Passing a Historic Farm Bill
Passing a Historic Farm Bill
Michigan's farmers are an integral part of our communities, which is why I was proud to support the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. With a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, it is important that America's farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to help our country produce a safe and abundant food supply. As the first full farm bill passed since 2018, the legislation builds on the historic investments included in the Working Families Tax Cuts to provide farmers with much-needed certainty and maintain America's position as a global agricultural leader. It also provides farmers with expanded access to credit and risk management tools, prioritizes energy efficiency and investments in rural broadband, and protects interstate commerce for livestock producers.
Improving Rural Health
We must ensure that vitally important health services are able to reach people in all communities, including in rural areas. Last year, I voted for the Working Families Tax Cuts, which provided the largest investment in rural health care in history, through a $50 billion grant program. To build on this effort, I recently voted in favor of the Improving Rural Healthcare in America Reauthorization Act and the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act, which would extend programs focused on increasing access to health services, expanding telehealth services, and improving chronic disease management in rural areas. These programs play a vital part in our efforts to improve rural health outcomes, and these reauthorizations would provide support for these programs for years to come.
Strengthening Our Workforce
As Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, supporting our workforce and enabling job growth is one of my priorities in Congress. I recently visited the Litchfield Training Center, where I discussed my initiatives to strengthen our workforce development system. Last week, the Education and Workforce Committee passed my bill, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which would modernize our workforce system by better connecting individuals with sector partnerships, apprenticeships, and employer-led training programs. This legislation would also allocate funding for upskilling workers through industry initiatives, helping workers avoid stagnation and holding states accountable for delivering beneficial outcomes for workers and employees.
Protecting Our Communities
In 2024 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 340 cases of human trafficking. I recently had the opportunity to meet with former Branch County prosecutor and current circuit judge Zach Stempien to discuss efforts to protect our communities, including my bill, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, which passed the House unanimously last month. This legislation would help protect our communities against human trafficking by ensuring Department of Labor (DOL) employees receive the necessary training to properly identify instances of trafficking and refer them to law enforcement. By providing DOL employees with the proper training, we can create an early warning system that helps to protect those who are most vulnerable and hold traffickers accountable.
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and our founding, multiple efforts are underway to recognize this historic milestone. The Department of Transportation has announced the Great American Road Trip, highlighting iconic travel routes, historic landmarks, and scenic destinations across all 50 states. I would encourage constituents to check out these amazing stops that feature the best of America here. Additionally, if you or your family are currently planning a visit to D.C. for this historic occasion, please click here for additional information on America 250-themed experiences.