Gary Peters

The U.S. Navy turned 251 today! As a proud retired Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I want to recognize all our Navy veterans as well as those sailors currently serving in the fleet at home and abroad. https://t.co/PhDGRWff8m

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), along with U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), led more than 100 of their colleagues in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the State Department to prioritize the release of Armenian detainees being unlawfully held in Azerbaijan. Those being detained include political and military leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh who have been illegally imprisoned since Azerbaijan’s attack on the region in 2023. Additionally, the letter calls on Secretary Rubio to advocate for the removal of Azerbaijani military forces from within Armenia. Currently, Azerbaijan maintains a military presence in over 200 square kilometers of land within Armenia. Furthermore, the letter instructs the State Department to withhold military assistance from Azerbaijan if the government remains uncooperative on addressing these issues. “June 23rd, 2026, marked the 1000th day of unlawful detention for the Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan’s custody,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is imperative that the United States applies meaningful pressure on Azerbaijan to ensure their release, as required under international law.” The lawmakers continued, “We call on the administration to engage with Azerbaijan to secure the release of the detainees and encourage the removal of Azerbaijani military forces from sovereign Armenian land. If meaningful steps are not taken, we urge your administration to withhold U.S. military assistance in order to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to ensuring all parties take the peace process seriously.” “As Azerbaijan continues to unlawfully detain Armenian hostages, destroy Artsakh’s ancient Christian heritage, and occupy Armenia’s sovereign territory, the U.S. should not be subsidizing the very regime responsible for these abuses. Instead, Washington should use its leverage to hold Baku accountable for its aggression and advance a truly just, durable, and dignified peace in the South Caucasus,” said Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “The ANCA thanks Senator Peters, Senator Schiff, and Representatives Bilirakis and Pallone for leading this bipartisan, bicameral call to withhold U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan. The support of 101 Members of Congress on this letter sends a clear message: Azerbaijan’s destabilizing conduct and repeated violations of international law must not be rewarded with U.S. taxpayer dollars.” “The extent of bipartisan and bicameral support reflects a clear recognition in Congress that U.S. policy toward Azerbaijan must be grounded in accountability and measurable outcomes. The unlawful detention of Armenian hostages remains a serious humanitarian and rule-of-law concern that has direct bearing on U.S. policy. Section 907 equips the government with leverage that should ensure U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan is aligned with concrete progress toward accountability, regional stability, and a durable peace. Congress has sent a clear signal that these concerns warrant sustained attention by the Administration’s engagement in the region. U.S. policy should guarantee a lasting peace,” said Mariam Khaloyan, Director of Congressional Relations at the Armenian Assembly of America. Peters visited the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in September 2023 and viewed firsthand the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor. In response to his visit, he introduced the Armenian Protection Act, which unanimously passed in the Senate in November 2023. The Armenian Protection Act would end U.S. assistance to the Azerbaijani government that is currently allowed under a waiver to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Although the Freedom Support Act generally prohibits most bilateral assistance to Azerbaijan, following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, waiver authority was added to Section 907 granting additional discretion to the President to provide aid to Azerbaijan. The waiver authority has been invoked annually by Presidents of both parties until 2023 when the Biden Administration withheld the renewal of the waiver following Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno-Karabakh. The Trump Administration has since reauthorized the waiver in August 2025 and August of 2026. To read the full letter, click here. ###

For more than a century, Berston Field House has been a gathering place for Flint residents. I commend all the folks in the community who are leading the charge to revitalize and expand the field house for future generations, and I was proud to be a federal partner in their efforts.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect our Great Lakes. I’ll keep working in a bipartisan way to get this commonsense bill passed into law to help protect the Great Lakes for future generations. https://t.co/8unmxMdZa2

My heart is with Jewish communities in Michigan and around the world as we mourn the lives lost in the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks three years ago. The attacks and the ongoing war have brought immense pain and suffering, deeply affecting countless Michiganders and their loved ones. As we remember those who were killed and reflect on the profound toll of the conflict, we must stand together against hatred in all its forms, while continuing to work toward a future where all people can live in safety and practice their faith freely without fear.

FLINT, MI – In a new “On the Job for Michigan” video from U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) office, community leaders in Flint highlight Peters’ support for the expansion and preservation of Berston Field House, a historic landmark and community center in north Flint. Efforts are currently underway to preserve the 100-year-old building, and Peters secured a $6.3 million federal investment to support the project earlier this year. “You hear Berston, and you think about all these athletes and these others have come through here,” said James Avery, Executive Director of Berston Field House. “I think that's the memory I really have just continued to speak upon, is the history.” “The big thing for me is that the community needs to see that something of this magnitude is theirs. That's a one stop shop of education, health, performing arts, athletics,” Avery continued. “Berston has always been what we call, ‘The Mainstage,’” said Justus Thigpen Sr., former NBA Player and past Executive Director of Berston Field House.“I’ve been coming here ever since I was 10 years old, my dad taught me how to swim in the swimming pool that was here, everyone associates with Berston.” Watch the “On the Job” video here. “For more than a century, Berston Field House has been a gathering place for Flint residents. It’s important that this historic landmark continues to serve the community for generations to come,” said Peters. “I commend James Avery, Justus Thigpen Sr., and all the folks who are leading the charge on this revitalization project, and I was proud to be a federal partner in their efforts.” The federal funding secured by Peters will support revitalization efforts, which include building renovations and construction of a new recreation center. In August, Peters kicked off his 2026 Motorcycle Tour at Berston Field House to celebrate the project and tour ongoing construction. ###

Exciting progress in downtown Traverse City! Once completed, this pedestrian bridge will give folks a glimpse into the FishPass project that will help protect the Great Lakes ecosystem by sorting local fish from invasive species like sea lamprey. I’m proud to have secured over $22 million to support this project and Traverse City’s economy. https://t.co/avGMD05hvE

ESSEXVILLE, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) applauded the United States Coast Guard’s (USGC) decision to fully restore staffing and operations at USCG Station Saginaw River in Essexville: “United States Coast Guard search and rescue units play a vital role in ensuring the safety of Michigan’s Great Lakes communities, and I’m thrilled that full operations are returning to Station Saginaw River in Essexville,” said Senator Peters. “Since operational changes were announced at Coast Guard stations across Michigan, I’ve raised the importance of these resources to communities and called on the Department of Homeland Security to address staffing shortages and restore operations. Thanks in part to this advocacy, Coast Guard recruitment is at record levels, leading to the return of full operations in Saginaw Bay. This announcement will improve the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to crises on the water, keeping Michiganders safe and secure. While this is a positive step forward, the job is not finished until full operations are restored at every impacted Coast Guard station in Michigan, and I’ll keep pushing until that happens.” “We are very thankful that Senator Peters pushed for the return of staffing at the Saginaw River Station,” said Bay City Fire Chief Kurt Corradi. “The Coast Guard’s operational changes have put a strain on local emergency response teams, so the return to full staffing is welcome news for our partners across the Bay Region.” Peters led the effort to reverse the previously announced staffing changes at USCG Stations throughout Michigan. In November 2025, he raised these concerns with Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, then-nominee to be Commandant of the USCG. In May of 2025, he called on the Trump Administration to prioritize funding for U.S. Coast Guard recruitment and retention. In a letter to Admiral Lunday, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Peters also outlined how critical Coast Guard operations have been disrupted as a result of personnel shortages and underscored that further investment is needed to support ongoing recruitment and retention efforts for the Great Lakes region to address these shortages. ###

WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate unanimously passed legislation championed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) to protect the Great Lakes and vital waterways across Michigan. The legislation would extend the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), authorizing $475 million in annual funding for the program through 2030. The GLRI combines federal and nonfederal efforts to stop the spread of invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting our streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination. “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect our Great Lakes from things like invasive species, pollution, and shoreline erosion,” said Senator Peters. “Now more than ever, we need to ensure this vital program has the funding it needs to continue supporting projects that will keep these treasured bodies of water healthy and vibrant for years to come. I’ll keep working in a bipartisan way to get this commonsense bill signed into law.” “Millions of Michiganders rely on the Great Lakes for their livelihood and protecting it is existential for Michigan,” said Senator Slotkin. “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will help protect the lakes, our economy and our way of life – from vital programs that work to mitigate coastal erosion to protecting against harmful invasive species like Asian Carp. I will always fight for our Great Lakes and will continue to work with people in both parties to do just that.” “The Great Lakes Commission applauds the Senate for advancing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a proven program that is delivering environmental and economic results for communities across the Great Lakes basin,” said Erika Jensen, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission. “Continued federal investment in the GLRI is essential to restoring degraded areas, protecting water quality, combating invasive species, and strengthening communities across the basin. We thank Senators Peters and Slotkin and their colleagues for their leadership and urge the House to move quickly to pass this critically important legislation." “The GLRI is integral to the health of the Great Lakes and the 30 million people who depend on them for drinking water,” said Laura Rubin, Director of Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Reauthorizing the GLRI is essential to maintaining the momentum we have built in restoring one of the nation’s most treasured natural resources, and we are grateful for the leadership of the Great Lakes delegation for advancing this legislation, preventing interruption to the GLRI’s vital work.” Since its inception, the GLRI has spurred tremendous progress in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region, including nearly half of a million acres of habitat protected, restored, or enhanced, a five-fold increase in the successful cleanup and delisting of Areas of Concern, a ten-fold increase in the remediation of environmental and public health impairments, and reducing the threat of harmful algal blooms. The GLRI’s efforts have also resulted in economic returns of more than 3 to 1 across the region. The senators’ legislation is supported by the League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, American Great Lakes Ports Association, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, American Rivers, American Sportfishing Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, National Audubon Society - Great Lakes, Environmental Law & Policy Center, and other key stakeholders in Great Lakes protection. Peters and Slotkin have been steadfast supporters of the Great Lakes, including by enacting the single-largest-ever investment in the GLRI through the bipartisan infrastructure law to accelerate the restoration of nine high-priority areas in Michigan whose lakes, rivers and watersheds flow into the Great Lakes. As Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Peters plays a key role in uniting Great Lakes Basin states to coordinate legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts to address the most important issues facing the Great Lakes, such as invasive species, environmental contamination, shoreline erosion, water quality, infrastructure needs, and more. ###

WASHINGTON, DC — Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) to help commercial satellite owners and operators defend against growing cybersecurity threats has passed in the Senate. Commercial satellites support GPS navigation, weather forecasts, agriculture, scientific research, global communications, and more. The senators’ Satellite Cybersecurity Act of 2025 would help secure these critical satellites against attacks by hackers, foreign adversaries, and cybercriminals that could cause serious disruptions to our economic and national security. The legislation now heads to the House for consideration. “Commercial satellites are essential to our national security, our economy, and the daily lives of Americans, so we must ensure they are not vulnerable to attacks from cybercriminals and foreign adversaries,” said Senator Peters. “I'm glad that this bipartisan, commonsense legislation has passed the Senate. It’s critically important that the U.S. businesses utilizing commercial satellites receive the support and resources needed to safeguard their satellite systems, especially as cybersecurity threats become more advanced.” “This legislation would ensure commercial satellite networks are secure against cyber threats and bad actors, and I look forward to it passing the House and heading to the President’s desk soon,” said Senator Cornyn. The rise of small, affordable satellites has led to a sharp increase in the number of commercial satellites in orbit, but this proliferation has created new risks. Many satellites transmit sensitive data without adequate safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to interception and cyberattacks. Recent studies showed that roughly half of surveyed satellite signals were unencrypted despite the sensitive information or private data they carried. The Satellite Cybersecurity Act of 2025 requires the Department of Commerce, in coordination with other federal agencies, to develop voluntary cybersecurity recommendations tailored to satellites. It directs the Department of Commerce to create a publicly available online clearinghouse so companies can easily access best practices and information to secure their systems. The legislation also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine efforts to secure commercial satellites from cybersecurity threats, identify any duplication of effort, and assess how satellite systems integrate into critical infrastructure sectors. The legislation is supported by the Satellite Industry Association and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). Peters continues to lead efforts to ensure our nation is equipped to defend against cyberattacks. Peters’ historic, bipartisan provision to require critical infrastructure owners and operators to report if they experience a substantial cyberattack, or if they make a ransomware payment, was signed into law. Peters’ bipartisan bills to enhance cybersecurity assistance to K-12 educational institutions, bolster cybersecurity for state and local governments, strengthen the federal cybersecurity workforce, and help secure federal information technology supply chains have also been signed into law. ###

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reflected on his proudest accomplishments and takeaways from his 18 years in Congress during an “Exit Interview” with the Detroit Economic Club. In a conversation moderated by Local 4 Detroit’s Jason Colthrup, Peters highlighted his long-term efforts to support Michigan’s auto industry, protect the Great Lakes, and secure long-term missions at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Below are highlights from Peters’ remarks: Advocating for the 2009 Auto Rescue, Making the Case to Congress: “We had a lot of members of Congress that were around the country that were saying, ‘Yeah, let them go bankrupt. You know, that’s okay. That’s capitalism, if they go under, that’s it.’ And I’m like, ‘No, you can’t have a manufacturing sector in America if you don’t have an auto sector that’s healthy and vibrant. This impacts everybody,’ and we made the case aggressively.” Securing a Strong Future for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, including: Delivering a New Squadron of KC-46A Refueling Tankers: “I blocked the Air Force Secretary from getting confirmed under the Biden Administration. He wasn’t going to get confirmed until I got some sort of commitment. And we worked together, and our delegation worked together, and then they said, ‘Well, we’ll get you these tankers.’” Establishing the Northern Border Mission Center: “Now, we have this mission center which coordinates all of the border security from Maine to Washington state, all of the northern border, and it’s going to happen at Selfridge, which gives it a major Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission.” To watch Peters’ full interview at the Detroit Economic Club, click here. Securing Investments for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Protecting Our Waterways: “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which was passed in [20]10, has been a major game changer. Billions of dollars have been going in, if you just think of the Detroit River area and up into Port Huron, I think $250 million to make sure we’re cleaning up the old toxic sites that were here from our industrial heritage. The watersheds are clean. And that happens all around the Great Lakes Basin. That has been major.” Creating the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise in Michigan: “It now has state of the art equipment there to train crews on how to clean up oil spills, so we don’t have to wait two weeks for a submersible. It can be there like in an hour and a half, it’s very close. We’re gaining the expertise there to make sure we’re cleaning up oil spills not just in the Great Lakes, but all of freshwater.” The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) was formed in 1934 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization that promotes discussion and debate of important business, government, and social issues. When the 2008 financial crisis rocked Michigan’s automotive industry, Peters was instrumental in advocating for the rescue of the Big Three automakers, which saved more than 1 million automotive industry jobs in Michigan and across the country. Peters served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 12 years, rising to the rank of Lt. Commander. During that time, he drilled at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. As a U.S. Senator, Peters has worked tirelessly to secure the future of Selfridge as Michigan’s premier military installation to maintain its role in our nation’s defense and as an economic driver for the state. He led the Michigan delegation to secure a full squadron of next generation KC-46A aircraft tankers, which will operate at Selfridge for the next 50 years. He also established and secured funding for the Northern Border Mission Center to be located at Selfridge. Throughout his career in public service, Peters has been a champion for protecting the Great Lakes and Michigan’s drinking water from threats like oil spills and PFAS contamination. Peters’ efforts have helped protect our most precious source of drinking water and an economic engine for our state from the devastating consequences of pollution. He authored a provision signed into law to create the U.S. Coast Guard National Center of Expertise (NCOE) for the Great Lakes, and secured $1.5 million to launch the center. Headquartered at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, the Great Lakes National Center of Expertise will examine the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses that currently don’t exist. ###

It’s past time that the Department of Defense treats PFAS contamination with the urgency it deserves. My bipartisan bill would force them to get shovels in the ground and begin cleanup of contaminated sites in Michigan without further delay. https://t.co/33avUSy4Vg

Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” sold out many rural hospitals in Michigan by making drastic cuts to Medicaid funding. These health care cuts will make it harder for Michiganders to receive care, and it was all to pay for tax cuts to billionaires. https://t.co/OOb1lWDQFG

This taxpayer-funded ad campaign is completely unacceptable. President Trump and Republicans in Congress told the American people they needed this money to keep them safe. Instead, the President is using these funds to boost his agenda ahead of the midterm elections. It’s not the first time we’ve seen DHS misuse funds for self-serving commercials, and it has to stop. Americans deserve a Department of Homeland Security that is working to protect our nation – not promote the President and his political allies.

I led nearly three dozen of my colleagues last week calling on Secretary Mullin to drop these requirements, and to halt DHS’s election interference efforts. The court did the right thing, but this clearly shouldn’t have become policy in the first place. Now, FEMA needs to immediately release this funding to help keep communities safe.

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve railroad inspector pay. The bill, which Peters’ introduced with U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV), would increase the pay levels for Federal Rail Administration (FRA) inspectors and specialists for the first time since 1979. The bipartisan bill aims to strengthen and expand this critical workforce, improving railway safety in Michigan and across the country. As of 2023, there were 2,382 Michigan freight railroad employees, many of whom would be included in this pay increase. “The United States railway system is critical to the success of our entire economy. Federal railroad inspectors play a vital role in maintaining that system by ensuring railroad tracks, equipment, and operating practices remain safe and secure,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports. “Making sure we can recruit and retain highly skilled professionals for this essential workforce will improve railway safety in communities across the country. This bipartisan, commonsense bill would help us do just that by providing federal rail inspectors with more competitive wages for the critical work they do.” “By tackling compensation for these critical safety positions, the senators are taking meaningful action to help the FRA recruit and retain the skilled professionals essential to overseeing railroad safety across the country. Fair pay is vital to attracting experienced talent and keeping qualified inspectors and specialists in federal service, rather than losing them to higher-paying opportunities elsewhere,” AFGE Local 2814 President Scott Hoose said. “I appreciate the bipartisan approach shown by Senators Peters and Justice. Railroad safety is a shared priority that crosses party lines. AFGE Local 2814 looks forward to continued progress on this legislation and stands ready to support efforts that give the FRA the tools and personnel needed to keep America’s railroads safe.” FRA inspectors enforce federal rail safety laws across approximately 160,000 miles of track nationwide, including 3,349 miles in Michigan alone. The current government pay structure leaves them one full pay level below comparable federal accident-investigation positions. As a result, the FRA has struggled with recruitment and retention of its safety inspector and specialist positions, potentially affecting rail safety enforcement and monitoring. By upgrading the pay scale, Peters’ bill aims to make these FRA positions more competitive to strengthen the workforce while supporting safer railroad operations. The legislation is supported by key stakeholders including the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2814 and the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. ###

My heart is with the greater Grand Blanc Township community today as we remember the lives lost in last year's mass shooting and fire. I am deeply grateful to the first responders for their bravery that day, and I am inspired by this community's resilience as they break ground on a new chapel. https://t.co/889U6gkFYk

The newly renovated Pontiac Oaks Park is a prime example of what’s possible when federal, state, and local officials work together to achieve a common goal. I want to thank the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission for dedicating a new pavilion at the park in my honor. I was proud to celebrate with so many partners who made this beautiful community space a reality.

PONTIAC, MI — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) was honored on Friday, September 25th during a ceremony at the new Pontiac Oaks Park, formerly Hawthorne Park, in Pontiac. During the event, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission dedicated a new pavilion in honor of Senator Peters to recognize his advocacy for federal funding for Michigan communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impacts of those resources across Oakland County. Peters helped pass the American Rescue Plan into law in 2021, a robust pandemic aid package which provided federal support to local communities, including funding for projects to rebuild essential community spaces. The Pontiac Oaks Park revitalization project leveraged a $1.3 million investment made possible by Senator Peters’ efforts to pass the bill into law. “When faced with an unprecedented crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s imperative that we come together and fight for the resources needed to help Michigan communities come back even stronger. That’s why I made it a top priority to ensure the federal pandemic response included investments for local projects like this one to improve infrastructure and revitalize public spaces,” said Senator Peters. “The newly renovated Pontiac Oaks Park is a prime example of what’s possible when federal, state, and local officials work together to achieve a common goal. I feel deeply honored to receive this recognition and I’m thrilled to celebrate this new community space alongside residents and partners.” To download photos from the event, click here. The funding secured by Peters helped to support numerous upgrades at Pontiac Oaks Park, including a fishing pier, playground and play pockets, a paved trail, a disc golf course, picnic pavilions and restroom improvements. "Pontiac residents have seen an important community space given new life, and that is something worth celebrating," Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness said. "Families now have a welcoming, high-quality park close to home where they can gather, play, walk, fish and enjoy the outdoors. We are grateful for the partnership with Oakland County Parks and for the investment that has made the revitalization of Pontiac Oaks possible." The Pontiac Oaks Park revitalization was completed as part of Oakland County’s Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, which combined $15 million in APRA funding with an additional $5.2 million from Oakland County Parks. The project has improved public spaces throughout Oakland County. "Senator Peters was an early advocate for making sure local communities had the federal support they needed to respond to the pandemic and recover. That support opened a rare opportunity to build transformational, long-term partnerships with local governments and invest more than $20 million to revitalize parks and public spaces across Oakland County. For decades to come, families will enjoy places like Pontiac Oaks, and the Peters Pavilion will stand as a reminder of Senator Peters' important role in making these investments possible," said Chris Ward, Director of Oakland County Parks. ###

Very proud that my wife Colleen was honored with the Congressional Families Leadership Award today for her work with @preventcancer’s #CongressionalFamilies Program to increase cancer awareness and early detection. She is truly the most important person in my life, and I am so lucky to be by her side.

Since the beginning of Trump’s war with Iran, Michiganders have watched their gas prices go up and up. Instead of working towards ending this war and bringing costs down, the President is now considering a further escalation of the conflict. I hope the President re-engages and shows clear strategy for the American people.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to accelerate the cleanup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at military installations in Michigan and across the United States. The bill, which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), comes after the Trump Administration has repeatedly pushed back the timeline for PFAS remediation efforts at more than 300 DOD sites nationwide, with some projects being delayed up to 40 years. This includes delays to 11 cleanup projects at military installations across Michigan, including the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Kellogg Air National Guard Base, Camp Grayling, K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Detroit Arsenal, Grand Ledge Army Aviation Support Facility, and Kincheloe Air Force Base. “Americans across the country are living at heightened risk of PFAS exposure from contamination at nearby military installations, depriving some communities of access to safe drinking water. Yet, the Department of Defense continues to drag its feet and delay essential cleanup projects that would help keep these military communities safe,” said Senator Peters. “It’s past time that the Department of Defense treats this growing public health crisis with the urgency it deserves. This bipartisan bill would force them to get shovels in the ground and begin cleanup of these sites without further delay.” “This bipartisan bill changes the focus - from long term delays to quick and effective PFAS cleanup actions - at military installations across the nation,” said Tony Spaniola, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. “Interim cleanup actions are a key component of the ‘Wurtsmith Cleanup Model’ developed by community experts in my town of Oscoda, Michigan and incorporated in national policy guidance from the Pentagon more than three years ago. On behalf of military communities across the Great Lakes region and beyond, I think Senator Peters and Senator Rounds for their leadership on this important issue.” “People living near active and former military sites in Michigan are grappling with health complications from drinking water poisoned PFAS chemical pollution, yet the Department of Defense continues to drag its feet on cleaning up this contamination that would save lives and taxpayer money,” said Bentley Johnson, Federal Government Affairs Director of Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “The PFAS Rapid Response Act includes much-needed solutions to kick start interim remediation actions and help people get the relief from toxic contamination that they deserve.” The PFAS RAPID Response Act would require DOD to initiate PFAS remedial actions at no fewer than 100 military installations within the next two years. The bill expands upon a provision Peters secured in the national defense bill advanced by the Senate Armed Services Committee in June by increasing the number of sites at which the Department must take immediate action. In the Senate, Peters has made it a priority to address PFAS contamination, and its impacts on public health. Most recently, Peters demanded answers from the Trump Administration for its continued delays in cleaning up PFAS contamination at military installations in Michigan and across the country. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Peters called on DOD to reverse its unacceptable postponement of PFAS remediation at military bases and requested detailed explanations for the delays in order to give servicemembers, their families, and the surrounding communities the transparency they deserve. Last year, Peters secured provisions in the national defense bill requiring DOD to develop a PFAS remediation acceleration strategy, create a PFAS transparency dashboard, and provide alternative drinking water – such as bottled water – to households with private drinking water wells that have been contaminated by PFAS as a result of DOD activities. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, which assessed the federal government’s response to PFAS contamination and remediation efforts. Peters also convened a hearing in 2021 as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to examine how servicemembers, their families, and communities across the country have been harmed by exposure to toxic PFAS substances connected to military sites. In 2022, Peters convened a field hearing in East Lansing with?numerous administration?officials?to examine federal efforts and coordination with state and local governments to clean up and prevent contamination from PFAS, and to examine the impact exposure to these toxic chemicals has had on servicemembers, first responders, families, and other Michiganders. Peters has also introduced and advanced bipartisan legislation to reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at commercial airports. Peters’ Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, which was signed into law in 2022, is working to deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. In 2022, Peters’ bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law. Peters also secured $10 billion in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS remediation efforts in Michigan and across the country. ###

I’m proud to join Michiganders in recognizing our first PFAS Awareness Week. PFAS contamination continues to threaten the health of Michiganders, the Great Lakes, and our environment. I'll never stop fighting to clean up contaminated sites, keep PFAS out of our drinking water, and hold polluters accountable.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released a video statement during Michigan PFAS Awareness Week calling for continued action to address toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Commonly known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS contamination has harmed communities, residents, and ecosystems across Michigan. Peters has long worked to combat PFAS contamination, accelerate cleanup efforts, and enact policies to prevent future exposure and protect Michiganders. His message comes as the Department of Defense (DOD) continues to delay cleaning up PFAS contamination at military sites in Michigan. “The decisions we make today will determine the quality of the water our children and grandchildren inherit,” SenatorPeters said. “That means doing everything we can to clean up contaminated sites, keep PFAS out of our drinking water, and hold polluters accountable. That’s why I’ll never stop fighting to address these toxic chemicals, and to protect the health and safety of Michiganders and our environment.” To watch Peters’ video for Michigan PFAS Awareness Week, click here. Despite ongoing setbacks from the Department of Defense (DOD), Peters has long fought alongside community leaders in Michigan to mitigate harmful PFAS contamination. Peters recently demanded answers from the Trump Administration for its continued delays in cleaning up PFAS contamination at military installations in Michigan and across the country. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Peters called on DOD to reverse its unacceptable postponement of PFAS remediation at military bases and requested detailed explanations for the delays in order to give servicemembers, their families, and the surrounding communities the transparency they deserve. Last year, Peters secured provisions in the national defense bill requiring DOD to develop a PFAS remediation acceleration strategy, create a PFAS transparency dashboard, and provide alternative drinking water – such as bottled water – to households with private drinking water wells that have been contaminated by PFAS as a result of DOD activities. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, which assessed the federal government’s response to PFAS contamination and remediation efforts. He then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state, and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. Peters also convened a hearing in 2021 as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to examine how servicemembers, their families, and communities across the country have been harmed by exposure to toxic PFAS substances connected to military sites. In 2022, Peters convened a field hearing in East Lansing with numerous administration officials to examine federal efforts and coordination with state and local governments to clean up and prevent contamination from PFAS, and to examine the impact exposure to these toxic chemicals has had on servicemembers, first responders, families, and other Michiganders. Peters has also introduced and advanced bipartisan legislation to reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at commercial airports. Peters’ Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, which was signed into law in 2022, is working to deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. In 2022, Peters’ bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law. Peters also secured $10 billion in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS remediation efforts in Michigan and across the country. ###

This week Michiganders are seeing the highest gas prices of the year because of Trump’s war with Iran. This Administration must recognize the economic burden this war is putting on hardworking families and get serious about a winning strategy for peace.