Tornado Update

Tornado Update

I have been on the ground and in contact with local, state, and federal officials to do everything we can to assist in the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes that impacted our district. I would like to thank our brave first responders and all those who have volunteered to help these past few days. While the tornadoes were tragic, the response by our community has been heartening to see. 

If you would like to volunteer, please do not self-deploy to the area. Instead, reach out to an affiliated group. You can reach out to the Red Cross through their website, St. Joseph County United Way by calling 269-467-9099 or 269-251-2033, or Samaritan's Purse through their website.  

I would encourage all those affected to stay aware of any tree removal-related scams by staying aware of common scam tactics. You can learn more here.

For more information, please visit my website. 

Please also do not hesitate to reach out to my Niles or Jackson District Offices if we can provide any assistance by calling (269) 479-3115 or (517) 780-9075. 

Combating Human Trafficking

The National Human Trafficking Hotline recently reported 340 cases of human trafficking in Michigan in 2024 alone, involving 585 victims. These numbers are heartbreaking, and they underscore why we must utilize all resources available to combat this heinous crime. The House recently voted unanimously to pass my bipartisan bill, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act. This critical legislation will ensure that Department of Labor (DOL) employees receive the proper training to recognize instances of human trafficking and refer these cases to law enforcement agencies. By turning DOL employees into an early warning system against human trafficking, we can hold traffickers accountable and protect those who are most vulnerable.

Cracking Down on Fraud

Under my leadership as chair, the Education and Workforce passed 8 bills aimed at cracking down on fraud, strengthening oversight, and protecting taxpayer dollars in federal child care assistance programs. In Minnesota, we’ve seen fraudsters use "learing centers" to steal billions from hardworking taxpayers and innocent children. This kind of abuse is deplorable, as every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that doesn’t help a working parent care for a child or put food on the table. By closing gaps, setting clear standards, and holding bad actors accountable, we can ensure public trust in federal child care assistance programs and allow for more dollars, economic opportunity, and workforce participation among America’s families. 

Securing Funding for Our Community

I had the opportunity to visit the Monroe County Road Commission to discuss federal funding I secured for a project under the commission's jurisdiction, which will allow for capital preventative maintenance and engineering on bridges to preserve bridge integrity and improve safety. By investing in these targeted bridge improvements now, we can extend the life of essential structures and maintain reliable routes that keep our communities connected. 

Increasing Access for Motorcyclists

As a lifelong motorcycle rider and a Chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, I am proud to advocate for the motorcycling community. Unfortunately, a 2024 policy change penalized motorcyclists who tried to enter our National Parks using the America the Beautiful annual pass. The House recently passed my bill, the America the Beautiful Motorcycle Fairness Act, to restore parity and ensure that riders can continue to enjoy the open roads of our national parks. By ensuring fair access to our national parks, we will strengthen local economies that depend on tourism and allow our fellow Americans to explore our historic landmarks in the best way possible as we approach our nation’s 250th birthday–on two wheels in the open air.