Hey Neighbor–

This past week was a big one for us in Congress, and we’re back this week for more! Below is our week in review and a look at the week ahead.

The week in review

This week, we narrowly averted a major crisis by passing a short-term spending measure that continues to fund the government and keep it open. The 45-day stopgap measure also included provisions to extend authorization of both the FAA and flood insurance, as well as a full package on disaster spending. Thanks to Democratic commitments to the American people, we avoided a drastic 30% across the board cut that would have been disastrous for our veterans, vulnerable infants and children, and would have devastated Social Security as well as rural healthcare and hospitals. We all want fiscal responsibility, but across the board cuts don’t take into account where the fat and excess lies and where government resources are already excessively strained. We need a smart solution.

I talked about this on social media right after the vote. Watch here.

I joined a panel on CNN’s State of the Union to discuss. If you missed it, you can catch that clip here!

The chaos in Washington didn’t stop me though. I co-sponsored 5 bills, sent 2 letters and had 3 committee hearings (in addition to working nonstop to keep the government open). 

Bills
Here’s a summary of the bills I signed onto this week:

• H.R. 5667, The Pay Our Military Act. This bill would ensure that in the event of a government shutdown, all members of the Armed Forces, including reservists on active duty, civilian personnel at the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, and associated contractors, would continue to receive their paycheck.
• H.R. 1582 - The PHIT Act (also known as the Personal Health Investment Today Act of 2023). This bill seeks to allow a medical care deduction for up to $1,000 ($2,000 for a joint return of a head of household) of qualified sports and fitness expenses per year. This way, families can use their HSA dollars to cover the costs of sports participation. This has been a game-changer for my family and me – it shouldn't be a luxury!
• HR 3940, The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act. This bill allows a business-related tax credit for certain development costs for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or remediation of qualified real property. The bill also provides for the exclusion from gross income, for income tax purposes, of the value of any subsidy provided to a taxpayer by any state energy office for purposes of improvements made to a qualified residence.
• The Clean Water Act of 2023. This bill seeks to correct the damage from the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision by reinstating the historic and bipartisan, federal-state partnership that has protected our rivers, streams, and wetlands for over 50 years; establishing a clear, level playing field for businesses and industries to thrive while protecting our critical natural resources; and ensuring clean water for our families and future generations.

Committee Work

• In the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we held a hearing on clean water infrastructure and how we can work to make sure everyone has access to this essential resource. I spoke about how Michigan has been a leader in combating PFAS contamination and how the $5 billion coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to tackle pollution will make our communities safer. Watch here!
• COVID relief loans were a lifeline for small businesses during the pandemic, but they were also a magnet for bad actors. During our Small Business Committee hearing this week, we discussed how to recoup stolen SBA funds and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the future. Take a look!

Back in the district, the team was all over West Michigan working for you.

In anticipation of a government shutdown, Team Scholten contacted every West Michigander with a pending case with our office to assure them that we would still be working hard to resolve their case despite delays that we’d see from federal agencies. Thankfully, the government remains open for the next 45 days at least, so if you are facing issues with a federal agency, give us a call at (616) 451-8383. Just a few days ago, we were able to help a constituent get the Social Security benefits she’s owed, and we’re ready to help you, too!

The Grand Rapids Black Nurses Association fosters equity and inclusion in West Michigan's thriving medical community. As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I hope to be a partner in their work. 

I am grateful that Team Scholten was included in their gala this year!

Team Scholten learned from community leaders at Treetops Collective about their work to provide a softer landing for refugees as they cope with the pain of displacement by creating belonging for people from all backgrounds. 

They model how we can all work to be better neighbors.

Ensuring that West Michiganders know the resources offered by my office & how to access them is so important to me.

Team Scholten joined the Wyoming Senior Fair to help keep seniors across our community in the loop!

The week in preview

This week we’re unexpectedly back in session in Washington. We’ll be voting again on a number of important appropriations measures that have yet to be scheduled. It is my sincere hope that our Republican colleagues in leadership use these 45 days to efficiently pass full appropriations measures that will fund the government and avoid another dramatic stand-off. The budget needs to be passed right before Thanksgiving. The holidays are especially no time to be playing games with American jobs and security. What we’re looking for are new appropriations bills that honor the promise Speaker McCarthy made back in May to fund the government at 2023 levels and not include radical policy riders in these bills. His last round of proposals went back on that promise. We’ll be watching to make sure he keeps his word this week.

Additionally, a member of the House Republican Conference has indicated that he will file a motion to vacate the chair this week in order to remove Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker. A vote on that could be held immediately or within two days of the motion. So, we’re watching that carefully as well, as it would significantly distract from the work of the American people in trying to pass a responsible budget in the next 45 days.

Back in the district, we’re continuing to work hard to serve you. Here are some things to watch this week – Team Scholten will be attending the Legislative Update Breakfast for the Grand Haven, Ferrysberg, Spring Lake Chamber as well as a luncheon for Safe Haven Ministries. We can’t wait to see you out in the community!

As always, I can’t do this work without you! Please keep in touch with our office about how best we can serve you!

Sincerely,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress