Legislative Recap

The big bill on the floor this week was bipartisan legislation to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets– including cryptocurrency. The bill, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, also ensures stronger consumer protections while shoring up the integrity of U.S. financial systems. I voted yes.

In addition to that, we also took up the bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which was introduced by my Republican colleague from Florida, Rep. Greg Steube. This bill would provide much-needed tax relief for communities hurting from natural disasters– including some communities in our state. It’s essential that we show up for people experiencing difficult times. I signed the discharge petition to bring this bill to the House floor and I’m glad that we came together to get this done.

It feels like Groundhog Day, but we’re well on our way to putting together the FY2025 budget. This week, we got a glimpse of what the FY2025 budget bill schedule will look like, and we’ll be working through each individual spending bill through the summer. I’ll keep you posted on what that looks like.

And, as a follow-up to last week’s long-term, bipartisan reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Act, I had a call with FAA Administrator Whitaker this week to discuss the next steps for the relocation and replacement of the air traffic control tower here in Grand Rapids. My two provisions that were included in this bill will provide guidelines and increase transparency for when and how the FAA replaces air traffic control towers, so we discussed how we could work together to make this happen for our community.

Committee Work 

Watch my question in the Coast Guard Subcommittee here.

This was an exciting week for the T&I Committee Coast Guard Subcommittee. We had the chance to speak with Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the Coast Guard and Master Chief Health B. Jones, Master Chief Petty Officer to discuss the Coast Guard’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. During the hearing, we discussed how we can work together to support recruitment and retainment of Coasties.

Showing up with Action

Meeting West Michigan students is one of the absolute BEST parts of my job.

This week, I welcomed students from Plymouth Christian School and Potter’s House School to Washington. I’m so glad I could answer their questions about my work and learn about what matters most to them.

We are so back! Another softball practice in the books. We’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll at the Congressional Women’s Softball Game for charity next month!

TAPS is an incredible resource for families grieving the loss of a military loved one. They provide important resources for emotional support, grief and trauma, and so much more. TAPS Ukraine provides these same resources for families of Ukrainian soldiers. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to sit down with representatives from both groups this week. Their crucial work uplifts and supports families in West Michigan and across the globe. I hope to be a strong partner in support of this mission.

I’ve worked on immigration issues for more than 20 years, and am constantly working to try to find bipartisan, common-sense solutions to fix our broken system and help people. This week, I sat down with Partnership for New Americans to listen to their perspectives on fairness in immigration court proceedings. Thanks for stopping by!

Lt. General Steele leads the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition, where he has served for over three years. In this role, he collaborates with over 45 Veteran Service Organizations and mental health groups to find bipartisan, innovative approaches to solving our country’s mental health and addiction crises. I’m so glad I could meet with Lt. General Steele to learn more about his work and how I can continue to support this effort through my Congressional work!

ICYMI

• Did you hear the great news? The PACT Act has now helped over 1 MILLION toxic-exposed veterans access the critical health care they've earned. I'll continue to show up and deliver for these heroes who put their lives on the line to serve our country.
• My team and I are pulling together our Farm Bill town hall in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more information!
• West Michiganders show up for those in need—not just in our communities, but across the country. Check out this awesome story of Grand Rapids Fire Department firefighters helping in disaster relief efforts in Texas. HUGE thanks to these heroes.

As always, it’s an honor to serve you, West Michigan.

Sincerely,