, the Democrats are raising taxes on businesses, which will cause them to look elsewhere for their manufacturing facilities. This is a disastrous policy that will harm our nation's ability to bring manufacturing back to America,"" concluded Moolenaar.

There is a bipartisan consensus that the Democrats' spending this year has led to higher prices for Michigan families. Earlier this week, former Obama auto advisor Stephen Rattner wrote in the New York Times, ""The original sin was the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, passed in March...That has contributed materially to today's inflation levels.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-pelosis-tax-and-spending-spree-too-costly-and-extreme,Walberg: Pelosi’s Tax and Spending Spree is Too Costly and Extreme,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) released the following statement after voting against Speaker Pelosi's multi-trillion-dollar tax and spending spree that will drive up the cost of living, cripple our economy, and dramatically expand the size and scope of government.

""Today, Speaker Pelosi rammed through the most radical and expensive spending bill our nation has ever seen. Make no mistake: This spending spree is not fully paid for, as the Congressional Budget Office confirmed. When you factor in all the accounting gimmicks, this monstrosity will balloon the national debt even more.

""Unbelievably, one of the biggest parts of this spending spree is a special tax break for the wealthiest. At the same time, hardworking families will be stuck with soaring inflation, rising gas prices, and a new natural gas tax that will cause home heating costs to spike. This bill is also littered with extreme provisions that will heighten the border crisis, give illegal immigrants eligibility for taxpayer benefits, subsidize the Green New Deal, and expand taxpayer-funded abortions.

""Build Back Broke is a more fitting name for this far-left boondoggle. The economic consequences of these massive tax hikes and unchecked spending will be felt for years to come. The American people want lower costs, lower taxes, and a healthy economy that offers opportunities to succeed. This bill will do exactly the opposite. Now it is up to the Senate to stop this socialist scheme in its tracks.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/11/senate-passes-rep-mcclains-congressional-gold-medal-bill,Senate Passes Rep. McClain’s Congressional Gold Medal Bill,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate passed Congresswoman Lisa McClain’s (R-MI) bill Wednesday night, which would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

“The service and sacrifice of these 13 brave men and women will never be forgotten,” said Rep. McClain. “I’m proud this important legislation to award these heroes with Congress’ top honor is one step closer to becoming law. Thank you to Senators Steve Daines and Elizabeth Warren for leading this effort in the Senate.”

The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/osha-suspends-enforcement-bidens-vaccine-mandate,OSHA Suspends Enforcement of Biden's Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that it has suspended the implementation and enforcement of President Biden's vaccine mandate following the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit ordering the mandate be halted until further notice.

""President Biden's vaccine mandate is unconstitutional, and the federal government has no business enforcing this executive overreach on businesses and workers,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""Businesses are already struggling with supply chain disruptions and a labor shortage – the vaccine mandate will only exacerbate those issues. I will continue to oppose this mandate until the courts, Congress, or the Biden Administration bring it to a permanent end.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=947,Bergman's Veterans Health Administration Audit Bill Passes House,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington - Today, Rep. Jack Bergman’s H.R. 4626 – VA Assessment by Independent Measures (VA AIM) Act passed the House of Representatives unanimously. The VA AIM Act, a key part of Rep. Bergman’s agenda as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, would conduct an independent assessment of VA health care services, operations, budget, and delivery to uphold the highest standards for the Veterans who rely on them.

Rep. Bergman made remarks on the House Floor, which you can watch here.

Rep. Bergman issued the following statement, “This independent assessment is needed to kick a bureaucracy the size of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) into a higher gear – one that is more accountable, efficient, and less wasteful. If signed into law, this assessment will occur every ten years - benefiting multiple generations of Veterans. The VA AIM Act will recalibrate any VA functions that are not optimized for the whole health of the Veteran. I’m proud my colleagues in the House came together today to recognize that Veterans earned the best care possible and to pass this bill.”

“Veterans deserve good, modern care every time they visit VA,” said Ranking Member Mike Bost. ""I thank my friend, General Bergman, for leading the VA Assessment by Independent Measures (AIM) Act, which will provide a comprehensive evaluation of VA healthcare system every decade to ensure our fellow veterans are receiving first-class service. I was proud to support the AIM Act when it passed the House today and I look forward to seeing it signed into law without delay.”

Background

This legislation will regularly and thoroughly evaluate the Veterans Health Administration’s delivery of care to Veterans to understand where taxpayer dollars are being spent and ensuring they’re doing the most for our Veterans by:

Requiring VA to contract with private sector entities with relevant expertise to conduct Independent Assessments of the VA healthcare system every decade;

The Independent Assessments would include evaluations of: the demographics and projected needs of the veteran patient population; VA’s budget; access to care in VA medical facilities and in the community; staffing and productivity; health IT; infrastructure needs and challenges; accountability; and training, research, and disaster/emergency response capabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/11/reps-mcclain-babin-introduce-legislation-ensure-veterans-receive-va-benefits,"Reps. McClain, Babin Introduce Legislation to Ensure Veterans Receive VA Benefits Regardless of Vaccination Status",2021-11-12,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) cosponsored H.R. 5892, the Our Veterans Earned It Act. Rep. McClain introduced this legislation alongside Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX) to ensure that no veteran loses their VA benefits for choosing not to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Our veterans earned their benefits when they fought to protect our country. The fact that they could be at risk of losing these benefits due to a vaccine mandate is disturbing,” said Congresswoman Lisa McClain. “It’s past time we do something about President Biden’s gross overreach and I’m appreciative of Rep. Babin’s efforts to protect our veterans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-record-inflation,Moolenaar Statement on Record Inflation,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the Department of Labor reported that inflation surged 6.2 percent in October, the highest rate in more than 30 years. The department also confirmed that Americans made less money in October because of inflation. According to CNBC, ""the Labor Department said real wages after inflation fell 0.5% from September to October, the product of a 0.4% increase in average hourly earnings that was more than offset"" by the surge in inflation.

""President Biden and the Democrats spent $2 trillion in March, $1 trillion last week, and now they want to come back next week and pass another bill that will spend trillions more. They are spending the hard earned money of Michigan families with no regard for the inflation and higher prices those families are facing for gas, groceries, and everything else,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""Democrats in Congress still have not passed legislation funding the government in 2022, but that hasn't stopped them from spending trillions on top of the regular budget, and that's hurting Michigan families right now with higher prices.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-pow-priority-care-act,"Walberg, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce POW Priority Care Act",2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced H.R. 5947, the POW Priority Care Act. This bipartisan legislation would elevate former Prisoners of War (POW) to Priority Group 1 in the scale used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine eligibility for health care benefits and services. Currently, POWs are allocated to Priority Group 3.

""As we pay tribute to our veterans this week, it serves as another reminder of the sacred responsibility we have to care for the men and women who defended our freedoms,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""Our nation's former POWs were forced to endure unthinkable hardship in service to country, and there should be no question that they deserve the highest level of care at the VA. This legislation is an important step we can take as a grateful nation, and I am thankful to my colleagues for joining me in this bipartisan effort.""

""I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of the POW Priority Care Act as we commemorate Veterans Day this week and honor those who have sacrificed so much for us,"" Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. ""It is humbling to listen to veterans from my community share their experiences, their hardships, and their courage. Veterans who were Prisoners of War sacrificed so much for this country and deserve the highest quality of healthcare and services.""

""Veterans who were Prisoners of War have wounds both visible and not visible from the unique hardships they endured. The POW Priority Care Act recognizes the adversity that POWs faced and their service by elevating these veterans to the highest priority status for medical care at Department of Veterans Affairs. I'm proud to join Representatives Walberg, Krishnamoorthi, and Rush in introducing the POW Priority Care Act and hope my colleagues support this bill to raise the priority status for medical care for POWs,"" said Congressman Guthrie.

""Prisoners of War have endured the unthinkable and made unimaginable sacrifices for our nation and for the freedoms we all enjoy. They should be at the front of the line to receive the highest level of medical care, in the most efficient manner possible, upon their return home. Unfortunately, right now this is not the case. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation to right this wrong and honor our heroic POWs,"" said Congressman Rush.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=945,Bergman Fighting Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Rep. Jack Bergman recently cosponsored legislation aimed at preventing the Department of Labor from instituting a nationwide vaccine mandate for all businesses with more than 100 employees. OSHA issued this mandate – affecting 84 million workers – through an “Emergency Temporary Standard.” This rarely-used process allows OSHA to completely bypass the comment period that normally allows the American public to weigh in on proposed regulations.

Rep. Bergman issued the following statement:

""While OSHA plays a role in promoting workplace safety, this vaccine requirement goes far beyond the scope of its authority given by Congress. The federal government has never imposed a general vaccine mandate, and Congress has never given authorization for unelected government bureaucrats to unilaterally impose one. As the mandates announced last week face legal challenges, Congress must act now to prevent these overreaching mandates from going into effect. Thousands of businesses will face unfair penalties and millions of workers could have their livelihoods threatened for no other reason than exercising their right to make their own healthcare choices.""

Background:

H.R. 5811 - the No Vaccine Mandate Act, would prohibit funds from going towards the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate. Specifically, the legislation states that NONE of the funds in the FY22 Labor-HHS appropriations bill may be used to develop, implement, administer, or enforce any rule that requires COVID-19 vaccination.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=944,Bergman to Biden: Don’t Interfere With Michigan’s Energy,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Last night, Congressmen Jack Bergman (R-MI01), Bob Latta (R-OH5), Tim Walberg (R-MI07), and 10 additional House Members, sent a letter to President Biden regarding reports of the Biden Administration exploring the possibility of taking action to terminate the Enbridge’s Line 5 Pipeline.

“Reports that the Biden Administration is seeking to shut down Line 5 are extremely concerning for Michigan families,” said Rep. Bergman. “As energy prices skyrocket across the nation due to Biden’s dangerous energy policies, shutting down Line 5 would saddle constituents with unaffordable heating costs and propane shortages as we head into the winter months. If these reports are true, the Biden Administration must end this terrible policy and immediately put the needs of Michiganders first.”

""The devastating consequences of shutting down Line 5 cannot be overstated,” said rep, Latta. “The pipeline is essential to the lifeblood of the Midwest. Should the Biden Administration move forward to shut down Line 5 tens of thousands of jobs would be lost across Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the region; billions of dollars in economy activity would be in jeopardy; and the environment would be at greater risk due to additional trucks operating on roadways and railroads carrying hazardous materials where that is even possible. The closure of Line 5 would cause uncertainty over the delivery of energy products, which would result in spikes in consumers’ energy bills and experience difficulties in powering their homes and businesses due to propane and other energy shortages. As the current supply chain is already struggling, this would be an added hardship on the people in the Midwest that is not necessary.”

“Every family in Michigan and throughout the Midwest should be deeply troubled by this new report that the Biden Administration is actively exploring shutting down Line 5,” said Rep. Walberg. “Halting operations of this energy pipeline would hurt our economy and cause home heating costs to rise even higher right as we enter the winter months. This irresponsible action will hurt farmers, businesses, and families. President Biden has already done enough to weaken America’s energy security and international alliances, and the consequences of terminating Line 5 would only heighten these growing challenges.”

Background:

In light of the Administration’s decision to revoke the Keystone XL pipeline, earlier this year in March, Latta, Bergman, and Walberg led 11 House members in sending President Biden a letter to express their deep concerns regarding reports of pressure campaigns from pipeline opponents to shut down additional petroleum and natural gas pipelines. No response was received from the President.

Last year, Latta, Bergman, and Walberg, led a letter with seven other House colleagues to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) asking them to confirm that Line 5 is structurally sound and does not manifest an unsafe condition or constitute an imminent hazard that would warrant its closure for safety reasons. PHMSA replied in January of this year confirming that “there are presently no integrity concerns” with the pipeline based on inspection data.

Along with the lack of safety concerns, any efforts to terminate the pipeline would trigger an international standoff with the United States’ closest ally and economic partner, Canada. The 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between the U.S. and Canada has ensured the uninterrupted transportation of energy products across the border for decades.

The complete text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear President Biden:

We write to you today to share our deep concerns after reading recent news reports that your Administration is currently exploring the possibility of taking action to terminate the operation of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline that links Superior, Wisconsin with Sarnia Ontario.

According to a November 3, 2021 article entitled, “White House Weighs Effects of Shutting Michigan Oil Pipeline,” sources indicate your Administration is “gathering data on whether shutting down the Line 5 oil pipeline in Michigan would lead to fuel price shocks in the region.” The article goes on to assert the Administration is seeking to appease environmental groups by putting together “a menu of options on whether to allow the pipeline to stay in operation or to break the treaty with Canada and shut it down.”

Line 5 is essential to the lifeblood of the Midwest. Should this pipeline be shut down, tens of thousands of jobs would be lost across Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the region; billions of dollars in economy activity would be in jeopardy; and the environment would be at greater risk due to additional trucks operating on roadways and railroads carrying hazardous materials where that is even possible. Additionally, as we enter the winter months and temperatures drop across the Midwest, the termination of Line 5 will undoubtedly further exacerbate shortages and price increases in home heating fuels like natural gas and propane at a time when Americans are already facing rapidly rising energy prices, steep home heating costs, global supply shortages, and skyrocketing gas prices.

Last year, we sent a letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) asking them to confirm that Line 5 is structurally sound and does not manifest an unsafe condition or constitute an imminent hazard that would warrant its closure for safety reasons. PHMSA replied in January of this year confirming that “there are presently no integrity concerns” with the pipeline based on inspection data.

Additionally, on March 10, 2021, we sent a letter to you describing our concerns regarding reports of pressure campaigns from pipeline opponents seeking to shut down petroleum and natural gas pipelines such as Line 5, and the devastating consequences such actions would have in our states. While we have yet to receive a response to our letter, we were told by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm that the Department of Energy, and thus your Administration, “does not have a direct role regarding the project.”

Along with the lack of safety concerns, any efforts to terminate the pipeline would trigger an international standoff with our closest ally and economic partner, Canada. The 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between the United States and Canada has ensured the uninterrupted transportation of energy products across the border for decades. Given the strained relations between our two countries brought on by the termination of the Keystone XL pipeline and the prolonged shutdown of cross-border travel due to COVID-19, now is not the time to worsen this critical diplomatic partnership.

We believe, absent any credible data showing that there is a real safety hazard to continue to operate Line 5, the intrastate, interstate, and international commerce implications of the possible shutdown of the pipeline should be overwhelming evidence that this path should not be followed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-leads-letter-highlighting-devastating-consequences-shutting-down-line,Walberg Leads Letter Highlighting Devastating Consequences of Shutting Down Line 5,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07), along with Congressmen Bob Latta (OH-05), Jack Bergman (MI-01), and 10 other House members, sent a letter to President Biden regarding reports of the Biden Administration exploring the possibility of taking action to terminate the Enbridge's Line 5 Pipeline. This pipeline links Superior, Wisconsin, with Sarnia, Ontario.

""Every family in Michigan and throughout the Midwest should be deeply troubled by this new report that the Biden Administration is actively exploring shutting down Line 5,"" said Walberg. ""Halting operations of this energy pipeline would hurt our economy and cause home heating costs to rise even higher right as we enter the winter months. This irresponsible action will hurt farmers, businesses, and families. President Biden has already done enough to weaken America's energy security and international alliances, and the consequences of terminating Line 5 would only heighten these growing challenges.""

""The devastating consequences of shutting down Line 5 cannot be overstated,"" said Latta. ""The pipeline is essential to the lifeblood of the Midwest. Should the Biden Administration move forward to shut down Line 5 tens of thousands of jobs would be lost across Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the region; billions of dollars in economy activity would be in jeopardy; and the environment would be at greater risk due to additional trucks operating on roadways and railroads carrying hazardous materials where that is even possible. The closure of Line 5 would cause uncertainty over the delivery of energy products, which would result in spikes in consumers' energy bills and experience difficulties in powering their homes and businesses due to propane and other energy shortages. As the current supply chain is already struggling, this would be an added hardship on the people in the Midwest that is not necessary.""

""Reports that the Biden Administration is seeking to shut down Line 5 are extremely concerning for Michigan families,"" said Bergman. ""As energy prices skyrocket across the nation due to Biden's dangerous energy policies, shutting down Line 5 would saddle constituents with unaffordable heating costs and propane shortages as we head into the winter months. If these reports are true, the Biden Administration must end this terrible policy and immediately put the needs of Michiganders first.""

BACKGROUND

In light of the Administration's decision to revoke the Keystone XL pipeline, earlier this year in March, Walberg, Latta, and Bergman led 11 House members in sending President Biden a letter to express their deep concerns regarding reports of pressure campaigns from pipeline opponents to shut down additional petroleum and natural gas pipelines. No response was received from the President.

Last year, Walberg, Latta, and Bergman led a letter with seven other House colleagues to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) asking them to confirm that Line 5 is structurally sound and does not manifest an unsafe condition or constitute an imminent hazard that would warrant its closure for safety reasons. PHMSA replied in January of this year confirming that ""there are presently no integrity concerns"" with the pipeline based on inspection data.

Along with the lack of safety concerns, any efforts to terminate the pipeline would trigger an international standoff with the United States' closest ally and economic partner, Canada. The 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between the U.S. and Canada has ensured the uninterrupted transportation of energy products across the border for decades.

The complete text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear President Biden:

We write to you today to share our deep concerns after reading recent news reports that your Administration is currently exploring the possibility of taking action to terminate the operation of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline that links Superior, Wisconsin with Sarnia Ontario.

According to a November 3, 2021 article entitled, ""White House Weighs Effects of Shutting Michigan Oil Pipeline,"" sources indicate your Administration is ""gathering data on whether shutting down the Line 5 oil pipeline in Michigan would lead to fuel price shocks in the region."" The article goes on to assert the Administration is seeking to appease environmental groups by putting together ""a menu of options on whether to allow the pipeline to stay in operation or to break the treaty with Canada and shut it down.""

Line 5 is essential to the lifeblood of the Midwest. Should this pipeline be shut down, tens of thousands of jobs would be lost across Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the region; billions of dollars in economy activity would be in jeopardy; and the environment would be at greater risk due to additional trucks operating on roadways and railroads carrying hazardous materials where that is even possible. Additionally, as we enter the winter months and temperatures drop across the Midwest, the termination of Line 5 will undoubtedly further exacerbate shortages and price increases in home heating fuels like natural gas and propane at a time when Americans are already facing rapidly rising energy prices, steep home heating costs, global supply shortages, and skyrocketing gas prices.

Last year, we sent a letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) asking them to confirm that Line 5 is structurally sound and does not manifest an unsafe condition or constitute an imminent hazard that would warrant its closure for safety reasons. PHMSA replied in January of this year confirming that ""there are presently no integrity concerns"" with the pipeline based on inspection data.

Additionally, on March 10, 2021, we sent a letter to you describing our concerns regarding reports of pressure campaigns from pipeline opponents seeking to shut down petroleum and natural gas pipelines such as Line 5, and the devastating consequences such actions would have in our states. While we have yet to receive a response to our letter, we were told by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm that the Department of Energy, and thus your Administration, ""does not have a direct role regarding the project.""

Along with the lack of safety concerns, any efforts to terminate the pipeline would trigger an international standoff with our closest ally and economic partner, Canada. The 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between the United States and Canada has ensured the uninterrupted transportation of energy products across the border for decades. Given the strained relations between our two countries brought on by the termination of the Keystone XL pipeline and the prolonged shutdown of cross-border travel due to COVID-19, now is not the time to worsen this critical diplomatic partnership.

We believe, absent any credible data showing that there is a real safety hazard to continue to operate Line 5, the intrastate, interstate, and international commerce implications of the possible shutdown of the pipeline should be overwhelming evidence that this path should not be followed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-introduces-legislation-blocking-funding-bidens-vaccine,Moolenaar Introduces Legislation Blocking Funding for Biden’s Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar has introduced the No Vaccine Mandate Act to block President Joe Biden from using the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an order that would force employers of more than 100 employees to impose and enforce a vaccine mandate on their employees. Moolenaar's legislation prohibits the Department of Labor from using federal funds to administer a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

""President Biden's arbitrary COVID vaccine mandate on businesses with 100 or more employees, burdens businesses with the responsibility to pay for expensive tests or force their employees to be vaccinated. There's simply nothing in the Constitution that allows the federal government to impose this mandate on private businesses and my bill will cut off funding for the Department of Labor to enforce it,"" said Moolenaar.

""The American people simply disapprove of President Biden's handling of the economy, and businesses are struggling with supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and higher costs for gas and electricity. The last thing businesses need is the federal government burdening them with more costs and making it harder for them to retain and hire workers,"" added Moolenaar.

Moolenaar is Michigan's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and a member of the Labor-H subcommittee that oversees the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The legislation is cosponsored by 17 Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee, including Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), the ranking member of the House Committee on Rules and the top Republican on the Labor-H subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-statement-oshas-vaccine-mandate-private-businesses,Walberg Statement on OSHA’s Vaccine Mandate for Private Businesses,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) issued the following statement after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a rule imposing a COVID-19 vaccine-and-testing mandate on private businesses with 100 or more employees. The proposed rule impacts more than 80 million workers across the country.

""The Biden administration's vaccine mandate is a serious overreach that will inflict further harm on an already hobbled economy. In the middle of a nationwide labor shortage, this heavy-handed mandate will place more undue burdens on job creators, cause more workers to lose their livelihoods, and escalate the supply chain crisis. It couldn't come at a worse time as we approach the holiday season.

""What's more, this rule was hastily conceived and it is likely that OSHA does not possess the legal authority to impose such a sweeping mandate. I have long supported the vaccine's development and encouraged folks to consult with their doctor about the best medical decision. The issue here is a top-down government mandate that infringes on individual freedom. These are personal choices that should be made by patients not politicians.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=943,"Bergman, GOP Colleagues Send Letter Slamming Administration's Plan to Compensate Illegal Immigrants $450,000",2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Rep. Jack Bergman joined a letter with Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. and 42 GOP colleagues to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing urgent concern regarding a recent report from the Wall Street Journal that the Biden Administration is considering paying illegal immigrants who crossed the U.S. border in 2018 roughly $450,000 in compensation per person. This comes as the United States is experiencing the worst border crisis in decades.

In the letter the Members say, “We write today with severe concerns regarding recent reports that your three agencies are in discussions to offer illegal immigrants that unlawfully crossed the U.S. border in 2018 roughly $450,000 per person in compensation. The rationale for this egregious abuse of taxpayer dollars is to compensate these persons for ‘lasting psychological drama.’ Do, however, note that these persons crossed into our country in a knowingly illegal manner, fully aware of the consequences of violating our rule of law.”

They continue, “Promising tens of thousands of dollars to those who unlawfully entered the United States would not only reward criminal behavior, but it would surely send a message to the world that our borders are open, and or rule of law will not be enforced. Compare this hefty compensation sum [$450,000] to the 2019 average median American household annual income of $68,703. Furthermore, compare it to the maximum payout from a SGLI life insurance policy for military members, which is $400,000.

""The idea that we would give illegal foreigners who broke the law a check that exceeds the amount that our government supplies to our valiant and heroic Gold Star Families is shameful, reprehensible, and morally indignant.”

Co-signers of the letter include (44): Reps. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC), Andy Biggs (AZ), Elise Stefanik (NY), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Richard Hudson (NC), Tom McClintock (CA), Tim Burchett (TN), David McKinley (WV), David Rouzer (NC), Markwayne Mullin (OK), Diana Harshbarger (TN), Victoria Spartz (IN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., (IA), Ted Budd (NC), Jack Bergman (MI), Glenn Grothman (WI), Rick Crawford (AR), Jeff Duncan (SC), Bob Gibbs (OH), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Brian Mast (FL), Troy Balderson (OH), Pete Stauber (MN), Pete Sessions (TX), Lauren Boebert (CO), Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX), Vern Buchanan (FL), Ann Wagner (MO), Mike Garcia (CA), Sam Graves (MO), Morgan Griffith (VA), Bob Good (VA), Dan Bishop (NC), Guy Reschenthaler (PA), Van Taylor (TX), John Moolenaar (MI), Bill Huizenga (MI), Doug Lamborn (CO), Roger Williams (TX), Jim Hagedorn (MN), Claudia Tenney (NY), Louie Gohmert (TX), and Dan Crenshaw (TX).

Fox News carried the exclusive on this release.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/545-million-headed-region-assist-flood-affected-communities,$54.5 Million Headed to the Region to Assist Flood-Affected Communities,2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"The federal government is making a grant of $54.5 million dollars to the Midland and Gladwin region to assist local communities in the continued rebuilding of infrastructure, housing, and economic revitalization related to the 2020 dam failures.

""This is significant funding for Midland, Gladwin and the region,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""I have been working with local leaders to address the needs of our community and I know this funding will make a positive difference for the future of our region.""

The funding was announced as part of the federal government's effort to provide supplemental recovery funds to regions of the country that were hit hardest by disasters from 2019 through 2021. The severe flooding caused by the dam failures in Midland and Gladwin counties is the only eligible disaster in Michigan during that time period.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/10/reps-mcclain-slotkin-moolenaar-and-dingell-introduce-bipartisan-veterans,"Reps. McClain, Slotkin, Moolenaar and Dingell Introduce Bipartisan Veterans Legislation",2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Lisa McClain (R-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of our nation’s veterans.

The Patient Advocate Tracker Act, led by McClain and Slotkin, will create an online portal where veterans can track the status of formal complaints they file through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“The Patient Advocate Tracker Act is commonsense legislation that will make the VA more transparent and cause less frustrations for our veterans,” said Rep. McClain. “Veterans deserve the best healthcare possible, and when they receive subpar care, they need to be able to easily report complaints to their patient advocate, track it and get the best outcome possible. This bill will simplify the process and help them track their complaint.”

“I hear from veterans across Mid-Michigan who have struggled to access the VA care and benefits they’ve earned. Expanding the VA’s patient advocacy programs is a commonsense way to improve quality of service and make sure our veterans needs are being met. These two bills will increase transparency at the department and help it operate as efficiently as possible on behalf of our veteran community,” said Rep. Slotkin.

Currently the patient advocate tracking system allows for tracking and reporting of complaints by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but not the patient.

Reps. Bill Posey (R-FL), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Bob Gibbs (R-OH) Jody Hice (R-GA), Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Marc Veasey (D-TX) joined as original cosponsors of the Patient Tracker Act.

The Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, led by Moolenaar and Dingell, will require the VA to appropriately staff its patient advocacy programs.

“Our veterans deserve to have better service from the VA, and I have heard from many veterans that there are simply not enough patient advocates at the VA,” said Rep. Moolenaar. “The legislation we are introducing today will increase the number of patient advocates and improve accountability, so our veterans will receive better care and attention from VA staff. My Michigan colleagues and I have worked across the aisle to introduce these important solutions for our veterans, and we are proud to have support of the VFW, the SVA, and their members for our legislation today.”

“This country’s veterans put their lives on the line for us and we need to them the care they deserve,” said Rep. Dingell. “Currently, VA patient advocates are being assigned to multiple medical centers at a time, leading to a lack of quality care for veterans. This bipartisan legislation would address this challenge by ensuring every veteran has easy access to a patient advocate and that patient advocates have the bandwidth to fulfill their duties.”

""This legislation will save lives and will provide a dramatic leap forward in the quality of care our veterans receive across the country."" Said Veterans of Foreign Wars – Department of Michigan State Commander Kevin Conklin. ""The teamwork seen with Representatives Moolenaar, Dingell, McClain and Slotkin, alongside the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America shows the importance of strengthening and streamlining the VA's Patient Advocacy program. We are proud that the idea for this legislation came from one of the SVA and VFW's very own members, Cameron Zbikowski and we'll continue to look for solutions from the end users of VA care and programs.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-dingell-mcclain-and-slotkin-introduce-veterans-legislation,"Moolenaar, Dingell, McClain, and Slotkin Introduce Veterans Legislation",2021-10-27,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman John Moolenaar, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman Lisa McClain, and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin introduced the bipartisan Veterans Patient Advocacy Act and the bipartisan Patient Advocate Tracker Act to improve critical components of the VA's care programs. Both bills are supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Student Veterans of America (SVA).

The Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, led by Moolenaar and Dingell, will require the VA to appropriately staff its patient advocacy programs by increasing the number of patient advocates for veterans.

The Patient Advocate Tracker Act, led by McClain and Slotkin, will create an online portal where veterans can track the status of formal complaints they file through the VA.

""Our veterans deserve to have better service from the VA, and I have heard from many veterans that there are simply not enough patient advocates at the VA,"" said Moolenaar. ""The legislation we are introducing today will increase the number of patient advocates and improve accountability, so our veterans will receive better care and attention from VA staff. My Michigan colleagues and I have worked across the aisle to introduce these important solutions for our veterans, and we are proud to have support of the VFW, the SVA, and their members for our legislation today.""

""This country's veterans put their lives on the line for us and we need to give them the care they deserve,"" said Dingell. ""Currently, VA patient advocates are being assigned to multiple medical centers at a time, leading to a lack of quality care for veterans. This bipartisan legislation would address this challenge by ensuring every veteran has easy access to a patient advocate and that patient advocates have the bandwidth to fulfill their duties.""

""The Patient Advocate Tracker Act is commonsense legislation that will make the VA more transparent and cause less frustrations for our veterans,"" said McClain. ""Veterans deserve the best health care possible, and when they receive subpar care, they need to be able to easily report complaints to their patient advocate, track it and get the best outcome possible. This bill will simplify the process and help them track their complaint.""

""I hear from veterans across Mid-Michigan who have struggled to access the VA care and benefits they've earned,"" said Slotkin. ""Expanding the VA's patient advocacy programs is a commonsense way to improve quality of service and make sure our veterans needs are being met. These two bills will increase transparency at the department and help it operate as efficiently as possible on behalf of our veteran community.""

""This legislation will save lives and will provide a dramatic leap forward in the quality of care our veterans receive across the country,"" said VFW State Commander Kevin Conklin. ""The teamwork seen with Representatives Moolenaar, Dingell, McClain and Slotkin, alongside the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America shows the importance of strengthening and streamlining the VA's Patient Advocacy program. We are proud that the idea for this legislation came from one of the SVA and VFW's very own members, Cameron Zbikowski, and we'll continue to look for solutions from the end users of VA care and programs.""

The Veterans Patient Advocacy Act ""provides a substantial solution to this problem by requiring no fewer than one PA for every 13,500 veterans enrolled in the system. With this requirement, we believe the Patient Advocacy program will see stronger returns and superior representation of veterans seeking assistance, "" wrote Jared Lyon, the president and CEO of the Student Veterans of America, in a letter of support for both pieces of legislation.

Lyon also wrote the ""Patient Advocate Tracker Act, requires VA to create an electronic system that allows veterans to file complaints and track the status of those complaints in real time. It is important to note that this filing and tracking system already exists for VA, they simply do not provide such information to veterans. With this solution in hand, veterans will have access to updated and timely information regarding their complaints, leading to decreased frustration and a higher quality, transparent experience from VA.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/10/house-passes-rep-mcclains-congressional-gold-medal-bill,House Passes Rep. McClain’s Congressional Gold Medal Bill,2021-10-25,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Lisa McClain’s (R-MI) bill, which would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

“I’m proud the House passed my bill that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 brave men and women who were taken far too soon. Their sacrifice for our country and its allies will never be forgotten and I’m encouraged by the overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation, which had 325 cosponsors,” said Rep. McClain. “I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill so we can properly honor these fallen servicemembers.”

Reps. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Steve Scalise (R-LA) Elise Stefanik (R-NY) Rick Allen (R-GA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Andre Carson (D-IN), Madison Cawthorn (R-NC), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Ben Cline (R-VA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Rick Crawford (R-AR), John Curtis (R-UT), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chuck Fleischmann, (R-TN), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Mike Garcia (R-CA), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Anthony Gonzales (R-OH), Bob Good (R-VA), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Jody Hice (R-GA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Chris Jacobs (R-NY), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Dave Joyce (R-OH), William Keating (R-OH), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), David Kustoff (R-TN), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Robert Latta (R-OH), Al Lawson (D-FL), Blain Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Mast (R-FL), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Tom McClintock (R-CA), David McKinley (R-WV), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Carol Miller (R-WV), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Blake Moore (R-UT), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Chris Pappas (D-NH), August Pfluger (R-TX), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), David Rouzer (R-NC), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Gregory Steube (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Mike Turner (R-OH), David Valadao (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Randy Weber (R-TX), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Roger Williams (R-TX), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Robert Wittman (R-VA), Don Young (R-AK), Andy Harris (R-MD), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jason Smith (R-MO), Ralph Norman (R-SC), GT Thompson (R-PA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Mike Levin (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Garret Graves (R-LA), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon (R-PR), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) Van Taylor (R-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Greg Pence (R-IN), Barry Moore (R-AL), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Fred Upton (R-MI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Mike Bost (R-IL), Jim Costa (D-CA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Billy Long (R-MO), Cynthia Axne (D-IA), Austin Scott (R-GA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Scott Perry (R-PA), John Carter (R-TX), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Neal Dunn (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), William Timmons (R-SC), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Matthew Rosendale (R-MN), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-America Samoa), John Katko (R-NY), Fred Keller (R-PA), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Danny Davis (R-IL), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Hal Rogers (R-KY), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dean Phillips (D-MN), J. Luis Correa (D-CA), John Joyce (R-PA), David Trone (D-MD), Ron Estes (R-KS), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), French Hill (R-AR), Dina Titus (D-NV), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Al Green (D-TX), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Michael Cloud (R-TX), James Comer (R-KY), Ami Bera (D-CA), Mike Johnson (R-LA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David Scott (D-GA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Brian Babin (R-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Kay Granger (R-TX), Bill Posey (R-FL), Ken Buck (R-CO), Colin Allred (D-TX), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA), Andy Barr (R-KY), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Antonio Delgado (D-NY), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Charlie Crist (R-FL), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Kaiali?i Kahele (D-HI), Mark Takano (D-CA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Donald Beyer (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Jim Himes (D-CT), Julia Brownley (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Andy Levin (D-MI), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Grace Meng (D-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Alma Adams (D-NC), Ron Kind (D-WI), Conor Lamb (D-PA), Tony Gonzales, (R-TX) G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Scott Peters (D-CA), Norma Torres (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Chip Roy (R-TX), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Josh Harder (D-CA), Marie Newman (D-IL), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Tom Rice (R-SC), Sam Graves (R-MO), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Donald McEachin (D-VA), Tom Reed(R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AR) cosponsored the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-waive-veterans-application-fees-war-memorial-events,Moolenaar Votes to Waive Veterans’ Application Fees for War Memorial Events,2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of the Free Veterans from Fees Act, which makes it free for veterans to apply to hold special events at war memorials administered by the National Park Service.

""Our veterans have sacrificed so much for us and this is just one way we can allow them to honor their fellow soldiers. Our nation's war memorials belong to our veterans, and now they will never have to pay for a permit when they would like to hold a special event at a war memorial,"" said Moolenaar.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=940,"Bergman, Republican Colleagues Say Fixing Supply Chain More Urgent Than Social Spending",2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"(Reuters) - A group of 160 Republican lawmakers said addressing supply chain woes that have dramatically slowed the manufacture and shipment of goods around the United States must be fixed before considering new spending on social programs, according to a letter sent to President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

""We urge you to call on your congressional allies to halt discussions on a budget reconciliation bill that aims to reshape the social fabric of this country and instead work on real infrastructure solutions that focus on moving goods and people safely and efficiently,"" said the letter signed by lawmakers including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Representative Sam Graves, the ranking member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and others.

The White House did not immediately comment.

Democrats in Congress and the White House are negotiating over the scope of an economic revival package, a multitrillion-dollar, two-bill legislative package that expands social safety net programs and infrastructure spending.

Read the full Reuters article here.

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-legislation-stop-bidens-expansion-irs-data,Moolenaar Supports Legislation to Stop Biden's Expansion of IRS Data Collection,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Congressman John Moolenaar signed on as co-sponsor of two bills to stop the Biden Administration's plan to have the IRS collect more information on Americans' bank and credit union accounts. Democrats recently announced a revised plan that would require financial institutions to file an annual report on a bank account's transactions if there is more than $10,000 in inflows or outflows to or from an account.

""I am fighting to stop the Biden Administration from using the IRS to collect more information on Americans,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""The legislation I am supporting this week will stop the IRS from expanding its data collection and help protect families and small businesses from federal overreach.""

The two bills cosponsored by Moolenaar this week are the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act and the Protecting Financial Privacy Act.

The Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act was introduced by Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA). This bill prohibits the Treasury Department from implementing new reporting requirements on financial institutions, unless those requirements were already law before October 1, 2021.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-colleagues-call-biden-prioritize-fixing-supply-chain-crisis,"Walberg, Colleagues Call on Biden to Prioritize Fixing Supply Chain Crisis",2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) signed a letter yesterday to President Joe Biden urging him to reconsider his partisan multi-trillion-dollar spending packages and instead focus on fixing the growing supply chain crisis. In the letter, signed by 160 House Republicans, the lawmakers highlight how President Biden's harmful economic policies are contributing to rising inflation, worker shortages, and bottlenecks in the supply chain that impede the safe and efficient movement of goods and people.

""We must address the global supply chain and ports crisis before Congress even considers additional social spending and taxation legislation. Our priority right now should be strengthening our Nation's economy and increasing our global competitiveness. The policies of your Presidency and party's leaders in Congress are exacerbating or simply ignoring the underlying supply chain crisis,"" wrote Walberg and his colleagues in the letter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=941,"Bergman, Michigan Delegation Honor ""Dr. Dan"" Benishek on House Floor",2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by his Michigan House colleagues and Senator Debbie Stabenow, gathered on the U.S. House floor to honor the life and legacy of Congressman Dan Benishek, who served as Representative for the First District of Michigan for six years.

You can watch the full speech and moment of silence here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-walberg-backed-bill-strengthen-americas-cybersecurity,House Passes Walberg-Backed Bill to Strengthen America’s Cybersecurity,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.

Washington, D.C.—Today, the U.S. House of Representative passed H.R. 4067, the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) to strengthen America's cybersecurity. H.R. 4067 codifies into law an FCC advisory council and tasks it with making recommendations on how we can best ensure the security, reliability, and resiliency of our nation's communications systems. Click here to watch Walberg's remarks on the House floor.

""As the world becomes increasingly digital and our communications systems advance towards open-source software platforms, cyberattacks and threats are only going to increase,"" said Walberg. ""We have to be prepared as a nation to meet these evolving challenges, and bringing the best minds to the table helps us do that. I am grateful for our legislation's strong bipartisan support today in the House, and I look forward to it seeing it pass the Senate and get signed into law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-calls-pipeline-tamperers-be-prosecuted-fullest-extent-law,Moolenaar Calls for Pipeline Tamperers to Be Prosecuted to the Fullest Extent of the Law,2021-10-19,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, protesters illegally entered a secure pump station along Line 5 in Tuscola County and tampered with the pipeline, closing a valve, and forcing a temporary closure of the line.

""This illegal assault on our nation's energy infrastructure should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""Everyone has the right to protest and demonstrate against ideas they disagree with, but there is no right to trespass and illegally tamper with infrastructure. This pipeline provides vital energy to Michiganders, as well as people throughout the Midwest and Canada. Today's illegal action, right before the winter heating season, shows how out-of-touch some groups on the far-left are with the majority of Americans who want affordable and reliable energy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-passing-former-congressman-dan-benishek,Moolenaar Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Dan Benishek,2021-10-17,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This weekend, former Congressman Dan Benishek passed away. Benishek represented Michigan's First Congressional District for three terms and he was first elected to Congress in 2010.

""Dan loved northern Michigan and the UP. He was humble and down-to-Earth, and he worked hard everyday for Michiganders and their interests,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar, who served alongside Benishek in 2015 and 2016. ""He passed legislation to help protect the Sleeping Bear Dunes for future generations, and as a doctor he fought for better health care for veterans. I will miss Dan, and my prayers are with his family and friends as they mourn his passing and celebrate his legacy of service to northern Michigan.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-announces-grants-supporting-local-law-enforcement,Walberg Announces Grants Supporting Local Law Enforcement,2021-10-14,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Jackson, MI – Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) announced that the Jackson Police Department, Eaton County, and Monroe County will receive grants from The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. These grants allow states and units of local government to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions.

""Unfortunately, we have witnessed a spike in crime in cities across the country, which highlights the importance of supporting our police officers tasked with public safety,"" said Walberg. ""In Michigan's 7th District, the men and women of law enforcement are dedicated to fulfilling their duty each day, and I am grateful for all the sacrifices they make. This grant funding will provide additional assistance to agencies in Jackson, Eaton, and Monroe Counties, enhancing their efforts to serve and protect our communities.""

Through The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, Jackson Police Department will receive $47,998, Eaton County will receive $11,840, and Monroe County will receive $11,173. A total of $71,011 will be awarded across Michigan's 7th Congressional District. Grant funds will be used for equipment in Jackson, the Safe Monroe County 2021 program, and enhanced enforcement and education in Eaton County.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/10/mcclain-joins-congressional-delegation-mission-panama-colombia-meets-leaders,"McClain Joins Congressional Delegation Mission to Panama, Colombia, Meets with Leaders on Border and National Security",2021-10-13,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) on a congressional delegation mission to Panama and Colombia over the past several days to meet with senior leaders in the countries to discuss challenges and opportunities in the region, particularly related to the United States’ southern border and other national security challenges.

“The United States has important strategic partnerships with both Panama and Colombia. From strong partnerships in trade, to eradicating the production of illegal drugs and stemming the flow of illegal immigration, our relationships with Latin America are key to the safety and security of our nation. It was great to see the benefits of these partnerships firsthand and meet with Latin American leaders during our trip this week,” said Rep. McClain.

“As a former military commander and the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, I know how vitally important it is for the United States to maintain strong relationships with our allies and partners in Central and South America. Between the ongoing crisis at our southern border, which has exacerbated the drug trafficking challenges Iowa faces; the threat posed by a growing Chinese influence in the region; and, the economic partnership and cooperation, particularly regarding supply chain disruptions, this was a critical mission at this time,” said Senator Ernst. “I was glad to be joined by my fellow Iowan, Rep. Randy Feenstra, and our colleague Rep. McClain, on this mission as we work together in Congress and with our partners in Panama and Colombia to combat the challenges our countries face.”

“Maintaining a strong trade partnership with our allies in Central and South America is critical to preserving a resilient supply chain – especially at a time when disruptions are threatening a comprehensive global economic recovery. Enforcing national and border security laws that keep our products and people safe is essential to ensuring our supply chain continues running strong. That’s why I appreciated the opportunity to hear from key leaders in the region to learn more about the issues they are facing and how we can work together moving forward. It was an honor to join my colleagues Sen. Ernst and Rep. McClain on this mission, and I look forward to taking what I learned to my colleagues in Washington,” said Rep. Feenstra.

Panama

In Panama, McClain, Ernst and Feenstra received an overview of U.S.-Panama relations and discussed Chinese influence in Panama, including maritime security and infrastructure investments. They also met with members of the National Assembly, as well as Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes and Director of Migration Samira Gozaine.

In addition, the delegation joined Panama’s Vice Minister of Public Security Ivor Pitti for an overflight of the Panama Canal, where they discussed economic impacts of the canal and Chinese attempts to purchase portions of the operation.

Colombia

In Colombia, McClain, Ernst and Feenstra met with the Colombian President, Members of the Colombian Congress, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia Philip Goldberg, and other embassy and Department of Defense officials.

The members held a roundtable with Colombian Migration Agency Director Juan Francisco Espinosa on the challenges presented by the over 9,000 migrants stranded in the country amid a surge of people passing through on their way to the U.S. southern border.

Following the roundtable, the members met with President of Colombia, Iván Duque, and his Ministers, including Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marta Lucía Ramírez.

The delegation also flew to a coca field and discussed US-Colombian efforts to combat drug trafficking through eradication and efforts supporting economic development of rural Colombia, aiding transition away from a drug economy controlled by cartels into a rules-based model of economic development.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-passing-former-congressman-dale-kildee,Moolenaar Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Dale Kildee,2021-10-13,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, former Congressman Dale Kildee passed away at the age of 92. Kildee was first elected in 1976, and he would serve in Congress for 36 years.

""Today, I mourn the loss of former Congressman Dale Kildee. He dedicated his life to public service and he worked hard for our state. He was respected by Republicans and Democrats alike, and he will be well-remembered by those who knew him. My prayers today are with my colleague Dan Kildee and the entire Kildee family as they mourn Dale's passing and celebrate his life,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-tonko-introduce-lead-poisoning-prevention-act,"Walberg, Tonko Introduce Lead Poisoning Prevention Act",2021-10-13,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation to help protect our nation's children from lead exposure. H.R. 5552, Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, strengthens federal initiatives aimed at childhood lead screening, reporting, and prevention. The bill also codifies into law the CDC's Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and tasks the committee with making recommendations and reporting to Congress and the public on lead poisoning prevention best practices.

""Sadly, too many communities across Michigan know firsthand the harmful impacts of lead exposure, particularly for kids. Lead poisoning can lead to detrimental health outcomes and hinder a child's ability to reach his or her full potential in life,"" said Rep. Walberg. ""By bolstering programs focused on reducing exposure and strengthening prevention, we can take significant steps to combat lead poisoning. I am pleased to work with Representative Tonko on this bipartisan effort to protect vulnerable families and improve quality of life in our communities.""

""We know the dangers of lead and its devastating effects on our communities. Despite this knowledge, millions of children across America continue to suffer the harmful and lasting effects from lead exposure, whether through contaminated water or other sources. I've worked for years in Congress to keep children safe from this toxin and provide vital support to those impacted by lead contamination, and I'm proud to join Representative Walberg to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will protect the health of Americans and make our communities safer by working to prevent lead poisoning,"" said Rep. Tonko.

Click here for the full text of H.R. 5552.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-votes-against-raising-debt-ceiling,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Votes Against Raising the Debt Ceiling,2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) voted against raising the debt ceiling.

“Our country has a serious spending problem. Instead of continually raising the debt ceiling, we need to get our spending under control,” said Rep. McClain. “The Democrats are bankrupting our country and saddling our future generations with an incredible amount of debt. Enough is enough, we need to stop spending money we do not have.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-introduces-afar-act,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Introduces AFAR Act,2021-10-08,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) introduced the Accountability in Foreign Animal Research (AFAR) Act, which prevents U.S. tax dollars from being used to conduct or support research on vertebrate animals in foreign countries that are foreign adversaries. These nations are defined in a January 2021 interim final rule from the Department of Commerce, and include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and the Maduro regime of Venezuela.

Despite their designation as “foreign adversaries,” Russia and China both operate labs that the NIH has allowed to receive tax dollars specifically for animal experimentation. Four labs in Russia and 27 labs in China are actively eligible to receive NIH funding, including the infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology.

“Our tax dollars should never go to countries that threaten our national security,” said Rep. McClain. “We’ve seen how dangerous it is for our tax dollars to fund research at the Wuhan Lab in China. This commonsense legislation ensures that failures, like those of the Wuhan Lab, will never happen again on our watch and with our taxpayers’ money.”

“We applaud Rep. McClain for introducing the AFAR Act, because taxpayer dollars should not fund wasteful and risky animal experiments in countries our own government considers to be adversaries. This commonsense proposal will benefit taxpayers and enhance national security,” said Justin Goodman, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at taxpayer watchdog group White Coat Waste Project.

Reps. Fred Keller (R-PA), Rick Allen (R-GA), Randy Weber (R-TX), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Bill Posey (R-FL), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Brian Mast (R-FL) and Yvette Herrell (R-NM) joined McClain as original cosponsors of the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=938,"Bergman, McClain, 60 Colleagues Demand Answers on DOJ Targeting Parents",2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Rep. Jack Bergman joined Rep. Lisa McClain, and over 60 Republican colleagues in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding answers on why the Department of Justice (DOJ) is targeting parents who speak out in opposition to school board decisions.

Rep. Bergman stated, ""Parents across Michigan and the Nation have begun speaking out about what is being taught to our children and the mandates that bureaucrats have forced upon our students. This move from the DOJ to heavy-hand and intimidate parents is wrong and un-American. Now more than ever, parents, students, and all Americans must join together to demand change and hold unelected bureaucrats accountable.""

“Teachers and school officials are supposed to work alongside parents to improve the lives of our next generation. I’m deeply concerned the already politicized Department of Justice is now getting involved in our education system. Threats of violence are completely unacceptable; however, this is nothing more than a scare tactic to silence parents who are pushing back against unnecessary mandates and an agenda they disagree with being forced down our children’s throats,” said Rep. McClain. “School boards are elected bodies and it’s their duty to be responsive and fairly represent the parents and students in their district.”

For a copy of the letter and full list of signers, click here.

The text of the letter is below.

The Honorable Merrick Garland

United States Attorney General

United States Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Garland,

Over the past several months, we have seen increased civic involvement and participation at local government forums, specifically at school board meetings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are taking notice of what and how their children are being taught in the classroom, hot-button social issues being weaved into the curriculum, and what safety protocols their child is supposed to follow while attending school. While some of these meetings may get heated, most of the parents who have been attending these meetings have simply voiced their passions and concerns for their children and their futures.

While we agree with you that any threat of violence against these government officials should be condemned and investigated, no government official has the right to claim that a citizen may not peacefully speak out against government policies. Statements made by officials like former Governor Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, who publicly stated, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach,” are utterly unacceptable. Government officials need to recognize that in our Constitutional republic, they are elected to represent the public. While they should never be subjected to threats, they are not above criticism or disagreement from the citizens who elected them. If we are to live in a free society, it is your job as Attorney General of the United States to defend the rights of all citizens.

Your October 4, 2021, memorandum to several directors across the Department of Justice informed them of your intention as the Attorney General to promulgate “a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel.” While we applaud your dedication to combatting criminal activity across the United States, we have grave concerns with your announcement. We are requesting answers to the following questions to provide clarity on your Department’s intentions. Please respond no later than November 15th, 2021:

What specific cases are you referencing in your memorandum that rise to the level of “criminal conduct?”

What criteria/behavior is the Department of Justice considering “criminal conduct?”

What federal statutes do you plan to cite in your prosecution of these parents?

Who will be conducting the investigation into these cases? Please provide details on the roles of the FBI, United States Attorneys, State and local law enforcement, and any other entities that will be involved.

Will you be looking into other cases of alleged intimidation of school board members who have attempted to end COVID-era policies?

As the top law enforcement officer in the United States, it is your responsibility to combat criminal behavior as well as defend the Constitutional rights of all Americans. We hope you will take these duties seriously and not stifle free speech while moving forward with your investigations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-leads-letter-demanding-answers-why-parents-are,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Leads Letter Demanding Answers on why Parents are Being Targeted by the DOJ,2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, led a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding answers on why the Department of Justice (DOJ) is targeting parents who speak out in opposition to school board decisions.

“Teachers and school officials are supposed to work alongside parents to improve the lives of our next generation. I’m deeply concerned the already politicized Department of Justice is now getting involved in our education system. Threats of violence are completely unacceptable; however, this is nothing more than a scare tactic to silence parents who are pushing back against unnecessary mandates and an agenda they disagree with being forced down our children’s throats,” said Rep. McClain. “School boards are elected bodies and it’s their duty to be responsive and fairly represent the parents and students in their district.”

Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Jim Banks (R-IN), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), David McKinley (R-WV), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Fred Keller (R-PA), Greg Steube (R-FL), Ann Wagner (R-MO), David Rouzer (R-NC), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Brian Mast (R-FL), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Barry Moore (R-AL), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Michelle Steel (R-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Madison Cawthorn (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Bill Posey (R-FL), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Van Taylor (R-TX), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) Troy Balderson (R-OH) Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Roger Williams (R-TX), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Ben Cline (R-VA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Mary Miller (R-IL), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Randy Weber (R-TX), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Michael Waltz (R-FL), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Mike Garcia (R-CA) cosigned the letter.

For a copy of the letter, click here.

The full text is below.

The Honorable Merrick Garland

United States Attorney General

United States Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Garland,

Over the past several months, we have seen increased civic involvement and participation at local government forums, specifically at school board meetings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are taking notice of what and how their children are being taught in the classroom, hot-button social issues being weaved into the curriculum, and what safety protocols their child is supposed to follow while attending school. While some of these meetings may get heated, most of the parents who have been attending these meetings have simply voiced their passions and concerns for their children and their futures.

While we agree with you that any threat of violence against these government officials should be condemned and investigated, no government official has the right to claim that a citizen may not peacefully speak out against government policies. Statements made by officials like former Governor Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, who publicly stated, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach,”[1] are utterly unacceptable. Government officials need to recognize that in our Constitutional republic, they are elected to represent the public. While they should never be subjected to threats, they are not above criticism or disagreement from the citizens who elected them. If we are to live in a free society, it is your job as Attorney General of the United States to defend the rights of all citizens.

Your October 4, 2021, memorandum to several directors across the Department of Justice informed them of your intention as the Attorney General to promulgate “a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel.”[2] While we applaud your dedication to combatting criminal activity across the United States, we have grave concerns with your announcement. We are requesting answers to the following questions to provide clarity on your Department’s intentions. Please respond no later than November 15th, 2021:

What specific cases are you referencing in your memorandum that rise to the level of “criminal conduct?”

What criteria/behavior is the Department of Justice considering “criminal conduct?”

What federal statutes do you plan to cite in your prosecution of these parents?

Who will be conducting the investigation into these cases? Please provide details on the roles of the FBI, United States Attorneys, State and local law enforcement, and any other entities that will be involved.

Will you be looking into other cases of alleged intimidation of school board members who have attempted to end COVID-era policies?

As the top law enforcement officer in the United States, it is your responsibility to combat criminal behavior as well as defend the Constitutional rights of all Americans. We hope you will take these duties seriously and not stifle free speech while moving forward with your investigations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/9/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-demands-classified-briefing-following-hasc,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Demands Classified Briefing following HASC,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and General Mark Milley demanding a classified briefing following today’s committee hearing.

“The American people deserve to know the truth about what led to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Did President Biden ignore his top military brass, or did he listen to their advice,” asked McClain. “Thirteen American servicemembers and more than 100 Afghan allies died as a result of President Biden’s withdrawal, and we need to know who is to blame for this situation. Since many questions were not answered during today’s hearing, we need to be briefed in a classified setting.”

For a copy of the letter, click here.

The full text is below.

Dear Secretary Austin and General Milley,

While I appreciate your willingness to testify before the House Armed Services Committee, I am requesting a follow-up classified briefing from you in the immediate future to respond to additional questions and get answers the American people are demanding.

Several of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle were unable to ask you questions regarding the situation in Afghanistan and our withdrawal operation. Per our Constitutional duties as the Legislative branch, it is our duty and responsibility to ask the questions and conduct oversight that our constituents demand.

In addition, during the hearing today several members of Congress asked questions that were not given answers due to the classified nature of their responses. In the hearing, you volunteered to answer those questions should they be asked in a classified session. The conclusion of the United States’ involvement in Afghanistan demands a thorough examination in a classified setting where my colleagues and I can get answers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-kildee-wager-lunch-congressional-baseball-game-charity,"Moolenaar, Kildee Wager Lunch on Congressional Baseball Game for Charity",2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04) and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) have agreed to wager famous Michigan food on the result of tonight's Congressional Baseball Game. Charitable proceeds from the game will go toward the Washington Literacy Center, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation and the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund.

If Kildee and the Democrats win the game, Moolenaar will buy Kildee a famous BLT from Tony's in Birch Run, stacked with a pound of bacon. If Moolenaar and the Republicans win, Kildee will send Moolenaar coney dogs from a Coney Island in Flint.

""It's always an honor to participate in this game and help bring Republicans and Democrats together for an evening. Tonight, we're going to raise a lot of money for charity and help those in need. I am hoping for a Republican victory on the field, and I look forward to having a few coneys courtesy of Congressman Kildee,"" said Congressman Moolenaar.

""I have participated in the Congressional Baseball Game since coming to Congress, and I always look forward to it. It's a tradition that gives Democrats and Republicans a different way to compete, all while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. I look forward to a Democratic victory and enjoying an enormous BLT courtesy of Congressman Moolenaar,"" said Congressman Kildee.

This will be Congressman Moolenaar's sixth Congressional Baseball Game and Congressman Kildee's seventh Congressional Baseball Game.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=931,Bergman: Democrats So-Called Infrastructure Bill Destructive For Michigan,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"While speaking on the House floor on Tuesday, Rep. Jack Bergman defended his constituents and urged his fellow colleagues to oppose Democrats' $5.5 trillion spending spree spearheaded by the upcoming “infrastructure” bill.

""I want to expose for my constituents the real truth about the so-called infrastructure portion of the Democrats' destructive $5.5 trillion package. You can read for yourself in the bill that only a fraction of the funds go to roads, bridges, broadband, and other things people outside the swamp would generally consider infrastructure,"" Bergman said.

""More importantly, I'm asking you to read between the lines to understand that this package will stretch the long intrusive arm of the federal government into your life, more than ever before. Your energy bills, your taxes, your job, your nation's borders, your economic freedom.

""As your Representative, I can't let this happen and I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.""

You can see Rep. Bergman's comments here: Bergman Infrastructure Speech - YouTube",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=932,Bergman Statement on Red Flag Language in NDAA,2021-09-26,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"As your Congressman, I have always and will always oppose federal red flag laws. They set a dangerous precedent and infringe on our 2nd Amendment rights. As many have noted, the FY22 NDAA contains red flag-like language, that Republicans will be sure to strip during negotiations in conference with the Senate.

Most importantly, I have made it abundantly clear to all involved that when this legislation comes up for a final vote - if red flag language has not been stripped from the bill - it’s a non-starter and I will not support the National Defense Authorization Act.

As your Congressman, I have always and will always oppose federal red flag laws. They set a dangerous precedent and infringe on our 2nd Amendment rights. As many have noted, the FY22 NDAA contains red flag-like language, that Republicans will be sure to strip during negotiations in conference with the Senate.

Most importantly, I have made it abundantly clear to all involved that when this legislation comes up for a final vote - if red flag language has not been stripped from the bill - it’s a non-starter and I will not support the National Defense Authorization Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-protect-unborn-children,Moolenaar Votes to Protect Unborn Children,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Democrats in the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3755, sweeping legislation that would eliminate hundreds of pro-life laws throughout the country.

""It is vital to protect unborn children – they are the most vulnerable people in our society and the right to life is a founding principle of our country. Each unborn child is precious and worthy of protection, but today's legislation would tragically make it easier for their lives to be cut short. Science shows us that babies in the womb have a heartbeat after six weeks, arms and legs after ten weeks, and all of their major organs after 15 weeks. We must protect these innocent lives and I will continue to support resources for mothers, children, and young families,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar, who voted against the Democrats' abortion bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-iron-dome-and-strong-american-partnership-israel,Moolenaar Supports Iron Dome and a Strong American Partnership with Israel,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation supporting Israel and its Iron Dome defense system, which is used to intercept rockets launched at Israel. In May of this year, the terrorist organizations Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched more than 4,300 rocket attacks and Iron Dome intercepted 90 percent of those that were directed at Israeli cities. After Israel defended itself against these attacks it became necessary to replenish the supply of Iron Dome interceptors, which are co-produced in the United States and Israel.

""The Iron Dome saved countless lives earlier this year when it intercepted terrorist rocket attacks aimed at the people of Israel. This vital technology is made possible by the strong partnership between the United States and Israel, and today's legislation will help ensure Israel has the resources it needs to defend itself in the future,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""The partnership between Israel and the United States helps keep Americans and Israelis safe at home and abroad, and we must always work together to protect our citizens against terrorists who wish to do us harm.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-amendments-afghanistan-accountability-and-americas-wireless-leadership,Walberg Amendments on Afghanistan Accountability and America’s Wireless Leadership Pass the House,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted in support of H.R. 4350, 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which provides the funding authority for the Armed Forces and a pay increase for servicemembers. The defense bill included two amendments offered by Walberg and passed with bipartisan support, including one to increase accountability over the seizure of billions of dollars of U.S. military equipment by the Taliban. The second Walberg amendment will enhance America's leadership in the development of wireless standards to push back against international competitors like Russia and China.

""President Biden's bungled exit from Afghanistan was an abject failure on so many levels, and to this day there are still Americans stranded in the terrorist-controlled country. The stunning amount of U.S military equipment—from Humvees to helicopters—that was left behind in the Taliban's hands represents a grave national security threat. It is unfortunate that Congress would even need to require the Pentagon to report on the Taliban's capability of selling this treasure trove of advanced weaponry to our enemies, but I am glad my colleagues came together to pass this important amendment,"" said Walberg. ""The National Defense Authorization Act has a long history of bipartisanship to support our troops and keep Americans safe, and I am proud to successfully offer amendments to hold the Biden Administration accountable and strengthen our nation's leadership on the global stage.""

Background:

During consideration of H.R. 4350, Congressman Walberg successfully offered two amendments that were adopted:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-named-telehealth-policy-champion,Moolenaar Named Telehealth Policy Champion,2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week is the inaugural Telehealth Awareness Week and the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) has recognized Congressman John Moolenaar as a Telehealth Policy Champion.

""Over the last year and a half, telehealth became an indispensable part of our health care system, and Michigan seniors were able to use it to meet with their doctors and access critical resources while staying safe,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""Telehealth is a useful tool in modern medicine that helps increase access to care for Michigan families, while saving time for doctors and patients.""

""We applaud all policymakers who have taken the actions necessary to ensure patients do not lose access to telehealth after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends in order to avoid the telehealth cliff,"" said Ann Mond Johnson, CEO of the ATA. ""Our Telehealth Awareness Week Policy Champions reinforce the fact that access to virtual care is a bipartisan issue that requires attention from both sides of the aisle to solve for health disparities that continue to affect members of rural and underserved communities.""

Telehealth Awareness Week is a national platform engaging healthcare organizations, telehealth service providers, patient advocacy groups, policymakers and stakeholders at every level to support the advancement of telehealth as a quality care option for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=930,Bergman's Bill to Honor Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews Passes House,2021-09-20,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, H.R. 1281 unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation, which Rep. Bergman introduced, will name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Gaylord, Michigan, as the ‘Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic."" The bill will now head to the Senate for consideration.

Working together with Andrews' family and friends, Rep. Bergman successfully garnered the support of Michigan veteran service organization chapters and the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation to prepare this CBOC designation for House approval.

Prior to the passage of the bill, Rep. Bergman spoke on the House Floor. You can hear the full speech here.

The Gaylord CBOC is located at 2782 S. Otsego Avenue, Gaylord, Michigan and opened in Summer 2020. The 18,362 square foot CBOC provides outpatient primary care, mental health, telehealth, laboratory services, home-based primary care, women’s health and whole health.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/legislation-honoring-michigan-navy-veteran-passes-house,Legislation Honoring Michigan Navy Veteran Passes The House,2021-09-20,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Gaylord as the ""Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic.""

Congressman John Moolenaar is a cosponsor of the legislation, which was led by Congressman Jack Bergman and supported by every member of the U.S. House from Michigan.

""This is a special honor for the late Steve Andrews and his entire family. Steve was a patriot who served our country in the Navy and then gave back to northern Michigan as an elected official and community leader. This legislation honors his life and will help future generations learn about his legacy of service. I am thankful to my friend Jack Bergman for introducing this legislation and proud of our entire Michigan delegation for coming together to honor this special hero for our state,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-legislation-honoring-world-war-ii-heroes,Moolenaar Supports Legislation Honoring World War II Heroes,2021-09-16,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar supports legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (commonly known as the Six Triple Eight). The medal would be awarded in recognition of their military service and contributions to increase the morale of those stationed in the European theater during World War II.

“I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation which recognizes the members of the Six Triple Eight for their service dedication. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of our nation's highest honors and the women of the Six Triple Eight deserve such an award,” said Congressman Moolenaar, a cosponsor of the legislation. “The work done by the Six Triple Eight to clear the backlog of mail in the European theater ensured troops stayed in touch with their loved ones and this morale boost was a significant contribution to the war effort.”

In February 1945, the US Army sent 855 black women from the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) to England and France to clear the backlog of mail in the European theater of operations. The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during World War II; many had to enlist in recruiting stations in the North due to Jim Crow segregation laws. By the war’s end, the Six Triple Eight had cleared over 17 million pieces of backlogged mail. Nine members of the unit are known to still be living.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/9/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-applauds-senate-introduction-congressional-gold,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Applauds Senate Introduction of Congressional Gold Medal Companion Bill,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) applauded U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for introducing the Senate companion to her bipartisan legislation that would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

“We must honor the lives of these fallen heroes in any way we can,” said Rep. McClain. “I’m encouraged by the bipartisan efforts in the House now being taken up in the Senate. We must swiftly pass this legislation so we can pay tribute to these fallen servicemembers who were taken far too soon.”

“Thirteen brave men & women gave the last full measure to protect Americans & our Afghan allies at a critical moment in our nation’s history—they are American heroes. As the U.S. concludes 20-years of combat in Afghanistan, I believe it’s fitting that Congress commemorates their sacrifice in this moment with the Congressional Gold Medal,” Senator Daines said. “On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you to these heroes and their families, and to all who wear the uniform and protect our freedom.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-opposes-biden-proposal-more-irs-monitoring-americans,Moolenaar Opposes Biden Proposal for More IRS Monitoring of Americans,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"The Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress are working together to pass a new proposal that would require banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to report information about every American bank account with more than $600 to the IRS each year. Congressman John Moolenaar is opposed to this federal overreach.

""Many constituents have reached out to me about this proposal, and I share their concerns. This would be a violation of privacy by the government upon millions of Americans and the proposal would do more harm than good by creating higher costs that would be passed on to customers,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""It would also require more electronic information to be collected about Americans, thus making their personal information more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Americans already report a large amount of data to the IRS, and there is no evidence the Democrats' new requirements would substantially help the IRS do more to stop wrongdoing.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-introduces-resolution-designating-week-patriot-week,Moolenaar Introduces Resolution Designating This Week As Patriot Week,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced a resolution to designate the week of September 11-17 as Patriot Week.

""Patriot Week celebrates the Constitution and the founding principles of this country, while honoring the victims of 9/11, and encouraging a deeper exploration of our nation's history,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""It is important to recognize and celebrate the American spirit, and I am proud to cosponsor this resolution that serves as a reminder of the values and freedoms that define who we are as Americans.""

Patriot Week was cofounded by Judge Michael Warren of Oakland County, Michigan, and it recognizes that each generation should renew the spirit of the nation based on the founding principles, historical figures, founding documents, and symbols of the United States, with special reverence for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The Senate version of this year's resolution will be introduced by Senator Gary Peters.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=929,"Bergman, Colleagues Press CDC to Show Science on Masking in Schools",2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01) joined Reps Jay Obernolte (CA-08) and 31 additional Members of the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky to publicly lay out the science behind their decision to recommend children wear masks in school.

“We have been repeatedly told to trust the science regarding how the CDC creates its policies, yet the lack of transparency in how this recommendation was made and the absence of studies to support it is both concerning and extremely frustrating to parents of school-aged children. Therefore, as schools are set to reopen under strict and tenuously justified mask mandates based on CDC recommendations, we respectfully request answers to these questions,” stated the lawmakers in a letter to Director Walensky.

While most credible research has concluded that children, and young children in particular, have a very low risk of facing serious complications from COVID-19 and its variants, there has been a troubling lack of data on the potential impacts of mask wearing on social development for children, especially in the case of elementary school students. At the same time, vaccinations are now regularly available for all adults and children aged 12 and up, providing significant protection for teachers and school staff.

Children have been dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and they have missed out on key social developmental interactions over the past year. In-person education is essential to supporting children and families by not only providing education but also opportunities to engage in activities to support healthy development and access to social, mental, and physical health services, which can reduce stress and mitigate negative developmental outcomes.

The letter specifically asks the CDC to answer the following questions:

What scientific evidence is the CDC relying on in recommending students to wear masks?

Has the CDC identified conclusive data indicating school-aged children’s potential for transmitting the COVID-19 virus and its variants?

What is the risk that vaccinated school staff contract a life-threatening case of COVID-19 when performing their duties absent restrictions?

What are the developmental and educational impacts of requiring masks during in-person education for K-12 students? What conclusive studies analyzing these impacts have been conducted or are underway?

What metrics will be considered in the future for modifying the current guidance regarding mask wearing by school children?

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-20th-anniversary-911,Moolenaar Statement for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11,2021-09-11,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement for the 20th anniversary of 9/11:

""Today, we honor the men and women who lost their lives twenty years ago during the tragic events of 9/11. This is a time to remember, reflect and come together to memorialize the innocent. We will never forget the heroic first responders and courageous citizens in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., who took action and made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of countless people. My prayers go out to all who grieve, and I give thanks for the millions of courageous men and women who serve our communities and our country every day.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/9/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-introduces-skilled-trades-amendment-during-ed-labor,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Introduces Skilled Trades Amendment During Ed & Labor Markup,2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) introduced an amendment during the House Education and Labor Committee budget resolution markup that would bolster awareness of skilled trades programs for perspective students.

“Skilled trades programs are critical to shaping the workforce of our future generations,” said Rep. McClain. “This commonsense amendment will increase awareness of these important programs for parents and students, who are oftentimes misinformed about the benefits of skilled trades programs.”

The amendment includes language from McClain’s recently introduced bipartisan POST Act, which would allow existing funds in the Perkins Grant Program to be used to attract, inform and bolster awareness of skilled trades programs for prospective students and employees.

For text of the amendment, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-bidens-vaccine-requirement-private-businesses,Moolenaar Statement on Biden's Vaccine Requirement for Private Businesses,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, President Joe Biden announced a vaccine mandate on American businesses with 100 or more employees. The White House did not say why the mandate applied to businesses with 100 or more employees, or which part of the Constitution allowed it to impose such a mandate.

""The federal government has no right to impose this requirement on private businesses or private citizens,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""President Biden declared that America was free from COVID restrictions in July, but now he is reluctant to let the American people make their own decisions. This federal overreach is alarming and every American should be concerned about how this president and future presidents will abuse the power of the federal government to make Americans do what they want.

""I encourage everyone to get one of the vaccines and protect themselves from COVID-19, and I trust Michigan residents to do what is best for them and their families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-legislation-honor-servicemembers-killed-afghanistan,Moolenaar Supports Legislation to Honor Servicemembers Killed in Afghanistan,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar supports legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last month.

""Our nation lost 13 brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and I ask that we continue to pray for the grieving families of those who were killed,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""The Congressional Gold Medal is one of our nation's highest honors and will help ensure the sacrifice and bravery of these 13 men and women will always be remembered.""

The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress's highest expression of national appreciation for achievements or contributions by individuals or institutions. The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui of the Marines, as well as Navy Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

The legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) and its full text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-resolution-recognize-small-business-week,Moolenaar Supports Resolution to Recognize Small Business Week,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar has signed on as an original cosponsor of a resolution to designate September 13, 2021 through September 17, 2021 as National Small Business Week.

""Michigan small businesses have overcome tough challenges brought on by government restrictions and the pandemic, while continuing to support good-paying jobs and our local communities,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""This resolution recognizes the hard work of small businesses and celebrates their contributions to America. I encourage residents to support their favorite small businesses next week in honor of Small Business Week.""

National Small Business Week recognizes the more than 30 million small, local, independently owned businesses across the United States.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-statement-bidens-vaccine-mandate-private-employers,Walberg Statement on Biden’s Vaccine Mandate for Private Employers,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Jackson, MI—Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) released the following statement in response to President Biden's announcement of a vaccine mandate for American businesses with over 100 employees.

""President Biden is playing politics, infringing on individual freedom, and undermining trust in the effectiveness of the vaccine. Ever since Operation Warp Speed, I have supported the vaccine's development and encouraged folks to consult with their doctor about the best medical decision. Patients, not politicians, should make this personal choice. The President's top-down imposition of a vaccine mandate on private employers and millions of American workers is an egregious government overreach.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/9/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-announces-10-new-cosponsors-congressional-gold,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Announces 10 New Cosponsors to Congressional Gold Medal Bill,2021-09-08,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) announced 10 additional cosponsors to her bipartisan legislation that would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. McClain introduced this legislation last week, which now has 241 cosponsors.

Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), David Scott (D-GA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Brian Babin (R-TX) and Dwight Evans (D-PA) signed on as cosponsors today.

“I’m encouraged that this legislation to honor the 13 servicemembers killed in Afghanistan last week is receiving overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle,” said Rep. McClain. “I urge House leadership to quickly pass this bill so we can honor the lives of our fallen servicemembers.”

""The 13 service members who were killed in the recent Kabul terrorist attacks are American heroes. They made the ultimate sacrifice protecting innocent men, women, and children in Afghanistan. I am proud to support Congresswoman McClain's legislation, which awards the Congressional Gold Medal to each fallen service member. I would like to offer my deepest sympathies and prayers to the military families who lost a husband, a wife, a son, or a daughter. We are praying for the Americans still stranded behind enemy lines, as well as the Afghan people,"" said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise.

“Our troops gave everything to protect us,” said Rep. Dingell. “This bipartisan bill shows that, regardless of political party, we must honor every single fallen servicemember and support their families however we can. These gold medals won’t bring back their loved ones, but they will represent the courage, strength, and sacrifice the 13 brave servicemembers gave on behalf of their country.”

“The 13 brave men and women in uniform who were killed in the terror attack in Afghanistan were heroes,” said Rep. Kuster. “I am proud to join with my colleagues from across the aisle to honor the ultimate sacrifice these servicemembers and their families made for our country, and to commemorate their incredible courage with the highest honor we can.”

“The 13 fallen servicemembers are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting America,” said Congresswoman Williams. “I am proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill in their honor, and I will continue to send my thoughts and prayers to their families as they heal from this heartbreaking loss.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/9/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-announces-73-new-cosponsors-congressional-gold,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Announces 73 New Cosponsors to Congressional Gold Medal Bill,2021-09-03,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) announced 73 additional cosponsors to her legislation that would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week. McClain introduced this legislation on Tuesday with 158 cosponsors and it now has 231 cosponsors.

The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

“I’m proud to spearhead this bill alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I’m inspired by the eagerness of my friends in Congress to honor these 13 brave men and women who were taken from their loved ones far too soon,” said Rep. McClain. “Their sacrifice for their country and its allies will never be forgotten, and I hope the House quickly passes this bipartisan effort.”

“The events that have transpired over the last several weeks have been nothing short of tragic. As our country mourns the loss of these brave men and women in uniform, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress to honor their lives and commemorate their courage,” said Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

“Last week, our nation tragically lost 13 brave patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others,” said Congressman Don Young. “We must ensure that future generations of Americans never forget the names of these heroes and the courage they showed during the evacuation of Kabul. This week, 13 new Gold Star Families are grieving. They have been devastated by immense loss, and I want them to know that the country stands with them as they mourn their loved ones who were taken too soon. We owe them a debt that can never truly be repaid. With deep gratitude and respect, I am humbled to help introduce legislation to posthumously award these fallen men and women the Congressional Gold Medal. A medal is the very least we can do to honor the fallen. It is my great hope that in the years ahead, we continue to remember their bravery; they truly were some of the best America has to offer. Please join me in continuing to pray for their families.”

“The 13 brave men and women who gave their lives to help evacuate and protect Americans and our Afghan allies are real heroes. Period,” said Rep. Upton. “The Congressional Gold Medal is a small token of our gratitude for their service and sacrifice in the face of unthinkable danger. God bless them and their families.”

“These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice to help Americans, our Afghan allies, and innocent women and children escape grave danger. These thirteen warriors are true American heroes and with these gold medals we aim to honor their service, heroism, and sacrifice,” said Rep. John Carter.

“We need to honor our military men and women who sacrificed their lives to rescue fellow Americans from Afghanistan. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all our servicemembers, should never be forgotten,” said Rep. Mooney.

“I wept over the loss of these 13 service members and the heartbreak their families and loves are experience,” said Congressman Webster. “We owe our military a debt we can never repay, honoring the courage and selfless sacrifice these men and women made is the right thing to do. May we never forget and also learn from their dedicated service.”

“God bless the Gold Star families of these heroic Service Members, who selflessly were working to help others to a place of freedom and safety. The Congressional Gold Medal will permanently honor their bravery and sacrifice, and be a message of deep gratitude from the nation to their loved ones,” said Rep. Aumua Amata Radewagen.

“Last week, we tragically lost 13 service members in Afghanistan. They were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and most importantly, they were heroes,” said Rep. Espaillat. “We must forever remember their sacrifices, and I’m proud to join my colleagues today in this effort to honor these brave men and women.”

“The 13 U.S. service members who were tragically killed in the terrorist attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul represent the best of us,” said Rep. Scanlon. “They went headfirst into harm’s way to protect innocent lives and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. We owe these men and women an enormous debt of gratitude for their courageous service — the Congressional Gold Medal is one small way to express that gratitude. My heart aches for the families of our fallen service members, and I hope they can take some solace in knowing that their loved ones will forever be remembered as heroes, particularly by the families whose lives they saved with their selfless service.”

“The 13 servicemen and women killed in Afghanistan are true American heroes. They paid the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives on behalf of our country—and we are forever grateful. It is an honor and a privilege to join this bipartisan effort to honor their legacies by awarding each of the fallen a Congressional Gold Medal,” said Rep. Fischbach.

“These 13 U.S. service members gave their lives while working to protect Americans and our allies. While we can never repay the debt we owe them, it is my hope that this Congressional Gold Medal shows we will never forget their courage or their sacrifice,” said Rep. Joyce.

“The U.S. servicemembers who gave their lives to assist our nation’s evacuation efforts in Afghanistan deserve the highest honors. They are heroes who should be remembered for their bravery and service and honored with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Rep. Vargas.

“I am proud to cosponsor this legislation because we must not forget the sacrifices of the 13 fallen service members needlessly lost in Kabul,” Rep. Rosendale said. “These warriors were truly the best of us and it is right for our country to honor them. May God bless our fallen soldiers and the families affected.”

“The 13 young servicemembers who sacrificed their lives while protecting Americans and Afghans represent the very best of us,” said Rep. Wild. “Our country shares in their loved ones’ grief, and we will never forget their bravery and service.”

“Our nation mourns for the thirteen heroes who lost their lives in a horrific, senseless act of terror in Kabul,” said Congressman Hagedorn. “We must honor these men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to bring Americans back home to freedom. My prayers continue to go out to their families and loved ones. Their bravery, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“Today I’m proud to cosponsor Rep. Lisa McClain’s bill to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. servicemembers who were killed in Kabul last week. This was truly a devastating loss for our nation,” said Rep. Katko. “The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by Congress and should rightfully be awarded to the fallen servicemembers. These young men and women bravely sacrificed their lives helping thousands of American citizens and our Afghan allies safely escape from a country overrun by the Taliban. My wife Robin and I continue to pray for the families and loved ones of the fallen.""

“In the final days of the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan, 13 servicemembers put their lives on the line — and paid the ultimate sacrifice — as they helped American citizens and our Afghan allies evacuate the country,” said Rep. Spanberger. “By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to these courageous and selfless Americans, we can honor their sacrifice, stand with their loved ones, and ensure that the memory of the fallen shall always live on.”

“13 brave American heroes gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country. I am proud to join my colleagues to support legislation that posthumously awards these servicemembers the Congressional Gold Medal to honor their bravery, service, and sacrifice,” said Rep. Bill Johnson. “The word ‘hero’ is often used too casually, but in this case hero is the only word that describes our fallen warriors.”

“It is absolutely heartbreaking that these 13 service members were unnecessarily left in harm’s way by the thoughtlessly executed evacuation. For the Commander in Chief to place their lives in the care of the ruthless haters who were the creators of 9-11 is worse than tragic. I regret that all of the warriors who gave their lives in the battle against terrorism after 9-11 are not also being honored. They are all American heroes worthy of our honor and praise. I extend my deepest gratitude and sympathy to every loved one of our American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” said Rep. Gohmert.

“I am heartbroken for the loved ones of the brave 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives protecting Americans and our allies. We as a nation owe these men and women and all those who have paid the ultimate price our deepest gratitude. While we can never do enough to honor those who gave the full debt for our freedoms, I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues to posthumously award these 13 heroes the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Rep. Brady.

“These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice to help coordinate evacuation efforts of our fellow citizens and Afghan allies,” said Rep. Waltz. “These heroes answered the call of duty to uphold our values and help our friend. We owe it to them and their families to pay tribute to their lives.”

“The men and women who bravely sacrificed their lives on August 26, 2021, leave a legacy of heroism. They answered the call to defend freedom in the face of true evil, saving over 100,000 lives in just a few weeks. Each life saved because of their sacrifice is a testament to the courage of all American servicemembers. It is an honor to posthumously present these thirteen heroes with the Congressional Gold Medal. On behalf of a grateful nation, we praise their sacrifice and pray for their families,” said Rep. Westerman.

Congressman Van Taylor stated, “While this is a debt we can never repay, we will never forget the bravery of these thirteen heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation. I’m humbled to support awarding these valiant servicemembers with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their sacrifice and patriotism.”

“These 13 courageous soldiers put their lives on the line to fight for their country and protect our American citizens and Afghan allies,” said Congressman Van Drew. “The Congressional Gold Medal will honor these patriots for their bravery and sacrifices - they will be remembered as true heroes. My deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the fallen servicemembers.”

""Today and everyday we honor the 13 fallen service members for their sacrifice and the courage they exemplified in Afghanistan.” Congressman Al Green said. “It is imperative we continue to support our troops and allies throughout these trying times. We are the land of the free because of the brave.""

“Thirteen young heroes died in the line of duty to protect their country, their fellow Americans, and U.S. allies. These men and women of warrior courage responded to the call of duty and saved lives despite the danger present,” stated Congressman Sessions. “We are forever indebted to our military. We will never forget their sacrifice and commit to honor them, and their families, each and every day.”

“The events that transpired in Afghanistan have been horrific and heartbreaking. It is with great sorrow that we mourn the loss of 13 American heroes, and we pray for the gold star families of these fallen service members. As a Congress and as a nation, we must remember and honor their service and sacrifice,” said Rep. Estes.

“These 13 brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America during a moment in our nation’s history that will be heavily investigated. They will never be forgotten. We will uphold our promises to them and their families. They will be forever remembered as American Patriots,” said Rep. Clay Higgins.

“These servicemembers went to Afghanistan and made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting Americans and our allies,” said Rep. Swalwell. “They went into the storm. They are heroes. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to recognize the extraordinary service, valor, and sacrifice of these 13 servicemembers with the Congressional Gold Medal.”

“May we never forget Texas native Lance Corporal David Espinoza and the 12 other service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation by helping to evacuate our citizens and allies from danger,” Congressman Cuellar said. “We must honor these heroic Americans and their families by posthumously securing the Congressional Gold Medal. These service members answered the call and put their fellow man and woman above themselves. I am incredibly honored to support this legislation in memory of their sacrifice in Afghanistan.”

This bill is cosponsored by Reps. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Rick Allen (R-GA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Andre Carson (D-IN), Madison Cawthorn (R-NC), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Ben Cline (R-VA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Rick Crawford (R-AR), John Curtis (R-UT), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Mike Garcia (R-CA), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Anthony Gonzales (R-OH), Bob Good (R-VA), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Jody Hice (R-GA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Chris Jacobs (R-NY), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Dave Joyce (R-OH), William Keating (D-MA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), David Kustoff (R-TN), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Robert Latta (R-OH), Al Lawson (D-FL), Blain Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Mast (R-FL), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Tom McClintock (R-CA), David McKinley (R-WV), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Carol Miller (R-WV), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Blake Moore (R-UT), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Chris Pappas (D-NH), August Pfluger (R-TX), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), David Rouzer (R-NC), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Adrian Smith (R-NB), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Gregory Steube (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Mike Turner (R-OH), David Valadao (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Randy Weber (R-TX), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Roger Williams (R-TX), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Robert Wittman (R-VA), Don Young (R-AK), Andy Harris (R-MD), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jason Smith (R-MO), Ralph Norman (R-SC), GT Thompson (R-PA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Mike Levin (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Garret Graves (R-LA), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon (R-PR), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Van Taylor (R-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Greg Pence(R-IN), Barry Moore (R-AL), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Fred Upton (R-MI), Tedd Budd (R-NC), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Mike Bost (R-IL), Jim Costa (D-CA), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Lucy McBath (R-GA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Billy Long (R-MO), Cynthia Axne (D-IA), Austin Scott (R-GA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Scott Perry (R-PA), John Carter (R-TX), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Neal Dunn (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), William Timmons (R-SC), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Matthew Rosendale (R-MT), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), John Katko (R-NY), Fred Keller (R-PA), Dan Webster (R-FL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Hal Rogers (R-KY), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dean Phillips (D-MN), J. Luis Correa (D-CA), John Joyce (D-PA), David Trone (D-MD), Ron Estes (R-KS), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), French Hill (R-AR), Dina Titus (D-NV), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Al Green (D-TX), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Michael Cloud (R-LA), James Comer (R-KY), Ami Bera (D-CA), Mike Johnson (R-LA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/9/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-secures-crucial-funding-and-language-ndaa,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Secures Crucial Funding and Language in NDAA,2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) announced several of the amendments she submitted were adopted on a bipartisan basis during the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) markup Thursday morning.

“The NDAA ensures our military has the proper funding it needs to continue to keep our country safe. I’m thrilled we passed an amendment, in a bipartisan fashion, to increase funding for the Department of Defense, so our servicemen and women have the tools to protect our nation.” said Rep. McClain. “Several amendments that I introduced were also passed during the markup, including paving the way for a new ice breaker in St. Clair County and modernizing the A-10 fleet at Selfridge. I look forward to voting to pass this crucial legislation on the House floor in the near future.”

Rep. McClain’s amendments include the following:

Amendments included in en bloc packages:

#1041, McClain- Support for Taiwan engagement

Requires Sec. of Defense to submit a report to the House Armed Services Committee on DoD’s plan to meaningfully engage with Taiwan in regional security dialogues and forums.

#1088, McClain- Prohibition on sale of genetic testing kits

Highlights the risk of direct-to-consumer genetic testing kit results falling into the hands of our adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party

Requires the Sec. of Defense to submit a report to Congress on efforts being taken at the DoD to educate and inform service-members on the personal and professional security risks of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and any policy guidance provided to the joint force on the security concerns posed by consumer genetic testing of military service members.

#1119, McClain- Iran’s support Bashar al-Assad’s regime

Requires the Sec. of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the material support Iran has given to Assad and the role this support may have played in the loss of American or coalition forces’ lives.

#1130, McClain- Iran’s support for human rights abusers

Requires the Sec. of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the material support Iran has given to militant groups that violate human rights

#1290, McClain- Location of new National Cemetery

Directs the Sec. of Defense, in coordination with the Sec. of Veterans Affairs, to report to Congress on potential locations for a new national cemetery due to changes in burial eligibility requirements at Arlington National Cemetery.

#1372, McClain- Vehicle Cyber Security Research Center

Directs the Commander of Army Futures Command to brief the House Armed Services Committee on the feasibility of establishing a research center that focuses on cyber security development for U.S. military vehicles.

#1382, McClain- Iran’s support for Taliban

Requires the Sec. of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the material support Iran has given to the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the role this support may have played in the loss of American or coalition forces’ lives.

#1395, McClain- US Coast Guard ice breakers in Great Lakes

Requires the Sec. of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the need for additional ice breaking vessels in the Great Lakes region.

The report requires an analysis focusing specifically on the St. Clair River.

#1409, McClain- Armor Systems Modernization & Advanced Development

Adds additional resources for ground vehicle modeling and simulation research and development.

#1414, McClain- Energy security for military installations

Requires the Sec. of Defense to standardize construction polices/procedures for energy production projects across all military services to increase energy resiliency at U.S. military installations.

#1415, McClain- A-10 Wing Replacement Program

Directs the Sec. of the Air Force to brief the House Armed Services Committee on the timeline for completion of the modernization of the A-10 fleet in the USAF.

#1501, McClain- Ban on material support for the Taliban

Prohibits the Sec. of Defense from providing any funds or DoD resources to the Taliban

Submission included in Chairman’s mark:

McClain also secured an increase in funding for the M1A2 Abrams tank modernization program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/8/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-introduces-bill-award-congressional-gold-medals,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Introduces Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Fallen Servicemembers,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), alongside 158 cosponsors, introduced legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week.

The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

“These heroic men and women are gone far too soon, and we must honor them for their bravery in helping U.S. citizens and Afghan allies safely evacuate Afghanistan,” said Rep. McClain. “My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our servicemembers. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”

“These servicemembers risked their lives to uphold America’s highest values. They are heroes, and their legacy will be the thousands of Afghans who are alive today because these brave men and women put their lives on the line to give them a ticket to freedom. We must never forget,” said Rep. Moulton.

“My and my family’s prayers go to the families of those who lost their lives in this senseless violence. I am grateful for this opportunity to honor these brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice working to keep our families safe,” said Rep. Joe Wilson.

""There are thirteen more Gold Star families this week, and that is a heartbreaking fact, but they should take comfort knowing that their sons and daughters did not give their lives in vain. They gave the fullest measure of devotion to our country, our flag, their brothers and sisters in arms and the innocent lives they were protecting. That is something that Congress, and all Americans, should honor,"" said Rep. Mast.

""I join all Americans in mourning the tremendous loss of the 13 U.S. troops who were killed in Afghanistan while undertaking the extremely important mission to evacuate people to safety. Their heroic efforts are the definition of courage, and the epitome of service. That's why I am proud to join my colleagues as an original cosponsor of? this bipartisan bill to award them the Congressional Gold Medal. This is an important step we must take -- one of many -- to ensure their actions are never forgotten,"" said Rep. Carson.

“As an Iraq War veteran, I am proud to join this effort to recognize and honor the brave men and women who tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan last week,” said Reschenthaler. “These servicemembers put themselves in danger to help American citizens and our allies safely evacuate. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

“Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss and his fellow American servicemembers gave their lives outside Hamid Karzai International Airport helping people they didn’t know get to safety,” Rep. Burchett said. “This is what true heroism looks like and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

“Missouri native Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz and the 12 other service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation are true heroes, helping to evacuate our citizens and allies from danger,” Hartzler said. “The least we can do for these Americans and their families is to posthumously award them the Congressional Gold Medal for answering the call and putting their fellow man and woman above themselves. I am proud to support this legislation and honor them for their sacrifice in Afghanistan.”

“These heroic service members, one being a Tennessean, gave their lives for our freedom. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill to award these brave men and women posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal. Americans are forever in debt to them and their families for their service and sacrifice for our great Nation,” said Congressman DesJarlais.

“The brave marines, corpsman, and soldier who lost their lives in the evacuation of Kabul will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice and the loss borne by their families will live forever in the thankful hearts of all Americans. May God bless them all, and may we strive to honor their legacy of courage in every endeavor,” said Rep. Herrell.

“We must never forget the sacrifices of these 13 fallen servicemembers, who gave their lives in the line of duty to protect and assist our nation and its allies. It is my hope that these Congressional Gold Medals will serve as reminder to all of the valor and conviction displayed by these soldiers and the honor that they have brought to our country,” said Rep. Bice.

“These valiant men and women gave their lives to protect American and Afghan civilians from brutal fates under the Taliban,” said Rep. Wittman. “Their heartbreaking sacrifice shows the terrible costs of protecting American lives and freedoms. Those who gave their lives in noble service to the United States deserve recognition, and I am proud to join in this effort to honor them.”

“We owe our deepest debt of gratitude to these 13 noble individuals who were killed in Kabul. While serving in Afghanistan, they were protecting our country and our American freedoms that were attacked on 9/11. By awarding them the gold medal, their exemplary service will be recognized with the highest congressional honor possible.” said Rep. Turner.

“We will never forget the service of the 13 Americans, including Utah’s own Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others. I am heartsick for our new Gold Star Families and believe there is no better way to honor these heroic service members and the extraordinary legacy they leave behind,” said. Rep. Owens.

“I am honored to help introduce this legislation to honor the 13 Americans who lost their lives in Afghanistan last week,” said Congresswoman Miller. “These brave men and women are true heroes who gave their lives to keep our citizens and Afghan allies safe. May we never forget their unparalleled service and sacrifice.”

“My heart breaks for the thirteen new Gold Star Families across our country. These soldiers gave their lives in service to our country, and we cannot forget them,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “A Congressional Gold Medal is the least we can do to honor these heroes. We will never forget their sacrifice.”

“I’m grateful to my colleague, Rep. Lisa McClain, for introducing this bill to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 13 fallen service members that were needlessly killed in Afghanistan,” said Rep. Taylor Greene. “These heroic young members of our military represent the best of us and each of them shall not be forgotten. We join their families and friends in prayer and mourn their losses with them.”

“We will always remember these courageous men and women in uniform,” Rep. Kelly said. “They paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. They are Heroes.”

“I am devastated for the families of the 13 servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week in an act of unspeakable evil,” said Congressman Joyce. “These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow Americans and our vulnerable Afghan allies as they fled the Taliban. Their deaths leave parents without children, children without parents, and spouses without their loved ones. United, our nation weeps for them. We will never forget their service and will always honor their sacrifice.”

“This has been an incredibly sad and trying time for our nation,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “The loss of these 13 brave soldiers is a kick in the gut reminder to every American that freedom is not free, and we all have a responsibility to preserve it. These service members sacrificed their lives so U.S. citizens and our Afghan allies could live in freedom.”

“Proud to join Congresswoman Lisa McClain and several of my colleagues in introducing legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives in Afghanistan last week,” said Rep. Rouzer. “Even in the face of great danger, these brave troops carried out their mission by helping Americans and many Afghan allies and their families get out of the country. Their selflessness and heroism shall not be forgotten.”

“These 13 fallen servicemembers demonstrated profound bravery and an unwavering commitment to our nation. They are the greatest representation of America’s strength, and we will never forget their sacrifice,” said Rep. Blake Moore.

“The servicemembers who lost their lives in Kabul represent the best of America. This legislation honors our 13 heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion to help others. We must never forget our brave men and women in uniform and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Congressman Steil.

“The bravery and selflessness of our men and women who put themselves in harms way for the preservation of our nation is unmatched,” said Rep. Schweikert. “We must come together to pay tribute to the heroes who lost their life protecting Americans and Afghan allies while in Kabul. I stand with the families, the loved ones, and the friends of these exceptional service members. God bless our military.”

“While the Congressional Gold Medal is one of Congress’ highest honors, this is a small token compared to the ultimate sacrifice 13 U.S. service members gave on August 26th. They bravely worked and put themselves at risk to safely evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies. I’ll never forget the 13 U.S. service members’ sacrifices, and this congressional honor would ensure their legacy is remembered in our country’s history for generations to come,” said Congressman Guthrie.

“Our hearts are heavy following the disgraceful terrorist bombing in Kabul. These thirteen American heroes gave their lives evacuating Americans and our allies out of Afghanistan. We will always honor their service and sacrifice on behalf of our great nation,"" said Rep. LaTurner. ""I want to thank Congresswoman McClain for introducing this important piece of legislation. Suzanne and I are praying for the family and friends of these fallen heroes. God Bless our Armed Forces and our Gold Star Families.""

“The world is a better, safer place because of our military service members who have served in Afghanistan. May we never forget all these brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to fight terrorism and protect America,” said Rep. Carl.

“Our nation mourns the loss of 13 incredible souls who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting Americans and our allies in Afghanistan. The United States stands strong because brave men and women answer the call of duty, knowingly putting their own lives on the line in service to their country. God bless these 13 fallen heroes, their families, and every American service member,” Rep. Chris Jacobs said.

“As the world watched our nation’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, we saw the valiant efforts of 13 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and evacuate Americans, Afghan families and our allies,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39). “While we honor their lives and mourn with our gold star families, I’m proud to join Rep. Lisa McClain and a bipartisan group of colleagues to posthumously award these 13 servicemembers the Congressional Gold Medal. It’s the least we can do.”

“The men and women who wear our nation's uniform are the best among us. They answer their nation's call to serve and endure sacrifices to keep us free and safe. The 13 service members who gave their last full measure of devotion to America deserve to be honored and remembered. We must honor their bravery and never forget what they did to save innocent Americans and Afghans. They are, and always will be, heroes,” said Rep. Fleischmann.

“The men and women who bravely sacrificed their lives on August 26, 2021, leave a legacy of heroism. They answered the call to defend freedom in the face of true evil, saving over 100,000 lives in just a few weeks. Each life saved because of their sacrifice is a testament to the courage of all American servicemembers. It is an honor to posthumously present these thirteen heroes with the Congressional Gold Medal. On behalf of a grateful nation, we praise their sacrifice and pray for their families,” said Rep. Westerman.

“The 13 courageous servicemembers who were killed in action while helping to evacuate American citizens, partners, and allies from Afghanistan paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Rep. Walorski. “The American people are indebted to these heroes – including my fellow Hoosier Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez – and their families. As we honor these young servicemembers for their indelible contributions to our nation, we remember their brave service and sacrifice.”

“The United States must never forget the bravery of the 13 heroes killed in Kabul last week,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “These young men and women sacrificed their lives to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and the Afghan allies who fought by our side. They represent the best of us, and our nation grieves alongside their families and teammates.”

“These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of their fellow Americans, our Afghan allies, and innocent women and children,” said Congressman Huizenga. “This gold medal is a way to honor and recognize their service, courage, and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable conditions.”

“13 U.S. servicemembers, including Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss from Tennessee, gave their lives last week while helping Americans and our Afghan allies. We must never forget their bravery and sacrifice. I am praying for both them and their families,” said Rep. Harshbarger.

“The Congressional Gold Medal may be granted to individuals as the highest expression of national appreciation, and I can think of no greater Congressional act of appreciation for the 13 servicemembers who gave their lives aiding in the evacuation of their fellow Americans and Afghan allies. May God grant comfort to their loved ones. As a nation, we must honor and remember their sacrifice and service,” said Rep. Smucker.

“The 13 men and women we lost in Afghanistan were American heroes and we vow to never forget their service and sacrifice to this great nation,” said Rep. Cammack. “It is with a heavy heart that I join my colleagues in honoring their courage and service with this prestigious award. May we always remember them.”

“Over the last few days we’ve gotten to hear the stories of the 13 servicemembers who lost their lives in the Kabul airport bombing. These were our nation’s sons and daughters whose lives ended far too soon at the hand of terrorists with anti-American ideologies. They represent the best our country has to offer and their heroic actions during a time of crisis should be recognized with our highest honor,” said Rep. Crawford.

""Today my colleagues and I introduced legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 US military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week while bringing Americans and Afghan allies to safety. Their service to this great country is marked in history,"" said Rep. Valadao.

“Last week, 13 U.S. military servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice protecting American citizens in Afghanistan. These individuals are true heroes whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today, I am proud to join my colleagues on legislation to posthumously award these servicemembers the Congressional Gold Medal to honor their bravery,” said Congressman Bucshon.

“The loss of thirteen American heroes weighs heavily on us all,” said Congressman Garbarino. “They represented the very best of us and gave their lives working to bring their fellow Americans home. Each one of these brave men and women deserve every honor and tribute we can give them. My heart goes out to their families and, although nothing can ease the pain of this profound loss, I hope that it provides some solace to know that their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten and that the nation mourns with them.”

“The U.S. service members who gave their lives trying to save Americans and our Afghan allies from the Taliban are heroes. Our nation is grieving their loss alongside the 13 new Gold Star Families. We will always honor their courage and we will never forget their sacrifice,” Rep. Hinson.

“These 13 heroes gave the ultimate measure of sacrifice for our country and no words can fill the heartbreak felt by their families,” said Rep. Bacon. “The least we can do is honor them with the highest award Congress can give.”

“Watching these American heroes return home who died protecting their fellow American citizens and American allies, was a reminder that freedom is not free,” said Rep. Mann. “Our nation is in debt to these courageous soldiers for their sacrifice. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the Gold Star families grieving the loss of a loved one.”

“The brave men and women in uniform lost in Kabul risked their lives to save our fellow citizens and allies. As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I continue to pray for the family of Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, as well as each of these heroes. This legislation will help ensure our nation will never forget their sacrifices,” said Rep. Hudson.

“Losing a child is every parent’s worst fear and last week, the Schmitz family from Wentzville, and twelve other families, got that terrible knock on the door. Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz risked his life for his country and we are forever indebted to him and his family for his bravery and service. At just 20 years old, Jared was a brave, committed soldier who loved his country and his family. The sacrifices of these 13 heroes allowed thousands of Americans to come home. They gave their lives to ensure others may continue theirs, and that will never be forgotten. My heart breaks for the families of our fallen heroes and we will continue to honor their memories in every way possible,” said Rep. Luetkemeyer.

“As our nation reels from the disaster in Afghanistan, we must pray for the families of our fallen heroes and continue to honor those servicemembers we have lost. This Congressional Gold Medal legislation is a token of the respect that Members of Congress have for these 13 brave men and women, and it would represent our promise to keep their names alive as heroes of our nation,” said Rep. Guest.

“I am proud to cosponsor Congresswoman Lisa McClain bill, which awards the 13 American soldiers killed in the Kabul bombings last week with the Congressional Gold Medal. These young men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice and it would be an honor to posthumously award them with this prestigious medal,” said Rep. Van Duyne.

“It is with the utmost gratitude that we award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 heroic service members who lost their lives to the tragedy in Afghanistan,” said Rep. Bob Good (R-VA). “Today, we honor these brave men and women and seek to hold accountable those whose inaction resulted in the abhorrent events that led to this loss.”

""The bravery of these 13 fallen servicemembers should be honored and recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal. Their selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten,"" said Rep. Fulcher.

“Awarding our 13 U.S. military servicemembers the Congressional Gold Medal is the least that we can do to honor their heroic sacrifice. They embody the very best of who we are as Americans. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. Their service gave the gift of freedom to Americans and Afghans trying to leave Kabul. Their memories will never be forgotten,” said Rep. Fallon.

“We grieve with the families of our lost servicemembers, knowing that they represent the best among us. We will never forget their service and the ultimate sacrifice they made in defense of others. We must honor and pay tribute to these heroes. May their memories be eternal,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

""My heart broke over the loss of thirteen U.S. service members in Afghanistan. The loss was made even harder knowing that one of those who died was Marine Corporal Daegan William-Tyeler Page of Nebraska. These incredibly courageous men and women served their country honorably and with dignity. Their lives were cut short far too early, but their lives carry ultimate meaning,"" said Congressman Fortenberry.

Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Larry Buschon (R-IN), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Madison Cawthorn (R-NC), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Russ Fulcher (R-IN), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Bob Good (R-VA), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Jody Hice (R-GA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Bob Latta (R-OH), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) Tom McClintock (R-CA), David McKinley (R-WV), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Carol Miller (R-WV), Blake Moore (R-UT), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Burgess Owens (R-UT), August Pfluger (R-TX), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Greg Steube (R-FL), Mike Turner (R-OH), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY) Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Weber (R-TX), Roger Williams (R-TX), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Ben Cline (R-VA), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Al Lawson (D-FL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) John Moolenaar (R-MI), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Bruce Westermann (R-AR), Don Young (R-AK), Rick Allen (R-GA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Jaime Herrera-Beutler (R-WA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Tom Cole (R-OK), John Curtis (R-UT), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Mike Garcia (R-CA), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Michael Guest (R-MS), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Chris Jacobs (R-NY), Dusty Johnson (R- SD), Bill Keating (D-MA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), David Kustoff (R-TN), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Mast (R-FL), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Gary Palmer (R-AL), David Rouzer (R-NC), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Darren Soto (D-FL), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), David Valadao (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Andy Harris (R-MD), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN), Ruben Gallego (D-NV), Jason Smith (R-MO), Ralph Norman (R-SC), G.T. Thompson (R-PA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Mike Levin (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Garrett Graves (R-LA), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Elise Slotkin (D-MI), Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Greg Pence (R-IN), Barry Moore (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), Mike Bost (R-IL), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Jim Costa (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Byron Donalds (R-FL) joined as original cosponsors of the legislation.

For the bill text, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/8/congresswoman-lisa-mcclain-cosponsors-resolution-censure-president-biden-0,Congresswoman Lisa McClain Cosponsors Resolution to Censure President Biden,2021-08-27,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), cosponsored a concurrent resolution condemning and censuring President Biden for his catastrophic failures in Afghanistan.

“President Biden’s horrific lack of leadership in Afghanistan caused the deaths of more than a dozen U.S. servicemembers, which could have easily been avoided,” said Rep. McClain. “I applaud Rep. Van Drew for leading this effort to condemn and censure the president. We need to ensure these mistakes never happen again.”

Joining McClain as cosponsors on Rep. Van Drew’s (R-NJ) resolution are Reps. Jim Banks (R-IN), Bill Posey (R-FL), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Tom Rice (R-SC), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Marianette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), David Rouzer (R-NC), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eric Crawford (R-AR), Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Barry Moore (R-AL).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-attacks-kabul,Moolenaar Statement on Attacks in Kabul,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"""The terrorist attacks at the Kabul airport are a horrific tragedy. My prayers go out to the families of those who were killed and to those who were injured, and I continue to pray for the safety of our troops as well as the American citizens and our allies who remain stranded,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""It is imperative President Biden take action to protect those who are in danger and I hope Speaker Pelosi will bring Congress back into session to pass legislation to prevent the withdrawal of American troops until all of our citizens have been evacuated.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-welcomes-grant-mbs-airport,Moolenaar Welcomes Grant for MBS Airport,2021-08-19,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new $3.4 million grant for MBS International Airport in Freeland. The $ 3,474,533 grant will be used to install airfield guidance signs and rehabilitate the taxiway and taxiway lighting.

""MBS provides important flight service to mid Michigan and this funding will allow the airport to make major improvements to its infrastructure,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""MBS is a critical part of the economy of the Great Lakes Bay Region and this grant will help the airport continue to serve passengers who live in and visit our state.""

Congressman John Moolenaar is a member of the House Appropriations Committee which funds federal grant programs and he voted for the legislation that funded today's Department of Transportation grant.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-afghanistan,Moolenaar Statement on Afghanistan,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement on the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan:

""The catastrophic situation in Afghanistan right now is endangering the lives of brave Americans and Afghans who have worked together to defend the United States. Our country owes it to them to immediately get them out of danger as quickly and safely as possible. The disastrous events of the past few days show the Biden Administration was unprepared for what has happened. Now, President Biden must ensure safety and security at the airport in Kabul and send all of the resources necessary for our military to safely complete its withdrawal from Afghanistan while leaving nothing behind that could eventually be used against innocent civilians.""

The Washington Post reported on Monday that thousands of American citizens remain trapped in Kabul.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-passing-former-congressman-paul-mitchell,Moolenaar Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Paul Mitchell,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Former Congressman Paul Mitchell passed away yesterday due to cancer. He represented Michigan's Tenth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms, from 2017 until 2021.

Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement on the passing of the former congressman:

""Today, I mourn the loss of my friend and colleague, and I offer my condolences to Paul's wife Sherry and their entire family. Paul and I competed against one another, but we also quickly became friends, and I will always be grateful for his friendship and service to our nation. He always stood up for his beliefs, especially as the leader of the School Choice Caucus, and he worked hard to do what was right for Michigan families. I am heartbroken by Paul's passing and know he will be greatly missed.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-meets-local-law-enforcement-reaffirms-support-police,"Walberg Meets with Local Law Enforcement, Reaffirms Support for Police",2021-08-13,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Adrian, MI—This week, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) met with police chiefs and law enforcement officials from Lenawee County to talk about the recent surge in violent crime in big cities across America. At the meeting, Walberg also reaffirmed his support for local police departments, thanked them for their work to keep our communities safe, and denounced the dangerous calls to ""defund the police"" by far-left politicians.

""Here in Lenawee County and across Michigan's 7th District we are fortunate to have such quality law enforcement leaders and communities that overwhelmingly back the blue. I am grateful for all they do each day. When it comes to federal legislation, I will remain vigilant to ensure the men and women serving our communities have the resources and support needed. I will always stand with law enforcement and strongly object to dangerous efforts to defund the police,"" said Walberg.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-welcomes-hud-grant-midland,Moolenaar Welcomes HUD Grant for Midland,2021-08-10,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a new $5.5 million community block grant for Midland. According to HUD, the city will be able to use the grant to create natural flood mitigation infrastructure.

""Today's grant can be used to help prevent future flooding and play an important role in protecting our communities,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""The funding is part of more than $100 million in federal support I have helped secure for rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure damaged by last year's flooding. There is more work to do and I will continue to work with local, state, and federal leaders to help our region recover.""

Congressman Moolenaar is Michigan's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee where he has worked across the aisle to support funding for the community block development program that made today's grant possible. He has also led last year's efforts to secure a federal disaster declaration for mid Michigan, which led to more than $100 million in federal assistance for homeowners, business owners, and communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=921,Bergman Leads Fight Against IRS Guidance Punishing Small Business Owners With Families,2021-08-09,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter to the IRS opposing recent guidance discriminating against business owners with families and demanding immediate action to change this misguided rule.

On August 4th, the IRS issued guidance on the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) – a refundable tax credit that has helped thousands of businesses avoid laying off employees since the start of the pandemic. Rep. Bergman supported the creation of the ERC as part of the CARES Act in March of 2020. Unfortunately, the recent IRS guidance makes it so that wages to business owners or their spouses only qualify for the ERC if the business owner doesn’t have any living siblings, parents, or children.

This illogical guidance clearly goes against the intent of Congress and arbitrarily punishes Americans with families. The letter from Congressman Bergman is an important first step in efforts to overturn this unfair bureaucratic decision.

The full text of the letter can be found here or below:

Dear Commissioner Rettig,

I write to express my concerns with the recent IRS Guidance on the Employee Retention Credit under Section 3134 of the Code and on Miscellaneous Issues Related to the Employee Retention Credit (Notice 2021-49). Specifically, I object to language that prevents wages paid to a majority owner of a corporation from qualifying under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) solely if the owner has a direct family member.

Section IV, Subsection D of Notice 2021-49 addresses whether wages paid to an employee who is a majority owner of a corporation, or to their spouse, may be treated as qualifying wages under the ERC. As written, this guidance excludes wages to majority owners or spouses only if “the majority owner has a brother or sister (whether by whole or half-blood), ancestor, or lineal descendant.” As a result, the only business owners that can take advantage of this credit are those who are orphaned and have no children or siblings. Meanwhile, those with families are cut off from this support, despite having an equal or greater need for financial relief through the ERC.

The distinction made in your guidance is entirely illogical, goes against the intent of Congress, and arbitrarily punishes Americans with families. I, therefore, request further explanation as to the statutory rationale for this decision and urge you to take action as needed to correct this absurd bureaucratic move. Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical request. I stand ready to provide any additional information needed.

Sincerely,

Jack Bergman",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/8/reps-mcclain-houlahan-introduce-bipartisan-post-act,"Reps. McClain, Houlahan Introduce Bipartisan POST Act",2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) introduced the Promoting Opportunities in Skilled Trades (POST) Act. This bipartisan legislation would allow for existing funds through the Perkins Grant Program to be used to attract, inform and bolster awareness of skilled trades programs for prospective students and employees.

Reps. Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA) and David Trone (D-MD) joined as original cosponsors.

“Skilled trades programs are critical in shaping the workforce of our next generation. These programs provide students and prospective employees the opportunity to adequately prepare and learn, often on the job, from professionals in the industry they will eventually be employed in. Unfortunately, students and parents alike are often uninformed or have misconceptions about the benefits of these programs,” said Rep. McClain. “This bipartisan legislation will bolster the attractiveness of these programs by tailoring to prospective students’ interests and passions. I thank my colleague, Representative Houlahan for co-leading this pivotal legislation, and look forward to continuing to find ways to help prepare and strengthen our next generation of workers.”

“To continue building back our economy, we need to ensure our workforce has the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Our bipartisan POST Act will help not only bridge that skills gap but also create ample new work opportunities for countless Pennsylvanians. Skilled trade programs are an excellent but often underutilized resource for new workers. I am proud to be working with Rep McClain on this legislation. Together, we will continue to focus on our next generation of workers to ensure that our economy grows and works for everyone.”

""The POST Act will provide the financial flexibility needed at the local level to highlight essential occupations and inform students and families about the possibilities available to them,"" said Melissa Robbins, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.

“The Promoting Opportunities in Skilled Trades Act represents an opportunity to bolster workforce development in the trades, providing additional visibility to the postsecondary education options that exist and can provide paths to long, fulfilling careers. I want to thank Rep. Lisa McClain for sponsoring this legislation which, if passed, could provide usable resources to fight an ongoing workforce shortage across the skilled trades,” said Marco A. Giamberadino, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Junior Achievement USA endorses the POST Act, as it aligns with our approach to exposing young people to work and career opportunities that inspire and prepare them to be successful. The expansion of JA’s pathway approach to building work and career-ready competencies will ultimately impact more young people, especially those representing underserved populations. We strongly believe in economic empowerment for all,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, President & CEO, Junior Achievement USA.

“The POST Act is common sense legislation to allow existing funds provided to States via the Perkins Act to be tailored and utilized to attract, inform, and bolster awareness of CTE programs to prospective students and employees,” said Duane L. Musser, Vice President Government Relations, National Roofing Contractors Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-introduces-legislation-prohibit-officials-giving-themselves,Moolenaar Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Officials From Giving Themselves COVID-19 Bonuses,2021-08-05,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced legislation to prevent elected officials from receiving premium pay as eligible workers through the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund that was signed into law in March as part of President Biden's $2 trillion spending bill.

""I am introducing legislation that will protect taxpayers and stop what happened in Shiawassee County from happening anywhere else in the country,"" said Congressman Moolenaar. ""When Democrats in Congress passed their partisan $2 trillion spending plan they never put in rules that would stop local officials from giving that money to themselves. My legislation will put those rules in place and stop something like this from happening across the country.""

The legislation prohibits elected public officials with the authority to designate who is eligible to receive premium pay from being designated as eligible workers. A copy of the legislation is attached. While the House is out of session today, the legislation will officially be filed tomorrow during a pro-forma (non-voting) session of the House.

Congressman Moolenaar spoke out previously about those on the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners voting to pay themselves bonuses.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=919,Bergman Bill: Make Big Tech Pay Into Rural Broadband,2021-08-03,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Rep. Jack Bergman introduced new legislation called the Big Tech Accountability for Broadband Act to require Big Tech companies to finance rural broadband programs. The bill also calls for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider other ways to alleviate burdens on consumers without access to broadband services.

“Big Tech has been leeching off of key federal connectivity programs which bring more users to their platforms each day. It’s past time for the tech giants to chip in for federal broadband efforts while rural and remote communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula continue to lack sufficient internet access,” said Rep. Bergman. “Right now, working families struggling without meaningful connectivity are paying more into the Universal Service Fund than tech giants – so I’ve introduced the Big Tech Accountability for Broadband Act to right this wrong.”

The FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) finances roughly $9 billion worth of broadband support for rural areas, telehealth, schools and libraries, and low-income households each year. The USF is replenished by FCC fees on telecommunications carriers, which are usually passed on to their customers through phone bills.

The FCC collects fees from these carriers because they benefit from FCC services. Since the USF brings more consumers online access, Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook greatly benefit from FCC services as well, but they are not subject to these same fees.

To address this, the Big Tech Accountability for Broadband Act will specifically direct the FCC to levy fees on Big Tech companies for the purpose of funding the USF. This bill will also require the FCC to consider in its rulemaking a way to exempt telecommunications carrier customers from having to pay USF charges on their bills if the customer does not have access to broadband.

You can read the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/8/rep-mcclain-demands-answers-doj-gov-whitmers-handling-nursing-home-patients,Rep. McClain Demands Answers from DOJ on Gov. Whitmer’s Handling of Nursing Home Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic,2021-08-02,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) requested Inspector General Horowitz, at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), investigate why the DOJ decided to forgo an investigation of the State of Michigan’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to place patients infected with COVID-19 into long-term care facilities.

Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) joined McClain in demanding answers.

“Thousands of Michigan families deserve to know why the State of Michigan and Gov. Whitmer chose to put their loved ones’ lives at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. McClain. “The least the Department of Justice can do is thoroughly investigate why those with the coronavirus were placed into long-term care facilities, which led to thousands of deaths. We are demanding answers because no one seems to want to investigate Gov. Whitmer’s mishandlings of this crisis.”

“Michiganders who lost loved ones deserve answers. The Justice Department’s refusal to investigate the role Governor Whitmer’s decisions played in these tragic nursing home deaths is unacceptable. It is my hope the Inspector General will provide clarity as to why the Department of Justice has failed to pursue this inquiry as well as provide closure to families across Michigan,” said Rep. Huizenga.

For a copy of the letter, click here. The full text is below.

August 2, 2021

The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz

Inspector General of the Department of Justice

Department of Justice Office of Inspector General

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

Dear Inspector General Horowitz,

We write to you today concerning the Department of Justice’s recent decision to not investigate the State of Michigan’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to place patients infected with COVID-19 into long-term care facilities. As we have learned over time, the elderly are the most vulnerable to COVID-19.

In August of 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice requested data[1] from Governor Whitmer and three other states concerning nursing homes and COVID-19 deaths. The department was concerned that these governors had “issued orders which may have resulted in the deaths of thousands of elderly nursing home residents.”[2] As of July 21st, 2021, there have been 5,681 deaths in Michigan long-term care facilities.[3]

On July 22nd, 2021, it was reported that DOJ official, Steven Rosenbaum, sent a letter to Governor Whitmer’s Chief of Staff, Mark Totten, informing him of the Department’s decision to forgo an investigation into the governor’s coronavirus decisions.[4]

This decision has thousands of Michiganders across the state concerned. Families all across the state are demanding answers for why their loved ones were locked in facilities with Covid-carrying individuals. For over a year, Michiganders have demanded answers from their governor to no avail. Last year, it seemed that the Department of Justice was going to finally get answers, from Governor Whitmer for the people of Michigan. On July 22nd, 2021, that hope faded with the Department’s decision.

For that reason, we are requesting that you open a formal inquiry into why the Department of Justice will not conduct an investigation into Governor Whitmer’s decision to place COVID-19 infected patients in long-term care facilities.

On behalf of the thousands of mourning Michigan families, we are requesting you pursue answers to the following question in the course of your investigation:

Who made the final decision within the department to forgo an investigation?

What data or information did the Department acquire from the Governor of Michigan that exonerated her of any wrongdoing?

Was anyone within the Administration in contact with officials at DOJ concerning the Michigan inquiry?

Was anyone within the Executive Office of the President in contact with officials at DOJ concerning the Michigan inquiry?

We are requesting a formal, in-person briefing from your office on whether you choose to open an investigation into the Department of Justice’s decision. We appreciate you and your department’s dedication to oversight within the Department of Justice. We look forward to speaking with you and your staff on your decision.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://mcclain.house.gov/2021/8/rep-mcclain-urges-dhs-keep-title-42-place,Rep. McClain Urges DHS to keep Title 42 in place,2021-08-02,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,MI,Lisa C. McClain,M001136,mcclain.house.gov,mcclain,https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) penned a letter alongside 29 colleagues to urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to keep Title 42 in place and begin enforcing our nation’s immigration laws during the public health crisis.

“DHS’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic is atrocious and it’s past time the department begins to put the health of Americans first by following our nation’s immigration laws,” said Rep. McClain. “The Lambda variant is surging at our border and is putting Border Patrol agents and Americans’ safety at risk. If this administration gets rid of Title 42, the flood of illegal aliens at the border will cripple our already overwhelmed Border Patrol.”

Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Fred Upton (R-MI), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Mark Green (R-TN), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Nicole Maliotakis (R-NY), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Greg Steube (R-FL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Jody Hice (R-GA), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Ben Cline (R-VA) and Matt Rosendale (R-MT) joined McClain’s letter.

For a copy of the letter, click here. The full text is below.

The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas

Secretary of Homeland Security

United States Department of Homeland Security

2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE

Washington, DC 20528

Dear Secretary Mayorkas:

We write to express our concerns with the Department of Homeland Security’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic at our southern border. Since January 20th, 2021, President Biden has repeatedly said that the current pandemic is a crisis, and all Americans must take steps to prevent the spread of the virus. This message from the President does not match your department’s actions.

Despite the pandemic, which the President continues to stress is a major threat, your department has reversed nearly all the strong border security measures of the previous administration. These decisions have not only led to the highest level of illegal immigration at our southwest border in recent history, but also opened the doors for COVID-infected individuals to enter our country.

As the Secretary of Homeland Security, we would think the Coronavirus pandemic would be a sensitive subject for you. Over the past year, we have lost more than 30 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to COVID-19. Even with vaccinations increasing across the United States, every illegal immigrant who crosses our border could be infected with COVID-19, leading toward a major outbreak in the United States.

The immediate issue with your decision to allow tens of thousands of illegal aliens into our country is the serious health risks associated with this surge in illegal immigration. Those crossing the border are infected with the Coronavirus, and many are not tested upon entry. Most of these individuals who are crossing our southern border are coming from countries with very high infection rates. The Lambda variant is also spiking in South America, where many of these migrants are coming from, putting our citizens at an even greater risk of serious infection. In the first two weeks of July alone, CBP confirmed that 135 illegal immigrants being held at the Rio Grande Valley crossing point tested positive for COVID-19.[1]

Your department is on the front lines of not only defending our country from drug traffickers, human smugglers and terrorists, but also in the fight to stop this virus. By securing our southern border, you can turn off the river of potential Coronavirus carriers from pouring into our nation.

We also urge you to keep Title 42, the public health order, in place to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into this country. If your department lifts Title 42, as many news outlets have reported, the border crisis will only worsen, and your department will again be putting the lives of Americans at risk.

With all this in mind, we ask your response to the following questions:

Have you directly spoken with President Biden about reversing course on his open-southern-border policy? If not, why not?

Will you recommend to the President that he maintain the Title 42 health order? If not, why not?

Will you be demanding that President Biden and Vice President Harris visit an actual border facility where many of these illegal aliens are being held and often not tested for COVID-19? If not, why not?

Mr. Secretary, you took an oath to protect the United States. We are demanding that you uphold your pledge.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=916,Bergman Introduces Bill to Protect Personal Data from China,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Yesterday, Rep. Jack Bergman introduced H.R.4793, the Protecting Personal Data from Foreign Adversaries Act, to prevent mobile applications from engaging in the theft of user data on behalf of a communist country, foreign adversary, or state sponsor of terrorism.

Specifically, this legislation allows the US to prohibit the use of mobile applications or software that provide US citizens’ data to a communist country, a foreign adversary, or a state sponsor of terrorism.

The bill also authorizes sanctions on mobile applications that are stealing the personal data of U.S. citizens and sharing it with the government of China or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This bill would also require a determination into whether or not Chinese-owned companies like WeChat and TikTok meet the criteria for the imposition of such sanctions.

The text of the Protecting Personal Data from Foreign Adversaries Act has been included in the Republican Study Committee’s larger Countering Communist China Act, which is comprehensive legislation to counter China and the Chinese Communist Party’s hostile activities.

Rep. Bergman stated, “From its human rights abuses to its military mobilization, China has been left unchecked for too long. Even though our National Defense Strategy is extremely clear about the ongoing threat to U.S. national security interests posed by China, the Biden Administration has shown it is unwilling to take the necessary steps to confront this growing threat. By passing serious policy measures that confront China and the CCP we can hold China accountable and be an example to the rest of the world that the U.S. will not tolerate these nefarious activities.

""I'm proud to have legislation included in the Republican Study Committee’s comprehensive bill. H.R. 4793 is one piece of the overall effort to show that we will not tolerate companies stealing the personal data of U.S. citizens and giving it to China or any other nation considered to be a threat to our national security. China and the CCP actively threaten the free, open, and democratic world which we have so long fought to achieve.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-statement-passing-former-us-senator-carl-levin,Moolenaar Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Carl Levin,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Last night, the Levin Family announced that former U.S. Senator Carl Levin passed away at the age of 87. Levin represented Michigan in the U.S. Senate from 1979 until 2015 and is the longest serving senator in the history of the state.

Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement on the passing of Senator Levin:

""Senator Levin served the people of Michigan for many years and he devoted his life to service. He was held in high-regard by Republicans and Democrats, and he will be long-remembered for many achievements, including his strong oversight of the federal government. My prayers today are with my colleague Andy Levin and the entire Levin family as they mourn their loss and celebrate Senator Levin's legacy of accomplishments.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-welcomes-grant-mid-michigan-head-start-program,Moolenaar Welcomes Grant for Mid-Michigan Head Start Program,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MI,John R. Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,moolenaar,https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced Mid Michigan Community Action Agency in Farwell has been awarded a new grant of $2,691,521 to support its Head Start program.

""The early childhood programs provided by MMCAA support the needs of children and families in our communities,"" said Congressman John Moolenaar. ""I know the staff in Farwell works hard to provide the children in its care with a safe learning environment and this grant will help MMCAA continue to provide those essential resources for years to come. I have advocated for Head Start funding in Congress because I know it helps residents in mid and northern Michigan and I will continue to work across the aisle to support this important program.""

Congressman Moolenaar is Michigan's senior member of House Appropriations Committee, and sits on the subcommittee with oversight of HHS and its programs. He has been a long-time supporter of Head Start funding and has successfully advocated for it in Congress to support those programs in the Fourth District.

More details about the grants are attached to this press release.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-joins-colleagues-whelan-family-call-paul-whelans-immediate-release,"Walberg Joins Colleagues, Whelan Family to Call for Paul Whelan's Immediate Release",2021-07-29,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"July 29, 2021",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=914,Bergman Defeats Ocasio-Cortez Amendment After Spirited Debate on House Floor,2021-07-28,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Yesterday, following a lengthy debate on the House Floor, in an increasingly rare bipartisan moment, 86 Democrats and 198 Republicans joined Rep. Jack Bergman in opposition to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s amendment.

The amendment would strike an existing provision in law that protects taxpayer dollars from being used to promote Schedule 1 drug legalization while ensuring funds can be used for therapeutic research involving these substances.

AOC claimed her amendment supported therapeutic research, even though it would actually gut this provision.

On the House floor, Rep. Bergman called out AOC for her disingenuous amendment that does the opposite of what she claims it would do and publicly recognized the need to support those, such as Veterans, facing critical diseases like mental illness.

You can watch the full debate here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=915,Multiple Bergman Veterans Bills Advance Through Committees,2021-07-28,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,bergman,https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, three bills introduced by Rep. Jack Bergman were approved by committees in the House and Senate.

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) approved H.R.4625 – VA Caregiver Transparency Act and H.R. 4626 – VA Assessment by Independent Measures (VA AIM) Act. The VA Caregiver Transparency Act would put processes in place to better help VA meet the needs of caregivers. The VA AIM Act would conduct an independent assessment of VA health care services, operations, budget, and delivery to uphold the highest standards for the Veterans who rely on them. These two bills now await consideration on the House floor.

In the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the Senate version of Rep. Bergman’s H.R. 4624 – Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served (GHAPS) Act, originally introduced by SVAC Ranking Member Moran as S.1863, passed committee. The bipartisan GHAPS Act, introduced with Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Ranking Member Mike Bost, would implement a number of new provisions closing gaps to provide seamless support in Veterans health care services.

Rep. Bergman stated, “I welcome the bipartisan urgency to act on key issues addressed by my legislation. Between these three bills, we can significantly improve the lives of Veterans’ caregivers, rural Veterans, Veterans living overseas, Veterans struggling with mental health, and all Veterans who use VA health care. On their behalf, I will continue the push forward with these bills while fighting to move other key Veterans' legislation addressing issues like toxic exposure.”

You can read more about all three bills here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z