On Thursday, the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association announced a location just north of Marquette as the latest vertical space launch site. Operations are expected to begin by early 2025.

According to a release sent by MAMA, spaceport consultants BRPH and Kimley-Horn spent the last year making the selection. Factors such as existing commercial and public infrastructure, geographic and terrestrial mapping, living standards, and workforce development were all taken into consideration.

“The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is home to some of the hardest working and most resourceful people in the world,” said U.S. Rep Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet. “Locating this spaceport in the U.P. will create the opportunity for our residents to use their skills, talents and technological expertise to adapt to the changing needs of the commercial and defense space industries.”

This is the second launch site announcement from MAMA. The Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport outside of Oscoda, Mich. in the Lower Peninsula was named as the top candidate for a horizontal spaceport. Operations there are expected to start in late 2023 or early 2024.

Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), who represents Michigan’s First District, has been appointed to the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group by House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. The group works together to maintain the important relationship between the United States and Canada, and to facilitate bilateral discussions on important issue areas such as commerce, national security, environmental protection and trade.

“I am honored that Republican Leader McCarthy has appointed me to the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group. Michigan’s First District shares a border with Canada, and millions travel across the International Bridge every year to conduct business, shop, work, and enjoy what each country has to offer. As Michigan’s largest export market, Canada plays a critical role in our economy. Especially now as we implement the USMCA, I look forward to working with the Canadian Parliament to expand market access between both our nations. Not only do we share an important economic relationship with Canada, but we are also bonded together in our stewardship of the Great Lakes. In this new role, I will strive for increased bipartisan, bilateral discussions on how we can further protect the world’s largest source of freshwater for generations to come,” said Congressman Bergman.

Read more here

Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan, the top Republican on the panel, said he found it appalling that a sexual harassment complaint made by a VA employee takes about 1,100 days to process, according to VA figures. “Three years to process a complaint does not inspire confidence that the system is working efficiently or effectively,” he said.

A study released by the VA last year found 1 in 4 women veterans using VA health care reported inappropriate comments by male veterans on VA grounds, raising concerns they may delay or miss their treatments.

Marking the 21st anniversary of the start of the persecution on July 20, Sam Brownback, U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom; Gary Bauer, commissioner at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF); and 33 bipartisan lawmakers expressed support for Falun Gong practitioners and called on the Chinese regime to stop its assaults on the practice.

U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman said he questions coronavirus statistics put out by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and supports President Donald Trump’s order for hospitals to report data to another agency.

Recently, the Trump administration redirected COVID-19 data typically gathered and reported by the CDC to go directly to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a new data portal.

“We are a nation of individual rights,” says Bergman, “Which you do not have the right to infringe on the rights of others.”

That means taking an extra step, even if you may not agree.

“My advice to anybody is if you’re sick, stay home,” says Bergman, “If you’re in a place and the rule says wear a mask, then wear a mask and social distance.”

Read more here

Rep. Bergman's Amendment Approved To Bring More Connectivity to Veterans

The amendment focuses additional efforts -- within the Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Rural Health -- on solutions that will bring more connectivity to Veterans living in rural and remote areas. In response to the pandemic, the VA and Congress have considerable stepped up telehealth capabilities and resources for Veterans. This was a critical step, but what good is it for the Veterans who don’t have access to broadband in the first place? We need to keep our Nation’s promises to all Veterans, including those living in rural and remote communities.

Watch his floor speech here

Rep. Bergman Cosponsors Bill to Protect Second Amendment Rights of Active Duty Servicemembers

This week, Congressman Bergman became a cosponsor of H.R. 7715, the U.S. Military Right to Carry Act. This legislation would encourage states to allow members of the U.S. Armed Forces to renew their concealed carry permit by mail if they are stationed outside of their home state. While servicemembers in Michigan are able to renew their permits online or by mail, dozens of states do not have this flexibility – meaning that many men and women in uniform are forced to travel to their home state to renew their permit while stationed elsewhere in the country. This commonsense bill will ensure members of the military are able to responsibly maintain their Second Amendment rights while serving their country, regardless of where they are stationed.

Rep. Bergman Cosponsors Legislation to Provide VA Compensation and Survivor Benefits to Veterans Who Contracted Coronavirus While Keeping Us Safe

Active duty, Reserve, and Guard servicemembers have been deployed throughout the nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, but VA compensation and survivor benefits are not guaranteed if they die or become disabled due to COVID-19.

H.R. 7728 establishes a time-limited presumption (for the duration of the official national emergency) of exposure to SARS-COV-2 virus for Active and certain Guard/Reserve Veterans if they suffered COVID-19 symptoms during or 14 days after their qualifying service period ends.

Rep. Bergman's Bipartisan Initiative to Hold Foreign-Sponsored Cyber-Attackers Responsible Passes House

On Monday, the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan HACT Act amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 336-71. This measure carves out a cyberattack exception to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), which currently shields foreign state actors from American lawsuits, protecting them from any form of accountability in cases of state-sponsored cyberattack. 

Recent urgent alerts from both the FBI and Department of Homeland Security have warned of the ongoing threat from foreign-backed hackers and spies working to steal American research in the crash effort to develop vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus.

In a June 24th op-ed in the Petoskey News Review, Rep. Bergman highlighted that "the Chinese government is leading a sophisticated and extensive cyberattack effort against U.S. hospitals, research labs, and health care institutions — seizing on the coronavirus pandemic to victimize the U.S. government, state governments, private entities, and countless individuals." 

Read more here

Rep. Bergman Supports FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act

"Providing for the defense of our great Nation is the highest priority of Congress. While this bill is not without flaws, I'm proud of the work done by the House Armed Services Committee to put forth a bill that provides a 3%  pay raise for our troops, funding to implement our National Defense Strategy, and continued support for counter-terrorism efforts and other malign actors in Russia, China, and Iran. I’m particularly proud that this NDAA also includes language that emphasizes First District priorities like the Soo Locks, Northern Strike, and further PFAS remediation.”

Three amendments introduced by Rep. Bergman were included in the House-passed FY2021 NDAA:

1. Language from Rep. Bergman’s bill H.R. 4189, the Homeland and Cyber Threat Act, to create a cyber-attack exception under FSIA, to protect US citizens again foreign state-sponsored cyberattacks. This amendment had 25 Democratic Cosponsors and 29 Republican cosponsors, the most cosponsors of any amendment included in the FY21 NDAA.

2. Reps. Bergman and Golden (D-NH) amendment on better comprehensive treatment for Veterans suffering from burn pit exposure during the COVID 19 pandemic.

3. Reps. Bergman and Suozzi (D-NY) amendment to support the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and strengthen the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Fleet and Cable Security Fleet.

Additionally, the FY2021 NDAA:

• Includes language requiring US Air Force additional consideration for the F-35 in Michigan;
• Supports the Army’s Ground Vehicle System’s Center (GVSC) internal and external Modeling and Simulation capabilities;
• Increases accessibility for behavioral health for members of the National Guard and Reserve
• Restricts DoD procurement of specific items containing PFAS/PFOA;
• Authorizes funding for environmental remediation and cleanup at current military installations, formerly utilized defense sites, and installations closed by BRAC;
• Requires that DOD publish its results of drinking and groundwater PFAS testing conducted on military installations or former defense sites; and
• Creates a grant program for additional research and improvements to firefighting equipment to reduce exposure to PFAS.

Bergman Joins Letter to Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza on PPP Flexibility for Seasonal Employers

In the letter, Congressman Bergman and his colleagues called for SBA to level the playing field for the employers whose PPP loans were processed prior to new guidance that would have allowed them a more favorable payroll calculation as a seasonal businesses.

The Members stated in part, "We are writing you today to request your assistance in ensuring seasonal employers are eligible to receive loan modifications as intended by the additional criterion for seasonal employers authorized by the Treasury Department on April 30 (85 FR 23917). Specifically, we request the interim final rule published by SBA on May 19 (Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program—Loan Increases) (85 FR 29842) be modified to permit a single increase loan modification for seasonal employers whose loans have been previously reported by a lender on SBA Form 1502 and provide continued eligibility for an SBA guarantee for that additional amount."

Read the full letter here

Congressman Bergman and Colleagues Call for Support of FCC Telehealth Program

On Tuesday, Congressman Bergman joined more than three dozen colleagues in drafting a bipartisan letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in support of the COVID-19 telehealth program. This popular program was created through the CARES Act passed in March and provided $200 million to help health care providers – including many in Michigan’s First District – develop connected care services that patients can access from their home or mobile locations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, the program ran out of funding on July 8^th, meaning that many providers have been unable to take advantage of this federal support. The letter calls for the FCC to report to Congress on the efficiency and performance of the program so far, and how much funding would be required to fulfill all pending applications. It also requests information on the program’s success in improving health outcomes in rural areas and for those who are elderly or high-risk patients.  

You can read the full text of the letter here

USDA Cuts Red Tape to Increase Private Investment in Rural America

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to increase private investment in rural communities across the country by making it easier for lenders to access four flagship loan programs.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to cutting red tape and enhancing customer service so we can be a better partner to America’s rural leaders in building prosperity,” Secretary Perdue said. “These enhancements will make it easier for private lenders to use USDA programs to invest in rural businesses and grassroots rural economic development efforts.”

USDA is seeking public comment on a series of regulatory reforms known collectively as the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative. Under the initiative, USDA will eliminate duplicative processes and launch a single platform for four key loan programs:

Read more here

Bergman Holds Teleconference with Michigan Bankers Association

On Thursday, July 23rd, Rep. Bergman had an online discussion with members of the Michigan Bankers Association to thank them for their efforts to implement the PPP on behalf of small businesses and to hear their thoughts on what else will be needed to ensure loan forgiveness for small businesses who used the program. They also discussed issues facing financial services consumers, like cyber-security and burdensome regulations.

USDA Seeks Feedback to Launch Program to Create High-Wage Jobs in Rural Communities and Strengthen Regional Economies

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking feedback to launch a new program to help create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies.

Under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program, USDA intends to make grants available to help eligible entities establish jobs accelerators and Innovation Centers to support the rural workforce by helping rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters.

RISE will be delivered in accordance with the provisions of Section 6424 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill). USDA is hosting virtual listening sessions on a final rule that will be published this Fall.

• To register to attend the July 28 session at 2 p.m. EDT, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5379245598321536014

• To register to attend the July 30 session at 2 p.m. EDT, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2719620429219806478

Read more here

EPA Announces $6 Billion in New Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the 2020 notice of funding availability under its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, including funding for the new State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. These funding programs accelerate investment in critical water infrastructure through innovative and flexible financing that can support diverse projects in both large and small communities. This year’s funding will provide up to $6 billion to support $12 billion in water infrastructure projects while creating more than 35,000 jobs and improving public health and environmental protection in communities across the country.

“EPA’s WIFIA loan program has become one of the most effective tools used in President Trump's efforts to upgrade our nation's infrastructure, create jobs and safeguard public health and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This new round of $6 billion in funding comes in time to help communities that are trying to recover from the health and financial stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and, for the first time, includes funding expressly available to states.”

On July 23rd, Congressman Jack Bergman attended a Military Personnel Subcommittee briefing on the disappearance and death of SPC Vanessa Guillen. During the briefing, the Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) provided members details on the events surrounding SPC Guillen’s case and the status of an ongoing federal investigation. 

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Work:

Rep. Jack Bergman participated in three VA Committee hearings this week:

- Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Hearing regarding getting Veterans back to work in wake of Coronavirus.

- Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on Sexual Misconduct at the VA

- Full Committee Legislative Hearing on various bills, including:

H.R. 6082 - Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act.
This legislation would expand VA’s definition of war-time Vietnam Veterans' to include service between 11/1/1955 – 2/28/1961.

H.R. 7111 - To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a retraining assistance program for unemployed veterans, and for other purposes.
This legislation, which I have cosponsored would rapidly retrain Veterans for in-demand jobs in response to COVID-19.

HR. 3228 - VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act.
This legislation would authorize the participation of health care professional trainees in telehealth, regardless of state licensure.

Military Transition Assistance Pathways Caucus (MTAP) Caucus Discussion

As co-chair of the Military Transition Assistance Pathways Caucus, I had an online discussion with VA to learn about their current programs assisting service members transitioning to civilian life. There is an abundance of resources and education available, but it’s our job to help streamline this information to service members over time to ensure they are prepared for their next steps in life.