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Week in Review
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After a great weekend in the First District meeting with constituents and visiting local businesses, I had another productive week in Washington. This week, I introduced new legislation that would substantially transform nationwide Veteran suicide prevention efforts and President Trump signed the Blue Water Navy bill into law. This bill has been a priority of mine since getting to Congress, and I'm proud of the work that we’ve accomplished to do what is right by our Vietnam Veterans.
I'll cover several more important issues in today's edition of the Bergman Brief, including the escalating tension with Iran, the border crisis, and constituent meetings in Washington and back in Michigan. I hope you have a great weekend, and enjoy these beautiful summer days. As always, if there is ever anything our office can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 202-225-4735.
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| Rep. Bergman Welcomes Summer Interns At The Washington Office |
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Bergman in the News
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Bergman Announces New Tart Cherry Buy For Local Farmers
Congressman Jack Bergman has been on the front lines advocating for our local tart cherry industry, and on Monday he announced the cherry purchase plans by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The first $15-million in tart cherry purchase by the USDA was announced in March. The new purchase will provide urgent support to northern Michigan tart cherry growers.
Read the report here.
Moran Iron Works Recieves $560,000 Grant For New Equipment
Moran Iron Works is a staple in the northern Michigan community – providing jobs to nearly 100 individuals and promoting economic development throughout the state. Tom and the entire Moran team continue to positively affect the entire sunrise side, and I’m proud of the work they’ve done to qualify for and receive this grant.
Read the article here.
Bergman Plays Shortstop In Congressional Baseball Game
This year the Congressional baseball game raised $1.3 million for local charities. Rep Bergman has played in each baseball game since being elected to Congress.
Watch the interview here.
Bergman Introduces Legislation To Combat Veteran Suicide
The bipartisan IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act would allow the VA to provide grant funding to nonprofits and local organizations who can supply outreach and a range of services to at-risk Veterans. Preventing Veteran suicide takes a community, and the IMPROVE Act will put forth a new framework for the VA and those the nationwide network of Veteran-focused organizations to work together and deliver outcomes that benefit our retired service men and women.
Read the full release here.
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Legislative Corner
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Bergman, Houlahan Introduce Legislation To Combat Veteran Suicide
Representatives Bergman and Houlahan introduced H.R. 3495, the IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act in the House this week. On June 19th Senators Boozman and Warner introduced a senate companion to this bill.
The IMPROVE Act will:
- Enable the VA to directly or indirectly reach more Veterans than it currently does;
- Increase coordination among currently disparate community resources that serve a wide variety of Veteran needs – all of which play a part in reducing the feeling of purposelessness that ends in suicide;and
- Create and inspire broad adoption of a measurement tool that will indicate the effectiveness of services provided for Veterans suicide prevention.
Bergman Cosponsors Bill To Reauthorize School-Based Health Centers
Following a meeting with the School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan, we signed on as a cosponsor to H.R. 2057 to reauthorize School-Based Health Centers.
There are 15 school-based health centers in the First District. They provide necessary health services to children, including mental health services. These Health Centers allow for ease of access and in rural areas and ensure children get the care they need.
Bergman Votes In Favor of H.R. 2109 - The BRAVE Act
This bill incentivizes Veteran employment by permitting the VA to give preference to contractors who employ Veterans.
You can read the bill text here.
Bergman Votes To Amend GI Bill To Ensure Access For Veterans
This legislation fixes the Forever GI bill’s eligibility requirement to ensure Veterans across the country can access this program.
The text to H.R. 2196 can be read here.
Bergman Asks Unanimous Consent On H.R. 3401
On Thursday morning Rep. Bergman took the House floor to ask Democrats leadership to bring H.R. 3401 to the floor for a vote, after the Senate voted overwhelmingly on this bipartisan legislation. Democrat leadership rejected his request.
You can read the text of the Emergency Supplemental bill here.
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Committee Update
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| On Saturday, Rep. Bergman Met With The Cedar Area Fire Chief |
House Armed Services Committee Work:
In recent weeks, tensions between the United States and Iran have increased as sanctions placed on Iran have taken effect. Having served in the United States Marine Corps for 40 years, I understand the costs of armed conflict and know this must always be a last resort. However, it’s imperative that our men and women in uniform have the ability to protect themselves, our assets, and our allies against increased Iranian aggression.
This week, I had the opportunity to attend a HASC Full Committee classified briefing from DoD on Iranian activity in the Middle East. I support the Administration’s pressure in countering Iranian aggression and provocation of the United States and our Allies.
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Work:
This week, I spoke at a Veterans Affairs Oversight and Investigations hearing titled “Learning from Whistle-blowers at the Department of Veterans' Affairs.”
In my roles as a leader of Marines and as an aviator, the safety of our team and the success of the mission at hand depended on a deep level of trust and communication. The VA should be no different. During the 115th Congress, we passed major reforms to improve the VA’s whistle-blower programs, but there is still much work to be done. We need to make sure whistle-blowers’ voices are heard so that we can best protect our Veterans.
You can watch the hearing here.
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Meeting Time
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| Rep. Bergman Meets With Danny Nesburg Before He Heads Off To The Air Force Academy |
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| Rep. Bergman Joins The TC Pit Spitters Prior To Throwing Out The Ceremonial First Pitch |
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Follow Team Bergman on Social Media
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I want to stay connected with my constituents in the First District. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest events, news, and information.
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