Press Releases
Peters Cosponsors Bill to Ensure Equal Treatment for Military Spouses
Legislation Extends Benefits to Same-Sex Couples Regardless of Residency WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) has cosponsored the Charlie Morgan Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act, legislation that will extend veterans benefits to same-sex military couples and dependents regardless of the state they live in. Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is unable to provide benefits to certain same-sex couples who reside in states like Michigan that do not recogn… Continue Reading
02.03.15
Peters Recognizes Black History Month
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement honoring the celebration of Black History Month: “Throughout the month of February, we come together as Michiganders and as Americans to celebrate Black History Month and reflect on the tremendous contributions African Americans have made to our country. From community leaders to entrepreneurs to educators, African Americans have helped shape and enrich our communities. Their many contributions serve as a constant… Continue Reading
02.03.15
Gary Peters Applauds Passage of Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill
Peters Cosponsored Senate Version of Bill That Now Heads to the President’s Desk WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded unanimous passage in the Senate of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention For American Veterans Act. Peters cosponsored the Senate version of the bipartisan legislation that would improve mental health care and suicide prevention for veterans. The legislation unanimously passed the House of Representatives earlier this month and now heads to the Presid… Continue Reading
02.03.15
Peters Statement on Homeland Security Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the need for a clean, full-year funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security: “At a time when America faces serious threats to our national security from adversaries across the globe, there should be no question that Congress must provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security. From cybersecurity and counterterrorism t… Continue Reading
02.02.15
Peters Statement on President’s Budget
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement after the release of the President’s FY 2016 budget: “America cannot govern on short-term, continuing resolutions that lead to instability, and Congress and the President should work together on a bipartisan basis to develop a budget proposal that strengthens our middle class and best reflects our values as a nation. I agree that sequestration is a misguided policy that jeopardizes our continued economic rec… Continue Reading
01.29.15
Peters Announces Key Homeland Security Subcommittee Assignments
WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, announced his appointment to two key subcommittees overseeing federal spending and services. Peters was named to the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management (FSO) and the Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management (RAFM). “I am honored to serve on these two important subcommittees to provide greater oversight of government spe… Continue Reading
01.29.15
Peters Cosponsors Legislation to Prevent Veteran Suicide
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters today announced he has cosponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention For American Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve mental health care and suicide prevention for veterans. It is estimated that around 22 veterans succumb to suicide each day, often without the resources that would have prevented the suicide. The bill passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. “Our brave men and women have risked their lives to protect ou… Continue Reading
01.28.15
Peters Statement Senate Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline Bill
WASHINGTON, DC -Below is a statement from U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) on today’s Senate passage of legislation authorizing construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline: “There are still many outstanding questions on the environmental impact of building the Keystone XL Pipeline, and I do not believe Congress should expedite this project without knowing the full risks to our environment and public health. I am disappointed that the Senate failed to pass my commonsense amendments that would protec… Continue Reading
01.27.15
Peters, Stabenow Denounce Republican Opposition to Protecting Michigan’s Environment
Peters & Stabenow Introduced Amendment to Increase Oversight of Aging Pipelines WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow expressed disappointment after their amendment to protect Michigan’s environment and enhance oversight over aging pipelines in the Great Lakes, such as those underneath the Straits of Mackinac, was defeated today. The amendment, which was offered during Senate consideration of legislation authorizing construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, was o… Continue Reading
01.27.15
Peters Joins Senate Great Lakes Task Force
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters today announced he has joined the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, a bipartisan working group made up of Senators representing the states bordering the Great Lakes. Peters will work with Great Lakes Task Force co-chair Senator Debbie Stabenow and his colleagues in the Senate to preserve and protect our Great Lakes, highlight the economic benefits that come from the Great Lakes and the need to combat threats from invasive species, including Asian Carp. As a… Continue Reading
01.26.15
Peters Sponsors Measures to Improve Transparency and Reform Campaign Finance System
WASHINGTON, DC - Following the 5th anniversary of the Citizens United v. FEC decision last week, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) cosponsored two measures to repair the broken campaign finance system and increase openness and transparency in government. Peters cosponsored a constitutional amendment to ensure that every American has a voice in our political system by giving Congress the authority to regulate campaign finance laws, including the authority to set reasonable limits on money raised a… Continue Reading
01.22.15
Peters Attends Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Annual Celebration
TRAVERSE CITY, MI -U.S. Senator Gary Peters attended the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Annual Celebration dinner to recognize the contributions of the Traverse City business community. This year’s celebration marked the 100th anniversary of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce’s founding. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and Traverse City area businesses play a unique role in shaping the surrounding communities,’ said Peters. “The Traverse City business… Continue Reading
01.21.15
Peters Cosponsors Legislation to Identify and Prevent Human Trafficking
WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) cosponsored the Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015, which would establish a pilot program to train health care professionals to identify victims of human trafficking. Peters cosponsored the legislation with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). “Human trafficking is a serious problem in Michigan, and we need to give our health care providers the tools they need to recognize and address human trafficking in their communities,” said… Continue Reading
01.20.15
Peters, Stabenow Introduce Measures to Protect Michigan’s Environment
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow introduced two amendments to protect Michigan’s environment and provide more information on potential risks surrounding the Keystone XL Pipeline. These two measures would amend legislation currently before the Senate authorizing construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, to call for a study on the potential health and environmental risks of petroleum coke as a result of refining oil transported through the Keystone XL Pipeline and enh… Continue Reading
01.19.15
Senator Gary Peters Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Gary Peters released the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address: “In the six years since our nation faced its toughest economic crisis in decades, our economy has made great strides toward recovery. We must keep working to ensure that middle class families, and those aspiring to get there, are also benefitting from our economic recovery. “Many middle class families feel squeezed, and are finding it harder to feel… Continue Reading
01.15.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Applaud $500,000 Grant for Flint to Revitalize South Saginaw Corridor Neighborhood
Funding will improve housing, education, and safety in the region WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today applauded U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro’s announcement that Flint will receive $500,000 to help transform and revitalize the city’s neighborhoods, making them safer for families and more prosperous for local businesses. This support comes through the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant program, which is focused on improving ho… Continue Reading
01.08.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Applaud Michigan State University’s Role in New High-Tech Manufacturing Hub
New Multi-State Institute for Advanced Composite Manufacturing Innovation Includes Center Located at Michigan State University WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today applauded President Obama’s announcement that Michigan State University’s Composite Materials and Structures Center and Composite Vehicles Research Center will serve as an automotive manufacturing center under the new Institute for Advanced Composite Manufacturing Innovation. This Institute will pr… Continue Reading
01.07.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Support to Conserve Wildlife Habitats in Abbaye Peninsula and Huron Bay
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced support to conserve wildlife habitats in the Abbaye Peninsula and Huron Bay of Lake Superior in Baraga County. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Keweenaw Land Trust received a $1,000,000 grant through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. The grant will be used to purchase 1,374 acres of coastal wetlands and near shore aquatic habitats, including ap… Continue Reading
01.06.15
Peters Tours Big Three Auto Exhibits at NAIAS
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters today toured the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Hall in Detroit, where he saw firsthand the continued resurgence of the American auto industry. Peters visited the exhibits of General Motors, Chrysler and Ford at the press preview. Last year proved itself to be a strong year for the auto industry, with nearly 17 million cars sold in the United States in 2014 and new vehicle sales increasing 6%. Peters said, “Thanks to the h… Continue Reading
01.06.15
Senator Gary Peters Statement on President Obama Visit to Michigan Auto Plant
Peters Joined President at Ford Michigan Assembly Plant Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Gary Peters accompanied President Obama on his visit to the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, which manufactures the world’s top-selling vehicle - the Ford Focus - and employs more than 5,000 American workers. Senator Peters released the following statement on the President’s visit: “The resurgence of Michigan’s auto industry is a true American success story and a real bright spot in our count… Continue Reading
