Press Releases
Peters and Portman Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Transparency of Federal Spending
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced that they have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to help make information about how the federal government is spending taxpayer dollars more accessible to the public. The legislation will improve government transparency by requiring federal agencies to publish easily understandable justifications for their budget requests on a… Continue Reading
02.05.21
Peters, Stabenow, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Address Global Semiconductor Shortage, Mitigate Impacts to U.S. Auto Manufacturing
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) joined their colleagues in a bipartisan push, urging the Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese to work with Congress in addressing the global semiconductor shortage facing auto manufacturing. In addition to this letter, the Senators have been urging a number of Biden Administration officials directly to take action. "We write to express our concerns about the impact that the global shortage of automotive-gr… Continue Reading
02.05.21
Peters, Stabenow Reintroduce Legislation Providing $10 Billion to Support Small Business Lending
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) reintroduced legislation to support lending to small businesses in Michigan and across the country that have been hardest hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Small Business Access to Capital Act would reauthorize and provide $10 billion in federal funding to the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which helps small businesses grow and create jobs. SSBCI funds the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and ot… Continue Reading
02.04.21
Peters Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing Bipartisan Bill to Protect Firefighters from Hazardous PFAS Chemicals
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced a bipartisan bill to help protect the health and safety of firefighters, emergency responders and the communities they serve. The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act, which passed the Senate last Congress, directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training, and educational programs to reduce, limit and prevent exposure to PFAS, also k… Continue Reading
02.03.21
Chairman Peters Outlines Key Priorities for Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, outlined his key priorities as he takes on a new leadership role in the 117th Congress. Peters, who previously served as the committee's Ranking Member, will continue to focus on bolstering the federal government's Coronavirus pandemic response, strengthening national security - including combating the rising threats of domestic terrorism and cyber-attacks - and ensu… Continue Reading
02.03.21
Peters Statement on Meeting with President and Vice President at White House on Urgent Need to Pass the American Rescue Plan
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on his meeting-along with other Senate leaders-with President Biden and Vice President Harris at the White House on the urgent need to pass the American Rescue Plan: "I appreciated the chance to speak with President Biden and Vice President Harris on the urgent need to pass the American Rescue Plan. We're in an unprecedented economic… Continue Reading
02.02.21
Peters Floor Remarks on Confirmation of Alejandro Mayorkas to Serve as Secretary of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), incoming Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, spoke on the Senate floor about the confirmation of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. In his remarks, Peters' highlighted Mayorkas' experience and qualifications, which are especially needed given the number of serious national security threats our nation currently faces. "I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for adva… Continue Reading
02.01.21
Peters Statement Celebrating Black History Month
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement celebrating Black History Month. "As communities in Michigan and across the nation commemorate Black History Month, we celebrate the generations of African American leaders whose contributions have helped shape our national story," said Senator Peters. "From ushering in technological revolutions, to redefining culture, to advancing civil rights, their remarkable achievements have had an immeasurable impact on our… Continue Reading
01.28.21
Peters, Stabenow, Governor Whitmer Applaud President Biden’s Actions to Reopen Health Insurance Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Governor Gretchen Whitmer welcomed the announcement by President Biden that he will use his executive authority to reopen the federal marketplace selling Affordable Care Act health plans. During the COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans have lost their health insurance. The open enrollment period for 2021 insurance coverage ended on December 15, 2020. President Biden's executive order reopens the sign-up period and p… Continue Reading
01.27.21
Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman with Congressional Gold Medal
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman with the Congressional Gold Medal. When a violent mob breached the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, Officer Goodman diverted a group of rioters away from the Senate Chamber, delaying their access to the Senate chamber and protecting the lives of those inside. Peters introduced the bipartisan bill with 34 of his Senate colleagues, and companion bipartisan legislation i… Continue Reading
01.26.21
Peters Discusses Michigan Priorities with Secretary of Commerce-Designate Raimondo, Urges Quick Confirmation
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today called for swift confirmation for President Biden's Secretary of Commerce-designate Gina Raimondo. During Raimondo's confirmation hearing today, Peters secured commitments to work together on a number of key priorities, including a need for a comprehensive manufacturing strategy and federal policy and ensuring a fair playing field for workers like those in Michigan's cherr… Continue Reading
01.25.21
Peters Statement on President Biden’s Buy American Executive Order
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement on President Biden's Buy American executive order to strengthen American manufacturing: "In Michigan, we make things - it has always been in our DNA, and I firmly believe that you cannot have a strong economy or nation without a robust manufacturing sector. President Biden understands that and has always stood with the American worker. His plan focuses on the immediate support needed to grow and protect Americ… Continue Reading
01.21.21
Peters Backs Biden Plan to Increase Coronavirus Vaccine & Medical Supplies Using Defense Production Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined 26 of his Senate colleagues in supporting President Joe Biden's plan to quickly utilize all available authorities under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to rapidly increase the production of COVID-19 vaccines and stockpiling of other critical medical supplies in the United States. Companies and workers across Michigan are continuing to produce the supplies needed… Continue Reading
01.21.21
Peters Calls for Swift Confirmation of Secretary of Transportation-Designate Buttigieg
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, called for swift confirmation of President Biden's Secretary of Transportation-designate Pete Buttigieg. During Buttigieg's confirmation hearing today, Peters secured commitments from Buttigieg to work with him on key national and Michigan priorities, including the future of the auto industry with self-driving and electric vehicles, pipeline safety in the Great Lakes and rebuild… Continue Reading
01.21.21
Peters Statement on Reversal of Trump Muslim Travel Ban
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement praising President Biden's decision to reverse the Muslim travel ban put into place by former President Trump's Administration: "The Muslim travel ban that former President Trump's Administration implemented was not only discriminatory and divisive, it did not meaningfully contribute to our national security. I've heard firsthand from Michigan's Arab American and Muslim communities about how this ban has harmed fami… Continue Reading
01.21.21
Peters Announces Support for Confirmation of Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on supporting Retired General Lloyd Austin's confirmation as Secretary of Defense: "One of my top priorities is keeping Americans safe and ensuring our men and women in uniform and their families have the support they need to complete their missions safely. In the Navy Reserve, I served with some of the most patriotic individuals I've ever known - and it is the… Continue Reading
01.19.21
Peters, Stabenow Announce $2.5 Million Federal Grant to Address Rural Hospital Staffing Shortages in Michigan
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced a $2.5 million federal grant to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to address staffing shortages at rural hospitals across the state. The funding - awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor - will help hospitals in rural communities throughout the state hire local workers for open staff positions. Peters and Stabenow both sent letters to the Department of Labor last month, supporti… Continue Reading
01.19.21
Peters Statement Urging U.S. Senate to Swiftly Vote on Mayorkas Confirmation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement urging the Senate to swiftly vote on the confirmation of Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security: "Our nation is facing unprecedented crises and threats to American national security, from the devastating Coronavirus pandemic to massive cyber breaches across government and the private sector - and as we have seen too clea… Continue Reading
01.18.21
Peters, Stabenow Accepting Applications from Candidates Interested in Nomination for Federal Judgeship, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal in Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the Biden Administration begins, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced they are accepting applications from qualified persons interested in nomination for federal judge, United States Attorney or United States Marshal in the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. Interested candidates should request an application by emailing judicialnominations@stabenow.senate.gov. The deadline to submit an application for U.S. District Court in the East… Continue Reading
01.15.21
Peters Statement Ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released a video in advance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. "As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King this MLK Day, it is critical that we recognize that this year's celebrations look and feel different than any other in recent memory," said Senator Peters. "While the challenges we're working to overcome have already taken too heavy a toll on our communities, the MLK holiday can serve as a reminder that even when confronting 'a mountain of de… Continue Reading
