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://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1238,Senator Stabenow Nominates 33 Michigan Students to Service Academies,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365153,Christmas Thanks and Hope for the New Year,2013-12-24,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we celebrate the season’s holidays, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives and say thank you to all those who make them a bit easier and a lot safer. In particular, I hope everyone will take a few minutes to think of the brave men and women in our armed services, especially those serving in hot spots around the globe, who help keep the peace and allow us to be safe during these troubled times. I want us to remember, too, their families, especially those living near us, who can’t be with their loved ones for Christmas. It’s my wish that all of us will let them know how much we appreciate the work they do to keep the home fires burning. And how grateful we are of the work these courageous service men and women do. We thank them for their work and sacrifice. I am so proud of them all. There are so many folks to thank for their work, from the cop walking the beat, to the bus driver who delivers passengers safely to their destinations, to the teacher who opens up a new world to a child as he or she masters a new skill. Even the barista at the coffee shop deserves an extra smile and thanks – that cup of joe may be the little extra boost that keeps you alert as you drive the family to the next Christmas gathering. Amidst all the hoopla, it can be challenging for some of us who have lost someone dear to our hearts. I can only hope that you find a moment of solace, a moment when something sparks a reminder of those earlier happy times and you can smile. Amey and I extend our best wishes to you and your loved ones and pray that the spirit of the season brings joy and happiness to your heart now and throughout the new year. May God bless us all.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365009,"Upton: “The Health Law is Like a Jenga Game""",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Holiday surprises have sadly become routine for the self-proclaimed “most transparent administration in history.” It is not surprising that as we approach the Christmas holiday, the administration is quietly announcing yet another major change to its signature health care law. Reuters reports, “The Obama administration made a major last-minute policy shift on Thursday, saying that the change would help Americans meet a looming deadline to replace insurance plans canceled because of new standards under Obamacare reforms.” The administration knew for years that millions of Americans would lose their health care plans because of this law – already including nearly a quarter of a million people in Michigan – but the President repeated his promise of, “If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan, period. … No matter what.” Now, just days before the already-delayed deadline to enroll in a plan for coverage beginning on January 1, the administration is attempting yet another desperate round of damage control. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, commented, “The health law is like a Jenga game – the administration keeps yanking out pieces, and ultimately nothing can keep it from collapsing. The administration knew for years that it could not keep its promise, but repeated it anyway. Now, just days before Christmas and yet another deadline, the administration is telling the millions of folks who were forced to lose plans the administration deemed ‘substandard’ that they can purchase catastrophic insurance after all. The administration keeps pulling the rug out from under Americans who are worried whether they will have health care come January 1. Sadly, we ask again, what’s next?” These catastrophic plans often provide less coverage than the plans that the administration has forced out of the market, and those purchasing those plans are not eligible for a subsidy. Many will still be left with more expensive bills and less coverage. This latest delay and exemption does nothing to provide relief or peace of mind to the millions of American families hurt by the President’s broken promise. Upton’s Keep Your Health Plan Act (H.R. 3350) would allow plans being sold on the individual market this year to be sold next year. This bill garnered broad bipartisan support, passing the House by a vote of 261 to 157, but received a veto threat from the administration. Holiday and Friday afternoon announcements have become the norm for this White House trying to bury its failures and attempted fixes. Writing in The Washington Post, Ezra Klein adds, “This puts the first crack in the individual mandate.”  With Christmas and New Year’s fast approaching, #WhatsNext?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221134357/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=video&id=1227,Wishing You and Your Family a Happy Holiday Season,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Wishing You and Your Family a Happy Holiday Season",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010455/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364732,Dexter Leader: A response to President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Each day I receive letters and emails from constituents who are being hurt by the President’s health care law — and it’s no wonder. In the first six weeks since the law was launched, 225,000 Michigan residents received notices that their health insurance plans were canceled, despite President Obama’s numerous promises that “if you like your health plan, you can keep it.” But more than broken promises, too many people across Michigan and the country will now be paying higher premiums, losing their coverage, or be unable to see their preferred doctors because of this onerous law. Jon Shackleford from Chelsea recently contacted my office saying that the premium for his high-deductible health insurance will increase from $609 a month to $731 a month. “I am extremely angry and disappointed and frustrated. The Federal Government is harming people like me. Please let your colleagues in Congress know that your constituents are suffering under this bad law and we need relief — fast,” Shackleford wrote. Dexter resident Julie Boonstra also needs an immediate reprieve from the law. Five years ago, she was diagnosed with Leukemia and has since found doctors and specialists that she relies on to help her in her battle. She also relies on a daily oral chemotherapy. Fortunately, she had found a private individual health insurance plan that covers her medical expenses and treatment and allows her to see the doctors she knows and trusts. However, in October, she received a letter from her insurance provider that her plan would be dissolved and she’d need to find a new one within the matter of weeks. Since then, she has spent hours trying to complete an application through the health care website, only to be thwarted by technical difficulties. Making matters worse, she has not been able to find out what plans will allow her to keep her doctors and cover her chemotherapy drugs. “So what do I do?” Julie asked my office. “My life and other chemotherapy cancer patients’ lives and thousands of other high risk patients depend upon a working website. Our survival should not be based upon a website. I have fought to stay alive, sold everything to keep myself alive and the one thing that I made a priority, being insured with a great plan, was just taken away from me.” My heart goes out to Julie and many others like her struggling under Obamacare. Unfortunately, the only way to permanently stop all these cancellation letters is a full repeal of the President’s health care law. To provide immediate relief, the House recently voted with bipartisan support for H.R. 3350, Keep Your Health Plan Act, which could allow Americans whose plans haven’t already been canceled to keep their current coverage in 2014. Though not a complete fix, it’s at least a start in addressing this harmful health care law. Going forward we must replace this misguided law with common sense reforms that will allow individuals to purchase insurance across state lines, permit small businesses to join together to buy group health insurance, and expand the use of health savings accounts so health issues do not also become financial issues for people in Michigan. I remain committed to fighting for Americans and providing fairness for all by working toward these common sense reforms. My hope is that the president comes to terms with the full impact of his law, and joins House efforts to keep his promise to the American people that if they like their insurance, they can keep it. To read the original article at Heritage Papers, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124146/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1225,"Sen. Stabenow, Glenn Close Push for Excellence in Mental Health Act",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Award-winning actress and mental health advocate Glenn Close joined U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Roy Blunt, mental health advocates, veterans and law enforcement to urge Congress to pass bipartisan mental health legislation approved in committee last week. Ms. Close is the founder of Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization that works to end the stigma and discrimination against those living with mental illness. Ms. Close also met with Senators to urge action on the Stabenow-Blunt Excellence in Mental Health Act. Last Thursday, a version of the Excellence in Mental Health Act, authored by Stabenow and Blunt, was passed in the Senate Finance Committee as an amendment to so-called ‘doc-fix' legislation (the SGR bill), widely considered to be ""must-pass"" legislation. If Congress doesn't act on the SGR bill, physicians would see their payments slashed, potentially jeopardizing access to care for seniors across the country. The amendment will set up demonstration programs across the country to improve mental health care quality and expand access to mental health treatment. The Excellence in Mental Health Act continues to build more bipartisan support and momentum for passage. Glenn Close said: ""It is critical that people come out and talk about mental illness to reduce the stigma surrounding those living with mental illness. This legislation is so important in the effort to expand access to mental health services and improve the quality of treatment available. With reduced stigma and discrimination, and increased access to quality care, people living with mental illness can get the treatment they need."" Sen. Stabenow said: ""Mental health issues touch every family in some way. Our bipartisan bill expands access and improves quality of care so people can get the treatment they need and live healthy, successful lives. We had a major victory last week, we've got tremendous momentum, and we're going to keep working hard until this bill gets done."" Sen. Blunt said: ""This is an important step forward as we work to fix America's mental health policies. We've got a model that works to solve these important problems. It's time for Congress to act."" Faustino Venzor, who is living with mental illness and receiving treatment, said: ""I have struggled with manic depression for most of my life, and I experienced an acute psychiatric crisis in 2001. I was saved that day that by quick action taken by my mother and by a community clinic where I was taken to receive treatment. Today, I am grateful to be in recovery, I have a loving wife and a baby on the way, and I've been admitted to Columbia University. I know firsthand the difference that intensive community-based services can make in the lives of people with serious mental illness, which is why I support the Excellence in Mental Health Act."" Linda Rosenberg, President/CEO of National Council for Behavioral Health, said: ""Reducing the stigma around mental illness and engaging with those living with mental health issues can increase the likelihood we may be able to help get people proper treatment. This legislation can help people overcome barriers and connect them to the care they need. Passing this legislation is one of our organization's top priorities."" Justin Constantine, Board Member, Wounded Warriors Project and Iraq Veteran, said: ""Within our military and our American society at large, it is critical that we reduce the stigma attached to seeking behavioral health care. Seeking the help you need and deserve is a sign of strength, not weakness, and shows maturity and confidence. Making mental health care options available on a larger scale is a huge step in the right direction. The bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act does just that by expanding access and improving the quality of care."" Alexander Nicholson, Legislative Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said: ""This important legislation will further expand efforts to connect more veterans to mental health resources. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America stands with Senators Stabenow and Blunt in their effort to make sure that veterans, and all Americans living with mental illness, can get access to the treatment they need."" Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President, Give An Hour, said: ""We know that hundreds of thousands of the men and women who have served our country during the past decade of war will come home with invisible injuries such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. We also know that one size doesn't fit all with respect to where those in need choose to seek treatment for these injuries. Some of our veterans will seek care through the Department of Veterans Affairs but others will prefer to see a community provider through organizations like Give an Hour or at their local community mental health center. Through the Excellence in Mental Health Act we will help to ensure that our Community Mental Health Centers are able to meet the needs of those who serve and their families."" Sheriff Mike Chapman, Loudon County, VA, said: ""Individuals living with serious mental health conditions often lack access to care and, as sheriffs know all too well, the results can be tragic. In too many cases, local law enforcement officers are diverted from other duties to respond to psychiatric emergencies. Too many people end up in jail because of a lack of access to the treatment they need. This bill offers local law enforcement agencies better community resources to help people get proper care."" The Excellence in Mental Health Act establishes criteria for certified community behavioral health clinics to ensure the providers cover a broad range of mental health services - including 24-hour psychiatric care, increased integration of physical, mental and substance abuse treatment so they are treated simultaneously rather than separately, and expanded support for families of people living with mental health issues. Certified clinics providing this care could then get reimbursed from the government the same way that traditional health centers can-taking another major stride in the effort to provide mental health parity. The Excellence in Mental Health Act is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators including Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The proposal is supported by over 50 mental health organizations, veterans' organizations and law enforcement organizations including: the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs' Association, the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America, National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Give An Hour, among many others. More information on the Excellence in Mental Health Act is below. Excellence in Mental Health Act • The bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act proposal from Senators Stabenow and Blunt will improve quality and expand access to mental health care through community mental health providers. • It will provide the final step toward mental health parity so we are paying for mental health services in the community the same way we are paying for primary care services. Summary • The proposal would establish a 10-state demonstration program where states that participate would certify that community mental health providers meet new high standards and offer a broad range of mental health services like 24-hour psychiatric care services. • Those services can then be adequately reimbursed under Medicaid just as Federally Qualified Community Health Centers are reimbursed for comprehensive primary care services. • It also requires more coordination between community mental health providers and other healthcare providers including VA clinics. • CBO estimates this proposal would cost $1.6 billion over 10 years. Access to Mental Health Treatment Must be Expanded • Less than half of those with mental health disorders receive treatment of any kind in a given year. • 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. With at least 25% of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan experiencing some type of mental health condition, it is even more urgent that comprehensive services be available in communities across our country. • Individuals with a mental illness are more likely to be victims of a violent crime than to commit one. However, if someone does not receive treatment after experiencing their first psychotic episode they are 15 times more likely to commit acts of violence than if they receive treatment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364795,"Holland Sentinel: Huizenga Talks Budget, ObamaCare At West Coast Chamber Breakfast",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Bill Huizenga talks budget at early bird breakfast The Holland Sentinel Andrea Goodell December 16, 2013Rep. Bill Huizenga defended his vote to approve a compromise budget Monday morning. “The problem is we have a divided government and two very different, distinct visions of where the country ought to be going,” he said, adding that the $1.12 trillion budget “saves more than it spends.” The Zeeland Republican addressed the West Coast Chamber during the annual “Breakfast with Bill” event at the Commons of Evergreen in Holland. Before voting on the budget, Huizenga said, he asked himself something: “What would Ronald Reagan have done?” The House budget compromise wouldn’t include new direct tax increases, and it would replace the across-the-board sequester cuts with targeted ones, Huizenga told the crowd. The bill spends $23 billion less. “No, it’s not enough. However that’s the result of a divided government,” he said. “(The vote for the budget) doesn’t mean I’m going to compromise my principles, but I can compromise on the details.” The House agreement marks the most compromise either chamber has seen in months of brinkmanship. “It will be interesting to see what happens on the Senate side, too,” Huizenga said, pointing to the recent change in Senate rules, removing the filibuster. He also predicted an increase to the debt ceiling will pass when it comes up early next year, but he isn’t happy about the country’s spending habits. “It used to take a really long time to deficit spend a trillion bucks, now it takes about a year,” Huizenga said, adding the Obama administration has been on “turbo drive” when it comes to spending. An audience question about immigration reform now in the Senate prompted Huizenga to say, “The fact is our system doesn’t allow for our folks in the ag sector to have the workers that they need. … We’re not very immigrant friendly.” While it isn’t realistic to deport every illegal immigrant, Huizenga said, neither does he see a pathway to citizenship adults who came here illegally. The other big fight in Washington is, of course, health care. About 225,000 Michiganders have received insurance cancellation notices and fewer than 7,000 enrolled in new, independent health insurance policies, Huizenga said. However, he admitted, “I don’t think anybody wants to go back to where we had been.” He’d rather see a bigger push toward Health Savings Accounts, a mechanism he believes will make customers more in charge of their health care. Although the dialogue has started to change in Washington, it will take an election before his colleagues can accomplish much, Huizenga said, more than hinting at a Republican-controlled Senate come November 2014. As Huizenga wrapped up his remarks, the Great Lake District of the U.S. Chamber presented him with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his 90 percent pro-business rating. Huizenga responded by taking a picture of the award and the crowd and telling them to follow him on Twitter, @repHuizenga.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364833,MLive - Huizenga: Budget proposal brings 'power of the purse' back to Congress,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"As the U.S. Senate this week considers a bipartisan budget proposal, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga is expressing optimism that the agreement approved by House lawmakers last week is a first step in the parties working across the aisle to rein in federal spending.Huizenga, R-Zeeland, who voted in favor of the agreement offered by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., shared his thoughts on the proposal Monday in an address to the West Coast Chamber of Commerce at Evergreen Commons in Holland. He says the proposal “saves more than it spends. “This agreement is a small step in the right direction,” Huizenga said. “We still have huge, huge issues that we have to deal with. We have to deal with spending.” ... Huizenga believes there are opportunities to make further spending cuts, and is concerned with those lawmakers in Congress whom he calls “debt deniers.” “They don’t believe we have a problem. They look at $17 trillion in debt in a $15 trillion economy. Those ratios are out of whack. They don’t see the urgency (of trying to control spending),” he said. Read the piece in its entirety HERE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011148/http://amash.house.gov/press-release/amash-host-town-hall-springfield,Amash to Host Town Hall in Springfield,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       December 16, 2013                                                                             CONTACT Jordan Bush 616.451.8383 Jordan.Bush@mail.house.gov   Amash to Host Town Hall in Springfield GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) today invited constituents to a town hall meeting on Tuesday, December 17, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the City of Springfield’s offices. “I look forward to answering questions about issues facing our country and the Third District of Michigan,” said Amash. The event is free and open to the public. WHO:             Rep. Justin Amash   WHAT:           Town Hall Meeting   WHEN:           Tuesday, December 17, 2013 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.   WHERE:         City of Springfield’s offices 601 Avenue A Springfield, Michigan 49037   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124207/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1223,New Michigan County-By-County Report Shows the Harm of Not Extending Unemployment Insurance,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin and U.S. Rep. Sander Levin today released a new report that shows a county-by-county breakdown of the number of people who would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance on Dec. 28 if Congress fails to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Republicans last week blocked an effort by House Democrats to extend the program into 2014. The county-by-county report, based on the total number of people in Michigan currently receiving federal unemployment insurance, is below. The information was provided by the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs. Overall, more than 43,000 people in Michigan are set to lose their insurance coverage immediately on Dec. 28. An additional 86,500 people in Michigan will lose their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if Republicans continue to block an extension of the program. Federal unemployment insurance took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since as Americans continue to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began, long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, near historic highs, and the unemployment rate in Michigan was 9 percent in October. Failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The CEA estimates that in Michigan alone, failing to extend the program will cost 8,450 jobs. ""This report shows just how many Michigan families could have their last lifeline cut off this Christmas season,"" Sen. Debbie Stabenow said. ""The economy is improving, but Michigan's unemployment rate is still nine percent and nationally there are still three people looking for work for every one job opening. Congress needs to focus on helping businesses create jobs, not pulling the rug out from under families already struggling to find work."" ""Michigan and the nation are still recovering from the worst recession in decades, and now is not the time to end support that is so critical to tens of thousands of Michigan families,"" said Sen. Carl Levin. ""It is vital to extend this important economic lifeline as soon as possible."" ""The financial stakes could not be higher for thousands of Michigan families just as the holiday season approaches,"" said Rep. Sander Levin. ""Failing to extend this program would cut off a vital lifeline for job seekers as they try to get back on their feet during this difficult economic climate. To strengthen these families and the American economy, Congress must not adjourn for the year without extending this crucial program.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182403/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E853D030-F6CB-424B-AED8-19E457274B35,Conyers Highlights Consumer Rebates & Improved Health Insurance Standards Under Affordable Care Act,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(DETROIT) – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) touted the tough new rules under the Affordable Care Act that ensure that if insurance companies don’t live up to the new standards healthcare standards, insurers have to send consumers a rebate. In 2013 alone, approximately 222,000 consumers in Michigan received an average rebate of approximately $138 per family. Due to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies must spend a minimum 80% of healthcare premiums on medical care and efforts to improve the quality of care, instead of operating costs and executive profits. If they don’t, insurers have to send consumers a rebate to meet this threshold. In 2012, nearly 80 million consumers saved $3.4 billion upfront on their healthcare premiums because of this rule. In highlighting this healthcare reform, Conyers issued the following statement: ""As more components of the historic Affordable Care Act are implemented, healthcare savings – as well as benefits – for middle and working class families in Michigan are beginning to add up. Thanks to healthcare reform provisions, insurance companies must now spend at least 80% of a consumers’ healthcare premiums on efforts to improve and provide quality medical care. If the insurance companies don’t live up to these heightened standards, they are obligated to send consumers a rebate. Already, 220,000 consumers in Michigan have received an average rebate worth $138 per family because of these measures. These benefits are emblematic of the Affordable Care Act’s promise to reform our broken health insurance industry,” said Conyers. “With millions of Americans becoming able to receive affordable, quality health insurance – many for the first time – I look forward to working with the Obama administration and within Congress, to continue to build upon this track record of progress.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221192341/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-budget-agreement,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Budget Agreement,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement today after H.R. Res 59, commonly referred to as the Ryan-Murray budget agreement, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a vote of 332-94: “This budget deal represents a compromise that takes the threat of another government shutdown off the table. While this legislation is far from perfect, it allows us to return to regular order and provides some certainty for our economy. Going forward, Congress can now focus on what my constituents sent me here to do: growing our economy, rebuilding our infrastructure and investing in our children. Congress has no shortage of issues to tackle in the coming months, and I look forward to working with every member of Congress to get the job done for the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364314,Huizenga Statement On Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Huizenga Statement On Bipartisan Budget Agreement f t # e Washington, December 12, 2013 Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in support of the bipartisan budget agreement that passed the House by a vote of 332 to 94.""While not perfect, this budget agreement is a small step in the right direction. In addition to enacting spending cuts to both permanent and mandatory spending, this bipartisan legislation avoids the potential of a government shutdown and gets Congress back on the path of funding the government in a timely manner through the normal appropriations process. ""Now that spending levels are agreed upon, I am hopeful Democrats and Republicans can continue to build on this bipartisan foundation and begin to tackle the long-term debt crisis facing our nation. Long-term problems require long-term solutions, and I am prepared to make the difficult decisions that lie ahead. We owe it to the next generation to achieve serious and substantial spending reforms that improve America's fiscal future.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364362,"Upton Votes to Break Gridlock, Pass Bipartisan Budget Agreement",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click here to watch Upton’s Floor statement on temporary SGR fix The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bipartisan two-year budget agreement that will prevent a government shutdown in January and return the congressional budget process to regular order. Building on the earlier efforts of House Republicans, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (H.J.Res. 59) replaces the across-the-board sequester cuts to defense and non-defense programs, while still reducing the deficit by more than $20 billion and putting the nation on the path to a balanced budget.  The agreement includes new deficit-reduction provisions and shields Michigan families and businesses from higher taxes. Michigan Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, praised the agreement for breaking through the partisan gridlock and allowing the Congress to focus on long-term fiscal solutions, including comprehensive tax reform.  H.J.Res. 59 passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 332 to 94 and is expected to be considered by the U.S. Senate next week. “Not much is ever perfect, but this bipartisan budget agreement is a welcome step to begin the herculean task of tackling our nation’s debt in a bipartisan way,” said Upton.  “The sequester was put into place to force the House and Senate to reach an agreement after years of not considering a budget. This agreement keeps feet to the fire for spending caps and allows the appropriators to do their work without a meat-axe approach.” The agreement sets overall discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion and FY 2015 at $1.014, for a total of $63 billion in sequester relief. The sequester relief is fully offset by savings elsewhere in the budget. Upton spoke on the House Floor this afternoon in support of a bipartisan provision to the budget bill, which seeks to address the expiration of the current reimbursement rate for physicians treating Medicare patients. Without action, doctors would face a 20.1 percent cut in reimbursements come January 1, 2014. “It’s important that seniors do not find a lump of coal in their stockings for Christmas. This fully offset package represents access to healthcare for 40 million seniors.  It would give seniors the peace of mind of knowing that their trusted physician will be there when they need them most by securing stable payments for doctors.” For nearly three years as Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Upton has helped lead the bipartisan effort in Congress to permanently repeal Medicare’s fundamentally flawed payment model that is used to reimburse our nation’s doctors. Since its enactment as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the current payment system – known as the Sustainable Growth Rate or simply the SGR – has been a source of continued concern for physicians who serve Medicare beneficiaries and for the beneficiaries themselves. Earlier this year, Upton’s Energy and Commerce Committee voted 51 to 0 on H.R. 2810, which would repeal the SGR and replace it with a system that promotes the highest quality of care. Today’s provision provides a three-month window as Congress continues its work on a more complete, permanent solution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364308,Walberg Votes for Bipartisan Budget Deal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-bipartisan-budget-deal,Walberg Votes for Bipartisan Budget Deal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Walberg released the following statement after voting in favor ofthe bipartisan budget agreement: ""While this deal is not perfect, it shows we can find bipartisan solutions that reduce the deficit without raising taxes. It's also important to remember this deal keeps 92% of the sequester level funding in place, a small but important step in keeping Washington committed to pursuing a path of economic security for hardworking taxpayers,"" said Rep. Walberg following the vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124219/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1219,Stabenow-Blunt Excellence in Mental Health Act Adopted as Amendment in Senate Finance Committee,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The U.S. Senate Finance Committee today approved the bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act, authored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), to expand access to community mental health services and strengthen the quality of care provided. Her bill was included as an amendment to the so-called ""doc fix"" (SGR) bill that permanently reforms the way doctors are reimbursed by Medicare. The version of the Excellence in Mental Health Act voted for in committee today would establish pilot programs in 10 states to strengthen and improve access to care. Congress' action on this bill comes two days before the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. ""Strengthening mental health services isn't partisan. It is an important issue that touches all of our families in some way,"" said Stabenow. ""Our bipartisan bill expands access to care and improves quality of care so people living with mental illness can get the treatment they need. Instead of merely talking about this issue in the wake of tragedies, it is time for Congress to finally take action."" ""This is an important step forward as we work to fix America's mental health policies,"" said Blunt. ""We've got a model that works to solve these important problems. It's time for Congress to act."" The Excellence in Mental Health Act establishes criteria for certified community behavioral health clinics to ensure the providers cover a broad range of mental health services - including 24-hour crisis care, increased integration of physical, mental and substance abuse treatment so they are treated simultaneously rather than separately, and expanded support for families of people living with mental health issues. The Excellence in Mental Health Act was cosponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators including Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) Chuck, Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The bill is supported by over 50 mental health organizations, veterans organizations and law enforcement organizations including: the National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs' Association, American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America, National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Give An Hour, among many others. More information on the Excellence in Mental Health Act is below. Excellence in Mental Health Act • The bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act proposal from Senators Stabenow and Blunt will improve quality and expand access to mental health care through community mental health providers. • It will provide the final step toward mental health parity so we are paying for mental health services in the community the same way we are paying for primary care services. Summary • The proposal would establish a 10 state demonstration program where states that participate would certify that community mental health providers meet new high standards and offer a broad range of mental health services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric services. • Those services can then be adequately reimbursed under Medicaid just as Federally Qualified Community Health Centers are reimbursed for comprehensive primary care services. • It also requires more coordination between community mental health providers and other healthcare providers including VA clinics. • CBO estimates this proposal would cost $1.6 billion over 10 years. Access to Mental Health Treatment Must be Expanded • Less than half of those with mental health disorders receive treatment of any kind in a given year. • 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. With at least 25% of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan experiencing some type of mental health condition, it is even more urgent that comprehensive services be available in communities across our country. • Individuals with a mental illness are more likely to be victims of a violent crime than to commit one. However, if someone does not receive treatment after experiencing their first psychotic episode they are 15 times more likely to commit acts of violence than if they receive treatment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124229/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1218,Senator Stabenow Announces Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits to Help Automakers Create Clean Energy Jobs in Michigan,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Senator Stabenow Announces Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits to Help Automakers Create Clean Energy Jobs in Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today announced new tax credits for Ford and General Motors that will support their efforts to increase their clean energy manufacturing capabilities and create new jobs in Michigan. The support comes through the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (48C), which Senator Stabenow authored to increase investments in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Ford will receive a $30 million credit while GM will receive a credit worth more than $20 million. ""This support will help Ford and GM expand their clean energy manufacturing and create jobs here in Michigan,"" said Stabenow. ""My initiative is helping clean energy manufacturers in Michigan and across the country invest in innovative new technologies that will help build 21st century manufacturing jobs. Other countries are investing heavily in clean energy technologies, and we have to make sure our businesses and workers have the tools they need to compete and win in the global economy."" Ford was awarded its credit to expand production capabilities at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, which has transitioned from full-size truck and SUV production to a facility to manufacture multiple electric vehicle lines. GM was awarded its credit to further expand production capabilities at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant where the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR are manufactured. As a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Stabenow authored the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (48C) which provides businesses with up to a 30 percent tax cut to build, expand, or re-equip manufacturing facilities to produce clean energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines and advanced batteries here at home.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182419/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/featured-items?ContentRecord_id=84AF7247-8256-4DAF-9CC1-3BEC8B706C97,"Conyers: 43,800 Michiganders Slated to Lose Jobless Aid on December 28th Without Congressional Action",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(JOHANNESBURG) – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) highlighted a report prepared by the Democratic Staff of the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee showing that 43,800 people in Michigan would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance on December 28th if Congress fails to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Further, the report shows that an additional 86,500 Michiganders will lose access to unemployment insurance in the first six months of 2014 if Congress does not act. For reference: federal unemployment insurance took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since then as the United States continues to recover from the financial crisis and Great Recession. Failure to extend unemployment insurance will hurt job growth throughout the country, with the White House Council of Economic Advisors estimating that in Michigan alone, failure to extend the insurance program will cost the state 8,450 jobs. After the release of this report, Rep. Conyers issued the following statement: “As we continue to recover from the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, its critically important that Congress renew federal unemployment insurance that protect families as the holiday season approaches. Rather than treat unemployment insurance as a bargaining chip in budget negotiations, I urge my colleagues to consider the high financial stakes for thousands of families in Michigan and across the country. Failing to extend this vital program would cut off a lifeline for job seekers trying to get back on their feet. To strengthen these families and the American economy, Congress must act to extend this crucial program before leaving Washington.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182445/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7299BA6A-CD09-471D-A183-70CACA10AB5E,"Conyers Votes Against Budget Deal, Calls for Congress to Immediately Pass Extension of Jobless Aid",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 332 to 94 to pass H.J. Res. 59, the “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.” This two year budget agreement is the result of negotiations between Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.). Following his vote against the budget deal, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement: “Unfortunately, I was unable to support this legislation as the ‘Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013’ does not address the sequester for fiscal years 2016-2018, and the deal reduces the cost of living adjustment for new service members in our armed forces. Worst of all, this legislation does not include an extension of Emergency Unemployment Compensation, that will expire for 1.3 million Americans this December 28th, and for 1.9 million more individuals in the first half of 2014. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation is a lifeline for millions of hardworking Americans seeking work, and it is unthinkable that Congress would leave millions out in the cold in the middle of the holiday season. Congress should not leave until an extension is considered,” said Conyers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140228084730/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/featured-items?ContentRecord_id=4D81C4D3-68D8-406F-8E1F-5B97FA4F41F5,"Upon Returning from South Africa, Conyers Reflects on Nelson Mandela’s Legacy of Justice",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON) – Late yesterday evening, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) returned from Johannesburg, South Africa where he was attending former President Nelson Mandela’s memorial service. Upon returning to Washington, DC with the Congressional Delegation, Rep. Conyers issued the following statement: ""Nearly twenty years ago, in May of 1994, I traveled with President Clinton to South Africa for Nelson Mandela’s inauguration. Under different circumstances, I returned to South Africa this past week for Nelson Mandela’s memorial service. While the homecoming in South Africa was more somber, I will forever cherish the time we spent celebrating Mandela’s life, spirit, and historic work,” said Conyers. “Following 27 years of exile on Robben Island, decades of campaigning for equality and justice in the face of hateful racial policies, Nelson Mandela changed the course of human history in his quest that ended apartheid. Like the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before him, Nelson Mandela was a civil rights champion. Only through the strength of his character, and his distinctive blend of courage and compassion, was the oppressive apartheid regime brought to an end. For this, the people of South Africa – and people of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities across the globe – are forever grateful. “As President Obama stated in his memorial address before the world, ‘a boy raised herding cattle and tutored by the elders of his Thembu tribe, Mandela would emerge as the last great liberator of the 20th century.’ I echo the President’s sentiments; there will never be another man as pure of heart and full of purpose as Nelson Mandela. The world has lost a giant, but his vision for justice will forever continue to instruct and inspire.” Congressman John Conyers, Jr. alongside former South African President Nelson Mandela during a Congressional Black Caucus reception in Washington, DC. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919104714/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-unemployment-insurance-should-be-extended-before,Congressman Dan Kildee: Unemployment Insurance Should Be Extended Before End of Year for Those Continuing to Look for Work,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"43,800 People in Michigan Set to Lose Emergency Unemployment Compensation on Dec. 28th, Additional 86,500 on the Chopping Block to Lose Benefits in First Six Months of 2014 Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today cosponsored legislation, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2013, which would immediately extend emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) benefits for one-year. Without congressional action, benefits will completely stop for 1.3 million Americans on December 28th – including 43,800 in Michigan. The Economic Policy Institute estimates cutting off extended unemployment benefits would cost the U.S. economy 310,000 jobs next year because of reduced consumer demand. “As our economy continues to recover and people are still getting back on their feet, we shouldn’t be stopping emergency unemployment compensation for those continuing to look for work,” Congressman Kildee said. “Completely cutting unemployment compensation would reduce consumer demand and slow job growth – exactly the opposite of what we should be doing as our country continues its economic recovery. Congress should not adjourn until we extend emergency unemployment benefits for over a million Americans.” The November jobs report, announced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics this month, showed that nationally, the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level – 7 percent – since 2008. However, while businesses have added jobs for 45 straight months, totaling over 8 million private sector jobs, our national economy still has two million fewer jobs than before the recession. This jobs deficit has led to a higher percentage of jobless Americans who have been unemployed for longer than six months. Over 4 million people – about 37 percent of the unemployed – are now long-term unemployed, meaning they have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more. Conversely, Michigan’s unemployment rate has risen from 8.4 percent in April 2013 to 9 percent currently. “Nationally, we’ve seen progress in our economic recovery; 45 straight months of private sector job growth and a five-year low in the national unemployment rate,” Congressman Kildee said. “In Michigan, however, we’ve recently seen the unemployment rate spike to 9 percent. Far too many Michiganders are still out of work, and now is not the time to pull the rug out from under them by letting unemployment benefits expire.” In seven states in particular – including Michigan – that have cut their regular employment benefits, the expiration of the EUC program would result in jobless individuals receiving fewer weeks of benefits than were previously available when the national unemployment rate was below 5 percent (the current rate is 7 percent). Thus, 43,800 Michiganders stand to lose their EUC on Dec. 28th, but another 86,500 stand to lose their benefits in the first six months of 2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364153,Huizenga Requests Meeting With President Obama To Discuss Health Care,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) joined 33 of his colleagues in requesting a meeting with President Obama to discuss patient centered reforms to improve health care options for all Americans. This effort, led by Tim Griffin of Arkansas, is in response to the President's December 3rd speech where he invited members of Congress with alternative health care reform proposals to present their ideas that ""cut costs, cover more people, and make insurance more secure.""""House Republicans have introduced more than 200 health care-related bills that my colleagues and I would be happy to discuss with the President,"" said Rep. Huizenga. ""After hearing from countless frustrated constituents, there's no question our health care system needs significant reform. It is time for the President to meet with House Republicans and embrace patient centered proposals that lower costs and improve care. Specifically, I would like to discuss my legislation that improves seniors' access to health savings accounts with the President. No party has a monopoly on good ideas. I hope the President will take this opportunity seriously."" In addition to requesting a meeting, the letter sent to President Obama highlights additional reforms Congressman Huizenga and his colleagues would like to explore, including: • Making health insurance companies compete nationwide, across state lines. Americans should have the freedom to buy health insurance from any provider; • Guaranteeing people with pre-existing conditions can get affordable coverage. Creating high risk pools with premium caps and expanding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protections will ensure access to coverage; • Providing a universal tax incentive for buying health insurance. Whether Americans buy health insurance independently or through an employer, the tax code should treat everyone equally and fairly; • Empowering families with tax-free Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Letting families save more for health care expenses will encourage financial stability; • Increasing transparency in billing so consumers know what they are paying for. In the age of the Internet, everyone can see prices and reviews of anything before buying—except when it comes to health care. Informed choices are better choices; • Enabling small businesses and other groups to pool their coverage. Letting employers partner together to get the same insurance rates as large corporations will lower costs; • Cracking down on junk lawsuits. Capping attorney fees and reforming our legal system will let doctors focus on giving patients the care they truly need and save the time and money wasted by frivolous claims; • Reducing the doctor shortage. Incentivizing primary care physicians to work in underserved areas will increase access and improve quality of care; • Giving states flexibility to improve Medicaid through innovation. After it was freed from some federal mandates, Rhode Island increased choice and expanded access for low-income Americans while reducing costs. Other states should be able to do the same. The full text of the letter sent to President Obama by Congressman Huizenga and his colleagues is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364169,Upton Kicks Off Debate on Gabriella Miller #KidsFirst Research Act,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click to watch Upton’s Floor remarks House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today kicked off debate on H.R. 2019, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act. This bill would redirect wasteful spending on political conventions to important, scientific, pediatric research. H.R. 2019 was introduced by committee member Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) in April. Remarks as prepared:  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act of 2013.  H.R. 2019, authored by my colleague Gregg Harper, is a bill that will help countless kids and families across the country.   The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act would prioritize funding for the research of pediatric diseases and disorders such as cancer, autism, and Fragile X.  It would eliminate taxpayer financing of party conventions and use these funds to expand pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health through the NIH Common Fund. This bill truly puts kids first. Gabriella Miller was a little warrior in the battle against childhood cancer. At just 10 years of age, she had courage miles beyond her years. A frying pan and walnut is all you need to understand her brave outlook on life. When she was diagnosed with brain cancer, she was told the tumor was the size of a walnut. From then on, Gabriella always travelled with her trusty frying pan, squashing countless walnuts along the way. That is the kind of courage and outlook on life that Gabriella had.  Advancing health research for millions of young patients who suffer from rare and genetic disorders must be a priority.  While we have made great strides in the country in finding cures and treatments, we still have a great amount of work to do.  Included in this work is pushing research that will help uncover cures for pediatric diseases.  In order for clinical trials and other advancements to meet their full potential, adequate resources must be directed to pediatric research.  The legislation is an example of how much can be accomplished by ending wasteful spending and redirecting those funds toward national priorities like pediatric research.   This effort will also help families like the Kennedys in Mattawan, Michigan.  Eric and Sarah Kennedy have two delightful young daughters, Brooke and Brielle, who have the rare disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy. These two angels, who are fighting SMA with the same vigor and sunny outlook exhibited by Gabriella, are decorated little generals in the effort to boost research for rare diseases and serve as an inspiration for all. The sad reality is it is often difficult to conduct research into rare diseases due to the small number of individuals with the disease.  But, we are working to change that, and provide families with greater hope for a cure or advances in treatment. H.R. 2019 has over 150 co-sponsors and is supported by a long list of patient advocacy groups including Autism Speaks, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and FightSMA.   I wholeheartedly agree with the bill’s Democrat Sponsor, Mr. Welch who recently asked, “Can we just put the battle axes down for a while and take a step forward?” He thinks we can. And I do too. To the Millers who are with us today, thank you for sharing your daughter.  Although we wish Gabriella was here with us today, her message to this body rings true, “Stop talking and start doing.”  Gabriella, we heard you loud and clear. And today, we will put kids first.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364187,Walberg Votes for Pediatric Research,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1216,Senators Stabenow and Levin Urge Transportation Department to Verify Safety of Enbridge Pipeline in Great Lakes,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-pediatric-research,Walberg Votes for Pediatric Research,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep Walberg voted in favor of H.R. 2019, the Kids First Research Act, which provides targeted and coordinated pediatric research funding through the National Institutes of Health while terminating taxpayer funding for political party nominating conventions. ""Redirecting money from political conventions to children's research is another example of how Washington should invest hardworking taxpayer dollars more effectively. Pediatric research has made great strides in improving the lives of children, and this much needed boost will help them make even more headway in developing cures for autism, cancer and other diseases. This bipartisan legislation and the research that will come from it gives hope to children and their families,"" said Rep. Walberg following the vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124246/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1217,Senators Stabenow and Levin Announce Funding for Clean Energy Manufacturing Roadmap,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Senators Stabenow and Levin Announce Funding for Clean Energy Manufacturing Roadmap Clean energy manufacturing in Michigan will get a boost from a $400,000 competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today. The funding is part of DOE's Clean Energy Economic Opportunities Roadmap program, which supports the development of clean energy manufacturing and services through public-private partnerships. ""It is critical that we support our clean energy industries so they can continue to build innovative technologies and create jobs here in Michigan,"" said Stabenow. ""This support will help Michigan businesses and workers compete and win in the global economy to help our state lead the world in these new technologies."" ""Developing clean-energy solutions is vital to our economic competitiveness and to the future of our environmental future,"" Levin said. ""Federal support for these important development efforts is good news for Michigan workers and Michigan manufacturers."" Michigan and the Ohio State Energy Office and their partners will work together on the Michigan-Northeastern Ohio Regional Clean Energy Roadmap Project. The two states' energy offices, along with Michigan's NextEnergy and Ohio's NorTech, will focus on clean energy manufacturing and energy efficient building technology. Some of the specific work includes developing technology roadmaps, asset maps and supply/value chain analysis. In addition, they will seek to identify opportunities for and barriers to clean energy manufacturing. DOE's State Energy Program administers the Clean Energy Economic Opportunities Roadmap program. Roadmaps encourage regional clean energy economic strategic planning and development and support competitive private-sector capability in clean energy manufacturing technologies. Today's $400,000 competitive federal grant will be matched with $302,500 for a total project cost of $702,500. NextEnergy, a Detroit-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, supports the demonstration, development and commercialization of advanced energy technology by attracting new investment and participating in advanced energy projects. Nortech is an Ohio-based economic development organization.   Related News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919104739/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-anniversary-of-so-called-right-to,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Anniversary of So-Called “Right-to-Work” Law Being Signed into Law in Michigan,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Anniversary of So-Called “Right-to-Work” Law Being Signed into Law in Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement today on the one-year anniversary of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signing so-called “right-to work” legislation into law: “One year ago, Governor Snyder rushed a divisive and anti-worker ‘right-to-work’ law through the Michigan Legislature. Today, I ask a simple question: where are the jobs that were promised because of this law? A year later, there isn’t a single example of a company that has come to Michigan because our state is now a ‘right-to-work’ state. Nor has the Governor’s ‘right-to-work’ law created good-paying jobs like he had promised. In fact, over the last year, Michigan’s unemployment rate has risen to 9 percent – two points higher than the rest of the country. “A year later, Michiganders can clearly see Governor Snyder’s motivation for pushing through this bad law. It wasn’t to create jobs, as he had promised, but rather a thinly-veiled attempt to roll back the rights of workers.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919104803/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-introduces-bill-to-protect-service-members-from,Congressman Dan Kildee Introduces Bill to Protect Service Members from Predatory Loans,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Transparency in Military Lending Act Would Help Protect Service Members from Short-Term Predatory Loans Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today introduced the Transparency in Military Lending Act to protect service members from predatory loans. Congressman Kildee’s legislation would help to address gaps in the Military Lending Act of 2006 that, according to a recent New York Times article, continue to “leave hundreds of thousands of service members vulnerable to potentially predatory loans.” These loans – including pay-day and vehicle title loans – can sometimes carry interest rates of up to 400 percent. Congressman Kildee’s legislation, which has no direct cost and would not add to the deficit, would require lenders to provide a payment table to service members demonstrating the true cost of a loan over time. In addition, service members must acknowledge they know that other lower interest rate loans, as well financial counseling services via the military, may be available. This would help protect service members and families as well as overall military readiness as sometimes financial distress can result in the loss of mission critical security clearances. “Service members risk their lives to protect us and we need to honor their service by protecting them from financial threats like those posed by predatory lenders,” Congressman Kildee said. “Right now, these lenders can too easily get around the law designed to protect service members. My legislation, the Transparency in Military Lending Act, would help ensure that service members have the necessary information to make the best possible decision before taking out a pay-day or auto title loan.” Congressman Kildee’s bill would require that before making a loan to a service member, pay-day and vehicle title loan lenders must provide the military borrower with a sheet of paper separate from the loan documents that clearly states, in bold, 14 point font: The service member understands that other lower interest rate emergency loans, including zero percent interest rate loans, may potentially be available through military relief societies and other lenders. The service member understands that financial counseling services are available through the Department of Defense. The potential cost of the loan over time using a repayment table. Often, service members are unaware of financial resources available to them as military personnel, including financial counseling services or the ability to qualify for low-cost interest loans from military relief societies or financial institutions. Congressman Kildee’s bill, if passed, would require that before a pay-day loan or vehicle title loan is made to a service member, lenders make them aware of options and opportunities available to military personnel. “I am looking forward to working to strengthen the protections afforded by the Military Lending Act. My legislation will ensure service members have as much information as possible about the loans they are considering taking out. This is essential to protect military readiness, families and service members,” Congressman Kildee said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364029,Walberg Votes to Extend Important Veterans Programs,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-extend-important-veterans-programs,Walberg Votes to Extend Important Veterans Programs,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Walberg voted for bipartisan legislation that extends authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs to run a number of important programs, including treatment for mentally ill and homeless veterans, housing assistance for homeless veterans, and assistance for disabled veterans to compete in the paralympic programs. ""Our commitment to men and women in the Armed Forces must continue after they return home, and that includes helping them transition back into civilian life. This legislation will ensure that veterans will continue to have opportunities for housing and mental health treatment services, in addition to rehabilitation and stress release through sports and other physical activities. I am proud to support these important programs,"" said Rep. Walberg following the vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124652/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1215,Senator Stabenow Applauds Vice President Biden?s Announcement of Initiative to Strengthen Mental Health Services,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, author of the Excellence in Mental Health Act, today applauded Vice President Joe Biden's announcement of an initiative to establish and expand services for people living with mental illness. The initiative, announced today at a meeting with families of those who died in the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last year, will help expand mental health services available at Community Health Centers. As part of the announcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $50 million to help construct, expand and improve mental health facilities in rural areas, providing greater access to care for those who need it. Senator Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over USDA. ""Today's announcement is a critical first step in expanding access to care and strengthening treatment for those who need it,"" said Stabenow. ""I applaud the administration's commitment to mental health services and to reduce the stigma around mental illness. Passing our bill to establish federally qualified community mental health centers and paying for mental health services the same way we pay for physical health services is the logical next step following today's action."" The Department of Health and Human Services and USDA will each contribute up to $50 million to expand access to mental health services and improve facilities at Community Health Centers and throughout rural America. One-third of those with mood disorders do not receive treatment of any kind in a given year, and fewer than half of those with severe mental disorders receive any treatment. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day. With at least 25% of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan experiencing some type of mental health condition, mental health providers are expected to soon be serving hundreds of thousands of additional veterans. Sen. Stabenow's Excellence in Mental Health Act was cosponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators including Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) Chuck, Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The bill is supported by over 50 mental health organizations, veterans organizations and law enforcement organizations including: the National Association of Police Organizations, National Sherriffs Association, American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America, National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Give An Hour, among many others. For more information on the Excellence in Mental Health Act, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124700/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1214,Senator Stabenow Congratulates Mary Barra on Being Named GM?s First Woman CEO,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Senator Stabenow Congratulates Mary Barra on Being Named GM’s First Woman CEO U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today congratulated Mary Barra on being named General Motors' CEO. Ms. Barra succeeds Dan Akerson, who announced that he is stepping down. Ms. Barra, who will be the first woman to lead a major automobile company, currently serves as GM's senior vice president for product development. Barra began working for GM in the 1980s and has served in many roles, including vice president of global manufacturing engineering and plant manager of Detroit Hamtramck Assembly. ""Congratulations to Mary Barra on being named CEO of GM. Ms. Barra has extensive experience and understands the importance of automotive jobs in Michigan and America which will serve her very well in her new role,"" said Stabenow. ""We also owe Dan Akerson our thanks today for his leadership in the ongoing revival of GM and Detroit. Since its restructuring, GM has invested billions in America and created jobs across Michigan and across the country. The company's future continues to looks very bright."" This statement follows the U.S. Department of Treasury's announcement yesterday that it has sold its remaining shares of General Motors stock.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124714/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1212,"Following Close of Latest Round of Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks, Senator Stabenow Urges Administration to Address Currency Manipulation",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"As the latest talks between the countries negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement closed today, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow renewed her call for Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to address foreign currency manipulation in the talks. This most recent round of negotiations did not produce any agreement on currency manipulation, despite the fact that bipartisan majorities in both Houses of Congress support such an agreement. In September, Sens. Stabenow and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus, led 60 of their Senate colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter urging Secretary Lew and Ambassador Froman to address foreign currency manipulation in the TPP and all future trade agreements. ""It is disappointing that the latest round of international negotiations did not include any agreement on currency manipulation,"" said Stabenow. ""Illegal foreign currency manipulation has already cost us between one and five million American jobs and we can't let it destroy more. Sixty Senators agree that going forward, Secretary Lew and Ambassador Froman must make addressing currency manipulation a critical component of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations."" A bipartisan group of 230 Representatives also sent a letter to U.S. trade negotiators urging similar action. In both the House and Senate versions of the letter, Members of Congress urged U.S. trade negotiators to stand up for U.S. businesses and workers by including enforceable measures against currency manipulation in trade agreements in order to ensure a level playing field on global trade and to help create jobs here at home. The Senate letter sent to Sec. Lew and Ambassador Froman was circulated by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and signed by Senators Harkin, Chambliss, Whitehouse, Inhofe, Levin, Murphy, Brown, Klobuchar, Collins, Schumer, Casey, Donnelly, Franken, McCaskill, Sessions, Manchin, Merkley, Coon, Heinrich, Baldwin, Reed, Boxer, Blunt, Pryor, Menendez, Boozman, Rockefeller, Cardin, Coats, Vitter, Markley, Wyden, Burr, Hoeven, Leahy, Tester, Warren, Blumenthal, Udall (NM), Begich, Risch, Mikulski, King, Shaheen, Moran, Sanders, Gillibrand, Heitkamp, Nelson, Portman, Schatz, Roberts, Landrieu, Durbin, Coburn, Grassley, Hirono, and Hagan. The full text of the Senate letter follows: Dear Secretary Lew and Ambassador Froman: We agree with the Administration's stated goal that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has ""high standards worthy of a 21st century trade agreement."" To achieve this, however, we think it is necessary to address one of the 21st century's most serious trade problems: foreign currency manipulation. Currency is the medium through which trade occurs and exchange rates determine its comparative value. It is as important to trade outcomes as is the quality of the goods or services traded. Currency manipulation can negate or greatly reduce the benefits of a free trade agreement and may have a devastating impact on American companies and workers. A study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics found that foreign currency manipulation has already cost between one and five million American jobs. A free trade agreement purporting to increase trade, but failing to address foreign currency manipulation, could lead to a permanent unfair trade relationship that further harms the United States economy. As the United States negotiates TPP and all future free trade agreements, we ask that you include strong and enforceable foreign currency manipulation disciplines to ensure these agreements meet the ""high standards"" our country, America's companies, and America's workers deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182456/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=522BBD97-D94A-42B4-9416-631396602222,"Conyers: 43,800 Michiganders Slated to Lose Jobless Aid on December 28th Without Congressional Action",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(JOHANNESBURG) – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) highlighted a report prepared by the Democratic Staff of the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee showing that 43,800 people in Michigan would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance on December 28th if Congress fails to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Further, the report shows that an additional 86,500 Michiganders will lose access to unemployment insurance in the first six months of 2014 if Congress does not act. For reference: federal unemployment insurance took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since then as the United States continues to recover from the financial crisis and Great Recession. Failure to extend unemployment insurance will hurt job growth throughout the country, with the White House Council of Economic Advisors estimating that in Michigan alone, failure to extend the insurance program will cost the state 8,450 jobs. After the release of this report, Rep. Conyers issued the following statement: “As we continue to recover from the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, its critically important that Congress renew federal unemployment insurance that protect families as the holiday season approaches. Rather than treat unemployment insurance as a bargaining chip in budget negotiations, I urge my colleagues to consider the high financial stakes for thousands of families in Michigan and across the country. Failing to extend this vital program would cut off a lifeline for job seekers trying to get back on their feet. To strengthen these families and the American economy, Congress must act to extend this crucial program before leaving Washington.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363794,"Huizenga Leads Effort To Boost Jobs, Economy In Michigan and Great Lakes Region",2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bit by bit isn’t good for dredge Great Lakes freighters account for 103,000 jobs and have an economic impact of $20 billion per year in America. Grand Haven Tribune - Editorial -  Dec. 6, 2013That's a lot of jobs, and money. Freight traffic via ships in the Great Lakes also powers other jobs, such as the local power plant that requires loads of coal from the hulking ships. But for years now the federal government has not properly funded dredging efforts on the Great Lakes. This is partially evidenced by the fact that most freighters can only use about 90 percent of their capacity, less in some ports. That's an efficiency and cost problem that has a negative ripple effect on our communities. There's a push at the federal level for more dredging dollars and greater emphasis placed on the importance of our Great Lakes. We all need to support our lawmakers who are at the front of this effort. These lawmakers include our very own Congressman Bill Huizenga. He and others sent a letter last week to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act Conference Committee, encouraging the committee to make the Great Lakes a priority in final legislation that could provide the funding necessary to adequately dredge harbors. Let’s hope Huizenga and his fellow lawmakers have the pull necessary to make it happen for our community and others that depend on open water channels. After all, a win for dredging and the Great Lakes is also a win for our local economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124440/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1211,Senator Stabenow Statement on Treasury Selling Last Shares of GM Stock,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Senator Stabenow Statement on Treasury Selling Last Shares of GM Stock U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Treasury's announcement that it has sold its remaining shares of General Motors stock. ""We stood up for our American workers and fought to save the auto industry,"" said Stabenow. ""Since the auto rescue in 2009, General Motors has invested nearly $9 billion in the U.S. and created thousands of jobs building award-winning vehicles. It is clear that keeping our auto industry alive was absolutely the right thing to do."" The auto industry has been a driving force in the continuing economic comeback. Vehicle purchases by consumers accounted for roughly 30 percent of all economic growth in the first half of 2012. The automotive industry employs more than 8 million workers and since mid-2009 the auto industry has added 372,600 jobs. It is estimated that the auto industry accounts for 3-3.5% of GDP. More on the auto rescue can be found here.   Related News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182504/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/featured-items?ContentRecord_id=D6E19D37-FD13-48F5-BC92-A4D3F0601F1C,ADVISORY: Conyers Traveling to South Africa for Nelson Mandela’s Memorial Service,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(DETROIT) – Early this morning, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) joined a Congressional Delegation headed to Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the funeral and memorial service of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, who passed away this past Thursday. As he departed for South Africa, Rep. Conyers reiterated the message he delivered Thursday evening to the family of Nelson Mandela: “While we mourn his passage, we know that Madiba’s legacy of fighting for freedom and independence will live on.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010506/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363698,Adrian Daily Telegram: Tecumseh cancer patient’s insurance canceled; ACA won’t give her a subsidy,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Adrian Daily Telegram: Tecumseh cancer patient’s insurance canceled; ACA won’t give her a subsidy f t # e Washington, Dec 6, 2013 “If you like your health plan, you can keep it” has been President Obama’s promise to the American people for the last four years. But recently he attempted to apologize to those who are losing health insurance because of the law. While I’m glad the president is starting to see the truth, the American people need more than just apologies. They need solutions. Rosann, a 29-year-old woman from Tecumseh, has been battling sarcoma cancer for more than a year. In that time she has undergone chemotherapy once and radiation twice. Because of her disease and treatments, she can’t work full time, but through a part-time job as a substitute teacher at a local preschool she pays her health care bills and student loans. That’s until she received a notice that she will lose her current health care because of President Obama’s health care law, and have to pay $225 more a month. She also can’t receive a subsidy because she currently lives with her family and it’s based on household income, not the fact that she has been paying her own bills. “I just thought that you should know about how this law is affecting hard working people who pay their bills,” Ann Konz, Rosann’s mother told our office. “Her healthcare should be based on her income, not ours.” Despite these frustrations Rosann often tells her family, “We’ll just go with it and God will take care of us.” Rosann doesn’t need an apology or special treatment. She just wants to be able to keep her insurance, along with 225,000 people across Michigan who have lost their coverage in the last seven weeks alone. To provide immediate relief to individuals like Rosann, the U.S. House recently voted with strong bipartisan support of H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act, which would allow Americans whose plans haven’t already been canceled to keep their current coverage in 2014. It’s at least a start in addressing this destabilizing health care law, but it’s important to remember that the only way to permanently stop all these cancellation letters is a full repeal of the president’s health care law. In order to get America’s health care back on track and reduce costs, we must implement common sense reforms that will allow individuals to purchase insurance across state lines, to permit small businesses to join together to buy group health insurance, and to expand the use of health savings accounts so no health issue becomes a financial issue too. Americans were not told the truth by the president about being able to keep the insurance that they like and has worked well for them. I remain committed to fighting for Americans and providing fairness for all by working towards implementing common sense reforms. My hope is the president finally begins working with us towards real health care solutions — and keeps his promise to the American people.   To read the original article at Adrian Daily Telegram, please click here. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363628,Upton Comments on Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, issued the following statement on the passing of anti-apartheid leader and former South African President Nelson Mandela.   “Nelson Mandela’s courageous leadership in the face of hatred and social injustice brought new life and new government to the oppressed people of South Africa. His words and actions will continue to inspire, strengthen, and bring hope to future generations,” said Upton, who had the honor of personally meeting Mr. Mandela during the South African leader’s address before a joint session of the United States Congress. “He was a transformational figure on the world stage, but also a public servant of great humility.  We would be well-served by having more leaders follow his example.” “Nelson Mandela’s powerful message of freedom, peace, and tolerance could not be confined by prison walls.  His spirit and legacy live on, bringing moral courage to those who face adversity and love to a world longing to heal.” “Our prayers are with his family and the people of South Africa.” Upton cosponsored legislation awarding Mr. Mandela the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124726/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1210,"Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Detroit Department of Transportation",2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Detroit Department of Transportation Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today that the Federal Transit Administration will provide $41.6 million to the Detroit Department of Transportation, which will be matched by approximately $10 million in local and state funds. The funds will be used to upgrade and maintain city buses and bus facilities. ""This critical support will help families in and around Detroit have access to better public transportation,"" said Stabenow. ""Detroit's comeback has already begun, and this support is an important part of the effort to help revitalize neighborhoods across the city."" ""Detroit is a city of grit and resilience, and it will emerge from bankruptcy stronger than ever. Part of our city's rebound will be strengthening its infrastructure, and the grants announced today are a piece of that process. These funds will assist the city's efforts to update and maintain our city's transportation facilities and buses, which is great news for Detroit,"" said Levin. The funds will be used for preventative maintenance to bus facilities, for vehicle maintenance, and to overhaul 60 DDOT buses. The funds will also support capital projects to improve DDOT's bus and passenger facilities, including Central, Gilbert, and Shoemaker bus facilities, and to help repair and upgrade the Rosa Parks Transit Center. DDOT will also purchase and install new bus shelters and acquire security equipment for DDOT facilities. The funds are FY 2013 transit formula funds from the 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Funding Program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182517/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/featured-items?ContentRecord_id=8ED5DE8A-81C2-404F-8762-1648FEDBABC8,Conyers Joins Hastings & Lee in Reintroducing the National Commission on Employment & Economic Security Act,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON) – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) joined Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) in reintroducing the “National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act.” Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.): “With the ongoing jobs crisis in America, I am fully supportive of the re-introduction of the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act, which will study the impact of unemployment and economic insecurity Americans face and then offer remedies. Over the last year a quarter of the American population was unemployed or underemployed, and did not earn enough to support their basic needs. We must act to curtail these circumstances before they become entrenched and systemic. I truly believe this is a measure both parties can come together to support and shed light on the real effect and devastation unemployment causes, and in turn lead the Congress to work on legislation that creates jobs for all Americans.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.): “I am pleased to reintroduce the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act, legislation that establishes a national commission to examine the issues of economic and psychological insecurity within our workforce that have been caused by employment displacement. When Americans lose their jobs and their incomes shrink, too often, they face the loss of their family’s health insurance and, subsequent to the loss of income, even their housing. The mental health of the American worker is integral as we continue down the road of economic recovery.” Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.): “I am a proud original co-sponsor of the National Commission on Unemployment and Economic Security Act. While we are still recovering from the greatest recession since the Great Depression, unemployment numbers are unacceptably high, income inequality is growing, and our nation’s promise of opportunity is slipping from view, this bill would address those concerns and help to ensure that we have an economy that works for all.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182521/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9B727AF5-D319-4941-8236-5FD43E4E20C0,"Conyers Honors the Life of Nelson Mandela, Champion of Peace & Equality",2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON) – Today, following news of the passing of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) delivered the following message to his family: “With the passing of Nelson Mandela, we have lost an individual who not only freed his home of South Africa from racial hatred, but inspired the world to peacefully resist injustice and intolerance. We will forever remember Nelson Mandela as the wonderful man and courageous leader who ended apartheid at home and changed the course of human history for all. Unbowed by racial animosity and decades behind bars, Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary force for nonviolence and justice,” said Conyers. “I still remember the humble man that visited Detroit, just months following his release from prison, to organize for his political movement in South Africa and speak with Rosa Parks. And I will always treasure the memories I have, just four short years later, of the voyage I made with President Clinton and Harry Belafonte to attend Nelson Mandela’s installation as President of South Africa. “While we mourn his passage, we know that Madiba’s legacy of fighting for freedom and independence will live on.” ###Conyers Honors the Life of Nelson Mandela, Champion of Peace & Equality",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182536/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F2A18973-3D77-4B5B-ADF1-21F3F63D81EF,Conyers Joins Hastings & Lee in Reintroducing the National Commission on Employment & Economic Security Act,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON) – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) joined Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) in reintroducing the “National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act.” Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.): “With the ongoing jobs crisis in America, I am fully supportive of the re-introduction of the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act, which will study the impact of unemployment and economic insecurity Americans face and then offer remedies. Over the last year a quarter of the American population was unemployed or underemployed, and did not earn enough to support their basic needs. We must act to curtail these circumstances before they become entrenched and systemic. I truly believe this is a measure both parties can come together to support and shed light on the real effect and devastation unemployment causes, and in turn lead the Congress to work on legislation that creates jobs for all Americans.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.): “I am pleased to reintroduce the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act, legislation that establishes a national commission to examine the issues of economic and psychological insecurity within our workforce that have been caused by employment displacement. When Americans lose their jobs and their incomes shrink, too often, they face the loss of their family’s health insurance and, subsequent to the loss of income, even their housing. The mental health of the American worker is integral as we continue down the road of economic recovery.” Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.): “I am a proud original co-sponsor of the National Commission on Unemployment and Economic Security Act. While we are still recovering from the greatest recession since the Great Depression, unemployment numbers are unacceptably high, income inequality is growing, and our nation’s promise of opportunity is slipping from view, this bill would address those concerns and help to ensure that we have an economy that works for all.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182543/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/featured-items?ContentRecord_id=006E70DD-101D-4714-B1E4-628964BD6BE1,"Conyers Honors the Life of Nelson Mandela, Champion of Peace & Equality",2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON) – Today, following news of the passing of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) delivered the following message to his family: “With the passing of Nelson Mandela, we have lost an individual who not only freed his home of South Africa from racial hatred, but inspired the world to peacefully resist injustice and intolerance. We will forever remember Nelson Mandela as the wonderful man and courageous leader who ended apartheid at home and changed the course of human history for all. Unbowed by racial animosity and decades behind bars, Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary force for nonviolence and justice,” said Conyers.   “I still remember the humble man that visited Detroit, just months following his release from prison, to organize for his political movement in South Africa and speak with Rosa Parks. And I will always treasure the memories I have, just four short years later, of the voyage I made with President Clinton and Harry Belafonte to attend Nelson Mandela’s installation as President of South Africa.   “While we mourn his passage, we know that Madiba’s legacy of fighting for freedom and independence will live on.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919104829/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-the-death-of-nelson-mandela,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on the Death of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement today after learning of the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “It is with heavy hearts that Michigan, the U.S. and the entire world mourns the death of Nelson Mandela. The world today has lost an incredible and courageous leader. “Nelson Mandela’s perseverance in the face of oppression inspired millions around the world, myself included. As a student in college in the 1970s, I studied and was moved by Nelson Mandela’s life work. As an anti-apartheid leader, he tackled racism and inequality head-on, standing at the forefront of the movement that led to a free South Africa. His mission to propagate peace is only more admirable after he himself was unjustly imprisoned for nearly three decades. Through it all, his dedication to peace and justice persevered, demonstrating to the world that hope and love can conquer all. “While today we mourn the loss of such a revolutionary leader, I take solace in knowing that Nelson Mandela’s life work has undoubtedly made the world a more peaceful, just place.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363464,Upton Subcommittee Examines Health Law’s Impact on Michigan Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, took part in today’s Health Subcommittee hearing that examined how the President’s health care law will impact the Medicare Advantage program and what its 14 million beneficiaries should expect in the coming year. The health care law made over $700 billion in reductions to the Medicare program – including over $300 billion in direct and indirect reductions to the Medicare Advantage program alone – in order to fund the new entitlement. These cuts will begin to be fully realized in the next year, and seniors and disabled Americans who rely on Medicare Advantage will soon suffer the consequences. In 2012, more than 436,000 people from Michigan were enrolled in Medicare Advantage. “Every day we hear from people in Michigan and across the country who are losing their current coverage and facing increased costs because of the health care law,” said Upton. “Today we turned our focus to the nation’s seniors and disabled who could be affected by the changes in the law. The empty promises have real consequences for countless Americans who like their existing coverage and expect Washington to do no harm.” Today’s hearing underscored recent revelations that the President’s promises that you could keep your doctor and you could keep your health care plan will not hold true. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half a million beneficiaries may lose their existing Medicare Advantage plan next year, which would force these seniors and disabled Americans to switch their current plan or return to a traditional fee-for-service plan. More than 105,000 beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2013 will not be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan at all in 2014. “There has been much speculation about the impact of the ACA cuts to MA plans,” stated former Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin in his prepared testimony for today’s hearing. “The common threads running through analyses of the MA landscape in 2014 are (1) fewer plan choices, (2) higher costs to beneficiaries, (3) foregone benefits, and (4) tighter provider networks.” There are several types of MA plans, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-For-Services (FFS) Plans, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) MA plan coverage includes traditional FFS Medicare services (Part A and B benefits), and, for most plans, prescription drug coverage (Part D benefit) is included as well.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363187,"Huizenga Leads Bipartisan Letter To Support Great Lakes, Boost Economic Activity",2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25), and a bipartisan coalition of 32 of their colleagues sent a letter to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) Conference Committee thanking them for advancing legislation that will improve water infrastructure across America and encouraging them to make the Great Lakes a priority in the final legislation:""While the House passed version of WRRDA is a significant step in the right direction, I believe it is important to remind the Conference Committee that the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS) is the backbone of our nation's manufacturing and agricultural economies, supporting 145 million tons of commodities annually. For too long, harbors across the Great Lakes have not been dredged to their authorized width and depth, while 50% of the funds paid into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund have been spent on projects unrelated to maintaining our nation's ports and harbors. ""WRRDA creates the opportunity to implement policies that will help clear the 18 million cubic yards of sediment that currently clog ports and waterways throughout the Great Lakes. By classifying the entire GLNS as a unified body, focusing resources on the Great Lakes, and instructing harbor maintenance funding to be in line with revenues collected into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, Congress can ensure the Great Lakes not only maintain their economic impact, but allow for economic expansion that will make the region even stronger."" Congressman Huizenga's letter to the WRRDA Conference Committee is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363295,Upton Joins Bipartisan Group Calling on House-Senate Negotiators to Support Great Lakes Infrastructure,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"A longtime advocate for Lake Michigan harbors, Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, has joined a bipartisan coalition of 34 Great Lakes Representatives in sending a letter to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) Conference Committee. In the letter led by West Michigan Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, and Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-NY, the coalition thanked House and Senate conferees for their work to advance legislation to improve the nation’s navigation infrastructure and called on the conference committee leaders to make the Great Lakes a national priority.“Our Great Lakes harbors and waterways play a vital role in supporting job creation, economic growth and competitiveness here in Southwest Michigan and in communities across the nation,” said Upton. “Keeping our Great Lakes system open and operational must remain a national priority and I strongly encourage House and Senate negotiators build upon the progress made here in the House to support it.” On October 23, 2013, Upton joined an overwhelming majority of his House colleagues in passing the House version of WRRDA (H.R. 3080), which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its mission to develop, maintain, and support our nation’s ports and waterways infrastructure needs as well as support effective environmental restoration and flood protection. The bipartisan House WRRDA bill notably includes an important provision from legislation cosponsored by Upton – the Great Lakes System Sustainability Act (H.R. 2273) – which designates the entire Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS) as a single, unified system for budgetary purposes. Rather than forcing Great Lakes harbors to compete for funding like coastal ports, this important provision recognizes the economic benefits of their interdependence and will help ensure future funding. Click HERE to view the coalition’s full letter to the WRRDA Conference Committee.  The text of the letter follows below. November 25, 2013 Dear Chairmen Shuster and Boxer and Ranking Members Rahall and Vitter: Thank you for your efforts on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), and in particular for advancing provisions that will improve our nation’s navigation infrastructure.  Both the Senate and House versions of the water resources legislation make important advances to better fund harbor maintenance throughout our nation.  We urge you to retain language that would direct harbor maintenance funding to be more in line with the revenues collected for this purpose in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF).  Only about half of the collections for harbor maintenance are currently expended for that purpose, and we urge you to retain and strengthen language in the final conference report so that funds collected to improve our navigation infrastructure are fully used for that purpose.  Many of us cosponsored the RAMP Act (H.R.335) as a way to achieve this goal and we thank you for advancing the objectives of that legislation.  We ask that the final conference report include a funding target of 100% of HMTF revenues that is not tied to other civil works funding levels. As Great Lakes Representatives, we write to call particular attention to the Great Lakes Navigation System, which is the backbone of our nation’s manufacturing, industrial, building, and agricultural economies.  Each year, about 145 million tons of commodities are carried through the Great Lakes Navigation System.  The materials transported include fuel that powers homes and businesses, limestone and cement to construct roads and bridges, iron ore to produce steel, chemicals and other raw materials for manufacturers, and agricultural products to feed our nation and the world.  This mode of transport has both economic and environmental advantages compared to alternative transportation options, and supports about 130,000 jobs in the U.S. and generates over $18 billion in revenues.  Despite the benefits the Great Lakes Navigation System provides, inadequate funding and maintenance has resulted in a tremendous backlog of dredging projects that have forced vessels to light load, grounded vessels, impeded safe navigation, and closed harbors and threatened other harbors with closure.  To further exacerbate the problem, the water levels of a number of the Great Lakes have reached record lows in the last few years. The impacts of the lack of dredging and other required maintenance, including lock improvements, breakwater repairs, and construction of dredged material disposal facilities, have economic consequences that hinder economic growth.  In order to restore the functionality of the Great Lakes Navigation System, we urge conferees to include our priorities listed below in the final conference report.  We list our requests in order of importance. 1.  Dedicated harbor maintenance funding for the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS):  The Senate bill prioritizes 20 percent of harbor maintenance funding in excess of FY2012 levels for the GLNS.  However, the House bill sets funding aside for certain purposes using total harbor maintenance funding, and not spending above a threshold figure.  Because it is not yet clear how these different approaches will be resolved, we request the conference agreement include bill language requiring that at least 15 percent of all annual HMTF appropriations be provided for GLNS operations and maintenance to address the numerous needs we outlined above. 2.  Authorization of the GLNS:  Both the Senate and House bills recognize the Great Lakes harbors, ports and other navigation features as being part of a single navigation system.  In the House bill, Section 202(b) explicitly authorizes the GLNS as a single system, and we ask that this language be retained in the conference report. 3.  Expanded Uses of HMTF:  Both the Senate and House bills expand the use of HMTF for a variety of uses, including dredging berths, disposal of contaminated sediments, and rebates for certain types of ports. As you work towards a conference agreement, it is important that other already-authorized components of our waterway system are not unintentionally neglected, including the Great Lakes.  The GLNS has a backlog of $200 million in dredging projects, seriously aging breakwaters and locks in need of repair, and a lack of dredged material disposal facilities.  In prioritizing uses of the HMTF, it is critical that funding first be provided for currently authorized uses, such as maintaining navigation projects at their constructed depths and widths, especially in the Great Lakes. Thank you for your consideration of these requests.  We look forward to working with you to advance a final water resources conference report that improves the nation’s water resources, including the Great Lakes. Sincerely, cc: Members of the WRRDA Conference Committee",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124750/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1209,Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for City of Manton Police Department,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for City of Manton Police Department U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for the City of Manton to purchase a new four-wheel drive police utility vehicle. The support comes through a U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development grant.  ""This rural development funding is welcome news for Manton families, who depend on local services each and every day,"" Stabenow said. ""This support will help local law enforcement perform their duties and protect the public."" The City of Manton will receive a $20,000 Rural Development grant for a new four-wheel drive police utility vehicle, which will replace an aging patrol vehicle. Sen. Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363119,Rogers Speaks at Latson Road Interchange Ribbon Cutting,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Rogers,R000572,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Oct 25, 2017 | Washington Times Ignored by the “inside the Beltway” media has been the heroic efforts of Rep. Mike Rogers, Alabama Republican, as he struggles against the “corporate” Air Force to establish a separate Space Corps service. Opposing Mr. Rogers, the secretary of the Air Force says a separate space service isn’t needed and that the regular Air Force can do whatever is necessary to fulfill the military space mission. This is a huge load of some of Washington D.C.’s finest political trash. May 18, 2017 | The Hill Apr 4, 2017 | Space News Mar 8, 2017 | PBS Mar 8, 2017 | AL.com Jan 26, 2017 | Fox News Jan 11, 2017 | Real Clear Defense Sep 26, 2016 | Space News Jun 27, 2016 | Yellowhammer News Pages",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010552/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363172,"Jackson Cit Pat: Families don't want apologies, they just want their health care back",2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"President Obama has frequently promised that if you like your health-care plan, you can keep it. But ask the more than 3.5 million Americans who have lost their health insurance in the last six weeks alone just how true that pledge is. As the president’s health-care law has taken effect, the president could no longer deny the negative impacts of his signature law and offered an apology to those losing their health insurance despite “assurances” from him. Families like Dawn and Vern Buchbinder from Grass Lake don’t want any more apologies. They just want their health care back. For 20 years, the Buchbinders have successfully purchased their own health insurance that best suited their needs and those of their three daughters. A few weeks ago they received a letter from their current health-insurance provider saying it can no longer offer them the same plan with a $375 per month premium because it doesn’t meet the mandates required under Obamacare. The cheapest plan they offered instead would cost $633 per month. “I am offended with the explanation I have been hearing that I need to be protected from the ‘cut rate, sub-level health insurance plan’ that I've been purchasing all these years,” Dawn recently told my office. “We know what we need and want to be able to choose it if we so desire. We weren't hurting anyone, why can't we be left alone?” As the administration’s promises are proven false, Americans are realizing the real dangers and consequences behind a government takeover of our health-care system. In the House, my colleagues and I understand this and recently voted with strong bipartisan support to provide immediate relief to families like the Buchbinders, by passing H.R. 3350, the Keep your Health Plan Act, which would allow Americans whose plans haven’t already been canceled to keep their current coverage in 2014. It’s at least a start in addressing this destabilizing health-care law but it’s important to remember that the only way to permanently stop all these cancellation letters is a full repeal. Families across Michigan are struggling to pay their bills and pay for their children’s future. It’s not fair they’re being forced to pay more for health insurance because of this harmful law. Dawn and her family, along with 225,000 other people across Michigan that are losing their health care aren’t looking for special treatment; they just want to be able to keep their health insurance at a price they can afford. Americans were not told the truth by the president about being able to keep the insurance that they like and has worked well for them. I remain committed to fighting for Americans and providing fairness for all by working toward implementing common sense reforms like allowing individuals to purchase insurance across state lines and permitting small businesses to group together to access the same rates typically reserved for large employers. My hope is the president joins these efforts – and keeps his promises to the American people. - Dawn and Vern Buchbinder from Grass Lake contributed to this article. ​To read the original article at Cit Pat, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363070,"Upton Thankful as Pediatric Research, Meningitis/Drug Safety Bills Signed into Law",2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, applauded the President today for signing two important public health bills that had been previously advanced by Upton’s committee with strong bipartisan support.“This Thanksgiving, we offer families in Michigan and across the country a little more hope with these critical public health bills now law,” said Upton. With an average of one in eight children born prematurely, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act (S.252) seeks to strengthen the ongoing effort to track, prevent, and treat prematurity to ensure children have a healthy start and a productive future. Upton sponsored the original PREEMIE Act that was signed into law in December 2006. The bipartisan legislation also provides for the creation of the National Pediatric Research Network to facilitate research to help children with rare and genetic diseases. The House passed similar stand-alone legislation, H.R. 225, to create the network in February. “Although our bipartisan effort to boost pediatric care began several years ago, the delays never deterred our commitment to getting it done. Seeing the PREEMIE Act package of reforms across the finish line and now law is something we can all be thankful for this year. This law will especially have a direct and profound impact on the lives of families like the Kennedys in Mattawan, whose daughters Brooke and Brielle are battling the rare disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It is often difficult to conduct research into rare diseases due to the small number of people affected. But today, with great thanks to Brooke and Brielle for serving as an inspiration, we create a new research network to provide families like the Kennedys with greater hope for a cure and advances in treatment.” The President also signed Upton’s Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3024), a breakthrough agreement to improve drug safety in the wake of the deadly 2012 meningitis outbreak. By all accounts, Michigan has been hardest hit by the outbreak with 264 cases and 19 fatalities, including 3 deaths from Upton’s own district. Upton’s committee has led a thorough investigation into the recent outbreak to ensure such a public health catastrophe never happens again. “With the President’s signature today, this bipartisan law will help prevent future crises like last year’s deadly fungal meningitis outbreak while also establishing a unified framework for maintaining safety throughout the drug supply chain. Across the nation, Americans going to their doctor’s office or pharmacy will now have the confidence that their drugs are safe. From bipartisan oversight to drafting and approving legislation, we were able to reach a compromise to protect the drug supply and also remove regulatory roadblocks, creating an environment conducive to job creation. I am thankful for the cooperation of my colleagues in both the House and the Senate, on both sides of the aisle, for their efforts in this achievement.” H.R. 3024 also strengthens the prescription drug supply chain in order to protect American families against counterfeit drugs as well as eliminates needless government red tape that harms Michigan employers like Perrigo and Pfizer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124800/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1208,"Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce $24 Million for Detroit Fire Department to Hire 150 Firefighters",2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce $24 Million for Detroit Fire Department to Hire 150 Firefighters U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced that the Detroit Fire Department will receive a major federal grant to hire 150 firefighters. The $24,206,400 grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program. Senator Stabenow said, ""This is another major investment in the City of Detroit that will go a long way in helping the fire department hire additional firefighters to protect the public. Making sure our first responders have the resources they need is exactly the kind of support that will help Detroit's continued revitalization."" Senator Levin said, ""There is no more important task that caring for our people in times of emergency. This federal support will make a significant difference for the safety and security of the people of Detroit."" The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These competitive grants help ensure that fire departments nationwide have the frontline firefighters they need to protect their communities. For more information, please visit http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010557/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363219,Hillsdale Daily News: Walberg visits Hartzell Veneer,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"By Andy Barrand HILLSDALE — Only five months after making the move from Arkansas, Hartzell Veneer Products in Hillsdale is up and running in full production mode. While in the are Monday, Congressman Tim Walberg took the opportunity to speak to the employees at Hartzell Veneer after taking a short tour of the facility. Also on hand to welcome the company to Hillsdale were members of the Hillsdale City Council, Mayor Scott Sessions and State Rep. Ken Kurtz. ""We are delighted to be here,"" Walberg said. ""It's always an exciting opportunity when we can get back into the district and walk through manufacturing facilities. ""It is those manufacturing facilities that are the heart and soul of the district,"" he added. Before Walberg met with employees and guests, Hillsdale City Manager Linda Brown and Economic Development Director Mary Wolfram welcomed the facility to the city. In doing so they presented the company with a certificate that can be used to buy a lot in Three Meadows Subdivision for $1. The incentive is given to manufacturers that locate in Hillsdale County. Hartzell Veneer currently has 31 employees, six of which transferred to the area from Arkansas. The manufacturing facility is currently in the process of building a 35,000-square foot expansion. Once that expansion is complete, estimated to be sometime in 2014, the staff will double in size. The facility makes veneer facings for cabinets, doors and other wood products. Walberg said he was amazed by the process that goes into making the facings. He said he appreciated the quality and workmanship that was going into the products being made at the facility. Walberg took questions from employees of the facility. One question asked focused on healthcare. Walberg said he doesn't support the current plan. He is in support of letting health insurance companies compete for business across state lines. ""Hopefully people come together and say no, this isn't for us,"" he said. To read the original article at Hillsdale Daily News, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014156/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363216,Jackson Cit Pat: U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg works to name Jackson post office after fallen officer James Bonneau,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"JACKSON, MI – U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg introduced a House Resolution that would honor a Jackson police officer who died on duty in 2010. Walberg, R-Tipton, has proposed the United States Post Office downtown Jackson, be designated as the “Officer James Bonneau Memorial Post Office.” ""The Jackson community witnessed Officer James Bonneau's bravery and selflessness in 2010 when he gave his life in the line of duty,"" Walberg said in a statement. ""It’s a fitting tribute to ensure his sacrifice is remembered in our community.” While Jackson Police Chief Matthew Heins said the department is honored by Walberg’s gesture, personally he has “mixed feelings.” “We are honored....but unfortunately he (Bonneau) had to die in the line of duty to receive the recognition,” Heins said. In 2011, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow presented Bonneau’s parents, Marc and Amy Bonneau, with the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery. Just after midnight on March 9, 2010, Bonneau was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. He was 26. The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. In addition, state Reps. Earl Poleski and Mike Shirkey introduced a bill last year to name the new West Avenue bridge in memory of Bonneau. Poleski did not know Bonneau, but said it would be appropriate to name a bridge in his honor, as recognition of his sacrifice. Poleski said the legislation was passed by the Michigan House and now sits with the Senate Transportation Committee. To read the original article at Cit Pat, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182549/http://conyers.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=27C490D2-3191-4815-BE7A-93B94C947972,Conyers Flags $301 Million in Prescription Drug Savings for Michigan Seniors Under the Affordable Care Act,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,John Conyers,C000714,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(DETROIT) – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new data showing that seniors and individuals with disabilities who have Medicare prescription drug plan coverage have saved $8.9 billion on prescription drugs due to provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that closed the “donut hole” coverage gap in Medicare Part D. In Michigan, 142,120 individuals with disabilities and seniors saved more than $142 million on prescription drugs in 2013 alone – an average of more than $1,000 for each beneficiary – and more than $301 million since passage of the Affordable Care Act. After the release of this new data, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement: “Prior to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, seniors and individuals with disabilities who were enrolled in Medicare Part D – the prescription drug benefit program – ran the risk of falling into the ‘donut hole’ coverage gap that would send out of pocket expenses for prescription drug benefits skyrocketing. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the ‘donut hole’ has been closed, saving seniors as well as people with disabilities millions on prescription drug benefits. In Michigan alone, 142,120 individuals have saved more than $301 million since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, with an average beneficiary saving more than $1,000 each. It is clear that the historic Affordable Care Act is already having a positive impact in aiding consumers and reshaping our previously broken healthcare system,” said Conyers. Under the discount program in the Affordable Care Act, in 2010, anyone with a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan who reached the prescription drug ‘donut hole’ got a $250 rebate. In 2011, beneficiaries who landed in the ‘donut hole’ began receiving discounts on covered brand-name drugs and savings on generic drugs. Next year, Medicare Part D participants who fall into the ‘donut hole’ will receive savings of about 53 percent on the cost of brand name drugs and 28 percent on the cost of generic drugs. These savings and Medicare coverage will gradually increase until 2020, when the ‘donut hole’ will be closed. ### The Annual Open Enrollment period for health and drug plans began on October 15 and ends on December 7. For more information on Medicare Open Enrollment and to compare benefits and prices of 2014 Medicare health and drug plans, please visit: http://www.cms.gov/Center/Special-Topic/Open-Enrollment-Center.html.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362930,Upton Recognized with Medicare Access Champion Award,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"In honor of his work on behalf of people around the United States who have cancer and whose treatments are covered under Medicare Part B, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton on Monday was awarded the 2013 Medicare Access Champion Award for his outstanding leadership on behalf of cancer patients and seniors. The award was presented by the American Life Sciences Innovation Council.Upton, who is also chairman of the House Energy and Energy Committee, said he was pleased to be recognized for his actions on behalf of an important group of cancer patients. “If it wasn’t for these community based physicians who keep their doors open for Southwest Michigan cancer patients, it’d be a sorry situation,” Upton said. “The continuation of Part B means patients can have access to the most affordable and accessible treatment close to home.” The award was presented by a group of representatives from health-related firms: Vickie Martin of Senior Services of Southwest Michigan, Dr. Lynn Gray of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, and Jean Maile of Southwest Michigan Hospice.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010601/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363218,Hillsdale Daily News: Walberg gets bill signed into law helping contracted workers,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"By Matt Durr WASHINGTON — There isn't much that Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) and President Barack Obama agree on these days, but the two were able to agree Thursday on a bipartisan bill which Obama signed into law. The Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act was introduced by Walberg and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) to help shift responsibility for wage adjustments for federally-contracted workers. The two congressmen serve on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections where Walberg is the chairman and wrote the bill in an effort to streamline the process in which contracted workers get paid. ""I want to thank the president for his support of this commonsense, bipartisan proposal,"" Walberg said in a press release. ""By working together we’ve provided greater efficiency within the federal government. Just as important, we’ve helped ensure workers employed by federal contractors receive the pay they’ve earned in a more timely manner. I hope we can build on this success and discuss additional reforms that will serve the best interests of the nation’s workers and taxpayers."" Under the Davis-Bacon Act, federally-contracted workers are required to be paid a ""local prevailing wage,"" on any government project. They are also to be paid time and a half for work done after working 40 hours in a week. However the claims for those wages were handled through the Government Accountability Office, while the Department of Labor (DOL) enforced the law. With the passing of this new law, the DOL will handle all claims and it should help make the process smoother for workers trying to get their compensation. The bill was first introduced by Walberg in July and passed by the House in September. The Senate passed the bill earlier this month, and Obama signed it into law Thursday. ""I am pleased to see that President Obama has signed this commonsense bill that improves efficiency and streamlines the claims process for workers,"" Courtney said. ""Once enacted, this law will enable federal workers to get the pay that is owed to them in a timely fashion. I want to thank Chairman Walberg for his efforts on this issue, and I look forward to finding additional common ground to enhance protections for America’s workers."" To read the original article at Hillsdale.net, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131209205440/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-deal-regarding-irans-nuclear,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Deal Regarding Iran's Nuclear Program,2013-11-23,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“Today’s agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program, albeit short-term, is potential progress. This development represents an opportunity for Iran as it seeks to rejoin the global community. However, questions still rightfully remain about Iran after decades of distrust that cannot be repaired overnight. Releasing Amir Hekmati, my constituent who continues to be imprisoned in Iran, would be a tangible demonstration that it is serious about ongoing diplomacy.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362769,"Huizenga and Amash To Hold Joint ""Academy Night"" For West Michigan High School Students",2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday November 25th, Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Rep. Justin Amash (MI-03) will hold a joint ""Academy Night"" for Second and Third District high school students interested in learning more about the U.S. service academies. The event will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. Officials from the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy will provide information about the academies and the application process. Students typically begin the admissions process in the spring of their junior year of high school. Who: Rep. Bill Huizenga, Rep. Justin Amash, Officials from the U.S. service academies What: Academy Night When: Monday, November 25, 2013 from 7- 9 p.m. Where: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum - 303 Pearl St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 More information about the application process and nominations can be found at: /constituentservices/serviceacademynominations.htm http://amash.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362672,Upton Applauds State of Michigan for Allowing Health Insurers to Reinstate Canceled Plans,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, praised today’s action by the State of Michigan to help provide relief for the approximately 225,000 Michiganders who have been notified that they will lose their current health plan because of the Affordable Care Act. As of November 2, only 27,000 people nationwide have signed up for a new health insurance plan using HealthCare.gov – 1,329 of those people are from Michigan. The state’s decision will allow health insurers to reinstate the canceled policies.“Over the past several weeks, we have heard from hundreds of folks in Southwest Michigan who took the President at his word, but are now losing their current policies and are facing higher premiums and deductibles,” said Upton. “Last week, the House passed my bipartisan Keep Your Health Plan Act to help provide relief for folks here in Michigan and millions like them across the country. I applaud Gov. Snyder for his leadership and work to allow the same freedom and flexibility here in Michigan.” On Nov. 15, 2013, the House of Representatives passed Upton’s bipartisan Keep Your Health Plan Act (H.R. 3350) by a vote of 261 to 157. Upton’s bill would allow health care plans currently available on the individual market to continue to be offered next year – expanding choices and beginning to provide peace of mind to the millions of Americans who were promised by the President that if they liked their health plan, they could keep it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362464,Bill to Help Children with Rare Diseases Like the Kennedy Girls of Mattawan Now One Step Closer to Becoming Law,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, joined House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, as the Speaker signed S. 252, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, bringing the important bill one step closer to enactment. The bipartisan legislation also provides for the creation of the National Pediatric Research Network to facilitate research to help children with rare and genetic diseases. The House passed similar stand-alone legislation, H.R. 225, to create the network in February. Speaker Boehner also signed H.R. 3024, the Drug Quality and Security Act, a breakthrough bipartisan, bicameral agreement introduced by Upton to improve drug safety in the wake of the deadly 2012 meningitis outbreak. By all accounts, Michigan has been hardest hit by the outbreak with 264 cases and 19 fatalities, including 3 deaths from Upton’s own district. Upton’s committee has led a thorough investigation into the recent outbreak to ensure such a public health catastrophe never happens again. The bill also strengthens the prescription drug supply chain in order to protect American families against counterfeit drugs as well as eliminates needless government red tape that harms Michigan employers like Perrigo and Pfizer.  Both bills will soon head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Upton commented, “At long last we are nearing the finish line, and we will soon have a network in place to help families like the Kennedys in Mattawan, Michigan, and their two young daughters who have the rare disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy. These two little angels, Brooke and Brielle, are little warriors in the effort to boost research for rare diseases and serve as an inspiration for all.” ​​​IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ...​ November 14, 2013 Mattawan's Kennedy sisters help inspire House bill funding research into rare genetic diseases   MATTAWAN, MI – The medical struggles of two sisters from Mattawan helped inspire a bill funding research for rare diseases that passed the House by unanimous consent this week. Brooke and Brielle Kennedy were born with type II spinal muscular atrophy. Their battle was chronicled in a 2012 Kalamazoo Gazette story.   The six-year-old and four-year-old have exceeded doctors' prognoses, but SMA is a terminal, degenerative disease.   ""SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants and young children. It is a terminal, degenerative progressive disease that results in the loss of nerves in the spinal cord and the weakness of the muscles connected with those nerves,"" according to brookeandbrielle.com, a website set up by Sarah Kennedy, the girls' mother. ""SMA impacts the ability to walk, stand, sit, eat, breathe and even swallow.""   U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, introduced the National Pediatric Research Network Act of 2013, which passed Tuesday as part of the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who Deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act. Upton sponsored the original PREEMIE act, which became law in 2006.   The act supports research into rare and genetic diseases afflicting children, including SMA, by allowing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund pediatric research consortium. Earlier this year, the measure passed the House as a stand-alone bill.   ""This legislation will have a dramatic and life-changing effect on so many families who have suffered for so many years,"" said Sarah Kennedy in a statement.   Upton said he met the Kennedys a few years ago, when they brought to his attention to a similar bill written to help fund rare diseases affecting children. Upton said he was charmed by the girls and keeps a picture of them in his Kalamazoo office.   ""These girls are incredible. The first time I met Brielle and Brooke, they told me their names were Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. They're not letting their disabilities define them. But because spinal muscular atrophy is relatively rare, there hasn't been a lot of funding for it,"" said Upton in an email.   The bill will now move to the Senate as part of a package of health-related bills, S. 252. A previous version passed twice during the 112th Congress, once as a stand-alone bill and once as part of a larger piece of legislation. Neither version passed the Senate.   ""The sad reality is it is often difficult to conduct research into rare diseases due to the small number of individuals with the disease,"" he said. ""We are working to change that and provide families with greater hope for a cure or advances in treatment."" Read the entire story online here. Watch Upton’s November 12, 2013, floor statement that highlights the Kennedy family here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362594,Upton Speaks with Southwest Michigan Residents Impacted by the Health Care Law via Google Hangout,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click HERE to watch the video chat House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, this afternoon hosted a video conference call via Google Hangout with individuals from Southwest Michigan who will lose their current health plan because of the Affordable Care Act. Upton was joined by U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Illinois, who is a member of Upton’s committee. Upton has heard from countless people from across Southwest Michigan who like their current health plan, but are now losing it because of the health care law. Today’s Google Hangout provided an innovative platform for some of those folks to publicly share their stories. “The stories shared by Mary and Tim echo those I have heard again and again from families throughout Southwest Michigan. It is important that their voices are heard,” said Upton. “These folks are among the nearly quarter of a million people in Michigan who took the President at his word, but are now finding the dreaded cancellation notices in their mailboxes. “Health care should be about providing relief and certainty at a time when people need it most. The President’s health care law has done anything but that.” One of the participants was Mary Swanson, a realtor from Kalamazoo. She and her husband are both self-employed and purchase their own health insurance. “We received our cancellation notice the first week of October, much to our shock after having heard that we were going to be able to keep our plans that we were very happy with,” said Swanson. Their current plan costs $920 per month and has a maximum combined deductible of $4,000. Swanson says that because of the Affordable Care Act, their monthly premium will jump to $1,300 to $1,500, and their deductible will increase to $6,000 a piece. Now they have to figure out how they will pay for the thousands of dollars of additional health costs each year. Another participant was Tim Brown, a small business owner from Portage. Like Swanson, Brown and his spouse have recently received notice that their current plan is being cancelled, despite the President’s repeated promises to the contrary. Also like Swanson, the alternative plans they are now considering also have significantly higher costs and cover services he does not want. “So now the government is saying that you have to buy a product, and you have to buy a product that you otherwise would not have purchased,” said Brown. “Now you want to know why there’s a little bit of outrage?” Brown also expressed his frustration with the further confusion that has been caused by the President’s announcement of another administrative “fix” to the law a week ago. “Here I have a deadline of December 31st and Blue Cross has just said ‘we cannot comment on any impact the President’s comments may have made.’ Are we going in limbo now?” During the call, Upton highlighted his Keep Your Health Plan Act (H.R. 3350), which passed the House with bipartisan support last Friday. Upton’s bill would allow health care plans currently available on the individual market to continue to be offered next year – expanding choices and beginning to provide peace of mind to the millions of Americans who were promised by the President that if they liked their health plan, they could keep it. Folks from Southwest Michigan can become a “Citizen Cosponsor” of Upton’s Keep Your Health Plan Act by visiting: https://www.cosponsor.gov/#details/hr3350-113",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-signs-bipartisan-bill-increase-efficiency-under-davis-bacon-act,President Signs Bipartisan Bill to Increase Efficiency Under Davis-Bacon Act,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Signs Bipartisan Bill to Increase Efficiency Under Davis-Bacon Act WASHINGTON, D.C. Today President Obama signed into law theStreamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act(H.R. 2747). Introduced by Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Ranking Member Joe Courtney (D-CT), the bill moves responsibility for wage claims adjustments for federally-contracted workers from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to the Department of Labor. ""I want to thank the president for his support of this commonsense, bipartisan proposal,""said Chairman Walberg. ""By working together we've provided greater efficiency within the federal government. Just as important, we've helped ensure workers employed by federal contractors receive the pay they've earned in a more timely manner. I hope we can build on this success and discuss additional reforms that will serve the best interests of the nation's workers and taxpayers."" ""I am pleased to see that President Obama has signed this commonsense bill that improves efficiency and streamlines the claims process for workers,""Rep. Courtney said. ""Once enacted, this law will enable federal workers to get the pay that is owed to them in a timely fashion. I want to thank Chairman Walberg for his efforts on this issue, and I look forward to finding additional common ground to enhance protections for America's workers."" Under theDavis-Bacon Act, federally contracted workers must be paid the ""local prevailing wage"" on government projects. TheContract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act(CWHSSA) requires federal contractors to pay workers one and one half times their basic rate of pay for hours worked in excess of 40 hours. While the Department of Labor enforces these laws, GAO has long been responsible for processing claims of workers who did not receive the appropriate wage. Since it no longer provides this service in other areas of the federal government, GAO has requested this authority be moved to the appropriate enforcement agency. TheStreamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Acttransfers this responsibility to the Department of Labor, which oversees other aspects of theDavis-Bacon Actand theCWHSSA. To read full text of H.R. 2747, clickhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-questions-cdc-study-motorcycle-use,Walberg Questions CDC Study on Motorcycle Use,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Walberg sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demanding answers concerning an October 23 CDC report that aims to discourage motorcycle use while ignoring the positive economic benefits for motorcycle riding. ""As an avid and experienced motorcycle rider, I believe government should be in the business of promoting the recreational, economic and environmental benefits of responsible motorcycle riding not discouraging it,"" stated Rep. Walberg in the letter. ""During difficult fiscal times, the American people would be better served by your continued efforts to address widespread societal health matters such as virus prevention, cancer and heart disease.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131128075645/http://amash.house.gov:80/press-release/amash-and-huizenga-host-academy-night,Amash and Huizenga to Host Academy Night,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               November 21, 2013                                                                     CONTACT Hayley Alexander (Amash) 202.225.3838 hayley.alexander@mail.house.gov                                                                                                    Brian Patrick (Huizenga) 202.225.4401 brian.patrick@mail.house.gov   Amash and Huizenga to Host Academy Night GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) announced Academy Night for Second District and Third District high school students interested in learning more about the U.S. service academies. Academy Night is scheduled for Monday, November 25, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. Officials from the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy will provide information about the academies and the application process. Students typically begin the admissions process in the spring of their junior year of high school. More information about nominations can be found at: http://amash.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations http://huizenga.house.gov/constituentservices/serviceacademynominations.htm WHO:            Rep. Justin Amash and Rep. Bill Huizenga Officials from the U.S. service academies   WHAT:            Academy Night   WHEN:            Monday, November 25, 2013 7–9 p.m.   WHERE:            Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 303 Pearl St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131210213715/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362617,President Signs Bipartisan Bill to Increase Efficiency Under Davis-Bacon Act,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"President Signs Bipartisan Bill to Increase Efficiency Under Davis-Bacon Act Washington, Nov 21 | comments WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today President Obama signed into law the Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act (H.R. 2747). Introduced by Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Ranking Member Joe Courtney (D-CT), the bill moves responsibility for wage claims adjustments for federally-contracted workers from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to the Department of Labor.   “I want to thank the president for his support of this commonsense, bipartisan proposal,” said Chairman Walberg. “By working together we’ve provided greater efficiency within the federal government. Just as important, we’ve helped ensure workers employed by federal contractors receive the pay they’ve earned in a more timely manner. I hope we can build on this success and discuss additional reforms that will serve the best interests of the nation’s workers and taxpayers.”  “I am pleased to see that President Obama has signed this commonsense bill that improves efficiency and streamlines the claims process for workers,” Rep. Courtney said. “Once enacted, this law will enable federal workers to get the pay that is owed to them in a timely fashion. I want to thank Chairman Walberg for his efforts on this issue, and I look forward to finding additional common ground to enhance protections for America’s workers.” Under the Davis-Bacon Act, federally contracted workers must be paid the “local prevailing wage” on government projects. The Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA) requires federal contractors to pay workers one and one half times their basic rate of pay for hours worked in excess of 40 hours. While the Department of Labor enforces these laws, GAO has long been responsible for processing claims of workers who did not receive the appropriate wage. Since it no longer provides this service in other areas of the federal government, GAO has requested this authority be moved to the appropriate enforcement agency.  The Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act transfers this responsibility to the Department of Labor, which oversees other aspects of the Davis-Bacon Act and the CWHSSA.   To read full text of H.R. 2747, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131211070411/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362493,Walberg Questions CDC Study on Motorcycle Use,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Walberg sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demanding answers concerning an October 23 CDC report that aims to discourage motorcycle use while ignoring the positive economic benefits for motorcycle riding. “As an avid and experienced motorcycle rider, I believe government should be in the business of promoting the recreational, economic and environmental benefits of responsible motorcycle riding – not discouraging it,” stated Rep. Walberg in the letter. “During difficult fiscal times, the American people would be better served by your continued efforts to address widespread societal health matters such as virus prevention, cancer and heart disease.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362129,Huizenga Announces Town Hall Meeting In Muskegon Heights on Friday,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Huizenga Announces Town Hall Meeting In Muskegon Heights on Friday f t # e Washington, November 19, 2013 Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) announced he will be holding a town hall meeting at the MATS Administration Office and Louis A. McMurray Conference Center on Friday at 3 PM. Residents of the community are encouraged to attend and participate in a discussion with Congressman Huizenga on issues impacting Muskegon Heights, Muskegon County, and West Michigan.        Who: Congressman Bill Huizenga         What: Town Hall Meeting         Where: MATS Administration Office and Louis A. McMurray Conference Center, located at 2624 Sixth St. in Muskegon Heights         When: Friday, November 22 at 3:00 PM f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362327,Monroe Evening News: Walberg Shares Life in Washington with Students,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124823/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1207,Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for Eastern U.P. Schools to Buy More Local Food,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for Eastern U.P. Schools to Buy More Local Food U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District's F.R.E.S.H. Schools Project. The F.R.E.S.H. Schools Project will start an innovative farm to school program to purchase locally grown produce to be used in school lunches. The support comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm to School Program, established by the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act which Sen. Stabenow helped lead the effort to pass. ""Making sure locally grown fruits and vegetables are part of school lunches keeps our children healthy and strengthens the local economy,"" said Stabenow. ""With this support, the F.R.E.S.H. Schools Project will help combat child hunger, improve nutrition in schools and create business for local farmers. We need to continue strengthening efforts to increase access to Michigan-grown food choices to boost Michigan's agriculture economy."" The Eastern Upper Peninsula School District includes seven local school districts and will receive $45,000. In addition to bringing fresh, local food to local schools, the Intermediate School District's program will provide field trips to local farms so students will be able to see firsthand how their food is grown or raised. For years, Senator Stabenow has led the effort to increase access to healthy, Michigan-grown food choices for children in schools. Her 2013 Farm Bill continues the successful Fruits and Vegetables Snack Program to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to children throughout the school day. In addition, the Farm Bill expands support for community gardens, farmers' markets and local food hubs across our state and throughout the country to help family farmers sell more local foods, boosting Michigan agriculture, our state's second largest industry. The bill also strengthens research, marketing, disaster relief and other support for Michigan fruit and vegetable growers For more information on the USDA's Farm to School Program, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=361997,"Senate Passes Upton’s Bipartisan Meningitis, Drug Safety Bill",2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. Senate today approved bipartisan legislation introduced by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, to improve drug safety and help prevent a future public health crisis like the 2012 deadly fungal meningitis outbreak tied to the New England Compounding Center (NECC). H.R. 3204, the Drug Quality and Security Act, is the result of a thorough investigation led by Upton’s Committee into the cause of the recent public health catastrophe, which has infected 751 individuals and left 64 dead nationwide. By all accounts, Michigan families have been hardest hit by the contamination, totaling 264 cases and 19 deaths, including 3 fatalities from Upton’s own district.The House passed Upton’s bill by voice vote on September 28, 2013. H.R. 3204 is expected to be signed into law by President Obama in the near future. “To the dozens of families who have lost loved ones and to the hundreds who are still suffering today, with this bill we say ‘never again.’ I applaud the Senate’s passage of this breakthrough bipartisan legislation and am pleased we are now just one step away from this bill being signed into law to prevent a future public health crisis like last year’s deadly fungal meningitis outbreak,” said Upton. “Americans receiving medical treatments must have the peace of mind that their drugs are safe. With this bill we are fortifying the drug supply chain while also cutting needless regulatory red tape that is harming Michigan businesses like Perrigo and Pfizer, creating an environment conducive to growth and job creation.” The first title of H.R. 3204 will protect traditional pharmacies and clarify laws related to human drug compounding in response to the nationwide meningitis outbreak. The bill will clarify the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority over the compounding of human drugs while requiring the agency to engage and coordinate with states to ensure the safety of compounded drugs. The second portion of H.R. 3204 will strengthen the prescription drug supply chain in order to protect American families against counterfeit drugs while eliminating needless government red tape that harms U.S. jobs. The bill will help prevent increases in drug prices, avoid additional drug shortages, and eliminate hundreds of millions of dollars worth of duplicative government regulations that impact Michigan employers like Perrigo and Pfizer. The complete text of the bill is online here. A fact sheet of the bill is online here. Letters of support can be found online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131211074416/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361841,Monroe Evening News: U.S. needs all-the-above energy policy,2013-11-17,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"From transportation to job creation, an abundant supply of energy is critical to the health of our economy, especially in Monroe County where DTE Energy and CMS Energy employ more than 600 people combined. But uncertainty about high energy costs is making it harder for Michigan’s businesses to grow and for families to live within their budget. If we want to see a return to stable energy prices and increased job growth, we need to step away from the president’s expansive regulatory agenda and instead get serious about implementing an all-of-theabove energy plan. This year certainly has seen its share of troubling proposed energy regulations for manufacturing states such as Michigan. In June, the president issued a memorandum directing the Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate existing fossil fuel-fired power plants. Just three months later, the EPA announced proposed greenhouse gas standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants despite the fact that U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are at the lowest level since 1994 and almost 40 percent of all electricity nationwide is produced by coal. In a state that has more than 30 coal-fired plants, the Obama administration’s and EPA’s decision to target these type of plants hits too close to home. If we walk away from coal as a significant component of our energy portfolio, we will inevitably lose manufacturing and energyrelated jobs that have long relied on this affordable energy source. That’s why I have continued to work with my colleagues in Congress in support of an all-of-the above energy plan that recognizes our nation’s ample supply of natural resources. America is a nation abundant in natural gas, coal and oil. We use about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply but only produce about 50 percent of what we use. The Alaskan National Petroleum Reserve alone contains more than 2.7 billion barrels of oil and more than 114 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. New practices allow energy producers to more easily extract these resources from the ground while doing it cheaper, safer and with less disruption to the landscape. However, we also need to enact common-sense policies to enable the use of these resources and allow us to maximize their potential and impact. That’s why I have continued to fight for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline and increased offshore energy production. Keystone XL alone is estimated to create tens of thousands of jobs, and in spite of ever-increasing support from Democrats and unions, the president has blocked every one of our bipartisan efforts to see it completed. Meanwhile, legislation that would require the administration to move forward with offshore energy production in areas containing the greatest amount of oil and natural gas resources remains stuck in the Senate. It’s also important to support market-based strategies that encourage alternative-energy sources such as wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen and other clean alternatives, in addition to promoting conservation. Nuclear energy is also a viable part of our energy portfolio and remains an important component of increasing our energy production. Right now, the 104 nuclear reactors in America provide us with 20 percent of the nation’s electricity and 73 percent of our carbon-free electricity even though no new nuclear reactors have been built since 1978. My main focus in the House is to create jobs, and communities such as Monroe understand how vital affordable energy production is to helping grow and foster a healthy economy. The president and Senate need to listen and work with their colleagues in the House in a good faith, bipartisan effort to allow for an all-of-the-above energy policy that meets Michigan’s needs. To read more at Monroe Evening News, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=361739,House Passes Upton’s Bipartisan #KeepYourHealthPlan Act,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, applauded today’s House passage of his bipartisan Keep Your Health Plan Act (H.R. 3350). The House of Representatives approved the Keep Your Heath Plan Act by a vote of 261 to 157. This bipartisan legislation would allow health care plans currently available on the individual market to continue to be offered next year, expanding choices and beginning to provide peace of mind to the millions of Americans who have been left to worry in the wake of the President’s broken promise. Under the Keep Your Health Plan Act all Americans would have added flexibility around their health coverage enrollment options without facing a penalty under the health care law. The White House has threatened to veto this bill, saying, “Congress should work with the administration to improve the law and move forward,” just hours after working “around” Congress and announcing another administrative “fix.”  “For the last three years, the President repeated his promise to the American people that if they like their current health care plan, they can keep it – period. Millions of Americans, including nearly a quarter of a million folks in Michigan, took the President at his word and are now unexpectedly receiving cancellation notices,” said Upton. “Sadly for many Americans, it’s cancellations today and sticker shock tomorrow. Today, with bipartisan support, the House stood up and gave a voice to those folks receiving cancellation notices and passed the Keep Your Health Plan Act. It’s a start, and much more work remains. Let’s keep the promise.” Upton has heard from countless people from across Southwest Michigan who are losing their plans because of the Affordable Care Act. Speaking from the House floor before today’s vote, Upton highlighted the plight of one family from Bangor, Michigan, who will lose their current plan because of the health care law. “This bill is to help provide peace of mind to folks like the farmer in Bangor, Michigan, who just found out, after purchasing his family’s insurance for the last 30 years, that he will be able to keep their plan no more. And the sticker shock will be unbearable as their premiums double and their deductible jumps nearly three thousand bucks.” Watch Upton’s remarks from the House floor here. More background on the Keep Your Health Plan Act is online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361677,Rep. Walberg Votes for the Keep Your Health Plan Act,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-walberg-votes-keep-your-health-plan-act,Rep. Walberg Votes for the Keep Your Health Plan Act,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today Rep. Walberg voted in favor or H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act, that could allow Americans to keep their current health care coverage in 2014. ""Millions of people across the nation, including 225,000 people in Michigan, have received cancellation notices. The Keep Your Health Plan Act is a straight forward, one-page bill that could provide immediate relief to many people across Michigan and the nation. However, it's important to remember that the only way stop all of these cancelation letters is by fully repealing Obamacare and I remain committed to providing relief to the hardworking families who are already dealing with the difficult consequences of this law,"" said Rep. Walberg following the vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361550,"Huizenga Discusses West Michigan's ""ObamaCare Experience"" On The House Floor",2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"This afternoon, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) took to the House floor to discuss the impact of ObamaCare on Michigan and share what he has heard from constituents on how the law is impacting families and individuals across West Michigan. Remarks: At least 225,000 residents of Michigan have, or will shortly receive, letters informing them that their currently held health insurance policies will be canceled because of ObamaCare. To put this number in context - more people in Michigan have had their private health care plans canceled due to ObamaCare than have even ""selected"" a private plan nationwide on HealthCare.gov. Adding insult to injury, the dismal enrollment number announced by the Administration does not represent an accurate depiction of the ""ObamaCare Experience."" Whether it's Nancy from Grant, Barbara from Walker, Terry from Grandville or David from Twin Lake, my constituents all seem to be sharing the same experience: frustration, followed by exasperation, rounded out with higher costs they cannot afford. We hear you, and I am here for you. The reality of the ""ObamaCare Experience"" is a website that is difficult to navigate - when it actually works - coupled with policy options that result in higher health care costs for Michigan consumers. I applaud my friend and colleague Fred Upton who is going to be leading the charge to provide a legislative solution to this problem tomorrow. I hope our friends across the aisle will be able to provide that same relief to their constituents and I hope they join me in doing so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361553,"Huizenga's Bipartisan Legislation To Streamline Regulation, Protect Jobs, & Boost Investment Passes Committee Unanimously",2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Huizenga's Bipartisan Legislation To Streamline Regulation, Protect Jobs, & Boost Investment Passes Committee Unanimously f t # e Washington, November 14, 2013 This evening, the House Financial Services Committee unanimously passed Congressman Bill Huizenga's bipartisan legislation H.R. 2274 - The Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act by a vote of 57 to 0. This legislation will remove regulatory roadblocks threatening jobs, economic growth, and future investment while allowing for the smooth sale and transfer of both small and mid-sized businesses.""I am glad to see the Financial Services Committee act in such a strong bipartisan manner to pass H.R. 2274. As baby boomers retire, it is estimated that $10 trillion worth of privately-owned, main street businesses will be sold or closed. We don't want these businesses closing and causing their employees to lose their jobs.  The current one-size-fits-all regulatory structure fails to differentiate between the sale of a small privately held business and securities of a publicly traded company. H.R. 2274 recognizes this important difference and establishes a streamlined approach that allows for the sale of small and mid-size businesses while maintaining the necessary safeguards, protecting jobs, and allowing for continued economic growth.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=361557,Upton Responds to President’s Unilateral Health Care ‘Fix’,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement today of another administrative “fix” to his health care law:“For the last six weeks, the White House stood idly by as cancellation notices flooded the mailboxes of millions of Americans – including 225,000 Michiganders – who took the president at his word that they could keep their health plans. Now, one day after getting an earful from panicked House and Senate Democrats, the president is bypassing Congress and taking matters into his own hands. “Our main priority should be helping the American people. Today’s abrupt pivot comes after the White House has spent the last week attacking our thoughtful approach to begin to give peace of mind to those folks worried about losing their affordable health care. “If the president were sincere in his apology and serious about keeping his promise to the American people, he would work with Congress on bipartisan proposals like the Keep Your Health Plan Act. “Implementation of this law has been disastrous, leaving worried Americans without the health care plans they had, with skyrocketing premiums, and limited access to doctors. Tomorrow, as we vote on the Keep Your Health Plan Act, we call on the president to work with Congress, not around us.” The House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act, on Friday. This bill would allow insurance companies to offer health care plans currently available on the individual market today going into next year. Americans would have the choice to enroll in those plans without facing a penalty under the health care law. More information about the one-page bill is online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=361561,VIDEO: Upton Speaks to Importance of #KeepYourHealthPlan Act,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click here to watch Fred’s floor remarks Today, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, urged members of the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act. The bipartisan legislation would allow plans currently available on the individual market to be offered next year. This would provide Americans the opportunity to enroll in these policies in 2014 without penalty. In his remarks, Upton highlighted a family of three from Bangor, Michigan, who have lost their insurance as a result of the Affordable Care Act and now face an increased premium and deductible. The text of Upton’s remarks follow: For the last three years the President personally promised that if they like their current health plan, that they could keep it “no matter what.” Period. But cancellation notices are now arriving in millions of mailboxes across the country. And in the great state of Michigan, some 225,000 folks will see their plans terminated because of this law. That’s twice the total number of people who have even selected a plan nationwide. Now I’ve heard from countless families back home who took the president at his word. They’re upset – yes they are – and worried how they’re going to make ends meet. A self-employed family of three in Bangor, Michigan, has purchased their own insurance for more than 30 years. Their Blue Cross Blue Shield plan was working well, had no deductible, and a $750 monthly premium. To replace it, their premium is going to nearly double to $1,393 and their deductible will jump to $2,800. In their own words, they told us, they have been ‘thrown under the bus.’  Sadly, they are not alone. Tomorrow we will vote on the “Keep Your Health Plan Act,” a straightforward, one-page bill that says if you like your current coverage, you ought to be able to keep it. Let’s keep that promise.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361568,Walberg Introduces Legislation to Help New Veterans,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-introduces-legislation-help-new-veterans,Walberg Introduces Legislation to Help New Veterans,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Tim Walberg introduced H.R. 3493, the Servicemembers Transition Improvement Act, which would assist members of the Armed Forces transitioning into civilian life by requiring the Department of Defense to provide the contact information for separating service members to state veterans affairs departments. H.R. 3493 is a companion bill to legislation recently introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA). ""Caring for our men and women in uniform does not end when they leave military service. By strengthening the connection between new veterans and state and county veterans service organizations, this legislation will help veterans get the benefits they need and have earned,"" said Rep. Walberg.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=361367,Upton Attends White House Signing of Epi-Pen Bill,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, was part of a bipartisan group of congressional leaders present at the White House today for the signing of H.R. 2094, the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, into law. As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Upton has been a leading advocate of this legislation, which supports our nation’s schools as they work to ensure they have the capability to treat severe allergic reactions.“When a student has an emergency reaction, every second counts as a life hangs in the balance,” said Upton. “This legislation is about saving lives and giving parents and teachers alike the peace of mind in knowing that if something does happen that there will be someone onsite and ready to act.” Acting last week by appointment as House Speaker pro tempore, Upton signed H.R. 2094, certifying the House’s approval of the bill and thereby allowing it to advance to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The bill passed the House of Representatives on July 30 after being unanimously approved by Upton’s Energy and Commerce Committee. The legislation has been widely praised by advocates of children with severe allergic reactions, including Food Allergic Families & Friends (FAFF) of Southwest Michigan, which has more than 50 member-families in the region. “We are thrilled with this lifesaving legislation, which helps schools access emergency medicine for severe allergic reactions, when every second counts,” said Sarah Swallow Beuker of Portage, Michigan, founder and moderator of FAFF. “We hope Michigan will adopt a law as urged by this Act, helping the many children who will experience their first severe allergic reaction at school and helping prevent the allergy-related deaths that occur each year in schools.” Coauthored by Congressman Phil Roe (R-TN) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), H.R. 2094 will provide an incentive for states to allow schools to maintain an emergency supply of epinephrine auto-injectors and permit trained school personnel to administer a non-student specific epinephrine shot in case of an emergency. The legislation also requires states to review their own civil liability protection laws to ensure there is adequate protection for school personnel authorized to aid students.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131114212624/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-cosponsors-bipartisan-comprehensive-immigration,"Congressman Dan Kildee Cosponsors Bipartisan, Comprehensive Immigration Reform",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today announced that he is cosponsoring a comprehensive immigration reform bill, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. “Passing comprehensive immigration reform must be a top priority of Congress this year, as it will grow our economy, reduce our national deficit and modernize our broken immigration system,” Congressman Kildee said. “Economists, business leaders and workers agree – we need to fix our current system. Right now, employers can too easily game the system and hire undocumented workers and currently 11 million people are forced to live and work in the shadows. The bill I cosponsored represents a bipartisan opportunity to streamline our immigration system for families, workers and employers as well as strengthen Michigan’s economy through innovation and job creation.” The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, H.R. 15, would: Strengthen border security, outlining specific security goals that must be met to secure our borders. Additionally, the bill provides $14.8 billion in security measures, including funding for 3,500 CBP officers by 2017. Crack down on the hiring of undocumented workers, including expanding the E-Verify technology to crack down on illegal hiring. Unite millions of families by providing protecting workers and offering hardworking immigrants an earned pathway to citizenship after passing background checks, paying penalties and taxes, learning English and going to the back of the legal immigration line. Reform our outdated visa program and streamline legal immigration pathways, including expanding high and low-skilled visa programs. For less-skilled worker visas, employers are required to first recruit U.S. workers for their positions and attest that there are no U.S. workers for the jobs. In June, with a bipartisan vote of 68-32, the U.S. Senate passed a similar comprehensive immigration bill. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), enactment of the bipartisan, Senate-passed comprehensive immigration bill would reduce the deficit by $850 billion. CBO also estimates that the bill would increase economic growth by 3.3 percent by 2023. “This bill represents a bipartisan compromise that has already passed the Senate. The House should now act to pass comprehensive immigration reform so both chambers can go to conference and ultimately get a bill before the end of the year to the President for his signature,” Congressman Kildee said. According to the CBO, 8.3 percent of Michigan business owners are immigrants, who annually generate $1.8 billion in income for Michigan each year. Additionally, 40.2 percent of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) graduates at state research-intensive schools are foreign born. “America has always been a nation of immigrants, who throughout our history have helped to make our country the best in the world. It’s time to reform our broken and outdated immigration system to honor our history as a nation of immigrants,” Congressman Kildee said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131115165949/http://www.stabenow.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1206,Senator Stabenow Announces Disaster Aid for 20 Michigan Counties,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Skip to Content Text Size: M   L   XL Stay Connected: Home Services Agency Assistance Capitol Flags Grant, Procurement & Funding Assistance Special Recognitions Student Resource Center Visiting Washington, D.C. Issues Key Issues Legislation News News Biography Press Kit Contact Contact Newsletter Sign Up Biography About Debbie Photo Gallery Committee Assignments Senator Stabenow Announces Disaster Aid for 20 Michigan Counties Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, today announced disaster aid for farmers in 20 Michigan counties that suffered damage from severe hail storms this summer. Farmers will be able to apply for disaster aid in the form of emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). ""We cannot allow Michigan farmers to be wiped out because of bad weather,"" said Stabenow. ""This emergency declaration will help provide assistance for Michigan farmers. Agriculture supports nearly one in four jobs in Michigan and when parts of the industry are hit, it impacts our whole state's economy."" The hail storms that led to today's disaster declaration occurred earlier this year, between June 10, 2013 and August 2, 2013. Farmers in the affected counties will have eight months from today's disaster designation to apply for emergency loans. The FSA will consider each application separately and take into account production losses as well as security and repayment ability. Growers should contact their local Farm Service Agency for more information. Huron, Jackson, Saginaw and Washtenaw counties were all designated as primary disaster counties. Sixteen counties were named contiguous disaster counties and are eligible for the same aid as primary counties: Bay, Calhoun, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Lenawee, Livingston, Midland, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Tuscola and Wayne.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301163740/http://dankildee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-by-congressman-dan-kildee-on-buick-city-complex-manufacturing,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Buick City Complex Manufacturing Announcement,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after it was announced that the American Cast Iron Pipe Co. will build a new manufacturing plant at the Buick City site in Flint: “Today’s announcement is great news for the city of Flint and our regional economy. For over a decade, the Buick City complex has sat idle, serving as a daily reminder of the past and what was. Now, with this new manufacturing plant, we look toward the future. This new long-term investment will create permanent, new jobs and invest millions of dollars in our community. It is also my hope that today’s announcement will create a ripple effect of additional investments around the Buick City site in the near future.” As country treasurer, Congressman Dan Kildee helped to develop state and federal brownfield development policies that helped to form the basis for these types of investments in Flint. And as President of the Center for Community Progress, Congressman Kildee also worked with community partners, including the Environmental Protection Agency, to reestablish large manufacturing sites such as Buick City for redevelopment and future use.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361033,Huizenga Honors Veterans At Grand Valley State University,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Huizenga Honors Veterans At Grand Valley State University f t # e Washington, November 12, 2013 On Monday, Congressman Huizenga was involved in multiple ceremonies to honor the brave men and women who served our nation. In the morning, Congressman Huizenga attended the dedication of the Student Veterans' Lounge at Grand Valley State University. The lounge will be available for veterans to meet, study, and share their experiences from their time in the military.  Following the dedication, Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas announced GVSU will begin offering in-state tuition to veterans no matter where they have established residency.   At the event, Congressman Huizenga applauded GVSU's commitment to active duty military and veterans adding, ""we want our veterans coming to Michigan and staying in Michigan.""   24 Hour News 8 also covered both the dedication and the tuition announcement. Watch their newscast of the events in the video below:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361055,Huizenga Holds Medals Ceremony To Honor West Michigan Veterans,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"After participating in the dedication of new a Student Veterans' Lounge at Grand Valley State University, Congressman Huizenga hosted a medals ceremony where he presented veterans and surviving family members with the medals earned during the veterans' time of service in the military.  Medals where awarded to Major Larry Smith of Zeeland, as well as to the families of Staff Sergeant Irving Kangas and Sergeant First Class Edward Rumsey.  The event took place at the American Legion's Charles Conklin Michigan Post #28 on S Harbor Drive in Grand Haven.  Pictures of the event can be found by clicking here.  Below are the medals and awards bestowed upon each service member as well as WZZM's coverage of the ceremony. Recipients and Awards Presented: Korean & Vietnam Veteran: Major Larry Smith of Zeeland, U.S. Army. Awards: Bronze Star Medal,  Air Medal & Numeral 3, Army Commendation Medal & Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Single), Korean Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Double), Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Single), Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960), Expert Badge & Carbine Bar & Rifle Bar WWII Veteran: Staff Sergeant Irving Kangas (Deceased), formerly of Holland, U.S. Army. Accepting on his behalf: His daughter Janet Kangas-Lankheet Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 silver service star, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar with Rifle Bar with Submachine Gun Bar Vietnam Veteran: Sergeant First Class Edward Rumsey (Deceased), formerly of Montague, U.S. Army. Accepting on his behalf: His wife Martha Rumsey Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 4th Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver service star, Combat Infantryman Badge with Driver ""W"" Bar, Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar, Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=361122,"Upton, House Approve Landmark Children’s Health Research Bill",2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this evening in strong support of bipartisan legislation to strengthen health care for the nation’s children and families. The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who Deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act, S.252, continues and strengthens federal research and programs related to preterm birth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated half million babies are born premature each year in the United States. Upton sponsored the original PREEMIE Act, which was signed into law in December 2006. As amended by the House, today’s legislation includes the National Pediatric Research Network Act of 2013, H.R. 225, which allows the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund pediatric research consortium that are formed from cooperating institutions to promote greater research efficiency and collaboration. Upton has met on numerous occasions with Southwest Michigan families concerning this important legislation to support children with rare and genetic diseases. H.R. 225 was approved by Upton’s Committee with unanimous consent and passed the House on February 4, 2013, as a stand-alone bill. “This legislation seeks to help Michigan children and their families with unmet health needs, including those battling rare and genetic diseases,” said Upton. “This effort will help families like the Kennedys in Mattawan. Eric and Sarah Kennedy have two delightful young daughters, Brooke and Brielle, who have the rare disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy. These two little angels, who are also affectionately known as Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, are two little warriors in the effort to boost research for rare diseases and serve as an inspiration for all.” “The sad reality is it is often difficult to conduct research into rare diseases due to the small number of individuals with the disease.  But today, we are working to change that, and provide families with greater hope for a cure or advances in treatment.” The House passed S. 252 as amended this evening by unanimous consent. Upton is hopeful that the Senate will quickly act to pass this vital legislation to ensure it reaches the President’s desk. “On behalf of my family and our daughters, Brielle and Brooke, and on behalf of FightSMA – an organization that has labored hard to advocate for spinal muscular atrophy research – and on behalf of the thousands of children fighting this crippling and terrifying disease, I want to thank Congressman Fred Upton for his hard work in advancing the National Pediatric Research Network Act,” said Sarah Kennedy in response to this evening’s House action. “This legislation will have a dramatic and life-changing effect on so many families who have suffered for so many years. Congressman Upton's advocacy breathes hope into the lives of every child fighting a rare disease.” This evening, the House also approved S. 330, the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, which allows research to fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of organ transplantation between individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In 1988, Congress banned the transplantation  of HIV-infected organs. Today, HIV treatments have extended and improved the lives of individuals with HIV, increasing the need for organ donations. Upton’s Committee passed the House companion bill to this legislation, H.R. 698, on July 16, 2013, by unanimous consent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361223,Hillsdale Daily News: Officials Pay Tribute to Vets,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1204,Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Funding for the City of Grand Rapids to Conserve Grand River,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360927,Huizenga: The admiration we show our servicemen and women should last year-round,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) release the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day:""This Veterans Day, I hope you will join me in thanking the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line in service to our nation. As the son of a veteran, I understand the continued commitment and conviction our veterans across West Michigan demonstrate to both our communities and our country after they have completed their military service. ""Let's also take a moment today to thank the men and women currently serving in uniform across the globe, show gratitude to the military families who are working to make ends meet while their loved ones are away, and pay tribute to America's fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. ""While Veterans Day is listed on the calendar as November 11th, the admiration we show our servicemen and women should last year-round.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=360931,Support our Troops and Veterans with Holiday Mail for Heroes,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Veterans Day, Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, is encouraging folks in Southwest Michigan to share some holiday cheer with service members, veterans, and their families by participating in Holiday Mail for Heroes. ""It’s such a simple thing to sign a card to let our brave men and women in the service – and their families – know we appreciate their work. And yet it means so much,” said Upton. “I hope everyone will take a moment to participate in this program.” The American Red Cross is in its seventh year of making sure personalized holiday cards of appreciation are sent to service members and their families. Upton is again facilitating the operation by accepting cards meant for the troops and their families at his constituent service offices in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph. Cards dropped off at the offices by December 4 will be forwarded to the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Cards can be mailed to the offices or dropped off. “Let our troops know how much their dedication is valued by the American people,” Upton urged. “The holiday season is one of the best times to acknowledge their work.” The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is an extension of the Red Cross’ work with more than 2 million services members and 24 million veterans each year. It provides a ""touch of home"" for veterans, military families and active duty service members in hospitals, military installations and other locations around the world.  The American Red Cross has asked card senders keep in mind a few guidelines:   Do: * Include a heartfelt message and signature. * Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” * Bundle large quantities of cards in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Envelopes are not necessary for the cards. Don't: * Send letters, packages or monetary gifts – only cards are accepted. * Include personal information such as home or email addresses on the cards. * Include inserts of any kind; these items will be removed during the reviewing process. * Use cards with glitter or use loose glitter --  it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured service members. Holiday cards sent directly must arrive by December 6 to:  Holiday Mail for Heroes P.O. Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 Upton is collecting cards at his district offices located at: Kalamazoo District Office 157 South Kalamazoo Mall Suite 180 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-385-0039 St. Joseph / Benton Harbor District Office 800 Centre 800 Ship Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 269-982-1986 For additional information and card requirements, please visit: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Kicks-Off-Holiday-Mail-for-Heroes-Campaign Or http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131202185242/http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360914,Jackson Cit Pat: We must remain committed to caring for members of Armed Forces after they return home,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"During a recent visit to Walter Reed National Medical Center, I met 24-year-old Sgt. Christopher Hemwall from Monroe as he underwent rehabilitation. In March 2011, he was shot three times in an ambush while serving in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province. Eventually, Sgt. Hemwall’s right leg had to be amputated below the knee after an experimental treatment failed. Yet, in spite of these hardships, he remains committed to serving our country again after his rehab. As a nation, we must remain committed to caring for Sgt. Hemwall and all our nation’s brave servicemen and women. The dedication of soldiers like Sgt. Hemwall to our nation makes recent reports of reckless spending at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) even more egregious. On October 30, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform looked into the July and August 2011 human resource employee training conferences, which took place in Orlando and included mismanagement of funds, unethical behavior, and cost taxpayers more than $6 million. During the hearing I had the opportunity to ask the current VA Assistant Secretary for Human Resources why conference planners were not concerned about establishing and staying within a budget, and I expressed my concerns over wasteful spending that included $50,000 alone on a parody video and $98,000 for promotional items including water bottles, fitness walking kits and hand sanitizers. Conference planners also traveled to Dallas and Nashville looking for the right city to hold their event while they enjoyed helicopter rides, spa treatment and shows. Meanwhile, the overnight conferences to train human resource staff included DJ’s, karaoke and game nights. All this while 700,000 veterans benefit claims are pending and more than half of that number will wait over 125 days for their case to be resolved. This is unacceptable. With thousands of new Veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan – many proudly coming home to Michigan’s 7th District - I am dedicated to providing our heroes with the highest quality medical care and resources as they transition into the job market in addition to conducting oversight over the VA and rooting out wasteful practices. Last Congress, I co-sponsored, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, to help address veteran unemployment, which the President signed into law. In May, the House advanced H.R 1412, the Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act, which would expands existing job training programs for our returning veterans. Most recently, I helped pass a bipartisan group package of bills to assist our nation’s Veterans, including legislation to address the disability claim backlog at the VA, improve vocational and educational opportunities, and help vulnerable disabled Veterans maintain housing. As your representative in Washington, I’m dedicated to upholding our nation’s commitments to Veterans every day. Veterans benefits are deserved and earned through service and sacrifice. After all, less than 1 percent of the population currently defends our great country and its important that both Republicans and Democrats strive to give those men and women the tools they need to be successful when they come home. It is the right and honorable thing to do and Congress must continue to fulfill their responsibility to do so. To read the original article at Jackson Cit Pat, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=360980,THE HERALD-PALLADIUM: Upton advances federal EpiPen rules,2013-11-09,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Louise WregeEpiPens save lives, and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, wants to make it easier for schools to have them on hand in case of emergencies. On Wednesday, as the House Speaker pro tempore, Upton signed the ""School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act,"" which allows schools to have EpiPens on hand. Epinephrine can be used to stop the deadly swelling of the throat and tongue when someone has an anaphylactic reaction, which can be caused by allergies to items such as peanuts. He said the U.S. House passed the act in July. The U.S. Senate approved the bipartisan legislation last week. Upton said President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill into law next week. Upton said he knows from personal experience how deadly an anaphylactic reaction can be. ""I can remember back in 1980, a family that I was close to here in our district lost their son. He was in the high school band and tragically had a candy bar during halftime for a little energy boost. And died literally on the field. It was a real tragedy,"" Upton said. He said the family has since moved out of state. ""These things happen and its a tragedy that one never escapes from. Had they had an EpiPen there, perhaps he would have lived,"" he said. He said schools are not required to have EpiPens. But with nearly 6 million children in the United States having food allergies, he said that averages to about two students with allergies in every classroom. And once the anaphylactic reaction happens, he said minutes matter. Read the full article HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://walberg.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360917,Coldwater Daily Reporter: Rep Walberg Recognizes Hillsdale’s Cobra Motorcycle,2013-11-09,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work on behalf of Michigan's 7th District.   Press Kit Members of the media can view Rep. Walberg’s biography and download an official picture.   Tim in the News Find the latest articles about Rep. Walberg from local and national papers.   Opinion Editorial Read the latest opinion editorials authored by Rep. Walberg.   Latest Videos Videos of Rep. Walberg from the House floor and committees.   Social Media Follow Rep. Walberg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.   e-Newsletter Archive Stay up-to-date on Rep. Walberg’s work in D.C. and in Michigan through the e-newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=360669,"Become a Citizen Cosponsor of Upton’s ""Keep Your Health Plan Act""",2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"One of the key promises of Obamacare was that if you liked your health insurance plan, you could keep it. “No matter what.” But as NBC News now reports, “millions of Americans are getting…cancellation letters for their health insurance under Obamacare.”  While the administration sticks to its broken promises, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, has introduced the Keep Your Health Plan Act to provide peace of mind to Americans across the country who are currently receiving insurance termination notices. The House of Representatives will vote on Upton’s bill next week.Upton is encouraging folks in Southwest Michigan to make their voices heard by becoming a Citizen Cosponsor of H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act. Cosponsor.gov is an innovative platform that brings the American people into the legislative process. Users log in via Facebook and can show their support for issues they care about by becoming a “Citizen Cosponsor” of that bill. Citizen Cosponsors are then updated on the status of their bills as they move through the various stages of the legislative process.  The Keep Your Health Plan Act, would allow health insurance plans currently available on the individual market to be offered next year. Additionally, the bill would allow Americans the choice to continue enrolling in those plans without being penalized under the individual mandate.  Become a Citizen Cosponsor of H.R. 3350, Keep Your Health Plan Act here.  Facing hardships as a result of the health law? Share your story here. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtags #KeepYourHealthPlan, #KeepThePromise, and #FairnessForAll.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1203,Senator Stabenow Congratulates Cadillac on Lansing-Made CTS Being Named Motor Trend?s 2014 Car of the Year,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z