Press Releases
Peters Tours Lafarge North America’s Alpena Cement Plant to Discuss Shipping and Manufacturing
ALPENA, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured Lafarge North America’s Alpena Cement Plant to discuss Michigan’s manufacturing sector, Great Lakes shipping and Lafarge’s environmental investments into their Alpena Plant. Peters toured the plant’s shipping docks, wet gas scrubber and the Lafarge Quarry on his visit. “I am honored to be in Alpena to see firsthand how companies like Lafarge are promoting Michigan’s vital manufacturing industry, providing good-paying jobs for our state's… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Peters Urges Action to Address Declining Wolf Population at Isle Royale National Park
Letter Urges National Park Service to Accelerate Planning, Keep Options Open WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) sent a letter today urging the National Park Service (NPS) to consider actions to address the sharp decline of the wolf population from nine to three wolves at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The current estimated timeline for planning a final decision is at least two to three years, and the NPS has already indicated they will not bring new wolves to Isle Ro… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Peters Statement on Nomination of Permanent Administrator to Lead Pipeline Safety Agency
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) applauded the White House’s announcement today that Marie Therese Dominguez has been nominated to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Peters, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) and eight other Senators, sent a letter last week urging the Obama Administration to nominate a permanent administrator to lead the agency, which plays a vital role in protecting communities across Michigan from spills and accidents w… Continue Reading
05.27.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Southeast Michigan Fire Department
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced support for two fire departments in Southeast Michigan to improve operations and safety. These grants come through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Program. The Armada Township Fire Department will receive $110,715 and the Springfield Township Fire Department will receive $60,138. “Our firefighters put so much on the line to s… Continue Reading
05.27.15
Peters Cosponsors Bill to Protect LGBT Americans from Credit Discrimination
Legislation Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity in Credit Applications WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced today that he is cosponsoring the Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act (FDCA) to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity for individuals trying to secure credit. In 36 states, including Michigan, there is no law to protect individuals from credit discrimination on the basis of their sex… Continue Reading
05.26.15
Peters Tours Traverse City Whiskey Company, Highlights Bill Supporting Small Distilleries
TRAVERSE CITY, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured Traverse City Whiskey Company and discussed bipartisan legislation he introduced last week to lower excise taxes for small craft distilleries. The Distillery Excise Tax Reform Act, which Peters introduced with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), would lower the federal excise tax from $13.50 per proof gallon to $2.70 per proof gallon on the first 100,000 gallons produced per year. Michigan has the third highes… Continue Reading
05.26.15
Peters, Stabenow & Dingell Announce Grant to Create Ann Arbor SPARK Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Development Center
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell today announced a $247,170 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the creation of a Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Development Center in partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK to spur innovation and support creation and commercialization of new connected vehicle technologies. “This funding is a tremendous opportunity to drive innovation and development of new … Continue Reading
05.26.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Introduce Bill to Keep Plastic Beads out of Great Lakes
Legislation Will Stop Production of Microbeads Consumed by Fish and Wildlife WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation to protect the Great Lakes from pollution caused by small, plastic microbeads that are ingredients in certain soaps and personal care products. These microbeads are able to get through water treatment facilities and end up floating in the Great Lakes, where they can build up as plastic pollution and are often mistaken for … Continue Reading
05.25.15
Peters Statement on Memorial Day
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, released the following statement in honor of Memorial Day: “Today, we honor our brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country, our freedoms and our values. These individuals leave behind a legacy of duty, honor and pride, and a state and country that is safer and stronger because of their incredible sacrifice. America stands as a beacon of hope to opp… Continue Reading
05.22.15
Peters Statement on Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC?- U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement on the final passage of fast track trade promotion authority legislation in the U.S. Senate: “Congress must do more to bring balance to our trade agreements and make sure American businesses and workers are getting a fair deal. I am extremely disappointed that this fast track authority does not contain strong enforcement measures that will crack down on currency manipulation or unfair trade and labor practi… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill Supporting Small Distilleries
Legislation Would Reduce Excise Tax on First 100,000 Gallons of Distilled Spirits Produced WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today introduced bipartisan legislation to support small distilleries in Michigan and across the country. The Distillery Excise Tax Reform Act would reduce the federal excise tax rate on distilled spirits from $13.50 per proof gallon to $2.70 per proof gallon on the first 100,000 gallons produced pe… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Peters, Stabenow Call for Permanent Administrator to Lead Pipeline Safety Agency
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (MI) joined eight of their Senate colleagues to send a letter urging the White House to nominate a permanent administrator to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which plays a vital role in protecting communities across Michigan from spills and accidents while ensuring the safe flow of energy products. The most recent permanent PHMSA administrator left the position in October, more than 220 days a… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Graafschap Fire Department
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $30,859 for the Graafschap Fire Department in Allegan County. This grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Program. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe,” said Stabenow. “These new resources will help the Graafschap Fire Department buy the equipment… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Sherman Township Volunteer Fire Department
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $24,848 for the Sherman Township Volunteer Fire Department in Keweenaw County. This grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Program. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe,” said Stabenow. “These new resources will help the Sherman Township Fire Depar… Continue Reading
05.20.15
Peters Introduces Amendment Requiring Report on Adherence to International Trade Rules
Fair Trade Index Report Would Rank Countries Based on Trade Violations WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he introduced an amendment to the Trade Promotion Authority and Trade Adjustment Assistance legislation currently being debated in the Senate to require the U.S. Trade Representative to report to Congress on how foreign trading partners adhere to fair trade rules, and provide Congress with a ranking of countries based on their unfair trade practices. … Continue Reading
05.20.15
Peters, Stabenow, Alexander Introduce Vehicle Innovation Act
Legislation Will Spur Investments in Clean Vehicle Technologies and Support American Advanced Manufacturing WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), along with Lamar Alexander (R-TN), today introduced the bipartisan Vehicle Innovation Act (VIA) to promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies that will create more fuel efficient vehicles, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and support American auto manufactur… Continue Reading
05.20.15
Peters Presses for Missile Defense System in Fort Custer
Peters Letter to Missile Defense Agency Highlights Fort Custer’s Advantages WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) sent a letter to the Director of the Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) urging MDA to select Fort Custer as the next location to host a new ground-based missile defense system. Fort Custer is undergoing environmental review and is among four locations nationwide under consideration to host the MDA’s next missile defense system. If selected, the pro… Continue Reading
05.19.15
Peters, Stabenow & Dingell Announce $100,000 for Ypsilanti Small Business
Ecovia Renewables LLC Receives Funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Small Business Innovation Research Program WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell today announced that Ecovia Renewables LLC has been awarded $100,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The funding will go towards engineering microbial systems that convert the byproducts of industri… Continue Reading
05.19.15
Peters Appointed to Merchant Marine Academy Board
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced today that he has been appointed by the Vice President to serve on the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Congressional Board of Visitors, the Academy’s official oversight board, for the 114th Congress. “I’m honored to serve on the board of the Merchant Marine Academy, an indispensable institution training men and women to transport troops, supplies and equipment overseas and through our waterways - in peace and in war,” sai… Continue Reading
05.19.15
Peters Applauds House Passage of Anti-Human Trafficking Measures
Cassidy-Peters Legislation Heads to President’s Desk to be Signed into Law WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded the passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a bill he introduced with Sen. Bill Cassidy (LA) to train health care professionals to recognize the signs of human trafficking in their patients. The Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015 passed the House as part of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act on a bipartisan vote. … Continue Reading
