Press Releases
Peters Returns Blue Slip for Justice Joan Larsen Nomination
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has returned the "blue slip" for the nomination of Justice Joan Larsen of Michigan to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. It is Senate tradition for home state Senators to consent to the consideration of a nomination by the Judiciary Committee through the "blue slip" process. "Federal judges make critical decisions that can directly impact the lives of Michiganders, and the Senate has an important constitutional r… Continue Reading
08.03.17
Peters, Stabenow Announce an Additional $2.5 Million for Ford Airport
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that Ford Airport in Iron Mountain/Kingsford will receive an additional $2,597,745 grant from the Department of Transportation to complete the rehabilitation of the runway and the reconstruction of its lighting. Last week, Peters and Stabenow announced that Ford Airport would receive a $2,246,044 grant to address these improvements. In total, the airport will receive $4,843,789 in funding. "Safe and reliable air trav… Continue Reading
08.02.17
Senate Commerce Committee Approves Peters-Young Legislation to Update Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps for Great Lakes
WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Todd Young (R-IN) to update the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps in the Great Lakes. ESI maps are used to assess coastal resources that could be at risk in the event of an oil spill or natural disaster, including endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats, and human-use resources like beaches, parks and … Continue Reading
08.01.17
Peters and Stabenow Applaud $14.4 Million for Flint Lead Registry
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded Michigan State University (MSU) with $14.4 million over four years to establish a Flint Lead Registry to monitor the health outcomes of children and adults exposed to lead and provide long-term treatment to mitigate the effects of lead exposure. This funding was included in the Flint agreement that Senators Peters and Stabenow and Congressman Kildee passed… Continue Reading
08.01.17
Peters, Stabenow Applaud Over $640,000 in Support of Southeastern Michigan Fire Departments
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow applauded the announcement that two fire departments in Southeastern Michigan will receive $643,105 in funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Brandon Fire Department will receive $11,286, which will fund an air unit to support their self-contained breathing apparatus. The St. Clair Shores Fire Department will receive $631,819, which will be used to purchase a new hy… Continue Reading
08.01.17
Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Nomination of Former Representative Pete Hoekstra to be U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced their support for former Representative Pete Hoekstra to be United States Ambassador to the Netherlands. "I was proud to serve with Pete in the House of Representatives, and this nomination is a great opportunity for Pete to continue his service on foreign policy issues," said Senator Peters. "I know that Michiganders will take pride in seeing Pete serve as our nation's Ambassador to the Netherlands, … Continue Reading
08.01.17
Peters, Grassley & Feinstein Call for Increased Transparency in Administration Ethics Disclosures
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today sent a letter urging Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney to ensure that any executive branch ethics pledge waivers granted by the Trump Administration are immediately provide… Continue Reading
07.28.17
Ahead of White House Medal of Honor Ceremony, Peters, Stabenow, Upton Congratulate Vietnam Veteran James McCloughan on Receiving Our Nation’s Highest Military Honor
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ahead of Monday's Medal of Honor Ceremony at the White House, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) congratulated Vietnam Veteran James McCloughan for receiving our nation's highest military honor. Then-Private First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969. Th… Continue Reading
07.28.17
Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $140,000 in Support of Inland Township Fire Department
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Inland Township Fire Department will receive $147,740 in funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchase 10 SCBA Air packs as well as a clean air compressor to provide air to first responders during a fire. "Firefighters and first responders of Inland Township play a critical role in keeping their communities safe during emergencies," said Se… Continue Reading
07.28.17
Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $66,000 in Support for Freeport Area Volunteer Fire Department
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Freeport Area Volunteer Fire Department will receive $66,999 in funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for 17 new headsets and a new VHF800 MHz radio. "It's essential that firefighters in Freeport have the resources they need to keep their communities safe and secure," said Senator Peters. "I am pleased to announce this funding that will ensure … Continue Reading
07.28.17
Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $2 Million for Ford Airport
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that Ford Airport in Kingsford will receive a $2,246,044 grant from the Department of Transportation to support infrastructure projects including rehabilitation of the runway and the reconstruction of its lighting. "Ford Airport provides a critical connection for residents of the Upper Peninsula, boosting tourism and bolstering economic development in the region," said Senator Peters. "This federal funding will enabl… Continue Reading
07.28.17
Following Peters & Stabenow Efforts, Trump Administration Extends Public Comment Period on Marine Sanctuary and Monument Expansions
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today applauded a decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to extend the public comment period on an executive order that could lead to the rollback or elimination of 11 marine sanctuaries and monuments created or expanded over the past decade, including the expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena. The public comment period, which was scheduled to close on Wednesday, July 26th, has been extended to Monday, Aug… Continue Reading
07.28.17
Peters Statement on Senate Health Care Vote
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), released the following statement on the failed Senate Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act in the U.S. Senate: "Thanks to the advocacy and hard work of Michiganders and people across the country, Republican efforts to pass a health care bill that would hike premiums and strip health care coverage from millions of hardworking families failed last night. I hope we can finally move forward and work together in a public and bipartisan m… Continue Reading
07.27.17
Peters, Bipartisan Michigan Delegation Members Urge President Trump to Issue Federal Disaster Declaration Following Severe Flash Flooding in Four Counties
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Fred Upton (R-MI), John Conyers (D-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Mike Bishop (R-MI), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Paul Mitchell (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Dave Trott (R-MI), Sander Levin (D-MI), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) today urged President Trump to approve Governor Snyder's request for a major disaster declaration following severe flash flo… Continue Reading
07.26.17
Peters, Stabenow, Bergman, Kildee Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect Thunder Bay Sanctuary
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) today led a bipartisan call on the Trump Administration to maintain the existing boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and warned against any attempt by the Administration to circumvent the ban on Great Lakes oil and gas drilling. The Trump Administration recently ordered a review of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Monume… Continue Reading
07.26.17
Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $6 Million for Cherry Capital Airport
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City will receive a $6,130,114 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support infrastructure projects including the extension, construction, and rehabilitation of multiple runways. "Cherry Capital Airport connects the rest of the world to the beautiful sights and attractions of Northern Michigan," said Senator Peters. "I am pleased to announce this funding whic… Continue Reading
07.25.17
Michigan Congressional Delegation Shows Strong Support for Selfridge ANGB to Host F-35 Mission
WASHINGTON, DC - Members of the Michigan Congressional delegation today sent a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force in support of Selfridge Air National Guard Base hosting the Air National Guard's new F-35 mission. Selfridge, in Harrison Township, is among five National Guard bases that are candidates to host the F-35. The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Representatives Paul Mitchell (MI-10), Fred Upton (MI-6), John Conyers (MI-13)… Continue Reading
07.24.17
Peters Joins Colleagues to Introduce Comprehensive G.I. Bill Reforms
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that he joined his colleagues to introduce broad, bipartisan legislation that seeks to improve veterans' education benefits and enhance the post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 will strengthen investments in the proven educational success of our veterans and help propel them tow… Continue Reading
07.22.17
Peters Attends USS Ford Commissioning
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today attended the commissioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier. The USS Ford will be the first of her class in 40 years, incorporating state-of-the-art advanced radar and aircraft deployment technologies. The aircraft carrier is named after former President Gerald R. Ford, a west Michigan native and t… Continue Reading
07.21.17
Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for 20 West Michigan Fire Departments
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced a $497,160 regional award for 20 fire departments in West Michigan to help purchase equipment. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. "West Michigan communities depend on firefighters to protect their families, businesses and homes," said Senator Peters. "This critical funding will provide the region with upgraded equipment so firefighters can more… Continue Reading
