Protecting the Great Lakes
Protecting the Great Lakes
The long-term health of Great Lakes fisheries is crucial to safeguarding Michigan's economy and way of life, which is why I introduced the bipartisan Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act. This week, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries held a legislative hearing to examine my bill, which would combat invasive species that cause billions of dollars in damage to Michigan fisheries and infrastructure. During the hearing, I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Gaden, the Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, about how this bipartisan legislation would protect fisheries and outdoor recreation economies.
Honoring a Hillsdale County Veteran
served in the United States Navy as a Search and Rescue Helicopter Crewman, supporting Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven (HC-7), also known as the “Sea Devils." During this time, he assisted the squadron in rescuing approximately 150 pilots who had been shot down over Vietnam, and received numerous service awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation for his heroism. Following his service, Patrick stayed active in his local community, spending 32 years serving with Riverview Police Force, and joining the VFW Post 1136 in Wyandotte. Patrick's dedication to serving others is an inspiration to us all, and I commend him for his extraordinary service to our nation. To nominate a deserving veteran in Michigan's 5th District for this honor, please complete the nomination form here.
Closing the Digital Divide
We must ensure rural America has access to reliable internet connectivity in today's digital age. To close the digital divide, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology recently held a legislative hearing to examine my bill, the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. This bipartisan legislation would streamline efforts by increasing coordination among all relevant federal agencies. By requiring the Administration to implement a national strategy, we can increase internet access in underserved rural areas.
Supporting Our Troops and Strengthening Our National Security
On Wednesday, I voted for, and the House passed, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year's NDAA supports our nation's troops by providing servicemembers with a 5-7% pay increase and improving access to housing and education for military families. This bill also ensures our nation's military is able to effectively safeguard our nation's security interests by building up depleted weapons stockpiles and strengthening deterrent measures by unleashing private sector investment that encourages innovation and creates thousands of skilled jobs. With security threats increasing around the world, I am committed to enhancing military readiness and supporting our troops.
Supporting Our Troops, Farmers, and Elections
This week, House Republicans took the first step in the budget reconciliation process to address urgent national priorities that the American people have been asking for. We passed a budget resolution to direct House committees to begin the process of securing our elections, supporting our troops, and providing certainty for our food supply. The reconciliation bill will include parts of the SAVE America agenda, including requiring photo-identification and citizenship-verification safeguards to vote. It will also strengthen our military readiness to support our troops and provide much-needed economic relief for American farmers to ensure they can continue to produce an affordable and reliable food supply for Michigan families.