Press Releases
Sen. Peters Opening Statement on the Future of NASA at Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) participated in the Senate Space, Science and Competitiveness Subcommittee hearing on the future of NASA and human space exploration policy. Below is the text of his opening statement as prepared for delivery: "Good afternoon. Thank you Chairman Cruz for calling this hearing. I am very pleased to be here to discuss the future of NASA. I'd also like to recognize and thank Ranking Member Nelson for his leadership on these issues. "Being from … Continue Reading
07.13.16
Peters Floor Remarks on the Need to Address Climate Change and Web of Denial Blocking Action
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate Floor last night to discuss the threat of climate change and industry-led organizations that are working to block action on climate change. Below is the text of his remarks as prepared for delivery. "As the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Science, Space, and Competitiveness, I know how important it is for our country to invest in scientific research and make informed decisions based on the findings. "Sound science has… Continue Reading
07.13.16
Sens. Peters, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Address Needs of At-Risk Youth
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today introduced legislation to help states identify and respond to the needs of children who come into contact with both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The Childhood Outcomes Need New Efficient Community Teams (CONNECT) Act would authorize grants to improve cooperation between, and data collection by, the state agencies overseeing juvenile justice and child welfare programs. "Thousands of at-risk c… Continue Reading
07.12.16
Peters Floor Remarks on Tragedy in St. Joseph, Michigan & National Criminal Justice Commission Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate Floor this afternoon in response to the tragedy in St. Joseph, Michigan yesterday. He also addressed recent events in Dallas, Texas, Falcon Heights, Minnesota and Baton Rouge, Louisiana and discussed his legislation to create a National Criminal Justice Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. Below is the text of his remarks as prepared for delivery: "Mr. President, I rise today with a he… Continue Reading
07.12.16
Peters, Colleagues Urge FCC to Close the Rural Broadband Gap
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a bipartisan group of 26 Senators, urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update the Universal Service Fund's (USF) Mobility Fund, which is aimed at providing broadband service to rural and underserved areas. The Senators sent a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler calling for the agency to prioritize new mobile broadband deployment in these areas as well as preserve and upgrade mobile broadband where it is currently available.… Continue Reading
07.11.16
Peters Statement on Shooting at Berrien County Courthouse
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), released the following statement on the tragic shooting at the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph: "I'm deeply saddened by the tragic shootings at the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph. I join my fellow Michiganders in grieving for all those affected by this senseless tragedy, including the two public servants who lost their lives. We are still awaiting more details of what happened during this heartbreaking event, and I will continue t… Continue Reading
07.01.16
Senator Peters Cosponsors Bill to Support Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Sector
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has cosponsored bipartisan legislation to support Michigan's outdoor recreation sector and inform policymakers and business leaders of the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry. The Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act, which passed the Senate Commerce Committee this week,would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to conduct an assessment on the jobs created and the… Continue Reading
06.29.16
Commerce Committee Approves Peters-Gardner Bill to Keep America Competitive
Washington, DC - The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, legislation introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), along with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), leaders of the Committee's innovation and competitiveness working group on federal science and technology research policies. The bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act maximizes basic research by reducing administrative burdens for researchers, en… Continue Reading
06.28.16
Peters, Gardner Introduce Substitute to American Innovation and Competitiveness Act
Washington, DC - Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee's innovation and competitiveness working group on federal science and technology research policies, introduced a substitute amendment to S. 3084, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act. The amendment includes a four percent increase in National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) authorization levels for FY 2018 over FY 2017 in ad… Continue Reading
06.24.16
Peters Joins Senate Cybersecurity Caucus
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has joined the bipartisan Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, which will highlight the key role cybersecurity plays in both national security and economic interests. The caucus engages Members of Congress in discussions about cyber security issues, including vulnerabilities, intellectual property theft, digital security, data breaches and national cybersecurity policies. "Our country is facing unprecedented cyber threats, and we … Continue Reading
06.23.16
Peters Meets with Canadian Ambassador to the United States
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement after meeting with Canadian Ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton, who began serving as Ambassador in March: "I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Ambassador MacNaughton and discuss several important issues facing both Michigan and Canada. We discussed the importance of protecting our Great Lakes, which provide drinking water for 40 million people in Canada and the United States, and su… Continue Reading
06.23.16
Peters, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation's innovation and competitiveness working group on federal science and technology research policies, along with Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) who serve respectively as the chair and ranking member of the Committee introduced the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act. The bipartisan bill maximizes basic research by reducing … Continue Reading
06.22.16
Peters Introduces the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) introduced the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act to improve health outcomes for individuals at risk for diabetes and save long-term care costs for Medicare. This bipartisan legislation will extend Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services for Americans with pre-diabetes and risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes. Under current law, Medicare will only cover these serv… Continue Reading
06.21.16
Peters Statement on Lt. Colonel Kettles, of Ypsilanti, Being Awarded Medal of Honor by President Obama
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today released the following statement applauding an announcement from the White House that President Obama will award Lt. Colonel (ret.) Charles S. Kettles, of Ypsilanti, the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam on July 18th: "Lieutenant Colonel Kettles heroically put his life on the line to save his fellow servicemembers, and I am thrilled that President Obama will be awarding him the … Continue Reading
06.20.16
Peters Tours Kettering University, Discusses Connected Auto Technology
FLINT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today visited Kettering University and saw firsthand how Kettering University is playing a key role in the research and development of autonomous vehicle safety and technology. Peters, co-chair of the Senate Smart Transportation Caucus, toured the General Motors Foundation Automotive Research Area on Kettering University's campus, which is currently being developed as a proving ground for autonomous vehicle technology. He also visited Kettering's Crash S… Continue Reading
06.17.16
Peters Recognizes Juneteenth Independence Day
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement in recognition of Juneteenth Independence Day, which is celebrated each year on June 19th to recognize the day that African-American slaves in Galveston, Texas learned of their emancipation: "On this day in 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to spread the news that our nation's slaves were free - nearly three years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Although Juneteenth marked the end of one of … Continue Reading
06.16.16
Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce almost $82,000 in Support for Shiawassee Township Fire Department
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced almost $82,000 for the Shiawassee Township Fire Department to help purchase equipment. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. "Our firefighters in Shiawassee Township put their lives on the line to protect our families and homes," said Senator Stabenow. "Thanks to these new resources, these brave men and women will have the equipment they need to h… Continue Reading
06.16.16
Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce almost $100,000 in Support for the Township of Kalamazoo and Berrien Springs/Oronoko Fire Departments
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced almost $100,000 for the Township of Kalamazoo and Berrien Springs/Oronoko Fire Departments to help purchase hose replacements and ventilation equipment. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. "Our firefighters in Southwest Michigan put their lives on the line to protect our families and homes," said Senator Stabenow. "Thanks to these new resources,… Continue Reading
06.16.16
Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Grand Ledge Area Fire Department
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Grand Ledge Area Fire Department has been awarded a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The department will receive $133,173 to purchase equipment and improve safety operations. "First responders in Grand Ledge put their lives on the line every day to protect their community," said Senator Peters. "It is imperative that they have the tools and reso… Continue Reading
06.16.16
Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Southeast Michigan Departments
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that four fire departments across Southeast Michigan have been awarded assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The Sterling Heights Fire Department, the Redford Township Fire Department, the Highland Park Fire Department and the Dryden Township Fire Department will use the funding to purchase equipment and improve safety operations. "First responders acros… Continue Reading
