Bridging the Digital Divide

Bridging the Digital Divide

The House passed my bipartisan Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act this week. A GAO study showed there are over 130 federal programs administered by 15 agencies working on rural broadband deployment. There's been unprecedented investment in rural broadband; however, there are many fragmented and duplicative efforts limiting the return on that investment. My bipartisan bill requires a national strategy to increase efficiency and limit wasteful efforts. After its passage as a provision in the NTIA Reauthorization this week, we'll continue to work towards its passage in the Senate with my colleagues, Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), John Thune (R-SD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

Recognizing Congressional Art Challenge Winner

On Monday, I announced the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Michigan’s 5th District, Nathan Winn. Nathan is a senior at Jonesville High School in Hillsdale County and received first place for his entry, Messenger to Dragon Palace. The impressive work features a turtle with incredibly skillful shadowing. Nathan's art teacher at Jonesville High School is Sarah Sundberg, and his winning artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol Building. 

Second place was awarded to Alexi Shelton from Homer Community Schools. His entry, Warm Sister Smile, will be displayed in my Niles office. Alexi's art teacher at Homer is Joseph Mueller.

Honoring Law Enforcement

This week marked National Police Week. I joined my colleagues in a vigil to honor fallen law enforcement officers and their families. I will always back the blue and stand alongside them against those who call to defund our police. We thank all the law enforcement members across southern Michigan who risk their lives and make unbelievable sacrifices to protect our community.

Preventing Exploitation

On Wednesday, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra came before the Education and Workforce Committee. I pressed him on HHS vetting procedures in light of reports that unaccompanied children were being placed with sponsors who were exploiting these children. One of the findings from that report stated that case files for 16 percent of unaccompanied children who were released to sponsors did not contain any documentation that a required safety check on the sponsor was conducted. This is simply unacceptable.

Welcoming School Groups

I had the honor of welcoming groups from both Hudson Middle School and Ida Middle School this week. The students were incredibly positive, bright, and engaged. It's hard not to feel optimistic about America’s future after spending time with these students.