INSIDER
The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the Senate
Read full article: The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the SenateThe leaders of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have declined to testify publicly at a scheduled Senate hearing on global national security threats.
A Michigan Senate candidate aims to achieve what no Republican has done in three decades
Read full article: A Michigan Senate candidate aims to achieve what no Republican has done in three decadesFormer Representative Mike Rogers is attempting to become the first Republican to win a U.S. Senate race in Michigan in 30 years.
Secret Service failures before Trump rally shooting were 'preventable,' Senate panel finds
Read full article: Secret Service failures before Trump rally shooting were 'preventable,' Senate panel findsMultiple Secret Service failures ahead of the July rally for former President Donald Trump where a gunman opened fire were “foreseeable, preventable, and directly related to the events resulting in the assassination attempt that day."
Democrats put up $25 million to reach voters in 10 states in fierce fight for Senate majority
Read full article: Democrats put up $25 million to reach voters in 10 states in fierce fight for Senate majorityDemocrats are pumping $25 million into expanded voter outreach across 10 states as part of their effort to protect their narrow Senate majority.
Acting Secret Service director says he's 'ashamed' after the Trump assassination attempt
Read full article: Acting Secret Service director says he's 'ashamed' after the Trump assassination attemptThe Secret Service’s acting director has told lawmakers he considered it indefensible that the roof used by the gunman in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump was unsecured.
Democrats on Capitol Hill express concerns about Biden in private but stay quiet in public
Read full article: Democrats on Capitol Hill express concerns about Biden in private but stay quiet in publicAfter meeting for around two hours to discuss whether President Joe Biden should remain at the top of their presidential ticket, Senate Democrats almost unanimously have agreed on one thing — not to say anything about it.
Staffing issues prompt ER workers, doctors at Ascension St. John to consider strike
Read full article: Staffing issues prompt ER workers, doctors at Ascension St. John to consider strikeAfter months of unsuccessful contract talks, the Greater Detroit Association of ER Physicians, the union representing the physicians and physician assistants at Ascension St. John, has voted to go on strike.
Democrats target GOP strongholds Texas and Florida with Senate majority on the line
Read full article: Democrats target GOP strongholds Texas and Florida with Senate majority on the lineDemocrats hoping to hold their slim Senate majority after November are looking for wins in two unlikely places that could neutralize potential setbacks elsewhere, Florida and Texas.
Jewish community center in Royal Oak receives grant to improve security measures
Read full article: Jewish community center in Royal Oak receives grant to improve security measuresThe grant will help Woodward Avenue Shul update its camera security system, fortify windows, add safe rooms, and enhance security doors, among other things.
Calls are mounting for Menendez to resign as Democrats grapple with 'shocking' bribery allegations
Read full article: Calls are mounting for Menendez to resign as Democrats grapple with 'shocking' bribery allegationsSen. Bob Menendez is coming under heavy pressure to resign from office as he faces federal bribery allegations.
FBI and Homeland Security ignored ‘massive amount’ of intelligence before Jan. 6, Senate report says
Read full article: FBI and Homeland Security ignored ‘massive amount’ of intelligence before Jan. 6, Senate report saysA Senate committee's report says the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security downplayed or ignored “a massive amount of intelligence information” before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.
$7M federal government investment issued to repair crumbling road in Orion Township
Read full article: $7M federal government investment issued to repair crumbling road in Orion TownshipChris Barnett, a Republican, found a partner in Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat. Through their work and bipartisanship, Slotkin announced $7 million in federal dollars, which will pay for rebuilding the roads, not just a patch job.
GOP's lackluster fundraising spurs post-election infighting
Read full article: GOP's lackluster fundraising spurs post-election infightingRepublicans are engaged in a round of finger-pointing as both parties sift through the results of Democrats’ stronger-than-expected showing in the midterm elections.
Michigan senators respond to misconduct allegations at Detroit VA medical center
Read full article: Michigan senators respond to misconduct allegations at Detroit VA medical centerSenator Debbie Stabenow is responding to the investigation at Detroit’s John Dingell VA Medical Center after allegations of misconduct were made.
Abortion vote in Kansas sparks new hope for Dems in midterms
Read full article: Abortion vote in Kansas sparks new hope for Dems in midtermsDemocrats are celebrating a stunning victory for abortion rights in Republican stronghold Kansas as proof that the issue could turn back a Republican wave this fall.
Detroit census hearing reveals evidence of inaccuracies that can impact city resources
Read full article: Detroit census hearing reveals evidence of inaccuracies that can impact city resourcesA field hearing held on Monday at Wayne County Community College showcased some of the evidence that the 2020 census in Detroit was undercounted.
Michigan senator looks to investigate erased texts from secret service from Jan. 6th insurrection
Read full article: Michigan senator looks to investigate erased texts from secret service from Jan. 6th insurrectionMichigan Sen. Gary Peters is looking to investigate the erased text message by the secret service from the January 6th insurrection.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi tackles semiconductor chip shortage during her visit to Taylor
Read full article: Speaker Nancy Pelosi tackles semiconductor chip shortage during her visit to TaylorOne of the country’s most powerful women brings her clout to Michigan to focus on a shortage that has been slowing down the state’s vital auto industry.
Michigan-led bill aims to protect woman’s right to choose
Read full article: Michigan-led bill aims to protect woman’s right to chooseWith the Supreme Court set to strike down Roe V. Wade, some in the senate are stepping into action with a new bill that would protect a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. If the bill passes, it will set federal standards for the right to an abortion.
Election 2022: JD Vance wins Ohio's GOP Senate primary
Read full article: Election 2022: JD Vance wins Ohio's GOP Senate primaryPrimary elections in Ohio have set the stage for a more competitive phase of the midterm primary season, with closely watched races in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia scheduled for later this month.
Trump's bid to shape GOP faces test with voters in May races
Read full article: Trump's bid to shape GOP faces test with voters in May racesVoters across a dozen states are set to decide primary elections this month that will determine the people and priorities leading the GOP into the fall midterms and beyond.
State officials announce $84M in federal aid towards public transportation for Ann Arbor and Detroit
Read full article: State officials announce $84M in federal aid towards public transportation for Ann Arbor and DetroitAnn Arbor and Detroit are set to receive over $84M in aid from the U.S. Department of Transportation according to U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $300K as first step of Ypsilanti Transit Center expansion
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $300K as first step of Ypsilanti Transit Center expansionThe Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced it will receive $300,000 as part of a $16 million plan to expand the Ypsilanti Transit Center.
Live stream: Homeland Security secretary, Sen. Peters speak in Farmington Hills
Read full article: Live stream: Homeland Security secretary, Sen. Peters speak in Farmington HillsU.S. Senator Gary Peters held a news briefing Friday with the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to discuss protecting houses of worship from terror attacks.
John James announces run for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District
Read full article: John James announces run for Michigan’s 10th Congressional DistrictMonday (Jan. 31) night, John James announced that he is running for Michigan’s newly drawn 10th Congressional District. The 10th Congressional District has no incumbent, and both Democrats and Republicans view it as winnable. There are still fights over the district maps, but James’s entry into the race would seem to shift the dynamic if this district holds its shape.
John James announces run for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District
Read full article: John James announces run for Michigan’s 10th Congressional DistrictMonday (Jan. 31) night, John James announced that he is running for Michigan’s newly drawn 10th Congressional District. The 10th Congressional District has no incumbent, and both Democrats and Republicans view it as winnable. There are still fights over the district maps, but James’s entry into the race would seem to shift the dynamic if this district holds its shape.
John James announces run for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District
Read full article: John James announces run for Michigan’s 10th Congressional DistrictMonday (Jan. 31) night, John James announced that he is running for Michigan’s newly drawn 10th Congressional District. The 10th Congressional District has no incumbent, and both Democrats and Republicans view it as winnable. There are still fights over the district maps, but James’s entry into the race would seem to shift the dynamic if this district holds its shape.
What $1T federal infrastructure law means for Michigan
Read full article: What $1T federal infrastructure law means for MichiganThe $1 trillion federal infrastructure spending law includes billions of dollars for Michigan, including to fix roads, replace lead water pipes and expand access to high-speed internet and electric vehicle charging stations.
Local Democrats warn party: Growing Republican wave is real
Read full article: Local Democrats warn party: Growing Republican wave is realDemocrats in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, felt the Republican wave building over the summer when frustrated parents filled school board meetings to complain about masking requirements and an academic theory on systemic racism that wasn’t even taught in local schools.
What could the $1T bipartisan infrastructure plan mean for Michigan?
Read full article: What could the $1T bipartisan infrastructure plan mean for Michigan?The Senate approved a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan on Tuesday, a rare coalition of Democrats and Republicans joining to overcome skeptics and deliver a cornerstone of President Joe Biden’s agenda.
President Joe Biden visits Traverse City to promote infrastructure plan
Read full article: President Joe Biden visits Traverse City to promote infrastructure planBiden remained mostly quiet to reporters on major issues facing Michigan, like infrastructure, climate change and the 2022 midterm elections.
Biden goes in for cherries on campaign-style Michigan trip
Read full article: Biden goes in for cherries on campaign-style Michigan tripPresident Joe Biden stayed mum on policy during a Saturday trip to Michigan, focusing instead on cherries and on voters who were mask-free amid eased coronavirus restrictions.
Senate report details broad failures around Jan. 6 attack
Read full article: Senate report details broad failures around Jan. 6 attackA Senate investigation of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has found a broad intelligence breakdown across multiple agencies, along with widespread law enforcement and military failures.
Michigan’s Congressional Delegation reacts to failed attempt to create commission to investigate Jan. 6 insurrection
Read full article: Michigan’s Congressional Delegation reacts to failed attempt to create commission to investigate Jan. 6 insurrectionMichigan lawmakers are frustrated the independent commission that would investigate the fatal attack was blocked in a partisan vote.
Senators press for more on SolarWinds hack after AP report
Read full article: Senators press for more on SolarWinds hack after AP reportKey lawmakers say they’re concerned they’ve been kept in the dark about what suspected Russian hackers stole from the federal government and they pressed Biden administration officials for more details about the scope of what’s known as the SolarWinds hack.
Willow Run Airport awarded more than $15 million in federal funding for upgrades
Read full article: Willow Run Airport awarded more than $15 million in federal funding for upgradesSenators Debbie Stabenow (MI), Gary Peters (MI) announced on Tuesday that Willow Run Airport will receive $15,275,685 from the Department of Transportation. The airport will use the Federal Aviation Administration grant to improve its existing runways. “I’m pleased to announce this federal grant, which will help improve Willow Run’s daily operations.”“Investing in Willow Run Airport will support economic development in the region,” Senator Stabenow said in a release. “Willow Run Airport is a critical gateway for our local economy in Ypsilanti and Washtenaw, as well as throughout the entire tri-county area,” Congresswoman Dingell said in a release. “With more than $15 million in federal funds, Willow Run can make critical improvements to their runway that will keep pilots and passengers safe, while increasing cargo capability arriving at and departing from the airport.
Pelosi taps DC National Guard head to lead House security
Read full article: Pelosi taps DC National Guard head to lead House securityNational Guard troops were delayed in getting to the building as the rioters beat up police officers and smashed through windows and doors to get in. On Thursday, seven House committees asked 10 federal agencies for documents and communications from the government as part of a wide-ranging investigation. The Senate Homeland and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Senate Rules Committee have already held two hearings with security officials about what went wrong. The security officials described violent attacks on overwhelmed police officers and desperate pleas for backup. As the committees investigate, Capitol officials are improving the building's physical security, including reinforcing the House doors that the rioters attempted to breach.
Slower mail, fewer office hours part of Postal Service plans
Read full article: Slower mail, fewer office hours part of Postal Service plansUnited States Postal Service Postmaster General Louis DeJoy speaks during a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on "Legislative Proposals to Put the Postal Service on Sustainable Financial Footing" on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Washington. United States Postal Service Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is left. Postal Service over persistent delivery delays under DeJoy, a major GOP donor who took over the agency last summer. He announced the plans at a webinar with other postal service officials. And those concerns remain.”DeJoy, a former supply-chain CEO who took over the Postal Service last June, has been mired in controversy since taking over the agency.
Government leaders tour Ford Field COVID-19 vaccination site in Detroit
Read full article: Government leaders tour Ford Field COVID-19 vaccination site in DetroitDETROIT – When it opens on Wednesday the Ford Field vaccination clinic will aim to administer 6,000 doses each day. We are on that door step with Ford Field becoming the platform where thousands of doses will be distributed each day. Garlin Gilchrist led area Democratic representatives and Sen. Gary Peters through Ford Field to get their first hand look at the nearly 70 vaccination pods ringing the playing field. “So he said Brenda, sick or dead, sick or dead? The Ford Field vaccine program is scheduled to run for the next eight weeks.
Ford Field in Detroit to become mass vaccination site for Metro Detroit
Read full article: Ford Field in Detroit to become mass vaccination site for Metro Detroit“I’m pleased to announce the addition of a new FEMA-supported site in Detroit,” said White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients. “This site, located at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, has the ability to administer 6,000 shots per day.”UPDATE March 15: You can now register to get vaccinated against COVID at Ford FieldREAD: FEMA to convert Ford Field into regional mass vaccination siteIt was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and were planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a massive vaccination site. “Protect lives and move Michigan and Detroit forward.”The way forward, she said, is the the vaccination site at Ford Field. I am thrilled that the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act will deliver resources -- that I secured -- directly to the federal vaccination program at Ford Field. Having this new mass vaccination site operated by FEMA will be a significant step forward for our city and our region toward that goal.
Senate seeks explanation for lacking security amid deadly US Capitol attack
Read full article: Senate seeks explanation for lacking security amid deadly US Capitol attackOn Wednesday, March 3, national security officials testified in the second Senate hearing on the deadly Jan. 6 attack, which is being held in an effort to better understand why security officials were ill-prepared for the insurrection despite intelligence identifying the potential for violence at the Capitol. AdDuring the first Senate hearing on the insurrection, former security officials testified that bad intelligence was to blame for the failure to anticipate the violent intentions of the pro-Trump mob. Far more advanced security measures were in place during the largely peaceful civil justice protests last year, compared to the lack of security measures in place for the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol attack. AdOn Wednesday, the Senate appointed a new sergeant at arms after former official Michael Stenger resigned after the riot. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.
Capitol defenders cite missed intelligence for deadly breach
Read full article: Capitol defenders cite missed intelligence for deadly breachFormer U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund testifies before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs & Senate Rules and Administration joint hearing on Capitol Hill, Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, to examine the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Sund said he hadn’t seen an FBI field office report that warned of potential violence citing online posts about a “war." Sund said he did see an intelligence report created within his own department warning that Congress could be targeted on Jan. 6. ”Sund and Irving disagreed on when the National Guard was called and on requests for the guard beforehand. A House subcommittee will examine damage to the Capitol on Wednesday and will hear testimony from current security officials, including Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman, on Thursday.
Takeaways from Congress' first hearing on Capitol riot
Read full article: Takeaways from Congress' first hearing on Capitol riotFormer U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund appears before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs & Senate Rules and Administration joint hearing on Capitol Hill, Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, to examine the January 6th attack on the Capitol. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)WASHINGTON – Security officials testifying at Congress' first hearing on the deadly siege of the Capitol cast blame and pointed fingers on Tuesday but also acknowledged they were woefully unprepared for the violence. The security officials lost their jobs, and Trump was impeached by the House on a charge of inciting the insurrection, the deadliest attack on Congress in 200 years. But then-Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund testified that he only learned about it the day before Tuesday's hearing. But in closing, Klobuchar restated the testimony: “There was clear agreement this was a planned insurrection.”ONE OFFICER'S PERSONAL STORYThe hearing opened with Capitol Police Capt.
FEMA strike team coming to Michigan to help with vaccine distribution
Read full article: FEMA strike team coming to Michigan to help with vaccine distributionThe state of Michigan will receive federal help distributing coronavirus vaccines. Sen. Gary Peters knows vaccine distribution in Michigan has been a challenge. Peters is the chair of the Homeland Security committee over FEMA and now FEMA strike teams are coming in to assist the state. AdAny area having trouble getting vaccine doses into residents will now get help from FEMA. Peters said he has met with President Joe Biden and is pushing for the state to receive more doses.
Impeachment over, Congress shifts focus to security failures
Read full article: Impeachment over, Congress shifts focus to security failuresTwo Senate committees have summoned top security officials to testify, the beginning of a comprehensive look at what went wrong. In her letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. The hearing will begin a broad examination of the security failures that led to the breach. The security breakdown on Jan. 6, as the House and Senate met for a joint session to count electoral votes, was severe. With the diminished security presence, the rioters not only breached the Capitol but entered the Senate chamber minutes after senators had fled.
Calls for discipline mount against Michigan GOP Sen. Mike Shirkey
Read full article: Calls for discipline mount against Michigan GOP Sen. Mike ShirkeyLANSING, Mich. – Calls for discipline have grown over the weekend after state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey was caught in two controversial hot mic conversations. He said he regretted the words he chose and apologized for his “insensitive comments.”AdThe next day on the Michigan Senate floor, Shirkey told Lt. Gov. READ: How Michigan played a role in Donald Trump’s 2nd impeachmentThe pressure to discipline Shirkey even extended to the U.S. Senate. Ad“It’s outrageous that you have, yet again, another Republican leader engaging in conspiracy theories and lies,” Peters said. Apparently, the leader of the state Senate in Michigan now wants to tell an even bigger lie.”Michigan Republican Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth released a statement of his own, distancing himself from Shirkey.
Michigan lawmakers react to Trump’s historic 2nd acquittal
Read full article: Michigan lawmakers react to Trump’s historic 2nd acquittalFILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, file photo, President Donald Trump waves as he boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, en route to his Mar-a-Lago Florida Resort. Former President Donald Trump is welcoming his second impeachment acquittal and says his movement “has only just begun.”Democratic senators from Michigan were among the U.S. lawmakers who cast “guilty” votes on Saturday in hopes of charging Trump with incitement. “Former President Donald Trump spent months pushing a big lie – that the November election was stolen from him. Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy. The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives.
‘This will go down in history’ -- Michigan Senators react to impeachment trial
Read full article: ‘This will go down in history’ -- Michigan Senators react to impeachment trialSen. Debbie Stabenow and Sen. Gary Peters sat through hours of testimony during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump and they have hours more to go. READ: ‘It was disturbing in a major way’ -- Michigan Senators respond to testimony from Impeachment trialThe two Michigan Senators said watching the videos from inside the U.S. Capitol Building over the past few days has been disturbing. WATCH: Live stream: Trump impeachment trial in Senate (Day 3)AdStabenow and Peters were both inside the Capitol Building during the deadly siege that forced them to hide from those looking to harm or kill lawmakers. Both have called for the impeachment of Trump, but they said they weren’t sure where some Republican colleagues would change their mind and join them. “This will go down in history as the largest bipartisan vote to convict a president of the United States.”It appears Trump’s defense team plans to wrap up sometime Friday, which means the Senators’ vote will be sooner than expected.
‘It was disturbing in a major way’ -- Michigan Senators respond to testimony from Impeachment trial
Read full article: ‘It was disturbing in a major way’ -- Michigan Senators respond to testimony from Impeachment trialDramatic video and audio from the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building were presented Wednesday during the second day of the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. WATCH: Live stream: Trump impeachment trial in Senate (Day 3)U.S. House of Representatives manager Madeleine Dean became emotional as she recounted the moment the rioters tried to enter the House Chamber. AdREAD: Trump can’t hang on to lawyers after false election claimsMichigan’s two Senators said it was difficult to relive the day of the deadly insurrection. They said the footage during Wednesday’s trial shocked them and they were disturbed by how violent things became inside the U.S. Capitol Building. Ad“Their language about wanting to kill people, wanting to kill Mike Pence and the Speaker but also saying over and over again just whoever they saw they wanted to kill,” Stabenow recalled.
Michigan lawmakers take on key role in fight against terrorism
Read full article: Michigan lawmakers take on key role in fight against terrorismWASHINGTON, D.C. – It’s been going on in plain sight for decades, but since the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building, the fight against domestic terrorism has become a top priority. READ: Slain Capitol Police officer honored: ‘We will never forget’Two Michigan Legislatures are taking prominent roles in that fight. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who served as an expert in militias and terrorism for the CIA, announced Thursday she will bring that experience to combating domestic terrorism. “We have been dealing with this rise of extremism and domestic terrorism long before Jan. 6,” Slotkin said. “That will change.”Both Peters and Slotkin pointed to Michigan’s strong domestic terrorism laws and hope their home state will be used as examples for both the good and bad as Michigan take the lead role in a national fight.
Senate confirms Mayorkas as Biden's homeland security chief
Read full article: Senate confirms Mayorkas as Biden's homeland security chiefVice President Kamala Harris, right, ceremonially swears in Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, accompanied by his wife Tanya Mayorkas, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Complex in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)WASHINGTON – The Senate confirmed Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday as President Joe Biden's homeland security secretary, the first Latino to fill a post that will have a central role in the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic, a sweeping Russia-linked cyber hack and domestic extremism. His nomination was stalled in the Senate by Republicans who wanted to question him further on Biden's plans for immigration policy. Mayorkas is uniquely qualified to make sure the Department of Homeland Security is working to protect people from all backgrounds, all communities and all walks of life,” Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat and chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said from the Senate floor. “He has nominated a very good secretary for DHS, a secretary that understands that policies affect border security,” he said.
Michigan Sen. Peters to lead Dem efforts to expand majority
Read full article: Michigan Sen. Peters to lead Dem efforts to expand majorityScott Applewhite)LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who won a tough reelection race in the fall, will lead Democrats' efforts in 2022 to expand their current razor-thin Senate majority. Next year, Democrats will have chances to pick up seats in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and Wisconsin. In November, Peters withstood a stiff challenge from top Republican recruit John James, winning by 1.7 percentage points in a state that Joe Biden reclaimed after Donald Trump won it four years earlier. He said while Democrats could benefit from “disarray” within the GOP, it is up to Republicans to determine Trump's influence. Peters pointed to his own electoral victories — such as the 2014 midterm, when he won an open seat as Republicans swept other top statewide offices.
Congress members from Michigan help mark historic Inauguration Day in Washington
Read full article: Congress members from Michigan help mark historic Inauguration Day in WashingtonMichigan members of the United States Congress participated in the historic Jan. 20 inauguration of now-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Thank you President Biden for such an inspiring speech. “I congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their historic inauguration. Leading up to Inauguration Day, a 6-foot fence was constructed around the Michigan Capitol Building and several law enforcement agencies had increased their presence in case any threats arose during expected protests. Continue: With law enforcement at the ready, only a few dozen protesters gather at Michigan CapitolMore inauguration coverage:
Democratic Michigan leaders eager to ‘get to work’ with Biden, Harris sworn in
Read full article: Democratic Michigan leaders eager to ‘get to work’ with Biden, Harris sworn inSenator Debbie Stabenow, from Michigan“It was such an honor to witness history today as President Biden and Vice President Harris were sworn into office. More than a trailblazer and trusted voice for President Biden, Vice President Harris will fight for justice and equality in this nation. And I look forward to getting the job done with President Biden and Vice President Harris.” Rep. DingellU.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, Michigan’s 13th district“I congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their historic inauguration. The inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris completed the peaceful transfer of power as required by our Constitution. The success of President Biden and Vice President Harris will be a success we all share.
Flashpoint 1/10/21: Chaos on Capitol Hill after Trump supporters storm halls of Congress to overturn election
Read full article: Flashpoint 1/10/21: Chaos on Capitol Hill after Trump supporters storm halls of Congress to overturn electionDETROIT – On Sunday, there was a discussion on supporters of President Donald Trump storming the halls of Congress to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Since then so much has happened including Democrats pushing to get the president swiftly impeached. Lawmakers plan to formally introduce the proposal on Monday in the House, where articles of impeachment must originate. If Democrats decide to move forward, a vote could be possible by Wednesday — exactly one week before Democrat Joe Biden becomes president at noon on Jan. 20. In addition to a roundtable discussion, Democratic US Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan made an appearance on the show Sunday and talked about becoming chair of the Homeland Security committee.
‘They didn’t care if they hurt people’ -- Michigan lawmakers react to deadly DC riots
Read full article: ‘They didn’t care if they hurt people’ -- Michigan lawmakers react to deadly DC riotsDETROIT – Michigan members of Congress shared details of the violent and deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building Wednesday. READ: Michigan lawmakers respond to deadly siege on US Capitol BuildingMembers of Congress continue to reel from the insurrection on Capitol Hill as stories of fear, chaos and bravery have come out. Bill Huizenga was one of them trying to take benches to try and secure the chamber,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “I started seeing clips and began to realize that there were mobs that didn’t care if they hurt people or damaged people,” Dingell recalled. Michigan officials are calling for the removal of Maddock and any representative who participated in the violence.
Sen. Gary Peters sworn into second term as Congress starts new session
Read full article: Sen. Gary Peters sworn into second term as Congress starts new sessionSen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., speaks during an event with Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden at Beech Woods Recreation Center, in Southfield, Mich., Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Sen. Gary Peters was sworn in to his second term in Congress on Jan. 3, just months after defeating Republican opponent John James. Senator from Michigan Gary Peters was sworn into his second term in Congress on Jan. 3, 2021. (Office of Sen. Gary Peters)After a contentious race, Peters was victorious over James in the November General Election by about 90,000 votes. Prior to his role in the Senate, Peters served as a representative in the U.S. House.
Michigan Republicans join last-ditch effort to overturn 2020 election results
Read full article: Michigan Republicans join last-ditch effort to overturn 2020 election resultsThe group says that if the 10-day audit isn’t granted, they will object to the Electoral College votes that have declared Biden the president-elect. Michigan Republicans are joining the last-ditch effort to overturn the election results. More than 100 Republican House members from the so-called Kraken Caucus are also expected to object to the presidential election results next week. This week, Democratic Senator Gary Peters called objections to the election results deliberate attempts to undermine trust in American elections. Trump and his allies have filed roughly 50 lawsuits challenging election results, and nearly all have been dismissed or dropped.
US Sen. Gary Peters releases report on Postal Service changes, mail delays
Read full article: US Sen. Gary Peters releases report on Postal Service changes, mail delaysSenator Gary Peters released a report this week on changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS), also addressing mail delays. It is the sixth report since Peters launched an investigation in August. According to data from ShipMatrix, more than 6 million packages have been left sitting in shipping warehouses with days left before Christmas. We appreciate the patience of our customers and the efforts of employees as conditions change on a day-to-day basis.”Changes outlined in Peters’ report are not final yet. USPS leaders said they plan to detail their 2021 plans in the upcoming weeks.
Gov. Newsom challenged to address Senate's lack of diversity
Read full article: Gov. Newsom challenged to address Senate's lack of diversityGavin Newsom speaks at a COVID-19 testing facility in Valencia, Calif. As California Gov. Gavin Newsom's shoulders as he considers his pick to serve out the rest of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' Senate term through 2022. The South saw its highest number of Black Senate candidates ever this year, but none won races outright. Labor icon Dolores Huerta and California Latinas for Reproductive Justice want Newsom to appoint a Black woman. De Leon won the endorsement of the California Democratic Party and prominent labor unions, in part because of his support for immigrant rights and aggressive policies to curb climate change.
Sen. Gary Peters reacts to death of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon
Read full article: Sen. Gary Peters reacts to death of Wayne County Sheriff Benny NapoleonSenator Gary Peters spoke with Local 4 on Friday following the death of friend and Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. See what the senator had to say in the video interview above. On Thursday, Dec. 17, Sheriff Napoleon died after a monthlong battle with a COVID-19 infection. He was 65 years old. Read: Local, state, federal leaders react to death of Wayne County Sheriff Benny NapoleonMore reactions
Senate hearing elevates baseless claims of election fraud
Read full article: Senate hearing elevates baseless claims of election fraudChristopher Krebs, former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, testifies before a Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee hearing to discuss election security and the 2020 election process on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON – Republican senators on Wednesday further perpetuated President Donald Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud, two days after Democrat Joe Biden’s victory was sealed by the Electoral College. GOP Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, the committee chairman and one of Trump’s fiercest defenders, said his goal was to have a bipartisan hearing to examine the election. But he repeated Trump’s assertions without evidence and focused heavily on the claims being made by the president's team. There was no testimony from state or local election officials who conducted extensive checks to ensure the accuracy of the election before certifying the results.
2.9 million COVID vaccine doses to ship out of Pfizer plants in Michigan, Wisconsin
Read full article: 2.9 million COVID vaccine doses to ship out of Pfizer plants in Michigan, WisconsinDrug company Pfizer says it can ship nearly three million doses of its coronavirus vaccine right away across the U.S., with most of the doses coming from two plants in the Midwest. Vaccine doses are slated to be loaded onto trucks within hours at Pfizer’s plant in Portage, Michigan -- just outside of Kalamazoo -- and a center in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. At the directive of the the U.S. Military, FedEx and UPS will help deliver coronavirus vaccines throughout the country. In Michigan, UPS will be delivering the state’s 85,000 vaccines from the Pfizer cold farm in Portage. The first vials will be loaded onto cargo planes and trucks in extremely cold conditions, likely right alongside holiday gifts.
Bill passes to rename Ann Arbor VA facility after Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles
Read full article: Bill passes to rename Ann Arbor VA facility after Lt. Colonel Charles S. KettlesANN ARBOR, Mich. – Legislation passed to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Ann Arbor after Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)Decades ago, Lieutenant Colonel Kettles courageously went back into enemy territory to save the lives of 44 of his fellow servicemen. It is a fitting tribute to rename the Ann Arbor VA hospital for a hometown hero. In 2015, Dingell led legislation to waive time limitations that deemed Lieutenant Colonel Kettles ineligible for consideration of the Medal of Honor. After the bill was enacted, President Obama awarded Kettles the Medal of Honor on July 18, 2016, nearly 50 years after his heroic actions.