Dear Neighbor–

Holiday tidings to you and yours! We’re kicking off the holiday season both here in West Michigan and in Washington. Over the weekend, my family attended the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree performance, and we had the BEST time! We’re definitely making this a holiday tradition moving forward.


Back in DC, Jesse and I were able to start this week off at the White House’s holiday celebration with the President and First Lady and our Republican and Democratic members of Congress, in both the House and the Senate. These bipartisan and bicameral gatherings are such an important time to come together away from the stress and pressure of the House floor. I take advantage of every opportunity I have to grow my team’s bipartisan relationships to further ensure the functionality of Congress. It’s always nice to do it in a fun and festive environment. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this year’s holiday decorations, you can learn more about them here.

Here’s a look back at my week in Washington, and a look ahead at what’s to come.  

Week in Review

Committee Work

It was a big week on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Check out my remarks in our WRDA hearing this week!

First, we had an important hearing on the bi-annual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization. This critical piece of legislation reauthorizes the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) for all of its studies and construction projects. This reauthorization is essential for our West Michigan economy. Our district, of course, includes the Lakeshore communities of Grand Haven and Muskegon, along with miles of beautiful Lake Michigan coastline. Maintaining the harbors in both Grand Haven and Muskegon is essential to the economy of not only Michigan’s Third Congressional District, but to our state as a whole–and the Midwest! Commodities handled by the Grand Haven’s harbor alone support over $3.9 billion in business revenue, over 23,000 jobs, and $1.2 billion in labor income. In addition, if the harbor was not maintained, commodities that typically travel by water on ships — including sand, gravel, salt, cement, and manufactured goods — would have to be transported by train and truck, which would increase annual emission rates by over 10.5 million pounds of harmful particulate matter. The cost to our economy, workforce, and environment in West Michigan cannot be overstated.

There are MANY critical projects in West Michigan impacted by the WRDA reauthorization. Each member of Congress will have an opportunity to request that specific projects for their district be included in the WRDA reauthorization. Just as with our community funded project requests last Spring, I’m creating an open and transparent process about how I select projects for submission. To best consider all of the potential projects, my office is opening a portal [stay tuned for a special edition newsletter on the process next week] where individuals can submit requests to have their project included and considered for funding.

Did someone say pipeline safety? Don't tempt us with a good time!

Second, we had an important markup focused on pipeline safety legislation. My aim for this legislation is that we can continue critical pipeline projects in this country in a way that is both safe AND environmentally friendly, ensuring that we can enjoy our beautiful Michigan rivers and streams for years to come. I’m proud of the work we did in mark-up and, who says you can’t have a good getting down to work on pipeline policy! 

The Big Votes

We actually had quite a few consequential votes on the floor this week. I'll run through each of the below Republican bills in order. Each bill has a hyperlink where you can read the full text and summary.

CARS Act: Ostensibly, this bill is about giving consumers more choice in their automobile selection and not “forcing” them to go electric. That’s something I agree with! However, in reality, the bill does no such thing. In fact, it prevents the EPA from EVER imposing emissions standards on moderate and light duty vehicles. No thanks! Consumers deserve to BE ABLE to choose cleaner cars. This bill makes that harder. I voted no, for choice AND for the environment.

Student Loans Resolution: This cruel bill goes after some of the most vulnerable, indebted individuals, trying to improve their lives–those who are benefitting from an income-based student loan repayment plan. Individuals who go into lower-paying jobs in service to our community–like teachers, social workers, and nurses–benefit from a repayment plan that is tailored to their income. This bill would undermine that system and make it harder for working families to repay their debt. I voted no.

DETERRENT Act: I don’t see the problem here. If you’re a university engaging with a foreign entity, we should be able to further scrutinize your behavior. With U.S. competitiveness more under threat than ever before, we need to make sure our universities are not being used to undermine that goal. We can do that AND protect free speech. I voted yes.

Bowman Resolution: When the Republicans put up a resolution to censure Rep. Jamaal Bowman for pulling a fire alarm in Congress, they tied the record for most censure resolutions EVER in a single Congressional year. I don’t condone Rep. Bowman’s actions, to the contrary–it was wrong, and he’s being punished for it through the appropriate criminal channels. But, Republicans had a choice this week. They could have elected for us to use our valuable time on policy to address our immigration crisis, lower childhood poverty in the U.S., end gun violence, or strengthen our supply chains. But we did not. Instead, the Republican majority chose to bring yet another targeted censure resolution against their political opponents. What a waste. I voted no, for responsible governing.

Back in the District

I was so thrilled that Team Scholten could join so many local leaders at Governor Whitmer’s holiday party! What a beautiful celebration of all the amazing work happening in Michigan as we kick off the holiday season.

This morning, I joined Protect Our Care Michigan to discuss the current Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period that began on Nov. 1, 2023 and helped provide Michiganders with the resources they need to enroll in quality, affordable coverage. Reminder– open enrollment ends Jan. 15th! Click here for more information.

Ornaments

• Calling all West Michigan photographers! From Lake Michigan to the Grand River, West Michigan is home to many beautiful waterways, and I want to see your photos of them! Send your photos to MI03Office@mail.house.gov by 12/12 — we’ll be posting our favorites. I can't wait to see them!
• I had an opportunity to sit down with Roll Call to talk about what it’s like serving in public office as a person of faith…in 2023. You can check out the article here.
• Our district office has hired a new grants and outreach coordinator. If there’s a project you’re looking to fund or a place you think she should visit, please reach out to our office and let us know. Kathryn can be reached at Kathryn.Pina@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress