Dear Neighbor––

Let me tell you about the kindness chain. It’s something I do with my kids when I’m away to keep us connected. Ever since they were young, I’ve told them about how each of us has the power every day to start a kindness chain–to do a simple act of kindness that will start a reaction of kindness–a ripple effect–out into the world. So, every morning, I ask them to think about what they’ll do to start a kindness chain, and then I ask them at night when we’re catching up, what that was. It’s a beautiful way to keep us connected and to do good.

Sometimes we can feel so powerless as we work for good, but watch the world spinning out of control, even from a position of immense power like being a U.S. Representative. So, even as I work tirelessly towards massive policy goals like reducing childhood hunger & poverty, lowering costs for working families, protecting our environment, bringing lasting peace in the Middle East, and ending gun violence, I try never to lose sight of the power I have–that each of us has–to start a kindness chain in our part of the world every day.

Here’s a look at my week in review, and a preview of what’s to come.

Week in Review

You may recall last week I received some amazing ornaments from the students at Godfrey Lee. Well this week, I got to hang them on the tree–don’t they look great?!? Thanks to all of you too who have sent in ornaments! They’re adding up and they look GREAT.

Legislative Corner

Big Bills on the Floor

Our big task this week was to make sure that lapsing authorizations in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorixation did not expire–mission accomplished. We passed extensions on each of these that will continue to allow these critical funds to flow to agencies tasks with our national security and our safety in the skies. Passing the NDAA was only possible because the extremist policy riders added by fringe members of the Republican Party were finally stripped so the reauthorization passed by suspension with bipartisan support. The FAA authorization was simply extended, and we’re waiting on the full reauthorization to pass the Senate.

Ongoing Foreign and Domestic Aid Talks

Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson sent us home without voting on a bill to ensure the United States is doing its part internationally–and domestically–in supplying much-needed aid for our allies and our border security. As we look to an aid supplemental, my TOP priority is ensuring that the United States supports our democratic allies around the world in the struggle against tyranny, terrorism, and extremism, and absolutely does so in a way that protects civilians and delivers essential humanitarian assistance. It’s also making sure that these conflicts–in Ukraine and Israel specifically–do not expand into larger conflicts, particularly ones that would require the direct engagement of U.S. soldiers. 

A domestic priority that is also being discussed, because of its national security and humanitarian implications, is a border security package. 

For close to 20 years, I’ve worked on immigration issues. That’s why one of the first major pieces of legislation that I worked on when I came to Congress was the Dignity Act – a historic, bipartisan immigration reform bill. This legislation would address border security and infrastructure challenges, tackle critical workforce development issues, create legal status for undocumented immigrants already living in the United States with the possibility of earning citizenship, establish new pathways for asylum seekers, and create new legal pathways for economic migrants and unaccompanied minors.

We need to secure a deal that fixes our broken immigration system, keeps people safe, and lives up to our values. I’ll keep you updated as things continue to develop.

Committee Work


We kicked off the week with a Small Business Committee hearing to recap the incredible work we’ve done this year to support small businesses and entrepreneurs – including passing my bill, the Main Street Competes Act, to help level the playing field for small businesses. Small businesses are the lifeblood of West Michigan. To watch my remarks, click here!

We also had a Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation hearing on the Coast Guard’s national security missions. I asked about the procurement of new icebreakers to keep maritime supply chains working during winter weather. Check it out here!

To round out the week, we had a Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment on proposals for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024! WRDA is a legislative package that Congress considers every other year to give authority to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) to perform studies and construct projects across the United States. The USACE is in charge of many water resource projects, such as improving navigable channels, reducing flood and storm damage, and restoring aquatic ecosystems. As a Michigander, I am SO excited to get to dive into this legislation that is key to ensuring that we continue to enjoy the great water resources we have here! As someone who represents the Grand Haven and Muskegon harbors along with miles of beautiful Lake Michigan coastline, I am committed to making sure that West Michigan is a priority in this bill! Check out my remarks here.

Bills, Letters, and other Representative Action 

Since the last report, I have co-sponsored 6 bills and sent 5 letters – including the WIC Healthy Beginnings Act to encourage competition, reduce costs, and improve the quality of infant formula options available through the state Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs. I also cosponsored the Great Lakes Mapping Act to fully map the lake beds of the Great Lakes.

I also joined the Get the Lead Out Caucus. This caucus, combined with my support of the bipartisan Flow Act, are just two new avenues I can continue to advocate for safe drinking water in West Michigan–a top priority of mine since Day 1. 

Girl Talk With Halle Berry


Every once in a while, the significance of being the first woman in history to represent this district really hits me. This week, actress and producer Halle Berry took time to come to the Capitol to talk to a bipartisan group of women lawmakers about the importance of funding period and menopause research. It’s a central health issue for 50% of the population, and yet, there’s INCREDIBLE stigma around talking about it.

Too many women suffer in silence. From cardiac issues to weight gain and mobility to mental health, menstruation has a major impact on the lives and health of all women, but so little research has been done on how to best help women cope with menstruation and menopause. We’re changing that. It’s great to give West Michigan women a seat at tables like these for the first time. 

Back in the District

Building Blessing


This week, I had the privilege of attending a building blessing for Mel Trotter’s newest 15,000 manufacturing facility! Back in April, after working with the Mel Trotter team, I wrote to the Administration for Children and Families to share the good work of Mel Trotter Ministries and the expected impact that we know this project will have on West Michigan. Thanks to this joint effort, we secured a more than $800k grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to bring this building behind us to life. This grant will expand current metal stamping manufacturing capabilities. It will also create 32 full-time positions within Kent County for low-income and special-needs Michiganders, as well as returning citizens.

Service Academy Board Lunch


Getting to nominate students for service academies is one of the highlights of this job. There’s nothing like seeing the next generation willing to stand up and put service above self. This week, I had the opportunity to sit down for lunch with my Service Academy Board who will help me with the nomination process. Thanks to all these great folks for serving West Michiganders as they choose to serve!

Wreaths Across America


I was honored to participate in the Wreaths Across America Celebration–a national tradition that is the longest veterans parade in the country. What a beautiful way to remember and celebrate those who served around the holidays.

In Case You Missed it:

• I recorded a video for servicemembers overseas to let them know we’re all thinking of them during the holiday season.
• Did you know the Muskegon Luge offers year-round outdoor fun? I had the pleasure of visiting their facilities a few months ago. DEFINITELY worth checking out with your family over the holiday break!
• I got the chance to treat my D.C. office staff to a holiday lunch in the Members Dining Room in the Capitol this week!
• Funding Friday: If you’re interested in STEM, there’s $1.8M available through USDA to support your research. Check it out! Deadline to apply is Feb. 9th, 2024.

The Week Ahead

We’ve got an exciting week ahead filled with great visits around the district (stay tuned for some exciting news on Monday). We’re all still waiting to see whether we get called back to D.C. to vote on an aid package as well, which is TBD. You don’t have to wait for next week’s newsletter to keep up on what we’re doing–follow us on social media to stay up to date all week!

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

Sincerely,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress