Honoring Law Enforcement

Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office 5.14.25

May 17, 2025

Honoring Law Enforcement

During this National Police Week, we honored our nation's law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, including Hillsdale County Sheriff's Deputy William Henry Butler Jr. Deputy Butler was tragically killed last year while assisting a fellow officer during a traffic stop. His name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall, and he was honored at a candlelight vigil in the Capitol Building. I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Department who served with Deputy Butler, and thank them for their service. I also presented them with a copy of the Congressional Record, displaying a floor speech I gave last July to honor Deputy Butler. We owe all of our heroic law enforcement officers across the country a debt of gratitude.

Strengthening our Workforce

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to discuss the issues facing our nation's workforce. As Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, I remain committed to working with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to roll back burdensome regulations and support job creation so we can unleash the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the American workforce. I also participated in a hearing on Thursday to explore common sense solutions that can return the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to fulfilling its purpose of advancing workplace safety.

Supporting Charter Schools

This week, we also celebrated National Charter Schools Week, and I was able to participate in a hearing to discuss the important role charter schools play in educating our nation's students. Every student deserves a quality education that sets him or her up for success later in life. Charter schools encourage innovation and competition, improving student outcomes. Parents are best equipped to understand their children's unique needs and should have the ability to choose the educational setting that best suits them, whether it be public, private, charter, etc.

Welcoming Students to the Capitol

On Tuesday, I met with a group of current students and alumni of Spring Arbor University who were visiting Washington, D.C. this week and touring the U.S. Capitol Building. We were able to discuss the Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, which will reform postsecondary education so that taxpayers, students, and schools are better served via three main initiatives: strengthening accountability for students and taxpayers, streamlining student loan options, and simplifying student loan repayment. Thank you for stopping by my office!

Touring Local Small Businesses

I recently visited Knutson's Sporting Goods, a family-owned business in Brooklyn. Businesses like Knutson's Sporting Goods play a pivotal role in Michigan's economy. In recent years, small business owners have faced challenges from record-high inflation to burdensome regulations. We must implement pro-growth policies that put our workers and job creators first.