Press Releases
Senate Unanimously Passes Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Veterans Apprenticeship Opportunities
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) to expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans. The Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act would increase veterans' access to financial assistance they can use in connection with an apprenticeship program. In Michigan alone, only a few hundred of the 1,000 registered apprenticeships listed as active by the Department of Lab… Continue Reading
12.04.19
Peters, Romney Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fight Spread of Opioids through the Mail
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced bipartisan legislation to combat the circulation of opioids, including fentanyl, through the mail. Illicit trafficking of drugs has fueled the deadly opioid epidemic, and many drug traffickers take advantage of shipping and mailing organizations like the United States Postal Service (USPS) and private shipping companies to move their pro… Continue Reading
12.03.19
Peters Testifies Before International Trade Commission in Support of Michigan Cherry Growers, Tariffs Against Turkish Cherry Exporters
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today testified at a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing in Washington, DC in support of Michigan cherry growers' efforts to ensure a level playing field and hold Turkish tart cherry exporters accountable for continually using unfair trade practices. Peters reaffirmed his support for the ITC's preliminary decision to impose tariffs targeting the Turkish cherry industry and advocated for a final determination in line with their prelimin… Continue Reading
11.26.19
Michigan Congressional Delegation Members Continue Advocating for F-35 Mission at Selfridge
WASHINGTON, D.C. - 14 Members of the Michigan congressional delegation urged the new Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett to select Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County as one of the locations to host the Air National Guard's next F-35A operational base. Lawmakers highlighted the outstanding airmen, modern facilities, unique training range, and low cost of conversion that make the 127th Wing an ideal choice. In addition, lawmakers also pointed to recent developments of c… Continue Reading
11.25.19
Peters Calls for Michigan Border Crossing Funding to Promote Secure, Efficient Trade and Travel
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, is urging his colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide additional funding in year-end appropriations legislation to facilitate secure and efficient international commerce at Michigan's Blue Water and Gordie Howe Bridges, two of our nation's busiest border crossings. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border ever… Continue Reading
11.22.19
Senate Passes Peters Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity Coordination with State and Local Governments
DETROIT, MI - The U.S. Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Rob Portman (R-OH), to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments. The State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act would encourage national cybersecurity watchdogs to share information regarding cybersecurity threa… Continue Reading
11.22.19
Peters, Stabenow Announce $8 Million in Federal Grants for West Michigan Airports
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that Gerald R. Ford International Airport will receive a $5 million federal grant and West Michigan Regional Airport will receive a $3 million federal grant from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Gerald R. Ford International Airport's grant will go to rehabilitate a terminal building and West Michigan Regional's grant will go toward rehabilitating a runway. … Continue Reading
11.22.19
Michigan Delegation Announces Detroit Will Host National Guard Association of the United States Annual Conference in 2024
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Representatives Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) alongside members of the Michigan Congressional delegation today announced that Detroit will host the 146th Annual National Guard Association of the United States' General Conference and Exhibition in 2024. The bid to host the conference was submitted by the National Guard Association of Michigan and was supported by members of Michigan's Congressional delegation. … Continue Reading
11.22.19
Peters, Stabenow Announce $8.49 Million Federal Grant for the Detroit Department of Transportation
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) will receive a $8.49 million federal grant to purchase new buses, equipment and upgrade bus stations. This funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. "It is critical that Detroit has a robust transportation system in place that can provide critical busing services for residents, visitors and bu… Continue Reading
11.22.19
Peters, Stabenow Announce $4.3 Million Federal Grant for the Flint Mass Transportation Authority
FLINT, MI - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) will receive a $4.3 million federal grant to purchase new buses, equipment and upgrade bus stations. This funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. "It is critical that Flint has a robust transportation system in place for residents to get to work, go to school and travel around the community," sa… Continue Reading
11.20.19
Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Save Taxpayer Dollars & Reduce Government Waste
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced bipartisan legislation to help save taxpayers billions of dollars by changing the way the federal government acquires real estate. The bill would allow federal agencies to purchase properties at a bargain price when it would be more cost effective than long-term leases. U.S. Representatives Greg Pence (R-IN) and Mark Meadows (R… Continue Reading
11.20.19
Peters, Capito Introduce Bill to Help Prevent Diabetes and Reduce Health Care Costs
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs for individuals at risk for diabetes and save long-term care costs for Medicare. The Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act would extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to Americans with pre-diabetes and risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes. This legislation is similar to the bill t… Continue Reading
11.20.19
Senate Passes Peters, Ernst Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Blue Star Mothers
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) applauded Senate passage of a bipartisan resolution they introduced designating February 1, 2020 as Blue Star Mothers Day. This day of recognition honors the many sacrifices and contributions mothers of servicemembers make for our troops and celebrates the 78th anniversary of the first Blue Star Mothers gathering in Flint, Michigan. "Blue Star Mothers represent an unwavering pillar of support for each other and for our brav… Continue Reading
11.14.19
Peters Recognizes Calumet Family as 2019 Angels in Adoption
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today recognized Calumet residents Cassie Harris-Berryman and Erik Berryman as his 2019 Angels in Adoption. The Angels in Adoption program recognizes constituents for their advocacy and efforts in adoption and foster care. "The Angels in Adoption program is an important way to recognize the work of Michiganders who are devoted to improving the lives of children in care," said Senator Peters. "It was an honor to nominate Cassie and Erik this year. T… Continue Reading
11.13.19
Peters Helps Advance Bill that Includes His Whistleblower Provision to Protect Amateur and Olympic Athletes From Abuse
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped advance sweeping bipartisan legislation to reform the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) that aims to protect Olympic and amateur athletes from abuse. The legislation - which includes Peters' bipartisan amendment to strengthen whistleblower protections for Olympic and amateur athletes who report abuse - was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Ac… Continue Reading
11.13.19
Peters Calls for Appropriate Measures to Prevent Violence During Erdogan’s Visit, Accountability if Turkey Causes Damages
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today expressed concerns about Turkish President Erdogan's visit to Washington, D.C. and asked the Trump Administration to provide a detailed accounting of the financial cost for security associated with his visit. Peters' request follows violent confrontations by President Erdogan's security detail during past visits, including assaults of U.S. security officials, civilians and journalists. Peters, who serves on the Armed Services Committee and is… Continue Reading
11.12.19
Senate Passes Peters, Johnson and Hassan Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Government Systems from Counterintelligence Threats
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to address cybersecurity while purchasing information technology equipment for the government. U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) also cosponsored the legislation. The Supply Chain Counterintelligence Training Act would ensure that all executive agency offic… Continue Reading
11.08.19
Peters Meets with Michigan Faith Leaders & Law Enforcement to Discuss Securing Houses of Worship from Terrorist Attacks
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today met with faith leaders and law enforcement officials to discuss his bipartisan efforts to improve security for faith-based institutions in Michigan. At the roundtable, Peters highlighted his bipartisan legislation that recently advanced in the Senate to provide grants to nonprofits and religious organizations to help secure their facilities against potential terrorist… Continue Reading
11.08.19
Peters Urges Trump Administration to Lift Benefits Freeze for Vietnam Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) is pressing the Trump Administration to reverse their decision to delay and deny healthcare and benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. In a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie and Office of Budget and Management Director (OMB) Mick Mulvaney, Peters stressed that a new law passed by Congress and a federal court decision granted VA authority to provide benefits for additional Vi… Continue Reading
11.08.19
Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Representation for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Sectors on FAA’s Drone Policy Board
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s chief drone policy committee includes representation for agriculture, forestry and rural America. The Drone Advisory Committee for the 21st Century Act, which Peters introduced with Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Pat Roberts (R-KS), would also ensure that the FAA provides representation for local government officials, including those from county and tribal govern… Continue Reading
