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Bergman, Thompson, Steube, Vargas Introduce Bill to Extend Benefits Timeline for Military Survivors

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Juan Vargas (CA-52), introduced the GRACE (Granting Rollover Access and Contribution Extensions) for Military Survivors Act, legislation that extends the time period in which surviving family members of a Military servicemember can make important financial decisions about their survivor benefits.

"When a servicemember makes the ultimate sacrifice, their family deserves our unwavering support - not unnecessary bureaucratic deadlines. Military families should have the time and flexibility to make important financial decisions without added pressure during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. I'm proud to support the GRACE for Military Survivors Act to ensure we honor their sacrifice by giving surviving loved ones the compassion and certainty they deserve,” said Rep. Jack Bergman.

“Grieving military families have enough on their plates when they lose a loved one — they should not be forced to make urgent, consequential financial decisions on top of everything else. Ensuring families have the time they need to decide the best path forward just makes sense. Grateful to work with my colleagues to introduce this important legislation,” said Rep. Mike Thompson.

“The families of our fallen service members have already sacrificed more than most Americans can imagine. The last thing they should have to worry about is financial deadlines while grieving the loss of a spouse, parent, or child,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by military families, and they deserve to make thoughtful financial decisions without unnecessary pressure from the federal government.”

“When a service member dies in the line of duty, their families should never be forced to make urgent financial decisions while enduring the pain of immeasurable loss. They deserve time, flexibility, and grace,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “I’m grateful to join my colleagues in introducing this critical legislation.”

BACKGROUND

When a service member dies in the line of duty, surviving families are forced to navigate immense grief while also making important financial decisions under compressed timelines. Current law allows surviving spouses and children to roll over military death gratuities and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits into certain tax-advantaged savings accounts, but only within one year of receiving the benefits. For many military families, that timeline is simply too short. This legislation would provide surviving military families with additional flexibility and time to make thoughtful long-term financial decisions.

The bill would:

Extend from one year to three years the period in which military death gratuities and SGLI payments may be contributed to Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts without penalty.
Ensure military families are not penalized while grieving and adjusting to life after the loss of a service member.

The GRACE for Military Survivors Act was developed in conjunction with Gold Star Spouses of America. Reps. Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI) are original cosponsors.

The bill is endorsed by: American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS), United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Veterans Survivor Coalition, Vietnam Veterans of America, and With Honor Action.

“Gold Star Spouses of America strongly supports the GRACE for Military Survivors Act. Surviving spouses are often advised not to make major financial decisions during the first year after the death of their loved one, a recommendation that can inadvertently cause families to miss opportunities to utilize military death benefits in tax-advantaged savings accounts. Extending the contribution period from one year to three years acknowledges the realities of grief and gives surviving families the time they need to make thoughtful financial decisions that strengthen their long-term financial security,” said Tamra Sipes, National President, Gold Star Spouses of America.

“Military families give more than most Americans will ever be asked to. When a service member passes, we should not ask surviving spouses and families to set aside their grief to focus on finances,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action. “This legislation is notable for what it is not—it is not partisan, costly, or controversial. It imposes no new federal spending, creates no new bureaucracy, and asks nothing of taxpayers. It simply removes an arbitrary constraint that punishes military survivors for taking the time they need to grieve. Keeping faith with military families means ensuring they are treated with dignity and compassion during life’s most difficult moments. With Honor Action enthusiastically endorses the GRACE for Military Survivors Act and appreciates For Country Caucus members Rep. Mike Thompson and Rep. Bergman for their strong commitment to honoring military families and those who served.”

“USAA is proud to support the GRACE for Military Survivors Act, which reflects both sound financial policy and compassion for military families. This bill gives military families the time and flexibility they need to make solid financial choices for the future, empowering them to achieve financial security.” said Maj. Gen. John Richardson, U.S. Army, Ret., USAA Senior Vice President, Head of Policy & Alliances.

“The current one-year deadline is often unrealistic for grieving military families navigating the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges that follow the loss of a loved one in service. The Veterans Survivor Coalition supports extending this window to three years gives survivors the time and flexibility they deserve to plan for their family’s future,” said the Veterans Survivor Coalition.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Bergman Duty Status Legislation Gains Momentum with Senate Introduction

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense - and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) - a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee - introduced the bipartisan Duty Status Reform Act in the Senate to make comprehensive reforms to the National Guard by consolidating and streamlining the duty status framework.

Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI-01) and Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31) led the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Michigan’s National Guard members are among the most dedicated servicemembers in the country, and they deserve a system that works as hard as they do,” said Rep. Bergman. “The current duty status framework - nearly 30 classifications - creates unnecessary confusion, delays pay and benefits, and limits commanders’ ability to mobilize quickly when our Nation calls. The Duty Status Reform Act fixes that by cutting through the bureaucracy and giving our Guardsmen the clarity, consistency, and equity they’ve earned. I’m proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Rep. Cisneros, and I thank Senators Moran and Rosen for carrying this forward in the Senate.”

“The men and women of the National Guard in Kansas and across the country play a critical role in serving our communities and defending our nation,” said Sen. Moran. “As the Guard’s mission has evolved, the duty status system has become increasingly complex. This legislation will simplify the structure and strengthen the Guard’s ability to carry out its missions by standardizing pay and benefits, bolstering readiness and better supporting those who serve.”

“Duty Status Reform is a necessary overhaul to antiquated administrative systems that have negatively impacted our Reserve and National Guard servicemembers' quality of life and readiness,” said Sen. Rosen. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to cut through the red tape by simplifying the duty status structure from nearly 30 statuses down to four so the reserve component will receive timely and equitable pay and benefits without preventable delays or disruption. This legislation ensures the reserve component receives fair and equitable treatment when answering the call to service at a moment’s notice.”

“In our ever-changing operational environment, our military leaders need the flexibility to act quickly and effectively. But the duty status system has limited commanders' ability to quickly mobilize guard and reserve units. The broken duty status construct is hurting our readiness and fixing this long-standing issue has remained my number one priority since returning to Congress,” said Rep. Cisneros. “The Duty Status Reform Act is a bipartisan, bicameral solution that will bolster our readiness and improve our servicemembers' lives by giving them predictability, pay parity, and hard-earned points towards TRICARE and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. I am thankful to Senators Moran and Rosen for leading the Senate's efforts on this complex issue, and I look forward to working with partners in Congress, the administration, and the Department of Defense to get this legislation across the finish line.”

Specifically, the Duty Status Reform Act would:

Standardize pay and benefits;
Improve deployment readiness by clearly outlining mission eligibility requirements;
Provide servicemembers and commanders with greater clarity on the duties servicemembers can perform before extensions are required;
Ease transitions as servicemembers move from one status to another; and
Improve consistency in Veterans’ benefits eligibility for Guard members by reducing disparities resulting from differing duty statuses.

The legislation would create four duty statuses:

Category 1: Active Duty – war, national emergency, disaster response, cyber/WMD events, presidential call-ups and pre-planned missions.
Category 2: Active Duty – disciplinary jurisdiction, missing status, required active-duty training and Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) functions.
Category 3: Reserve Component Duty – required annual training, musters, Inactive Duty Training (IDT)-like duties and additional training with consent.
Category 4: Remote Assignments – flexible tasks, online learning and individually assigned non-supervised duties.

“The National Guard has become an indispensable operational force for this country, but the duty status system has not kept pace with the way our Soldiers and Airmen serve today,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Francis M. McGinn, President, National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). “Duty Status Reform will reduce administrative burdens, simplify a system that has become too complex, and make the Guard easier to access and employ when the nation needs us most. NGAUS is grateful to Senators Moran and Rosen for their leadership, and we are encouraged by the broad bipartisan support behind this legislation. That momentum reflects a growing recognition that the Guard deserves a modern system that matches the reality of its service.”

“Duty Status Reform replaces a burdensome maze of statutory authorities governing reserve service with a clear, predictable framework, allowing the military to operate faster and directly tying service to defined pay and benefit entitlements,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John Hashem, CEO, Reserve Organization of America (ROA). “It ensures uniform benefit accrual, reduces record disputes, and delivers equal DoD/W and VA benefits for identical service. ROA thanks Senators Rosen and Moran for introducing the Duty Status Reform Act and urges the 119th Congress to enact it into law.”

“The Duty Status Reform Act is about ensuring our National Guard members can focus on the mission - not the patchwork of benefits, entitlements, and protections tied to the type of orders they are serving under. Whether responding to wildfires, hurricanes, civil emergencies, overseas deployments, or national security missions, Guardsmen answer the call without hesitation,” said Chief Master Sgt. Josh J. Baker, President, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). “They should not have to stop and wonder whether the orders they were placed on will impact their healthcare coverage, pay protections, retirement credit, or family support programs. HR 6976 moves us closer to a more equitable and modern system that recognizes the operational reality of today’s National Guard. EANGUS strongly supports this legislation because taking care of our service members and their families strengthens readiness, improves retention, and allows Guardsmen to remain fully focused on serving their state and nation.”

“For the Marine Corps Reserve, the Duty Status Reform Act represents a long-overdue transition from a legacy Cold War administrative framework to a model that reflects the high-tempo, operational reality of the 21st-century Reserve Component. Our Reserve Marines are no longer a ‘force in waiting’; they are a force in execution, seamlessly integrating with the active component to meet global contingencies,” said Col. (Ret.) Ken Hopper, President & CEO, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA). “Streamlining these statuses ensures that pay, healthcare, and retirement credit are tied to the service itself, rather than a confusing array of statutory authorities. This legislation is a critical step in removing the 'bureaucratic fog' that distracts from lethality and readiness. The Marine Corps Reserve Association fully supports this reform because it honors the sacrifice of our Citizen-Marines and provides their families with the stability and equity they have earned through their selfless service to the Corps and the Country.”

"Guard and Reserve members have long navigated a maze of 30 duty status classifications that created confusion, large administrative burdens, errors, and in some cases pay and benefit inequities,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Brian Kelly, President & CEO, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). “The introduction of this Senate companion legislation marks a critical step toward delivering the clarity these servicemembers deserve. MOAA applauds Senators Moran and Rosen for championing this reform and urges swift action to get it across the finish line."

Bergman Votes to Condemn Fraudsters Stealing from the Government

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Rep. Jack Bergman voted in favor of H. Res. 1335, a House resolution condemning fraud against federal programs and affirming that taxpayer dollars should be verified and protected before they are spent.

The resolution highlights the billions of dollars lost each year through improper payments, waste, and fraud across federal programs and calls for stronger accountability to ensure taxpayer funds reach their intended recipients.

"Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers and the Americans these programs are meant to serve," said Rep. Jack Bergman. "The federal government has a responsibility to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. That means verifying eligibility, preventing abuse, and holding fraudsters accountable. Families in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula work too hard to have their tax dollars wasted through fraud and mismanagement."

House Republicans have made combating waste, fraud, and abuse in government a top priority as part of broader efforts to restore fiscal responsibility and improve public trust in federal programs.

Rep. Bergman said protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring federal programs operate with integrity remains a key part of his commitment to the people of Michigan's First Congressional District.

Bergman's PLOW Storms Act Prioritizes Public Safety Over Burdensome Federal Regulations

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by Reps. Tony Wied and Pete Stauber, introduced the Protecting Lifesaving Operations during Winter Storms Act, or the PLOW Storms Act, legislation aimed at ensuring snowplow operators and road commissions can keep critical winter response vehicles operational during severe winter weather events.

The legislation addresses growing concerns from road commissions and public works departments regarding increasingly unreliable diesel emissions systems that can force snowplows into reduced-power “derate” modes or sideline trucks entirely during dangerous winter storms.

“For communities across the First District, snowplows are not optional - they are lifesaving equipment,” said Rep. Bergman. “When plow trucks are disabled during winter storms because of federal emissions mandates, lives are put at risk. The PLOW Storms Act restores common sense by ensuring our road commissions have the flexibility and reliability they need to keep roads open, emergency vehicles moving, and families safe.”

The legislative proposal was developed following conversations between Rep. Bergman and road commission leaders in Chippewa County.

Robert Laitinen, Manager of the Chippewa County Road Commission, noted, “The (PLOW Storms Act) is a tremendous step forward that will provide the Chippewa County Road Commission and all other agencies like us the regulatory certainty that we need to be able to modify our existing heavy diesel fleet and to order new units in a configuration that allows us to regain the reliability that we once enjoyed and that the motoring public deserves."

Laitinen continued, "Having multiple plow trucks down during a winter storm event due to unreliable diesel emissions equipment or enduring imposed loss of engine power (derate events) due to overzealous emissions regulations is not simply an inconvenience - in our line of work it endangers many lives. Thank you to Congressman Bergman for having the fortitude to bring this issue to light and for offering a very reasonable and functional solution. This measure, if passed, will be a major improvement in overall public safety for every resident in Michigan and the rest of the snowbelt states.”

The PLOW Storms Act seeks to provide local agencies with greater certainty and operational flexibility to maintain dependable winter maintenance fleets capable of responding effectively during severe snow and ice events.

Bergman Applauds VA For Record-Setting Investment to End Veteran Suicide, Highlights Work Still Ahead

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Jack Bergman highlighted new record-setting progress by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in suicide prevention efforts, alongside historic funding secured through the appropriations process to support at-risk Veterans.

This week, the VA announced that it has reached the highest levels on record for both suicide risk screenings and follow-up evaluations for Veterans. As of March 2026, 88% of Veterans receiving VA care completed an annual suicide risk screening - the highest rate since tracking began in 2021.

Additionally, 96% of Veterans identified as at risk received a comprehensive follow-up evaluation and support plan within 24 hours, also a record high.

In March, Rep. Bergman led a bipartisan request signed by 29 Members urging the House Appropriations Committee to provide full funding for VA suicide prevention and treatment programs in the FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) funding bill. The request called for funding at not less than the VA’s FY27 Advance Appropriations request of $3.09 billion, including $713.4 million for suicide prevention outreach.

Earlier this month, the Appropriations Committee released its FY27 MilCon-VA bill and accompanying report, outlining $3.67 billion in funding for VA suicide prevention and treatment, of which $726.7 million is directed toward outreach efforts.

“These numbers represent real lives being reached and real progress in the fight to end Veteran suicide, but we know the mission is far from over, and we must continue to match progress with resources. This is exactly how the process should work. We identified the need, fought for the resources, and delivered even more support than requested to help save Veterans’ lives," said Bergman.

The VA’s progress follows increased focus on improving suicide risk screening and timely follow-up care, including addressing concerns raised in a 2024 Office of Inspector General report. Expanded outreach has also played a key role, particularly in reaching unenrolled Veterans, who account for more than 60% of Veteran suicides.

Veterans in crisis, or those concerned about a Veteran, can contact the Veterans Crisis Line for 24/7 confidential support by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.

The full release from the VA can be found here.

Bergman, Correa Lead Letter Urging FDA to Expedite Review of Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, Reps. Jack Bergman and Lou Correa, co-chairs of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus, led 30 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin A. Makary urging the agency to advance its evaluation of rapid-acting novel therapeutics – including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies – for the treatment of serious mental health conditions.

Millions of Americans continue to struggle with complex mental health challenges, and for many, existing treatment options fall short. This gap in care is felt acutely among Veterans, who experience rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide far exceeding those of the general population, and it has contributed to a growing and urgent public health crisis affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country.

The letter follows President Trump’s April 18 signing of the Executive Order “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,” which directs federal agencies to fast-track access to psychedelic treatments for patients with serious mental illnesses who have not found relief in existing treatment options.

You can read the full letter here or below:

Commissioner Makary:

We write regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ongoing evaluation of rapid-acting novel therapeutics, including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies, for mental health conditions affecting millions of Americans. For many individuals, current treatment options remain insufficient, deepening an already urgent public health crisis. As Members of the House of Representatives, we have heard from countless Veterans, clinicians, and families seeking evidence-based alternatives, and many of us joined a bipartisan letter to President Biden in 2024 urging his administration to support access to MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pending FDA approval.

We are encouraged by your public statements recognizing these treatments as “a top priority for this FDA and this administration.”

We agree that the agency must conduct “an expeditious and rapid review” of promising treatments, especially those that address urgent unmet needs in PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.

At the same time, we understand and respect the agency’s role in ensuring that any new treatment meets rigorous standards of safety and efficacy. Recent regulatory actions, including the issuance and public release of the Complete Response Letter (CRL) for MDMA-assisted therapy, highlight the complexity of evaluating innovative treatment modalities and underscore the need for clear, consistent expectations for this emerging field.

In that spirit, we respectfully request written responses to the following questions:

1. Special Protocol Assessment (SPA): How does the FDA communicate and apply any remaining data concerns beyond clearly defined primary endpoints and control conditions when pivotal trials are conducted under an SPA? Are improvements underway to make regulatory expectations more predictable for therapies in emerging fields?

2. Methodological Standards and Interagency Coordination: What steps is the FDA taking to clarify methodological expectations for entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted clinical trials – including strategies to mitigate functional unblinding and expectancy effects – and how is the agency coordinating with federal partners such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to streamline research pathways for populations with urgent unmet needs, including Veterans with PTSD.

3. Review Integrity and Subject-Matter Expertise: How does the FDA ensure that qualified experts with relevant experience conduct reviews of entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies? What steps are in place to ensure consistency, objectivity, and independence in the evaluation process?

4. Final Guidance Timeline: What is the expected timeline for finalizing the FDA’s June 2023 guidance on clinical trials involving rapid-acting novel therapeutics, including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies?

In addition, we encourage the FDA to provide further clarity in the final guidance around:

- Strategies to mitigate functional unblinding and expectancy bias;

- Standards for adverse event monitoring and safety reporting;

- Provider training, licensing, and participant safeguards;

- The evolving role of psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmacological intervention;

- Generalizability of findings across diverse patient populations; and

- Consistency in regulatory expectations across entactogen and psychedelic drug development programs.

We remain committed to ensuring that Veterans and others living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions have access to safe, evidence-based care.

We respectfully urge the FDA to continue its evaluation of entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies with transparency, urgency, and scientific rigor as the agency carries out its statutory responsibilities.

Thank you for your leadership and ongoing commitment to addressing this critical public health issue.

Bergman: America Must Rebuild Readiness by Maintaining the Force We Already Own

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, delivered the following remarks at a hearing on the posture of U.S. Military Readiness for FY27.

"I think that we can all agree that the declining readiness trends are unacceptable," Rep. Bergman said. "These trends have been years in the making and are causing aircraft to be cannibalized and ground vehicles to sit idle...The sad fact is that we have allowed our military readiness to decline across the board because we are more focused on procuring shiny objects than on holistically managing the day-to-day maintenance necessary to sustain our military."

Rep Bergman's Statement as Prepared for Delivery:

I’d like to welcome everyone to today’s hearing.

I particularly want to thank all our esteemed witnesses for accepting our invitation to discuss the plight of our military readiness.

I think that we can all agree that the declining readiness trends are unacceptable.

These trends have been years in the making and are causing aircraft to be cannibalized and ground vehicles to sit idle.

While I look forward to our witnesses’ thoughts, I would like to offer a few ideas as to what we in Congress need to do to make our military more lethal and effective in the near term.

First of all, we need to do the hard work and focus on sustaining the existing fleet.

The sad fact is that we have allowed our military readiness to decline across the board because we are more focused on procuring shiny objects than on holistically managing the day-to-day maintenance necessary to sustain our military.

Secondly, the overall topline requested by the administration in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request is unprecedented, but absolutely essential to address the plight of our military forces.

For too long, our military has relied on a legacy force structure that has not been maintained to the readiness levels required.

One need not look further than the Joint Strike Fighter program and the readiness levels provided by this exquisite platform.

Cannibalizing our Joint Strike Fighter fleet because we have not provided the basic parts to support this superior platform is not a reasonable long-term solution to maintaining current readiness.

This budget request, with the accompanying reconciliation supplement, will break this cannibalization cycle and put the Joint Strike Fighter on a sustainable path.

Finally, we need to develop a modernization strategy that provides for our ability to maintain legacy assets through their expected service life.

A stark example of this readiness crisis is the state of our amphibious fleet.

The Marine Corps has long championed a naval strategy capable of accelerated national security response, and has consistently advocated for the restoration of a 3.0 amphibious readiness group worldwide presence — a standard the Navy has failed to meet.

Years of neglect, misplaced priorities, and open derision from certain Navy pundits have left less than half of our amphibious ships available for tasking.

That is not a maintenance problem — it is a leadership problem.

This Subcommittee will hold the Navy accountable for restoring these ships to their expected service life.

The Marine Corps should not have to implore its sister service for the platforms it needs to execute America's crisis response mission.

In conclusion, I think any expanded force structure needs to be accompanied by a strategic focus on maintaining the existing forces through their expected service life.

This approach is not only cost-effective but also more rapidly expands our readiness force posture to best meet our ongoing national security challenges.

I thank the witnesses for being here today.

I look forward to your testimony and to working together to address these challenges.

Flood Update

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

It’s been a busy few weeks across the First District and in Washington, but I wanted to provide an update on the ongoing flooding and the resources available.

As you know, Governor Whitmer has declared a State of Emergency for 32 counties as the spring thaw and heavy rainfall have led to historic water levels across much of Michigan. Flooding in the First District is widespread, with nearly every county experiencing some level of impact. I’ve been on the phone nonstop with local officials - from county sheriffs to emergency managers and county commissioners. While I’m in Washington for votes this week, my team and I remain in constant contact with local leaders across the region, as well as the Governor’s office, to ensure coordination and support.

I also want to take a moment to clarify how federal assistance works, as there has been some confusion. FEMA does not automatically deploy when disasters occur. It is not a first-response agency. FEMA only becomes involved after a governor formally requests a federal disaster declaration and that request is approved. Until then, response efforts are led by local emergency managers, first responders, and state resources already on the ground - supported by certain federal partners.

Right now, agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers, FERC, and USGS are actively providing data, technical support, and resources across the state. If the situation meets federal thresholds, the governor can request FEMA assistance, which would bring additional federal support for recovery.

It’s important to understand this process. In moments like this, it’s easy to fall into partisan talking points, but what often goes unseen is the real work happening behind the scenes - constant communication, coordination, and problem-solving across all levels of government.

In times of crisis, the focus is where it should be: delivering resources, mitigating damage, and helping communities rebuild. The First District is home to some of our Nation's best first responders, and I’m incredibly grateful for the men and women working around the clock to keep our communities safe.

I look forward to getting back to the District as soon as votes conclude this week to continue supporting efforts on the ground.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if we can assist you in any way.

Respectfully,

Jack Bergman

Visit Michigan 211 to find resources available in your area.

Visit www.michigan.gov/cheboygandam, for up-to-date information about the response efforts, daily water level reports, news releases, resources for residents, photos and videos.

For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready.

Dam Safety Updates

Dam safety engineers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are visiting the known most critical dams today, which includes the following locations.

Upper Hiawatha Dam in Montmorency County
Hillman Dam, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulated dam in Montmorency County
Homestead Dam, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owned dam in Benzie County
Union Street Dam in Grand Traverse County
Rugg Pond Dam in Kalkaska County
Bellaire Dam in Antrim County

Additionally, Buck’s Pond Dam, a small dam in Alcona County, failed last night, with the water flowing into Hubbard Lake. Beyond damage to the roadway over the dam, there are no anticipated safety issues.

EGLE is working with partners to monitor the status of other dams across the state ensuring all measures are taken to prevent overtopping or dam failures from occurring, while communicating with downstream communities about increased flow they may receive.

Cheboygan County Updates

The Sturgeon River overflowed its banks causing widespread flooding.
A levee was breached on the Little Black River Watershed. Impacted areas have been directed to evacuate.
Michigan State Police Troopers are assisting the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office with evacuations and road closures.
For Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex updates visit Michigan.gov/cheboygandam.

Many areas of Michigan are currently experiencing severe flooding as melting snow and rain have caused rivers to breach their banks. With forecasts from the National Weather Service predicting up to three inches of rain, conditions could worsen in flooded areas and result in additional areas of flooding and even flash flooding.

Risks include:

Exposure to contaminants in flood water, including E. coli, heavy metals, and petrochemicals.

Injury from floating debris.

Power outages.

Road washouts.

Damage and contamination to drinking water systems.

Mental stress from repeated storms and flood cleanup.

“Even if people are not currently in a flooded area, conditions can change rapidly. Residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local emergency response agencies as flooding can quickly create dangerous conditions,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan. “Floodwater and standing waters can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases or injuries. MDHHS is providing the following guidance to help keep Michiganders healthy during flood events.”

Flood Tips:

Follow all emergency orders.

Standing water can be deceiving, do not attempt to drive or walk through flooding water on the roadway. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle.

Floodwater could cover live, downed electrical lines or other hazards.

For downed trees or debris blocking travel, call 9-1-1.

For downed power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and contact your local electric provider.

During flooding, move to higher ground, if advised, and keep emergency supplies ready (food, flashlights, water, etc.).

State Emergency Preparedness Information:

State and local agencies have published information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies including:

The Flood Safety Series,which provides practical guidance for:

Preparing for floods.
Staying safe during a flood.
Staying safe after a flood.

MDHHS Michigan Prepares website,which shares a variety of preparedness resources, including guidance on How to Create Your Emergency Plan.

Michigan State Police’s MIREADY webpage, which contains emergency planning information, including Pet Preparedness.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s fact sheet, Protecting Your Private Water Supply in an Emergency, is a resource for well owners.

The Michigan Department of Health Human Services (MDHHS) website offers resources that can help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if they use generators during power outages.

Michigan Public Service Commissionwebsite offers information about outage credits due to lengthy power outages.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) as the source of state agency information dissemination. Find links to and sign up to receive MSP and SEOC news releases and follow Facebook and X or the latest information from the JIC. For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit MIReady.
Residents can also stay informed by signing up for local community alerts.
Some local health departments also have emergency planning information that may be more relevant to county-specific concerns.

Bergman Announces Major Additional FEMA Help From President Trump Following the Historic Ice Storm of 2025

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Gaylord - Today, after months of collaborative effort from state, federal, and local leaders, Rep. Jack Bergman announced that FEMA has officially amended the disaster declaration for the March 2025 ice storm - opening additional funding through Public Assistance (PA) Category F for public utilities.

In addition to countless meetings, discussions, and advocacy on behalf of the affected counties, Rep. Bergman and his Republican colleagues in Michigan sent a letter to President Trump requesting that he overturn FEMA’s denial of certain categories of federal assistance following the historic ice storm. The letter recognized the incredible recovery efforts already underway while emphasizing that the work is far from finished and that communities still face significant challenges ahead.

Bergman has repeatedly warned that without additional federal support, the remaining recovery costs would ultimately fall on individual households and families across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula - those least able to shoulder the burden.

Following FEMA’s amended declaration, Bergman thanked President Trump and partners across all levels of government for their work to secure this support.

"I'm grateful that President Trump corrected FEMA’s initial decision to deny key categories in the disaster declaration and ensured Northern Michigan was not left hanging out to dry," Bergman said. "Through countless hours of work with my colleagues in Congress, Governor Whitmer, state legislators, and local leaders, we were able to deliver this critical support for the communities still recovering from this historic storm."

Background:

In the months following the devastating March 2025 ice storm, Rep. Bergman worked continuously with federal, state, and local partners to secure essential disaster assistance for the impacted communities of Northern Michigan.

Rep. Bergman first supported Governor Whitmer’s May 16, 2025, request for a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act, emphasizing the widespread damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across thirteen counties and the need for federal support to supplement strained local resources.

As recovery efforts progressed, Rep. Bergman joined Senators Peters and Slotkin on June 9, 2025, in sending a letter to the Small Business Administration urging approval of the Governor’s request for a Rapid Disaster Declaration so that small businesses across the region could access federal disaster loans and begin rebuilding.

On June 25, 2025, Rep. Bergman led the full Michigan congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump reinforcing the need for federal disaster assistance and pressing for approval of the Governor’s request as communities continued to face substantial recovery costs.

When FEMA later denied certain categories of aid, on November 13, 2025, Rep. Bergman and the Michigan Republican delegation again appealed directly to the President to reconsider the decision and extend Public Assistance Category F and Individual Assistance to help households and electric cooperatives struggling with the financial burden of recovery.

Throughout this process, Rep. Bergman has remained in close communication with FEMA leadership to identify any available administrative or statutory flexibilities that could deliver additional financial relief to affected communities and not-for-profit utilities.

Bergman, Golden, Bacon, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Formally Review Mental Health Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Don Bacon (NE-02) have introduced the bipartisan Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would launch a formal review into the effectiveness of the federal government’s mental health programs for Veterans and transitioning servicemembers in an effort to address longstanding accessibility issues.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the transition from active duty to civilian life can be one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember’s career. We owe our men and women in uniform more than gratitude - we owe them accountability and results,” Bergman said. “The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act ensures the Department of War and VA are working together effectively, eliminating gaps and duplication, and delivering real access to mental health care when it matters most. By requiring measurable standards, regular review, and transparency to Congress, this bill strengthens the transition process and helps ensure no Veteran falls through the cracks.”

“When I came home from the Marines, I saw how important it is to have a strong support system in your corner. The VA is full of skilled public servants who do that work, but there’s only so much an individual employee can do about the fundamental gaps in service created by an imperfect system,” Golden said. “I’m grateful for the partnership of Congressmen Bergman, Bacon and Suozzi in the effort to show VA leaders just how lacking the agency’s outreach, rural logistics, and staffing efforts have been.”

“Too many veterans and service members fall through the cracks when transitioning from active duty to civilian life. We have to do better,” Suozzi said. “It’s our responsibility as lawmakers and Americans to make sure that everyone who serves our country receives the healthcare, including mental healthcare, they deserve,” said Suozzi. “It’s common sense to assess and improve veterans’ health services of all kinds as time goes on. This bipartisan bill does just that, and I’m glad to join my colleagues, Congressmen Golden, Bergman, and Bacon, who I also thank for their service. Never forget the vet!”

“The transition to civilian life is one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember’s career. We must ensure our mental health screening tools are validated, effective, and connecting people to care,” Bacon said. “The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act strengthens oversight, improves coordination between the Department of Defense and the VA, and helps ensure no servicemember falls through the cracks. I’m pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Golden on this important effort to better support our servicemembers and veterans.”

The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act would require the Department of Defense-Veterans Affairs Joint Executive Committee (JEC) to assess the effectiveness of their programs and processes in facilitating access to mental health services for veterans returning to civilian life.

Included in JEC’s review would be a complete inventory of the government’s mental health programs, along with metrics, milestones and plans of actions to identify inefficiencies and gaps in programming. There would be a 180-day deadline to present the report to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.

The legislation would also require the JEC to update its existing Joint Separation Health Assessment (SHA) every two years. The SHA currently uses an outdated process to infrequently catalog veterans’ generalized health needs — an issue that forces policymakers to contend with data that isn’t specific nor timely enough.

“The American Legion is proud to support the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act,” Matthew Jabaut, chairman of the American Legion’s National Legislative Commission said. “On behalf of our nearly 1.5 million members, we commend Representative Golden for advancing oversight-driven reforms that reinforce mental health support and help ensure no servicemember or veteran falls through the cracks.”

“We are happy that Congressman Jared Golden continues to focus on mental health for our Service Members and Veterans,” said Steve SanPedro, national legislative committee member and chief of staff for the Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars. “These invisible injuries need to be addressed so these men and women can live a healthy life after service to their country.”