Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's founding, it is important to reflect on the rich heritage and freedoms our country was founded on. This Independence Day, I had the opportunity to welcome constituents to our nation's capital and greet them during tours of the U.S. Capitol building. Our residents have played important roles throughout our history, helping build a stronger and more resilient United States, and it is my honor to serve you and join in celebrating our nation's Semiquincentennial.
Protecting Kids Online
On Monday, the House passed my bill, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), as part of the bipartisan Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would build on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the only online privacy law for children, to protect children and teenagers from the privacy and safety risks they face online. By banning targeted advertising and strengthening protections for children and teenagers, we can provide families with the tools necessary to better protect young users online.
Strengthening Our Energy Security
Hundreds of millions of Americans rely on our nation's critical energy infrastructure, and we must ensure that it is prepared for 21st-century threats. This week, I was proud to see the House pass my bill, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, which reinforces this critical infrastructure by elevating energy emergency preparedness and cybersecurity as core responsibilities within the Department of Energy. This bipartisan legislation improves coordination so we can strengthen our response capabilities, improve the resiliency of our electrical grid, and ensure Americans have access to reliable, affordable energy.
Investing in Local Communities
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $733,000 in federal funding for Stevensville through the Brownfields grant program to restore the former Anstey Foundry and support community engagement activities. The Brownfields Program has provided millions of dollars for economic development projects, creating opportunity across southern Michigan by encouraging local job growth while making a difference for our environment. I had the opportunity to visit the site in Stevensville and discuss with officials how this funding aligns with Michigan's priorities, which I have been collaborating on with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. I also had the chance to stop by Lincoln Charter Township to present the township with a tribute recognizing the role local communities like them play in our nation's history.
2026 Congressional App Challenge
The 2026 Congressional App Challenge is now underway! I would like to extend an invitation to all middle and high school students in Michigan's 5th District to create and submit an original app for a chance to win. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to explore and enhance their computer science skills.
All apps must be submitted by October 26th. For more information, please visit walberg.house.gov or congressionalappchallenge.us. I look forward to seeing the creativity and ingenuity displayed by Michigan's 5th District!