Traveling across southern Michigan to hear from constituents is always a priority. Recently, I hosted a community gathering in Mendon Township to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will deliver for families in Michigan's 5th District. Without the OBBBA, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 would expire, and residents of MI-05 would see a 27% tax hike. The bill would also protect and revitalize manufacturing, preserving 9,000 jobs and creating $1.5 billion in economic growth in MI-05. The Senate must pass this generational opportunity to lower costs and help Americans pocket more of their hard-earned money. Learn more about how OBBBA would impact Michiganders here.
On Tuesday, I presented Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Van Havel with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor award from the U.S. Air Force. Lt. Col. Van Havel, from Hudson, was awarded this honor for his heroic actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He flew as a wingman on a Close Air Support mission, providing overwatch for the Quick Reaction Force. I also presented Lt. Col. Van Havel with a congressional proclamation, thanking him for his courageous service to our nation and defending the freedom we also hold so dear.
Protecting the long-term health of our fisheries in the Great Lakes is critical to Michigan’s economy and our way of life. That is why, I partnered with Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI) in introducing the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act, which will establish a program to implement mass marking of fish at hatcheries in the Great Lakes. Large-scale fish marking will provide us with the data we need to better understand and improve fishing practices. On Wednesday, the House Natural Resources Committee passed this critical bill with unanimous consent.
On Wednesday, the House voted to support our brave veterans and servicemembers by passing the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The bill includes vital provisions, which will fully fund veterans' benefits, veterans' health care programs, and efforts to combat veteran homelessness. It will also improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families by addressing barracks deficiencies, investing in military family housing, and strengthening our facilities in the Indo-Pacific Region. Our nation's veterans and servicemembers have sacrificed so much and deserve our support.
This week, the House Education and Workforce Committee voted to advance my bill, the Association Health Plans Act. Association Health Plans (AHPs) level the playing field for small businesses by allowing high-quality coverage at better rates due to the bulk purchasing power that is typically enjoyed by larger businesses. My bill would provide innovative health care solutions to bring down health care costs for small businesses and in turn, their employees.
