This week, I’m especially grateful for Capitol Police ‘pawfficer’ K9 Fango and his handler, Keith, for helping me through the ups and downs. Don’t worry– Fango was off duty and available for pets! Isn’t he just the cutest? This week was exactly that –ups and downs– but we secured some AMAZING victories for West Michigan’s small business owners and families with children (more on this later).

Below you’ll find a recap of the week in Washington and a look at what’s ahead!

Besides the four duplicative immigration bills this week, the big bill on the floor was a bipartisan, Democratic-led bill to expand the Child Tax Credit for families in need here in West Michigan and across the country. The Child Tax Credit is crucial to help families afford items like clothes, diapers, school supplies– you name it. We saw the way that this credit lifted families out of poverty throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know it can do so again.

This bill definitely wasn’t perfect, but I’m thankful that an estimated 31,000 kids and families in MI-03 will have access to this much-needed, long-overdue relief. The House passed this bill overwhelmingly– which just shows the power of what we can accomplish when we come together. There’s no reason why we can’t do the same for other big issues facing our country, including immigration. Read my full statement here.

My Two Small Business Bills Pass Committee!

Some exciting news! Two of my bipartisan bills to support women-owned small businesses and small businesses in underserved areas UNANIMOUSLY passed the Small Business Committee (before noon on a Wednesday, I might add!).

The bipartisan Women-Owned Small Business Integrity Act would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to verify that applicants in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program are truly small businesses. This would help protect WOSB owners from costly legal battles down the line.

The SBA’s HUBZone program helps small businesses compete with large corporations for federal contracts. My bipartisan Enhancing Competition in Contracting Orders Act would clarify these benefits and enable more small businesses to compete in the federal contracting space.

I’m so glad that the committee came together at this critical moment to make sure small businesses can thrive, and I’ll be working tirelessly to make sure these bills get brought to the House floor for a vote. Watch my remarks on my two bills here.

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Hearing

We had an important T&I Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing this week on addressing threats in the Red Sea. Americans continue to feel the strain of inflation, and global shipping delays could make the situation much worse. I had the chance to ask maritime supply experts about how we can secure shipping lanes in the region.

Catching up with Education Advocates of West Michigan

I had the best time chatting with the Education Advocates of West Michigan this week! These folks are champions for our kids and educators, and I’m so thankful for their continued partnership as we work to create a better, brighter future for the next generation.

Wager with Rep. Brownley

A deal is a deal! Last month, I challenged Rep. Julia Brownley from California to a bet– if the Lions took down the Rams (which we KNEW they would), she owed me some of the finest beer from the Conejo Valley. We all know what happened next…#AllGrit #OnePride!! Happy to say I’m the proud owner of *several* six-packs from Ladyface Brewery. On another note, still heartbroken with a raspy voice from cheering on Sunday night, but we are so proud of our Lions on their incredible season. We all know – including Ben Johnson, who we are SO excited to have sticking around – that next year is ours!

Grand Rapids Chamber Breakfast

Back in West Michigan, Team Scholten stopped by the Grand Rapids Chamber Breakfast to connect with leaders in our thriving small business community! So grateful for our amazing team that never fails to show up for our neighbors and local businesses.

Legislative Actions

Despite the intense action on the floor this week, I signed on to several pieces of legislation and letters to address the issues facing West Michiganders. This week…

• I cosponsored three bills– including a bill to make Indigenous People’s Day a federal holiday, the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act (H.R. 6610) to break down the passport backlog and expedite passport service, and the NAPA Reauthorization Act (H.R. 619) to support the federal government’s efforts to find cures to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• I heard from West Michiganders who are concerned about slow mail delivery times and rising costs at their local post offices. We need more accountability in USPS leadership to help fix these critical issues. That’s why I joined my colleagues in writing a letter urging the Biden Administration to quickly appoint new members of the Postal Service Board of Governors who are committed to lowering costs and making sure West Michiganders’ mail gets delivered on time.

I’ll be back in Washington next week for a shorter week than usual. Here’s an overview of what’s coming:

• Immigration continues to dominate our work for the foreseeable future. Next week, we’re expecting to vote on the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Let’s be clear– putting the blame for this crisis on one person when the immigration crisis has been DECADES in the making is nothing more than a political stunt. Also, there’s a possibility that we finally see the text of the Senate’s bipartisan immigration deal that they’ve been working on. I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but Speaker Johnson has already said this bill is dead on arrival in the House. When it comes to this issue, it’s clear that House Republicans are more interested in causing more chaos than finding actual solutions. But, that won’t stop me from reaching across the aisle to create the immigration reforms that our country so desperately needs. The only path forward is bipartisan.
• On Tuesday, all eyes are on the T&I Aviation Subcommittee. The FAA Administrator will be coming before the subcommittee for an oversight hearing in light of the horrific airline incidents that have taken place over the last several weeks– including the door blowing off of the Boeing 737 Max plane over Portland, OR. I’ve been pushing hard to get the Administrator to come before Congress since this incident, and am looking forward to getting my questions answered. We must ensure the safety and security of ALL travelers.
• I’m participating in a Special Order Hour on the Dignity Act, my bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill, on Monday evening after my trip to the border. I’ll be offering reflections on what I learned and what I saw and talking about why NOW is the moment to tackle this critical issue facing our nation. Check my social media pages next week for a recap!

ICYMI:

• This week, it was announced that the Palisades will receive a $1.5 billion loan to restart operations. America's clean energy future must include an all-of-the-above approach, and it starts right here in West Michigan. I've been advocating for Palisades since day 1 and am excited to see it poised to lead the country as the first re-commissioned nuclear plant.
• Each February, we celebrate Black History Month and honor the contributions of Black Americans. This month, follow my social media pages as I’ll be highlighting the stories of Black West Michiganders who have made a huge impact on our community and our country.
• Don’t forget! I’m still collecting Valentine’s Day cards to deliver to West Michigan veterans. To participate, send your Valentine’s Day cards to my West Michigan office by 2/8.
• We know, of course, that Michigan is the best place on Earth. We’re a small business hub, a leader in clean energy policy, AND home to the Lions! I want to know what makes Michigan special to YOU. Reply to this post to share!

Our monthly grants newsletter is a great way to get information about funding information. We’re all about connecting West Michiganders with the support they need to get their projects started or over the finish line. You can request to receive our grants newsletter by emailing Kathryn.Pina@mail.house.gov.

One last thought. This past week in Washington marked the 72nd annual National Prayer Breakfast–a bipartisan gathering of lawmakers joined together by faith. We were graced with the musical talents of Maestro Andrea Bocelli, whose rendition of Amazing Grace reverberating through Statuary Hall did not leave a dry eye in the room. I took this photo. Before he sang, he shared a few words about why he had chosen to come and share his love of music. In Ancient Roman, emperors would often forbid their soldiers from hearing any music, because it would soften their hearts and not prepare them for battle. He reminded us, as lawmakers, that we are not at war with each other, but in service together and on a mission to bring peace–not war–to the world. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, West Michigan. 

All my best,

Congresswoman Hillary J. Scholten