Dear Neighbor, 

I’m on my way back from a very heavy week in Washington, DC. The atrocities of last weekend in the Middle East hung heavy in the air as we worked to navigate the path forward without a Speaker of the House. We are on Day 10 without a Speaker and the consequences of this leadership vacuum grow more dire by the day. I personally, as well as the Democratic leadership, are doing our best to work with Republicans and help them figure out what to do next—offering numerous opportunities for working together, but they’re dug in and refusing to meet us across the aisle.

Ultimately, it is a Republican decision as only they can put a Speaker vote on the floor. But until they do, we are at an absolute standstill and completely paralyzed. It’s just inconceivable to me to quit without finishing a job you promised to do, but, yet again, Republicans have sent us home, without even so much as CALLING a vote for Speaker. We spent an entire week in Washington, away from our districts, while two wars raged on overseas…and did not take a single vote. You can read my full statement on the Republican Speaker debacle here.

Despite this deeply consequential chaos, I am doing all I can to put us in the best possible position to move forward once House business resumes.

Response to the crisis in the Middle East

This past week, we witnessed unspeakable violence by Hamas against the Israeli people. I mourn the Israeli and Palestinian victims of these atrocities. One of the worst hit cities—a Kibbutz near the Gaza border—was a place I spent a day this summer while in Israel with my husband Jesse. When we read the name in the newspaper, we both looked at each other in horror, and my eyes filled with tears. Family members of people we now know were murdered. You can read my statements here and here. In response to the tragedy, I took immediate action as a legislator:

-I co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to allocate an additional $2 billion in funding for the Iron Dome defense system to help protect the region.
-I signed a resolution reaffirming the United States’ strong allegiance with and support for Israel.
-Both in DC and through the team back home, we attended vigils to mourn the victims and acknowledge that their loss is what propels us to seek a resolution to lasting peace in the region. 

I’m very eager to hear from constituents on this issue. I’m grateful to you who have taken the time to personally write your thoughts to me on this deeply complex matter. We read all of your letters and take them to heart. They inform our actions here in Washington. I encourage you—if you have strong feelings about this issue, please take a few moments this weekend and reach out to my office with your thoughts—or your questions! We understand not everyone has a deep grasp of the issue, and we’re happy to answer your questions, too. 

One of the most impactful moments of my week was on a briefing with an Israeli Defense Force soldier who got emotional when he described how much it meant to feel the love and support from the U.S. He shared that our statements meant so much, but nothing gave him a greater sense of encouragement than to see the USS Gerald Ford take station in the Mediterranean. What a wonderful moment of pride for West Michigan to be standing strong for democracy with our partners there during their darkest hour.

Legislative business

Even though there was no floor activity this week, my team was hard at work on our own legislative priorities—analyzing bills and supporting letters.

I cosponsored 13 pieces of legislation, including a resolution calling for an immediate release of the hostages held in Gaza. I can’t wait until we’re back to work in Washington to get these important bills passed into law.

I also sent 3 letters advocating in the interest of West Michigan, including a letter urging the Biden administration to immediately allow for visa-free travel to the United States for Israeli citizens with family in the United States. This way, Israeli citizens with family in the U.S. can safely shelter here with their loved ones during the war.

I was also proud to announce that Mel Trotter Ministries will receive $800k from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families for Jireh Metal to expand current metal stamping manufacturing capabilities and create jobs!

District work

I was able to spend some time with the amazing folks at Steelcase. These amazing furniture manufacturers represent the best of what we’re about in West Michigan—ingenuity, hard work, and stewardship of the earth. I’m so excited to see what’s next for them—I’ll be there to help make it happen. 

Our district team, as always, did a fabulous job getting out in the district.

The Muskegon Area District Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled is an incredible resource for West Michiganders, and our team loved stopping by for a tour. Our community is better for the work they do, and I will always advocate for well-funded public libraries that bring the joy of reading to all our neighbors!

The Muskegon Museum of Art hosts an amazing collection of pieces that honor the community and also invite visitors to explore the world. Team Scholten was pleased to have the opportunity to take a tour and we are so excited for the museum's expansion that is in the works.

Team Scholten was honored to attend the Muskegon Rotary Club as guests of Rabbi Alan Alpert. It is clear that Muskegon Rotarians are deeply invested in creating a community where everyone can belong and thrive.

ICCF Grand Rapids and Safe Haven Grand Rapids’ faith-led work is creating equitable and affordable housing opportunities that support thriving West Michigan neighborhoods. I'm grateful that our team could help celebrate their most recent open house!

Team Scholten was able to support the White Cane Walk with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired! We were also honored to provide a certificate to this incredible organization celebrating 110 years of support to the visually impaired in West Michigan.

The Week in Preview

We are in Washington, DC again next week, but there is no floor activity scheduled as there is no Speaker of the House. 

I am working to schedule a teletown hall towards the end of next week that will allow individuals from across the district to dial in and hear an update from me and ask questions. Stay tuned for details. 

Fall Travel Note: If your family travels bring you to DC for Fall Break—please reach out to our office and let us know! I'm in town and I’d love to see you! Our office can help with tours and anything else you might need! We’re always so excited to welcome our dear West Michiganders to Washington.

As always, it’s an honor to serve you, West Michigan.

Sincerely,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress