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John Moolenaar

R
U.S. Representative · Michigan-2 · 114th-119th, 11 years 8 months
Press Release
Congressman Moolenaar Introduces Patriot Week Resolution

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar introduced legislation to designate September 11 through 17 as Patriot Week. The legislation intends to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, recognize the ratification of the United States Constitution, and encourage each generation to reflect on our history and freedoms. “As we remember the heroes and innocent victims killed on September 11 twenty-five years ago, we should also recall the profound unity Americans felt in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Patriot Week is a time to reflect on our founding values, and encourage a deeper exploration of our history with hope to restore this national unity. I am proud to introduce this resolution to recognize this week as Patriot Week; to encourage Americans to celebrate the freedoms we cherish and honor our Constitution,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “Twenty-five years ago, terrorists attacked our country believing they could break the American spirit. Instead, one of our darkest days brought out the very best of America,” said Congressman Zach Nunn. “First responders ran toward danger, passengers aboard Flight 93 rushed the cockpit rather than allow their plane to become another weapon, and a generation of Americans raised their hand to serve. This Patriot Week, we honor the values our Founding Fathers passed down to us, embodied by everyday Americans in the weeks and months that followed the 9/11 attacks: service before self, courage in the face of adversity, and an unwavering commitment to our nation.”

Sep 11, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar, Goldman, Obernolte's LOCOMOTIVES Act Passed by Committee

Today, Congressmen John Moolenaar, Craig Goldman, (R-TX), and Jay Obernolte's (R-CA) legislation, the LOCOMOTIVES Act was passed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill prevents the State of California from placing unsustainable regulations on trains crossing into the state by revising Section 209 of the Clean Air Act. Current law allows states like California to request waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt policies stricter than federal emission standards. "California bureaucrats should not be able to supersede federal law and prevent vital parts of Michigan's economy from accessing global markets. Our LOCOMOTIVES Act is a common sense proposal to allow industries that rely on railway transportation like Michigan agriculture and our auto industry to continue to operate under one national standard. I am grateful for Chairman Guthrie's leadership and his committee's support for my legislation, and I will continue my work to ensure our supply chains remain strong," said Congressman Moolenaar. “A single state should not be allowed to impose unworkable mandates on our national rail system,” said Congressman Obernolte. “The LOCOMOTIVES Act protects jobs and investment in my district, including the Barstow International Gateway, while providing the consistent federal standards needed to keep goods moving across the country. I’m glad the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced this commonsense legislation.” "I’m proud to have joined Rep. Moolenaar and Rep. Obernolte in leading the LOCOMOTIVES ACT, preventing California’s extreme green energy regulations from dictating how states like Texas handle their freight rail industry. Only Texas should set the rules for Texas—and I’ll keep fighting to make sure it stays that way," said Congressman Goldman. The legislation's passage through committee was applauded by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Brett Guthrie. “A strong freight rail system is the backbone of America's supply chain and interstate commerce, and no individual state should be allowed to mandate rules for the entire country. California's push to impose emissions mandates on locomotives would drive up costs on nearly everything that families buy from groceries to building materials. The LOCOMOTIVES Act ensures clear standards are in place to keep prices low for communities across the country. Thank you to Congressmen Moolenaar, Goldman, and Obernolte for their work on this important issue,” said Chairman Guthrie. In 2023 the California Air Resources Board requested a waiver from the EPA to prohibit trains older than 23 years old from operating in the state, unless they are zero-emission, which would prevent two-thirds of currently operating trains from entering the state. Although California's waiver request was withdrawn, the state may resubmit a similar request at any time. The LOCOMOTIVES Act is endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the North American Millers Association, the Supply Chain Federation, and the National Grain and Feed Association.

Sep 2, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar, Goldman, Obernolte'S Locomotive Act Passed By Committee

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Today, Congressmen John Moolenaar, Craig Goldman, (R-TX), and Jay Obernolte's (R-CA) legislation, the LOCOMOTIVES Act was passed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill prevents the State of California from placing unsustainable regulations on trains crossing into the state by revising Section 209 of the Clean Air Act. Current law allows states like California to request waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt policies stricter than federal emission standards. "California bureaucrats should not be able to supersede federal law and prevent vital parts of Michigan's economy from accessing global markets. Our LOCOMOTIVES Act is a common sense proposal to allow industries that rely on railway transportation like Michigan agriculture and our auto industry to continue to operate under one national standard. I am grateful for Chairman Guthrie's leadership and his committee's support for my legislation, and I will continue my work to ensure our supply chains remain strong," said Congressman Moolenaar. “A single state should not be allowed to impose unworkable mandates on our national rail system,” said Congressman Obernolte. “The LOCOMOTIVES Act protects jobs and investment in my district, including the Barstow International Gateway, while providing the consistent federal standards needed to keep goods moving across the country. I’m glad the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced this commonsense legislation.” "I’m proud to have joined Rep. Moolenaar and Rep. Obernolte in leading the LOCOMOTIVES ACT, preventing California’s extreme green energy regulations from dictating how states like Texas handle their freight rail industry. Only Texas should set the rules for Texas—and I’ll keep fighting to make sure it stays that way," said Congressman Goldman. The legislation's passage through committee was applauded by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Brett Guthrie. “A strong freight rail system is the backbone of America's supply chain and interstate commerce, and no individual state should be allowed to mandate rules for the entire country. California's push to impose emissions mandates on locomotives would drive up costs on nearly everything that families buy from groceries to building materials. The LOCOMOTIVES Act ensures clear standards are in place to keep prices low for communities across the country. Thank you to Congressmen Moolenaar, Goldman, and Obernolte for their work on this important issue,” said Chairman Guthrie. In 2023 the California Air Resources Board requested a waiver from the EPA to prohibit trains older than 23 years old from operating in the state, unless they are zero-emission, which would prevent two-thirds of currently operating trains from entering the state. Although California's waiver request was withdrawn, the state may resubmit a similar request at any time. The LOCOMOTIVES Act is endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the North American Millers Association, the Supply Chain Federation, and the National Grain and Feed Association. The legislation passed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in a vote of 26 to 23. Legislative text may be found here.

Sep 2, 2026Read full communication
Social Post
@JohnMoolenaar: Tweet on 08/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in Michigan’s statewide primary election. Our democracy is strongest when citizens participate and make their voices heard. Our campaign continues as we turn our full attention to November. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail!

Aug 4, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Votes to End Insider Trading in Congress

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of, H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, to ban members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing individual stocks. Moolenaar cosponsored the bill upon its introduction, and applauds its passage through the House of Representatives. "Members of Congress are entrusted by their constituents to represent them faithfully in Washington, D.C., and members should never use their position to enrich themselves and their families. In Congress, I have never bought or sold individual stocks; unfortunately, far too often elected officials have used knowledge gained in classified settings for profit. The Stop Insider Trading Act will ensure that members of Congress do not benefit financially from their role as public servants, and I urge the Senate to immediately pass this commonsense legislation," said Moolenaar. Specifically, the legislation prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing individual stocks of publicly traded companies. Additionally, it requires public disclosure seven days prior to the sale of any previously held stock, and establishes penalties including forced divestment for violations. H.R. 7008 passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 232 to 198. All 198 representatives who voted against the legislation are members of the Democrat Party.

Jul 22, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Votes to Empower American Military and Support Servicemembers

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted to pass legislation to strengthen American national security and support members of the armed forces. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2027 authorizes policies and programs for the Department of War, cuts wasteful spending while funding the revitalization American defense manufacturing, and provides servicemembers with a 5-7% raise with improved benefits for military families. "Our commitment to the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces will never waiver. The FY27 NDAA will help ensure our military remains the world's premiere fighting force, and provides increased support those who serve and their families. This legislation is a win for Michigan; restores our defense industrial base, provides vital funding for Selfridge Air National Guard Base and opens the door to new innovations in a constantly changing battlefield. I'm also proud my provision to prevent foreign surveillance of military cargo was included in this bill to bolter our national security," said Moolenaar. Moolenaar serves as the Chairman of the House Select Committee on China. He added, "The legislation passed by the House today will defend our country against the Chinese Communist Party, which is the biggest threat we face. Including part of my bipartisan GUARD Act sends a clear sign that Congress is addressing the privacy and national security risks posted by Chinese robots. We cannot allow these robots to become predominate in our country and we need to support American innovation in robotics. The NDAA also addresses the continued threat of CCP aggression in the Indo-Pacific and supports continued coordination with our allies and like-minded partners in the region." The National Defense Authorization Act is passed annually by Congress to direct policy and authorize funding for the Department of War. All three amendments submitted by Moolenaar were adopted and passed by the House. All three of Moolenaar's amendments to the NDAA were adopted prior to passage. Those amendments are: Keeping China Off the Rails - Prohibits sensitive monitoring technology manufactured in China or by a foreign entity of concern from being used on railcars owned or leased by the Department of War. Moolenaar introduced the bipartisan Keeping China Off the Rails Act in April. GUARD Act of 2026 - Requires the Department of War to add a determination of whether Chinese unmanned robotics including ground vehicle systems pose a risk to U.S. national security. Pacific Command Military Construction Acceleration - Directs the Department of War to inventory, assess and prioritize all military construction and infrastructure projects in the Pacific Islands aligned to operational requirements set for 2030, 2035, and 2040.

Jul 22, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Bill to Improve Rural Health Care Passes Committee Unanimously

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar's legislation H.R. 9642, the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act, passed the Ways and Means Committee unanimously. The legislation would allow hospitals in rural communities to utilize Medicare funds already available to them to hire and pay physician anesthesiologists. Current law only permits these hospitals to use these funds to hire nurse anesthetists or certified anesthesiologist assistants. "Rural Michiganders should be able to receive the same quality of health care as non-rural residents. My Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act will help rural hospitals recruit and pay physician anesthesiologists so their patients can access the level of care they deserve. I am grateful for Chairman Jason Smith and his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee to advance this commonsense, bipartisan legislation," said Moolenaar. “Rural Americans deserve access to reliable, high-quality health care regardless of where they live,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO-08). “Representative Moolenaar has consistently worked to address the challenges facing rural communities, and the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act continues that effort by helping rural hospitals maintain access to critical anesthesia services. Too many patients today face long travel times or limited options because of provider shortages. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring Michigan seniors in rural communities can receive the care they need closer to home.”

Jul 15, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar, Huffman Introduce Legislation to Improve, Modernize Rural Health Care

This week, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act. The legislation would allow rural hospitals to use Medicare funding to hire physician anesthesiologists. Under current law, hospitals are only permitted to use Medicare funding to hire certified anesthesiologist assistants or nurse anesthetists. "Rural Michigan residents deserve to have access to the highest quality health care available. That is why we must modernize Medicare's regulations and allow rural hospitals to recruit and pay physician anesthesiologists. Our commonsense, bipartisan legislation makes a small change to existing law to let these hospitals effectively use the funds already available to them and ensure Americans in rural communities can receive the anesthesia services they need, when they need them," said Moolenaar. “Rural hospitals and health centers, like the many throughout my district, serve communities that would otherwise have no access to essential health care. But their remote locations present many unique challenges – including building and sustaining a strong workforce,” saidRep. Huffman. “Our bill would remove barriers for anesthesiologists to participate in rural incentive programs that are a critical tool for rural medical facilities to attract and retain the staff they need to care for our communities.”

Jul 15, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Federal Assistance Now Available to Michigan Residents Affected by Flooding

Last week, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration in the State of Michigan in response to severe flooding, storms, and tornadoes which impacted the state in April. Congressman John Moolenaar supports the President's announcement and joined his colleagues from Michigan in Congress in urging him to approve Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request for federal assistance. "I am grateful President Trump stepped in to approve the major disaster declaration in our state," said Congressman Moolenaar. "April's flooding and storms devastated communities across the Second District, and now FEMA will be able to assist residents and local organizations as they continue to recover. I encourage all Michigan families who were affected by the flooding to apply for assistance before the August 31 deadline." The President's declaration includes direct federal assistance for homeowners and renters affected by the flooding in the following counties in Michigan's Second Congressional District: Barry, Gratiot, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford. Michigan residents who experienced property loss or damage from the flooding in these counties may apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA requires homeowners and renters seeking individual assistance to file an insurance claim prior to submitting an application. FEMA's declaration also includes Public Assistance to reimburse local governments, tribal agencies, and certain non-profit organizations for response costs, infrastructure repair, and debris removal in Eaton, Gratiot, Lake, Manistee, Mecosta, Newaygo, Osceola, and Wexford counties.

Jul 6, 2026Read full communication
Social Post
@RepMoolenaar: Tweet on 06/30/2026

@POTUS just approved a presidential disaster declaration in Michigan for the devastating flooding across the State in April. His declaration will allow $32.1 million in funding to go help families and small businesses in affected communities recover. THANK YOU PRESIDENT TRUMP!

Jun 30, 2026Read full communication
Social Post
@RepMoolenaar: Tweet on 05/21/2026

Today, my Select Committee on China revealed U.S. financial institutions propped up companies tied to the CCP military. This is wrong. U.S. banks should not be allowed to fund companies with proven links to the CCP, and help our nation's chief adversary build up its military. https://t.co/TxD6uGT73D

May 21, 2026Read full communication
Social Post
@RepMoolenaar: Tweet on 04/25/2026

Tonight, a gunman targeted the White House Correspondents Dinner attended by President Trump. I am grateful Secret Service took action before he could do any harm and I am praying for the officer who was injured. I will continue to work in Congress to demand accountability and support additional resources to protect President Trump. It is long overdue to reduce the temperature of our politics.

Apr 25, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Questions Health Secretary RFK Jr. on Medical Supply Chain

Last week, Congressman John Moolenaar, questioned Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on concerns regarding supply chains for critical medicines, and medical equipment, as well as efforts in Michigan by rural health providers to protect themselves from cyber threats. "For far too long, our health industry supply chain, specifically for pharmaceuticals, have been reliant on our adversaries. I appreciate the Trump administration and Secretary Kennedy’s efforts to improve the domestic supply chain for medicine to reduce our dependence on the CCP, and protect American health centers from cyber threats. I remain committed to working with the administration on strengthening health outcomes and ensuring federal health programs are delivering results for patients and families,” said Moolenaar. Moolenaar’s questioning of Secretary Kennedy can be viewed here. A transcript of his line of questioning is available below. Congressman John Moolenaar: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. secretary, thank you for being here with us today. I want to follow up with you on a few of the questions that have been raised. First, I appreciate learning about the reshoring effort for API’s and our medicines. And I wonder if you could talk a little bit more about that. Because one of the things we have learned over the last year especially is our dependency on China for rare earth and critical minerals and pharmaceuticals seem to be that same situation and I’m encouraged to hear about this investment, and I wonder if you could talk a little bit more about that? Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: I mean, we are President Trump has made it a priority to re-shore all pharmaceutical production for critical medicine in this country. API’s as you know are the precursor chemicals and compounds that go into building a variety of pharmaceutical drugs. During covid, it was… became clear that we did not have any control, we were not producing… we were virtually producing no API’s. they are all coming from China and India, and mostly from China. So, President Trump has made this a priority, and we have in addition to $325 billion that we’re putting into it, there is also - or million - that we’re putting into it. President Trump is putting billions in from the tariffs, and we have secured agreements during the MFN negotiations with these companies to build billions and billions of dollars of plants right here in the United States. I think, (Eli) Lilly alone is building six new plants, Pfizer is building plants, all the big companies are now building here in the United States. We’re gonna be in a lot more secure position, two or three years from now than we are today. CJM: Wonderful, does BARDA need any more contracting authorizations to help accelerate domestic production? SRFKJ: You know, I will have to meet with you. I know we have a slightly expanded power under the last bill. And I need to meet with my staff over there to see if there is something additional that we need. And I appreciate that offer, and we will get back to you. CJM: Okay, thank you. Also, wanted to follow up with you on some of the unethical practices used by China. Cause one of the concerns with their clinical data is sometimes it may be linked to forced labor or other human rights abuses. So, is there anything HHS can do about those kinds of issues? SRFKJ: Well, uh, before we came in there were no surprises inspections. And now, we’re doing that and were doing a lot of them. We’re doing surprises inspections over there to make sure that they have their IND to make sure they have their IRB approvals and to make sure that they are conducting this ethically. That they’re not going to minority groups and forcing them to participate in studies where they have no choice over. And that’s something we have seen there in the past. CJM: Thank you, rural providers are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. they can disrupt care and compromise patient data. Is there anything HHS can do to help these providers strengthen their cyber security before an attack and then also maintain operations after an attack? SRFKJ: the rural housed - I mean - I think that there are two things I can answer that with the specificity that you deserve. I can say that the rural health transformation fund has a lot of the states have chosen to spend that money on AI and telemedicine. And that has to be very, very heavily armored, against cyberattacks, otherwise you can get patient information. We have had HHS now the best team in its history for cyber security. And we have been able to recruit the top names in Silicon Valley, who are now working in the agency to armor, to fortify our biosecurity capacity and it’s something that is a huge priority for us. As we move to AI and you know they can crack house codes and there is a lot of scary things happening where and we don’t want people stealing patient information. CJM: And then just one final thing on the glyphosate, you know I represent a district that is rural, strong agricultural. You know you got corn, bean, sugar beets, all benefit from glyphosate. and I think it’s important we talk about some of these products about carcinogenic and certainly depends on, you know, the content and it’s not just sort of a one size fits all. And I appreciate the fact that you recognize our dependency on China and with that. And as we look for alternatives that may be better fitted that it’s not a knee jerk reaction on that. So, thank you. SRFKJ: you I think that there’s a very, very promising technology to replace intensive pesticide use. Particularly in sugar beet fields. Less so with corn and soy. But laser technology and laser weed killing technology, which is now beginning to proliferate around the country and kind of promises an era of chemical free agriculture.

Apr 20, 2026Read full communication
Social Post
@HouseForeign: Tweet on 03/27/2026

The mission on March 9 vs. the mission on March 27 The only thing that's clear is that Trump launched an open-ended war of choice with no plan for the day after. https://t.co/qadlgSk3mW

Mar 27, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Votes to Fund Entirety of Department of Homeland Security

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security in its entirety. This is the fourth attempt by House Republicans to end the partial government shutdown affecting agencies including TSA, FEMA, Border Patrol, ICE, and the U.S. Coast Guard. "DHS employees keep our country safe and deserve to get paid for their critical work. The measure passed by the Senate in the dead of night unfortunately leaves critical aspects of DHS national security operations unfunded. This is not a time for half-measures. DHS should be funded in its entirety," said Moolenaar. "If Congress needs more time to negotiate reforms for specific agencies, DHS employees should not be caught in the middle. The House proposals to fully fund DHS are the only serious efforts to reopen the department, and it should be taken up by the Senate immediately." The Department of Homeland Security has remained shut down since funding lapsed for the department on February 14. Many DHS agencies are deemed essential, requiring its employees to work without pay for the duration of government shutdowns. The legislation passed by the Senate at 2:30 AM last night defunds U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving 26% of DHS unfunded. By contrast, the legislation passed this evening by the House funds all of the department's crucial national security operations until May 22, and provides Congress the opportunity to negotiate year-long appropriations.

Mar 27, 2026Read full communication
Social Post
@HouseVetAffairs: Tweet on 03/26/2026

Veteran Kurt Thompson of @nardotrealtor at today's Economic Opportunity hearing on affordability: "The VA Home Loan program helped me achieve homeownership." @HouseGOP is lowering costs, expanding equity, and helping veterans achieve their American dream of owning a home. https://t.co/xnQhndJja4

Mar 26, 2026Read full communication
Social Post
@RepMoolenaar: Tweet on 03/16/2026

Yesterday, @USCGGreatLakes personnel rescued a person stranded on ice near Mackinac. The @DHSgov shutdown leaves thousands of heroic Coasties without pay as they conduct dangerous rescues. The Senate must pass funding for DHS, and ensure those who keep our nation safe are paid. https://t.co/rMf8FtQMkC

Mar 16, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Works For Michigan

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Congressman John Moolenaar did not miss a vote in the House of Representatives last year. Moolenaar was one of just twenty-three Members of Congress to cast a vote in each of the 361 roll-call votes in 2025. "The hardworking people of Michigan's Second District trust me to represent them in Washington every day. It is an honor to serve them and deliver results for Michigan families by supporting critical legislation to get our country back on track. I will continue my work to represent our district the best way I know how: showing up, listening to constituents, promoting policies in our nation's best interest, and giving them a voice on every vote," said Moolenaar.

Mar 11, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Statement On Combat Operations In Iran

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Last night, President Donald J. Trump announced he authorized combat operations against the Iranian regime. Congressman John Moolenaar released the following statement: “For nearly five decades, the Iranian regime targeted Americans and our allies, oppressed its people, funded terrorist activity around the world, and sought to develop a nuclear weapon. After Operation Midnight Hammer, those ambitions were destroyed, but the regime attempted to rebuild its capabilities. President Trump gave the Ayatollah a clear warning: dismantle your missile program or face further destruction. The regime ignored those warnings with plans to develop an ICBM that could reach the United States. God bless the brave members of the United States Armed Forces and I pray for their safety.”

Feb 28, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Announces Guest To State Of The Union Address

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Today, Congressman John Moolenaar announced his guest to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address: Jeffrey Smith, MD, FACS, of Gratiot County. Doctor Smith is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, practicing since 1994. Doctor Smith is the president and founder of Great Lakes Surgical Associates and serves communities in Gratiot, Isabella, and Clare counties. "Doctor Smith serves rural Michigan residents every day and understands the challenges facing rural healthcare providers. Last year, President Trump signed into law the Rural Health Transformation Program through the One Big Beautiful Bill. This landmark program is aimed to improve health outcomes for rural residents, increase access to vital care, as well as attract and retain high-quality medical professionals like Doctor Smith to rural Michigan. I am grateful Doctor Smith has accepted my invitation to join me for President Trump's State of the Union Address to hear firsthand the work we are doing to get our nation back on track," said Moolenaar. "Michigan is fortunate to have Congressman Moolenaar working for us in Washington," said Dr. Smith. "Congressman Moolenaar is fighting in Congress to improve the lives and health of Michiganders. Policies he and President Trump support like the Rural Health Transformation Program will benefit my patients and improve access to life-saving care for rural residents seen at medical offices in places like Alma and Clare. It is an honor to join Congressman Moolenaar this week to hear from President Trump about his accomplishments in his first year in office and his America First agenda." Doctor Smith is also the Chairman of the Board and founder of Footprints Missions, a non-profit organization which provides medical assistance for impoverished families and operates an orphanage in Sierra Leone. Moolenaar's constituent, Michael Pung of Gratiot County, will also be in attendance at the State of the Union. President Trump will give his State of the Union Address to Congress tomorrow night, February 24 in the House of Representatives beginning at 9:00 PM.

Feb 23, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Announces 2026 Art Competition

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Congressman John Moolenaar invites all high school students from Michigan's Second Congressional District to enter their artwork in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. The winning student from the Second District will have his or her art displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year and be invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. with other winners from across the country. Additionally, two regional winners from the Second District will have the opportunity for their art to be displayed in Congressman Moolenaar's offices in Caledonia and Clare. The deadline for students to submit their work is Tuesday, March 31st. Entries should be mailed or personally delivered to Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office at 8980 North Rodgers Court, SE Suite H, Caledonia MI 49316 or his Clare office at 431 North McEwan Street, Clare, MI 48617. More information on the rules and how to enter the Art Competition can be found online at Moolenaar.house.gov. Interested students who need assistance transporting their art to Caledonia or who have additional questions on the competition should contact Congressman Moolenaar's office at 616-528-7100.

Feb 12, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar Supports Save America Act To Secure Federal Elections

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted for the SAVE America Act; legislation which strengthens election integrity by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship and valid photo identification to vote in federal elections. The bill requires states to verify citizenship during voter registration and ensures non-citizens are removed from federal voter rolls. “Voting is a fundamental right for American citizens and only citizens should be able to vote in our elections. Last year, Michigan reported that foreign nationals were able to cast a ballot in the 2024 election. This is completely unacceptable. It makes clear that reforms are needed to stop non-citizens from registering and casting a vote. The SAVE America Act takes common sense steps to protect the integrity of our elections, restore confidence in the system, and ensure the law is enforced,” said Moolenaar. Last year, Moolenaar led his republican colleagues in Congress in calling on Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to explain her failures in preventing non-citizens from voting in the 2024 election. The SAVE America Act would require voters to present a photo ID when they cast a ballot and requires states to check for ineligible voters on their voter rolls at least once per month.

Feb 11, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar, Slotkin, Bergman, & Peters Secure National Drone Testing Site For Michigan

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Today, the Department of Defense announced that the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) in Michigan as a national unmanned aerial systems testing site. Congressmen John Moolenaar and Jack Bergman, and Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters helped secure the designation from the Department of Defense. “Michigan is ready to lead the nation in drone innovation, testing, and manufacturing,” said Moolenaar. “Today’s announcement is an important step forward as we reenergize Michigan’s defense manufacturing industry. It will harness Michigan’s private sector innovators, manufacturing expertise, and advanced training facilities to help strengthen our national security.” “When it comes to the next chapter of American defense innovation, I’m betting on Michigan,” said Slotkin. “From the assembly line to advanced manufacturing, our state has always stepped up. Today, as drones reshape our national security, Michigan’s selection as a national drone testing site further solidifies our state as the center of this transformation. Michigan is the proof that cutting-edge defense technology can be designed, tested, and built with American supply chains, right here at home.” “Unmanned aerial systems are now a critical component of modern warfighting,” said Bergman. “I’m proud that Northern Michigan’s defense assets will play a key role in ensuring our Service Members can test and refine the most advanced unmanned aerial technologies. The unique geography and unparalleled capabilities of the National All Domain Warfighting Center are truly world-class, and it is encouraging to see the Department of War fully recognize the potential of NADWC and the surrounding region. I look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure our warfighters have access to the best systems and training anywhere in the world.” “Drones play an integral role in modern-day warfare, and the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in Northern Michigan is an ideal training ground to test these technologies and help ensure we maintain our air superiority around the world,” said Peters. “I was proud to work alongside our Michigan delegation to push key Department of Defense officials and secure this new designation, which will only further cement Michigan as a key asset of our national defense strategy into the future.” NADWC, the largest joint training range east of the Mississippi River, spans nearly 150,000 acres and 17,000 square miles of special use airspace, providing year-round multi-domain drone testing. ###

Feb 3, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar To Gotion: "Pay Up."

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement in reaction to the report that the Michigan Department of the Attorney General is demanding Gotion pay the funds owed to the State of Michigan after Gotion was held in default of its contract:“Pay up.” ###

Jan 30, 2026Read full communication
Press Release
Moolenaar, Walberg, Scott, And Owens Introduce National School Choice Week Resolution

Subscribe to Congressman Moolenaar's Newsletter Congressman John Moolenaar, the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, alongside Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced a resolution to recognize January 25 to January 31 as National School Choice Week. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Moolenaar's fellow co-chair of the School Choice Caucus, will introduce the resolution in the U.S. Senate. "Students deserve to have the chance to pursue the best education available to them, one that provides the best environment for learning, and one that provides them the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Parents must have a role in their child's education. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as we introduce this resolution to recognize parents' rights in their children's education," said Moolenaar. “When parents have access to a wide range of educational options—traditional public, charter, private, magnet, or homeschooling—students are more likely to thrive both in and out of the classroom. School choice recognizes this reality by empowering families to select learning environments that best match their children’s unique needs and talents. School Choice Week affirms our shared commitment to helping every child succeed,” said Walberg. “National School Choice Week is a celebration of opportunity and a reminder that education is not one-size-fits-all. When families have a choice, kids have a chance!” said Scott. “My life’s experience attending schools with fewer resources as well as schools offering greater opportunities has shown me the importance of empowering parents to choose quality education for their kids. Having more good teachers and mentors can change the direction of one’s life. It certainly did for me!” "Our most important national resource is our children, and ensuring that they are the best educated in the world should be our foremost priority. Where you live should not limit you to the quality or type of education your children can receive. There are more options out there for students and their families than they may realize and good schools across the education spectrum," said Owens. "I encourage parents everywhere to seek out opportunities that help their children achieve their potential." The text of the resolution can be found here. ###

Jan 27, 2026Read full communication