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Strengthening our Defenses

June 14, 2024
e-Newsletter Archive

 

 

Strengthening our Defenses

This week, the House voted to support our nation’s brave servicemembers and bolster our nation’s defensive capability through the passage of the Servicemembers Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. Included in the bill were my amendments to strengthen border security, address the security risks of autonomous vehicles from foreign adversaries like China, ban the use of TikTok in Department of Defense schools, and require annual reporting of illegal immigrants attempting to gain access to military bases. I am proud to vote in favor of this vital legislation, which will support our troops and strengthen our national security.


Expanding Health Care Options

On Thursday, the Education and Workforce Committee voted to advance my bill, H.R.618, which would expand access to care and allow federal workers to be seen by the health care provider with whom they are most comfortable. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I also had the opportunity this week to advance legislation that will strengthen our health care system, expand access to telehealth services, and encourage innovation.


Supporting Local Farmers

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour Griner Farms, Fresh Solution Farms, and Fairgrove Farms and Fawn River Farms to see the critical work they do each day to feed our communities. We were also able to discuss how inflation and high energy prices are still negatively impacting our local farms. Please know I remain committed to bringing down costs for our local farmers and families across Michigan. We also discussed my work to ensure our adversaries like the CCP are not buying up farmland in the United States.


Protecting College Athletics

This week, I supported the Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act as it was advanced by the House Education and Workforce Committee. Introduced by Rep. Bob Good, the legislation states that a student-athlete may not be considered an employee of an institution, conference, or association. If student-athletes were to be classified as employees, this would lead to many schools cutting Olympic sports and limiting opportunity. This bill would uphold the integrity of college athletics and safeguard educational opportunities for student-athletes.


Raising Motorcycle Awareness

On Wednesday, as Chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, I helped host the first annual Motorcycle Ride to Work Day at the U.S. Capitol. It was an honor to host and participate in this event to promote motorcycle awareness and safety for the estimated 30 million members of the motorcycling community across America.