Bergman, Jack RSS Articles

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.”

Bergman, Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Forest Health, Enhance Wildfire Resilience and Recovery

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Last week, Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced the bipartisan Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) Support Act of 2026. This bill would strengthen Washington State’s wildfire resiliency and the national reforestation pipeline by formalizing the United States Forest Service’s RNGR program.

“Healthy forests are an irreplaceable piece of our rural communities, our economy, and our environment,” said Rep. Bergman. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the RNGR Support Act - a common-sense, bipartisan effort to strengthen America’s reforestation pipeline and expand nursery capacity, including supporting critical facilities like the J.W. Toumey Nursery right here in Michigan’s First District. This legislation will help ensure our states, tribes, and private partners have the resources they need to restore and sustain our forests for generations to come.”

"As our forests face unprecedented threats brought on by wildfires, drought, and disease, we must take action to strengthen and streamline our national reforestation efforts,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “By codifying the Forest Service’s RNGR program, we can build a robust and effective national reforestation pipeline that supports the long-term health of our forests and public lands and improves our wildfire resilience.”

The RNGR program plays an integral role in addressing increased nursery demand for information regarding the implementation of native species in restoration, reforestation, and conservation projects across the country. While currently underfunded, the existing RNGR program provides crucial information and assistance and, as such, contributes to long-term goals such as sustainability in our nation’s forests, increased timber production, and improved air and water quality.

The RNGR Support Act would formally authorize the RNGR program and provide it with its own budget line item and funding. Taking this step will solidify the program’s footing and allow it to focus on technical and financial assistance to nurseries, research projects, and provide compelling and accessible online resources.

“The USDA Forest Service Reforestation, Nursery, and Genetic Resources Program (RNGR) represents a key but under-resourced program for providing technical training, coordination, and support to state, private, and tribal nursery efforts,” said George Geissler, Washington State Forester. “The RNGR Support Act will provide additional funding and resources for the RNGR Program while creating opportunities for state, private and tribal nurseries to apply for infrastructure improvements to help these nurseries across the country produce enough seedlings to adequately address the nation’s reforestation needs, while ensuring the seed and seedling supplies are genetically suited to meet the needs of a changing climate.”

"Post-wildfire areas make up the vast majority of today's reforestation need. Without timely intervention, these areas are at a heightened risk of conversion and repeated high-severity fire, threatening watersheds, wildlife, and communities. It's time to scale the full restoration pipeline, not just the planting—from seed collection to seedling cultivation, site prep, and everything in between," said Rebecca Turner, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer at American Forests. "The RNGR Support Act strengthens a critical piece of the pipeline by lifting up and leveraging state, Tribal, and private nurseries and increasing coordination across boundaries. American Forests commend Reps. Schrier and Bergman for championing this issue and for their commitment to the long-term health of our nation's forests."

The RNGR Support Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Puget Sound Partnership, National Association of State Foresters, American Forests, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, American Forest Foundation, National Association of Forest Service Retirees, National Alliance of Forest Owners, Carbon 180, and American Chestnut Foundation.

Bergman, Budzinski, Pappas Lead Letter Demanding USPS Reverse Postmark Rule

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Last week, Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, led eight Members of Congress in a letter to Postmaster General David P. Steiner, demanding that he reverse a new policy in which a postmark will no longer reflect the date that someone originally mailed a letter. As a result of the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plan, USPS can no longer reliably postmark mail on the day it is sent.

The lawmakers emphasized that this change would harm Americans impacted by existing mail delays, make it harder for law enforcement to investigate and deter crime and fraud committed via mail, and undermine the ability of the Postal Service to accurately postmark letters and packages on the day they were sent by the customer. This will be especially harmful to Americans from rural areas where the Postal Service’s RTO plan has already slowed outgoing mail.

“As you know, millions of Americans rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the delivery of critical items such as tax returns, bills, checks, and even election ballots. For our constituents, a delayed postmark could result in late fees on bills, essential utilities being shut off, mail-in ballots not being accepted by local Boards of Elections, or delays in receiving paychecks and refunds,” the lawmakers wrote. “This change is likely to have a disproportionate impact on rural Americans who do not always have easy access to a post office where they can request a same-day postmark, an issue that has been exacerbated by the Regional Transportation Optimization plan.”

The letter is signed by Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02).

The full text of the letter can be read HERE and below:

Postmaster General David Steiner

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington, DC 20260

Postmaster General Steiner,

As Members of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, we are writing regarding the Postal Service’s December 24, 2025, final rule clarifying that a postmark will no longer reflect the date a Postal Service customer originally mailed a letter. We are concerned about how this rule clarification coupled with the delays stemming from the Regional Transportation Optimization Plan (RTO) may affect delivery of time-sensitive mail, and the ability of the Postal Service, law enforcement to effectively investigate and deter crime and fraud committed via mail, and the integrity of the United States Postal Service.

As you know, millions of Americans rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the delivery of critical items such as tax returns, bills, checks, and even election ballots. For our constituents, a delayed postmark could result in late fees on bills, essential utilities being shut off, mail-in ballots not being accepted by local Boards of Elections, or delays in receiving paychecks and refunds.

This change is likely to have a disproportionate impact on rural Americans who do not always have easy access to a post office where they can request a same-day postmark, an issue that has been exacerbated by the Regional Transportation Optimization plan. As you know, the RTO plan, which has been gradually implemented across the country over the last year, has reduced the number of times mail is picked up from post offices located more than 50 miles from a Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RP&DC). The results of these changes have been clear: the RTO has added additional delays for outgoing mail from rural areas and cities that do not have an RP&DC. In 2024, a pilot version of this program was tested in the Postal Service’s Wisconsin region, and the USPS Office of Inspector General found that the changes resulted in a “decrease in service,” with “rural communities more significantly impacted.”

Additionally, we are concerned that delays in postmarking stemming from broader RTO related mail delays will hinder the ability of the Postal Service and law enforcement to investigate crimes and fraud committed via mail. By shifting postmarking from the point of origin to regional processing centers, the policy obscures where mail entered the postal system and makes it more difficult to trace mail associated with criminal or fraudulent activity. For example, in 2001, following the anthrax mail attacks on the United States Capitol and various other public officials, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was able to use the postmark to track the exact date on which the contaminated letters were sent and the location from which they were mailed. We are concerned that these changes would make it more difficult for federal law enforcement to track packages containing illicit substances, potentially resulting in increased danger for both Postal Service employees and the general public.

As Members of the Postal Service Caucus, we remain concerned that the full implementation of the RTO plan will exacerbate postmark delays for rural communities that rely on timely service from the United States Postal Service. For these reasons, we ask that the RTO plan be reversed until the Postal Service can assure customers across the country that they will not experience delayed postmarking on time-sensitive mail simply because they do not live within 50 miles of an RP&DC.

As you may expect, we have received many questions from our constituents regarding the December 24 rule change and how it will impact postmarking going forward. Accordingly, we respectfully request that you provide written responses to the following questions:

Did USPS take into consideration the potential delays in postmarking dates before implementing the RTO?
In 2025, what percentage of letters mailed had a postmark date reflecting the day the customer dropped off the letter, and what percentage had a postmark reflecting a later date?
Especially in regions of the country with reduced mail pickups, how does USPS notify customers that their letter will not be postmarked on the day it is mailed unless they request an in-person postmark at their local post office?
USPS has historically been successful in ensuring election mail is delivered to local Boards of Elections, with recent election cycles achieving over 99 percent on-time delivery. However, 16 states and the District of Columbia currently permit a ballot received after Election Day to be counted so long as it is postmarked by Election Day. Does the USPS plan to issue guidance to Americans regarding the latest date they can reliably post a mail-in ballot and still have it postmarked by election day?
How can you ensure that delays to postmark stemming from the RTO will not compromise the ability of law enforcement to track the originating location of a package containing an illegal substance or enclosure?
1. If a letter is suspected to contain a chemical weapon and is expected to sit for multiple days without a postmark at its originating location, how will the Postal Service trace which employees might have been exposed?

We appreciate your time and attention to these concerns and look forward to your response. Thank you for your continued service to the United States Postal Service and the millions of Americans who depend on it.

Michigan Republican Delegation Demands Answers from Secretary Benson on Election Integrity

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, the Michigan Republican Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, demanding answers on ongoing concerns about election integrity in Michigan.

Recently, Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini identified 14 non-citizens who were registered to vote, some of whom had a voting history. This comes in addition to earlier reporting that at least 15 non-citizens were found to have cast ballots in the 2024 election.

"While you admit you are aware of instances of non-citizen voting you continued to erode public confidence by refusing to comply with a lawful request by the Department of Justice to provide them Michigan’s voter registration data to ensure that Michigan’s voter rolls are being properly maintained," the lawmakers write.

"Your refusal to comply with the DOJ’s request and assist in building the public’s confidence in Michigan elections invalidates your statement to the Committee on House Administration that you believe your responsibility is to 'ensure our elections are accessible, safe, secure and that the results are accurate' because under your watch you have allowed an environment to persist where at least 15 non-citizens cast ballots in the 2024 election."

"These continued reports of non-citizens both registering to vote and casting a ballot in elections is unacceptable and as Secretary of State you should be taking every action to ensure the integrity of Michigan elections and build public confidence in them," the lawmakers continue.

The lawmakers' letter to Benson can be found in full here.

The letter was signed by every member of the Michigan Republican Delegation: Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Tom Barrett (MI-07), Lisa McClain (MI-09), and John James (MI-10).

Bergman, Budzinski Introduce Legislation to Make Gerald's Law Permanent

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman and Nikki Budzinski announced the reintroduction of Gerald's Law, legislation to permanently close a loophole in federal law that has denied burial benefits to some Veterans based solely on where they spent their final days.

Gerald’s Law was previously included as a pilot provision in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025, but that authority is set to expire later this year.

Under prior law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could provide a burial allowance to the surviving family of a Veteran who died while in the care of a qualifying VA facility, such as a VA hospital or VA-funded nursing home. However, terminally ill Veterans who were discharged from a VA facility and received VA-furnished hospice care at home were deemed to have died outside a qualifying facility, even though VA remained responsible for their care.

As a result, some families lost eligibility for burial benefits simply because their loved one chose to spend their final days at home. This gap in the law created a perverse incentive that discouraged Veterans from choosing home-based hospice care out of concern that doing so would forfeit their earned burial benefits.

Gerald’s Law is named in honor of Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, a U.S. Army Veteran from Dickinson County, whose family was denied burial benefits under this loophole. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, originally brought Jerry’s story to Rep. Bergman, inspiring the legislation.

Rep. Bergman said, “Veterans should not be penalized for choosing to spend their final days at home, surrounded by loved ones. Forcing families to forfeit earned burial benefits is unacceptable, and what happened to Jerry must never happen again.”

"For surviving families, VA’s burial allowance eases the burden of funeral and burial costs, allowing them to properly honor their loved one who gave so much in service to our country. It’s wrong for a veteran to be denied this earned benefit just because they choose to pass away in the comfort of their own home. Congress temporarily closed this loophole last year, now it's time to fix this injustice permanently,” said Rep. Budzinski

Gerald’s Law has received the support of a number of key stakeholders:

“We are deeply grateful for the reintroduction of Gerald’s Law by Representatives Bergman and Budzinski. This critical legislation ensures that veterans and their families can continue to choose comfort over cost when selecting an end-of-life care setting, without having to risk the loss of crucial burial benefits,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home. “While Congress previously addressed this issue on a temporary basis, veterans and their families deserve certainty and permanence. We thank both Representatives for their bipartisan leadership and look forward to supporting efforts to make this protection permanent and ensure continued access to care at home for our nation’s veterans.”

"No veteran should ever be forced to choose between the comfort of their own home and the burial benefits they earned through honorable service. The Gerald’s Law Act closes a technical loophole that currently penalizes families when a veteran transitions from a VA facility to VA approved and funded home hospice care. DAV is proud to support this bill and commends Reps. Bergman and Budzinski for their leadership in upholding the dignity of every veteran’s end-of-life journey," said DAV National Legislative Director Jon Retzer.

“Gerald's Law was introduced to ensure veterans who choose to receive VA-furnished hospice care at home with their families were not penalized and denied benefits based on that choice. The passage of S. 141, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, codified Gerald's Law, but only until October 2026. As a pilot program, Gerald’s Law demonstrated how critical it was to address the gaps in veteran end of life benefits. NACVSO has long supported this initiative and looks forward to working with Representatives Bergman and Budzinski to make Gerald's Law permanent. The pilot provision has been successful and now is the time to do the right thing for our veterans," said Andrew Tangen, President of National Association of County Veteran Service Organizations.

"AMVETS fully supports making Gerald's Law permanent, allowing veterans to receive hospice care at home without their families losing crucial burial benefits. By passing this legislation, Congress will ensure that veterans are never penalized for choosing to spend their final days surrounded by their loved ones,” said Paul Shipley, AMVETS National Commander.

“Veterans who choose to spend their last days in hospice care are being denied the burial benefits and dignity they deserve. Service to their nation should determine their benefits, not the location of their passing,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the Gerald’s Law Act, and we thank For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman for his commitment to our veterans and their right to choose the location of their treatment.”

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Representatives Bergman and Budzinski for reintroducing the Gerald’s Law Act. This vital bipartisan legislation ensures that veterans receiving VA-furnished hospice care qualify for the burial allowance, regardless of whether that care is provided at home,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “On behalf of our nation’s surviving families, who honor their loved one’s final wishes, TAPS looks forward to this important bill’s swift passage.”

"Gold Star Spouses of America (GSSA) understands firsthand the lasting impact that end-of-life decisions have on military families. Gerald’s Law ensures that Veterans are treated with equal respect at the end of life, supports family-centered care decisions, and provides clarity and fairness in VA burial benefits. It affirms that a Veteran’s final chapter, wherever it is written, does not diminish their service or sacrifice. Gold Star Spouses of America urges Congress to advance and pass Gerald’s Law without delay. This legislation is a meaningful step toward honoring Veterans, supporting surviving families, and ensuring compassion and equity in VA policy," said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America.

Gerald's Law has also been endorsed by the American Legion.

Bergman's Postal Service Priorities Pass House

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Rep. Jack Bergman helped secure the inclusion of key bipartisan priorities to protect rural mail service in the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) report, which recently passed the House of Representatives.

The language, which Rep. Bergman secured alongside fellow Congressional Postal Service Caucus co-chairs Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), and Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), seeks to address USPS plans to reduce the frequency that mail is picked up from rural post offices, consolidate processing facilities, and close local post offices.

Rep. Bergman stated, “For many families in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, reliable mail service isn’t a convenience - it’s a necessity. Seniors depend on the mail for prescriptions, workers rely on it for paychecks and important documents, and small businesses count on it to reach their customers. These bipartisan provisions push back against proposals that would make mail delivery slower and less reliable for rural communities.”

Specifically, the FSGG report includes language that:

Calls on the U.S. Postal Service to reevaluate its Regional Transportation Optimization plan to ensure rural Americans do not face additional delays caused by reduced mail pickups at post offices located more than 50 miles from processing centers.
Recommends halting the consolidation or realignment of processing and logistics facilities that serve postal districts failing to meet established on-time delivery standards for First-Class mail.
Urges the Postal Service to pause any plans to close post offices that serve more than 15,000 people or where no alternative post office exists within 15 miles.

Bergman Cosponsors Legislation to Ban Stock Trading by Members of Congress

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Rep. Jack Bergman cosponsored the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading individual stocks.

Concerns about stock trading by elected officials have grown in recent years, as multiple academic studies and media investigations have shown that Members of Congress have historically outperformed the broader stock market at rates that raise serious questions about access to nonpublic information.

Rep. Bergman noted, “The American people work hard for every dollar they earn, and they are right to be angry when politicians use insider information to trade stocks and game the system. The Stop Insider Trading Act helps restore trust by making clear that Members of Congress cannot profit from the same information they use to write the laws. This bill is about fairness, accountability, and making sure Washington plays by the same rules as the folks back home.”

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Brian Steil, passed the House Administration Committee today and now heads to the House floor for a vote.

Bergman Secures Nearly $7 Million for Critical Community Projects Across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Representative Jack Bergman announced he has secured more than $6.8 million in Community Project Funding to support critical public safety and water infrastructure projects across Michigan’s First Congressional District. These projects were included in the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, which passed the House and is expected to move quickly through the Senate and then to President Trump for signature.

The funding will deliver direct investments to local governments to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, modernize aging water systems, and improve wastewater treatment services for residents and businesses throughout the region.

“These projects are about meeting real needs in our communities,” said Bergman. “From replacing outdated patrol vehicles to upgrading essential water and wastewater infrastructure, this funding will help keep our communities safe, protect public health, and ensure our towns and cities are prepared for the future. I will always fight to deliver results that directly benefit the people of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.”

The following community projects were included in the funding:

$385,000 for Houghton County to replace aging patrol vehicles and enhance public safety capabilities.
$1,000,000 for the Village of Beulah to support wastewater treatment improvements and system reliability.
$3,000,000 for the Charter Township of Grayling to advance a municipal water service project critical to PFAS-impacted residents near the Grayling Army Airfield.
$750,000 for the City of Escanaba to fund water infrastructure improvements.
$750,000 for the City of Escanaba to upgrade water mains and service lines, reducing the risk of breaks and service disruptions.
$1,000,000 for the City of Tawas City to support its Primary Transmission Main Project and strengthen water delivery systems.

Bergman emphasized that many communities in Michigan’s First District face unique challenges due to aging infrastructure, rural geography, and limited local tax bases.

“These investments help relieve pressure on local taxpayers while ensuring our communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive,” Bergman added. “I will continue working with local leaders to advocate for responsible federal support that delivers measurable value back home.”

Approval of these six projects comes just weeks after Representative Bergman secured more than $5.8 million for six community projects to upgrade and support essential community facilities in Alpena, Alcona, Iron, Kalkaska, and Dickinson Counties through the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act.

Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to directly advocate for high-priority projects identified by local governments, ensuring federal dollars are targeted to the most pressing needs at the community level.

Bergman, Elfreth Introduce BEACON Act to Expand Innovative Care for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman and Sarah Elfreth introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen care for Veterans living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The BEACON Act modernizes the Department of Veterans Affairs’ approach to TBI treatment by expanding access to innovative, evidence-based, non-pharmacological therapies that support long-term recovery and quality of life.

Since 2000, hundreds of thousands of Veterans have sustained a traumatic brain injury, often accompanied by complex mental health challenges. Traditional treatment models have relied heavily on medication-centered approaches, which have not always fully addressed the long-term and individualized needs of these Veterans, leaving gaps in recovery, wellness, and post-service outcomes.

“The men and women who served our country deserve access to the best care available, especially when it comes to invisible injuries like traumatic brain injury,” said Rep. Bergman. “The BEACON Act strengthens the VA’s ability to deliver modern, effective care by bringing proven innovation, academic expertise, and community partnerships to the table, while supporting the important work the VA is already doing.”

“As the granddaughter of a veteran who suffered from PTSD, I’ve seen firsthand the complex mental health challenges that our veterans and their families face. I’ve also seen how traditional VA treatments have come up short for decades to fully address the complex challenges our veterans face – and unfortunately, my family's story is far from unique,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Bergman on the bipartisan BEACON Act to expand veterans’ access to nontraditional, evidence-based therapies, as well as integrate civilian and academic research and expertise into VA treatment. For the hundreds of military families I have the honor of representing, this expansion of care will make a real difference.”

The BEACON Act establishes two complementary grant programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs to accelerate the development, evaluation, and adoption of innovative, non-pharmacological treatments for mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. These programs are designed to close gaps in care by supporting evidence-based therapies that improve mental health recovery, reduce suicide risk, and strengthen long-term health outcomes for Veterans.

Through a TBI Innovation Grant Program, the legislation supports clinical studies, clinician training, Veteran and family outreach, and partnerships between community providers, academic institutions, and the VA. An Independent Research Grant Program further advances third-party research and the implementation of proven alternative treatments, with oversight by an independent entity modeled after the VA’s National Center for PTSD to ensure scientific rigor and accountability.

By integrating civilian and academic expertise into VA treatment strategies, the BEACON Act enhances Veterans’ access to modern, effective care while complementing and strengthening existing VA programs. The legislation prioritizes recovery, resilience, and quality of life for Veterans as they transition to post-service life.

The BEACON Act is backed by a number of key organizations:

“Veterans deserve a system that can identify what works, validate it, and scale it quickly. The BEACON Act does exactly that through VA grants supporting innovative treatment, clinician training, outreach, and partnerships. Avalon Action Alliance is honored to serve veterans through our six TBI centers nationwide, and we thank Reps. Bergman and Elfreth and the original cosponsors for recognizing this need and working together for those who have served,” said Joe Brennan, CEO of Avalon Action Alliance.

“As a congressionally chartered organization with more than 250,000 members nationwide, AMVETS believes veterans deserve every effective tool available to heal from TBI. The BEACON Act will expand access to innovative, evidence-based care and promote partnerships that meet veterans where they live. We thank Reps. Bergman, Elfreth, and the original cosponsors for advancing a bill that prioritizes better outcomes, including stronger mental health recovery and suicide prevention,” said Joseph R. Chenelly, Executive Director of AMVETS.

“The effects of a traumatic brain injury can’t always be seen from the outside, but show up around kitchen tables, in broken sleep, and strained marriages. Too often, we have asked veterans to navigate a system that treats symptoms instead of people. A system that relies on pills instead of purpose. A system that, despite good intentions, has left too many veterans feeling unseen, unheard, and alone. The American Legion refuses to accept that as the best our nation can do,” said Cole Lyle, Director of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation at The American Legion. “Over the years, VA has gotten closer to the veterans it serves. From VAMCs to CBOCs to Vet Centers, and now innovative grant programs like the BEACON Act. This bill reflects a concerted effort by lawmakers and advocates to listen to veterans' needs and act on their expertise. The bill represents progress. The American Legion is proud to support the passage of the BEACON Act and thanks Representatives Bergman and Elfreth for their leadership on this issue. Because when America commits its sons and daughters to war, it must be just as committed to making them whole when they come home.”

“Studies and reporting show time and again a connection between service-related blast overpressure injuries and increased rates of suicide among service members and veterans. This bipartisan legislation brings together government, academia, and the private sector to align and accelerate research and treatment for traumatic brain injuries to reduce the skyrocketing suicide rates among active duty service members and veterans,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the Veterans TBI Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act, and we thank For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman, and our Senate ally, Sen. Dave McCormick, for accelerating innovative, non-pharmacological treatments for traumatic brain injuries.”

In addition to Avalon Action Alliance, AMVETS, The American Legion, and With Honor, the BEACON Act has been endorsed by the Marcus Institute for Brain Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Disabled American Veterans, America’s Warrior Partnership, Boulder Crest Foundation, Mission Roll Call, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.