Update from Washington

Combating Antisemitism

In the wake of the October 7 terrorist attack, there has been a surge in antisemitic rhetoric and violence across the country, especially on college campuses. As a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I had the opportunity to press Columbia President Minouche Shafik about Professor Joseph Massad’s glorification of Hamas’ attack. During my questioning, President Shafik implied that Massad was still teaching at the university but had been removed from his position as Chair of the School of Arts and Sciences’ Academic Review Committee. However, in a later exchange, Professor Massad’s removal was called into question as Columbia’s own website still has him listed as Chair. Please know I remain committed to holding these universities accountable and ensuring that students are not intimidated or threatened for differing views. You can watch my full remarks on FoxNews.com. 

Bolstering Privacy Rights

This week, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a legislative hearing on solutions to protect children online and bolster Americans’ data privacy. During the hearing, the committee considered my bill, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). This bipartisan legislation would build upon the only online privacy law for children by prohibiting targeted advertising, establishing data minimization rules, and preventing internet companies from collecting personal information for both children and teenagers. My legislation would protect young users from the many threats they face online in the digital age.

Fighting for Consumer Choice

In 2022, only 6% of new car sales were electric vehicles. Despite a clear lack of consumer interest for EVs, the Biden administration has finalized unrealistic emissions standards which would force a 1,000% increase in EV sales in less than 10 years. My legislation, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, would reverse this misguided mandate and preserve the right of Americans to choose which vehicle works best for them and their families. This critical legislation passed the House in December yet still awaits consideration by the Senate. In my recent op-ed which appeared in The Washington Times, I urge the Senate to pass this legislation to put Americans back in the driver’s seat.

Protecting the Great Lakes

As Michiganders, we know that the Great Lakes are a national treasure but face significant environmental threats. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) has been vital in protecting the long-term health of the Great Lakes by engaging in critical cleanup and restoration efforts. This week, I introduced the bipartisan Great Lakes Semipostal Stamp Act, which create a special postage stamp designed to raise money for the GLRI. I am proud to lead my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to preserve the Great Lakes so that they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations. 

Last Chance: Congressional Art Challenge

The last day for my office to accept applications for high school students in Michigan’s 5th District to participate in the Congressional Art Competition will be April 24, at midnight. The winning piece of artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, along with the winners from other congressional districts across the country.

For more details regarding the Congressional Art Competition guidelines, click here. For answers to additional questions, please call my Jackson District Office at 517-780-9075.