News
Senators Stabenow, Peters Introduce Bill to Keep Plastic Beads out of Great Lakes
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (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 food by fish. The Microbeads Free Waters Act of 2015 protects the Great Lakes by phasing out … Continue Reading
05.22.15
Senate Passes Trade Bill that Fails to Protect American Businesses, Jobs
The U.S. Senate passed trade legislation that fails to crack down on other countries that cheat on the value of their currency. It also does not include any other trade enforcement provisions to protect American jobs. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) is the legislative vehicle that grants the President fast track authority to negotiate trade deals. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) offered an amendment to TPA that would have created a clear negotiating objective directing the… Continue Reading
05.22.15
Stabenow Statement on Vote to Include Enforceable Currency Provisions, Protect American Jobs
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow issued the following statement regarding the Senate vote on her bipartisan amendment to Trade Promotion Authority legislation that would add clear language to require that any future trade agreements include enforceable currency provisions. The amendment failed by a vote of 48-51. "If this fast track trade bill passes the Senate, it is deeply disturbing that it will not include language needed to protect American workers and businesses. Currency manipulation has alre… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senator Stabenow Introduces Bill to Expand Advanced Vehicle Technology
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow introduced legislation to expand an advanced vehicle manufacturing loan program that helps automobile and parts manufacturers to retool their plants to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program, authored by Senator Stabenow and signed into law in 2007, allows automakers to produce the next generation of vehicles here at home. The Building Better Trucks Act will expand the ATVM program to allow manufacturer… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senators Stabenow and Thune Reintroduce Bill to Advance Agricultural Research
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee, and John Thune (R-SD), member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, today reintroduced legislation to support agricultural research. The Charitable Agricultural Research Act encourages the creation of public-private partnerships to boost funding and spur innovation for agricultural research. Senators Stabenow and Thune, members of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced this legislation las… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senator Stabenow Introduces Bill to Advance Agricultural Research
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today introduced legislation to support agricultural research. The Charitable Agricultural Research Act, which is cosponsored by John Thune (R-SD), encourages the creation of public-private partnerships to boost funding and spur innovation for agricultural research. This will allow colleges like Michigan State University to continue their work to help make sure there is a safe and steady … Continue Reading
05.21.15
Stabenow, Peters Call for Permanent Administrator to Lead Pipeline Safety Agency
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters (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 ago. "Given PHMSA'… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senator Stabenow Announces Support for Baraga Police Department to Buy New Police Car
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for the Baraga Police Department in Baraga County. This funding comes through the USDA's Rural Development Economic Impact Initiative Grant program, which funds critical infrastructure in rural communities across the country. The $18,750 grant will be used to help the community purchase a new police vehicle. "Police officers have to cover many miles to protect our … Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senator Stabenow Announces Support for Cheboyan Department of Public Safety to Buy New Police Car
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for the Cheboyan Department of Public Safety in Cheboygan County. This funding comes through the USDA's Rural Development Economic Impact Initiative Grant program, which funds critical infrastructure in rural communities across the country. The $18,000 grant will be used to help the community purchase a new police vehicle. "Police officers have to cover many miles … Continue Reading
05.20.15
Senator Stabenow Announces Important Step to Improve and Expand Access to Mental Health Care
U.S. Debbie Stabenow today announced the launch of a new initiative to expand community mental health services based on her Excellence in Mental Health Act, which was cosponsored by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration began the application process for states interested in being selected for a new eight-state demonstration program that will offer patients increased services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric care, counseling, and integrated treatme… Continue Reading
05.20.15
Senators Stabenow, Blunt Announce Important Step to Improve and Expand Access to Mental Health Care
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) today announced the launch of a new initiative to expand community mental health services based on her Excellence in Mental Health Act. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration began the application process for states interested in being selected for a new eight-state demonstration program that will offer patients increased services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric care, counseling, and integrated treatments for mental… Continue Reading
05.20.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Support for Sherman Township Volunteer Fire Department
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 Department buy the equipme… Continue Reading
05.20.15
Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Support for Graafschap Fire Department
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 they need to safely … Continue Reading
05.20.15
Stabenow, Peters, Alexander Introduce Vehicle Innovation Act
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters (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 manufacturers. "Our automakers are surging back with new innovations and new technologies, and we need to keep that momentum going," said Senator … Continue Reading
05.19.15
Senator Stabenow Statement on Amendment to Include Strong, Enforceable Currency Language in U.S. Trade Deals
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today offered a bipartisan amendment that would add clear language to require that any future trade agreements include enforceable currency provisions. Currency manipulation is the most significant 21st century trade barrier that American manufacturers face today and has resulted in the loss of as many as five million jobs in the United States. "Instead of fast-tracking trade, we need to fast-track the middle class by putting policies in place that will allow our bus… Continue Reading
05.16.15
Senator Stabenow Receives Award at Wayne County Medical Society Foundation Gala
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow delivered remarks and received an award for her health care leadership at the Wayne County Medical Society Foundation Gala on Saturday, May 16. The Wayne County Medical Society, which is the largest medical society in the State of Michigan, established the foundation in 1987 to improve the health and well-being of community members. Senator Stabenow has worked to expand access to affordable and quality health care, including leading the effort to open and fund commun… Continue Reading
05.16.15
Senator Stabenow Delivered Remarks at 2nd Annual Detroit Caregiver Support Conference
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, member of the Assisting Caregivers Today Caucus, delivered remarks at the 2nd Annual Detroit Caregiver Support Conference on Saturday, May 16. The event provided information to caregivers on legal resources, programs and services available for older adults and their caregivers. More than 5 million Americans, including 185,000 people in Michigan, are living with Alzheimer's disease, and more than 15 million people serve as their caregivers. Senator Stabenow's Health … Continue Reading
05.16.15
Senator Stabenow Delivered Remarks at 24th Annual Komen Detroit Race for the Cure
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, honorary co-chair of this year's race, delivered remarks at the 24th Annual Komen Detroit Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 16. The event, which was organized by Susan G. Komen and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, honored breast cancer survivors and celebrated the lives of those we have lost. "Too many women in Michigan and across the country are affected by breast cancer," said Stabenow. "Thanks to advocates and organizations like those in Detroit today,… Continue Reading
05.16.15
Senator Stabenow Statement on the Passing of Ortheia Barnes
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Detroit singer, community activist, and ordained minister Ortheia Barnes: "I join with friends in Detroit to celebrate the life and talent of our friend Ortheia Barnes. She was an important part of the tapestry of the Detroit music scene and we will always be grateful to have heard her beautiful, soulful voice. In recent years, she used her powerful voice to lift up The Lord through her outreach ministry. … Continue Reading
05.14.15
Stabenow Applauds Passage of Customs Enforcement Legislation
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow applauded Senate passage of S. 1269, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. This bill makes permanent two provisions in Senator Stabenow's Trade Enforcement Act. It creates a permanent Interagency Trade Enforcement Center and for the first time, creates a Chief Manufacturing Negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative who will be responsible for protecting the interests of domestic manufacturers in trade negotiations. For yea… Continue Reading
