Dear Neighbor,

From protecting our Great Lakes to supporting local jobs and recognizing outstanding members of our community, I'm continuing to work on the issues that matter most to Western Pennsylvanians.

This week, I'm proud to highlight my support for bipartisan legislation that will strengthen stormwater infrastructure, reduce flooding, and protect Lake Erie for future generations.

I'm also sharing the latest news from across Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, including our newest Community Champions, updates involving Cleveland-Cliffs, and my efforts to protect hardworking families from rising electricity costs.

Below, you can learn more about these important developments and watch the latest installment of our "Congress in the Community" video series.

Putting Pennsylvania Ratepayers First

As artificial intelligence and new technologies continue to expand, data centers are becoming an increasingly important part of our economy. However, hardworking Pennsylvania families shouldn't be left footing the bill for the electricity these facilities consume.

That's why I recently voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that would require companies building data centers to pay for the electricity needed to power their operations rather than passing those costs on to American families.

While American leadership in artificial intelligence is critical to our economic and national security, we must also ensure that energy remains reliable and affordable for the people we represent.

Pennsylvania families are already facing rising costs. They shouldn't have to pay even more to subsidize large data center developments.

This legislation takes an important step toward protecting consumers, supporting responsible energy development, and putting local families first.

READ MORE: Kelly Backs Ratepayer Protection Act, Calls for Data Center Companies to Pay for Their Own Electricity

Protecting Pennsylvania Manufacturing and Supporting American Steel

Pennsylvania has a proud history of steelmaking and manufacturing. For generations, hardworking men and women have helped build our nation's economy, and preserving these good-paying American jobs remains a priority.

On Tuesday, October 6, I joined U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves, and local officials at Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works to highlight a $200 million investment in the facility, supported by a $75 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy.

This investment will strengthen domestic production of Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES), a critical material used in electrical transformers that power our nation's electric grid. Butler Works is the only steel manufacturer in the United States producing GOES, making this facility essential to both our local economy and national security.

In 2024, I fought alongside members of UAW Local 3303 against a proposed federal regulation that threatened domestic GOES production. Our efforts helped secure changes to the rule and protect more than 1,300 jobs at Butler Works.

Thanks to the support of Secretary Wright and the Trump administration, we are continuing to strengthen American manufacturing and protect the hardworking men and women who keep our nation running.

This steel powering the world is made right here in Butler!

READ MORE: Rep. Mike Kelly, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlight federal support for steel production in Butler

Recognizing Our Latest Community Champions Across PA-16

One of the greatest privileges of representing Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District is meeting the incredible people who go above and beyond to make our communities better places to live.

Over the past two weeks, I've had the honor of recognizing two outstanding recipients of my Community Champion Award for their dedication to serving others.

On September 29, I presented Joe Pfadt of Erie County with my Community Champion Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the Erie community. Through his work with Warriors to Washington, Joe has helped provide veterans with opportunities to visit our nation's capital and receive the recognition they deserve for their service and sacrifice.

On Wednesday, October 7, I had the privilege of presenting my latest Community Champion Award to the students and staff of Moniteau High School's Special Blend Café.

When I first visited these amazing students and staff in March, I knew they were doing something special. The Special Blend Café provides students with hands-on, real-world experience while teaching practical skills they can carry into the workforce after graduation.

The café serves students and staff at Moniteau High School, along with numerous special events. Thanks to the dedication of its students and staff, this program is helping young people develop valuable lifelong skills while making a positive impact on their school and surrounding community.

My Community Champion Award recognizes service-minded individuals throughout our district who make selfless and significant contributions to their communities. Each recipient receives an official award plaque, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, and a statement of congratulations entered into the Congressional Record.

Congratulations to Joe and the students and staff of the Special Blend Café on these well-deserved recognitions! It's people like them who remind us what makes Western Pennsylvania such a special place to call home.

READ MORE: Kelly Honors Latest Community Champion in Erie County & Rep. Kelly presents Community Champion Award in Butler County

Protecting Lake Erie and Strengthening Our Water Infrastructure

The Great Lakes are one of our nation's greatest natural resources. With Lake Erie right in our backyard, protecting our waterways and surrounding communities remains one of my top priorities in Congress.

That's why I'm proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan STORMWATER Act, legislation that would help communities better manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and prevent pollution from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams.

As a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force, I understand the importance of protecting Lake Erie and investing in infrastructure that keeps our communities safe.

The STORMWATER Act would:

- Establish a new Center of Excellence focused specifically on the Great Lakes region.

- Provide $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support five stormwater Centers of Excellence.

- Provide $10 million annually for competitive grants to improve stormwater infrastructure and flood mitigation.

- Help communities protect homes, businesses, and local waterways from flooding and pollution.

The Great Lakes contain 20% of the world's surface freshwater supply. We have a responsibility to preserve this national treasure for generations to come.

READ MORE: Kelly Backs Bipartisan STORMWATER Act to Strengthen Water Infrastructure and Protect Great Lakes Communities.

VIDEO: Congress in the Community

One of the most important parts of my job is hearing directly from the people who live and work throughout Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.

Through my "Congress in the Community" video series, I'm highlighting the people, businesses, and organizations that make Western Pennsylvania such a special place to call home.

These conversations give viewers a firsthand look at the issues impacting our neighbors and the important work happening right here in our communities.

WATCH: Check out the latest episode of "Congress in the Community" on my YouTube channel.

As always, my team and I are here to serve you. If you need assistance with a federal agency, please contact us -- we are just one call or email away.

God Bless America!

Sincerely,

Mike Kelly
Member of Congress

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