Bergman for Congress

Trump Gives Bergman Complete and Total Endorsement

jamesdhogge@gmail.com (James Hogge) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:35:06 GMT

Former President Donald J. Trump endorsed Congressman Jack Bergman for U.S. Congress.

President Trump stated, "Congressman Jack Bergman is a tireless advocate for the people of Michigan's 1st Congressional District. A retired Lieutenant General in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jack bravely served our Country in combat, and he is doing an outstanding job in Congress. He is working hard to Secure the Border, Strengthen our Military, Care for our Veterans, Defend the Second Amendment, and Give a Voice to the Working Men and Women of Michigan. Jack Bergman has my Complete and Total Endorsement!"

Bergman Excoriates Qatari Government for Supporting Hamas

jamesdhogge@gmail.com (James Hogge) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:04:48 GMT

Politico

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.) is excoriating the Qatari government for what he calls the embassy’s “non-denial” of reports that the foreign nation planned to use spycraft to “target” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and other lawmakers who have vocally criticized the Muslim Brotherhood.

“Rather than deal with the substance of the reporting, the embassy instead resorted to ad hominem attacks and non-denials regarding their well-documented history of engaging in hacking and spying on Americans who have criticized Qatar,” Bergman wrote in a new Dear Colleague letter obtained by Inside Congress.

Fox News first reported on the alleged Qatari plans — citing an “Endgame” document that the Qatari embassy vociferously denied . Bergman countered that the document “was simply the roadmap the Qataris followed just a few months later when they launched GlobalLeaks,” a hack-and-leak operation that reportedly intercepted communications between various U.S. leaders and UAE’s ambassador to the United States.

Bergman wrote that he believed the report was credible because “the Associated Press authenticated the document [in October 2022] and confirmed that it was the blueprint for GlobalLeaks” and “because the plans discussed in the document actually came to pass.”

In a sign that Qatar could soon face more scrutiny on Capitol Hill, Bergman closed his letter by encouraging “colleagues on both sides of the aisle to please reach out to me in the coming days … to build a bipartisan coalition to deal with the unique threat that Qatar poses to U.S. national security.”

Bergman Pushes Whitmer On Fishing Decree

jamesdhogge@gmail.com (James Hogge) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:31:34 GMT

WLUC Marquette

Wednesday, Congressman Jack Bergman sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressing concerns about the 2023 Great Lakes Fishing Decree.

Approved by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan last year, the decree determines how state and tribal fisheries manage their catch.

Bergman’s main concern is the decree does not provide clear language or guidance to prevent overfishing between state and tribal organizations.

In his letter, Bergman said “I wholeheartedly recognize the importance of protecting Michigan Tribes’ access to commercial and subsistence fishing. However, there remain valid concerns and questions that must be addressed by the State of Michigan.”

Bergman said he primarily worries about communication between the state and the tribes, enforcement when a party overfishes and the use of gill nets. His letter said while tribes are permitted to use gill nets, the state holds a stance that the nets create excessive waste. Bergman also has concerns about communication between tribes and the state when it comes to data.

“It relied on self-policing and nothing preventing or punishing overfishing, so my question we asked in the letter was ‘what will the state do if a party consistently harvests above their agreed-upon limits?’” Bergman said.

TV6 reached out to the Bay Mills Indian Community. The tribe said because of active litigation involving the decree, they cannot provide comment at this time.

Bergman encourages anyone who is concerned or wants to learn more to reach out to your state legislator.

To read Bergman’s full letter, click here .

Bergman Visits Southern Border

jamesdhogge@gmail.com (James Hogge) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:26:06 GMT

WZMQ - 19

Dozens of congressional republicans visited the US- Mexico border on Wednesday. They’re demanding stricter immigration policies in exchange for supporting President Biden’s request to continue giving aid to Ukraine. Congressman Jack Bergman (R- MI) was part of this trip.

Congressional republicans have made securing the southern border their top priority in congress. After this recent visit to the border, it sounds like they are ready to put up an even bigger fight for more border security.

During this border visit, members were briefed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, met with local stakeholders and toured the border with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

A CBP official told reporters late December the number of daily arrivals is “unprecedented”. They said illegal crossings were topping ten-thousand on some days.

Following this visit to Eagle Pass, Texas, some republican Representatives told us the Biden administration is actively avoiding the crisis on our southern border and has sidelined the brave men and women working to address the unprecedented influx of migrants. They add this is a national security issue. Other members said the state of our southern border is worse than it’s ever been. They say the security crisis has led to a massive increase in fentanyl crossing over into our borders in massive quantities, border cities are riddled with crime and it’s draining our resources.

Biden has expressed his willingness to make border policy compromises in exchange for support to continue aiding Ukraine. Negotiations to reach a deal among these priorities are still ongoing. We’ve reached out to Bergman’s office several times about this trip but did not hear back.

Bergman Secures $7 Million for Grand Traverse Pavillions

jamesdhogge@gmail.com (James Hogge) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:22:15 GMT

Record Eagle

TRAVERSE CITY — The long-running financial crisis at Grand Traverse Pavilions may end Monday with the arrival of a multimillion-dollar payment.

That’s when the senior care facility is expected to receive $6.97 million from the Employee Retention Credit program of the Internal Revenue Service. Those funds were locked in a bureaucratic maze that had forced Pavilions to borrow millions from Grand Traverse County in the last year.

“This was really an error on the IRS side,” said James Hogge, political director for U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, in Washington, D.C. “Our staff in Traverse City and D.C. worked very hard to cut through the red tape. We don’t take no for an answer.”

Severe challenges rocked Pavilions since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. Issues ranged from acute staffing shortages and leadership turnover to subpar quality ratings from the federal government.

Worst of all was the financial crisis that intensified in 2023. While waiting for much-needed ERC funds, the facility cut 15 full-time positions in September and went deeply into debt.

Pavilions officials reached out to Bergman’s office for help in November after calls to U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., failed to yield assistance, they said.

“Our board members are thrilled that this money is finally coming through,” said Mary Marois, chair of the county Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Pavilions. “We’re very grateful for the help from Bergman’s team. They made it happen in record time.”

More good news arrived Thursday when DHHS board members learned that Pavilions had received an additional $3.77 million in reimbursements from the state of Michigan. That money is the result of a new way that Medicare and Medicaid payments are calculated.

Both the ERC money and the Medicare-Medicaid money will be deposited in the Pavilions fund managed by the Grand Traverse County treasurer. The first priority is to repay the county the $5.78 million they had borrowed during the crisis, Marois said.

“It’s very happy news,” said outgoing Grand Traverse County Treasurer Heidi Scheppe. “Here’s how it works: The IRS will send the check to [the treasurer’s] office, which we will then deposit into the Pavilions fund [account]. Instead of carrying a negative balance, they’ll show a positive balance.”

After repaying the county, the DHHS board and Pavilions management will focus on fiscal responsibility, maintaining a positive fund balance and “keeping our financial house in order,” Marois said.

County Commissioner T.J. Andrews, who represents District 7, said she was “delighted” by the funding news.

“It’s been a long time with lots of uncertainty,” Andrews said. “Unfortunately, that cast a shadow over the relationship between the Pavilions and the county.”

Andrews praised county administrators and Pavilions staff for working together “in good faith” to resolve the longstanding financial problem.

“This is unquestionably a turning point, a part of the process to resolve issues that hit bottom in 2023,” she said. “While there’s still much to do, this is a really, really good sign for 2024.”

This resolution of the financial problem joins a busy news month at the Pavilions: New CEO Gerald Bodalski was selected after an intensive four-month search process. The federal agency that oversees skilled nursing facilities boosted the Pavilions quality rating to three stars. And a whistleblower lawsuit brought against the organization in January 2023 was settled Wednesday.

Located on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons, Pavilions provides skilled nursing care, assisted living quarters, respite care and rehabilitation services to low-income senior citizens. Currently, 147 seniors live in the skilled nursing facility and another 50 or so live in assisted living cottages nearby. It is the largest such county-owned facility in Michigan.

Hogge said Bergman was “ecstatic” when he heard about the swift resolution of the ERC logjam.

“When it comes to helping our constituents in northern Michigan, this is one of the biggest victories in a long time,” Hogge said. “If you know Jack, you know he’s not an emotional guy, but this was something special.”

Hogge heaped special praise on Lauren Pauly, Bergman’s district representative in Traverse City, who worked on the Pavilions’ financial problem for more than eight weeks.

“She’s not one to seek out attention, but she certainly deserves accolades for this project.”

The nearly $7 million in IRS money for the Pavilions was an outgrowth of federal programs to stimulate the economy and help organizations stay in business during the COVID epidemic.

In March 2020, then-President Donald Trump signed the $2.2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Employee Retention Credit, part of the CARES Act, offered up to $28,000 per employee per year in cash reimbursements to employers. That funding was extended to Dec. 31, 2021, by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Widespread fraud in the ERC program spurred the IRS to declare a moratorium on processing new claims from Sept. 14, 2023, through the end of 2023. That created a further backlog for legitimate claims that were pending, and may have factored into the long delay that Pavilions faced, officials said.

Bergman To CDC: Show Us Science On Kids’ Masks In Schools

jamesdhogge@gmail.com (James Hogge) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 16:38:41 GMT

Radio Results Network - Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01) joined Reps Jay Obernolte (CA-08) and 31 additional Members of the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky to publicly lay out the science behind their decision to recommend children wear masks in school.

Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01) joined Reps Jay Obernolte (CA-08) and 31 additional Members of the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky to publicly lay out the science behind their decision to recommend children wear masks in school.

“We have been repeatedly told to trust the science regarding how the CDC creates its policies, yet the lack of transparency in how this recommendation was made and the absence of studies to support it is both concerning and extremely frustrating to parents of school-aged children. Therefore, as schools are set to reopen under strict and tenuously justified mask mandates based on CDC recommendations, we respectfully request answers to these questions,” stated the lawmakers in a letter to Director Walensky.

While most credible research has concluded that children, and young children in particular, have a very low risk of facing serious complications from COVID-19 and its variants, there has been a troubling lack of data on the potential impacts of mask wearing on social development for children, especially in the case of elementary school students. At the same time, vaccinations are now regularly available for all adults and children aged 12 and up, providing significant protection for teachers and school staff.

Children have been dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and they have missed out on key social developmental interactions over the past year. In-person education is essential to supporting children and families by not only providing education but also opportunities to engage in activities to support healthy development and access to social, mental, and physical health services, which can reduce stress and mitigate negative developmental outcomes.

The letter specifically asks the CDC to answer the following questions:

What scientific evidence is the CDC relying on in recommending students to wear masks?
Has the CDC identified conclusive data indicating school-aged children’s potential for transmitting the COVID-19 virus and its variants?
What is the risk that vaccinated school staff contract a life-threatening case of COVID-19 when performing their duties absent restrictions?
What are the developmental and educational impacts of requiring masks during in-person education for K-12 students? What conclusive studies analyzing these impacts have been conducted or are underway?
What metrics will be considered in the future for modifying the current guidance regarding mask wearing by school children?

Read the full letter here .

https://www.radioresultsnetwork.com/2021/09/13/bergman-to-cdc-show-science-on-kids-masks-in-schools/

Bergman Warns Biden Against Closing Line Five Pipeline

jamesdhogge@gmail.com (James Hogge) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 16:33:27 GMT

Radio Results Network - Congressmen Jack Bergman (R-MI01), Bob Latta (R-OH5), Tim Walberg (R-MI07), and 10 additional House Members, sent a letter to President Biden

Congressmen Jack Bergman (R-MI01), Bob Latta (R-OH5), Tim Walberg (R-MI07), and 10 additional House Members, sent a letter to President Biden regarding reports of the Biden Administration exploring the possibility of taking action to terminate the Enbridge’s Line 5 Pipeline.

“Reports that the Biden Administration is seeking to shut down Line 5 are extremely concerning for Michigan families,” said Rep. Bergman . “As energy prices skyrocket across the nation due to Biden’s dangerous energy policies, shutting down Line 5 would saddle constituents with unaffordable heating costs and propane shortages as we head into the winter months. If these reports are true, the Biden Administration must end this terrible policy and immediately put the needs of Michiganders first.”

“The devastating consequences of shutting down Line 5 cannot be overstated,” said rep, Latta . “The pipeline is essential to the lifeblood of the Midwest. Should the Biden Administration move forward to shut down Line 5 tens of thousands of jobs would be lost across Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the region; billions of dollars in economy activity would be in jeopardy; and the environment would be at greater risk due to additional trucks operating on roadways and railroads carrying hazardous materials where that is even possible. The closure of Line 5 would cause uncertainty over the delivery of energy products, which would result in spikes in consumers’ energy bills and experience difficulties in powering their homes and businesses due to propane and other energy shortages. As the current supply chain is already struggling, this would be an added hardship on the people in the Midwest that is not necessary.”

“Every family in Michigan and throughout the Midwest should be deeply troubled by this new report that the Biden Administration is actively exploring shutting down Line 5,” said Rep. Walberg . “Halting operations of this energy pipeline would hurt our economy and cause home heating costs to rise even higher right as we enter the winter months. This irresponsible action will hurt farmers, businesses, and families. President Biden has already done enough to weaken America’s energy security and international alliances, and the consequences of terminating Line 5 would only heighten these growing challenges.”

Background:

In light of the Administration’s decision to revoke the Keystone XL pipeline, earlier this year in March, Latta, Bergman, and Walberg led 11 House members in sending President Biden a letter to express their deep concerns regarding reports of pressure campaigns from pipeline opponents to shut down additional petroleum and natural gas pipelines. No response was received from the President.

Last year, Latta, Bergman, and Walberg, led a letter with seven other House colleagues to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) asking them to confirm that Line 5 is structurally sound and does not manifest an unsafe condition or constitute an imminent hazard that would warrant its closure for safety reasons. PHMSA replied in January of this year confirming that “there are presently no integrity concerns” with the pipeline based on inspection data.

Along with the lack of safety concerns, any efforts to terminate the pipeline would trigger an international standoff with the United States’ closest ally and economic partner, Canada. The 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between the U.S. and Canada has ensured the uninterrupted transportation of energy products across the border for decades.

The complete text of the letter can be found here

Bergman Blasts Biden Admin Proposed Drone Sale

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:05:48 GMT

Radio Results Network - Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) and Randy Weber (R-TX-14) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken objecting to the impending sale of $500 million worth of armed drones to the state of Qatar.

Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) and Randy Weber (R-TX-14) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken objecting to the impending sale of $500 million worth of armed drones to the state of Qatar.

“Qatar has long operated not only as a principal sponsor of terror worldwide, but as a corrupting influence on U.S. institutions across the board,” stated Rep. Bergman. “Qatar’s abysmal human rights record is notorious, and on those grounds alone, I would seriously question this proposed deal.”

The Qatari regime has established one of the best-funded foreign influence peddling operations in the nation’s capital, and the tentacles of that operation extend from major media operations to educational institutions and think tanks. In addition, the Emir has engaged in ongoing efforts to influence United States foreign policy outside the scope of U.S. law governing the registration of foreign agents.

Qatar has long supported Hamas, along with its parent organization, the Muslim Brotherhood. The Qatari government has served as a safe haven for Hamas, providing financing, advocacy and even hosting its leadership. They have also provided a media platform for terrorist leaders on Al Jazeera, its state-controlled media operation.

The letter urges Secretaries Austin and Blinken to “raise these concerns on behalf of the American people” on the occasion of the Emir’s impending visit to the United States.

This imprudent sale of armed drones to a country with such an abysmal record of human rights and support for terror can only harm U.S. national security interests in the region and the reputation of the United States as a defender of human rights.

You can read the full letter here.

https://www.radioresultsnetwork.com/2021/11/29/u-p-congressman-blasts-proposed-sale-of-drones-to-qatar/

Bergman Stands in Solidarity with U.P. Weatherman

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 02:18:05 GMT

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In a show of solidarity, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman said he and the Upper Peninsula stand with the longtime TV weatherman who says he was fired by his employer for not following the company's vaccine mandate.

"The U.P. stands with Karl Bohnak! #IStandWithKarl" the Republican congressman posted on Facebook Friday with a photo of himself and supporters at a campaign event in Marquette. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Bergman was referring to Bohnak's announcement this week that he was no longer employed by WLUC-TV where he'd worked covering the weather since 1988. He said the station's owner, Gray Television, had fired him for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Many of you have taken one of these injections, and that is absolutely your right,” Bohnak said on Facebook. “It is also my right to choose the medical options I feel are right for me. I have authority over my body.”

Bergman, 74, of Watersmeet is vaccinated against COVID, and his office has said a large portion of his constituents in northern Michigan and the U.P. are, as well, according to spokesman James Hogge.

"It’s a personal decision and should not be forced on anyone," Hogge said. "The fact that the weatherman (not a health care professional, or teacher etc.) can lose his job over this is absolutely insanity."

Bergman has spoken against President Joe Biden's new requirement to be vaccinated or tested regularly for COVID-19 if you are a federal employee or work for a private company with more than 100 employees. He called it "a disgusting overreach."

"I’m not anti-vaccine and have publicly stated that I made the personal decision to get vaccinated — but this move by Biden will punish our workers and businesses and is overtly un-American," Bergman said in a statement last week.

"I trust Americans to make the decision that is best for them and their family."

mburke@detroitnews.com

Detroit News: Bergman, GOP Reps. Ask Biden to Support Line 5

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 20:11:31 GMT

The dual pipeline that runs under the Straits of Mackinac is part of a longer line that transports oil and natural gas liquids from Canada through Wisconsin and Michigan into Sarnia, Ontario.

Michigan Republicans in Congress are urging President Joe Biden to oppose the closure of Line 5, warning of the potential consequences of shutting down the four-mile-long dual pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac.

They recently wrote to Biden after he revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline in his first week in office, citing "deep concerns" about the pressure to also shut down Enbridge Energy's Line 5 over environmental concerns. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said she has revoked Enbridge's easement for Line 5 in preparation for a May shutdown, but the issue will be decided in court.

The dual pipeline that runs under the Straits of Mackinac is part of a longer line that transports oil and natural gas liquids from Canada through Wisconsin and Michigan into Sarnia, Ontario.

The lawmakers in their letter said closing Line 5 would cost thousands of union jobs, close refineries and reduce energy supplies, including 15% of northwest’s Ohio’s fuel supply and 43% of southeastern Michigan’s supply.

Line 5 also supplies 65% of the propane used in Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula, the representatives said.

"We respectfully request you consider these ramifications when making future decisions that ultimately affect the American economy, the environment and our immediate national energy needs," the lawmakers wrote.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, spearheaded the letter, which 14 of his colleagues signed, including Reps. Fred Upton of St. Joseph, Jack Bergman of Watersmeet, Peter Meijer of Grand Rapids Township and Lisa McClain of Bruce Township.

Line 5 owner Enbridge Energy has been fighting to reverse Whitmer's plan to shut down the operation where it crosses the Straits of Mackinac.

Canada opposes closure, but Biden's Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg advocated for the opposite when running for the Democratic presidential nomination.

A cabinet member in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's administration said last week that the continued operation of the pipeline is " non-negotiable ." Canada's natural resources minister Seamus O'Regan said that the Canadian government won't let Michigan shut down the pipeline.

"We are fighting for Line 5 on every front and we are confident in that fight," O'Regan told a special House of Commons committee on the relationship between Canada and the United States, according to the Canadian Press.

The Republicans noted that the proposal to replace the Line 5 pipeline with a tunnel under the straits would create jobs and 2 million work hours over the course of construction. The state approved permits in late January for the tunnel construction.

Whitmer's office said in a statement last week that about 1.3 million jobs generating $82 billion in wages across the United States are supported by the Great Lakes and threatened by the risk of an oil spill in the Straits.

"These oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac are a ticking time bomb, and their continued presence violates the public trust and poses a grave threat to Michigan's environment and economy," Whitmer's office said.

"The governor fully stands behind her decision to revoke and terminate the 1953 easement, while securing Michigan’s energy needs.”

mburke@detroitnews.com

S taff writer Beth LeBlanc contributed.

TV6: Bergman Joins Bipartisan For Country Caucus

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 19:14:46 GMT

The For Country Caucus, a group of military veterans serving in Congress and dedicated to working together to create a more productive government.

WASHINGTON (Press Release/WLUC) - The For Country Caucus , a group of military veterans serving in Congress and dedicated to working together to create a more productive government, announced new leadership and a growing caucus membership for the 117th Congress. A retired Lt. General in the Marine Corps, U.S. Representative Jack Bergman will join the Caucus for the 117th Congress.

“With forty years serving in the United States Marines Corps and earning the rank of Lt. General, Congressman Jack Bergman is the highest-ranking combat Veteran to have ever served in the House of Representatives and I am honored to have him join the For Country Caucus. Rep. Bergman’s vast military experience will be a tremendous asset to our group,” said Republican Co-Chair of the For Country Caucus, Congressman Van Taylor.

“I’m proud to be a member of the bipartisan For Country Caucus. Far too often the strong, bipartisan work done every day in D.C. is drowned out by the noise of partisan bickering. This caucus, comprised of men and women who have served in our Nation’s uniform, will continue to focus on policy to better our communities and country as whole,” said Rep. Bergman.

Congressmen Van Taylor (R-TX-03) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) will lead the caucus as co-chairs through 2022 as its ranks swell to 25 members. Congressmen Jim Baird (R-IN-04) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) will serve as vice-chairs.

“Serving this country in the military gives you the skills to work as a team with Americans of different backgrounds and beliefs, for a cause greater than yourself,” said co-chairs Van Taylor and Jared Golden. “As co-chairs of the For Country Caucus, we’re honored to lead this bipartisan group of Veterans as we continue to build on the foundation that’s been laid over the past two years. The mission of this caucus — to set aside political differences in the pursuit of policies that will benefit the country — has never been more important, and together we can set that example in Congress.”

The For Country Caucus is a group of principled military Veteran members who strive to create a Congress that is less polarized, more efficient, and is trusted by Americans. Together, they share a vision of a Congress that is strategic in purpose, focused on action, and where elected officials put our country first. Members of the For Country Caucus seek a Congress where members serve with integrity, civility, and courage.

Members of the 117th Congress For Country Caucus include Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Scott Franklin (R-FL-15), Kai Kahele (D-HI-02), Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08), Mike Garcia (R-CA-25), Conor Lamb (D-PA-17), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Elaine Luria (D-VA-02), Brian Mast (R-FL-18), Peter Meijer (R-MI-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Mariannette Miller Meeks (R-IA-02), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), and Michael Waltz (R-FL-06).

In the 116th Congress, the For Country Caucus built a strong track record and got results. The caucus and its members successfully worked to pass a number of national service-oriented provisions into law, including:

Fallen Heroes Family Travel Act (H.R. 3065): Authorized reimbursement to Gold Star families for the costs of transporting fallen servicemembers’ remains to a national cemetery (Became law in FY20 NDAA)
Better Military Housing Act (H.R. 2811): Established a tenant “bill of rights” and sets minimum acceptable livability standards for military personnel and their families (Became law in FY20 NDAA)
Widow’s Tax Repeal (H.R. 553): Phased out the Widow’s Tax (Became Law in FY20 NDAA)
Afghan Allies Protection Act (H.R. 2796): Authorized 4,000 additional visas for Afghan allies and extended the application period to 2021 (Became law in FY20 NDAA)
Full Military Honors Act (H.R. 1019): Authorized full military honors for Veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor or prisoner-of-war medal (Became law in FY20 NDAA)
Childcare Resources for Surviving Family Members: Expanded financial assistance to civilian providers of childcare services for Gold Star families (Became law in FY20 NDAA)
Meetings of Service Chiefs and Surviving Families: Enacted a requirement for senior military officials to meet with survivors of deceased service members to receive feedback on issues affecting survivors (Became law in FY20 NDAA)
National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (H.R. 4194): Designated 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline (Became Law)
National Cyber Director Act (H.R. 7331): Established the office of the National Cyber Director within the Executive Office of the President (Became law in FY21 NDAA)
Gold Star Families Park Pass Act (H.R. 5998): Made the National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Pass free to members of Gold Star families (Became law in FY21 NDAA)
Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Act (H.R. 3749): Established grants for entities that provide legal services for homeless Veterans (Became law in H.R. 7105)

Copyright 2021 Bergman Press Release via WLUC. All rights reserved.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Veteran suicide prevention bill becomes law

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 23:21:00 GMT

ALPENA, Mich. (Press release/WLUC) – A bipartisan bill, with support from Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), has been signed into law.

President Donald J. Trump signed into law S. 785 , the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, which according to Bergman, features his bipartisan IMPROVE Act.

Rep. Bergman said, “This is a major step towards providing our veterans – especially those living in rural and remote parts of our country – the care they need. S.785 changes the status quo. It says: ‘We’re here for you.’ It helps us to better keep our nation’s promise to veterans. And now that it’s signed into law, I’m eager to see it make a difference in our communities.”

“We’ve spent billions of dollars at the VA on some very important mental health and suicide prevention programs – but the fact remains that we still see nearly 20 Veterans die by suicide every day,” Bergman continued. “The majority of these tragedies occur with veterans who are outside the VA system of care – which is why S. 785 is so important. This legislation recognizes the diverse factors that lead to suicide deaths, and it will improve outreach and help our nation’s veterans find assistance closer to home.”ADVERTISEMENThttps://485263e49039de507aafd0f2a73079bc.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

This new veteran suicide prevention law helps to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take a new, effective approach in fighting the Veterans suicide crisis by making grants to – and coordinating with – community organizations that provide lifesaving mental health and supportive services to local Veterans.

S. 785 also includes new policy to increase the number of mental health professionals in VA facilities, bolster telehealth programs for rural and remote veterans, and promote innovative treatment options.

Additionally, President Trump signed S. 2661 the National Suicide Hotline designation Act into law, designating 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. Please note the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently working to implement this new three-digit policy, so in the meantime remember – you can still seek help at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 (press 1 if you are a servicemember or veteran) or by chatting online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ .

UpperMichiganSource.com

TOM AMOR: Bergman will stand strong for us in Washington

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 23:07:00 GMT

TO THE EDITOR:

This is certainly a big year in Michigan politics, and once again the voters of northern Michigan have a clear choice to make when it comes to our representative in Washington D.C.

Jack Bergman’s grandparents immigrated to the UP to work in the mines and now, 100 years later he is the representative for this area we all call home. He has lived a life of real integrity and true courage and has proudly represented us in Congress for the past four years. As a lieutenant general in the Marine Corps, a father, a small business owner and a proud family man — Jack is the epitome of the leadership we need in Washington.

He is fighting for veterans’ rights and assistance in Washington and even in a divided Congress worked across the aisle to get veteran suicide prevention on the president’s desk. He is working to secure extended broadband access across the district, and Jack is the only candidate in this race who stands with our law enforcement.

The choice has truly never been clearer — we must re-elect Jack Bergman to have someone who will stand strong for us in Washington to protect our way of life.

Manistee News

Bergman Named PREVENTS Ambassador

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 01:38:00 GMT

WASHINGTON (WBUP) –A congressman from Michigan was put on a national task force to raise awareness and support efforts to end Veteran suicide.

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI 1st District) will join VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Executive Director Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, and Second Lady Karen Pence on the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) Task Force.

Bergman will be a National Ambassador after attending a PREVENTS Task Force meeting last October where he discussed ways to address the Veterans’ suicide crisis. President Trump commissioned that roadmap in June which includes several of Bergman’s legislative priorities.

“Ending Veteran suicide isn’t just a catch-phrase to me – it’s personal,” Rep. Bergman wrote in a statement. “I’m honored to have this incredible opportunity to be an Ambassador for President Trump’s PREVENTS Task Force helping our communities to come together and engaging all Americans in changing the national conversation around mental health and suicide. For over a decade, around 20 Veterans have taken their own lives each day. We cannot tolerate this lack of progress because we know that even one suicide is too many.”

Help is always available for our service members and veterans with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273 – 8255.

ABC10UP.com

Representative Bergman Stopped By Hancock

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 01:16:00 GMT

Representative Jack Bergman was in Hancock yesterday, on a Trump campaign bus, traveling across the U.P.

“Forty Five days til the election and I was there at a gathering this morning just up the hill from downtown Hancock to rally the good people of the Houghton/Hancock/Keweenaw area to make sure they come out and vote in the 2020 election.”

Bergman, who is running for re-election in Michigan’s 1st District, which covers just under half of Michigan’s land mass, also had this to say:

“I’m running for re-election I mean I’ve ben there two terms. I’m a guy that you know, I don’t make promises I’m not gonna do everything I can to keep. Ya know, for example, my first and foremost project four years ago to work on was the new Soo Lock, and of course now were moving dirt.”

Bergman closed with this:

“We have a lot of good people, and what the American people do not see every day through the media, is Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives who work together, all day long, every day, to try to hash out good policies, for the American people.”

KeweenawReport.com

Cherry farmers talk trade, pandemic problems

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 01:03:00 GMT

OLD MISSION — Cherries might seem like a big deal in northwest Michigan, especially to growers who have weather, global competition and now pandemic restrictions to contend with.

But Isaiah Wunsch, who runs Wunsch Farm, knows they’re one of hundreds of agricultural commodities in the U.S. and not at the top of everyone’s agenda. That’s why he and other cherry growers were glad for the chance Thursday to tell Bill Northey, U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary of agriculture for farm production and conservation, about what they’re dealing with and what kind of help they need.

A number of northern Michigan farms either struggled this summer to find the workforce to pick their cherries, couldn’t get their fruit to processors shut down or impacted by social distancing guidelines, or both, Wunsch said.

“We were able to get our crop harvested but we heard from a number of other growers who weren’t able to get their cherries into the processors while the quality was holding out,” he said.

Cherry growers should be part of the next round of pandemic-related assistance to farmers, Wunsch said.

Ben LaCross, Michigan Farm Bureau’s district director, echoed that message. It was one topic covered at Thursday’s roundtable with Northey, some state-level USDA and Michigan Farm Bureau leaders and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, a Republican for Michigan’s First District.

LaCross said Bergman facilitated the conversation with Northey and others about how programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program helped other commodity growers but excluded cherries because of how the programs were designed. That and another called the Market Facilitation Program could help cherry producers hurt by years of low prices.

Prices for cherries are bad in part because of what LaCross, a cherry grower in Leelanau County, and many others like him call unfair competition from Turkey.

It’s an issue that’s vexed tart cherry growers for some time — Wunsch and LaCross said they both grow sweets and tarts while Wunsch largely focuses on the former — and one discussed at the roundtable as well.

The trade imbalance and pandemic impacts combined for a one-two hit on growers, and now China’s curbing its cherry imports from the U.S. in retaliation to tariffs placed on products made there, Bergman said.

That’s on top of the country, long a hotspot for intellectual property theft, and others piggy-backing on U.S. cherry research and marketing strategies.

Wunsch said he and other growers pay a special assessment for that research and marketing.

“So it is difficult for cherry growers to fund this research and then to see it being used by our competitors,” he said, adding that federal marketing orders behind some dumping of fruit hurt, too.

Round-tables like Thursday’s should give Northey, a farmer and Iowa’s former secretary of agriculture, a better understanding of cherry-specific issues, Bergman said. He credited President Donald Trump and his administration for directing the trip to inform policies that could protect the cherry industry.

“The U.S. is a world trader, we need to have imports and exports,” Bergman said. “The question is, how do we structure it in an ever-changing world so that both countries will see it’s a good deal, sign on the dotted line and make sure that we in the U.S. protect our interests, our companies, our farmers and our growers?”

John Kran, Michigan Farm Bureau’s national legislative counsel, said he believes the round-table was a good chance for growers to share their stories and hear about future assistance that could be coming to them. It’s a regional issue, as the vast majority of tart cherries grown in the U.S. are grown in northwest Michigan.

Bergman visited Wunsch Farm about a week after U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat, stopped by to discuss some of the same issues, as previously reported. Both are up for reelection in November.

Wunsch said he believes supporting agriculture is one of the last positions on which some bipartisan agreement can be found. He credited both Bergman and Peters for tackling issues impacting cherry farmers, as well as some other federal lawmakers who weren’t there Thursday but have done their part as well: Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan’s Fourth District.

“I think it’s valuable to note that both Congressman Bergman and Senator Peters have been active on these issues for the last three years,” Wunsch said. “I know that we’re getting into campaign season here, but we really appreciate, and I think the entire district appreciates, the active participation that we’ve seen from our members of Congress on this issue, not just during the election cycle but throughout their terms.”

Record-Eagle

Opinion: End lockdown in Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula

Thu, 21 May 2020 20:52:00 GMT

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal, state and local governments have been faced with hard — if not impossible — decisions affecting lives and livelihoods of nearly every American. Our frontline workers across the state have courageously kept our supply chains, emergency services, hospitals and so many integral parts of our society operational while thousands have fallen ill to the virus across Michigan.

Yet, our state faces a unique challenge that many states do not — the road to the White House in 2020 comes directly through the Great Lakes State. In 2016, a mere 10,000 votes in Michigan helped President Donald Trump win the White House. Now, as the coronavirus rages on, Michigan has become a hotspot for political nonsense. While our governor has been auditioning for a vice presidential coronation on the late night talk shows, thousands of my constituents were losing their jobs and waiting weeks just to get through to the unemployment office.

We know Lansing rarely remembers Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Just a few short months ago, our governor cut $13 million for sheriffs’ secondary road program, $27 million in state PILT funding, and attempted to eliminate funding for the Pure Michigan campaign — a move seemingly aimed at punishing anyone living north of US-10.

Once again the governor’s actions have shown blatant disregard for rural Michigan during this crisis — failing to provide adequate COVID-19 testing in my district, limiting MEDC funds for UP businesses, and cutting non-emergency procedures at rural hospitals — crippling them financially.

We’ve seen maps explaining there will be a regional approach as opposed to statewide decisions — yet another week and another press conference have gone by, and the very same broad-brush lockdown remains in place as hundreds of small businesses and hospitals across the First District now face a likely terminal projection. Leaders must understand that in times of crisis, plans must constantly be revisited and revised to reflect the reality at hand.

Building on the strongest economy in history, we can recover from this crisis and re-ignite the engine that drives our nation. The choice is not binary — we don’t have to sacrifice lives for the economy or vice versa. Through hard work and real hands-on leadership — a localized, bottom-up plan following Trump’s Opening Up America Again Guidelines can put the First District on track for an unprecedented comeback.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lansing have a history of ignoring the needs of the U.P. and Northern Michigan, but acting on a plan to immediately and safely open up our economy would serve as a real olive branch to the tens of thousands of disenfranchised constituents that call the First District home. While all have handled the crisis differently, the measures taken to fire up the economy in many rural states is working — proactive leadership counts and could save both lives and livelihoods.

Congressman Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet , serves Michigan’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Defending Great Lakes Navigation System

Thu, 21 May 2020 19:08:00 GMT

Continuing his efforts to safeguard the future of commerce on the Great Lakes, Michigan Representative Jack Bergman is proposing a new policy to ensure baseline levels of funding for the backlogged maintenance projects along Great Lakes transportation routes.

The Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS) is a deep-draft waterway connecting all five lakes through hundreds of navigation channels, breakwaters, jetties, harbors, and the MacArthur and Poe Locks at Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan’s First District.

The GLNS sustains American jobs and saves consumers $3.6 billion annually in freight costs.

In a letter to his Congressional colleagues, Rep. Bergman pushed for a minimum percentage of Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) resources to be focused on reducing the GLNS work backlogs, which are addressed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Rep. Bergman said: “The locks are not only essential to our nation’s economy and national security, but they also compose the lynchpin of the GLNS. These valued points in the supply chain and many other key parts of the GLNS have considerable operations and maintenance needs which are supported by HMTF resources.”

Bergman’s request comes as lawmakers begin crafting the 2020 Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), which authorizes USACE activities.

USDA to spend $20M on tart cherries

Thu, 21 May 2020 18:55:00 GMT

TRAVERSE CITY — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday announced it will buy $20 million worth of U.S. tart cherries during the third quarter of 2020 for distribution to communities across the country.

The Agricultural Marketing Service will purchase a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood products to help support producers and help feed Americans in need, according to a USDA release.

The purchases and distributions are in response to changing market conditions caused by the COVID-19 national emergency.

“As we work towards additional relief for Northern Michigan’s tart cherry growers and processors, this $20 million investment will help stabilize the industry,” Rep. Jack Bergman said in a separate release. “I will continue coordinating with the Trump Administration to ensure our tart cherry industry can bounce back from this crisis.”

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March, provides $9.5 billion for agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19.

In April, Bergman co-signed a letter with Reps. Dan Kildee, Bill Huizenga, John Moolenaar, and Fred Upton to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting coronavirus-related relief for Michigan’s tart cherry industry.

The letter stated, in part: “Relief is needed immediately as the coronavirus pandemic has stripped Michigan cherries of their markets and imposed new challenges on production.”

Group effort grants a veteran his final wish

Thu, 21 May 2020 18:50:00 GMT

From Carol Pilot, Iron Mountain:

This was written by a special friend of mine, Peggy Merrill. I thank her for putting the story into words —

On March 2, Bruce Martin was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay. March 7, the family received news from his caregivers that there was nothing else they could do for him, as his heart was failing. It was time for him to enter into hospice care.

As tough as it is to receive this kind of news, Bruce Martin’s only request was to be admitted to the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iron Mountain, the city where he has been a resident for the past 38 years. In 1972, he moved his family to the U.P. from Detroit to serve the local community as a police officer. His daughter, Carol, is a nurse, working at the VA center. Back in 2013, when he needed medical care, he was denied coverage through the VA due to his income level, so he was concerned he would again be denied this last request.

Carol and her husband have a small farming operation and because they raise cattle, she became acquainted with current state Sen. Ed McBroom’s father when he helped through a situation with a sick member of their herd. Wanting to do what she could to help ease her dad’s mind, she reached out to the elder Mr. McBroom.

Within 15 minutes, Carol found herself telling the story to Senator McBroom. He assured her that someone would be in touch as soon as possible, and in less than an hour she was explaining the situation to the senator’s assistant. Next came a call in another hour, this time from U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman’s office, whose assistant took down the details as well. Within another hour, Carol was informed that the situation was being attended to, and she continued to receive several updates via text messages over the rest of the weekend.

Monday morning, Congressman Bergman’s assistant called to tell Carol they would be able to grant her dying father’s last request and admit him to the VA medical center in Iron Mountain through a “catastrophic” designation, explaining that ANY veteran can fall into this category, regardless of his or her financial situation. There was just a bit of paperwork to do and an enrollment specialist was able to assist them through this entire process.

When all of the phone calls and paperwork had been completed, transportation arrangements were made to bring Mr. Martin to the VAMC that Monday evening. Although he was not able to be admitted into the actual hospice area due to an influenza A patient, he was graced with a view of the rather large American flag flying outside the window of his room on 4 East.

Carol’s dad had not slept well for months, and the very compassionate VA nurse was able to give him something to help. After sitting by his side for several hours, when Carol left him at 11 p.m. he was sleeping soundly. Little did she know this was the last day she would hear him talk to her, for the next morning a phone call came urging the family to come, that Bruce had become unresponsive overnight.

On their way to the hospital, Carol received a request for an update from Congressman Bergman’s office, and the assistant asked if he could stop by the hospital to meet the family. Carol’s mom was able to thank him personally for all of their effort to get Bruce into the VA center.

That night, Carol was sitting with her husband at her dad’s bedside when another very compassionate VA nurse came in to share her experience with Bruce during the admission process. Bruce had shared his full life story with her, detailing what he had done since his honorable discharge after four years in the Army. Saying he had very kind eyes, the nurse felt like Bruce wanted the VA to know what he had done with his life after the Army.

Bruce passed away that night, with his daughter holding his hand, her head on his chest. Carol and her family are so grateful to everyone who had a hand in helping Bruce fulfill his last wish — even the orderly who held his hand after he had passed, saying, “Thank you for your service, Bruce! See you on the other side.”

Pleased to have DCHS here in the community

Bouquet

From Les Brown, Norway:

A blood disorder requires me to go to Dickinson County Healthcare System for a weekly blood draw and treatment and various doctor’s appointments. I also go monthly to the respiratory department at DCHS for inhalation treatments.

I would like to compliment our hospital for the preparedness they implemented regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Starting in early March, they already were testing using precautions to protect staff and patients. They have gone to great lengths with patients like myself who are immunocompromised to ensure that we are protected.

My hope is for our community to realize what a valuable asset we have in our local hospital. My wife, Carolyn, and I are so grateful to the entire dedicated DCHS staff. Their unwavering commitment to the welfare of our community is professional, sincere and courageous.

Full Article by The Daily News

CONGRESSMEN BLAST QATAR FOR TERROR FUNDING

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 02:02:00 GMT

Washington-‘Hedging support for extremists to the United States cannot and will not be tolerated’

Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, took square aim at Qatar as a chief sponsor of terror in the Middle East in comments on Wednesday, potentially foreshadowing trouble for the Persian Gulf emirate.

“Qatar’s hedging support for extremists to the United States cannot and will not be tolerated,” said Marshall in remarks delivered at a conference sponsored by the Middle East Forum think tank and titled “Qatar: Strategic Ally or Strategic Threat?”

“Their support for violence, terror and bloodshed call into question the American partnership,” the Kansas congressman added.

The United States currently operates an air base in the emirate’s territory, and Marshall hinted that President Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo could reexamine that arrangement based on the emirate’s dealings with Iran and other regional terror groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Taliban.

“Secretary Pompeo understands the complexity of this issue and will take appropriate steps,” said Marshall.

Bergman sounded many of the same notes as his colleague from Kansas.

“Qatar is clearly a problematic country, but to this point the United States has not taken enough action,” said the Michigan representative, who served as a three-star Marine general before he was elected to Congress.

Bergman slammed the emirate for a range of nefarious activities, from playing a double game with Iran and terrorist militants, to partnering with Iran, to launching an influence campaign in the U.S. that included the hacking and theft of emails and other communications belonging to American nationals.

He proposed two concrete measures to sanction Qatar. The first step would be the passage of the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act, which would require the State Department to report to Congress on funders of Hamas, the terrorist organization that runs the Gaza Strip. Qatar has poured billions into Gaza and into propping up the Hamas-led government, and these activities could lead to penalties under the proposed law.

“Qatar has allowed senior leaders of Hamas to operate in Doha,” said Davidson. “No one should ever doubt our nation, our allies and our vital national security interests.”

Qatar has been feeling the heat on the diplomatic front since 2017, when Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states imposed a blockade on the emirate in response to its close ties with Iran and funding for terror groups throughout the region. The emirate has failed in its attempt to improve its image through a sophisticated influence campaign targeting influencers and officials in Washington, D.C., including members of the American Jewish community and the pro-Israel policy sector.

By Sam Cohen

www.wnd.com

Lake Michigan shoreline added to Hiawatha National Forest

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 03:36:00 GMT

MACKINAC COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) – The Conservation Fund, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), announced the addition of 11.25 acres of shoreline habitat to Michigan’s Hiawatha National Forest Research Natural Area on Thursday. Located along Lake Michigan, the property features important habitat for at-risk wildlife and plant species.

“We at Hiawatha National Forest greatly appreciate the support of The Conservation Fund in protecting this important parcel,” said Forest Supervisor Cid Morgan. Our cooperative effort will allow better protection of the Great Lakes watershed.”

The 11.25-acre property was acquired by The Conservation Fund in 2017, at the request of the USFS. The property was transferred to the USFS in December 2018 with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

“This conservation effort, though it may seem small, is rather significant because it eliminates a gap that existed in the surrounding conserved landscape and ensures better management and protection of an exceptional wetland and dune ecosystem,” said Peg Kohring, Senior Associate with The Conservation Fund. “We are honored to partner with the U.S. Forest Service in this endeavor.”

The property is home to important dune and swale habitat—sandy ridges alternating with marshy troughs. This habitat is critical for the federally threatened Pitcher’s thistle, and when water levels in the lake drop, the property also provides nesting habitat for the federally endangered piping plover.

In addition, protection of the property and its habitat opens up new opportunities for recreation by adding a critical inholding to the National Forest’s ownership along Lake Michigan. Now that the property is open to the public, visitors to the National Forest can enjoy nature viewing along six miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Hiawatha National Forest’s lakeshores, lighthouses, islands and winter snow are within a day’s drive of several urban and rural areas in Michigan and Wisconsin, making it a welcome natural respite for nearby residents.

The Congressionally-authorized Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) was created to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world. GLRI is funded annually by the U.S. Congress, with strong support from Michigan’s Congressional delegation representing Mackinac County: U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, and U.S. Representative Jack Bergman.

“Today’s investment will make sure visitors to the Hiawatha National Forest can enjoy more recreational opportunities along Lake Michigan’s beautiful shoreline,” said Senator Stabenow, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force. “This is yet another example of how the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which I authored, is supporting our Michigan way of life and our economy.”

“From restoring habitats to protecting our waterways, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been a vital part of protecting Michigan’s resources,” said Senator Peters. “I applaud this effort, which will enhance protections around the Hiawatha National Forest. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure full funding for the GLRI in the future.”

“This is just the latest example of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s meaningful work,” said Rep. Jack Bergman. “Michigan’s First District is home to some of our country’s most-treasured national parks and forests. GLRI has made it possible for this land to be enjoyed by all our residents and visitors. Through public-private partnerships like those between The Conservation Fund and Hiawatha National Forest, we can continue our longstanding tradition in the Upper Peninsula of conserving our public lands for future generations.”

“This is a great example of how federal investments to protect and restore the Great Lakes can benefit both the environment and economy,” said Todd Ambs, director, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Local projects like this are producing results in Michigan and in communities across the region. Despite the progress we’re seeing, however, serious threats remain. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressional leaders like U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, to make sure that Great Lakes restoration remains a national priority that protects our drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life.”

UpperMichiganSource.com

Bergman co-sponsors ‘Pay Our Coast Guard Act’

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 22:18:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WLUC) – Congressman Jack Bergman has announced his support of a bipartisan bill to pay U.S. Coast Guard members during the partial government shutdown.

H.R. 367, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019, would provide all pay and benefits for members of the Coast Guard as well as the roughly 50,000 Coast Guard military retirees who will not receive a paycheck on February 1st if the shutdown continues.

Congressman Bergman issued the following release:

“Michigan’s First District is home to Coast Guard Station Sault Ste. Marie and Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City. From Ice-breaking to life-saving search and rescue efforts, the men and women of the Coast Guard continue their work despite Congress’ failure to appropriate money to pay them. I appreciate my colleagues from both sides of the aisle who recognize this, and have come together among many disagreements to ensure our Coast Guardsmen and women receive the pay they’ve earned,” said Bergman.

The Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019 includes:
• Pay and allowances for active duty and reserve members of the Coast Guard;
• Pay and allowances for civilian employees of the Coast Guard;
• Pay and allowances for contractors of the Coast Guard;
• The payment of death gratuities with respect to members of the Coast Guard;
• The payment or reimbursement of authorized funeral travel;
• The temporary continuation of a basic allowance of housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty; and
• Coast Guard retired pay and benefits.

Rep. Bergman also co-sponsored legislation which would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving pay in the event of a government shutdown, saying “If Congress fails to do its job resulting in a shutdown, then we should forfeit our pay as well. American citizens sent us to Washington to solve problems, not cause them. If we can’t do that, we don’t deserve to get paid.”

UpperMichiganSource.com

Bergman donates pay during continuing government shutdown

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 01:10:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WLUC) – Congressman Jack Bergman (R-Michigan’s First District), has announced that he will be donating his pay accrued during the government shutdown to local charities.

Bergman decided to donate his pay during the shutdown to help those going without pay.

Friday is the 21st day of the government shutdown and should have been payday for federal workers.

Bergman says that the community has been rallying to help those who need it during the shutdown, but it’s the Democrats who have the power to end this shutdown.

“It’s the beauty of who we are as people to help others when we need it,” Bergman said. “The responsibility to end this lies strictly in the lap of the democratic elected leadership in the House of the Representatives. The weight of it lies on them.”

Bergman also encourages anyone with ideas or feelings about the shutdown to reach out to both their democratic and republican leaders in Congress.

By Catherine LeMier

UpperMichiganSource.com

Bergman speaks on new Soo Lock construction timeline

Sun, 06 Jan 2019 17:02:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., (WLUC)- At the swearing in of the House in Washington, Republican Congressman Jack Bergman spoke about the Soo Locks and a potential timeline for the project to begin.

More money has been requested for the new lock in President Trump’s 2020 budget.

The Detroit Army Corps of Engineers already has money in the work plan to finish the design and to get everything ready for the bid process.

There are still several steps that need to be taken before construction can begin but Congressman Bergman is hopeful that it will be in less than 2 years.

“When will they see shovels in ground? It’s probably going to be 18 months. Somewhere in that area because the design phase now is whats already been authorized by the latest funding,” said Bergman.

In December, Michigan and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a memorandum of agreement officially committing Michigan’s contribution of up to $52 million for the new lock.

New Soo Lock funding included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2019 work plan

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:02:00 GMT

CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has submitted its work plan for 2019 to Congress.

According to the Corps, the plan includes $32 million as an initial outlay for the design and construction of a new, second freighter-sized lock at the Soo Locks and is prepared by the Corps as an outline of how it will allocate funding for its work in the year ahead.

A letter from October, written by Congressman John Moolenaar, who is a long-time supporter of building a new lock at the Soo Locks, includes a request for funding in the work plan.

The bipartisan letter was signed by 27 other members of Congress from Great Lakes states.

Following the news of the funding being included in the 2019 work plan, Moolenaar released the following statement:

Congressman Jack Bergman also released a statement about the funding that says the following:

In October, the Corps released more information into the New Soo Locks project after President Trump signed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act into law.

by Devon Mahieu

wwwmt.com

Bipartisan effort made new Soo lock a reality

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:24:00 GMT

Important improvements to the Soo Locks became closer to reality this week after President Donald Trump authorized funding for the $922 million project.

And, we have our former state senator, John Moolenaar (now a U.S. congressman), and current Congressman Jack Bergman — both Republicans –to thank for that. The two accompanied Trump to a political rally at Selfridge Air Force Base in April, where the President, after being lobbied by the two, addressed his support for building a new lock in Sault Ste. Marie.

But, make no mistake, this is an issue that has the support of both Republicans and Democrats, who often join forces on issues impacting the Great Lakes.

Both Bergman and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat, called the news this week “a big day for Michigan.” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, also a Democrat, said it now is important that the Great Lakes congressmen and senators work again in a bipartisan manner to prioritize funding for the project in the upcoming budget.

A new lock is important to ensure more traffic through the important bottleneck on the lakes. While currently there are two working locks at the Soo, one can handle only about 60 percent of Great Lakes traffic because of its size.

If anything happened to the current locks, it would have a “devastating” impact on the nation’s economy and national security.

This week, a large step was taken to construct the new lock. Now, it’s on to securing funding in the budget to allow the work to begin.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)

Approved by the Senate: A New Soo Lock is a Close Reality, If President Trump Signs

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 10:08:00 GMT

“After spending all that money in the Middle East can you imagine, we can’t fix a lock? We’ll get it fixed,” President Trump said, during his trip to Michigan last April.

Now a new lock in Sault Ste. Marie is just his signature away from reality.

Today the U.S. Senate approved the 2018 Water Resources Development Act, which includes $922 million in funding for a new Soo Lock.

The act is now on the president’s desk and lawmakers are confident we could see a new lock.

“Your lock is not working too well, not working too well. It hasn’t been fixed in 50 years in all fairness,” the president said during his speech.

A president’s promise in April, the funding now awaiting his approval, many think the project has gotten this close because of a limo ride that included President Trump and Congressman Jack Bergman.

“I would say it’s an extremely efficient use of a 30 minute limo ride, to number 1 get the president’s understanding of the Soo Locks, to gain his support, to now have WRDA gain senate approval 99-1. It will be signed by the president,” Rep. Bergman, said.

Bergman made the Soo Locks his number one issue and says with bipartisan support Northern Michigan is closer than ever before to seeing construction.

“Infrastructure is bipartisan effort and that’s what a lot of people don’t realize. The bottom line is once the money is appropriated, shovels better start warming up,” Bergman, added.

Democratic U.S. Senator Gary Peters is confident as well.

“We worked very aggressively and we worked to get funding for a study done by the army corps of engineers that confirm what we always knew that this lock is critical infrastructure, and if anything happened to it we’d have very negative impact not only to Michigan but this whole country,” Sen. Peters, explained

The project would cost nearly $1 billion and could take seven to 10 years to complete.

The goal is to have it in the next budget.

“We now have to get this money appropriated and put in the budget so the process can move forward,” Peters, added.

9and10news.com

Aaron Parseghian

Matthew Myers

Taxpayer Heroes: CCAGW PAC Endorses Michigan House Candidates

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:51:00 GMT

WASHINGTON–( BUSINESS WIRE )–Today, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Political Action Committee (CCAGW PAC) announced its endorsement of five Michigan candidates: Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), Mike Bishop (R-Mich.), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), and Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

CCAGW PAC based its endorsements of incumbents on a candidate’s lifetime score as listed in CCAGW’s 2017 Congressional Ratings .

The lifetime scores for the five congressmen are below. Each one has earned the title of “Taxpayer Hero” based on their exemplary lifetime ratings (followed by the first year they were elected):

Rep. Justin Amash: 93 percent (2010)
Rep. Jack Bergman: 89 percent (2016)
Rep. Mike Bishop: 89 percent (2014)
Rep. Bill Huizenga: 94 percent (2010)
Rep. Tim Walberg: 90 percent (2010)

“During their tenures in the House, Reps. Justin Amash, Jack Bergman, Mike Bishop, Bill Huizenga, and Tim Walberg have all been strong and reliable votes to curb government waste and reform Washington,” said CCAGW PAC Chairman Tom Schatz. “On top of their impressive voting records, they worked with their colleagues to enact historic tax cuts, support deregulation, and help ignite America’s economic boom. Because of this, I urge Michigan voters to re-elect them to Congress.”

CCAGW PAC is affiliated with the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, a 501(c)(4) organization. CCAGW PAC’s mission is to support political candidates who will fight to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in government and represent the best interests of taxpayers.

Paid for by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Political Action Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Contacts

CCAGW PAC
Curtis Kalin, 202-467-5318

Representative Bergman meets with local business owners and managers

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:01:00 GMT

NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, MIch. (WLUC) – Congressman Jack Bergman met with local business owners and managers during a tour of Miller-Bradford & Risberg Inc. in Negaunee Township on Tuesday. Associated Equipment Distributors, who represents about 700 heavy equipment dealers in the country, including Miller-Bradford & Risberg, set up Tuesday’s meeting with the congressman to give him a chance to see what the facility does.

Congressman Bergman Receives 2018 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 15:27:00 GMT

The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force presented Bergman with the 2018 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year award.

The award goes to a legislator each year who has helped to advance commerce on the Great Lakes.

Bergman is also credited with getting President Donald Trump’s support for improving the Soo Locks.

He says he knows how important the Great Lakes are to not just the state of Michigan, but to the entire country.

“The Great Lakes are the life blood of the past, but also the life blood going forward, whether it comes to the quality of our water, but also the shipping the commerce all the things that go into making the Great Lake an integral part of our country’s success,” said Bergman.

Bergman is now among 10 Michigan legislators to receive this award.

Zach Razminas

9and10news.com

Bipartisan House Bill Passed to Fund New Soo Lock

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 18:52:00 GMT

Legislators want to build a second lock to handle Great Lakes freighters. Currently, a 50-year-old lock is handling 70 percent of all the big ship traffic.

The legislation passed with support on both sides of the aisle.

The Soo is important for Michigan’s economy and the nation’s.

“Right now, that one lock accommodates almost all of the shipping of iron ore and many other goods from Minnesota through the Great Lakes. If that lock fails, the damage is instantaneous,” said Michigan congressman Paul Mitchell.

Congressman Jack Bergman serves Michigan’s first district and wants to make sure Washington prioritizes this new lock project.

“The next step after this is to make sure we get the money appropriated,” said Bergman. “The priority of the lock project [needs to] come out in the President’s budget.”

A new lock is something Sault Ste. Marie as needed for a long time. The new lock would cost $922 million and it would allow Sault Ste. Marie to handle even more traffic and business, especially if something were to happen to the 50-year-old lock that’s handling all the big freighters now.

Congressman Mitchell urged his legislative counterparts to consider the Soo’s asset.

“I urge passage of this bill as a next step in building the 1,200 foot lock of the Soo Locks so we can ensure our national security and our economy is not devastated by the failure of one lock,” said Mitchell.

Now, the legislation goes to the senate for a vote.

9&10News.com

Chloe Kiple

Brandon Speagle

Michigan representatives visit Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial in Manistique

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:11:00 GMT

MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WLUC)- Michigan politicians visited the moving wall Vietnam memorial in Manistique Saturday. The representatives came to speak about the walls significance. Congressman Jack Bergman, senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, state senator Tom Casperson, and representatives Sara Cambensy and Beau LaFave were all in attendance. Each took turns giving speeches on what the wall […]

USDA invests in water infrastructure projects in northern Michigan counties

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 13:09:00 GMT

MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) — Areas in Houghton, Alger and Manistee counties will be seeing some major funding soon.

The USDA Rural Development is investing in four water infrastructure projects, including two in Houghton County, which was hit by major flash flooding over Father’s Day.

The City of Munising in Alger County will see $4.6 million in loans over the next 40 years to improve the city’s water system.

Houghton County gets a $1.75 million loan to fix their sewer system and another for $500,000 for their water system.

The county will also receive a $1.5 million grant.

Manistee will see $4.4 million in loans over the next 40 years for their waste water system.

Michigan Congressman Jack Bergman released the following statement Monday in part:

Bergman’s military experience called upon in trip to South Korea

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 15:54:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — It’s a busy life for a congressman who is up for re-election in November, but it wasn’t too busy for U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, to jump on a plane and head to South Korea earlier the month.

Bergman, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general, is the highest-ranking combat veteran ever elected to Congress. He said because of that, he is often consulted on matters of the military.

“It’s a chance for me to be a resource, a mentor for folks who want to make a good vote and have questions about the military,” he said.

His expertise meant he was asked to join a diplomatic congressional trip just after the Fourth of July to South Korea, where he spent three full days, discussing military plans in the focused-upon Korean Peninsula and meeting with South Korean officials. Much of what he did, he said harkened back to the types of military meetings he was part of while in active service.

As for reported progress between North Korea and the rest of the world, Bergman said he is “cautiously optimistic.”

“A word I hear people using is pragmatic, but optimistic,” he said. “The pragmatism comes in holding North Korea accountable for its steps forward in its complete and verifiable denuclearization.

“There will be hiccups, but we know for a fact that the sanctions that have been put on North Korea for their having less than great behavior when it comes to developing nuclear capabilities are having an effect, and we need to make sure we are deliberate in maintaining those sanctions until we see irrefutable evidence that they have held up their part of the bargain.”

Bergman said it was fascinating to visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the iconic buildings at the border viewed across the world when officials have crossed or prisoners have been exchanged. He also was amazed by the farming in the Seoul area despite its massive population and density.

Closer to home, Bergman continues to toggle between tending to matters to Washington and visiting people in Michigan’s vast First Congressional District. Among the Northern Michigan issues he is working on:

• The Cormorant Relief Act, which passed the House Committee on Natural Resources last week. Bergman and others has been pressing the need for greater cormorant management, as the birds can have a negative effect on fisheries.

“(This will allows us to be) in control of what the cormorants are doing to our recreational and commercial fishing as well as our hatcheries,” Bergman said. “That bird population needs to be managed without fear of it coming extinct. It’s managing population so that there’s a balance between the cormorants and the fish in the Great Lakes.”

• His effort to have the federal government build a new lock in Sault Ste. Marie. A recent study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spoke to the high benefit-cost ratio of building a new lock.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Bergman said. “We have maintained the foot on the gas pedal in getting energy behind the Soo Locks modernization plan and the reasons we need it. The president has prioritized it in his remarks.”

• His effort, along with Michigan U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, in getting federal relief to the Upper Peninsula following severe flash flooding there in June.

“My hat is off to my fellow Yoopers that they turned to make sure everyone was OK and accounted for and to start the process of getting roads back in order and getting things cleared and assessing damage,” Bergman said. “Now the time is right for the federal government to be involved.”

Bergman said he is pleased with the efforts of the current Congress, which he said the numbers bear it out to be the most bipartisan Congress in history.

“By and large, we are working together,” he said.

He said he doesn’t plan on being a part of many diplomatic trips like the one to South Korea, as his efforts will remain on representing his constituents. On that end, he’ll be continuing to hit the road early and often.

“The good Lord gave us 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week, and I try to use all of them,” he said.

Gaylord Herald Times

Bishop, Bergman Introduce Bill to Benefit Duck Hunters & Conservation Efforts

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:26:00 GMT

Washington – -(Ammoland.com)- Recently, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.) introduced H.R. 6013, the Migratory Bird Framework and Hunting Opportunities for Veterans Act, which provides certainty for duck hunters by formally naming January 31 of each year as the closing date for the federal duck season framework in the Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic flyways. The bill also extends the duck hunting season for veterans and youth for one extra weekend.

A legislative hearing on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, July 17th, 2018, at 10 AM EST and can be watched via live-stream on the Committee website.

Click here for bill text.

Background:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) oversees the hunting season for migratory birds and implements other regulations related to activities including duck hunting. FWS coordinates with states and the four Flyway Councils to ensure a smooth implementation, with giving States the autonomy to establish their hunting seasons within the federal framework. Currently, the FWS closing date for federal duck hunting season is the “last Sunday in January,” which could fall any time between January 25th and January 31st, depending on the year. This bill creates uncertainty for hunters and potentially hinders outdoor recreation in our country.

To remedy the situation, H.R. 6013 will make January 31st of each year the official end of duck hunting season. The bill will not force states to change their hunting season end-date; it merely grants states the flexibility to create a fixed date to conclude duck hunting season if they choose to do so.

by Ammoland.com

Michigan lawmakers back disaster declaration request after UP flooding

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 14:59:00 GMT

(WLUK) — Upper Michigan’s congressional delegation is asking President Donald Trump to approve Lt. Gov. Brian Calley’s request for a major disaster declaration following flash flooding last month.

Authorities estimate the damage in Houghton, Gogebic and Menominee counties at $42 million.

U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, and Rep. Jack Bergman sent this letter to Trump:

Soo Locks are one step closer to building new lock

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 21:09:00 GMT

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — The effort to build a new lock at the Soo Locks is one step closer to moving forward after a new study done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The study established a new cost benefit ratio that calculated the cost of the actual project, and how necessary it is for national security and domestic trade.

More than $75 million metric tons of cargo passes through the Soo Locks every year.

Among that cargo is 100 percent of the tectonite mined in the United States, which fuels the steel industry.

On Friday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Economic Validation Study, after about two years of research.

“It does feel like it’s been going on for a long time, so it’s a big relief,” said Joanne Gray, chief of construction and technical support at the Soo Locks.

In the study, the Corps of Engineers reached an acceptable cost benefit ratio of 2.42.

They say that’s the next step towards getting the project into the federal budget.

“This is a part of reflecting a United States-wide strategic picture of infrastructure,” said U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman. “That’s why this is important.”

The study highlights the fact that there is no other comparable way of transporting steel products to the Soo Locks.

“It’s important to understand that this facility is unique,” Gray said. “It’s the only facility that doesn’t have alternative modes of transportation, and that was a big part of this new study.”

The project would cost the federal government $922 million.

It’s something lawmakers representing Michigan have been pushing hard for.

“We need to have good, solid, forward thinking numbers when it comes to evaluating infrastructure,” Bergman said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is requesting that the president set aside the almost one billion dollars in the 2020 fiscal year budget.

That would also have to be approved by Congress.

The Corps of Engineers says the project would take about seven to ten years to complete.

by Connor Hansen

upnorthlive.com

Bergman offers assistance to Houghton County

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 16:11:00 GMT

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) – Governor Rick Snyder officially declared a state of disaster for Houghton and Menominee Counties Monday, June 18. The declaration comes during beginning cleanup of widespread flood damage in both counties. The declaration gives state and federal government room to step in and assist.

State Representative Scott Dianda arrived in the area Sunday, June 17.

“I really appreciate everybody out there trying to help and assist in the cleanup. Also, please go and check on your neighbors. We’ve got a lot of senior citizens, a lot of veterans that are out there. Just check on them. Make sure they’ve got food, water and they’ve got access to healthcare,” said Dianda.

U.S. Representative Jack Bergman arrived in Houghton Monday afternoon, June 18 to assess local damage.

“The priorities are number one: keep the people safe, number two: keep the people informed, number three: get all the agencies that are involved coordinated in their efforts to make sure everybody knows who has responsibility for what,” said U.S. Congressmen Jack Bergman.

Millions allotted for Soo Locks

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 14:39:00 GMT

SAULT STE. MARIE — More than $65 million earmarked for Eastern Upper Peninsula projects has been allocated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District for fiscal year 2018 under the official work plan rolled out early this week.

The Detroit District, encompassing Great Lakes from Duluth-Superior Harbor on the far western end of Lake Superior on down into Lake Michigan and Lake Huron will receive an additional $79 million to repair breakwaters, dredge harbors and complete various projects and studies throughout its jurisdiction.

Congressman Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet) revealed in a press release from his office that the plan includes $42 million for a pump well system for the Poe Lock and Davis Lock. An additional $4.2 million has been allocated for Poe Lock ship arrestors, while $6.2 million has been dedicated to Poe Lock bulkheads. Another $5.2 million will go toward what was described as a tainter valve project for the MacArthur Lock.

“Since taking office, I’ve worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) leadership and the Trump Administration to highlight the dangers to our economy and national security of an unscheduled outage of the 50 year old Poe Lock,” said Bergman.

“After urging USACE in April to use additional appropriated funds towards Soo Locks modernization, the updated FY18 work plan released this week directs over $57 million to be spent on major rehabilitation and modernization at the soo Locks complex. This is great news for Michigan’s First District, and critical in our mission of building a new Poe-sized Lock,” said Bergman. “I appreciate the administration’s refreshing focus on our vital waterway infrastructure. This is another major step towards ensuring seamless operation of the Soo Locks. I will continue working to advance momentum we’ve begun to build a new Poe-sized lock on Sault Ste. Marie.”

An additional $7.845 million has been allocated for asset renewal and hydropower projects on the St. Marys River, but specifics were not detailed by either Bergman’s Office or the USACE in their press released.

Finally, for the Eastern Upper Peninsula coverage area, $305,000 has been earmarked for Whitefish Point Harbor improvements.

The Sault News

Jack Bergman and the House Committee on Natural Resources hold Cormorant Management Hearing

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 15:38:00 GMT

Alpena-Yesterday, June 11, Congressman Jack Bergman and the U.S House Committee on Natural Resources held an oversight hearing to discuss the effects of Cormorants

Native to the great lakes region-Cormorants are a diving water bird that prey primarily on fish and are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Great lake stakeholders are concerned and believe the reinstating effective Cormorant management is critically needed to maintain a sustainable balance between the fish and wildlife population

“We summarize our concerns in three main things- First the cormorants numbers In the Great Lakes have risen, second the cormorants are having direct impacts on valuable and sensitive fish populations, and last cormorant on fish populations can cause harm on fish populations and our communities”.

The Cormorants in the Great Lakes have risen and collectively consume an estimated 77 million pounds of fish each year

Prey fish populations are down by 80–90 percent and in Lake Huron alone that represents a decline of 160 million pounds and a loss of 1 million fishing trips a year

After a 2016 court order Michigan and 23 other states are prohibited from effectively managing Cormorant populations

”Without the ability to effectively manage Cormorants populations the livelihood of our recreational and commercial fishing industries are seriously threatened. These industries are critical to our local economies so much so that I have heard about this issue from many constituents since being sworn in”.

This issue not only affects the entire state of Michigan but other states as well. That’s why Congressman Jack Bergman introduced the Cormorant Control Act to rescind the court order and reinstate the double crested Cormorant depredation orders.

“Regardless of the approach we take.. my hope on this hearing would be to highlight the need to do something, to instill a sense of urgency across all stakeholders to actually get something done. Last time I checked the cormorants aren’t taking a break in their studies.”

Congressman Bergman is hopeful that this message with be received in Washington in order to help protect the great lakes immediately.

POSTED BY: ALYSSA MCCANN JUNE 12, 2018

wbkb11.com

New rule makes it easier for veterans to purchase homes

Tue, 29 May 2018 21:31:00 GMT

Veterans in Michigan will now have an easier time purchasing and financing single-family homes using Veterans Association mortgage assistance.

Since 1978, the majority of new single-family homes in Michigan have actually been classified as “site condominiums.”

This classification allows developers to build neighborhoods faster and more efficiently. However, because of certain VA regulations on condos, it also creates significant barriers for veterans who want to use VA loans to purchase a home.

But thanks to a simple rule change championed by the Home Builders Association of Michigan and state representative Jack Bergman, the VA will now consider site condominiums the same as any other single-family homes.

Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, says he’s heard of veterans having to wait four or five months to get their loans approved before they could purchase a site condo home.

In Michigan’s current housing market, this means many sellers aren’t willing to wait for VA loans to clear.

“When a seller is evaluating the bids that they receive on a home, if they have multiple bids, the veteran is being unfortunately discriminated against because those sellers’ realtors know the VA is going to take months and months and months to get that loan approved.”

Filka says Michigan-based Chemical Bank also played a large role in providing the evidence necessary to change the rule. The bank had started to notice their customers were increasingly unable to use VA financing to purchase homes. Once Congressman Bergman, a veteran himself, became involved, the issue gained traction with the VA.

“Many people said that we would never get this changed,” Filka says. “In fact, we had people at the VA regional office tell us to change our state law— that that would happen faster. We said that’s ridiculous, that this is common sense.”

Filka says the VA will be issuing a notice to every lender in the state to let them know that site condominiums will now be treated like regular single-family homes.

By MAYA GOLDMAN

MichiganRadio.org

House Passes Bill on VA Cerner EHR Implementation Oversight

Thu, 24 May 2018 13:04:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congress will potentially have greater oversight of the VA Cerner EHR implementation, as the Veterans’ Electronic Health Record Modernization Oversight Act of 2017 (HR 4245) continues to move through the legislative process.

The House passed HR 4245 earlier this week with a voice vote, and was moved on to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Under the legislation, Congress would need to receive certain documents on the implementation process, including but not limited to project timelines, costs, the health IT strategic architecture plan, and the transition plan for implementing updated architecture.

Additionally, agency officials would need to send Congress regularly quarterly updates. This would include the most current documents on the following areas:

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Phil Roe, MD (R-TN), Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-MN), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Committee Chairman Jack Bergman (R-MI), and Ranking Member Annie Kuster (D-NH) first introduced HR 4245 in October 2017.

“As chairman and a physician, I know firsthand the value an effective electronic health records system plays in providing patients with quality health care,” Roe said in an earlier statement. “The transition to the Cerner system aims to achieve seamless interoperability with the Department of Defense (DoD), which has been one of my priorities since coming to Congress, and will be one of the largest projects the department has been tasked with implementing.”

Walz added that it was incredibly important to ensure the EHR modernization process was as seamless as possible.

“Whether it is preventing disruptions in patient care, protecting the privacy of veterans, or ensuring American taxpayer dollars are invested responsibly and in a way that will improve healthcare delivery for veterans, this bill will ensure that Congress has the authority it needs to oversee the process and hold VA accountable every step of the way,” Walz said.

VA finalized the $10 billion Cerner EHR implementation contract last week. The new EHR system will mirror the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) MHS GENESIS EHR system.

“I am pleased to announce we have signed a contract with Cerner today that will modernize the VA’s health care IT system and help provide seamless care to Veterans as they transition from military service to Veteran status, and when they choose to use community care,” Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie explained in a statement.

“And with a contract of that size, you can understand why former Secretary Shulkin and I took some extra time to do our due diligence and make sure the contract does what the President wanted.”

VA has already secured $782 million in funding for fiscal year 2018 to launch the implementation project.

The new Cerner system will help VA engage in seamless health data exchange with DoD and community providers, and will improve care coordination for VA providers. The entire care team can also have easier access in seeing the care being provided, and system capabilities will be added “as necessary to meet the special needs of Veterans, VA clinicians, and our community-care partners.”

“Signing this contract today is an enormous win for our nation’s Veterans,” Wilkie concluded. “It puts in place a modern IT system that will support the best possible health care for decades to come. That’s exactly what our nation’s heroes deserve.”

By Elizabeth Snell

EHR Intelligence

Bergman Votes to Replace VA Choice Act, Sends MISSION Act to Senate

Fri, 18 May 2018 12:22:00 GMT

Washington – Congressman Jack Bergman, Chairman of the VA Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, released the following statement following House passage of the VA MISSION Act:

“For years, Veterans in rural communities of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have struggled to access the care they’ve earned in a timely and convenient setting. While the VA Choice Program was meant to provide Veterans with flexibility in receiving care, its results were far from acceptable. From Veterans not receiving care, to providers not receiving reimbursement for the care provided, the shortfalls and red-tape of the Choice Program have been problematic for years. The VA MISSION Act addresses these shortcomings, and if signed into law, will provide rural Veterans the flexibility needed to receive the care they’ve rightfully earned,” said Bergman.

Congressman Bergman continued, “One of my top priorities on the VA Committee has been not only replacing this broken system, but making sure we get it right this time. Today’s vote in the House to pass the VA MISSION Act was a monumental step towards making healthcare accessible for our rural Veterans.”

The bipartisan VA MISSION Act passed the House Wednesday and must now pass the Senate before heading to President Trump’s desk for final approval.

The MISSION Act replaces the VA Choice Act and:

Consolidates seven duplicative community care programs into one cohesive program;
Removes the arbitrary 30-day, 40-mile barriers in the Choice Program;
Expands Veteran choice and access to timely, quality care;
Allows for a one-year “funding bridge” to ensure Veterans have continuity of care while the Choice Program is phased-out;
Creates a fair and transparent process for a comprehensive audit of VA’s assets that is insulated from politics;
Transitions VA from a reliance on outdated and inefficient facilities to a more modern infrastructure based on current and future medical models;
Creates equity between seriously injured pre-9/11 and post-9/11 veterans by allowing pre-9/11 caregivers to receive a monthly stipend and other support; and
Contains numerous provisions that would expand VA’s internal capacity to care for veterans in VA medical facilities.

upmatters.com

House committee blasts VA over troubled $543 million tech contract

Wed, 09 May 2018 13:38:00 GMT

Washington-Update 7:30 p.m.: VA officials said that while the contract extension called for RTLS work to be finished by June, it now expects completion by the end of the year. The VA then plans to study the “return on investment” and study the project’s benefits before deciding whether to expand to remaining facilities.

Update 3:43 p.m. : Frustrated lawmakers eviscerated the Department of Veterans Affairs’ handling of a troubled technology contract Tuesday afternoon, demanding discipline for employees who may have bungled the $543 million contract and blasting the agency for its lack of transparency

The 2012 contract, managed in part by the Austin-based officials, was supposed to allow the VA to digitally track hospital equipment and save money. But it has been beset by delays and accuracy problems, and the VA’s internal investigators recently concluded the department exercised poor oversight.

It’s the latest in a series of information technology blunders by the VA, and on Tuesday the House Committee on Veterans Affairs also probed the failed Catamaran project, a contract to manage hospital supplies using predictive analytics that was terminated in 2016.

“There’s not a more perennial issue of disappointment to me” than the VA’s chronic IT problems said U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Lubbock. “I have heard I don’t know how many stanzas of the same old song, but this is getting really old.”

American-Statesman investigation

Lawmakers repeatedly asked VA representatives who inside the department had been held responsible for the contract problems. Bergman demanded a list of all disciplinary action resulting from the RTLS and Catamaran contracts.

Tammy Czarnecki, the VA’s assistant deputy under secretary for health for administrative operations, said she believed there had been “accountability throughout the entire process,” explaining: “I believe we held the vendor accountable as well as our own staff. …The staff was required to work through the process with the vendor.”

The contract was originally awarded to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services, which has since become DXC Technology.

But lawmakers were livid that a 2016 settlement agreement, which reduced the number of facilities receiving the RTLS technology almost in half, delayed the contract at least a year and absolved the contractor of liability, had not been made available in full to the VA’s office of inspector general.

“This is unbelievable. Anybody embarrassed here?” said U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, R-Maine. “We’re losing our pants on deals and then we relieve them of responsibility?” VA officials later said they would hand over the settlement agreement.

It’s unclear when or if the VA will bring the RTLS technology to other facilities once the revised contract expires, or if the VA is on target to reach its June target date. Czarnacki told lawmakers dozens of facilities are already using RTLS technology to track surgical equipment.

“The goalposts have been lowered,” U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Michigan said. “But can they be met?”

Earlier: The House Veterans Affairs Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday afternoon to examine a troubled half-billion dollar technology contract to track medical equipment that has been plagued with problems for years.

The Department of Veterans of Affairs has said the 2012 contract with what was then Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services would jumpstart the department’s foray into advanced technologies, allowing it to wirelessly track equipment as it moves through medical centers. The effort to build a real-time locating system, or RTLS, would save millions of dollars in lost or misplaced equipment and prevent death and disease from unsterilized equipment, officials said.

But a 2017 American-Statesman investigation revealed that two years ago VA officials warned in internal emails the contract was in danger of “catastrophic failure” amid fundamental concerns over whether the department’s WiFi could support the system and the reliability of the small tags used to track equipment.

The contract was eventually downscaled and instead of bringing the technology to every VA hospital in the nation, the number of RTLS facilities was cut almost in half. The contract’s 2017 completion date was extended by at least a year.

The problems with the RTLS contract underscore the VA’s larger challenges with information technology, which has been dubbed a “high risk area” by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. In December, the VA’s internal investigators confirmed the Statesman’s findings , concluding that the RTLS contract had been dogged by poor oversight and security lapses.

The House committee will also look at another troubled technology: the Catamaran project, meant to manage hospital supplies using predictive analytics. The program was terminated in 2016 after employees complained of frequent system crashes that made it difficult to order supplies, according to documents obtained by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

By Jeremy Schwartz , American-Statesman Staff

Michigan’s Congressional delegation urges Trump to follow through on Soo Locks fix

Wed, 09 May 2018 13:21:00 GMT

MLive – Members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation said they appreciated President Donald Trump’s interest in upgrading the Soo Locks. Now, they want to make sure he follows through with continued support.

In a letter to the president dated May 4, all 13 sitting Michigan U.S. representatives joined more than 50 members of Congress to urge Trump to remain engaged on rebuilding and improving the Soo Locks. The representatives said they were committed to making headway in Congress on the project as well.

The letter was led by Michigan U.S. Reps. Paul Mitchell, R-Dryden, Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet and John Moolenaar, R-Midland and Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.

“We believe this project is consistent with your commitments to rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, and feel that the Soo Locks can be the crowning achievement for this effort,” the letter reads.

Trump’s support of Soo Locks fix prompts renewed efforts from Michigan officials

Calls for a Soo Locks fix appeared to get a boost Saturday when President Donald Trump said he supported renovations.

Midwestern lawmakers have been calling for significant upgrades to the Soo Locks, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for decades. Those efforts recently got a signal boost when President Donald Trump said he supported revamping the decades-old structure during a rally in Macomb County.

“Do you know what the Soo Locks are? Well, the Soo Locks are going to hell. We’re gonna get them fixed up,” he told supporters. “We’re gonna start that as soon as I get back.

By Lauren Gibbons

lgibbon2@mlive.com

Congressman Jack Bergman meets with Home Builders Association for ‘Bring Government Home Week’

Sat, 05 May 2018 16:57:00 GMT

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Labor shortages, the Soft Lumber Trade Agreement with Canada, Federal Tax Policy and improving low income tax insurance are all topics the Home Builders Association has concerns about and on May 3 they were able to discuss them with Congressman Jack Bergman (R) of the First Congressional District.

The main conversation at the meeting being labor shortages in skilled trade jobs like carpentry and construction.

“The idea is get our young kids interested in great skills and trades that’s going to allow them when they graduate from high school or tech school, to go out and get a job or they can raise a family,” said Representative Jack Bergman, Congressman (R) for the First Congressional District.

“Our next steps in the Home Builders Association are to stay involved in the schools,” said Sarah Schultz, Executive Officer for the Home Builders Association of the Upper Peninsula. “We have student high school chapters, we try to get them connected with our builders, I think another step that we need to make is start getting involved at a younger age.”

After the meeting in Marquette, Congressman Bergman says he now has a good taste of what the Upper Peninsula needs.

“We’re the largest city in the U.P., so we’re going to have different needs here when it comes to not only labor shortages, but the need for housing, the need for building,” said Congressman Bergman. “I need to understand the bigger scale and the smaller scale.”

The Home Builder’s Association says after May 3rd’s meeting, they are confident the Congressman will take their concerns to heart.

“It’s nice having him up here just number one as our congressman to listen to us, but number two as a local Yooper,” said Schultz. “He’s passionate about issues up here.”

The Homebuilders Association says they will continue to stay in touch with Congressman Bergman as he takes their ideas and concerns to Washington, D.C.

UpperMichiganSource.com

Veterans, families honored by Rep. Jack Bergman

Thu, 03 May 2018 17:06:00 GMT

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — Northern Michigan veterans and their families were honored during a small ceremony held by Representative Jack Bergman.

The ceremony was held at Bergman’s Traverse City office.

The veterans were honored with medals they earned during service but never received.

For some, family members accepted the medals on behalf of their loved one who has passed away

But for others, like Navy Corpsman Dan Priestap, the day was a surprise after his daughter found out he had earned medals during his service.

“I had no idea why we were all together, there was no birthdays. It was just supposed to be a family day… turned out to be a big family day,” said Dan Priestap, who served in Navy from 1959- 1963.

Priestap never knew he earned the medals and said he will now proudly display them at home.

President Trump Discusses Soo Locks at Rally in Macomb County

Thu, 03 May 2018 14:45:00 GMT

President Trump ended his rally in Macomb County Saturday with encouraging words for the crowd of his supporters.

The president skipped out on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and spent the night in Washington Township for a “Make America Great Again” rally.

President Trump spoke for a little more than an hour and a half.

He touched on a wide range of national issues, as well as things pertinent to the state’s election and Northern Michigan.

“We know what we’re doing with your locks,” said President Trump. “We’re gonna start that as soon as I get back.”

During his speech, President Trump said that a fix for the Soo Locks is long overdue.

Your lock isn’t working too well, it’s not working too well,” said President Trump. “It hasn’t been fixed in 50 years, in all fairness.”

“I told your congressmen, ‘Write that name down for me,’” said President Trump. “It’s the Army Corps of Engineers. We’re gonna be calling them. It could be tonight, depending on the time we get back.”

One of those congressman is Republican Jack Bergman, who rode over with the president to the venue.

“I sat next to him on the way over,” said Bergman, who represents Michigan’s 1st District. “We had a nice chat — it was myself, Congressman [John] Moolenaar and Congressman [Paul] Mitchell. We really had a nice half hour to talk to the president about things that are important in Michigan.”

Congressman Bergman says the aging infrastructure dominated the conversation.

“He wants to know what we need here in Michigan as it relates especially to the greater needs of the country,” said Bergman. “We explained to him if the Soo Locks shut down, manufacturing shuts down across the country.”

“After spending all that money in the Middle East, can you imagine? And we can’t fix a lock… we’ll get it fixed,” said President Trump.

It was also clear that part of the president’s reason for stopping in Michigan is to increase Republican voter turnout in midterm elections.

Bergman, Moolenaar bend Trump’s ear

Thu, 03 May 2018 14:30:00 GMT

THE ALPENA NEWS –

During President Donald Trump’s presidential rally in Michigan on Saturday, he pledged to find a way to repair the Soo Locks and to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to work toward building another.

Days after the event, it appears the issue was raised to the president by three Michigan congressmen who were able to get Trump’s ear on the way to the event.

Reps. Jack Bergman, Paul Mitchell and John Moolenaar met Trump at Selfridge Air Force Base when Air Force One landed. Bergman said each welcomed the president to Michigan and were prepared to fall back in the motorcade in a separate vehicle, but instead were invited to join Trump in the presidential limousine. During that 35 minute drive to the rally, the three congressmen had Trump to themselves and made the time count.

According to Bergman, Trump asked what some of the largest issues that needed to be addressed in the state were and he told him the future of the Soo Locks, especially the Poe Lock, which is the largest of them. He said he explained the importance of the Locks and the implications that would follow should there be a failure. According to Bergman, Trump was inquisitive about the matter and asked questions about what needed to be done.

“We had eyeball to eyeball discussions and he was just absorbing the information.He was asking questions and took notes in his notebook,” Bergman said. “He wanted to know why nothing has been done about this for 30 years and who was dragging their feet. We were very engaged for more than a half hour about that and other issues.”

During his speech at the rally, Trump vowed to move quickly on finding a solution to the locks issue and reach out to the Army Corps of Engineers for input and to get answers to questions he has. Bergman said Trump’s involvement is welcomed and he believes it increases the odds that action will be taken.

“His involvement is like the cherry on the top because we have been working with the Army Corps and now people at every level of government are engaged on this,” Bergman said. “I think we are close to the tipping point to being able to move forward after 30 long years and I’m cautiously optimistic.”

Moolenaar said he was surprised Trump insisted they ride in the limo, which he said Trump refers to as “The Beast.” He said there was a lot of discussion about the locks, but the issue of H2B visas also were discussed. Moolenaar said there is a need for foreign workers in Michigan, especially for seasonal business in the tourism and agriculture sectors. An H2B visa is a temporary work visa that allows a foreigner to enter the United States for an employment opportunity, but must leave after the work is complete. Trump also mentioned this during his speech and said he will try to expedite the process to help businesses that are unable to operate to their full potential because they are understaffed.

“We have a huge need for season workers. We had businesses in Mackinaw City and on the island that couldn’t open because they didn’t have employees,” Moolenaar said. “Having H2B visas would allow for these businesses to hire people seasonally to be able to capitalize on their busiest and most important time of the year.”

Moolenaar said there were Trump supporters who lined the streets waving banners and waving to the motorcade. He said Trump was gracious and focused on what he was being told. The thing Moolenaar said he noticed most was Trump’s ability to listen and process information.

“We always see him speak and know he does a good job with large audiences, but I don’t think many people know, or he doesn’t get enough credit for, is his ability to be a good listener,” he said. “I was very impressed with that.”

Moolenaar said he believes Trump will do his best to keep the promises he made in the limo and in front of the cameras while giving his speech. He said Trump is motivated to succeed on all of the promises he has made.

“I think he is showing he is a doer and stays on things until they get done,” Moolenaar said. “He is a builder and knows the importance of infrastructure and maintaining it properly so it lasts. I think he also knows the importance of the locks for manufacturing and the jobs they provide. Being able to talk directly to the president directly is definitely a high point for me and to be able to brief him on what is going on in Michigan was a real opportunity.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.

Both Michigan political parties agree on Soo Locks expansion

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 22:19:00 GMT

“The locks are absolutely critical to Michigan and to our country’s economy,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-East Lansing. “There has been no comprehensive improvements in the locks for 50 years and we’re very worried that we’re on borrowed time.”

Every year, 8,000 freighters carry 80 million tons of cargo through the locks. The first State Lock was built in 1855. The four Locks operated by the United States Army Corp of Engineers — the Davis, Sabin, MacArthur, and Poe locks — continue to provide the connection between Lakes Superior and Huron. Currently, all ships utilize the larger Poe (1,200 feet) and MacArthur (800 feet) locks.

Bills will be introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate next week to authorize the necessary spending to create another Poe lock. The Army Corp of Engineers still needs to do a study on the project, but Stabenow said the estimated cost for the project is nearly $1 billion.

“In 2015, the MacArthur lock was shut down for 20 days while crews performed repairs,” Stabenow said. “It delayed delivery of nearly 2 million tons of cargo. A six-month closure would completely stop North American auto production for 10 months and it would be estimated that unemployment would hit 20%.”

The project is so important that it has gained bipartisan support across the delegation.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph added the project should be a top priority in the upcoming infrastructure bill.

“We’re going to do an infrastructure bill this year and there’s bipartisan support for that. It’s the governor’s first priority and it’s our first priority,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, added. I hope the message you’re taking from this is that we’re united in a bipartisan way. Thisn’t an michigan issue, it’s not a Great Lakes issue, it’s an American issue and we need to make sure.we protect the Great Lakes, Soo Locks and economic development in this country.

Snyder and several members of the congressional delegation are schedule to tour the Locks on Friday afternoon.

your e… The government shutdown: How Northern Michigan lawmakers responded

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — After a weekend of negotiations, U.S. Senate leaders reached an agreement Monday to reopen the federal government after a partial shutdown which started early Saturday. Democrats ended their delaying tactics against a bill to fund federal agencies through Feb. 8. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says in exchange, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell […]

Jack Bergman votes in favor of tax reform for Michigan’s First District

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:23:00 GMT

WASHINGTON (WLUC) – Following House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Congressman Jack Bergman released the following statement: “Today, for the first time in 30 years, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reform the tax code and provide much needed relief for working families and small businesses. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act […]