url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-clyburn-wilson-wager-outback-bowl-game,"Dingell, Clyburn, Wilson Wager on Outback Bowl Game",2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. With bowl season in full swing, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Jim Clyburn (SC-06) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) today wagered on whether the University of Michigan Wolverines or the University of South Carolina Gamecocks would win in Mondays Outback Bowl Game. Dingell is wagering items from Zingermans Deli while Clyburn is wagering a basket of goodies from South Carolina and Wilson is offering up some South Carolina barbecue. Coach Harbaugh and the Wolverines are laser focused on bringing home a win on New Years Day, said Dingell. The Gamecocks may be playing closer to home, but Michigan fans are energized and ready for a rematch of the 2013 Outback Bowl. Were looking forward to celebrating a Michigan victory on Monday. Go Blue! We are looking forward to enjoying some Zingermans Deli after another Gamecock victory in this years Outback Bowl, said Clyburn. Go South Carolina! We are grateful for the Gamecocks continued success, we are excited to see them back in the Outback Bowl, and we look forward to another victory over Michigan, said Congressman Wilson. The Outback Bowl will kick off at 12 p.m. EST on January 1st from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=155,Bergman Applauds Long Overdue Defense Department Audit,2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bergman Applauds Long Overdue Defense Department Audit Retired Marine Lt. General Jack Bergman announced his continued support for an audit on the Department of Defense. f t # e Washington, December 27, 2017 Having served alongside General Mattis, I know he is the right man, at the right time, to lead the Department of Defense. Marines are trained to lead by exampleand under General Mattis leadership, DOD can lead the way in responsible federal spending. General Mattis is moving forwardwith a full-scale auditat DOD for the first time inU.S.history. This top to bottom audit is the largest ever conducted and continues the process of applying accountability at all levels of government. As a fiscal conservative,Ive said many times that the United States government must be held accountable for every penny oftaxpayermoney received and spent especially when committing resources to the defense of our nation. Our men and women in uniform work each and every day to safeguard the freedoms we hold dear. Its our responsibility to ensure theyve got the training, resources, and support necessary to carry out their mission. This audit by DOD is a critical step in changingthe federal governments culture of spending and ensuring the Pentagons resources are allocated to warfighters in the most efficient and effective way possible. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-mayor-tom-baldini,Peters Statement on Mayor Tom Baldini,2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.27.17 Peters Statement on Mayor Tom Baldini WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statementabout Mayor Tom Baldini: I was shocked and saddened to learn of Toms death, and Colleen and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. From his time in the classroom to service in Governor Blanchards Administration and his recent election as Mayor of Marquette, Tom Baldini has been a pillar of the Upper Peninsula for decades, and his passion for Marquette and the UP were evident in all that he did. Like so many, I regularly sought out Toms advice and counsel, and I cherished our friendship. With his passing, the entire State of Michigan lost a true public servant. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398580,Promise Kept: Tax Cuts For Middle Class Families and West Michigan Job Creators,2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, Congress delivered on an important promise with a once in a generation vote to enact tax reform. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act overhauls our tax code for the first time in three decades by cutting taxes for hardworking taxpayers, small businesses and West Michigan companies.This legislation delivers tax relief for West Michigan by lowering rates, nearly doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families, and doubling the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. Additionally, the Child Tax Credit will also be refundable up to $1,400 for low income families with little to no tax liability. As a community, West Michigan is known for opening its doors to children in need of a forever home. If a loving family wants to welcome a child into their home, the federal government should encourage the removal of financial barriers to adoption. I am happy to report that my efforts to restore the Adoption Tax Credit were successful and it will be maintained. As a former licensed Realtor, I know homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act supports this deeply held belief by maintaining mortgage interest deductibility on all current mortgages. Interest on new mortgages will be deductible up to $750,000, which encompasses approximately 98 percent of all homes in the United States. Additionally, taxpayers will be able to write off up to $10,000 in state and local income, property, and sales taxes. West Michigan wouldnt be the community it is today if it were not for the generosity of individuals who donate their hard-earned dollars to local churches, charities and community organizations. Under this legislation, the ability to deduct charitable donations is preserved. Another way the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide relief for middle class taxpayers is by cutting taxes for job creators of all sizes in West Michigan. Over the last two decades, small businesses have been the engine of economic growth. That is why the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides small businesses a significant tax cut that will allow these local entrepreneurs, whether it is the pizza or small manufacturing shop, to invest, create new jobs and grow right here in West Michigan. Remember when Perrigo left West Michigan and moved their headquarters to Ireland? That is a real world example of an ineffective corporate tax code. By closing loopholes and eliminating special interest carve outs for the biggest companies in America, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. Keep in mind, even President Obama proposed a 25 percent corporate tax rate for manufacturing. We need to have a tax rate that levels the playing field and allows job creators of all sizes to compete against foreign companies while investing in Michigan. Unfortunately, when high profile legislation such as tax reform is debated, the rhetoric surrounding the issue often diverges from reality. Recently the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, who has been critical of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, found in their analysis that the share of federal taxes paid by the 1 percent will rise, while the bottom 80 percent of taxpayers will see greater tax relief. The argument that this tax cut is for the rich is false. This is a tax cut for hardworking, middle class families and job creators across West Michigan. When tax cuts were enacted under presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush, our economy grew, new jobs were created, and federal revenues increased. Those who claim that letting West Michigan residents keep more of their hard-earned money adds to the debt are misguided at best. Our debt isnt caused by a lack of revenue, its Washingtons addiction to spending. This problem isnt easy to tackle, but it is why I have supported legislation to reduce our spending by $6.5 trillion over the short, medium, and long term. Big spenders in Washington dont understand. This isnt their money in the first place, its yours. Tax reform is something I fought for since I was first elected to represent the Second District. I believe this pro-growth legislation will have a positive impact on West Michigan. For too long, hardworking taxpayers have been sending too much money to Washington. By working with President Trump, Republicans in Congress were able to enact historic tax reform that will increase paychecks, create jobs and grow our economy. This piece originally appeared in theHolland Sentinel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-on-passing-of-marquette-mayor-tom-baldini,Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Marquette Mayor Tom Baldini,2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Statement on Passing of Marquette Mayor Tom Baldini Tuesday, December 26, 2017 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow tonight released the following statement on the passing of Tom Baldini, Mayor of Marquette: Tom Baldini has been an icon in Michigan Democratic politics and the ultimate champion for our UP. His life epitomized the meaning of public service. He was a mentor to so many over the years, and I always valued his friendship and advice. Although his passing leaves a big void, his legacy is a lasting reminder to all of us of what it means to serve. My thoughts and prayers are with Toms family at this very difficult time. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398936,End-of-the-Year Roundup: 7 Wins in '17,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of the top seven wins for constituents this year. Below is the list along with comments from Upton on why each is important to folks in Michigan. Win #1: Top-notch constituent services. Upton on its importance: My top priority as a Member of Congress is helping folks in Southwest Michigan solve problems big and small. With nearly 500 meetings and events directly with constituents we were able to productively discuss important issues and Im able to get valuable feedback on the issues of the day. My office was also able to assist more than 1,200 Southwest Michigan residents with casework issues. We also focused on common-sense policy solutions that achieve real results for folks here at home. Win #2: Implementation of 21st Century Cures Act. Upton on its importance: When we started crafting 21st Century Cures we began with one goal in mind: helping patients and their families. Throughout this year we saw that is exactly what our landmark bill is doing. By providing more resources to the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration, as well as reforming our mental health system and providing funding for the opioids fight, we are delivering on our promise. Cures will continue to play an important role in the national health care conversation in the years ahead. Count on it. Win #3: Pro-growth tax reform for the first time since 1986. Upton on its importance: This legislation, soon to be signed into law, will deliver historic tax relief for Michigan workers, families, and job creators. By overhauling our tax code for the first time in 31 years we will deliver more jobs, increase paychecks, and make the tax code simpler and fairer for all Americans. Win #4: Help on the way in opioids fight. Upton on its importance: Federal grants to fight the opioids epidemic, made possible by the 21st Century Cures Act, will directly help those in need here in Southwest Michigan and across the country. We fought hard to include these resources and now, were delivering. To those in the midst of this fight: Help is on the way. Win #5: Signed into law: Bipartisan bill to reauthorize Food and Drug Administration. Upton on its importance: Workers, job creators, and patients here in Southwest Michigan depend on this critical public health legislation and we came through. Its a win-win for our economy and for patients across the country. Win #6: Great news for the Great Lakes. Upton on its importance: Our Great Lakes face many challenges and its more important than ever to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure the health and beauty of these natural resources can be enjoyed by all for generations to come. Thats exactly what we did in 2017 and that focus will continue into the New Year. Win #7: National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed into law. Upton on its importance: America faces grave threats from terrorist organizations and rogue nations alike. Specifically, this years NDAA boosts investment in our military cybersecurity capabilities, which will help our Battle Creek Cyber Command. We should always looks for ways to work together to bolster our national security, modernize our military, and make our country more safe and secure. See even more legislative wins from the past year here. Stay tuned for more end-of-the-year content from Uptons office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398939,End-of-the-Year Roundup: 2017: The Year in Review and A Look Ahead,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a new report titled 2017: The Year in Review and A Look Ahead which outlines policy initiatives his office tackled in the last year and sets priorities for the new year ahead in 2018. Upton also released the following statement: 2017 was a transformational year but for me, my focus never wavered from local initiatives such as helping constituents with problems big and small, and on bipartisan policies that create jobs and improve our economy. As we look ahead to 2018, we must continue our work on advancing an agenda that focuses on items folks in Michigan care most about. We have our work cut out for us. But I believe that by working together Republicans and Democrats we can and we will solve many of the pressing issues before us. The report breaks down 10 specific policy areas in which Upton has been a bipartisan leader: Leadership and results for Southwest Michigan, jobs and the economy, 21st Century Cures and health care, national security, the Great Lakes, pro-growth tax reform, the opioids epidemic, immigration, energy, and education. Click HERE to read the report. Click HERE to see Uptons photos of the year. Click HERE to read Uptons top success stories of the year. Click HERE for the must-read op-eds from Upton this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/editorials/tax-relief-working-families,Tax Relief for Working Families,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,John Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress has passed historic tax relief for American families. I supported this legislation because it will let hardworking Michigan residents keep more of their own money. The legislation doubles the standard deduction for individuals and married couples to $12,000 and $24,000 respectively, meaning they will pay zero percent tax on that money. The legislation also doubles the child tax credit to $2,000 per child for working parents. This is a pro-family policy that will help residents who are living paycheck to paycheck and many have told me what increasing the tax credit would mean to them. Increasing the child tax credit would mean a lot for my family. The cost of everything is going up and our paychecks are not getting any bigger. The tax credit would give us money back, is what a mother in Beaverton told me. It would help our family immensely: clothing, bills, diapers, food, and the list goes on, said a father from Perry. Well be able to afford new clothes for the kids, said another dad, this time from Eagle. Even those who are not eligible support increasing the child tax credit. We are retired but I would like to see young families get relief, said one Sanford resident. With this real tax relief, not only will these families save more money in April 2019 when they file their annual income taxes, they will also see more in their paychecks, possibly as soon as February, as new lower tax rates take effect and the IRS withholds less money from their paychecks. Of course, the historic tax reform passed by Congress is about more than the child tax credit. Deductions for medical expenses, charitable contributions, mortgage interest, adoption expenses, and state and local taxes will continue. In education, the $250 deduction for teachers buying school supplies remains, as does the interest deduction for student loans, and the exemption for graduate students receiving tuition waivers. In addition to tax relief for families, there is also tax relief for small businesses. So many of the partnerships, LLCs and S corporations that make up the small businesses on Main Street in our communities are taxed at more than 39 percent. I have an S Corp, all profits become my personal income, said one business owner from Alma. Under this new law, his effective tax rate would be no more than 29 percent. That is a huge savings for small businesses and many have said they will share it with their workers. We can spend more money in the community and hire, or give raises, said a St. Johns business owner. This would be a huge incentive to invest in higher wages, better benefits and new equipment for our business, said another from Cadillac. Finally, its important to note that so many defenders of the broken status quo have resorted to scaring people about tax reform, saying that it threatens funding for the safety net that so many folks depend on. This is not true and I will be working to keep the promises the federal government has made to our seniors. Lower tax rates, a bigger standard deduction, a bigger child tax credit, and bigger paychecks, means more money for Michigan families, small businesses and our communities. As one resident from Roscommon told me, Any time a family can keep more of their own earnings and spend it as they see fit, it is a good thing. I could not agree more and I am proud to support real tax relief for Michigan families. Congressman John Moolenaar represents Michigans Fourth Congressional District which is made up of Clare, Clinton, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, Shiawassee, and Wexford counties, and parts of Montcalm and Saginaw counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/serving-you-2017,Serving You in 2017,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 22, 2017 Press Release Image Issues : Local Issues",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-highlights-2017-legislative-accomplishments,Walberg Highlights 2017 Legislative Accomplishments,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today released a year-end video highlighting his leadership and record of legislative accomplishments in 2017. In total, Walberg authored six bills that passed the House of Representatives this year, the most of any member in the entire Michigan congressional delegation. President Trump signed one of the bills, legislation to protect retirement security, into law. Click here to watch the video. ""Over the past year, my focus has been on policies to improve the lives of Michigan families,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""2017 has proved to be a productive year, and I was proud to lead the way on important issues like combating human trafficking, protecting retirement security, lowering energy prices, and making health care more affordable. In the year ahead, I will continue working hard to get positive results for the people of Michigan."" Summary of the legislation Walberg championed through the House: H. J. Res 66, Protecting Retirement Security The resolution closes a regulatory loophole created by the Obama administration, and restores important retirement protections that workers have counted on for decades. It was signed into law by President Trump on May 18, 2017. H.R. 71, Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act Introduced with Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), the bipartisan bill provides the American people with a better understanding of how their tax dollars are spent, shining a light on overlapping and inefficient federal programs to reduce wasteful spending. It passed the House on January 4, 2017. H.R. 1004, Regulatory Integrity Act The bipartisan bill improves transparency and helps restore the integrity of the federal government's rulemaking process by requiring federal agencies to post, in a central location, all communications they issue during the proposed rule stage. It passed the House on March 2, 2017. H.R. 1101, Small Business Health Fairness Act The bill empowers small businesses to band together though association health plans, and helps them provide more choices and lower health care costs for their workers. It passed the House on March 22, 2017. H.R. 1109, Federal Power Act Reform Introduced with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), the bipartisan bill helps reduce unnecessary paperwork burdens and bring down energy prices for hardworking Michigan families. It passed the House on June 12, 2017. H.R. 2664, Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act The bipartisan bill strengthens the Department of Labor's ability to detect and respond to patterns of labor exploitation to help end this modern-day slavery. It passed the House on July 12, 2017. Congressman Walberg serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-upton-lead-michigan-delegation-in-letter-supporting-fort-custer-as-a-missile-defense-site,"Peters, Stabenow, Upton Lead Michigan Delegation in Letter Supporting Fort Custer as a Missile Defense Site",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.17 Peters, Stabenow, Upton Lead Michigan Delegation in Letter Supporting Fort Custer as a Missile Defense Site Letter Written in Response to Signed Legislation Requiring Decision on Continental Interceptor Site WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) led the Michigan Congressional delegation in a letter to the Director of Missile Defense Agency this week to reiterate strong support for full and thorough consideration of Fort Custer Training Center as a ground-based midcourse missile defense site. The letter comes as new defense legislation was signed into law earlier this month requiring the Secretary of Defense to designate a preferred location for a new missile defense site within 60 days of the completion of a Ballistic Missile Defense Review. The review is slated to be completed next February. North Korea poses an increasingly substantial threat to our homeland, culminating in the recent launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile that flew higher and longer than previous launches, wrote the Senators and Representatives. Fort Custer benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, including efficient access to two major interstate highways and a nearby 10,000-foot runway. The fields at Fort Custer are shovel ready and it is our understanding the CIS can be constructed at the lowest cost with the least environmental impact. The letter was signed by the entire Michigan Congressional delegation in addition to Peters, Stabenow and Upton: Sander Levin (MI-9), Tim Walberg (MI-7), Bill Huizenga (MI-2), Justin Amash (MI-3) Dan Kildee (MI-5), Mike Bishop (MI-8), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), John Moolenaar (MI-4), Dave Trott (MI-11), Jack Bergman (MI-1) and Paul Mitchell (MI-10). The text of the letter may be found below and here . Lieutenant General Samuel A. Greaves, USAF Director, Missile Defense Agency 5700 18th Street, Bldg 245 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Dear Lieutenant General Greaves, As you know, the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act includes a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to designate the preferred location of a potential Continental Interceptor Site (CIS) within 60 days of the completion of the Ballistic Missile Defense Review. As you prepare to assist in fulfilling this statutory requirement, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our strong support for the full and thorough consideration of Fort Custer Training Center as the preferred location for the CIS. Fort Custer is strategically located and provides superior coverage to protect the west coast of the United States. North Korea poses an increasingly substantial threat to our homeland, culminating in the recent launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile that flew higher and longer than previous launches. A missile defense site at Fort Custer would be well-placed to respond to threats like this and the location offers strategic and operational effectiveness. Fort Custer benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, including efficient access to two major interstate highways and a nearby 10,000-foot runway. The fields at Fort Custer are shovel ready and it is our understanding the CIS can be constructed at the lowest cost with the least environmental impact. The cost to operate such a site at Fort Custer would be competitive as well. Fort Custer was recognized in 2010 by the Department of Defense and the Army with awards for environmental stewardship, reflecting investments made in energy efficiency, including solar fields and a wind funnel to generate electrical power. We remain committed to supporting your agencys critical mission given the increasing threat facing our nation. As the congressionally-mandated deadline for the selection of the preferred location of a Continental Interceptor Site approaches, we strongly support full and thorough consideration of Fort Custer Training Center. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398934,End-of-the-Year Roundup: 7 Must Read Op-Eds,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released a list of his top op-ed pieces published in 2017: Self-driving cars are the next frontier of innovation and safety via The Hill with U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Michigan | February 8, 2017 Key excerpt: As the birthplace of the automotive industry, Michigan is a well-known home to innovative suppliers and manufacturers that make our cars and trucks safe, more efficient, and more affordable. But Michigan also has a dense nexus of engineering talent, automotive research and development centers, and universities that are developing cutting-edge vehicle innovations. Help is on the way in opioid epidemic fight via the Herald Palladium | May 5, 2017 Key excerpt: The statistics are as startling as they are heartbreaking: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates more than 33,000 Americans died from opioid abuse in 2015, including nearly 2,000 from Michigansadly, these numbers continue to surge. This is why I was so pleased when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week the first round of grants to help states and territories combat this epidemichere in Michigan we will be on the receiving end of more than $16 million in grant money. These federal funding grants were made available as part of our bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act that President Obama signed into law at the end of 2016. We fought hard to include this $1 billion in total funding to aid in this public health crisis. Now were delivering. FDA user fees support medicine and Michigan Jobs via the Detroit News | August 25, 2017 Key excerpt: Beyond the public health benefits, this legislation is critical to thousands of jobs, particularly here in Michigan. We are home to medical device maker Stryker Corp., the generic drug maker side at Perrigo Co., Pfizer Inc.s largest manufacturing site, and dozens of smaller biotech and manufacturing firmsfolks at these firms have told me it is vital for this legislation to move forward to protect these local jobs as well as patients who will benefit from the new therapies the FDA helps get to market. In Harveys wake, energy security legislation needed now more than ever via The Hill with Valerie Brader, Executive Director, Michigan Agency for Energy | September 6, 2017 Key excerpt: Infrastructure failures or successful cyberattacks could mean a devastating interruption of energy services that could cripple our economy. A grid disruption could mean gas stations with no power to fuel our vehicles, factories with no electricity to run machinery, or families with no way to charge cell phones so they can check on loved ones. Thats why its imperative we all work together in Congress and at the state level to make sure our energy infrastructure is reliable and resilient. We can start to assure the American people that this is a top priority of state and federal officials by passing the energy preparedness legislation that already has overwhelming support in the U.S. House. Michigan deserves tax reform via the Detroit News with U.S. Reps. Tim Walberg, Bill Huizenga, John Moolenaar, Dave Trott, Mike Bishop, Jack Bergman and Paul Mitchell | October 14, 2017 Key excerpt: The last time our tax code was updated was 1986. Since then, it has become a complicated mess with too many special-interest loopholes. We have all heard countless stories from constituents impacted by a tax code that is outdated, unwieldy, and too often rewards special interests at the cost of regular folks. It has become abundantly clear that our outdated tax code is a major drag on our economy and on Michigan families struggling to get by. Why a fix for DACA is imperative via the Herald Palladium | December 4, 2017 Key excerpt: Lets be clear: For these young men and women, the United States is their home. They speak English, theyve been raised in our neighborhoods, attended our schools, served in our military, worked in our communities, and have clean criminal recordsThis is clearly an important issue. Lives hang in the balance. These aspiring Americans deserve to be treated with compassion and fairness. One year later why 21st Century Cures still matters via Roll Call with U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colorado | December 12, 2017 Key excerpt: When we started the process of crafting 21st Century Cures or Cures four years ago, we began with one goal in mind: helping patients and their families. We were both inspired to act after hearing from folks in the research community as well as patients, families, and advocates who all told us about the need for modernization and more resources at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration so that the United States could remain the worldwide leader in medical innovation and find the next generation of medical cures and clues. See more op-eds from 2017 here. Stay tuned for more end-of-the-year content from Uptons office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398935,Upton Requests Further Information from EPA on Superfund Designation,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today sent a letter, alongside colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt in regards to the recent news that the EPA intends to prioritize certain cleanups under the Superfund program. Among the programs the EPA has targeted for immediate, intense attention is the Allied Paper/Kalamazoo River Superfund site. Upton previously released a statement in support of the new designation. The letter is meant as a follow up to provide more clarification and transparency about the process and whether additional federal resources will be made available. In addition to Upton, the letter is signed by U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, and U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Illinois. Upton also released the following statement: The goal here is to ensure an efficient cleanup at the Allied Paper/Kalamazoo River Superfund site in full consultation and cooperation with our local leaders. While the new priority designation is good news and a good start, we need further information. Our work continues on this important Kalamazoo priority. The full text of the letter can be found here or below: Dear Administrator Pruitt: The Energy and Commerce Committee has oversight responsibility for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). While we appreciate that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated an intent to prioritize cleanup under the Superfund program, we write to express concern regarding the list of Superfund sites that EPA has targeted for immediate, intense attention, which EPA released on Friday December 8, 2017. During the Environment Subcommittee hearing the previous day Members specifically asked you about this list, and despite many of the sites included being of particular concern to Committee Members, we did not receive any indication from you that these sites would be included. The Superfund cleanup program already involves a significant amount of process, and it is not clear how creating another list of sites will expedite cleanups. Furthermore, it is not clear how the sites on the Top-21 List (the List) were selected. The documentation published with the List states that these sites have site-specific issues that will benefit from the Administrators direct engagement and that these are sites requiring timely resolution of specific issues to expedite cleanup and redevelopment efforts. The information published with the List indicates that there is no commitment of additional funding associated with a sites inclusion on the list. We question what it will mean for sites to be on the List and whether the potential stigma of being included on a list targeted for immediate, intense action with no additional funding, will help or hinder the progress at these sites. In light of our concern in this area, we request that you provide the Committee with the following additional information: 1. Regarding how the decision was made to list the twenty-one sites, please explain what it means that you will provide direct engagement, and how you think that your direct involvement at these sites will expedite cleanup and redevelopment efforts. 2. Who was consulted in making the decision about what sites to put on the List? We request that you provide the Committee with detailed information regarding the process undertaken, identify when the decision was made to include each of these twenty-one sites on the List, and identify who was consulted in making the decision about which sites should be included. a. Specifically, did EPA consult the States in which the sites are located? b. The potentially responsible parties at these sites? c. The Community Advisory Groups associated with these sites?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=154,"Bergman Supports Additional Disaster Relief, CHIP and Community Health Clinic Funding, and VA Choice Extension",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bergman Supports Additional Disaster Relief, CHIP and Community Health Clinic Funding, and VA Choice Extension Congressman Bergman released the following statement after voting for the Continuing Resolution and Supplemental Disaster Relief Funding: f t # e Washington, December 21, 2017 Continuing Resolutions are not a sustainable path for long-term fiscal stability, but Congress must make it a priority to ensure important and necessary government operations are supported. This legislation also includes important funding for Community Health Clinics and CHIP - programs that are vital for Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Additionally, I voted in favor of $81 billion in emergency relief funding for Puerto Rico, California, and other areas devastated by hurricanes and wildfires. This funding is imperative to provide life-saving response and recovery efforts for those affected most by these natural disasters. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-continuing-resolution,Dingell Statement on Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on the Continuing Resolution to fund the government. Congress has once again kicked the can down the road, passing a stop-gap bill that only funds the government for one month. It does nothing to provide certainty to businesses or families, and it does nothing to address urgent, overdue priorities for the American people. This bill fails to provide long-term funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which is a lifeline for 100,000 Michigan children; it fails to address DACA and bring needed relief to the 800,000 young people who call this country home; and it fails to include a common-sense fix to put our nations pension plans back on solid footing so American workers can keep the retirement they have earned. This short-term bill is a disappointing yet unsurprising way to end the year given that Republicans have spent the majority of 2017 working to rip health care away from the American people and push through a partisan tax bill that provides tax cuts to the wealthy at the expense of everyone else. Democrats remain committed to fighting for the priorities that matter to families and communities. This irresponsible plan does not live up to our responsibility as legislators, and I cannot support it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-voting-no-republican-short-term,Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on Voting No on Republican Short-Term Spending Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, after spending weeks on a tax bill that enriches the wealthiest among us, Republicans passed a short-term government spending bill that does nothing to address the long list of overdue priorities that Michiganders truly need. Congress should pass a responsible bill that provides long-term certainty to families, but instead Republicans forced through an empty, short-term spending bill. This bill does not include a full extension of the Childrens Health Insurance program, which 100,000 Michigan children and their families rely on for access to basic healthcare. Instead, it gives CHIP a short-term patch and leaves families with uncertainty. The bill also fails to protect 6,000 Dreamers in Michigan and over 600,000 across the country, who have given so much to this country and are now at risk of being deported. Our duty is to care for all families and all constituents, but this bill fails to do so. The bill also does not provide adequate funding for veterans services, Community Health Centers, and other priorities. At the same time, it includes $5 billion for Pentagon spending. Republicans continue their push to increase defense budget caps, without equal funding for housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and more. Finally, Republicans passed a disaster funding bill that treats our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as second-class citizens, ignoring their funding needs for safe drinking water systems, emergency healthcare, and rebuilding. Our spending bill should reflect the priorities of our country; and Republicans are making their priorities very clear. I refuse to support a funding bill that does not support my constituents, their families and the good of the American people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mitchell-statement-air-force-s-f-35-decision,Congressman Mitchell Statement on the Air Forces F-35 Decision,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Paul Mitchell,M001201,mitchell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Paul Mitchell (MI-10) released the following statement on the Air Forces F-35 decision: Todays announcement is far from the end of the road for Selfridge. This process confirmed what we already knew: Selfridge is among the top five bases in the country, and it has world-class support from the surrounding community. This was Selfridges centennial year, and I look forward to celebrating many more Selfridge anniversaries. As I have long said, it is my belief that the road to military readiness runs through Michigan at Selfridge. I am proud of the servicemen and women who have made Selfridge the standard for excellence, and proud of the incredible outpouring of support for our base from the surrounding community, said Representative Mitchell.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-selfridge-maintaining-a-10-mission,Peters Statement on Selfridge Maintaining A-10 Mission,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Peters Statement on Selfridge Maintaining A-10 Mission Decision Shows Air Forces Continued Commitment to the A-10 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Gary Peters today issued the following statement on the U.S. Air Force (USAF) announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township will continue to host its A-10 fighter mission. The USAF decision to convert two F-16 units demonstrates a continued commitment to the A-10 aircraft and its role in the U.S. militarys current conflicts. The men and women of the 127th Wing have gone over and beyond in demonstrating their skill and utility on the battlefield, earning recognition as the top National Guard flying unit in the nation, said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Todays decision marks the Air Forces continued commitment to the A-10 and Selfridge, which will continue hosting this extremely important platform. Selfridge is a strong contender for future conversion to the F-35, and I will continue working to ensure the base maintains a fighter mission for years to come. In 2015, approximately 500 Airmen from the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base completed a six-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the mission to eliminate ISIS. During that deployment, the 127th Wing supported more than 1,600 sorties and logged more than 11,000 hours of combat flight time. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-nominates-44-michigan-students-to-military-academies,Senator Stabenow Nominates 44 Michigan Students to Military Academies,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Nominates 44 Michigan Students to Military Academies Thursday, December 21, 2017 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced today that she has nominated 44 Michigan students for placement at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service, said Senator Stabenow. Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well. Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenows office went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by veteran, military and community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied. The following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region): Southeast Michigan: Kathryn LeWalk Redford, West Point Madison Tolston Commerce Township, West Point Richard Russel Kimball Township, West Point Megan Hutter Farmington Hills, West Point Alexandre Jund Northville, West Point Emma Coenen Armada, West Point Samantha Chinn Bloomfield Hills, West Point Ashley Ruiz Taylor, West Point Zachary Loyd Rochester Hills, West Point Lauren Wegener Rochester Hills, West Point Dillon Massey White Lake, West Point Joshua Klein West Bloomfield, West Point Benjamin Pyle Ypsilanti, West Point James Kaleel Ortonville, Merchant Marine Academy John Libcke West Bloomfield, Merchant Marine Academy Jared Jenkins Detroit, Air Force Academy Jame Huang Northville, Air Force Academy Nickolas Presley Macomb, Air Force Academy Grant Davis Bloomfield Hills, Air Force Academy Danielle Parker Shelby Township, Air Force Academy Paritosh Coomar Monroe, Air Force Academy Matthew Gu West Bloomfield, Naval Academy Michael Berger Chesterfield, Naval Academy Katelyn McKinley Chelsea, Naval Academy Rory Cox Livonia, Naval Academy Vivian Harber Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy West Michigan: Emma Shea Middleville, West Point Sarah Guzzo Battle Creek, West Point Luke Edgerly Richland, Air Force Academy Seth Benscoter Mattawan, Naval Academy Nathaniel Nisonger Vestaburg, Naval Academy Upper Peninsula: Mackenzie Kalchik Sault Ste Marie, West Point Northern Michigan: Grace Martin Traverse City West Point Reilly Ingleson Petoskey, West Point Charles Prescott Prescott, Merchant Marine Academy Madison May Lewiston, Air Force Academy Kelly Klettner Traverse City, Naval Academy Mid-Michigan: Christopher LeTarte Eaton Rapids, West Point Seth Maloney Pleasant Lake, West Point Gavin McGahey Brighton, Merchant Marine Academy Allyson Burba Okemos, Air Force Academy Avi Rajendra-Nicolucci Okemos, Naval Academy Flint/Saginaw Bay Region: Frederick Heidt Owosso, Air Force Academy Mackenzie Stottmeister Grand Blanc, Naval Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398579,"Huizenga Votes to Cut Taxes for Hardworking Middle Class Families, West Michigan Job Creators",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Under this legislation, the typical family of four, making the median income of $73,000, will receive a tax cut of $2,059. Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in support of this historic tax reform legislation. ""This is a historic moment. Our nations outdated and burdensome tax code hasnt been reformed in three decades. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver real tax relief for low and middle income families living paycheck to paycheck. By nearly doubling the standard deduction, doubling the child tax credit, and lowering tax rates, hardworking middle class taxpayers across West Michigan will be able to keep more of their hard earned money instead of sending it to Washington. Additionally this tax reform bill will strengthen our economy by cutting taxes on West Michigan small businesses and corporations so job creators of all sizes can grow and expand here in Michigan. For too long, we have seen our economy underperform because of a complex and uncompetitive tax code. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act drastically improves the ability of American businesses to compete against foreign companies, create jobs, and grow our economy."" A detailed description of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-michigan-families-will-be-left-cold-if-congress-doesn-t-extend,Dingell: Michigan Families will be Left in Cold if Congress Doesnt Extend Childrens Health Insurance Program,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services assessed that the state will exhaust its funding for Michigans Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by April 2018 without action by Congress. In the past few months, families across the country have received notices that their childs health insurance will be canceled because Congress has failed to reauthorize CHIP, a lifeline for nearly nine million American children. That threat just became more real with todays announcement that Michigans CHIP allotment will expire in April 2018 and cancellation notices will start going out in the New Year to 100,000 Michigan families. It is unconscionable that Congress would add $2.3 trillion to the deficit in order to pass tax breaks for the wealthiest and big corporations while leaving children and families out in the cold. CHIP ensures every child can go to the doctor when they need to and receive necessary checkups and immunizations. It has always been bipartisan, and there is no reason it should not be today. This is not a time for games; this is about real peoples lives. I am calling on Republican leadership to come together with Democrats to renew CHIP in a bipartisan way before we go home for Christmas. American families cannot wait any longer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikebishop.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=199,ICYMI: Companies Announce New Investments Following Tax Reform Passage,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Bishop,B001293,mikebishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Less than 24 hours following House and Senate passage of historic tax reform legislation, companies across America announced key investments in our nations workforce. AT&T announced that as a direct result of tax reform, more than 200,000 U.S. employees will receive a $1,000 bonus. This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs,said AT&T chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson.In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees."" Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg praised the tax bill as a critical driver of business, economic growth and innovation for the United States and Boeing. Muilenburg announced a $300 million investment to support corporate charitable giving, workforce development and infrastructure enhancements for Boeing employees. Prompted by the tax plan, Wells Fargo also said it would be raising its minimum wage for employees to $15 an hour. The bank added that it would target $400 million in donations to community and nonprofit organizations next year. Fifth Third Bancorp is also taking action as a result of the tax bill. They will pay more than 13,500 employees a bonus and raise the minimum wage for their workforce to $15. Senior managers and top executives are excluded from the special payments. ""It is good for our communities, employees and Fifth Third Bank,"" said CEO Greg Carmichael in a statement. According to Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts, based on the passage of tax reform, the company will provide a $1,000 bonus to more than 100,000 non-executive employees, in addition to an infrastructure investment in excess of $50 billion over the next five years. As a result of these investments, Comcast estimates they will add thousands of new direct and indirect jobs. Congressman Bishop said, By passing this comprehensive tax reform package, we've delivered on our promise to provide relief for hardworking families at every income level, and this is just the beginning. This plan will deliver real changes to the lives of American families across the nation in the form of more jobs and bigger paychecks. To learn more visit: http://FairandSimple.Gop ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/michigan-residents-already-benefiting-tax-refor,Michigan Residents Already Benefiting From Tax Reform,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,John Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, AT&T announced that it is rewarding 200,000U.S. employees - all union-represented, non-management and front-line managers-with $1,000 bonuses because of the tax reform legislation that was passed by Congress this week. In a press release from the company, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said""this tax reform willdrive economic growthand create good-paying jobs. In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees. According to the company, AT&T has about5,000 employees in Michigan who will receive bonuses because of today's announcement. Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement on today's news: ""Tax reform is already benefiting hardworking Michigan residents. Companies like AT&T are using the money they save to invest in their employees and our country. With the lower rates, higher standard deductions, anda $2,000 child tax credit, Michigan residents will have higher wages and pay less in taxes, keeping more of their own money.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-tax-cuts-and-bigger-paychecks-way,Walberg: Tax Cuts and Bigger Paychecks On The Way,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today attended a bill passage ceremony at the White House after voting for historic tax relief for workers, families and job creators in Michigan. H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is the most sweeping overhaul of the tax code in more than 30 years. With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. ""In cities and towns throughout the 7th District, I've repeatedly heard the need for tax relief for hardworking families and small businesses who need a break. All along, I've fought for boosting their take-home pay and pocketbooks. Our bill delivers on the promise to provide real relief and a brighter future. It will help create more good-paying jobs, jumpstart our economy, and encourage more investment in our communities. Now that this historic bill is on President Trump's desk, tax cuts and bigger paychecks are on the way,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""Tax reform is our nation's Christmas present this year. Simplification of the tax code will save my household and small business thousands of dollars in accounting fees, reduce turn around time, and put more of my money back into my household,"" said Owen Ballow from Jackson, Michigan. ""As a family of four, any tax break we can get, absolutely counts. We can use this extra money for a college fund, health care costs, or towards a down payment of a car for our child that is getting ready to drive. Finally, some relief that helps our family. We have needed an overhaul like this for years,"" said Michael and Amber Neely from Coldwater, Michigan. ""The tax relief provided in this legislation will have a profoundly beneficial impact for small businesses and middle income families, such as ours. On a personal level, we will have more money to purchase goods and services from our local restaurants and retailers, and from a business standpoint, we will have more money to grow our small real estate company. We especially appreciate the changes that were incorporated in the final version of the bill, which recognizes the importance of home ownership. While no legislation is perfect, we are excited to see the economic growth that will be achieved as a result of its passage,"" said Eric and Christine Dean from Grand Ledge, Michigan. ""This tax reform package is good news for the economic climate in our community. Local businesses will see a lower tax burden and significant savings, which in turn will lead to more investment in employee development and job growth,"" said Mindy Bradish-Orta, President/CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. ""Michigan, over the past years, has done so much to entice companies to migrate back to this great state, creating investment and jobs. Now through the help of Congressman Walberg and our current administration in Washington, we have the backing of the federal government for the reestablishment of investing and the creation of even more jobs with the newly enacted tax reform. With the potential for more job creation and more take-home pay for our workforce we say thank you, Congressman,"" said Jim Van Doren, Executive Director of Lenawee Now. For policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, click here. The full text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-following-vote-on-republican-tax-bill-conference-report-,Stabenow Statement Following Vote on Republican Tax Bill Conference Report,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow Statement Following Vote on Republican Tax Bill Conference Report Wednesday, December 20, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following the Senates vote on the Republican tax bill conference report: We need tax reform that puts more money in the pockets of the middle class, closes tax loopholes that send jobs overseas and supports small businesses and farms across Michiganunfortunately, this bill does none on these things. This bill actually raises taxes on middle-class families and seniors and leaves Michigan families without health insurance to pay for huge tax giveaways for the wealthiest one percent of Americans. This was a missed opportunity to work together in a bipartisan way on real tax reform. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398933,Upton: Historic Tax Reform One Step Closer to Reality,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today joined the majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House in voting to advance the Conference Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act by a vote of 227 to 203. Upton released the following statement: ""With this vote, historic tax reform is one step closer to reality. Heres what our plan does for individuals; it significantly increases the standard deduction, it expands the Child Tax Credit, preserves the Adoption Tax Credit, preserves the mortgage interest deduction, expands the medical expense deduction, continues the charitable contribution deduction, and more. We lower the corporate tax rate to 21 percent down from the highest rate in the industrialized world and eliminate incentives to move Michigan jobs overseas. We also deliver significant tax relief to small businesses. At the end of the day this will be a big win for Michigan middle class families and our economy. After 31 years, its time to get this done. Local economic organizations support this tax reform opportunity as do national organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business, National Association of Home Builders, and more. Learn more about what is in the tax reform package HERE. Learn more about Uptons work on tax reform HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=153,Bergman Votes to Provide Tax Relief For Residents of Michigan's First District,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bergman Votes to Provide Tax Relief For Residents of Michigan's First District Following his ""yes"" vote on H.R. 1 - The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Congressman Jack Bergman released the following statement: f t # e Washington, December 19, 2017 ""I have been an advocate of pro-growth tax reform long before I announced my candidacy for Congress. The people who work so hard to provide a living and a future for their families in Michigan deserve to keep the money theyve earned. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide real reform to our burdensome tax code and help stimulate the economy. These reforms allow small-businesses and hard-working Americans to keep more of their money. In Michigans First District, we understand and appreciate the value of every dollar we earn. By February of 2018, constituents in the First District will begin to see more money in their paychecks. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and as your Representative in Congress, Im proud to deliver on the promises Ive made to you.Among many notable accomplishments, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will: Roughly doubles the Standard Deduction; Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for each child; Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit; Preserves the deduction for charitable contributions; Preserves the deduction for medical expenses; Eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate penalty; Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21%; Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of purchases of equipment; and Provides support for Graduate students by reducing the value of tuition from their taxes. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-house-passage-gop-tax-scam,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on House Passage of the GOP Tax Scam,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed their tax bill that will raise taxes on tens of millions of middle class families: I support true bipartisan tax reform that makes our tax code simple and fair, particularly for middle class families. Unfortunately, this Republican tax plan fails to put the middle class first. Instead, it raises taxes on many in the middle class in order to give huge, permanent tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. This bill allows big corporations to keep their special interest loopholes and actually profit off sending American jobs overseas. Simply put, this bad bill is a scam for working people. The Republican tax plan is not paid for, adding $1.5 trillion to our nations deficit. Ultimately, our children and grandchildren will pay for this reckless approach. And in the coming months, Republicans will use this deficit-exploding bill to justify deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security that will hurt tens of millions of Americans. I will continue to speak out against this dangerous Republican proposal. This plan is deeply unpopular with the American people and I believe Republicans will pay a heavy price for this rushed and flawed bill during the next election. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-house-passage-gop-tax-plan,Dingell Statement on House Passage of GOP Tax Plan,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on House passage of the Republican tax plan. Working families should be at the center of any effort to update our tax code. Instead, the legislation that passed the House today leaves working Americans behind increasing taxes for 86 million families and jeopardizing the future of Medicare and Social Security, all while providing trillions in tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations. This is plain wrong. Republicans are trying to sell working families a bag of goods, but the American people will not be fooled. Those Representatives who voted today to put politics above the people they represent will have to answer to hardworking families across the country who will see their taxes go up as a result of this devastating plan. Working families deserve better, and now more than ever, we must continue to fight alongside them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-passage-hr-1-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,"Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on the passage of H.R 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following statement after voting against the final version of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Today is a sad day for Americas middle class and hardworking families. The Republicans, hidden in secrecy, forced a dishonest and irresponsible tax scam upon us that will only benefit the wealthy while saddling future generations with overwhelming debt and shrunken entitlements. Proper tax reform would increase opportunity, support small businesses, and ensure long-term financial stability for American families all in a fiscally responsible way. This bill does none of that, and instead acts solely as a handout to billionaire donors, large corporations, and special interests. Furthermore, to make up for a year of inaction and failed governance, Congressional Republicans included numerous provisions in this reckless bill that will surely harm our environment, our healthcare markets, and our schools. Despite best efforts to mislead and deceive, the American people have not been fooled. They know this scam for what it is and have shown their widespread disapproval. However, the Republicans passed it anyway. My constituents do not deserve this, Michiganders do not deserve this, and America does not deserve this. We deserve better. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-floor-statement-gop-tax-bill,Levin Floor Statement on GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2017 Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961 Levin Floor Statement on GOP Tax Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today delivered the following remarks on the House floor during consideration of the conference agreement on HR 1. (Remarks as delivered) In all of my 35 years in Congress, this is one of the most deceitful bills I have ever seen. It is deceitful when Republicans say the bill is focused on the middle class, while its really aimed at making the very wealthy even wealthier and forcing millions of middle class families to pay higher taxes. It is deceitful when they say it makes the tax code simpler, even as the legislation creates complicated new loopholes, while allowing existing ones, such as carried interest, to continue. It is deceitful when the bill will increase the outsourcing of American jobs by providing a lower tax rate on foreign investment compared to investing here. It is deceitful about the debt. Republicans say dont worry about the expiring tax provisions, but extending them would raise the bills already devastating effect on the deficit to $2.3 trillion. Republicans are rushing this bill, but even in their haste, they are too late. The majority of the American people already say this bill is a deceitful sham. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-votes-give-tax-relief-michigan-families,Bishop Votes to Give Tax Relief to Michigan Families,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Bishop,B001293,mikebishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Mike Bishop, Michigans Republican member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after the House passed the conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), the House plan to provide tax relief to millions of hardworking families and create more jobs, fairer taxes and bigger paychecks. Finally, after 31 years of stagnant growth, the House took historic action to pass the conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill delivers real relief to hardworking families at every income level in Michigan and across the nation. We are doubling the standard deduction, doubling the child tax credit, expanding the medical expense deduction, and preserving higher education tax relief for our students. Just consider the typical family of four in Michigans Eighth Congressional District earning $90,000. Under this bill, if that family takes the standard deduction, as most do, they will see a tax cut of approximately $1,700. For families across Michigan, thats real money towards savings for a childs education or money on a car payment. Im pleased to report that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed today ensures that our students will still be able to receive tuition waivers tax-free and can continue to deduct the interest paid on student loans. Today we are delivering meaningful reforms that empower families to save and plan for their future. Bishop delivered a speech on the House floor in support of the tax reform legislation. A transcript of his speech can be found below. Congressman Bishop said, Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today. At its core, reforming our nations tax code is about how we, the policy-makers, view the role of government in our economy and society. Over the past 10 years the American people have seen a stagnant economy and a steady decline in the labor force participation. Meanwhile, the government has grown to an unprecedented level, the economy has slowed and our debt has nearly tripled, all the while government has given away sweetheart deals to select companies leaving main street job providers to hold the bag. But all that ends today. Today, we reduced the burden on job creators and families, and today we create an environment that will generate real economic growth. The conference committee report before us today is about our constituents about allowing our constituents and neighbors to keep more of their hard earned money. For starters, we double the standard deduction. Which means for joint filers the first $24,000 of their income is free from federal income tax liability. Thats real money back in the pockets of working class families across America. The plan expands the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child to help families with the cost of raising children. For students struggling with debt the bill preserves the student loan interest deduction and graduate student will continue to receive tuition waivers tax free. Mr. Speaker, I thank you and I yield back. BACKGROUND: With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. A list of the many policy highlights of our bill. CLICK HERE to read the full legislative text of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION can be found at the House Ways and Means Committee website. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikebishop.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=203,Bishop Votes to Give Tax Relief to Michigan Families,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Bishop,B001293,mikebishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Mike Bishop, Michigans Republican member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after the House passed the conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), the House plan to provide tax relief to millions of hardworking families and create more jobs, fairer taxes and bigger paychecks. Finally, after 31 years of stagnant growth, the House took historic action to pass the conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill delivers real relief to hardworking families at every income level in Michigan and across the nation. We are doubling the standard deduction, doubling the child tax credit, expanding the medical expense deduction, and preserving higher education tax relief for our students. Just consider the typical family of four in Michigans Eighth Congressional District earning $90,000. Under this bill, if that family takes the standard deduction, as most do, they will see a tax cut of approximately $1,700. For families across Michigan, thats real money towards savings for a childs education or money on a car payment. Im pleased to report that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed today ensures that our students will still be able to receive tuition waivers tax-free and can continue to deduct the interest paid on student loans. Today we are delivering meaningful reforms that empower families to save and plan for their future. Bishop delivered a speech on the House floor in support of the tax reform legislation. A transcript of his speech can be found below. Congressman Bishop said, Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today. At its core, reforming our nations tax code is about how we, the policy-makers, view the role of government in our economy and society. Over the past 10 years the American people have seen a stagnant economy and a steady decline in the labor force participation. Meanwhile, the government has grown to an unprecedented level, the economy has slowed and our debt has nearly tripled, all the while government has given away sweetheart deals to select companies leaving main street job providers to hold the bag. But all that ends today. Today, we reduced the burden on job creators and families, and today we create an environment that will generate real economic growth. The conference committee report before us today is about our constituents about allowing our constituents and neighbors to keep more of their hard earned money. For starters, we double the standard deduction. Which means for joint filers the first $24,000 of their income is free from federal income tax liability. Thats real money back in the pockets of working class families across America. The plan expands the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child to help families with the cost of raising children. For students struggling with debt the bill preserves the student loan interest deduction and graduate student will continue to receive tuition waivers tax free. Mr. Speaker, I thank you and I yield back. BACKGROUND: With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. A list of the many policy highlights of our bill. CLICK HERE to read the full legislative text of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION can be found at the House Ways and Means Committee website. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/mitchell-statement-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,Mitchell Statement on the Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Paul Mitchell,M001201,mitchell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Mitchell (MI-10) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1): I am proud to vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Throughout my campaign, and long before, I advocated for reforming our broken tax code. Todays legislation represents a major promise kept during my first year in office. As I have long said, I would only support a tax plan that puts working families first. This plan does that, said Representative Mitchell. For families like the one I grew up in, an extra $2,059 would have made a huge difference, and I know it will for many families in our district. For the 57 percent of Americans who dont have enough money to cover a $500 emergency expense, this money matters. By doubling the standard deduction and lowering rates across the board, we achieve both our goals of simplifying and lowering taxes for Americans at every income level. I am proud to vote to send the Tax Cuts and Jobs at to President Trumps desk before Christmas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-votes-tax-relief,Moolenaar Votes for Tax Relief,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,John Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a historic overhaul of the federal tax code and the first major reform since 1986. The legislation doubles the standard deduction for individuals and married couples to $12,000 and $24,000, respectively. It also doubles the child tax credit to $2,000 per child, which will benefitfamilies in the Fourth District. There have been 43,832 families in the Fourth District claimed the child tax credit. The legislation includes deductions for medical expenses, charitable contributions, mortgage interest, adoption expenses, and state and local taxes. There is a continuation of the $250 deduction for teachers buying school supplies, and the deduction for student loan interest. The tax-free treatment of tuition waivers for graduate students also continues. Additional background on the legislation is available here. Congressman John Moolenaar voted for the legislation and made the following statement: ""This is historic tax relieffor hardworking, middle-class Michigan residents, especially those living paycheck to paycheck. Parentshave told me how much the $2,000child tax credit will help them raise their families. They're going to keep more of their own money to provide for their kids. ""Small business owners who see their profits come in as personal income are going to get a tax cut and many of themin our community have said this taxreliefwill help them grow their businesses here in our community, expanding facilities, hiring more people and paying higher wages. ""Simply put, this tax relief legislationmeans Michigan families willkeep more of their own money and that is always a good thing."" Tax Reform By The Numbers $2,000: The new child tax credit, increased from $1,000. 43,832: The number of taxpayers in Congressman Moolenaar's districtwho claim the child tax credit. $12,000: The new standard deduction for individual filers,increased from $6,000. $24,000: The new standard deduction for married filers, increased from $12,000.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-house-pass-historic-middle-class-tax-relief,"Walberg, House Pass Historic Middle Class Tax Relief",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted today for the House-Senate conference report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to deliver historic tax relief for workers, families and job creators in Michigan. The sweeping tax reform legislation is the first major overhaul of the tax code in more than 30 years. With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. Click here to watch Walberg's remarks on the House floor. ""Today's vote is a pivotal moment for hardworking families in Michigan who need a break. For the first time in three decades, we are overhauling the code to reduce the burden on taxpayers and revitalize our economy,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""Under our plan, families who are struggling to make ends meet will see more money in their pockets to help with the cost of living. Small businesses will be empowered to grow and our economy will be stronger with more good-paying job opportunities. With President Trump's signature in the coming days, we will enter the New Year with new tax cuts and more take-home pay to help the people of Michigan."" Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual tax rates across the board so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Doubles the standard deduction so more income will be protected from taxation—from $6,500 to $13,000 for individuals and from $12,000 to $24,000 for married couples. Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% – down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world. Delivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers – unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-unveils-2017-holiday-jingle,Dingell Unveils 2017 Holiday Jingle,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today continued a Dingell holiday tradition, releasing the 2017 edition of the Dingell jingle, set to the tune of Winter Wonderland. Full text of the jingle is below. House phones ring Are you listening Folks are mad But Ryans insisting Another tax fight! No funding bill in sight Walking in a winter blunderland Gone away is Obama Here to stay is constant drama We try to stay strong As Trump tweets along Walking in a winter blunderland In the darkness they can pass a tax plan And pretend that workers will be fine We say work together, they say no man! We dont need your vote while were in town Later on, theyll conspire To cut programs we require Who needs Medicaid When donors get paid Walking in a winter blunderland In the Congress we will keep on fighting Maybe we can find some common ground How bout funding CHIP and fixing DACA Before we take those jet planes out of town Trumps first year, its been chilling The New Years near, aint it thrilling Itll be a new day, 2018s not far away Walking in a winter blunderland Different views, lets pursue No matter if red or blue Lets keep taking a stand Lets work hand-in-hand Till were back walking in a winter wonderland Walking in a winter wonderland",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398932,Upton Statement on Signing the Conference Report to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement after signing the House-Senate Conference Committee report on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The Conference Committees task was to merge two bills into a better one. Im pleased to say on a number of issues we prevailed. We deliver a tax cut to the middle class while protecting important deductions like the Medical Expense Deduction, and we lower the tax burden on American businesses while eliminating incentives to move jobs overseas. This is a big win for middle class families and the economy, and I look forward to debate and consideration of the bill next week. We will get this done. Background: Upton was one of nine House lawmakers named to the House-Senate conference committee to iron out differences between the House and Senate tax bills. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Upton was primarily tasked with negotiating energy provisions related to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The House and Senate will vote on the bill next week in the hopes of sending it to the presidents desk before Christmas. To read the Conference Committee report click here. To learn more about Uptons efforts on tax reform click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-fortenberry-introduce-bipartisan-bill-enhance-funding-fish-and,"Dingell, Fortenberry Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Funding for Fish and Wildlife",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) introduced H.R. 4647, the bipartisan Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, to help promote and enhance our nations conservation efforts and ensure the long-term health of fish and wildlife throughout the country. The legislation, based on a recommendation from a panel of conservation and business leaders, would dedicate $1.3 billion annually in existing revenue from oil and gas royalties to the Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program. The funding would provide states with new critically needed financial resources to effectively implement State Wildlife Action Plans to conserve 12,000 species in greatest need of conservation while providing the public with more access to open spaces. It has been proven over the decades that incredible gains in species conservation have been made with dedicated sources of funding, Rep. Dingell said. The Recovering Americas Wildlife Act builds off the successes of previous efforts including Pittman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund by giving state fish and wildlife agencies additional resources they need to proactively manage at-risk wildlife species. As we work to realize the full promise of these cornerstone programs, I am proud to introduce this legislation to further that commitment with my Republican colleague from Nebraska, Mr. Fortenberry. We both love the outdoors and know we must work hard to protect our natural resources. Together we believe we can get something done that will help bring conservation into the 21st Century and complement the other successful programs that are currently in place. This is a very important and creative legislative initiative to enhance wildlife ecosystems across our nation through constructive partnerships in states, said Rep. Fortenberry. Each of us, as citizens of this country, has the responsibility to ensure diverse fish and wildlife resources are managed for future generations. Fish and wildlife need healthy habitats to thriveenhancing our lives and providing many other benefits, stated Johnny Morris, Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. State fish and wildlife agencies have a solid track record of accomplishing remarkable recovery and restoration successes since the early 1900s. However, enhanced funding is now needed to address todays fish and wildlife habitat management challenges. Our nations fish and wildlife are among its most valuable resources, along with clean air, water, healthy forests and agricultural lands that support all of us, stated Virgil Moore, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Director of Idaho Fish and Game. Today we find ourselves at a critical crossroads and face a challenge that could alter our childrens and grandchildrens opportunities to enjoy these resources. By investing in our State Wildlife Action Plans, which serve as a blueprint for restoring and managing the most sensitive imperiled species within our states borders, we will be ensuring future generations can enjoy our rich wildlife heritage. America's hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and boaters have been the primary funders of state-based conservation efforts to this day, said Congressional Sportsmens Foundation President Jeff Crane. This recommendation simply directs funding for conservation from other sectors that use our natural resources. We thank Representatives Fortenberry and Dingell for introducing the historic Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, said Collin OMara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. This bill will help thousands of wildlife species through proactive, collaborative, on-the-ground efforts. The approach is unique because it calls for early action to save struggling wildlife, rather than waiting until species are on the brink of extinction and need expensive emergency room measures to recover. When this bill becomes law, we will increase wildlife populations, strengthen Americas economy, and reduce the need for regulatory measures. The Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining Americas Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources, a group of national business and conservation leaders co-chaired by Bass Pro Shops founder John L. Morris and former Wyoming governor Dave Freudenthal, convened in 2015 to recommend a new mechanism to sustainably fund fish and wildlife conservation. In March 2016, the Panel recommended that a $1.3 billion trust fund be created using existing fees from energy and mineral development on federal lands and water to support implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans in every state, territory and the District of Columbia. Without a change in the way we finance fish and wildlife conservation, the list of federally threatened and endangered species is expected to grow from nearly 1,600 species today to thousands more in the future. The new dedicated funding created by the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act is aimed at preventing wildlife from becoming endangered to ensure the long-term health of all fish and wildlife that provide countless hours of outdoor enjoyment for the nations citizens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-comments-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-conference-report,Bishop Comments on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Bishop,B001293,mikebishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Mike Bishop, Michigans Republican member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement in support of the conference committee report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Todays release of the conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act brings us one step closer to providing much-needed relief for hardworking American families at every income level. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create more jobs here in Michigan and across America, and will eliminate special interest loopholes to bring more jobs back from overseas. Families will see more take-home pay, because taxes will be simpler and fairer across all tax brackets. Specifically, by doubling the standard deduction, Michiganders will save time and money while filing their taxes, and will benefit from higher take-home pay. In particular, I worked with my Ways and Means colleagues to be sure our students will still be able to receive tuition waivers tax-free and can continue to deduct the interest paid on student loans. It is critical our students are able to achieve their dreams and not be overwhelmed by the cost of higher education. Id like to thank Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady for his impressive leadership throughout this process, and for listening to member input so we could ensure the priorities of our constituents were reflected in the final product. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady commended Congressman Bishops leadership to preserve higher education tax relief: This is a historic moment for the American people. Our legislation to finally reform Americas broken tax code will deliver more jobs, bigger paychecks, and fairer taxes to hardworking families and job creators throughout the country, said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brady (R-TX). Congressman Bishop is one of our outstanding new leaders on Ways and Means, and hes stepped up in a major way on tax reform. Im grateful for all his hard work throughout this process in particular, on preserving important higher education tax relief for Americas students and for everything he has done in support of making pro-growth, pro-family tax reform a reality for the American people. BACKGROUND: With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. A list of the many policy highlights of our bill. CLICK HERE to read the full legislative text of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION can be found at the House Ways and Means Committee website. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikebishop.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=198,Bishop Comments on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Bishop,B001293,mikebishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bishop Comments on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report f t # e Washington, December 15, 2017 Congressman Mike Bishop, Michigans Republican member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement in support of the conference committee report for theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. Todays release of the conference report for theTax Cuts and Jobs Actbrings us one step closer to providing much-needed relief for hardworking American families at every income level. TheTax Cuts and Jobs Actwill create more jobs here in Michigan and across America, and will eliminate special interest loopholes to bring more jobs back from overseas. Families will see more take-home pay, because taxes will be simpler and fairer across all tax brackets. Specifically, by doubling the standard deduction, Michiganders will save time and money while filing their taxes, and will benefit from higher take-home pay. In particular, I worked with my Ways and Means colleagues to be sure our students will still be able to receive tuition waivers tax-free and can continue to deduct the interest paid on student loans. It is critical our students are able to achieve their dreams and not be overwhelmed by the cost of higher education. Id like to thank Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady for his impressive leadership throughout this process, and for listening to member input so we could ensure the priorities of our constituents were reflected in the final product. Ways and Means CommitteeChairman Kevin BradycommendedCongressman Bishopsleadership to preserve higher education tax relief: This is a historic moment for the American people. Our legislation to finally reform Americas broken tax code will deliver more jobs, bigger paychecks, and fairer taxes to hardworking families and job creators throughout the country, saidWays and Means Committee Chairman Brady (R-TX). Congressman Bishop is one of our outstanding new leaders on Ways and Means, and hes stepped up in a major way on tax reform. Im grateful for all his hard work throughout this process in particular, on preserving important higher education tax relief for Americas students and for everything he has done in support of making pro-growth, pro-family tax reform a reality for the American people. BACKGROUND: With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. A list of the manypolicy highlights of our bill. CLICK HEREto read the full legislative text of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONcan be found at the House Ways and Means Committee website. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/mitchell-statement-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-conference-report,Mitchell Statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Paul Mitchell,M001201,mitchell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Mitchell (MI-10) released the following statement after the conference report of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was released: I commend the conferees on the report they produced. Throughout this process I have repeatedly said that I would only support a tax reform plan that benefits Americans who need it most: families living paycheck to paycheck and small businesses working hard to make their dreams a reality. I believe this plan achieves that, said Representative Mitchell. Click HERE to read the full text of the bill. Click HERE to read a summary of the bill. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-federal-communication-commission-s-vote,Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on the Federal Communication Commissions Vote to Dismantle Net Neutrality Rules,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) today released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 3-2 vote to repeal net neutrality consumer protections: “I am outraged that the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal important net neutrality protections, which were meant to ensure the internet belongs to everyone. This move will hurt everyday internet users and small businesses in Michigan and across our nation. It limits internet freedom and fair competition by allowing a small group of companies to block some websites, slow content for business reasons, even when it hurts our equal right to access the internet.” “The FCC went ahead with this vote despite overwhelming public opposition and did not fully consider millions of public comments. I joined hundreds of my colleagues in asking the FCC to stop this vote. Now, I will continue to fight for an open internet and support efforts to restore net neutrality.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikebishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-applauds-disbursement-necc-victim-compensation-payments,Bishop Applauds Disbursement of NECC Victim Compensation Payments,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Bishop,B001293,mikebishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Mike Bishop, whose district was hardest-hit by the NECC fungal meningitis outbreak of 2012, released the following statement applauding the disbursement of NECC victim compensation payments.  “I’d like to thank the public servants in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for their hard work to deliver compensation funds to the victims of the 2012 NECC fungal meningitis outbreak. As all of those affected know, the civil settlement funds provided by the NECC were woefully short of those needed to compensate victims for their hospital stays, injuries and the irrevocable change in their way of life. That is why I fought so hard to have $40 million set aside for these victims. While no dollar amount will ever make these victims whole, I am happy to know that victims are finally getting some much-needed additional financial help.   “I strongly encourage all victims of this deadly outbreak to apply to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office by March 1, 2018, and submit any additional documentation that may be required to become eligible for additional compensation.” Information about applying for compensation The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office is currently establishing a process through which claims will be disbursed. To be eligible for these funds, victims must apply by March 1, 2018 (please note, that date has changed from the previous deadline of December 15, 2017). After the applicant’s case is verified, they will be eligible to receive a direct payment of $25,000, with the option to submit additional documentation to receive compensation beyond that amount. BACKGROUND   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikebishop.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=197,Bishop Applauds Disbursement of NECC Victim Compensation Payments,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Mike Bishop,B001293,mikebishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bishop Applauds Disbursement of NECC Victim Compensation Payments f t # e Washington, December 14, 2017 Congressman Mike Bishop, whose district washardest-hit by the NECC fungal meningitis outbreak of 2012,released the following statement applauding the disbursement of NECC victim compensation payments. Id like to thank the public servants in the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office for their hard work to deliver compensation funds to the victims of the 2012 NECC fungal meningitis outbreak. As all of those affected know, the civil settlement funds provided by the NECC were woefully short of those needed to compensate victims for their hospital stays, injuries and the irrevocable change in their way of life. That is why I fought so hard to have $40 million set aside for these victims. While no dollar amount will ever make these victims whole, I am happy to know that victims are finally getting some much-needed additional financial help. I strongly encourage all victims of this deadly outbreak to apply to the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office by March 1, 2018, and submit any additional documentation that may be required to become eligible for additional compensation. Information about applying for compensation The Massachusetts Attorney Generals office is currently establishing a process through which claims will be disbursed. To be eligible for these funds, victims must apply by March 1, 2018 (please note, that date has changed from the previous deadline of December 15, 2017). After the applicants case is verified, they will be eligible to receive a direct payment of $25,000, with the option to submit additional documentation to receive compensation beyond that amount. BACKGROUND ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://trott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trotts-legislation-modernize-auto-industry-lending-passes-house,Trott's Legislation to Modernize Auto Industry Lending Passes House with Bipartisan Support,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Dave Trott,T000475,trott.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11) issued the following statement following the House of Representatives' passage of thePrivacy Notification Technical Clarification Act(H.R. 2396), bipartisan legislation he introduced to modernize the privacy notification process of auto lenders and increase consumers' access to lender privacy policies: ""When companies inundate individuals with pages and pages of legalese, the details are lost, and the important information is hidden. This critical legislation finally addresses the current avalanche of confusing notices consumers receive in the mail by modernizing the privacy notification process, and improving transparency and accountability. This commonsense bill will cut down on the high compliance costs these companies are forced to pass along to consumers, while increasing consumer access to important privacy information. I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this bipartisan legislation and look forward to the Senate's consideration of this important measure."" ""The Privacy Notification Technical Clarification Act has strong bipartisan support and provides a simple and flexible approach that modernizes the privacy notification process for a larger number of financial services providers and their consumers. I thank Representative Trott, a member of the Financial Services Committee, for introducing this legislation and for leading Congressional efforts to modernize the privacy notification process for consumers,"" said Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling. Financial institutions must issue privacy notices to consumers upon issuance of the consumer's first loan with that financial institution. In December 2015, legislation was signed into law that lifted the previous requirement that financial institutions mail this same privacy policy annually. This legislation allowed financial institutions to modernize their privacy policy notification process, requiring institutions mail privacy policy notices only if the policy has changed from the previous year. However, this legislation unintentionally omitted some loan insurers from this modernization option, including auto lenders. ThePrivacy Notification Technical Clarification Actwould fix this oversight and extend this same modernization option to those lenders previously omitted, including auto lenders. Under this legislation, auto lenders that opt out of the mailed annual privacy notification requirement must make their privacy policy readily accessible on their website and available in hardcopy upon request.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-blasts-fcc-vote-to-dismantle-net-neutrality-protections,Peters Blasts FCC Vote to Dismantle Net Neutrality Protections,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.17 Peters Blasts FCC Vote to Dismantle Net Neutrality Protections WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on today’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to roll back net neutrality protections that ensure all consumers and small businesses have access to a free and open internet: “Today’s FCC vote to scrap net neutrality protections is an anti-consumer decision that disadvantages small businesses and everyday internet users. This action could usher in a two-tiered internet, where large corporations that can pay for a fast lane have the power to slow down or block content, and consumers and small businesses are relegated to the slow lane. “We live in an increasingly interconnected world where a free and open internet has never been more important to Michigan’s economic success. Michigan families and small businesses rely on net neutrality protections to ensure they can achieve their goals—whether it’s reaching customers in new markets, accessing educational opportunities or connecting with loved ones around the globe. Net neutrality levels the playing field, and without these protections, consumers and entrepreneurs will face unnecessary hurdles to the economic opportunities the internet provides.” In response to today’s decision, Senator Peters joined his colleagues in announcing a plan to introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would reverse today’s FCC action and restore the agency’s 2015 net neutrality rules. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers.  ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-floor-remarks-on-need-to-reauthorize-childrens-health-insurance-program,Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Reauthorize Children's Health Insurance Program,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.17 Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Reauthorize Children's Health Insurance Program Peters: “It would be unconscionable to rip health care services away from children during the most formative years of their life.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor on the need to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The CHIP program provides health care coverage to over 100,000 children in Michigan and more than 9 million children nationally. Below is video and text of his remarks as prepared for delivery: Watch the full video “Over two months ago I stood here in this chamber urging my colleagues to pass legislation that will prevent kids enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance program from losing their health care. “The Children’s Health Insurance Program – or CHIP – provides health care coverage to over 100,000 children in my home state of Michigan and more than 9 million children nationally. “I recall welcoming the news that Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden had reached a bipartisan agreement to extend the health care benefits for children. They worked together and went through regular order. The Finance Committee held a hearing and a markup on the bill in October. “We all know that regular order has become a rare event in the Senate – and I appreciated the bipartisan effort to have a Senate vote on a bill that is critical to our nation’s children. “I certainly expected that this bipartisan bill would come to the floor – and pass with broad bipartisan support – thus bringing relief to families across the nation who are worried about whether their children will continue to have health care in 2018. “Unfortunately – in the months since those good faith efforts – we still have not seen a vote on this important legislation. “Mama President, this is inexcusable. We must take action now. “States are already beginning to notify families that their children’s health plans may be cancelled – yes, cancelled – if Congress does not act. States like Louisiana, Texas, Virginia and others have announced they may run out of funds within weeks. “In my home state of Michigan, I’ve heard from parents who are worried about whether their children will still be able to see their pediatricians next year. “I’ve also heard from pediatricians who take care of these children how children will be hurt if their health care is taken away. “It would be unconscionable to rip health care services away from children during the most formative years of their life. It would be unconscionable to put new roadblocks up for families whose children need their annual physicals and vaccines before they can go to school. And it would be unconscionable to increase health care costs for working families who are just trying to keep their children healthy and give them the opportunity to prosper. “This is not a partisan issue. “In 1997, President Bill Clinton worked with a Republican Majority in both the Senate – and the House of Representatives – to successfully pass the Children’s Health Insurance program into law. That legislation passed with 85 votes in the Senate, because providing needed health care services to children should never be a partisan issue. The CHIP program has been reauthorized on a bipartisan basis since its inception because it is effective. “CHIP is working for our nation’s children, and we should be too. “Mama President, I urge my colleagues across the aisle to call for a vote on legislation to extend CHIP and to pass it without delay. Let’s do what is right for our country’s children and families and pass this bipartisan legislation now."" Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-announces-legislation-to-improve-veterans-health-care,Senator Stabenow Announces Legislation to Improve Veterans Health Care,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Announces Legislation to Improve Veterans Health Care Thursday, December 14, 2017 After repeated complaints from providers, veterans, and hospitals across the state, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today introduced new legislation, the Veterans Deserve Better Act, to address serious problems in the federal Veterans Choice program.  The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which was signed into law in 2014, was designed to reduce wait times and provide medical services to veterans in their own communities.  This program is especially critical for veterans in rural areas who were previously required to travel long distances for services.  However, since it was enacted, providers across the state have not been getting paid, rural hospitals have pulled out, and veterans are not getting the health care they need.     “The Veterans Choice program was designed to make sure veterans can receive services close to home and in a timely way, but it has failed many of those it was intended to serve,” said Senator Stabenow.  “My new legislation will hold the Administration accountable and ensure that these serious issues are addressed quickly so that our veterans get the care they deserve.”   Senator Stabenow’s bill has three parts.  First, it will reduce wait times for veterans by requiring that appointments be made within five days and making sure veterans seeking care have the information they need in advance of scheduling an appointment.      Second, it will require the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hold private contractors accountable for the care they schedule on behalf of veterans, and ensure reporting and follow-up of delayed appointments.   Third, it will require prompt payment to Veterans Choice Program providers by requiring the VA to pay for or deny payment within 30 days of receiving an electronic claim or 45 days of receiving a paper claim.  It will also require the VA to pay, deny, or request additional information on any outstanding unpaid claims within 45 days of enactment.      “Munson Healthcare is committed to serving the healthcare needs of the veterans in our region,” said Edwin A. Ness, President and CEO, Munson Healthcare. “Unfortunately, unlike other veteran programs, the Veterans Choice Program has resulted in confusion for veterans and significant non-payment for healthcare providers.  Therefore, we greatly appreciate Senator Stabenow’s introduction of this legislation and its focus on improving access to care for veterans while also holding private contractors accountable for prompt payments to providers.""   “In 2016, I was diagnosed with lesions on my brain and needed to see a specialist.  Veterans Choice sent me to the wrong doctor two times, causing me to miss work and have to travel long distances,” said Jerry Sorensen, former National Guardsman who was stationed in Greenville and now lives in Sumner Township in Gratiot County.  “I contacted Senator Stabenow about my issue, and shortly after, Veterans Choice scheduled an appointment with the right specialist. It shouldn’t have taken five months to see the doctor I needed, especially for something this scary and serious.  I know I’m not the only veteran in Michigan who has experienced these problems scheduling an appointment.  I want to thank Senator Stabenow for introducing a bill today to address this problem for all our veterans.”     Veterans health care has been a longstanding priority for Senator Stabenow. She championed the effort to open new and expanded VA clinics across the state, including in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Clare, Cheboygan County, Grayling, Oscoda, and Wyoming.  Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398927,ICYMI: One Year Later Why 21st Century Cures Still Matters,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"One Year Later — Why 21st Century Cures Still Matters By U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and U.S. Rep. Dianna DeGette December 12, 2017 Roll Call One year ago this week, President Obama signed into law one of the most consequential bills passed by the 114th Congress: the landmark, bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act. He took the occasion of his final public bill-signing to praise the measure as a prime example of how important legislation should be passed: through consultation with stakeholders, deliberation, hearings featuring expert testimony, drafting and redrafting, and a spirit of collegiality and compromise. When we started the process of crafting 21st Century Cures — or Cures — four years ago, we began with one goal in mind: helping patients and their families. We were both inspired to act after hearing from folks in the research community as well as patients, families and advocates who all told us about the need for modernization and more resources at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration so that the United States could remain the worldwide leader in medical innovation and find the next generation of medical cures and clues. We heard these stakeholders loud and clear. Cures provides the NIH and FDA with billions of dollars in much-needed resources so that our nation’s best and brightest can work on finding cures for diseases that impact virtually every family. More specifically, Cures boosts four major innovative initiatives at the NIH: the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot, which works to accelerate progress in cancer prevention and screening; the Precision Medicine Initiative, which is a long-term research endeavor aimed at understanding how a person’s genetics, environment and lifestyle can help determine the best approach to prevent or treat disease; the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, which supports a more dynamic understanding of brain functions; and the Regenerative Medicine Innovation Project, which aims to accelerate the field of stem cell science. Cures also provides the FDA new authorities and established an “FDA Innovation Account” so officials can concentrate on a broad range of goals, including incorporating patients’ perspectives through patient-focused drug development, advancing new therapies to transform the way drugs are developed, modernizing drug-testing trial design and developing methodology to use real-world evidence in the process. It focuses on reforming our nation’s mental health system, which is why we worked so hard to include the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act in the bill. And most critically amid our country’s ongoing opioids crisis, Cures provided $1 billion for states to fight the epidemic at the local level through the end of 2018. We’re now focused on ensuring that this funding continues, and more. When FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and NIH Director Francis Collins testified before the Subcommittee on Health earlier this month on the implementation of this law, they told us that Cures is already having a monumental impact at these vital government agencies. We are following through to ensure that in spite of proposed budget cuts, the programs supported through our bill, with widespread support in both chambers of Congress, can continue to do their vital work. Cures was a truly bipartisan effort from start to finish. Today is a day to reflect on how far we have come, but also a reminder that we have much work left to do. Patients and their families are counting on us. We both look forward to continuing the work that Cures started.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398928,VIDEO: Upton & DeGette Celebrate One-Year Anniversary of 21st Century Cures Act Becoming Law,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today alongside U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colorado, released the following video on the one-year anniversary of the 21st Century Cures Act becoming law. Upton and DeGette use the video to highlight some of the most important provisions in the groundbreaking law.  Click HERE to watch the video.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amash.house.gov/media/press-releases/amash-leads-bipartisan-demand-standalone-consideration-fisa-amendments-act,Amash leads bipartisan demand for standalone consideration of FISA Amendments Act extension,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Justin Amash,A000367,amash.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2017   CONTACT Corie Whalen (202) 225-3831   Amash leads bipartisan demand for standalone consideration of FISA Amendments Act extension   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and dozens of his colleagues today sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi demanding that any effort to pass an extension of the FISA Amendments Act—related to warrantless searches of Americans’ data under Section 702—be considered in the House independently, not attached to any year-end spending bill.   In addition to Amash, the letter was signed by Reps. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Dave Brat (R-Va.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho), Jody Hice (R-Ga.), Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.), Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), Ted Poe (R-Tex.), Bill Posey (R-Fla.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), Jason Lewis (R-Minn.), Roger Williams (R-Tex.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Mike Johnson (R-La.), Kevin Yoder (Kans.), Tom Garrett (R-Va.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), John Duncan (R- Tenn.), Rod Blum (R-Iowa), and Keith Rothfus (R-Pa.).   The letter is attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-37-members-congress-urge-republicans-support-indian-country-tax-plan,"Kildee, 37 Members of Congress Urge Republicans to Support Indian Country in Tax Plan",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Current Versions of Tax Bill Fail to Support Tribal Communities, Offer Parity in the Federal Tax Code for Tribal Governments Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), along with 37 other Members of Congress, sent a letter today to U.S. Representatives and Senators serving on the conference committee concerning the Republican tax bill. In their letter, Kildee and other members seek changes to the final bill, since the current version being rushed through Congress negatively and unfairly affects Indian Country. We write to you today with disappointment in the failure of Republicans to include tribal governments in either the House or the Senate versions of their tax bill. As the conference process proceeds, we urge you to consider the needs of Indian Country in the final bill. The federal tax code does not recognize the unique sovereignty of tribal governments and as a result, tribes do not enjoy the same benefits as state and local governments under the tax code, the lawmakers wrote. The Senate had several opportunities, both in committee markups and through proposed floor amendments, to fix the issue of tribal taxation in the tax bill. Yet it inexplicably failed to do so. And now tribes are told that yet again, they must wait for some future work on tax reform. This is completely unacceptable, the lawmakers continued. Republicans are leaving behind Indian Country, said Congressman Kildee. Under our Constitution, tribal governments are recognized as sovereign nations. They have an inherent right to govern themselves. Yet the Republican tax bill fails to include tribal governments. Under their tax scam, the unique tribal sovereignty is not recognized. As a result, tribes will be treated unfairly under the tax code. A copy of the letter and full list of Members who signed is below: Dear Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Wyden, Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Neal: We write to you today with disappointment in the failure of Republicans to include tribal governments in either the House or the Senate versions of their tax bill. As the conference process proceeds, we urge you to consider the needs of Indian Country in the final bill. The federal tax code does not recognize the unique sovereignty of tribal governments and as a result, tribes do not enjoy the same benefits as state and local governments under the tax code. To correct this mistreatment of tribal governments in the tax code, Indian Country spent almost two years educating the House and the Senate on the need for their equitable tax treatment. The Senate had several opportunities, both in committee markups and through proposed floor amendments, to fix the issue of tribal taxation in the tax bill. Yet it inexplicably failed to do so. And now tribes are told that yet again, they must wait for some future work on tax reform. This is completely unacceptable. Indian Country has some of the poorest communities in our country. Tribal communities have long endured high levels of poverty and substandard housing, reduced employment opportunities and economic development, and tremendous infrastructure demands. Not addressing these issues in the tax code is wrong and unjust. We urge the Conference Committee include in its final bill the following provisions: Parity for Tax-Exempt Bonds: As sovereign nations, tribal governments should possess the authority to use tax-exempt bonds the same as state and local governments. Right now, tribal governments are limited to using tax-exempt bond financing for essential government functions. But by preventing a tribe from utilizing tax-exempt bonds for economic development activities will only prevent much needed tribal infrastructure development and economic growth. Parity for Indian Adoption Tax Credit: Under current tax law, tax credits for families that adopt special needs children are only available for adoptions in state courts, not in tribal courts. Tax credits should be available to families that adopt special needs children, regardless of the adoption venue. Parity for Excise Tax Exemptions: Again, as sovereign nations, tribal governments should receive the same treatment as state and local governments for the various excise tax exemptions that exist in the tax code. Increase Deployment of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in Indian Country: The reconciled bill should treat tribes as states for these credit allocations. It should also create a tribal set-aside and allow Indian areas to be eligible for enhanced credits as significant levels of substandard housing exist throughout Indian Country. The undersigned Members request the conferees reconsider the failure to address the unique needs of Indian Country. It is vital that a tax bill that provides additional wealth to those that already have the most should also ensure that tribal governments can benefit from the supposed economic benefits that will result from its passage. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Dan Kildee Pete Aguilar Nanette Diaz Barragn Anthony G. Brown Tony Crdenas Joaquin Castro Charlie Crist Debbie Dingell Keith Ellison Eliot L. Engel Tulsi Gabbard Ruben Gallego Ral Grijalva Denny Heck Jared Huffman Pramila Jayapal Derek Kilmer Ro Khanna Ruben J. Kihuen Ted Lieu Sander Levin Alan Lowenthal Ben Ray Lujn Michelle Lujan Grisham Betty McCollum Gwen Moore Grace Napolitano Frank Pallone Jr. Chellie Pingree Stacey Plaskett Jacky Rosen Raul Ruiz M.D. Kurt Schrader Mike Thompson Dina Titus Norma Torres Debbie Wasserman Schultz Juan Vargas ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-house-senate-tax-conference,Levin Statement at House-Senate Tax Conference,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2017        Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961 Levin Statement at House-Senate Tax Conference   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a House conferee on the pending tax bill, HR 1, today delivered the following comments during a House-Senate conference on the legislation. Watch here: https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4699032/sander-levin-tax-conference (Remarks as prepared) “Mr. Chairman, the headlines say the Republicans have a deal on a tax bill, even as we are here having a conference committee on the two bills passed by the two houses.  This is indeed a mockery.  The horse is out of the barn, but it’s limping – limping badly.   Of all the fake claims we have heard over the last few months, the greatest is that the Republican tax bills are focused on helping the middle class.  The truth is that millions of middle-income Americans would be forced to pay higher taxes under these bills.  In 2019, nearly 13 million Americans with incomes below $200,000 a year would pay HIGHER taxes under both the House and Senate bills.  By 2027, over 32 million would pay higher taxes under the House bill, and nearly 38 million under the Senate bill.  These higher taxes comes from Republican proposals to limit the state and local tax deduction and from other provisions.  The Republican claim that their bills are aimed at helping the middle class truly deserves Four Pinocchios.  It’s so bad that I hope those who check the facts will add a fifth Pinocchio.   The second outrage is the myth that tax cuts for the top pay for themselves and that the $2.3 Trillion in new debt that would be amassed under the GOP tax changes will be erased by economic growth.  In reality, the middle class will get stuck with the bill for this debt, either through a future deficit tax, or through cuts to programs they depend on, such as Medicare.   Meanwhile, those earning over $1 million a year will get an average tax cut of over $73,000 in 2019 under Republican proposals.  It may be even worse given reported efforts by Republicans to lower the top tax rate.  This is truly class warfare – Republican warfare against the middle class and all who aspire to it. You are working in desperation, not in deliberation, and that will create new tax loopholes that will plague us for years.  And slapdash proposals supposedly designed to reduce the offshoring of American companies and jobs may actually make the problem worse.  I was going to say we need to hit the pause button before it’s too late, but apparently it is too late since the majority has made a mockery out of this conference.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-floor-remarks-on-need-to-protect-net-neutrality,Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Protect Net Neutrality,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.17 Peters Floor Remarks on Need to Protect Net Neutrality Peters: “Repealing net neutrality is anti-innovation. Repealing net neutrality is anti-competition. And repealing net neutrality is anti-consumer.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor today in opposition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to roll back net neutrality protections that keep the internet open and free for consumers and small businesses. Below is video and text of his remarks as prepared for delivery: Watch the full video “There are a handful of innovations in recent centuries that have redefined the United States, and the world. The cotton gin, railroads, electricity and the automobile are just a few examples.  “However – without question – broadband internet is one of the defining innovations of our time. “Broadband internet connects both rural and urban communities to vital services like telemedicine, educational resources, and international commerce. Broadband internet is absolutely essential for communication in the modern era, it lets us keep in touch with our loved ones – no matter where they live – and has boosted productivity across industries. And perhaps most importantly, broadband internet revolutionized our economy and led to the creation of millions of jobs. “The ability to instantly reach consumers wherever they live has allowed American small businesses and startups to compete with large, global corporations in a way that would have been unimaginable just a couple decades ago. “Michigan is home to over 850,000 small businesses, and a growing number of startups. The new ideas and creative solutions they generate put America on the cutting edge of a global and interconnected economy. Michigan small businesses are able to compete and innovate because of the free and open structure of the internet, but unfortunately these opportunities are at risk. “Tomorrow, the FCC will vote to eliminate current net neutrality protections that stop large corporations from stifling small businesses and harming the American people. The FCC is wrong, and they should keep the current protections in place. “The current rules, which I have consistently supported, prevent internet service providers from blocking, slowing or prioritizing web traffic for their own financial gain at the expense of small businesses and everyday internet users. “The FCC’s actions to roll back these protections could usher in a new era of the two tiered internet, one for large corporations that can pay for the fast lane, and a slow lane for the rest of us. This will allow internet service providers and multi-national corporations to compete unfairly against startups, slowing down their traffic, and playing gatekeeper to their potential customers. “Let me be clear, repealing net neutrality is anti-innovation. Repealing net neutrality is anti-competition. And repealing net neutrality is anti-consumer. “The FCC should not consider this proposal tomorrow to degrade Internet service, especially during a time when over 20 million households in rural America – including far too many in Michigan – still lack access to high-speed broadband in the first place. “The FCC has a lot of work to do to close the digital divide, and repealing net neutrality is taking our country backwards. If the Internet doesn’t work for growing small businesses and startups, our economy will be hurt for generations to come. “High-speed broadband in the 21st century is every bit as vital as electricity was in the 20th century, all Americans deserve access, regardless of their income or zip code. “We accomplished the goal of bringing electricity to every household in the country, even in the most rural areas, by making it a national priority. We cannot put a handful of multinational corporations ahead of the students, artists, advocates, entrepreneurs and other visionaries who could be inventing the future and creating the next big thing. “The FCC should call off this dangerous vote and instead work to ensure the Internet remains a hub of entrepreneurship, creativity, and competition.” Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398577,Holland Christian HS Student David Reidsma Wins 2017 Congressional App Challenge,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Huizenga announced David Reidsma, of Holland Christian High School, as the winner of 2017 Second District Congressional App Challenge. David created “BrickSort” for Android which allows users to download the inventory of any given LEGO® set and track the pieces.“Congratulations to David on winning the Second District’s inaugural Congressional App Challenge,” said Congressman Huizenga. “With technology playing a larger role in our economy and society than ever before, it is critical that we prepare students with the tools to succeed. BrickSort highlights David’s creativity while showcasing his coding and computer skills. Through BrickSort, David has provided both parents and children a 21st century way to track their LEGO® inventory.” By winning the Congressional App Challenge, David will be invited to visit Washington, D.C. in April to showcase his app to Members of Congress and members of the tech community at a #HouseOfCode reception. His work will be eligible to be featured for a year on display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the House.gov website. David will also be awarded $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, donated by Amazon Web Services. To watch David’s BrickSort demonstration, click here. Submissions to the Second District Congressional App Challenge were judged by six West Michigan tech professionals. For more information on the Congressional App Challenge, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-tax-conference,Levin Statement on Tax Conference,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2017      Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961 Levin Statement on Tax Conference WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a House conferee on the pending tax bill, HR 1, today issued the following statement regarding the House-Senate conference on the legislation: “While the tax conference committee will not have its first official meeting until tomorrow, Republicans are meeting behind closed doors to finalize their bill -- discussing whether large corporations and the very wealthy will receive nearly all, or almost all, of the tax benefits.  The middle class is dramatically being left behind, and in some cases, run over by the Republican tax bill.” Democrats will hold a forum on Wednesday to review the impact of GOP proposals on middle-class families and the U.S. economy.  There are many areas of significant concern, including: The enormous tilt of tax breaks to the very wealthy in both the House and Senate bills – the biggest tax windfall for the very rich in modern history; The millions of middle-class families who will face tax increases either immediately given the elimination or reduction of tax credits for education, health care, and state and local taxes (the effect of which is masked by averaging tax changes across groups rather than individuals), or over time because of bracket creep under the new, reduced inflation measure for the tax brackets and/or the sunsetting of certain provisions. The massive new tax loopholes that will be created, especially under provisions related to pass-through business income, and current loopholes that are not closed, such as the carried interest provision for wealthy investment managers, which President Trump promised to end. The concern that provisions in these bills will increase, rather than reduce, the offshoring of US jobs and companies by increasing the incentive to move to tax havens. The rise in health insurance premiums that the Congressional Budget Office projects will occur under the repeal of the individual mandate, and which AARP estimates will raise premiums in 2019 by an average of $1,500 for Americans aged 50-64. The massive amount of new debt the GOP tax changes will generate even under the Joint Committee on Taxation’s most optimistic projections.   And finally, the pressure this debt will apply to cut Medicare and other essential programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mitchell.house.gov/media/press-releases/mitchell-statement-reauthorization-higher-education-act-markup,Mitchell Statement on Reauthorization of Higher Education Act Markup,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Paul Mitchell,M001201,mitchell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Mitchell (MI-10) released the following statement on the markup of the Higher Education Reauthorization: “Education is a deeply personal issue to me.  Growing up, my family lived paycheck to paycheck.  I took a risk and was the first of my entire family to go to college.  I was lucky that my risk paid off; a quality education helped me reach my goals and live the American dream,” said Representative Mitchell. “Today, education and the path to upward mobility looks markedly different than it did when I began my career: the average student is saddled with $37,172 of student loan debt and 8 million borrowers are in default.  The typical American gets one shot at pursuing higher education; they cannot afford to take a gamble on a program or degree that will not return their investment. Unfortunately, students have no way of finding seemingly basic information like what they can expect to pay out of pocket and how students fare in the labor market after leaving college.  This information would have been made available for all students with the passage of my bill, the College Transparency Act.  Transparency has long been a priority of mine, and it is a priority for the over 100 organizations that have endorsed the College Transparency Act.  The PROSPER Act attempts to make use of the theories behind the College Transparency Act, but it only makes student outcome data available for low-income students that rely on federal assistance to pay for higher education.  That does not provide adequate information since it only addresses a small portion of the student population. “With today’s legislation, we had a rare opportunity to make meaningful change, and we fell short.  We need to make serious change to provide accurate and complete information for consumers. I voted in favor of the PROSPER Act because ultimately, it is a step forward from the status quo that higher education in this country so urgently needs.  Unfortunately, it falls short in truly allowing American consumers to make the best decision for them in pursuing higher education, upward mobility, and long-term success.  I will continue to advocate for transparency in higher education.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-klobuchar-oppose-fcc-plan-to-eliminate-net-neutrality-protections,"Peters, Klobuchar Oppose FCC Plan to Eliminate Net Neutrality Protections",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.17 Peters, Klobuchar Oppose FCC Plan to Eliminate Net Neutrality Protections Senators Urge FCC to Focus Efforts on Closing Digital Divide, Expanding Rural Broadband WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), members of the Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai expressing their strong opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. The senators also called on the FCC to focus its efforts on closing the digital divide rather than limiting net neutrality protections that help small businesses and consumers compete and succeed in the online environment. Michigan and Minnesota are home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses that rely on strong net neutrality protections to compete in the online marketplace. “As members of the Senate Commerce Committee and strong supporters of an open internet, we write to express our opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. Net neutrality is critical to the competitiveness of our economy and the health of small businesses and startups,” the Senators wrote. “A truly open internet encourages economic growth and provides opportunities for businesses to reach new markets, drive innovation, and create jobs. With unrestricted access to the internet, entrepreneurs can focus their resources on growing a business rather than paying for equal footing to compete online.” “The FCC should not be pursuing policies that will slow and degrade internet access when many Americans, particularly in rural areas, still lack access to high-speed broadband entirely,” the senators continued. “As we face an increasingly global and interconnected economy, it is critical that the internet remains a hub of entrepreneurship, creativity, and fair competition.” In light of reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process, Klobuchar, Peters, and a group of 26 other senators also urged the FCC to delay the planned December 14th vote to roll back net neutrality rules until an investigation of the record is conducted. The full text of the Senators’ letter is below and available here. Dear Chairman Pai: As members of the Senate Commerce Committee and strong supporters of an open internet, we write to express our opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. Net neutrality is critical to the competitiveness of our economy and the health of small businesses and startups. The rules in place today level the playing field for entrepreneurs and protect the internet as a place that allows small businesses to succeed. Your order to repeal these rules would take us in the wrong direction. Both Minnesota and Michigan are home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses. One way in which the draft order will hurt small business entrepreneurship and innovation is by limiting access to the open internet. A truly open internet encourages economic growth and provides opportunities for businesses to reach new markets, drive innovation, and create jobs. With unrestricted access to the internet, entrepreneurs can focus their resources on growing a business rather than paying for equal footing to compete online. Small businesses are the engines of job creation, responsible for an estimated 63 percent of net new jobs from 2010 to 2016. Without strong net neutrality protections small businesses and startups will face new barriers to compete in the online marketplace. The landmark 2015 Open Internet Order effectively prevents major corporations from blocking, slowing, and prioritizing web traffic for their own financial gain. Your proposal not only directly eliminates these protections but also reclassifies broadband as an information service, jeopardizing the FCC’s authority to keep internet service providers (ISPs) in check. These protections are crucial to the continued success of small businesses and startups competing online. The only open internet provisions your proposal salvages are requirements for service providers to disclose their internet traffic policies. However, the benefits of transparency rules are negated when tied to a repeal of essential net neutrality protections. If approved, your order will still result in ISPs having the power to interfere with web traffic as they please, putting small businesses, startups, and everyday users at a significant disadvantage.                                                                                                                                        The FCC should not be pursuing policies that will slow and degrade internet access when many Americans, particularly in rural areas, still lack access to high-speed broadband entirely. We need to focus our efforts on closing the digital divide rather than creating an online environment in which the success of small businesses and consumers is at the mercy of large ISPs who are not bound to the doctrine of a free and open internet. American consumers, entrepreneurs, and innovators rely on net neutrality. As we face an increasingly global and interconnected economy, it is critical that the internet remains a hub of entrepreneurship, creativity, and fair competition. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-provisions-in-defense-bill-signed-into-law,Peters Provisions in Defense Bill Signed into Law,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.17 Peters Provisions in Defense Bill Signed into Law WASHINGTON, DC – President Trump today signed into law major defense legislation that includes over a dozen provisions from U.S. Senator Gary Peters supporting Michigan’s growing defense industry and boosting America’s military preparedness. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets Department of Defense (DoD) policy, was passed with bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate last month. Peters is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. “America and our allies face an unprecedented wave of new security threats, and our military must be prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing battlefield,” said Senator Peters. “I am proud that Michigan’s servicemembers and manufacturers play such a critical role in our national security, and the bipartisan bill signed into law today will enable our men and women in uniform and the manufacturing industry that supports them to effectively execute their mission.” Highlights of Senator Peters’ provisions in the NDAA include: Supporting Michigan’s Military Installations & Small Businesses Providing Air Force Clarification on A-10: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which hosts A-10 aircrafts in Harrison Township, is currently under consideration to host an F-35 mission. Included in the NDAA is report language clarifying that the U.S. Air Force has the authority to convert Selfridge’s A-10 mission to the F-35 mission and move the existing A-10 aircraft at Selfridge to other bases hosting A-10 missions, increasing their squadron size to 24 aircraft. Currently, A-10s cannot be retired, and this language is intended to bring Selfridge to parity with other bases seeking the F-35 mission. Protecting Michigan Small Businesses from Fraud: The NDAA includes a provision authored by Peters and based on bipartisan legislation Peters introduced earlier this year to help protect small businesses from falling victim to fraud when they register to do business with the federal government. The provision would require small businesses to be notified that free assistance is available for help in bidding on government contracts through federal programs, including Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). Many business owners are unaware these resources exist and fall victim to scams that mislead them into paying high sums of money for contract procurement assistance that is already available at no-cost. Michigan is home to ten PTACs and over 850,000 small businesses that account for half of the state’s private workforce. Accelerating Process for New Missile Defense Site: The legislation includes a provision based on the Advancing America’s Missile Defense Act, legislation Peters cosponsored to improve America’s missile defense capabilities and counter threats posed by Iran and North Korea. The provision requires DoD to identify potential sites to host the deployment of up to 104 additional ground-based interceptors. Fort Custer in Augusta, Michigan is under consideration to host a potential ground-based midcourse missile defense site. Supporting Research Conducted at TARDEC in Warren: Peters worked to include an additional $50 million in funding for fuel cell prototyping at the Army’s Tank and Automotive Research Development Center (TARDEC), building on TARDEC’s successful collaboration with General Motors on the ZH2. The bill recognizes TARDEC’s capability for prototyping and experimentation and collaboration with technology developers, users, testers, and the private sector. The bill also includes a requirement for the Army to plan to build a prototype for a new ground combat vehicle. Bolstering our Military & Supporting our Servicemembers Funding Stryker Vehicles Modifications: Peters supported provisions providing additional support to the U.S. Army Stryker vehicle program with upgraded weapons systems, survivability improvements to the vehicle hull, and other mobility and communication improvements. The Stryker is the U.S. Army’s most versatile and deployable combat vehicle, and earlier this year, Peters helped lead a bipartisan letter with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), calling for funding to complete much-needed upgrades. Peters and Portman previously included an amendment in the FY 2016 NDAA that authorized $371 million in funding to install medium caliber cannons on 81 Stryker vehicles forward deployed in Europe, to support U.S. interests in Eastern Europe and our NATO allies. General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights is the prime contractor for the Stryker armored vehicle and many Michigan companies serve as suppliers. Supporting Servicemember Mental Health Research: The NDAA includes report language requiring the U.S. Air Force to provide a report on steps taken to address the mental health of pilots that operate Remote Piloted Aircrafts (RPAs) and Airmen supporting RPA operations, particularly those stationed in the U.S. and flying missions with aircraft abroad. The 110th Attack Wing in Battle Creek, Michigan hosts an RPA mission and Airmen there fly RPAs that are located all over the world. This provision builds on Senator Peters’ Fairness for Veterans amendment, signed into law last year as part of the NDAA FY 2017, which helps veterans with a bad paper discharge resulting from behavior caused by PTSD to petition for an upgrade in discharge status to access mental health treatment and other VA services. Mitigating Risk of Humvee Rollover Accidents: Earlier this year, the National Guard issued a safety alert related to rollover mishaps and loss-of-control. The NDAA includes a provision encouraging the U.S. Army to mitigate the risk of Humvee rollover accidents and requesting a briefing on plans to mitigate rollovers. Peters has previously written to the Acting Secretary of the Army about his concerns related to Humvee safety. Additionally, the Michigan National Guard has undertaken a pilot program for commercial off-the-shelf technology aimed at mitigating Humvee rollovers using technology manufactured in Michigan. Training for Operations in Major Urban Areas: The NDAA includes a provision to require a plan for military training to operate in densely populated environments. Peters has asked military leaders about the impact on potential future military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in “megacities”, or cities with a population above 10 million. Camp Grayling in Crawford County already hosts military training for urban operations and could play an important role as the military better prepares for these operations. Incorporating New Technologies: The NDAA includes provisions requiring DoD to provide briefings to the Senate Armed Services Committee related to robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, and also requires DoD to include autonomous systems on the list of eligible technologies for simplified contracting opportunities between DoD and universities. Strengthening America’s Presence Abroad Boosting American Support in Eastern Europe: Peters included language directing DoD to provide personnel to the NATO Strategic Communication Center of Excellence (StratCom) in Riga, Latvia. StratCom is a multi-national and NATO-accredited international military organization that works to enhance strategic communication capabilities and help counter Russian propaganda efforts in Eastern Europe. Currently, the United States is not a participating nation. Earlier this year, Peters visited StratCom as part of his visit to Latvia to learn more about NATO activity in the Baltic region and Russian practices aimed at undermining and destabilizing democracies like Latvia. This amendment came about as a result of Peters’ visit. For over 20 years, Michigan’s National Guard has worked jointly with Latvia’s military through the State Partnership Program, participating in joint training and exercises in both Europe and Michigan. Senator Peters also supported several provisions in the final NDAA, including: A provision to require the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to conduct a study on the health implications of PFAS in drinking water; An amendment authorizing funding to support the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, encourage partnership between MEP affiliates and the Manufacturing USA Institutes established by DoD, and improve manufacturing engineering education. MEP is a public-private partnership dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers. An amendment authorizing the constructions of three additional Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). Marinette Marine, located along the Menominee River, produces the LCS and employs hundreds of Michiganders. The USS Detroit, an LCS that was commissioned last year, was built at Marinette Marine. Peters previously cosponsored an amendment authorizing the construction of two LCS in the Senate NDAA. A provision to extend protections for servicemembers from home foreclosure for two years following the end of their military service. Current law providing a year of protection is set to expire at the end of this year, and this provision extends the full year of protection through 2020. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398925,Upton Statement on Allied Paper/Kalamazoo River Superfund Cleanup,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Kalamazoo River Superfund site would be targeted for immediate, intense action: “We’ve been working alongside Kalamazoo leaders for years on this important issue. Everyone involved understands that it is essential that the final remedy protects the health and safety of Kalamazoo residents and allows for the site to be redeveloped and put to good use for the community. With this new priority designation, I am glad to see the Allied Paper/Kalamazoo River site is to receive ‘immediate and intense attention.’ Our Southwest Michigan community is eager to see this property cleaned up and put back to productive use. This new priority designation is certainly welcome news for all involved, particularly those of us who have working diligently on this issue for many years.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-beyer-grijalva-100-house-democrats-urge-preservation-endangered,"Dingell, Beyer, Grijalva, 100+ House Democrats Urge Preservation of Endangered Species Act",2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03) today led 104 House Democrats in a letter to House Leadership urging the removal of harmful provisions attached to the final spending legislation for FY 18 that would weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Representatives wrote in response to the FY 18 Interior/EPA bill, passed out of the Appropriations Committee, which contained several riders attacking endangered species conservation and removing protections for imperiled species, including wolves and sage grouse.  “The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective laws protecting the land and wildlife the American people care about,” said Dingell. “Efforts to roll back the law have no place in unrelated legislation to keep the government open, and must be rejected. We should be working together to improve conservation in this country, not rolling back the clock.”  The Representatives wrote:  “We write to express our great concern over a number of harmful provisions in H.R. 3354 – the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (“Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, 2018”) – that would undermine endangered species conservation and threaten one of our country’s most important wildlife conservation laws – the Endangered Species Act. We urge you to ensure that these controversial and far-reaching provisions are not included in final spending legislation for FY 2018. “We urge you to use your positions of leadership to uphold our nation’s legacy of protecting our natural heritage for future generations of Americans and reject the inclusion of any of these attacks on the Endangered Species Act and wildlife in any final bill to fund the federal government.” The Representatives went on to note that one amendment in the legislation would void federal protections for bears and wolves on national preserves in Alaska. This would weaken the National Park Service’s ability to prevent unsportsmanlike hunting practices – such as baiting, trapping, and “denning” – on lands under its own jurisdiction. A signed copy of the letter is available here, and full text follows below.  Dingell has been a lead defender of wildlife and endangered species since coming to Congress, where she has championed legislation to protect and restore fish and wildlife, including the bipartisan Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, which was signed into law last year.  Dear Speaker Ryan and Minority Leader Pelosi: We write to express our great concern over a number of harmful provisions in H.R. 3354 – the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (“Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, 2018”) – that would undermine endangered species conservation and threaten one of our country’s most important wildlife conservation laws – the Endangered Species Act. We urge you to ensure that these controversial and far-reaching provisions are not included in final spending legislation for FY 2018. The appropriations process has become a perennial magnet for provisions and amendments that seek to make significant changes to U.S. environmental policies. Rather than taking their policy proposals to the appropriate authorizing committees, many members have instead opted to insert them into appropriations bills, often without full consideration by Congress. These misguided efforts weigh down the important process to fund the federal government. We object to these policy provisions – especially those provisions that threaten American’s air, water, wildlife, and public lands. This letter focuses on the seven provisions currently in H.R. 3354 aimed at weakening the Endangered Species Act – a law that continues to serve as our nation’s most effective law in protecting wildlife in danger of extinction. We also strongly oppose a provision that would block implementation of critical rules developed by the National Park Service to regulate non-subsistence hunting in Alaska national preserves. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act with near-unanimous consent, species were struggling to survive in the face of unmitigated human-caused threats to their existence. Since the Endangered Species Act was enacted, many of these species have rebounded over the course of just a few decades, including the bald eagle, the brown pelican and the humpback whale. Ninety-nine percent of species that have been listed under the Endangered Species Act have escaped the final fate of extinction, and many are once again thriving. We have a moral responsibility to continue to be good stewards of our environment and protect our natural resources for future generations. That translates into maintaining a strong federal Endangered Species Act that relies on sound science to guide decision-making. Polling shows that 90 percent of American voters support the Endangered Species Act and 71 percent believe scientists should make decisions about how to protect imperiled species, not politicians. Nevertheless, the underlying FY 2018 Interior/EPA bill that passed out of the Appropriations Committee contained three riders that undermine endangered species conservation by singling out certain imperiled species and denying them the protections of the Endangered Species Act. One would continue for a fourth year a rider that prevents the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) from taking any steps to list the sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act.  In September 2015, FWS determined that the greater sage-grouse was not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act, citing an unprecedented landscape-scale planning process as reducing threats to sage grouse - plans that will almost certainly be weakened under a new process initiated by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.  This amendment would prevent an ESA listing for the sage-grouse, even if it declines closer to extinction. Another would block Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Midwest, reaffirm a court decision that delisted wolves in Wyoming, and obstruct citizens’ ability to go to court to challenge these delistings. Still another provision would go so far as to defund recovery measures for gray wolves throughout the entire continental United States, even though wolves currently inhabit only 15 percent of their historic range. This same provision would also block all spending on recovery efforts for the Mexican gray wolves, even though there are just 113 individual animals left in the United States and 35 in Mexico. The job of restoring wolves to still-suitable habitat across the United States – as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has done for other wide-ranging species like the bald eagle – is far from done. The bill only got worse on the floor, when 3 additional riders that would undermine the Endangered Species Act and harm threatened and endangered species conservation were added to the bill. Finally, Representative Don Young added an amendment that would void a federal rule conserving bears and wolves on national preserves in Alaska. If this language is enacted, the National Park Service would not be able to prevent unsportsmanlike hunting practices on lands under its own jurisdiction, including spotlighting denning bears and cubs as they hibernate.  We urge you to use your positions of leadership to uphold our nation’s legacy of protecting our natural heritage for future generations of Americans and reject the inclusion of any of these attacks on the Endangered Species Act and wildlife in any final bill to fund the federal government. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-host-telephone-town-hall-monday-republican-tax-bill,Congressman Dan Kildee to Host Telephone Town Hall Monday on the Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) will host a telephone town hall on the Republican tax bill next Monday, December 11, 2017, at 7 p.m. ET. Congressman Kildee will be joined on the call by non-partisan experts to answer questions from constituents in the Fifth Congressional District about how the Republican tax plan will affect them and their families. Independent analyses show that the Republican tax bill would raise taxes on millions of middle class Americans while giving tax breaks to the wealthy and big multi-national corporations. Congressman Kildee has been a leading voice against the Republican tax plan, calling on Congress to start over and work together in a bipartisan way to pass real tax reform that focuses on providing relief to middle class families. Constituents wishing to participate in the telephone town hall must RSVP at https://dankildee.house.gov/taxtownhall. Those who RSVP will receive a call at 7 p.m. ET on December 11, 2017, to join the telephone town hall.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-blunt-rochester-introduce-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-retirement,"Walberg, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Retirement Security",2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) introduced H.R. 4604, the Increasing Access to a Secure Retirement Act, to help more Americans have peace of mind in their retirement years. The bipartisan bill clarifies and strengthens existing rules to make it easier for retirement plan sponsors to provide guaranteed lifetime income products as part of their employee benefits. ""Saving for retirement is a difficult challenge for many families in Michigan and across the country,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""To encourage and make saving easier, we should create more opportunities for employers to offer reliable investment options to the men and women they employ. Our bipartisan bill removes the regulatory uncertainty that hinder most employers from offering guaranteed lifetime income products, like annuities, to their workers. By establishing a clear set of rules, we can help more Americans retire with the certainty that they will have income to last throughout their retirement."" ""As lawmakers, we need to find solutions that give families a wider array of options to choose from in saving for their retirement. Delawareans and all Americans deserve more, not fewer opportunities in preparing for their future,"" said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. ""This bipartisan bill will allow a greater number of employees the option of annuities as a part of their benefits packages. By clarifying rules surrounding annuity plans, we're broadening savings options available to employees across the country. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Education and Workforce Committee to expand access, participation, and the variety of tools in saving for retirement."" Studies have shown that Americans are not saving enough to be financially secure throughout their retirement. Currently, only 10 percent of retirement plans in America offer a guaranteed lifetime income product—largely due to confusing and ambiguous regulations that employers must follow when selecting an insurance provider. To remove this uncertainty, the Increasing Access to a Secure Retirement Act establishes specific guidelines for employers who want to include annuities on their retirement plan menus. Congressman Walberg serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398575,426-0: House unanimously passes West Michigan Inspired Huizenga Jobs Legislation,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 477, the Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017. This legislation passed the House with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 426 to 0. “Today’s one-size-fits-all regulatory structure treats the sale of a privately owned family business the same as if an investment bank were buying a publicly traded company. The current structure simply doesn’t make sense. This West Michigan inspired solution would significantly reduce the federal regulatory compliance costs, which can initially exceed $150,000 and after that, cost $75,000 annually. With an estimated $10 trillion in privately held small businesses either being sold or closing as more and more baby boomers retire, our regulatory structure should encourage these neighborhood businesses and small companies to be sold to the next generation of entrepreneurs.” “This small business initiative promotes economic growth and development, strengthens job creation and preservation, and provides immediate and substantial regulatory relief for small business professionals. Business brokerage services are critically important to entrepreneurs who start, build, and eventually want to sell their private companies. In today’s divisive political environment, H.R. 477 demonstrates that Congress can act in a bipartisan manner to strengthen our economy and positively impact the lives of hardworking Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398924,Upton Statement on Being Named to Tax Conference Committee,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement after being named to serve on the House-Senate conference committee for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “I look forward to being a member of the House-Senate conference committee for this historic tax reform opportunity. We owe it to our constituents to reform the tax code and cut taxes, make it easier for small businesses to grow and create jobs, and lower the astronomically high rate for corporations. We’re full speed ahead on getting this done this year.”  Background: As chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Upton was named a conferee primarily to negotiate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) amendment. This amendment authorizes the sale of oil from our SPR as a way to offset the cost of tax cuts in the proposed bill. To learn more about the Conference Committee click here. To learn more about Upton’s efforts on tax reform click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-kildee-hosts-roundtable-focused-water-infrastructure-america,Congressman Dan Kildee Hosts Roundtable Focused on Water Infrastructure in America,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Nationwide Kildee Initiative Seeks to Change the Way Congress Invests in Americas Cities and Towns WASHINGTON Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), the co-chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus and Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, hosted a forum Wednesday in Washington, D.C. focused on how Congress must make critical investments to improve Americas water infrastructure system, including replacing lead pipes to protect public health. The forum is part of the Congressmans ongoing The Future of Americas Cities and Towns initiative to better align local, state and federal policies with the unique challenges facing older, industrial communities. The forum included remarks by Kildee and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-05), the Vice Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Other panelists included Virginia Tech Professor Marc Edwards, who helped to expose the Flint water crisis, as well as experts from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Bipartisan Policy Center. The panelists provided their perspective on the current state of Americas water infrastructure and opportunities to update and invest in water infrastructure systems. From left to right: Dr. Marc Edwards, Michele Nellenbach, Congressman Kildee, Congresswoman Esty and Brian Pallasch participate in a forum on Capitol Hill Wednesday. Congress needs to make critical investments in our nations outdated infrastructure. This means not only seen infrastructureour roads, rail, bridges and portsbut also unseen infrastructure, including water pipes and drinking water systems, said Congressman Kildee. The water crisis in my hometown of Flint is a tragic example of what happens when we fail to invest in our nations older cities and outdated infrastructure. I am proud to hold this important conversation with Congresswoman Esty, a leading voice in Congress to make greater investments in infrastructure projects across the country, said Congressman Kildee. We need to focus our attention on upgrading our water infrastructure to keep families healthy in Connecticut and throughout the country,Congresswoman Esty said. The water crisis in Flint showed us in stark terms what can happen when we allow pipes to corrode and lead to seep into our water supply. But water quality is a major issue in Connecticut as well. Poor water quality has jeopardized our fisheries and limited our recreation opportunities, putting a major drag on our economic growth. I will continue working with Congressman Kildee, as well as my colleagues in both parties, to develop pragmatic, cooperative solutions aimed at tackling our water infrastructure challenges on a national scale. The Future of Americas Cities and Towns is an initiative launched by Congressman Kildee to highlight the many challenges that cities and towns across the U.S. face regarding infrastructure needs, economic development, housing, blight and jobs in the modern economy. The initiative calls for a national strategy on how Congress invests in American cities and towns. The first roundtable included Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, Maxine Waters (CA-43), and focused on the unique challenges facing many older, industrial cities and towns. The second roundtable focused on economic and community development financing and included Vice Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Brian Higgins (NY-26). Congressman Kildee also recently spoke at the TrustBelt conference in Des Moines, Iowa, and other events hosted by the Urban Institute and National Leagues of Cities in Washington, D.C., all on his new initiative and the need to focus on investing in older, industrial cities and towns. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-epa-administrator-pruitt-commits-keeping-ann-arbor-epa-lab-open,Dingell: EPA Administrator Pruitt Commits to Keeping Ann Arbor EPA Lab Open,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, after being pressed by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) during a hearing of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt committed to keeping the doors of the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory open in Ann Arbor. The commitment comes after the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to the EPA budget in 2018 would have forced the lab to shutter.    “The more than 400 dedicated employees at the EPA Lab in Ann Arbor do critical work for every single state on automotive emissions and fuel economy,” said Dingell. “This work is vital to public health, the environment and our future economic competitiveness, and I am pleased that Administrator Pruitt has recognized the incredible value of this lab and its employees. It is because of the good work and dedicated advocacy of men and women of the Ann Arbor EPA Lab and the American Federation of Government Employees that we are able to keep this lab open and ensure this critical work continues.”  Dingell visited the Ann Arbor EPA lab in May to speak out against proposed cuts to the facility, which conducts critical research, testing, analysis and technological studies in support of the establishment and monitoring of both fuel economy and vehicle emission standards. At today’s hearing, Dingell also pressed Administrator Pruitt on a number of other issues important to Michigan. Pruitt agreed with Dingell that lead is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the country. Dingell pointed out that cuts already underway at EPA undercut that priority, including staff reductions and cuts to grants that support lead risk reduction programs.  Dingell also pressed Pruitt on funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which was completely eliminated in the President’s 2018 budget proposal. Bipartisan Members of Congress from the Great Lakes states worked together to restore funding for the GLRI, which is the single most successful program for protecting the Great Lakes. Pruitt acknowledged the success of program but refused to commit to not cutting the GLRI in the future. Dingell responded, “We’ll be back if you do.”  For video of Dingell’s questions and Pruitt’s answers, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-continuing-resolution-vote,Congresswoman Lawrence on the Continuing Resolution Vote,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following statement after voting no on H.J.Res. 123, the Continuing Appropriations Act that would delay funding for the government two additional weeks through December 22, 2017. “Today, just one day before the current Continuing Resolution is to expire, Republicans have voted to continue their partisan agenda to cut taxes for the most wealthy at the expense of America’s middle class. We are now closer to the threat of a government shutdown because once again, partisan politics have surpassed public priorities. “After 8 months of failed attempts and time running out on funding the government, Republicans continue to push for more time to complete their scam tax bill. Rather than focus on real issues such as securing CHIP funding or addressing budget caps, the Republicans are fixated on giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. The American people should not have to suffer because of Republican’s failure to act, failure to compromise, and failure to keep their promises.       ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lawrence.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-lawrence-statement-bills-combat-human-trafficking,Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on Bills to Combat Human Trafficking,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Brenda Lawrence,L000581,lawrence.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved of two bills to combat human trafficking on our nation’s highways: “As the Vice Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Caucus for Women’s Issues, I am pleased to see both human trafficking bills approved with bipartisan support by the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee today. Human trafficking is an atrocious crime that disproportionally exploits women and especially young girls,” said Congresswoman Lawrence. “Commercial drivers play a central role in the fight against human trafficking, often serving as the first line of defense. By strengthening systems to recognize and report trafficking, and closing loopholes to traffickers who seek to exploit our transportation system for their personal gain, we are making progress towards combatting human trafficking.” “This is an inexcusable crime,” Rep. Lawrence continued. “I represent a major international transportation and shipping hub, including the city of Detroit in Southeast Michigan. Combatting the growing problem of human trafficking is a serious concern of mine. These bills unite the Department of Transportation with the transportation industry in the fight against these crimes. I am proud to support both of these bills today and urge their quick passage in the full House. The two bills approved by the Committee for consideration by the full House include: H.R. 3814 - No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act, sponsored by Rep. John Katko (R-NY) disqualifies individuals from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for their lifetime if they used a CMV to commit a felony involving human trafficking. H.R. 3813 - Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator. The legislation also allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to carry out human trafficking outreach and education, which will assist programs already occurring in many states to educate truck drivers and other commercial drivers so they can help with human trafficking prevention.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-presses-epa-administrator-protecting-great-lakes,Walberg Presses EPA Administrator on Protecting the Great Lakes,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today pressed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt about his support for programs to preserve and protect the Great Lakes. During a hearing with the Energy and Commerce Committee's Environment Subcommittee, Walberg questioned Administrator Pruitt about maintaining the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, combating harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie, and stopping invasive species like Asian Carp. In response, Administrator Pruitt committed to working with Walberg on each of these critically important areas. Click here to watch Walberg's questions. ""The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has generated valuable economic and environmental benefits for Michigan, our region, and the entire country. Building on the program's success must remain a bipartisan priority, which I conveyed today to the EPA Administrator,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""From algal blooms to Asian Carp, the Great Lakes' health faces a number of threats, and I will continue working to safeguard our treasured Lakes and preserve them for generations to come."" Congressman Walberg serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-announces-bipartisan-legislation-to-give-veterans-same-preventive-health-services-as-general-public,Senator Stabenow Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Give Veterans Same Preventive Health Services as General Public,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Stabenow Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Give Veterans Same Preventive Health Services as General Public Thursday, December 07, 2017 U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced bipartisan legislation to give Veterans the same preventive health insurance coverage as the general public. The Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act will ensure many veterans will no longer have to pay out-of-pocket costs for preventive health services that are provided free to other Americans. This legislation also adds preventive medications and services to the list of no-fee treatments covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.   “It’s unacceptable that our veterans who rely on VA care must pay for preventive medications and services that other Americans receive for free,” said Senator Stabenow. “This is just one more step we need to take to keep our promises to our Veterans.”   According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this legislation will impact many of the over 230,000 veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System in Michigan. Currently, veterans are required to pay VA copayments if their income exceeds the VA National Income Threshold, if their income isn’t available to the VA or if their care is not related to a service-connected illness or injury.   The Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act is endorsed by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans and American Veterans.   Senator Stabenow is a cosponsor of the Veterans Preventive Health Care Fairness Act introduced by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398574,"Huizenga Votes In Support of Second Amendment, Improving Background Check Reporting System",2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Huizenga Votes In Support of Second Amendment, Improving Background Check Reporting System f t # e Washington, December 6, 2017 This important legislation improves the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent the sale or transfer of firearms to felons and other individuals prohibited from legally obtaining a firearm. If the proper data was reported to the NICS database it is entirely possible that the recent tragedy in Sutherland Springs, Texas could have been avoided. The Second Amendment is one of the most fundamental rights we have in this nation. H.R. 38 preserves the ability of licensed, law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional right to own and carry a firearm for self-defense in any state.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398920,Upton Joins Colleagues in Letter Urging DACA Fix,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, recently joined 34 colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in writing a letter to House Speaker Paul D. Ryan urging a permanent legislation solution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. Read the full letter here or below. Dear Speaker Ryan,  We write in support of passing of a permanent legislative solution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients before the end of the year. DACA recipients – young people brought to America through no fault of their own – are contributing members of our communities and our economy. For many, this is the only country they have ever known. They are American in every way except their immigration status.  Since DACA’s inception, the federal government has approved approximately 795,000 initial DACA applications and 924,000 renewals. Since being approved for DACA status, an overwhelming majority of these individuals have enrolled in school, found employment, or have served in the military. Studies have shown that passing legislation to permanently protect these individuals would add hundreds of billions to our country’s gross domestic product (GDP). That is why the business community, universities, and civic leaders alike support a permanent legislative solution.  We agree with President Trump that executive action was not the appropriate process for solving this issue, as was done under the previous administration, and we believe Congress should act. We are compelled to act immediately because many DACA recipients are about to lose or have already lost their permits in the wake of the program’s rescission. Not acting is creating understandable uncertainty and anxiety amongst immigrant communities.  While we firmly believe Congress must work to address other issues within our broken immigration system, it is imperative that Republicans and Democrats come together to solve this problem now and not wait until next year. We all agree that our border must be enforced, our national security defended, and our broken immigration system reformed, but in this moment, we must address the urgent matter before us in a balanced approach that does not harm valuable sectors of our economy nor the lives of these hard-working young people.  We must pass legislation that protects DACA recipients from deportation and gives them the opportunity to apply for a more secured status in our country as soon as possible. Reaching across the aisle to protect DACA recipients before the holidays is the right thing to do.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=140,Bergman Supports Additional Protections for Legal Gun Owners,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bergman Supports Additional Protections for Legal Gun Owners Today, Congressman Jack Bergman voted in support of H.R. 38, The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. f t # e Washington, December 6, 2017 “Protecting the rights of lawful gun-owners in Michigan’s First District will always be one of my top priorities and that is why I proudly co-sponsored H.R. 38. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 passed today in the House 231-198. This common-sense legislation would create concealed firearm reciprocity throughout the country: allowing a legally qualified individual to carry a concealed firearm in other states that allow individuals to carry concealed firearms."" In addition to expanding protections for law-abiding gun-owners, H.R. 38: Includes legislation to Fix NICS: Encouraging and incentivizing states to enter records that would legally disqualify a person from purchasing a firearm into the FBI background check system; Sets common-sense guidelines for carrying firearms across state lines; Does not impede on municipalities rights to enact restrictions on where, when, and how people can carry in their jurisdiction; Excludes any individual who is prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm; and Does not change laws on purchasing a gun or change access to law-abiding gun owners. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-president-trump-s-announcement-designating-jerusalem,Dingell Statement on President Trumps Announcement Designating Jerusalem Israels Capital,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after President Trump declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel. “President Trump’s decision to designate Jerusalem as the Israeli capital outside of a comprehensive two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply disturbing as it undercuts continuing efforts toward peace. The final status of Jerusalem should be determined through negotiations between the two parties as part of a resolution to the conflict, as has been U.S. policy since 1967. This action raises tensions in an already restive region, placing Americans stationed in the Middle East at risk while increasing the chance of a wider regional conflict. I strongly oppose President Trump’s decision, which will serve as an obstacle to future peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-webster-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-worst-case,"Dingell, Webster Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Worst-Case Scenario Preparedness for Hospitals, Long-term Care Facilities",2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Daniel Webster (FL-11) today introduced legislation to strengthen and evaluate emergency preparedness procedures for hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act comes in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane season, which caused flooding and power outages at hospitals and medical facilities from Florida to Puerto Rico, resulting in public health emergencies and, in some cases, loss of life. “Emergency preparedness policies and procedures at our nation’s hospitals have been seriously tried and tested this year,” said Dingell. “The destruction wrought in the paths of Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate left hospitals and long-term care facilities without power, flooded or shutdown, resulting in tragic loss of life. In the face of these extreme weather threats, it is critical that emergency preparedness procedures across all medical facilities be reviewed. This legislation takes a proactive approach to identify new polices that better address future threats – both manmade and natural – so we can better protect patients.” “Disaster preparedness is critical for protecting lives, improving resiliency and being good stewards of disaster relief dollars,” said Webster. “The bill is a practical approach to ensuring that hospitals and long-term care facilities across the nation are more resilient against natural disasters. Maintaining a high standard of inspection, upkeep, and disaster preparedness, especially in places like in my home state of Florida, reduces the future loss of important facilities that many seniors and veterans in my district rely on. Being better prepared on the front end should also save taxpayers millions of dollars in disaster relief.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security lists health care as one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors. The Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act seeks to improve emergency preparedness in the health care sector by directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to engage with the National Academy of Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study into the future threats impacting emergency preparedness procedures for hospitals, long term care facilities, and other health care facilities. The study will provide Congress with new recommendations and expert analysis on: current emergency preparedness policies and regulations; identifying new policies that better address all future threats; improving Federal grant programs to assist health care facilities; and providing updated guidelines for alternative power systems and access to clean water. For a copy of the legislation, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-statement-president-trump%E2%80%99s-declaration-jerusalem,Levin Statement on President Trumps Declaration on Jerusalem,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2017                                                        Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961 Levin Statement on President Trump’s Declaration on Jerusalem   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today made the following statement regarding President Trump’s formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:   “My strong support for the 1995 law was based on the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel with a waiver available to promote a two-state solution as the basis for permanent peace with security for Israel.  Moving the U.S. embassy to the holy city of Jerusalem was assumed to promote a comprehensive peace agreement, not undermine the prospects for peace.   Today’s announcement by President Trump may make such a durable peace harder to achieve by inflaming tensions, so it is vital that the U.S. right now take every feasible step to help move all parties toward negotiating a two-state solution.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act,Moolenaar Supports Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,John Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House of Representatives passed the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The legislation allows individuals with concealed carry permits to carry across the state lines. The legislation also updates the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and increases assistance to states so they can increase the number of records submitted into the system. Congressman John Moolenaar voted for the legislation and made the following statement: “As always, I strongly support the Second Amendment rights of all Americans. Just as a driver’s license is valid across state lines, this legislation will allow those who have valid permits to carry across state lines. The bill also improves the background check system so states will submit more records and help stop those who are already legally prohibited from buying a gun.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-supports-moving-us-embassy-jerusale,Moolenaar Supports Moving U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,John Moolenaar,M001194,moolenaar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, President Donald Trump announced his administration’s decision to direct the State Department to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The embassy is currently located in Tel Aviv. On June 5, 2017, the U.S. Senate reaffirmed support for moving the embassy to Jerusalem. The vote was 90-0. Congressman John Moolenaar supports today's decision and made the following statement: “There is strong bipartisan support for moving our country’s embassy to Jerusalem. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and Jerusalem is its capital city. By moving the American embassy to Jerusalem, the United States reaffirms its historic alliance with Israel.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-announces-2017-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Walberg Announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, during Computer Science Education Week, Congressman Tim Walberg announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge for Michigan's 7th District. First place went to a team of four students from Chelsea High School: Madison Burlett, Rose LaForest, Cate Start, and Alex Steinaway. The team's teacher at Chelsea High School is Melissa McIntosh. Their winning app, ""M.A.D. Planner,"" allows users to plan for different types of parties and events, track a budget, and invite guests. It will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the House of Representatives website along with other winning entries from around the country. ""The Congressional App Challenge is an outstanding opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and computer science skills, while fostering a fun learning environment,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""Congratulations to Madison, Rose, Cate, and Alex on winning this year's contest, and I commend all the participants for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. I look forward to seeing the bright futures ahead of them."" Second place was a tie awarded to both Robert Moore from Chelsea High School and Jaymin Matthes from Western Middle School. Moore's teacher is Melissa McIntosh while Matthes' teacher is Kim Allison. Moore created an app entitled ""CHS Sign In/Out,"" which works as a school district kiosk that allows teachers to keep track of students signing in and out of offices. Matthes' ""Paddle Tycoon Beta"" app is a game designed to entertain children in a new and creative way. Third place was given to Mackenzie Bucki from Airport High School for her app ""MyPillBuddy."" Bucki's app helps users remember when they last took their medication to assist those who may be suffering from memory loss. The Congressional App Challenge, now in its third year, is a nationwide contest designed to highlight the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education by encouraging students to create an application for a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-capito-student-loan-rehabilitation-bill-advances-in-the-senate,"Peters, Capito Student Loan Rehabilitation Bill Advances in the Senate",2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Peters-Capito Student Loan Rehabilitation Bill Advances in the Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee today approved a provision based on bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to help private student loan borrowers rehabilitate their credit after a default on their loans. Currently, federal student loan borrowers are able to remove a default from their credit report, yet private student loan borrowers are not. The provision was approved as part of a larger package and now heads for consideration by the entire Senate. “Students who invest in their education and career by taking out private student loans deserve the chance to recover from a default without permanently damaging their financial future,” said Senator Peters. “I am pleased this bipartisan, commonsense solution is moving forward in the U.S. Senate so that private student loan borrowers have the same opportunity as federal loan borrowers to repair their credit and secure their long-term financial success.”  “Students invest a lot in their education, and we need to do our part to help them maintain a secure financial footing as they pay off loans. Senator Peters and I have worked together on a solution to help make this possible. Like federal student loans, our bipartisan legislation will allow students with private loans opportunities to rehabilitate their credit following a default. I thank the Senate Banking Committee for advancing it out of the committee,” said Senator Capito. This provision, based on the Federal Adjustment in Reporting (FAIR) Student Credit Act, would create an equal opportunity for private student loan borrowers who have successfully completed a series of on-time payments to remove a default from their credit report. Under current law, federal loans may be rehabilitated one time and borrowers can repair their credit by removing a default, but private lenders currently do not have the ability to remove negative credit information on borrowers who participate in loan rehabilitation programs. Instead, private lenders may only request to delete information from a credit report if it is inaccurate. While 90 percent of higher education loans are public and therefore eligible for loan rehabilitation, private student loans currently total $9.9 billion, and more than 850,000 private student loans are in default, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A bad credit report from a default can negatively impact a borrower’s ability to get a job, rent an apartment, buy a home, or purchase a car for years. Peters and Capito previously introduced the FAIR Student Credit Act during the 114th Congress, and as members of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 113th Congress. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/michigan-delegation-members-encourage-strong-epa-role-in-addressing-water-contamination-sites-in-belmont-military-installations-across-state,"Michigan Delegation Members Encourage Strong EPA Role in Addressing Water Contamination Sites in Belmont, Military Installations Across State",2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Michigan Delegation Members Encourage Strong EPA Role in Addressing Water Contamination Sites in Belmont, Military Installations Across State Wednesday, December 06, 2017 U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) today led a letter from members of the Michigan delegation encouraging a strong Environmental Protection Agency role to address water contamination across the state, including the Belmont area and several military installations.  In addition to Stabenow, Peters, and Upton, Representatives Dan Kildee (MI-05), Dave Trott (MI-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Sander Levin (MI-09), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Paul Mitchell (MI-10), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Justin Amash (MI-03), Mike Bishop (MI-08), and Bill Huizenga (MI-02) signed the letter.    “We write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue to actively engage in assisting the State of Michigan’s and the Department of Defense’s efforts to address serious public health threats stemming from exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) across multiple communities in our state,” wrote the lawmakers.  “As you are aware, these substances break down very slowly in the environment and remain in the blood and organs of exposed humans and wildlife for years.  Exposure to these chemical compounds are linked to cancer as well as thyroid, kidney, liver, and reproductive problems.”   A signed copy of the letter is attached to this release and the full text may be found below.    December 5, 2017   The Honorable Scott Pruitt Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460   Dear Administrator Pruitt:   We write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue to actively engage in assisting the State of Michigan’s and the Department of Defense’s efforts to address serious public health threats stemming from exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) across multiple communities in our state.  This problem is of such severity that the State of Michigan recently created a PFAS Action Response Team.  We also believe that further engagement by the EPA on this growing problem is consistent with your stated goal of refocusing the agency on actions that directly protect public health and safety.   As you are aware, these substances break down very slowly in the environment and remain in the blood and organs of exposed humans and wildlife for years.  Exposure to these chemical compounds are linked to cancer as well as thyroid, kidney, liver, and reproductive problems.  Over the past several months, a growing list of communities that span the state of Michigan are uncovering alarmingly high levels of PFOA and PFOS in soil, ground and drinking waters.    Tainted soil and groundwater in Western Michigan have been found to contain PFOS and PFOA concentrations as high as 37,800 parts-per-trillion (ppt), more than 500 times the EPA’s health advisory level of 70 ppt.  In addition, PFOA and PFOS have been found in raw and treated water in Ann Arbor.    PFOA and PFOS have also been detected in waters and fish across Michigan, including in the Au Sable River, Flint River, Kalamazoo River, Muskegon River, Saginaw River, St. Joseph River, Tahquamenon River, Dead River, Thunder Bay River, Rogue River and St. Marys River; as well as in parts of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.   PFOA and PFOS from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) used at active and decommissioned military bases have leached on and off-base.  In Oscoda, PFOS has been identified in a lake near a legacy Air Force base at levels that reportedly exceed 100,000 ppt, as well as in private drinking wells of surrounding homes.  These chemicals have also been discovered in and around Camp Grayling National Guard training base in Grayling and in private drinking wells near the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force base in Marquette.   Thank you for your consideration of this request and for providing our offices with information on EPA’s engagement on this matter to date.   We look forward to your expedient response.   Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/levin-floor-statement-violence-against-rohingya,Levin Floor Statement on Violence Against Rohingya,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2017                                   Contact: Nick Gwyn, (202) 225-4961 Levin Floor Statement on Violence Against Rohingya   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today made the following statement regarding a resolution condemning ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in Burma ( H.Con.Res. 90):   (Remarks as Delivered)   “I rise today in support of this resolution.    At the same time, I want to raise concerns about the overall thrust of the resolution. This resolution makes it clear that the military in Burma is the main perpetrator of the crimes committed against the Rohingya people. In November, Secretary Tillerson called the violence against the Rohingya “ethnic cleansing,” holding the military responsible.    Some have urged that Aung San Suu Kyi does not control the military, and there is a danger that the military would use the present crisis as a way to dismantle the civilian government. It is also been said that the civilian government is working within a deep traditional bias against the Rohingyas, and some see them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.   Others point out that pressure on the civilian government could lead to Burma moving closer to the Chinese.  Still others point out that talks about the Rohingyas returning to Burma must be afforded time to work out, and the process has only begun.    But none of these factors must undermine the realities of the persecution of the Rohingyas.  As an UN officials has stated, it is “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”   The Pope was under great pressure to not mention the Rohingyas by name.  He expressed his deep concerns while visiting the country. And later in Bangladesh, the Pope being specific, said that “None of us can fail to be aware of the gravity of the situation,” and called for “decisive measures to address this grave crisis.”   A few years ago, I was part of the CODEL organized by Leader Pelosi to Burma.  One of the highlights of the trip was meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, who had been freed after almost two decades of house arrest.  We discussed her unique role in moving Myanmar toward a nation of freedom, human rights and peace. The resolution earlier introduced by Senators McCain and Durbin expressed the overriding need for the world to step up to the plight of the Rohingyas.  I introduced the same resolution in the House.  These resolutions reflect what the many esteemed historical figures have said.  ·         Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed by the Nazis, said “Silence in the face of evil, is itself evil.” ·         Desmond Tutu said “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”  ·         Elie Wiesel said “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ·          And Martin Luther King said that the “…[an individual] who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://trott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/unanimous-trotts-legislation-increasing-federal-penalty-female-genital,UNANIMOUS: Trott's Legislation Increasing Federal Penalty for Female Genital Mutilation Passes U.S. House,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Dave Trott,T000475,trott.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11) issued the following statement after the Stopping Abusive Female Exploitation (SAFE) Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced that would increase the federal penalty for female genital mutilation to 15 years in prison and implore states to implement reporting requirements for suspected genital mutilation, passed the House of Representatives unanimously: ""The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 500,000 females in the United States have undergone or are at risk for genital mutilation. Just one victim is too many, and our federal laws must reflect this principle. This appalling and brutal practice has no place in Southeast Michigan, or the United States, and today we made it clear to Americans and the rest of the world that this heinous practice will not be tolerated. This is gender violence and oppression and it's time for the federal government to penalize it as such. I'm proud my colleagues from both sides of the aisle have come together to take this critical step forward in eradicating this merciless practice."" ""It is deeply troubling that many women and young girls in the United States are at risk of female genital mutilation. This barbaric practice violates basic human rights in a horrific way, and we must ensure our laws appropriately deter and punish those seeking to harm women. The SAFE Act contains new tools to fight this human rights abuse, and I thank Congressman Trott for his efforts to protect young girls and women from this heinous crime. I applaud the House for approving this bill and call on the Senate to pass it without delay,"" said Committee on Judiciary Chairman Goodlatte. Under current federal law, female genital mutilation is punishable by 5 years in prison. The Stopping Abusive Female Exploitation (SAFE) Act increases the punishment to 15 years imprisonment. Additionally, it implores states to enact into law reporting requirements for suspected female genital mutilation. In stark contrast to other developed countries, the United States' 5-year penalty for perpetrators of female genital mutilation is significantly weaker. For example, the penalty in the United Kingdom is up to 14 years imprisonment and in France up to 20 years imprisonment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-leads-colleagues-to-call-for-strong-consumer-protection-advocate-at-cfpb,Peters Leads Colleagues to Call for Strong Consumer Protection Advocate at CFPB,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 Peters Leads Colleagues to Call for Strong Consumer Protection Advocate at CFPB WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) led 43 of his colleagues in a letter urging President Donald Trump to swiftly nominate a strong consumer protection advocate to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) who will put working families ahead of Wall Street. The Senators also expressed serious concerns with the White House decision to install Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney as part-time acting director of the agency. Mulvaney has a clear record opposing the CFPB and has sought to abolish it. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) joined Peters in signing the letter. “Through aggressive enforcement and supervision, CFPB actions have resulted in $12 billion in relief for more than 29 million American consumers who were cheated by financial companies,” the Senators wrote. “Assigning leadership of the CFPB to someone who already has a full-time job reporting to the White House and who does not believe in the CFPB’s mission jeopardizes the agency’s independence and effectiveness. We urge you to nominate a CFPB Director who will bring to the job both bipartisan support and a track record of being tough on Wall Street.” The CFPB was created as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act following the financial crisis that began in 2007 to ensure that bad actors on Wall Street would be held accountable for fraudulent or predatory practices that take advantage of middle class Americans. Since its creation, the CFPB has helped more than 17 million Americans receive over $11 billion in relief from illegal and unfair financial practices. Peters was joined in sending the letter by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Al Franken (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Carper (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Bill Nelson (D-FL). The text of the letter is copied below and available here. December 4, 2017  Dear President Trump, After the 2008 financial crisis wiped out trillions of dollars of wealth and the jobs of millions of Americans, Congress passed important financial reforms and created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an independent watchdog to protect people from financial scams. Through aggressive enforcement and supervision, CFPB actions have resulted in $12 billion in relief for more than 29 million American consumers who were cheated by financial companies. The CFPB has taken almost 200 enforcement actions: against mortgage schemes that rip off struggling borrowers, against predatory financial firms that set up shop next to military bases to target servicemembers, against scam for-profit schools that take advantage of veterans’ benefits, and against companies that train their employees to trap consumers in debt. These are the enforcement results that the National Fraternal Order of Police and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general expected when they endorsed Rich Cordray’s nomination and said he would be “an effective partner in combating fraud and other illegal schemes[.]” His nomination passed the Senate with 66 votes, including 12 Republicans. In a 2016 campaign speech, you said “…[T]his election is a choice between taking our government back from the special interests, or surrendering our last scrap of independence to their total and complete control.” Polling shows that the vast majority of Americans agree that the CFPB has been doing great work holding special interests accountable. 74% of Americans -- Republicans and Democrats -- approve of the CFPB’s mission and 55% of Republicans who voted for you believe that the CFPB should be left alone to do its work or even be given expanded authority to do more. Assigning leadership of the CFPB to someone who already has a full-time job reporting to the White House and who does not believe in the CFPB’s mission jeopardizes the agency’s independence and effectiveness. We urge you to nominate a CFPB Director who will bring to the job both bipartisan support and a track record of being tough on big banks and other financial firms that rip off consumers. Following the Dodd-Frank succession provision and nominating a Director who will fight for consumers allows the CFPB to continue its work without political interference. Please stand up for American military servicemembers and veterans, students, seniors and workers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398918,ICYMI: Why a fix for DACA is imperative,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Why a fix for DACA is imperative By U.S. Rep. Fred Upton December 4, 2017 Herald Palladium Over the last number of months there has been a deluge of interest in a small but important immigration program called DACA. DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and is a policy that allows a number of individuals – approximately 800,000 across the country and thousands here in Michigan – who entered our country as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation. I believe it is of the utmost importance that we work together to take care of these folks. Let’s be clear: For these young men and women, the United States is their home. They speak English, they’ve been raised in our neighborhoods, attended our schools, served in our military, worked in our communities, and have clean criminal records.   I’ve met with many individuals impacted by DACA and have heard from our Southwest Michigan universities, restaurant and small business owners, as well as my farmer friends who all agree we must ensure a path forward. DACA recipients are important not only to our communities but also our economy. Estimates from the CATO Institute show that a full repeal of DACA would cost the United States $280 billion in economic growth during the next decade. Yes, I disagreed with President Obama’s 2012 Executive Order as it related to DACA and welcomed President Trump’s call on Congress to act with a legislative fix. That’s exactly what we intend on doing. It is the responsibility of Congress to work together on fair, rigorous, and bipartisan legislation that addresses the long-term uncertainty facing these young people. We need legislation – not Executive Orders. Congress has until March 2018 to come up with a solution, and I’m confident that we can. To that end, I have co-sponsored two pieces of legislation to address this issue. The Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act (BRIDGE Act) seeks to grant a three-year protection for those who are covered by DACA. The Recognizing America’s Children Act (RAC Act) would offer conditional five-year protection for DACA recipients if they pursue vocational or higher education, enlist in the military, or are gainfully employed. It also opens up a path to citizenship after 10 years if strict requirements are met. I am also a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus which is working to produce new legislation that combines protection for DACA recipients with border security measures to rally significant support among Republicans and Democrats. This is clearly an important issue. Lives hang in the balance. These aspiring Americans deserve to be treated with compassion and fairness. These young men and women came to our country through no fault of their own. If they’re working hard, playing by the rules, and reaching for the American Dream – we should support them and encourage them. They are what helps make America great.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=139,One Step Closer to Tax Reform,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MI,Jack Bergman,B001301,bergman.house.gov,,,legacy,"One Step Closer to Tax Reform In his continued effort to provide much-needed tax relief for the residents of Michigan's First District, Congressman Jack Bergman voted to send the Tax Cuts and Job's Act to Conference. f t # e Washington, December 4, 2017 ""We are one step closer to providing tax relief for the hard-working people of Michigan's First District. Congress has been hard at work crafting legislation to make our tax code simple and fair, and today I voted to send the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to conference to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions to produce the best results for all Americans.  ""The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create over 25,000 new Michigan jobs, save the average Michigander $1182 dollars per year, and lower the small business tax rate to no more than 25%. Our goal is to give the hard-working people of Michigan’s First District tax relief going into 2018.""   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-responds-supreme-court-decision-allowing-president-trump-s,Dingell Responds to Supreme Court Decision Allowing President Trumps Muslim Ban to Take Effect,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the Supreme Court allowed full enforcement of President Trump’s Muslim ban. “The Supreme Court’s decision to allow President Trump’s Muslim ban to go into effect while legal challenges continue in the lower courts is extremely disappointing. Freedom of religion is a fundamental pillar of our Constitution, and the President’s executive order represents a thinly veiled ban on entry to this country based on religion. This hateful action will keep people apart from their loved ones, and as national security experts have warned, make our country less safe. It goes against everything our nation stands for, and we will continue to fight against these efforts to divide us.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-statement-retirement-rep-sandy-levin,Dingell Statement on the Retirement of Rep. Sandy Levin,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,,,legacy,"DEARBORN, MI – U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after Rep. Sandy Levin (MI-09) announced that he will not run for reelection in 2018: ""In his 35 years in Congress, Congressman Sandy Levin has been a champion for Michigan and the working families he represents. From working to ensure every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education to ensuring workers can complete on a level playing field, Michigan is undoubtedly better and stronger because of Rep. Levin’s decades of service. He epitomizes what it means to be a public servant, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the alongside him. John Dingell and I wish him all the best and look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in his next chapter.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/rep-levin-highlights-aca-enrollment-deadline,Rep. Levin Highlights ACA Enrollment Deadline,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Levin Highlights ACA Enrollment Deadline   ROSEVILLE, MI – Rep. Sander Levin (MI-09) today met with individuals and organizations that help Michiganders enroll in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  This year’s ACA open enrollment period lasts only six weeks compared to 12 weeks last year and the deadline for signing up is December 15.  The meeting was held in Sterling Heights in the offices of ACCESS, one of the organizations helping Michiganders navigate their enrollment options.     Rep. Levin said, “We have to redouble our efforts to help people sign up for health insurance, especially as the Trump Administration is making enrollment more difficult by slashing funding for navigators, cutting the enrollment period in half, and threating steps that would increase premiums.  Fortunately, here in Michigan, many dedicated organizations are actively working to help people enroll despite these hurdles.  I urge every Michigander without health insurance to sign up now.”   In a statement, ACCESS declared that “This open enrollment period, our agency was faced with unanticipated changes, such as a 33% program budget cut along with the shortened open enrollment period.”  But ACCESS also noted their successful enrollment efforts despite these challenges, including assisting 1,224 clients, 1,120 of which were assisted with enrolling in a health plan – 705 through the ACA Marketplace and 415 through the Healthy Michigan Plan. The Healthy Asian Americans Project stated “Since the ACA became law, the individual mandate has helped to reduce the uninsured rates for Asian Americans by half.  Based on the data from the Congressional Budget Office estimated repealing the mandate will lead to 13 million people losing their health insurance and premiums will increase by 10 percent.  The recent tax bill passed in Senate can be very dangerous to our Asian communities.” Organizations attending today’s meeting included: ACCESS Community Health and Research Center; Healthy Asian Americans Project; Chaldean Community Foundation; FernCare Free Clinic, Inc.; MyCare; and Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-colleagues-urge-fcc-to-delay-net-neutrality-vote,"Peters, Colleagues Urge FCC to Delay Net Neutrality Vote",2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.04.17 Peters, Colleagues Urge FCC to Delay Net Neutrality Vote Recent Reports Suggest Fake Comments from Computer Bots Undermining Public Comment Process WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today joined 27 of his colleagues in a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, calling for a delay to the planned December 14th vote to roll back net neutrality rules. In the letter, Peters and his colleagues express alarm over reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process. Peters and his colleagues are requesting a delay until an investigation of the state of the record is conducted. “A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding,” the Senators wrote. “In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.” “Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public’s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017,” the Senators continued. “The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding,” the Senators concluded. Peters was joined by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-MI) Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ). The text of the letter is below and available here: December 4, 2017 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: We are deeply concerned by your recently released proposal to roll back critical consumer protections by dismantling the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) current net neutrality rules. A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed. To this end, we request a thorough investigation by the FCC into reports that bots may have interfered with this proceeding by filing hundreds of thousands of comments. Furthermore, an additional 50,000 consumer complaints seem to have been excluded from the public record in this proceeding, according to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by the National Hispanic Media Coalition.  Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public’s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017.  New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has spent the past six months conducting an investigation into the fraudulent comments, and found that “hundreds of thousands” of comments may have impersonated New York residents, a violation of state law. He further asserts that the FCC has not cooperated with requests for additional data and information. Data scientist Jeff Kao has also run an analysis of the public record, and estimates that over a million comments filed in support of repealing net neutrality may have been fake. These reports raise serious concerns as to whether the record the FCC is currently relying on has been tampered with and merits the full attention of, and investigation by, the FCC before votes on this item are cast. A transparent and open process is vitally important to how the FCC functions. The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding.  As a result, we are requesting that you delay your planned vote on this item until you can conduct a thorough review of the state of the record and provide Congress with greater assurance of its accuracy and completeness.  Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-passage-senate-gop-tax-scam,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Passage of Senate GOP Tax Scam,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Michiganders are working harder than ever to make ends meet. They deserve real bipartisan tax reform that puts working people first. Unfortunately, this Republican tax plan being rushed through Congress does not help the middle class. It only helps the wealthiest Americans and largest corporations. In the middle of the night, Republicans voted to raise taxes on tens of millions of middle class families and give huge tax cuts to the top 1 percent of Americans and multinational corporations. If you are a homeowner, a parent, a student or a caretaker of a sick family member, you will see your taxes go up under this terrible plan. Republicans want the middle class to pay more in taxes while large corporations get a permanent tax cut. Congress must start over and get tax reform right. Both parties should come together and focus on real tax relief for middle class Americans, not just on more tax breaks for those at the very top. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-kildee-rep-sander-levin-not-seeking-re-election,Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Rep. Sander Levin Not Seeking Re-Election,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Dan Kildee,K000380,dankildee.house.gov,,,legacy,"I have respected Sandy since my earliest days in politics. To have the opportunity to serve with him in Congress has been an incredible honor. Sandy isnt just a colleague; he is a mentor and dear friend. For decades, Sandy has fought for fair trade deals, affordable health care, and the rights of workers everywhere. His contributions will be evident for a long time, not just in the U.S., but around the globe. I will never forget that Sandy was one of the first Members of Congress to come to Flint and help residents recover from the water crisis. His devotion to public service is unwavering. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/press-release/rep-levin-announces-he-will-not-seek-re-election,Rep. Levin Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Sander Levin,L000263,levin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Levin Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election WASHINGTON, D.C. / ROSEVILLE, MI– Rep. Sandy Levin (D-MI) today released the following statement on his decision not to seek re-election in 2018.   “I have been incredibly honored to serve the people of Michigan in Congress and to work on so many issues important to our communities, our state, and our nation.  I have tried to live up to the trust given to me by my constituents by following the values of my parents and family and by acting on what I believe after digging deeply into the facts and consulting broadly.     I now want to share these same values in ways other than being an elected official.  Working to renew our confidence in promoting positive change, especially among our next generation of leaders, will be a particular interest.   I am therefore looking forward to joining the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy after my tenure in Congress concludes.  But for the next year, much work remains in Congress, especially as it relates to important tax, trade and health policies.”   A broader announcement from Rep. Levin was published today in the Detroit Free Press.   Representative Levin has championed many critical issues during his 35 years of Congressional service, including:   Fighting for comprehensive health care for all as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee during consideration and passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Saving Social Security by leading efforts to defeat attempts to privatize the program. Working for fairer trade policies by authoring with Rep. Rangel the May 10th agreement which required for the first time the inclusion of fully enforceable labor and environmental standards in trade agreements, and by insisting that any renegotiated NAFTA address outsourcing of jobs to Mexico due its very low wages and lack of labor rights. Preserving America’s automobile industry by working along with his brother, Senator Carl Levin, and the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation in 2007 and 2008 to ensure emergency assistance to the domestic automobile industry. Fighting for a fairer tax code, authoring the original legislation to treat “carried interest” compensation received by investment fund managers as ordinary income and by pressing to close the “inversion” loophole that allows companies to avoid paying U.S. taxes.   Curbing drug abuse by co-authoring (with now Senator Rob Portman) the Drug Free Communities Support Program, which has provided grants to thousands of communities. Protecting the Great Lakes by leading, along with Reps. Louise Slaughter (NY), David Joyce (OH) and former Rep. John Dingell (MI), a bipartisan effort in the House to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).   A more complete list of legislative initiatives by Rep. Levin can be found here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-statement-on-retirement-of-rep-sandy-levin,Peters Statement on Retirement of Rep. Sandy Levin,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Gary Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.02.17 Peters Statement on Retirement of Rep. Sandy Levin WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the retirement of U.S. Representative Sandy Levin: “Sandy Levin is someone who has been a mentor and role model for me, and his dedication to public service will be missed in the halls of Congress and across Southeast Michigan.  If there is one lasting legacy Sandy will leave behind, it is his steadfast commitment to improving the lives of working people.  Whether it was fighting for workers affected by trade deals or protecting Medicare and Social Security from cuts and privatization, Sandy always put people first. The embodiment of a true public servant, Sandy fought for better jobs, improved health care and a secure retirement for everyone, and I wish him the best as he moves to the next chapter in his life.” Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-following-senate-vote-on-republican-tax-bill,Stabenow Statement Following Senate Vote on Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Upper Peninsula Office 1901 W. Ridge Suite 7 Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 228-8756 Northern Michigan Office 3335 S. Airport Road West Suite 6B Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 929-1031 West Michigan Office 3280 E. Beltline Court NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: (616) 975-0052 Mid-Michigan Office 221 W. Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 203-1760 Southeast Michigan Office 719 Griswold St. Suite 700 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-4330 Flint/Saginaw Bay Office 432 N. Saginaw St Suite 301 Flint, MI 48502 Phone: (810) 720-4172 Washington DC 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-2204 Phone: (202) 224-4822",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/stabenow-statement-on-announcement-of-rep-sandy-levin-retirement,Stabenow Statement on Announcement of Rep. Sandy Levin Retirement,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Stabenow,S000770,www.stabenow.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stabenow Statement on Announcement of Rep. Sandy Levin Retirement Saturday, December 02, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released the following statement on the news that Congressman Sandy Levin (MI-09) will not seek reelection:   “For 35 years, the people of Southeast Michigan have known that they could count on Sandy Levin to fight for them in Washington. Every day Sandy has made the people of Michigan his top priority: expanding access to health care, protecting Social Security and unemployment insurance, championing American jobs and workers, supporting our American auto industry, and protecting our Great Lakes. He’s also been a wonderful partner and a true friend. It has been my honor to work alongside Sandy Levin on behalf of Michigan families.” Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-recognizes-jackson-county-veteran-year,Walberg Recognizes the Jackson County Veteran of the Year,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"November 30, 2017 Image Issues:Veterans",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-strengthen-brownfields-program-promote-jobs-and-economic,"Walberg Votes to Strengthen Brownfields Program, Promote Jobs and Economic Development",2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) today voted for the Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that strengthens the EPA's Brownfields Program and encourages greater economic development and job creation. In the 7th District, the Brownfields Program has played a key role in revitalizing a number of industrial sites and properties, including land used for the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe. Click here to watch Congressman Walberg's remarks on the House floor. ""There are more than 450,000 brownfields sites across the country, and many communities in our area have seen the positive results of the program,"" said Congressman Walberg. ""It empowers states and local governments to take abandoned and vacant industrial sites and once again turn them into economic assets—all-the-while cleaning up the environment. With the help of this bipartisan bill, more Michigan communities will be able to revitalize these properties, encourage job growth, and bring about economic benefits for our communities."" Congressman Walberg serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z