Bipartisan Bill Also Includes Funding to Protect Great Lakes, Support Research at Michigan State University
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped the Senate pass the Fiscal Year 2026 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. This bipartisan legislation advances American foreign policy objectives and works to address growing threats and ongoing conflicts across the globe to keep Americans safe. Peters also secured funding in the bill to protect the Great Lakes and support innovative research at Michigan State University. The bipartisan bill rejects the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to programs aimed at bolstering our international alliances and strengthening U.S. national security.
“This bipartisan bill will strengthen our global alliances and help ensure we’re equipped to meet the evolving threats and challenges we face around the world today, particularly from adversaries like Russia and China,” said Senator Peters. “I'm proud the bill also makes critical investments to improve global health outcomes and address food insecurity.”
The bill includes numerous measures led and supported by Peters, including:
Protecting Great Lakes, Advancing Research in Michigan
Keeping the Great Lakes Healthy: Peters helped secure over $52 million in the bill for the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (GLFC). In close collaboration with American and Canadian partners, the GLFC works to combat the spread of invasive species like sea lamprey across the entire Great Lakes Region.
Supporting Innovative Agriculture Research in Michigan: Peters worked to secure $72 million in the bill for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab program, which seeks to address emerging challenges impacting agriculture and food security. Research is conducted in collaboration with U.S. universities, including labs housed at Michigan State University.
Strengthening U.S. National Security, Alliances Around the World
Supporting U.S. Allies and Partners and Countering Malign Actors: This bill helps ensure the U.S. delivers on its commitments to our allies and partners around the world. The bill provides funding for the Countering People’s Republic of China (PRC) Influence Fund, enhances strategic investments to counter Russian influence and aggression, and increases funding for partner military financing, training, and education globally.
Strategic Investments in Economic Development Assistance to Promote U.S. National Interests Abroad: The bill creates a new fund, called the National Security Investment Programs, to support bilateral economic and development assistance around the globe. This program will strengthen U.S. global partnerships and national security by supporting economic resilience and promoting democracy.
Promoting International Defense Collaboration: The bill includes funding to support the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which seeks to bolster national security by establishing trusted relationships with global partners and build future defense alliances.
Maintaining Global Public Health Partnerships: The bill includes robust funding for essential global health initiatives, including programs that support essential nutrition, improve access to maternal and child health, and advance the fight against HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Peters also fought to secure $300 million to maintain the United States’ contribution to Gavi, a public-private vaccination alliance that seeks to expand access to vaccines and protect children from some of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Safely Removing Post-Conflict Remnants of War: Peters helped secure $265 million to advance the removal of land mines and related remnants of war. This work is essential to ensuring post-conflict areas are safe for civilian use and helps support agricultural and construction activities.
Advancing Prosperity in the Middle East: The bill includes $20 million for the Middle East Partnership Initiative, a program that promotes economic development and civic engagement by working with youth throughout the Middle East. The program facilitates U.S. coordination with regional partners to achieve shared political, economic, and societal goals. The bill also includes funding for the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Peace Fund, which supports programs that promote societal and economic collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians.
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