Protecting Michigan Consumers

Protecting Michigan Consumers

Michigan families, farmers, and small businesses should not be forced to foot the bill for data centers, which is why I voted this week in support of the Ratepayer Protection Act. This bipartisan bill protects consumers from rising energy costs associated with increased energy demand from data centers. As new data centers are built, it is important to ensure costs associated with grid updates and new energy generation are not passed on to American families. This legislation would direct state utility regulators to consider strategies to require large-scale data centers to cover the costs of power generation and additional infrastructure needed to meet their energy demand.

Cracking Down on Fraud

Taxpayer dollars must go towards supporting hardworking Americans, not criminals defrauding the government. As Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, I helped usher multiple bills through the House earlier this year to strengthen oversight and institute safeguards against fraud in federal student aid and child care programs. To further hold fraudsters accountable, this week, I supported two bills as they passed the House. The legislation would safeguard taxpayer money by permanently establishing the National Fraud Enforcement Division created by the President in January and increasing cooperation among state and federal governments to improve oversight of federal funds. House Republicans will continue to crack down on fraud and hold criminals who are exploiting the system accountable.

Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we must continue to defend our freedoms and pass on the responsibility to remember to future generations. On the 25th anniversary, I had the privilege to present local hero, Captain Dave Nadeau of Monroe, with a tribute to commemorate his efforts assisting as a firefighter at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the attacks. I also visited North Adams-Jerome Public Schools to  speak with students about the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the importance of protecting our nation's values and honoring all of our first responders and those who lost their lives in the attacks. We must reaffirm our commitment to never forget and remember the great service and sacrifice of those who answered the call to respond in the days that followed.

Bridging the Digital Divide for Rural Communities

As co-chair of the Congressional Broadband Caucus, I understand the importance of implementing a national strategy to improve internet connectivity for rural communities. To close the digital divide, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce recently passed my bill, the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act, which would increase coordination among all relevant agencies to streamline permitting and identify barriers to broadband deployment. While enough federal funding exists, a Government Accountability Office report found that delayed deployment of broadband is often caused by fragmented federal efforts. My bill would streamline national broadband deployment efforts to ensure necessary funds reach underserved areas to close gaps in connectivity.

Protecting Great Lakes Fisheries

In recent years, overabundant cormorant populations have damaged Great Lakes ecosystems, threatening fish stocks and inflicting millions of dollars in damages to Great Lakes fisheries.  This week, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced my bill, the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act, which would ensure effective, science-based management of double-crested cormorant populations across the United States. This bill protects fish populations by directing the Secretary of the Interior to develop regional frameworks that guide the responsible take of double-crested cormorants, helping safeguard Great Lakes resources for years to come.