In the News

Two Michigan lawmakers are inquiring whether the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System has solved its problem of particulate matter on sterile surgical equipment after reports that surgeries have resumed at the hospital.

Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, wrote Friday to Ann Arbor Director Robert P. McDivitt explaining that they'd received calls about surgeries taking place, despite the continued presence of particulate matter on equipment.

Lawmakers are working to tighten up the rules for travel to the U.S. in the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino attacks.

The House voted through legislation Tuesday that would overhaul the federal visa waiver program.

The bill passed overwhelmingly, with a vote of 407 to 19.

It would institute a series of changes, specifically directed at people traveling from countries that are deemed "terror hotspots."

The current visa waiver program allows citizens of 38 countries to travel to the US for 90 days or less without getting a visa.

Tenneco Inc. is constantly changing to stay competitive, officials said.

While standing at the Wall of Innovation, Joseph Bacarella, manager of product training and technical assistance, told Congressman Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, about the company's long history in Monroe.

"We have hundreds of patents over the years dating back to the early 1900s," Mr. Bacarella told the Congressman who visited the facility Monday. "We are constantly releasing new patents as vehicles change to stay competitive."

QUINCY — Village of Quincy residents had an opportunity to talk with Rep. Tim Walberg (R) Monday morning at the village hall for coffee hour. He opened the hour with with discussion on Benghazi, the debt ceiling issue, and the signing of a spending plan that has "enabled us to reduce the deficit."

He also talked about communities working to grow the economy, and not Washington.

"Grow the economy, pay down the debt." Walberg said.

He also spoke of a limited government, and free people.

"Limited government has always worked," Walberg explained.

LANSING, Mich. — Reforms aimed at increasing police reporting and the burden of proof in civil court for individuals who have property seized by police are now headed to Governor Snyder's desk for his signature.

The package of reform bills introduced by the House in April were unanimously approved Wednesday by lawmakers in the Senate.

LANSING, MI — Attorney General Bill Schuette, Michigan's top law enforcement officer, is backing legislation that would begin to reform the state's civil asset forfeiture laws, which allow police to seize property linked to a crime even if charges are never filed.

House-approved bills awaiting action in the Michigan Senate would not eliminate civil asset forfeiture entirely, but they would require more transparency by law enforcement agencies and increase the burden of proof required to keep seized property.