Tim Walberg is currently serving his seventh term in Congress as the representative of south-central Michigan. The diverse constituency of Michigan’s 7th District encompasses Branch, Eaton, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, and Monroe Counties, along with parts of Washtenaw County. Since first taking office, Tim has hosted hundreds of coffee and town hall meetings to better understand the thoughts and concerns of the district.
Prior to his time in public office, Tim served as a pastor in Michigan and Indiana, as president of the Warren Reuther Center for Education and Community Impact, and as a division manager for Moody Bible Institute. He also served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1983 to 1999, and is proud to bring his reputation as a principled legislator, fiscal reformer, and defender of traditional values to Washington.
Agriculture is a key component of Michigan's economy. After all, agriculture is the second largest industry in Michigan and the state is also the second most agriculturally diverse in the country. During the challenging economic times that have plagued the Michigan economy, the steady growth of our agricultural sector has kept our economy afloat. To maintain this edge, I believe we must:
The safety of our food supply can benefit from standard rules and practices, and our farmers are committed to producing safe and affordable food for consumers. However, our farmers need to have fair and commonsense rules to live by, and I oppose excessive regulations that hinder the agricultural community.
I've heard concerns about the EPA's covert campaign to promote the WOTUS rule which overstep federal anti-lobbying rules by using propaganda and grassroots lobbying. To prevent future abuses, I've championed legislation to ensure federal agencies do not engage in illegal lobbying. My bipartisan bill, the Regulatory Integrity Act, increases transparency in the rulemaking process to prevent future misconduct.
In April 2020 the Trump Administration further streamlined the WOTUS rule to provide clearer guidance and reduce regulatory confusion. These changes took effect in June 2020.
Not only does south-central Michigan produce a wide array of agricultural products, it produces some of the best. It is important that we adopt policies that allow our farmers and producers to look outside our region and beyond to sell food and agricultural products. By advancing trade policies that are free, fair, and enforced, we can open new markets for Michigan-made products.
Implementation of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement will help achieve this goal by expanding market access for dairy farmers, improving transparency for agriculture product standards, and modernizing guidelines for biotechnology, sanitary, and phytosanitary measures to reflect state of the art techniques utilized across the agriculture industry.
Farmers and agricultural producers carefully plan over the long-term to provide our nation and the world with an abundant, healthy food supply. For too long, Congress promoted uncertainty in the countryside through short-term extensions of our agricultural policy. In December 2018, the House passed the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act, which reauthorizes the Farm Bill for five years, makes important updates to our federal farm and nutrition assistance programs, and provides the certainty that our farmers need to flourish and feed the world. H.R.2 was signed into law on by President Trump on December 20, 2018.
As agriculture helps to drive Michigan's economy, we must also encourage responsible stewardship and conservation best practices to help ensure the long-term health of Lake Erie and the entire the Great Lakes ecosystem. I've introduced H.R.2141, Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act, which builds upon Michigan's successful MAEAP program and encourages states throughout the Great Lakes Basin to develop voluntary agricultural assurance programs to promote conservation and minimize agricultural pollution risks.
02/15/22 – Cosigned Letter: Urging President Biden to Hold China Accountable
04/08/19 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 2141, Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act
04/29/19 – Cosponsored: H.R. 218, Death Tax Repeal Act
03/14/18 – Cosponsored: H.R.5275, Agricultural Certainty for Reporting Emissions Act
07/27/17 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 3518, Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act
04/04/17 – Cosponsored: H.R.1626, Student Agriculture Protection Act
01/10/17 – Cosponsored: H.R. 424, Gray Wolf State Management Act
02/04/16 – Cosponsored:H.Res.591, Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Farm Credit System
Despite our divided government, I have found that through honest debate and discussion we can often find common ground.
While my first priority is to serve the best interests of Michigan’s 7th district and uphold the Constitution, I also look for opportunities to move good ideas forward by working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
In the 115th Congress, I was ranked by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a non-partisan collaboration between Vanderbilt University and University of Virginia, as the most effective member of Michigan's congressional delegation. In the following session of Congress, the Center for Effective Lawmaking recognized me as the top Republican legislator on technology issues. Read below to learn more about my record of bipartisanship.
Great Lakes Stewardship: Introduced H.R. 2141, the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act, with Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) to promote conservation efforts throughout the Great Lakes region.
Fighting Human Trafficking: Introduced H.R. 3957, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, with Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP) to ensure Department of Labor employees have the tools and resources they need to detect cases of labor or sexual exploitation while investigation workforce law violations.
Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform: Introduced H.R. 2857, the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act, with Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), a bipartisan effort to curb abuses in the Civil Asset Forfeiture system, raise the level of proof, and increase transparency.
Caring for our Veterans: Introduced H.R. 501, the VA Transparency Enhancement Act, with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to enhance transparency requirements at VA hospitals to ensure our veterans have access to timely, high quality care.
Increasing Transparency: Introduced H.R. 1004, the Regulatory Integrity Act, to require federal agencies to post, in a central location, all communications they issue during the proposed rule stage so that the public can fully participate and trust that the rulemaking process is neutral and unbiased. The bipartisan legislation passed the House on March 2, 2017.
Securing our Energy Infrastructure: Introduced H.R. 3119, Energy Emergency Leadership Act, with Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) to elevate the energy security and emergency functions to a senior point person in the Department of Energy’s leadership, which will enhance DOE’s ability to appropriately and quickly address energy-related emergencies. This bipartisan legislation passed the House in July, 2021.
Protecting Seniors from Scams: Introduced H.R. 1215, the Fraud and Scam Reduction Act, with Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) to enhance our ability to prevent seniors from falling victim to fraud or scams. The bipartisan legislation passed the House on April 15, 2021.
Building a Skilled Workforce: Introduced H.R. 1032, the Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act, with Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) to help close the workforce shortage in the telecommunications industry.
Protecting Children's Online Privacy: Introduced H.R. 1781, the Preventing Real Online Threats Endangering Children Today (PROTECT) Kids Act, along with Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) to better protect children in today’s ever-evolving digital ecosystem.
Preventing Lead Poisoning: Introduced H.R. 5552, Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, with Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) to strengthen federal initiatives aimed at childhood lead screening, reporting, and prevention. The bill also codifies into law the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and tasks the committee with making recommendations and reporting to Congress and the public on lead poisoning prevention best practices.
Providing for the common defense was a key component to the creation of our federal government. I am committed to keeping America safe and will continue to focus my efforts on:
Our troops are committed to defending and sacrificing for the American people. When they go into battle, they deserve the best training, equipment, and resources to accomplish their mission to uphold the foundational principles of America. In July 2018, I voted in support of legislation which gave our troops the largest pay increase in 9 years and provides the funds needed in order to rebuild our military.
While ensuring our troops have the necessary tools, we must also make smart choices that reduce wasteful and unnecessary spending. During the House’s consideration of H.R.5293, the Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, I successfully offered a bipartisan amendment to cut off taxpayer dollars from going toward wasteful infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, which the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has found to be wrought with waste, susceptible to fraud, and unsustainable over the long term.
As American military forces continue their missions in Afghanistan and around the world, we must remain vigilant in our cause to defend freedom abroad when necessary. The advances made by ISIL not only destabilize the Middle East, but threaten our national security. The United States must have a robust and comprehensive strategy to continue degrading and ultimately defeat ISIL and keep them from committing more heinous acts of terrorism. Additionally, I was a cosponsor of legislation that would place sanctions on countries that directly fund Hezbollah, most notably Iran, and supported legislation that would encourage all European Union countries to designate Hezbollah as an international terrorist organization.
Congress must stand firm against provocations that threaten the security of our citizens and our allies around the world. In April 2018, I voted in support of H.R. 4744, the Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, which would allow the United States to impose property-blocking and visa-denial sanctions on Iranian officials or their family members responsible for illegal detentions of U.S. citizens or Iranian expatriates. In addition, I have voted to support the rights of the people of Ukraine to hold free elections and condemn Russia for its interference in Ukraine.
In light of the terrorist attacks that have taken place across the country, it is clear that protecting our nation from threats is a multi-front mission. Thwarting future terrorist attacks requires that we secure our borders, share intelligence effectively and efficiently, protect our critical infrastructure and key resources, enforce our immigration laws, and safeguard our cyberspace.
02/11/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R. 553 – Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act
10/25/2017 – Cosponsored: H.R.3329 - Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017
Walberg Amendment Prevent Wasteful Afghanistan Infrastructure Spending
Walberg Questions White House Narrative on the Iran Nuclear Deal
Oversight Hearing on Infrastructure Spending in Afghanistan
Today our country spends $739 billion each year educating students in public elementary and secondary schools. That equates to about $13,000 for each student. With such a huge educational investment, governments at the federal, state and local levels have a duty to ensure our children are receiving an excellent education that meets their needs and prepares them for success in either the workforce or higher education.
As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I understand the quality of our children’s education directly effects how we as a state and country will prosper at home and compete globally. Michigan cannot create a smart and successful workforce without a well-educated youth, and it is important to our economic growth and ability to create jobs. Successfully educating Michigan’s future workforce depends on how much control we have in our state and community. While they may think so, bureaucrats in Washington do not know more than Michigan’s parents about the needs of our children.
As a member of Congress I have consistently supported legislative initiatives that would give the states, parents and teachers the ability to determine the educational needs of our children. In 2015, I voted in support of the Every Student Succeeds Act, to reform the nation’s K-12 education system by putting control back in the hands of parents, school leaders and local communities.
Michigan parents should have the opportunity to choose the type of education their children receive. If federal scholarships are made available to some students in failing schools, they should be allowed to attend the educational institution of their choice, free from government interference.
The cost of college has increased steadily over the past decade. On average, students in Michigan are graduating with about $30,000 in debt. We must do more to incentivize and support those who plan ahead and save for education. Additionally, we must look for ways to streamline and simplify our federal student aid system, so students and families can effectively navigate their options and find what works best for them. If you are interested in learning more about what college financing options may be available to you, please visit here.
The current higher education system is too expensive and bureaucratic, and I’ve supported meaningful, bipartisan solutions to reform federal policies so that more students can pursue the dream of a college degree. In the 115th Congress, I introduced the Faster Access to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Act, which would streamline and simplify the federal financial aid process and I was pleased that this policy was signed into law on December 19, 2019. The House Committee and Education and Labor has jurisdiction over the Higher Education Act. Any reforms to our higher education policies and programs must prioritize reducing costs and emphasize the importance of completion, while simplifying and improving student aid programs, and increasing transparency in prices and program outcomes. To learn more about the committee’s actions, please click here.
To learn more about relief for federal student loan borrowers during the Coronavirus pandemic, please click here.
When I meet with educators, manufacturers, and career centers in Michigan, I hear about the struggle to find well-trained workers to meet the ever-growing demand in the skilled trades or technical fields. In July 2018, President Trump signed into law, H.R.2353, a bill to reauthorize and improve the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act – legislation that has provided federal support to state and local career and technical education programs for over 30 years. Additionally, H.R.2353 contained language from my bill, H.R.2155, the New Hope Act, which gives states additional flexibility to identify, consolidate, or eliminate licensing requirements that pose an unnecessary barrier to entry for aspiring workers and provide limited consumer protection. Additionally, I am proud to sponsor H.R.1032, Telecommunication Skilled Workforce Act, to help close the workforce shortage in the telecommunications industry so the United States is equipped to deploy 5G technology and broadband infrastructure to underserved communities. H.R.1032 was signed into law in November 2021.
06/01/2020 – A Message to the Class of 2020
05/12/2020 – WTVG: Walberg Announces Relief Funding for College Students​
06/19/2019 – Walberg Discusses High-Quality Pathways to a College Degree
03/13/2019 – Walberg Asks About Barriers in College Affordability
07/25/2018 – Walberg Champions Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Career and Technical Education
03/09/2021 – Cosponsored: H.R.682, Reopen Schools Act
03/16/2020 – Cosponsored: H.R. 6203, COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act
03/05/2020 – Cosponsored: H.R. 6099, Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations Act
06/12/2019 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 3243, Equal Campus Access Act
05/09/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.2218, Stop for School Buses Act
05/07/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R. 2480, Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
05/02/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.1043, Employer Participation in Repayment Act
03/07/2019 – Cosponsored: H.Res.191 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives relating to protecting freedom of speech, thought, and expression at institutions of higher education
02/28/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.1434, Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act
Unleashing American energy resources will provide relief to the pocketbooks of Michigan families while encouraging domestic job creation and securing long-term energy security and reliability. Unfortunately, federal regulations can often inhibit the use of domestic energy and the construction of new infrastructure that is necessary for Michiganders to enjoy affordable energy.
Congress needs to get serious about developing an "all-of-the-above" America first energy strategy that will put our country back on the path to energy independence, leading to cheaper utility bills and job creation. In order to achieve energy independence, I believe a few commonsense steps can be taken:
With major advances in energy technology and innovation as well as the discovery of vast domestic shale and natural gas reserves, the U.S. became energy independent just a few years ago for the first time since 1957. Unfortunately, many of the policies of President Biden's Administration such as canceling the Keystone XL pipeline, suspending new oil and gas leases on federal land and water, and green lighting the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline threaten America's energy security, reliability, and affordability.
Instead, we need to continue utilizing our nation's abundance of energy resources, while at the same time, unleash innovation in clean energy technologies, which will keep prices affordable for Michigan families, enhance our national security, and boost domestic manufacturing.
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am working to promote the robust development of American energy, which will spur new jobs and economic growth while firmly putting us back on a path to North American energy independence.
In order to unleash America's full energy potential, we must promote an "all of the above" energy strategy, including solutions to unleash innovation in hydropower, nuclear, clean coal, and natural gas which will reduce emissions, prioritize energy security, and keep costs low. In order to do so, my colleagues and I on the Energy and Commerce Committee have introduced dozens of real, workable solutions to promote a clean, domestic energy supply by removing barriers, streamlining permitting, and investing in nuclear, natural gas and LNG, hydropower, and construction and manufacturing technologies.
To make sure these energy resources make it into Michigan homes, we must build and maintain the necessary infrastructure to transport domestic energy.
American businesses and industry have invested billions in our nation's electric infrastructure. The federal government can maximize this investment by reducing and removing unnecessary burdensome red tape. Reducing onerous regulations is a budget friendly way to spur and maximize investment in critical infrastructure such as our electric grid.
As we are updating and modernizing our grid, we need to make sure that it is also as secure and resilient as possible. Our nation's electric infrastructure faces myriad threats every day both physical and cyber. Whether it's power outages in Texas and California due to weather events, or foreign adversaries hacking into our pipelines or grid – it is critical that we better equip our federal agencies to prevent and respond to attacks in a way that fully protects the public.
On July 19, 2021, the House passed my bill, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act (H.R. 3119). Introduced with my colleague, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), our bipartisan bill recognizes the important mission of bolstering our nation's cybersecurity at the Department of Energy to more effectively respond to growing threats to energy security. Our bill elevates the Department of Energy's (DOE) energy security and emergency functions to a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary level in agency leadership that is reflective of its importance across the agency, the government, and to the nation.
I was also pleased President Trump signed into law my bill, H.R. 1109, which I introduced with my colleague, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). Our bipartisan bill will reduce unnecessary paperwork burdens and bring down energy prices for American families. The legislation unties the hands of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) hands and allows the commission to do what it does best, regulate electricity markets to ensure American rate payers are getting the most affordable and reliable electricity possible.
These bipartisan bills will strengthen coordination across DOE and FERC, ensuring effective interagency collaboration, and increasing accountability to Congress. It is critical that we do everything we can to protect our nation's electric infrastructure and I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to do just that.
Pipelines remain the safest and most environmentally sound way to transport energy. As we saw with the 2021 Colonial Pipeline cyber-attack, pipelines are crucial for the reliable, efficient, and affordable delivery of fuels across our nation. President Biden's cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline undermined American energy security and resulted in the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs. As a member of the Energy Subcommittee, I am fighting to keep critical pipelines such as Enbridge's Line 5 operational so that Michigan businesses and families can continue to enjoy a reliable and affordable supply of energy resources.
Oil and natural gas pipelines serve as essential parts of our state and nation's infrastructure and economies, accounting for tens of thousands of family-supporting jobs and billions in economic output. We must do everything we can to ensure the safe supply and affordability of resources necessary to meet American families' and businesses most basic needs.
We need to promote a healthier environment risks and spur the development and deployment of clean energy infrastructure without the ‘pie-in-the-sky' mandates, regulations, and massive federal government spending.
In order to do so, in May 2021, I helped introduce the bipartisan Coordinated Action to Capture Harmful (CATCH) Emissions Act (H.R. 3538), which will boost carbon capture tax credits for industrial facilities and power plants, resulting in less greenhouse gases and spurring additional innovation in clean energy technologies. Studies have shown that we cannot reduce global emissions in a meaningful way without Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Along with my colleagues, our bipartisan efforts to expand carbon capture tax credits will incentivize private investment in these critical technologies so the U.S. can be a leader in exporting them to high-polluting countries.
I also serve as a Member of the House Conservative Climate Caucus, where we help educate Members and the public on climate policies consistent with conservative values. As a Member of the Caucus, we promote private sector innovation, American resources, and R&D investment as the best solutions to meet our climate goals, ensure affordable energy, and place the United States as the global leader in clean energy technologies.
Only about 20-percent of our nation's electricity is produced by nuclear power; meanwhile nations like France receive 75 percent of all its power from nuclear. In Michigan, 30 percent of our state's total nuclear generation capacity comes from the Fermi 2 plant located in Michigan's 7th District. Meanwhile, there are now 93 operating nuclear reactors, down from 104 a decade ago, with several more slated to close in the coming years.
To reduce emissions, strengthen our global competitiveness and security, there is urgent need to deploy innovative new technologies. We need to grow our ability to produce emissions-free nuclear energy technologies such as advanced reactors so that we can meet Michigan's future energy needs and help America win the future.
There is a spending problem in Washington and it is long past time the federal government stepped up with solutions to our fiscal crisis. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to rein in this excess and get our nation’s fiscal house in order.
Current Crisis
Currently, the United States national debt is more than $27 trillion dollars. Unless Congress acts, CBO projects, growing budget deficits will increase the debt sharply over the next 30 years. The projected budget deficits are projected to boost federal debt to 104 percent of GDP in 2021, to 107 percent of GDP (the highest amount in the nation’s history) in 2023, and to 195 percent of GDP by 2050. I have long been in favor of a Balanced Budget Amendment, which would ensure long-term fiscal responsibility by requiring the federal government to spend no more than it takes in.
Budget Process
Federal law requires Congress to produce a budget each fiscal year to set spending limits. Under normal process 1) the President submits a budget proposal to Congress, 2) both chambers produce their own budget resolution, and 3) Congress passes appropriations bills that set the spending levels. Unfortunately, implementing the budget process is always much more complicated. I would encourage you to review this report by the Congressional Research Service for a more detailed analysis.
The House Budget
The federal government must solve its debt crisis by bringing spending in line with taxes – not taxes in line with spending. This duty is fulfilled through adoption of a budget resolution. During my time in Congress I have supported budget resolutions that would achieve trillions in deficit reduction over a ten-year window. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi neglected to produce a budget resolution for consideration for the past two years. Congress needs to put forward a plan to correct our unsustainable fiscal path. Failure to do so will result in a fiscal crisis which will adversely affect every American family. To learn more, please visit the House Budget Committee website.
Our nation is faced with a variety of challenges abroad; below are my views on a number of issues that I continue to monitor in Congress.
As a former pastor, I am deeply concerned about the persecution of religious minorities throughout the world. Throughout my time in Congress I have supported measures to enhance religious freedoms, including the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, which was signed into law and strengthens our efforts to address growing religious persecution and violent extremism around the world. In the 115th Congress, I voted in favor of H.Res.407, where the House of Representatives passed the resolution condemning the persecution of Christians around the world, and reaffirmed that religious freedom is a fundamental right of every individual, and should never be abridged by any government.
More recently, I cosponsored H.Res.500, a resolution Condemning the Chinese Communist Party for 100 years of gross violations of human rights and standing with the Chinese people in their struggle for liberty. I have also supported measures to combat religious persecution and human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region. In 2020, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law S.3744, which would impose sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for these human rights abuses. In 2020, I also voted in support of H.R.6210 and S.178 which would take action to combat efforts by the Chinese government to harass, intimidate or surveil the Uyghur ethnic group.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine warrants decisive consequences. The United States and our allies must present a posture of strength against Russia's unprovoked aggression by imposing far-reaching and crippling sanctions and lending support to Ukraine. Before the invasion, I cosponsored H.R.6367, Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act. The comprehensive legislation would substantially and immediately increase material support for Ukrainian Armed Forces, strengthen sanctions of Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and establish diplomatic and military deterrents to counter Russia's aggression. As Russian aggression continued to escalate, I cosponsored H.R.6742, NYET Act, to impose more severe sanctions on Russia and provide greater assistance to our allies in Europe. While Russia recently escalated tensions to a new level, I have long monitored the situation and in 2019, I cosponsored the U.S.-Ukraine Security Cooperation Enhancement Act to provide security assistance to Ukraine to include the provision of anti-tank, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft weapons systems. Additionally, Michigan has witnessed unacceptable Russian aggression with the wrongful detainment of fellow Michigander, Paul Whelan.
The strategy of the United States and our allies must include comprehensive solutions and correct root causes of Putin's aggression, not simply reactionary measures. The trajectory of our energy supply has become increasingly concerning as the Biden Administration took bureaucratic action to limit domestic energy production and in turn, we became more reliant on Russian energy. In September 2021, I took to the House floor to warn of the consequences of ceding energy reliance to adversaries and allowing Russia to become our second largest oil importer. It is a geopolitical imperative that we do not rely on adversaries for energy production, so I cosponsored H.R.6858, American Energy Independence from Russia Act. The commonsense legislation would require President Biden to make an energy security plan within 30-days and take action to unleash America's oil and natural gas production to offset Russian imports.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with China more than 40 years ago, the United States has sought a constructive relationship with China. However, over the years, China has chosen a path of economic aggression and has sought to assert its power and influence around the world. In September 2020, the House Republican China Task Force released their report outlining the actions by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to advance their global dominance. The report extensively details the strategy China is deploying to undermine the U.S. and our allies at every turn. Included in this report are recommendations to stop supply chain threats, lead in emerging technologies, bolster our national security, maintain our energy independence and grow our economy. To view the complete report, please visit: https://gop-foreignaffairs.house.gov/blog/china-task-force-report/.
I have offered amendments to curb the CCP’s use of forced labor as well as cosponsored legislation condemning the CCP’s human rights violations.
Additionally, I will continue to both fully investigate the origins of COVID-19 and the mishandling of the initial outbreak by the CCP. I have worked with my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to pursue transparency and will continue to hold the CCP accountable for their efforts to conceal information.
For years, I have advocated for commonsense measures in Afghanistan to save American lives, and also save taxpayer dollars. Bolstering our national security and providing resources to increase the safety of our troops is of the utmost importance, and President Biden’s bungled withdrawal undermined both of these cornerstones of American foreign policy. In response to the mishandled exit of Afghanistan, I offered an amendment signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 to boost our national security by evaluating the military capabilities of the Taliban post-withdrawal and its ability to assist other adversaries with those resources. I also cosponsored H.Res.607, condemning President Biden's failure to heed the advice of military and intelligence advisors about the speed and nature of the Taliban offensive, leading to a disorganized, chaotic, and abrupt evacuation of United States personnel and Afghan allies. In light of this decision, Americans are in more danger at home and abroad and we must increase vigilance now we are under greater threat.
Since Israel’s founding in 1948, the United States has demonstrated its commitment to Israel’s security and has maintained close defense and diplomatic cooperation with this ally in the Middle East. In 2016 the House supported and then President Obama signed into law a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military assistance to Israel which will provide security assistance to Israel over the next ten years. In 2019, I cosponsored H.R. 1837, the U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act, which will help both nations respond effectively to security challenges and deepen our economic cooperation.
After the historic 2020 Abraham Accords agreement, I cosponsored H.Res. 1110, which expresses Congressional support for diplomatic agreements recently signed by Israel with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Bahrain. These agreements build upon decades of leadership by the United States to encourage peace between Israel and its neighbors.
In May 2018, President Trump announced that the United States would terminate its participation in the Iran nuclear deal. I had deep concerns about the nuclear deal with Iran and the dangerous repercussions it had for the United States, Israel, and our allies. To hold Iran accountable, I cosponsored H.R.2718, Maximum Pressure Act. The legislation codifies the Trump Administration's sanctions against Iran and its nuclear program into law. The legislation would also prohibit the President from lifting these sanctions until he can certify to Congress that Iran has met specific requirements outlined in the legislation to promote international safety.
Recently, I have cosponsored H.Res.118, which condemns Iranian state-sponsored human rights abuses and expresses Congressional support for Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran. Additionally, I have cosponsored the bipartisan H.Res.214, demanding Iran must cease its enriching uranium and abandon its nuclear weapon program.
Congress must stand firm against provocations that threaten the security of our citizens and our allies around the world. The rhetoric and the aggressive actions by North Korea are unacceptable and the United States must take every action to work with our foreign partners and put tremendous economic pressure on the Kim regime to deter them from their nuclear weapons ambitions and undermining global security. In July 2017, the House overwhelming passed H.R.3364, Countering Adversarial Nations Through Sanctions Act, which expands sanctions against: Iran for its ballistic missile activity and human rights abuses; Russia for its destabilizing actions in Ukraine, its hostile cyber and influence activities; as well as North Korea for its recent aggressive weapons activity. The bill was signed into law in August 2017.
The barbaric acts by the Syrian government and the humanitarian crisis it has caused cannot be ignored. The United States should do everything it can to urge other countries not to engage with the Assad regime, economically or diplomatically. In January 2019, the House passed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which imposed sanction on people and entities that knowingly provide support to the Government of Syria. President Trump signed the bill into law and began imposing sanctions in July 2020.
I remain concerned about the efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations (UN) system. In the past I have cosponsored legislation that would give the U.S. greater say over how our tax dollars are spent at the United Nations. Additionally, any U.S. foreign policy initiative should protect our freedoms at home and abroad.
U.S. foreign assistance is not a right, and as a federal legislator I seriously consider all foreign aid requests to ensure taxpayer resources are being used effectively and in a manner that strengthens our nation’s interest abroad.The level of waste is staggering and unacceptable. I will continue to support efforts to improve oversight and shine light on how American tax dollars are being misspent.
03/01/2022 – Cosponsor: H.R.2718 - Maximum Pressure Act
02/28/2022 – Cosponsor: H.R.6858 - American Energy Independence from Russia Act
02/28/2022 – Cosponsor: H.R.6742 - Never Yielding Europe's Territory (NYET) Act
01/19/2022 – Cosponsor: H.R.6367 - Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act
12/23/2021 – Cosponsor: H.Res.744 - Condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
11/17/2021 – Cosponsor: H.R.6004 - Upholding the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Law Act
08/24/2021 – Cosponsor: H.Res.607 - Condemns President Biden's failure to heed the advice of military and intelligence advisors about the speed and nature of the Taliban offensive, leading to a disorganized, chaotic, and abrupt evacuation of United States personnel and Afghan allies.
07/21/2021 – Cosponsor: H.R.2748 - Israel Relations Normalization Act
07/20/2021 – Cosponsor: H.Res.214 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Iran must cease enriching uranium to 20 percent purity and abandon its pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
07/01/2021 – Cosponsor: H.Res.500 - Condemning the Chinese Communist Party for 100 years of gross violations of human rights and standing with the Chinese people in their struggle for liberty.
06/30/2021 – Cosponsor: H.R.4273 - Deferred Removal for Iraqi Nationals Including Minorities Act
04/20/2021 – Cosponsor: H.Res.336 - Calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to provide evidence or to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.
04/12/2021 – Cosponsor: H.Res.118 - Expressing support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran and condemning violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian Government.
03/07/2022 – Walberg Calls to Open Up Domestic Energy Production
09/28/2021 – Walberg Warns of Reliance on Russian Oil
07/28/2021 – Walberg Urges Biden Admin to Speed Up Passport Backlog
04/23/2021 – Walberg Calls on Russia to Release Michigander Paul Whelan
01/09/2020 – Walberg: The World if a Safer Place with Soleimani Gone
The price of health care in the United States has risen steadily for several decades. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the U.S. spent $3.8 trillion on health care in 2019. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have been actively working to address this important issue and have participated in hearings looking at health care costs.
Prescription Drugs
Americans pay too much for health care, including prescription drugs. I am committed to lowering out-of-pocket costs and strengthening transparency and accountability in drug pricing. It is time for Congress to put partisan politics aside and work on bipartisan solutions that incentivize more competition and ensure patients get the earliest possible access to affordable prescription drugs. I have supported legislation that would do just that, including:
Increasing Choice
As we look to increase choices for health care, I have introduced H.R. 4547, Association Health Plans Act, to empower small businesses to provide their employees greater access to quality, affordable health care. By allowing small businesses to band together through association health plans, we can lower health care costs for working families.
Ending Surprise Billing
Surprise billing occurs when a patient visits an out-of-network care facility, or even when they are at an in-network facility but are seen by a doctor who is not in their network. While a hospital may be in-network, if the specific doctor or specialist is not, the patient may be left to pay the price of the treatment. I have worked with my colleagues on the Education and Labor and Energy and Commerce Committee to advance legislation that eliminates surprise billing and holds patients harmless in situations where, through no fault of their own, they receive a surprise medical bill. President Trump later signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 into law, which incorporated many of the policies from our legislation.
Protecting the Vulnerable and Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions
I am a cosponsor of H.R.892, Pre-existing Conditions Protection Act, which requires health insurers to cover preexisting conditions and to accept every individual applying for coverage, regardless of the court’s decision on Obamacare. H.R.892 would prohibit insurers from discriminating against individuals based on health status factors.
I will continue to support policies and work with my colleagues to implement real health care reform and enact a truly patient-centered system with more choices and lower costs.
Additionally, I was proud to champion the Medicaid Patient Abuse Prevention Act, which removed federal barriers so state attorneys general could investigate and prosecute cases of abuse or neglect or matter where the abuse occurred. My bill was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
Combating the opioid crisis is a leading priority for me and my colleagues in Congress and requires an all-hands-on-deck response. In June 2018, the House passed H.R.6, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which encompasses the House’s collective effort to address opioid abuse. H.R 6 was then signed into law in October 2018. Supported by over 161 patient advocacy groups, H.R.6 is the largest legislative response to date to fight the opioid epidemic. Click here to learn more about my actions to combat this public health crisis.
I supported and in 2018 President Trump signed into law a six-year reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – the longest in the program’s history, which assists in the health care needs of 7,000 low-income children in Michigan’s 7th district.
In 2020, I cosponsored the Helping MOMS Act, which improves maternal health outcomes by enabling states to let women receive postpartum coverage on Medicaid and CHIP for up to one year – up from the current 60 days limit. Additionally, in June 2021 I voted in support of H.R.482, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, which will help eliminate preventable newborn deaths and severe disabilities through the increased use of comprehensive and standardized newborn screening tests.
The Trustees for Medicare predict that the program will go bankrupt by 2024, resulting in immediate cuts to Medicare for seniors. Additionally, Obamacare raided more than $800 billion from Medicare.
We must keep our promise to the 50 million Americans who rely on Medicare and work to save and strengthen Medicare for current seniors and future recipients. In February 2021, I introduced legislation, H.R. 1269, which would protect future surpluses by creating a lockbox that prevents these funds from being spent on other federal programs.
Groundbreaking research and innovation are happening all around us, particularly in health care. Unfortunately, existing government rules cannot keep pace with these scientific developments.
That is why I supported the 21st Century Cures Act in November 2016. This landmark legislation increases investment in medical research, streamlines outdated bureaucracy, and expedites the development of new cures and treatments. I also supported the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, which ensures the FDA has the tools they need to oversee safe and effective drugs. Both these bills were signed into law.
This past year, Covid-19 and its ensuing restrictions have negatively impacted Americans’ mental health. From April 2020 to February 2021, 38-percent of U.S. adults experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
To increase access to mental health care, I cosponsored the TREAT Act, which would allow telehealth providers to provide care across state lines. This act would vastly increase options for patients to receive the mental health care they need. It would also accelerate the modernization of our health care system by allowing patients and providers to use digital tools to conveniently address health issues.
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Medicare.gov
- Medicaid
- Healthcare.gov
117th Congress
02/23/2021 – Sponsored: H.R. 1269, Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act
07/20/2021 – Sponsored: H.R. 4547, Association Health Plans Act of 2021
02/05/2021 – Cosponsored: H.R. 892, Pre-existing Conditions Protection Act of 2021
04/13/2021 – Cosponsored: H.R. 708, Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment Act (TREAT Act)
05/04/2021 – Cosponsored: H.R. 19, Lower Costs, More Cures Act
07/22/2021 – Cosponsored: H.Res. 404, Expressing support for the designation of the 17th day in May as "DIPG Awareness Day"
116th Congress
01/03/2019 – Sponsored: H.R.233, Medicaid Patient Abuse Prevention Act (Signed into law)
02/12/2020 – Cosponsored: H.R.3654, Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act
02/28/2020 – Cosponsored: H.R.3107, Improving seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act
03/02/2020 – Cosponsored: H.R.5481, Rural Hospital Closure Relief
09/01/2020 – Cosponsored: H.R. 1379, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
01/24/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.647, Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act
02/05/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.692, Pre-existing Conditions Protections Act
02/07/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.748, Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act (Signed into law)
04/09/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.1730, Cancer Drug Parity Act
04/10/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.2207, Protect Medical Innovation Act
05/02/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.1948, Lymphedema Treatment Act
05/09/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.1570, Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act (Signed into law)
05/14/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.2700, Lowering Prescription Drug Costs and Extending Community Health Centers and Other Health Priorities Act
06/13/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.3253, Sustaining Excellence in Medicaid Act
08/30/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.2620, Faster Treatments and Cures for Eye Diseases Act
09/19/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.4399, Support and Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act
10/08/2019 – Cosponsored: H.R.2235, HELLPP Act
115th Congress
02/15/2018 - Sponsored: H.R.5041, Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act (Signed into law)
03/15/2017 - Sponsored: H.R.5009, Jessie’s Law (Signed into law)
05/07/2018 - Cosponsored Legislation: H.R.5695, Emmett’s Law (Signed into law)
07/27/2017 - Cosponsored Legislation: H.J.Res. 5, to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB)
07/24/2017 - Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 1825, Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2017
07/13/2017 - Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 1222, Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2017 (Signed into law)
03/22/2017 - Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 849 Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act
03/20/2017 - Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 820 Childhood Cancer STAR Act
02/16/2017 - Cosponsored Legislation: H.R.807 Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act
The United States is a nation of immigrants and was founded on ideals that honor this tradition. The feedback I hear from my neighbors in Michigan and other Americans is nearly unanimous: our immigration system is broken and our southern border is overrun. I have been to the border and witnessed firsthand what is undoubtedly a national security and humanitarian crisis of President Biden’s making. I believe we must secure our borders, enforce our laws, and cut unnecessary red tape for legal immigration.
The crisis on our southern border is a national emergency that Congress needs to address. Failing to secure our borders and ports of entry poses a security risk to our citizens and ignores the rule of law.
In the 117th Congress, I have cosponsored numerous bills that would secure our southern border and give border patrol the tools they need to do their job. Bills such as the Border Security for America Act would require that the federal government secure our borders through the renewal of border wall construction contracts, investments in advanced technologies, and bolstering support for federal law enforcement officers and specialists. I have also cosponsored the Finish the Wall Act, H.R. 2729, which would require the Department of Homeland Security to resume construction activities on the southern border wall.
Michigan has a long and rich tradition as a welcoming state, and we can provide humanitarian assistance while at the same time prioritizing the safety of our citizens. We need absolute certainty that rigorous vetting procedures are in place and enhanced safety measures are taken to protect the people of Michigan and all Americans.
With over 15 million illegal aliens currently living in the United States, it is apparent that we need to do more to uphold our laws. Our current system encourages people to break the law and punishes those who abide by it, ultimately harming both prospective legal immigrants and hardworking Americans. We must empower state and local law enforcement, and equip Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration law, and demand that the Department of Justice uphold the laws in place.
In June 2017, I voted in favor of H.R. 3004, Kate’s Law, a bill that prioritizes public safety by enhancing penalties for deported felons who illegally reenter the United States. The bipartisan bill is named after Kate Steinle, who was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant with a felony record who had been deported five times. The House also passed the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act with my support. Sanctuary cities needlessly endanger the lives of American citizens by refusing to honor the federal government’s authority to enforce immigration laws and this common sense law deems state or local governments that refuse to cooperate with immigration officials or enforce immigration laws as ineligible for certain types of federal funding.
I have cosponsored the Illegal Immigrant Payoff Prohibition Act which would block the Biden Administration’s plan to make settlement payments of up to $450,000 per person to individuals who entered our country illegally. I have also cosponsored H.R. 6587, which would prohibit the use of arrest warrants and other documents issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as proof of identification at airport security checkpoints.
Immigrants who want to join our citizenry should be encouraged and assisted in doing so the same way millions of immigrants have legally done so for generations. We need to create a work permit program that eliminates bureaucratic red-tape and meets the evolving needs of economy, especially our agricultural, educational, and technological sectors. Right now, almost half of the undocumented population are visa overstays, which highlights the difficulty in renewing work visas. Instead of punishing lawful immigrants with a burdensome system, we should instead work towards fostering an environment where employers’ needs are being met by job-seeking, productive individuals who want to work.
Please know I will continue to support measures that honor our nation's founding tradition of legal immigration, secures our borders, and addresses the bureaucratic red-tape which prevents legal immigrants from entering our country and helping to meet our workforce needs.
Creating long-term job growth in Michigan is my top priority in Congress. - Tim
Reducing barriers to employment and increasing Michigan's and America's global competitiveness are critical steps for encouraging high-skilled, good paying jobs that give American families peace of mind.
In my conversations with constituents and employers, it is clear that too many policies coming out of Washington make it difficult for Michigan’s businesses to grow and hire new employees.
Congress can support new jobs by reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses and encouraging them to innovate, expand, and create more job opportunities in their community. Taking the following practical steps will help us create long-term economic growth:
While some in Washington have introduced new, record-setting spending proposals that would exacerbate the inflation crisis, I have firmly opposed these bills. Additionally, I have cosponsored H.R. 6485 that would block any legislation the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates would increase inflation. Washington needs to be focused on helping Americans by lowering prices at the grocery store and gas pump.
America’s economy continues to recover from the challenges posed by COVID-19. I supported the CARES Act, which established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This program played an instrumental role in helping small businesses keep their doors open. In July 2020, a report by the Small Business Administration showed the PPP program has helped keep 40,000 residents in Michigan’s seventh district connected with their jobs. To learn more about what Congress is doing to assist families, workers, and businesses during these unprecedented times, please visit: /cares-act
In the 115th Congress, I voted to overhaul our broken tax code and pass H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The sweeping tax reform legislation was the first major overhaul of the tax code in more than 30 years and delivers historic tax relief for workers, families and job creators in Michigan. This reform puts more money into the pockets of hard-working families, creates more jobs at higher wages, and gets our economy growing again. Under the new tax code, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 receives a tax cut of $2,059. Click here to watch my remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 1, and visit my tax reform page to learn more about how this law allows people to keep more of their hard-earned money while advancing economic growth and opportunity.
As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I’ve been working to ensure everyone has access to the best educational opportunities, which in turn will develop workers with the right skills and keep our nation competitive. I was a strong supporter of legislation to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act – legislation that has strengthened career training technical skills programs and increased access to meaningful careers that meet the workforce needs for over 30 years. In July 2018, the President signed into law, H.R.2353,which reauthorized the Carl D. Perkins Act an made important update that will expand opportunities for more students and workers to enter the workforce with the skills they need to compete for in-demand jobs.
Additionally, H.R.2353 contained language from my bill, H.R.2155, the New Hope Act, which gives states additional flexibility to identify, consolidate, or eliminate licensing requirements that pose an unnecessary barrier to entry for aspiring workers and provide limited consumer protection.
I continue to hear from families in Michigan who are paying more for health care while receiving less choice and reduced care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I am committed to reforming our health care system in a way that promotes consumer choice, and makes health care coverage more affordable and accessible. In doing so, we must ensure patients and families who suffer from a pre-existing condition are not left behind. For that reason, I support H.R.892, the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act. For more details on my efforts to strengthen our health care system, you may visit my health care page.
While some government regulations are important, excessive federal regulation stifles our nations’ job creators by creating an uncertain business climate. Eliminating these burdensome regulations will encourage increased investment and new hiring. The first step Congress can take in fighting harmful regulations is to identify and eliminate current and pending regulations that hinder economic growth, while requiring Congressional review of any new regulations that will significantly impact our economy.
We need trade policies that are free, fair and enforce trade laws that keep our trading partners accountable. The passage of USMCA is a victory for Michigan workers, farmers, and our economy. This modernized deal puts Michigan in a stronger economic position, boosting our state’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors and ensure America remains a world leader in the 21st century.
With a national debt exceeding $29 trillion dollars, we need to begin spending federal dollars like a responsible American family or business. I support an amendment, H.J.Res.3, to the Constitution that requires Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues, requires a 3/5 majority vote to increase the debt limit and requires the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress.
09/29/2021 – Walberg: We Can't Afford Pelosi's $5.5 Trillion Spending Spree
07/29/2021 – Walberg: Inflation is a Tax on Hardworking Families
04/14/2021 – Walberg: Shutting Down Line 5 Will Hurt Jobs, Economy
02/26/2021 – Walberg Speaks Against Pelosi's $1.9 Trillion Spending Bill
02/18/2021 – Walberg Works to Boost Broadband Access, Build Skilled Workforce
02/04/2021 – Walberg Opposes Pelosi's Partisan Budget
03/27/2020 – Walberg Supports Coronavirus Emergency Relief
02/05/2020 – Walberg Votes to Boost Great Lakes Funding
Regions in Michigan have been hot spots for Coronavirus outbreaks and the federal, state, and local governments all have vital roles to play in alleviating the health and economic risks posed by the virus. Congressman Walberg is working closely with health officials, agency leaders, constituents, as well as monitoring local, state and national developments related to COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. He has helped spearhead efforts in Congress to mitigate these health and economic impacts of the virus through comprehensive and bipartisan bills that have been signed into law by President Trump.
To learn more about Coronavirus resources and federal efforts to procure supplies for Michigan, please visit: /coronavirus
The Great Lakes are threatened by an encroaching non-native species of fish referred to as Asian carp. Reports of an Asian carp found above the electronic barrier in the Chicago Area Waterway System as well as evidence of environmental DNA in Lake Erie confirm the immediate threat faced by the Great Lakes from this invasive species. The introduction of this invasive species would have a destructive effect on the entire Great Lakes ecosystem and would inflict severe harm to this treasured natural resource.
We must pursue immediate and long-term solutions for addressing Asian carp. In August 2017 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the Brandon Road Study to provide a roadmap on how best to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. In order to protect the overall health of the Great Lakes, in April 2019 I introduced H.R.2141, the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act, to encourage states throughout the Great Lakes Basin to develop voluntary agricultural assurance programs to promote conservation and minimize agricultural pollution risks.
Additionally, in July 2019, I supported H.R.7575, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that provides for improvements to the Nation’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other integral water resources infrastructure projects. WRDA authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct projects improving water infrastructure that will promote and facilitate commerce throughout our country and our state.
I am also a strong supporter of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which helps ensure we will have healthy Great Lakes for generations to come. I am an original cosponsor of H.R.4301, the GLRI Act which reauthorizes this vital program through 2026 and increases funding for the program from $300 million to $475 million by 2026. In August 2018 I had the opportunity to show EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler firsthand, the immense work the GLRI program is doing for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District and our Great Lakes. I took Administrator Andrew Wheeler on a visit to the Western Lake Erie Basin to meet with local stakeholders and see the work being done of the ground to combat harmful algal blooms, fight invasive species, and restore Michigan lakes and wetlands so that we can all enjoy these wonderful natural resources.
To further boost funding for the GLRI, I introduced H.R.1440, Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp Act. Introduced in February 2019, the legislation would create a special postage stamp with Great Lakes artwork, where proceeds would to the GLRI fund. H.R. 1440 comes at no additional cost to taxpayers.
Furthermore, I have also worked with Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) and successfully offered and passed a bipartisan amendment to help protect the Great Lakes from grass carp, one of the four invasive species of Asian carp. The amendment, adopted in the 2019 Interior & Environment, Financial Services & General Government Appropriations Act, directs additional resources to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to bolster efforts to eliminate grass carp from Lake Erie.
During the 113th Congress, I was honored to introduce a resolution to rename a Jackson post office as the "Officer James Bonneau Memorial Post Office Building." Officer James Bonneau was killed in the line of duty in 2010 while responding to a domestic disturbance. The President signed the legislation into law on December 16, 2014. In May 2015, I joined Officer Bonneau’s parents and members of the Jackson Police Department for the official dedication and to remember Officer Bonneau’s sacrifice.
Human trafficking affects millions of people around the world, and is a serious problem at home in Michigan. One of the challenges in combating human trafficking is properly identifying and serving victims. To that end, I am a proud cosponsor and to have voted in support of the Improving Support for Missing and Exploited Children Act, which strengthens efforts to recover missing children and support youth who are the victims of violent crimes. This important bill was signed into law by President Trump on October 11, 2018.
During my time in Congress I have supported legislation, held public forums, and met with the Michigan State Police, victim rights advocates, and county prosecutors, to hear their experiences and learn what additional tools are needed to better assist them in addressing the growing problem of human trafficking. To learn more about my actions to combat this scourge on our society, please visit the human trafficking webpage.
Additionally, there has been an increasing presence of heroin and opioid abuse in Michigan which has sadly led to numerous overdoses and deaths. As a member of The Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, I’ve been working with my colleagues to foster awareness, develop best practices, and promote collaboration to address problems associated with heroin addiction. In October 2018, the President signed into law, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act a series of legislative solutions to fight the crisis our country is currently facing. I was proud to have two pieces of legislation included in that package. The first is Jessie’s Law, a bill to ensure doctors have access to the information they need so they can safely treat their patients and prevent unknowingly prescribing powerful opioid medications to those struggling with addiction. My second bill, Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act, aims to prevent the misuse of opioids by equipping hospice health care professionals the legal authority to dispose of opioids after a patient’s death - lessening the risk of these medications being diverted into our communities and misused.
While local and state partners are on the front lines for addressing this epidemic, the federal government must also do its part. In December of 2016, Congress passed H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act, which directed significant resources to fight the heroin epidemic.
This growing epidemic will take the work of citizens, treatment providers, law enforcement, and elected officials at every level and please know I will continue to push in the House to address this matter.
When it comes to protecting the health of Michiganders, we in Congress have a duty to ensure federal, state, and local governments are effectively communicating and disseminating information to the public. For that reason, in January 2019, I joined the bipartisan PFAS Task Force to address chemical contamination around the country. In May 2019, I cosponsored H.R. 2626, the PFAS Accountability Act of 2019, which helps ease cooperation between federal agencies and states with addressing PFAS contamination in our water.
05/08/2020 - WILX: Walberg Announces COVID-19 Testing Grants
05/07/2020 - WLNS: Walberg Announces Brownfields Grants in 7th District
04/11/2020 - WTVG: Walberg Announces Relief Funding for College Students
04/04/2020 - Walberg Recognizes Grand Ledge Baseball Coach Pat O'Keefe​
02/24/2020 - WILX: 3 Millionth Car Made at GM Delta Twp. Plant​
02/07/2020 - WLNS: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Passes the House​
11/26/2019 - WILX: U.S Labor Secretary Visits Jackson Plant
09/13/2019 - Walberg Calls for Release of Michigander Paul Whelan
07/02/2019 - ABC 7: Michigan Lawmakers Tour Asian Carp Barrier to Protect Great Lakes ​
07/01/2019 - WLNS: Walberg Hosts Resource Fair to Help Seniors
05/10/2019 - WLNS: Walberg Hosts 9th Annual Job Fair in Jackson​
03/27/2019 - WILX: Walberg Introduces Bipartisan Great Lakes Stamp Bill​
02/27/2019 - Walberg Recognizes Lenawee County Sheriff Jack Welsh
The traditional values exemplified by the hardworking people of Michigan are the same principles America was founded upon. As your representative, I will adamantly support legislative initiatives that preserve America’s founding principles and protect the rights of the unborn.
As Congress works towards addressing our nation’s challenges, we must return our nation to its constitutional foundation of limited government that serves as the source of America’s greatness. Congress must honor its constitutional commitment to freedom and recommit itself to the principles of federalism outlined in the 10th amendment.
One of the most important freedoms outlined in our Constitution is the Second Amendment. Millions of Americans responsibly enjoy the use of firearms for recreational hunting, collection, and protection. Along with many people in the 7th District, I support the right for law abiding citizens to bear arms and will continue to defend this liberty throughout my service in Congress. As such, I have cosponsored a number of bills to further defend and uphold the Second Amendment, such as H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.
In addition, our country was founded on the principles of religious freedom and it has a strong tradition of defending the rights of conscience. To ensure our country continues to respect deeply held religious and moral beliefs, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 6060, the Conscience Protection Act.
Moreover, I hold the sanctity of life in the highest regard and will continue to work diligently and support legislation that protects the rights of the unborn. For this reason, in January 2021, I cosponsored H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and the Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2021. I have also cosponsored H.R.1080, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would provide protections for unborn children at 20 weeks after fertilization, a point at which there is substantial scientific evidence that abortion inflicts tremendous pain on the unborn.
Lastly, society has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable citizens: children. In 2013, President Obama signed my legislation into law to help the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provide technical assistance to law enforcement agencies to identify, locate, and recover victims of child sex trafficking. H.R.3081 was signed into law as part of H.R. 3092, E. Clay Shaw, Jr. Missing Children’s Assistance Reauthorization Act. In May 2017, the House passed the Improving Support for Missing and Exploited Children Act, to further strengthen efforts to recover missing children and support youth who are the victims of violent crimes. The bill was signed into law by President Trump in October 2018.
I have also introduced H.R. 3957, Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act which would ensure Department of Labor employees receive proper training to recognize instances of human trafficking and refer these cases to law enforcement agencies so perpetrators are held accountable.
To learn more about my actions to combat this heinous crime, please visit my human trafficking page.
06/16/2021 – Sponsor: H.R.3957, Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
02/05/2021 – Co-sponsor: H.R. 18, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2021
01/28/2021 – Co-sponsor: H.R.619 - Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
05/12/2020 – Co-sponsor: H.R. 6742, Protecting Life in Crisis Act
03/05/2020 – Co-sponsor: H.R.6099, Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations Act
04/01/2019 – Co-sponsor: H.R. 2014, the Conscience Protection Act
02/05/2019 – Co-sponsor: H.R. 962, Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
01/17/2019 – Co-sponsor: H.R. 20, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act
01/16/2019 – Co-sponsor: H.R. 369 Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2019
01/08/2019 – Co-sponsor: H.R.38, Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
We need to maintain a strong Social Security program that will provide retirement stability for its participants. With 10,000 baby boomers retiring and beginning to receive Social Security benefits each day, we must have a national conversation about modernizing Social Security that ensures its fiscal solvency.
I do not support cuts to current benefits paid to our seniors which have worked a lifetime to earn. We also need to allow our younger workforce to have the ability to create individual savings accounts that can be inherited by family members. In order to sustain a fiscally strong Social Security for all retiring Americans, we need to implement 21st century solutions to a 20th century program.
Social Security COLA’s are made by calculating percentage changes in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of one calendar year to the third quarter of the following year. Once an increase is calculated, the COLA goes into effect in December, and the first payout occurs in January of the following year.
On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration announced a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries beginning in January 2021 based on changes in the consumer price index (CPI). For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration’s website.
Many seniors rely on their Social Security benefits for daily necessities, like groceries, medicines and gas. I have heard from many seniors who have been frustrated in years when there is little to no Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). To address these concerns and ensure seniors can plan more securely for the future, I introduced H.R.2266, the Certainty for Older Living Americans (COLA) Act, which provides a minimum cost-of-living adjustment threshold to guarantee seniors receive an increase in their benefits each year.
Additionally, I led a letter to the General Accountability Office (GAO) instructing them to issue a report about how various CPIs can be used to more accurately reflect the cost of living for today’s seniors. The GAO issued its report on June 16, 2020, which highlighted the need for the Bureau of Labor Statistics to evaluate the data they use as well as explore other data to improve its indexes. The GAO’s report can be viewed here.
In the past, Social Security surpluses were used to fund other government projects and programs. This behavior is unacceptable and has led to serious problems regarding the future of Social Security. While deficits exist, any future surpluses should be guarded to prevent wasteful spending. In February 2021, I introduced legislation, H.R. 1269, which would protect future surpluses by creating a lockbox that prevents these funds from being spent on other federal programs.
We owe it to Michigan’s seniors to keep our promise of a solvent Social Security Administration. After a lifetime of work and payment into the system, it is only fair to expect what was originally promised. I am resolved to find ways to honor our seniors by keeping the program solvent for their generation and those yet to retire.
If the financial troubles of the past have taught us anything, it should be that we must be responsible for our own retirement planning. We need to reform Social Security so that, while it meets current financial obligations, it allows young workers the freedom to form their own individual savings accounts that they are able to control.
03/26/2021 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 2266 COLA Act
02/23/2021 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 1269 Social Security and Medicare Lockbox Act
04/10/2018 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 2018, CPI for Seniors Act
Congress needs to manage their spending just like many hard-working, honest families and businesses back in Michigan who work every day towards maintaining their responsible bottom lines. In response to historic inflation, Congress must be judicious in decisions to spend and ensure that appropriated dollars are used efficiently.
For too long, Americans were subject to a complex, burdensome tax code that has held back job creation and harmed Michigan families. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which I supported, implemented the first major overhaul of the tax code in more than 30 years and delivered historic tax relief for workers, families and job creators in Michigan. Click here to watch my remarks on the House floor in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
At a time of record inflation, we need to stop with the big-government, runaway spending coming from Washington. I opposed the inflationary American Rescue Plan and the misleadingly named “Inflation Reduction Act”. It is imperative that Congress refocus its attention upon inflation and growing jobs for hard-working families. To reverse the tide of inflation, I am a cosponsor of the Inflation Prevention Act which would prevent legislation estimated to increase inflation, until the year-over-year inflation rate is under a specified percent.
I support an amendment, H.J.Res.3, to the Constitution that requires Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues, requires a 3/5 majority vote to increase the debt limit and requires the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress.
Congress needs to do a better job of identifying and stopping funding for ineffective programs that have lost their intended purpose or impact. In particular, I championed the bipartisan Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act, which mandated the creation of an online inventory of each federal agency’s programs, as well as provide basic information on what the program does and how much they cost. The Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act was signed into law in 2021.
Additionally, I have spearheaded efforts to cut government waste in federal grant making. The Grants Oversight and New Efficiency (GONE) Act requires federal agencies to take action to identify and close out thousands of expired grant accounts with a zero balance - an action which could save the government millions each year. The GONE Act was signed into law in 2016.
To provide greater transparency and help restore the integrity of the federal government’s rulemaking process, I am a cosponsor on H.R. 8703, REVIEW Act, which would postpose the effective date of rule costing the economy over $1 billion to allow for judicial review. This delay will curb overregulation by the Executive Branch and avoid unnecessary damage to the economy by regulations which are likely to be overruled in the courts.
We need to give the President the authority to single out wasteful spending items in legislation and send these specific line-items back to Congress for an up-or-down vote on whether to drop funding for these items.
08/12/2022 - Walberg: Democrats’ Tax and Spending Spree Will Hurt Michigan Families
11/19/2021 - Walberg: Pelosi’s Tax and Spending Spree is Too Costly and Extreme
02/27/2021 - Walberg Opposes Pelosi’s $1.9 Trillion Spending Bill
Signed into Law: H.R. 3830, Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act​
Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 2266 COLA Act
Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 1269 Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 1776 – Regulations for the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 1712 – Death Tax Repeal Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R.25 Fair Tax Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.J.Res.3 Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Cosponsored Legislation: - H.R.8369 To require the Executive Office of the President to provide an inflation estimate with respect to executive orders with a significant effect on the annual gross budget, and for other purposes.
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R.6733 Ban IRS Biometric Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R.6658 Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R.6485 Inflation Prevention Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 5586 Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 2002 Let States Cut Taxes Act
Cosponsored Legislation: H.R.8703 REVIEW Act
Rapid technological innovation is changing the way we live, how we work and access information and entertainment, and revolutionizing everything from agriculture and the auto industry, to manufacturing and medicine.
As a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, I am working to ensure the benefits of the digital age are accessible for all families and business in Michigan—including rural areas—while promoting a regulatory environment which allows for continued technological growth and innovation.
America is a nation built on innovation and our companies are on the leading edge of these transformations. Congress has a role to play in ensuring future innovations can flourish free from undue interference, as the only way the federal government can keep pace with innovation is by promoting a light-touch regulatory approach that enables the digital economy to thrive.
In March 2018, the FCC released its proposed wireless infrastructure order that would save Americans an estimated $1.56 billion. The proposed order would not only expand broadband access for more Americans, including the expedited roll out of 5G, but the savings also could create more than 17,000 jobs.
As a member of the Rural Broadband Caucus, I understand that expanding broadband deployment to rural America is important so that these residents are not left behind and can compete in our global economy. Serving rural America poses unique challenges, and there are still far too many individuals who lack access to broadband internet and the benefits it offers. There is no simple fix to closing this “digital divide,” but Congress can take important steps to expand access to high-speed Internet.
In March 2018, I voted in support of H.R. 4986, RAY BAUM'S Act, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act and signed into law by the President on March 23, 2018. The legislation reauthorized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the first time in 28 years, including reforms to ensure the commission continues to improve its efficiency and transparency. The bill included $600 million in appropriated funding for a new pilot grant and loan combination program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to provide broadband to under-served rural and tribal areas.
The reauthorization also included provisions promoting broadband Internet access service for veterans, in particular low-income veterans and veterans living in rural areas. In May 2019, the FCC submitted its report on veteran broadband access to Congress.
For far too long our nation’s broadband mapping capabilities, have hindered our ability to expand broadband access to rural areas. Often, our nation’s maps have been woefully inaccurate in determining where exactly broadband service is and where service isn’t—leading to the FCC showing many people as having access to broadband when they do not.
I have worked with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee on a bipartisan basis to help solve these issues. In November of 2019, the Energy and Commerce Committee passed with my support, H.R. 4229, Broadband DATA Act, and H.R. 4227, MAPS Act, two pieces of legislation that will drastically improve our nation’s maps and ensure the federal government directs broadband funding to areas that need it most first. After years of effort, I am proud to say that these two pieces of important legislation passed the House in December 2019, and were signed into law in March 2020.
To further my efforts of closing the digital divide, I led a letter with 53 other bipartisan members of the House, to the Federal Communications Chairman, Ajit Pai, requesting that the upcoming FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program prioritize future-proof broadband deployment and strong accountability measures to help close the digital divide throughout the country.
From smartphones, to tablets, to the Internet of Things, a myriad of new connected devices come online each day that rely on spectrum resources. Unlocking additional spectrum is key to meeting the growing demands of mobile broadband and competing with countries like China, and I am working to identify better ways to expand access to and improve the efficiency of the federal government's use of spectrum for both licensed and unlicensed use. In a world with more competition and less easy choices to make about our spectrum resources, we must continue to lead the world on innovative ways we manage our spectrum.
I worked alongside my colleagues in the Energy and Commerce Committee, to pass out of the committee H.R. 5000, SHARE Act, a bill which would establish a spectrum sharing program and test bed to explore new ways our nation can improve its spectrum sharing capabilities and maximize the technologies available for 5G deployment.
As the innovation and deployment of 5G continues in America, it is paramount that we maintain our national security. One of the ways, we can do this is by ensuring America is a leading voice in the worldwide development of 5G. This is why I introduced H.R. 4500, Promoting United Stated Wireless Leadership, which puts the U.S. at the forefront of global 5G innovation, by encouraging the participation of trusted American companies in international standard-setting bodies. In November 2019, H.R. 4500 passed unanimously out of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
In 2018 alone, phone numbers with (517) and (734) area codes received over 223 million robocalls. For far to long, Americans have been plagued by the barrage of harmful and illegal robocall schemes.
In December 2019, I was proud to support S.151, TRACED Act, which has now been sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law. This bill will put a stop to the endless robocall schemes, by instituting a nationwide call authentication technology that will allow every American to verify and block every call they receive, allowing consumers to trust their caller ID again. This bill also included language I helped introduce which would prevent the harmful practice of one-ring scams that pray on the most vulnerable populations.
To learn more about this decade in the making legislation, click here.
The Internet has been a catalyst for economic growth over the past 20 years because it has remained unfettered from undue government regulation and interference. In light of the FCC order to restore the open Internet framework that existed prior to 2015, it is time for Congress to codify a bipartisan, light-touch regulatory framework while also establishing clear and permanent protections for consumers.
Please know I am a committed to working with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to advance a bipartisan legislative solution that protects a free and open Internet and encourages greater broadband investment to help close the digital divide. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1006, a bill which largely tracks past bipartisan proposals, I am committed to robustly protecting consumers.
Michigan has been at the forefront of automotive innovation since the inception of the automobile, and the development of self-driving vehicles is the next chapter in American auto story. We must establish a federal framework that ensures these vehicles are safe for passengers and the public, while also encouraging timely testing and deployment that allows us to remain the world leader. I worked with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to develop the SELF DRIVE Act, a bipartisan initiative to allow for the development, testing, and deployment of self-driving cars. The SELF DRIVE Act passed the House unanimously in September 2017 and you can learn more about this landmark initiative here.
05/04/21 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 3003, Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act
03/10/21 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 1781, PROTECT Kids Act
02/16/21 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 1084, Brownfields Broadband Deployment Act
02/12/21 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 1032, Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act
06/25/20 – Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 7378, Broadband Deployment Act
06/20/21 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 4067, Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council Act
05/20/21 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 3435, American Broadband Act
03/09/21 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 1610, Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act
06/24/19 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 3375, Stopping Bad Robocalls Act
06/13/19 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 3264, Ending One-Ring Scams Act of 2019
05/09/19 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 2610, Stop Senior Scams Act
03/28/19 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 1006, Open Internet Act of 2019
03/27/19 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.R. 1860, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act
02/19/19 – Cosponsored Legislation: H.Con.Res.20, Supporting Local Radio Freedom Act
03/02/22 – Walberg Highlights Bipartisan Bill to Protect Kids Online
10/20/21 – Walberg Champions Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity
Our commitment to the men and women who served in our armed forces must not end when they return home from the battlefield. With thousands of new Veterans returning from service, many coming home to Michigan’s 7th District, I am dedicated to providing our heroes with unrivaled healthcare and ensuring the promises we made to them are upheld just as they have upheld their commitments to our country.
Congress has an obligation to care for America’s wounded heroes when they return home from the battlefield. It is the least we can do to provide the highest quality medical care to the brave men and women of our armed forces when they are injured defending the freedoms we enjoy. I am fighting in Congress to improve Veterans care and make sure our heroes receive medical care that is thorough, meets world-class standards and is patient-centered. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, and I believe we must maximize and improve this great resource.
In the 113th Congress, the President signed a House and Senate Conference report to address problems at the VA and ensure our veterans receive timely care. H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access to Care through Choice, Accountability and Transparency Act, provides the VA Secretary with the power to bypass procedural hurdles and fire senior officials of the agency for poor performance. Moreover, the legislation grants expanded access to private sector health providers for veterans who have been waiting long periods of time for care. In order to eliminate the sunset date for the Choice Act, the House passed H.R. 369: Eliminating the Sunset Date of the Choice Act and the President signed it into law in April 2017.
Additionally, in June 2018 I supported legislation which allocated $85.3 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs – the largest dollar amount in history for the VA. The legislation included:
The lack of patient-centered healthcare throughout the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) is continuously hindering veterans from receiving the quality care they need and deserve. The problem has been reported by veterans' service organizations, VA employees, and most importantly, veterans. These are systemic problems in VA culture and bogged down by a bureaucratic system that is unsure of the services it provides, leaving veterans to fend for themselves when it comes to their own healthcare choices.
Veterans are too often unaware of the services offered by the VA, disconnecting them with their own rehabilitation and treatment, which ultimately results in substandard care. This is especially true in orthotic and prosthetic care. To address the problem of inconsistency in orthotic and prosthetic care (O&P), in May 2017 I introduced H.R. 2322, Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights. H.R. 2322 moves to educate our injured veterans about the O&P care available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights requires the VA to acknowledge and prominently print and display a list of rights that apply to every veteran at prosthetic and orthotic clinics around the country. These nine rights include the right to the highest quality O&P care, the right to select the practitioner that best meets their O&P needs including a private practitioner and the right to continuity of care in the transition from the Department of Defense health program to the VA healthcare system. The bipartisan measure empowers injured and amputee veterans and puts them back in charge of their healthcare decisions.
In April 2019, I led a letter to Secretary Wilkie with Rep. Rutherford (R-FL) and other Members who sit on committees with oversight of the VA expressing my concern over a proposed rule which would limit Veterans’ choices over their orthotic and prosthetic care.
Additionally, in June 2018 I successfully passed an amendment to H.R. 5895, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019. My amendment moves to empower injured and amputee veterans to advocate for themselves and prevents funds from being used by the VA to limit an injured or amputee veteran’s ability to choose a prosthetist or orthotist who meets his or her needs.
In recognition of past, present, and future Congressional Medal of Honor winners, I introduced, H.R.272, the Medal of Honor Priority Care. The bill elevates the Priority Group for Medal of Honor recipients at the Veteran’s Health Administration from Group 3 to Group 1. The 76 living Medal of Honor recipients have gone above and beyond the call of duty and distinguished themselves for gallantry and valor. They have received the highest award within the Armed Services and it is fitting that these brave soldiers be allotted first Priority Status when enrolling for their VA health care benefits. H.R.272 was included as part of a larger Veterans Health Care and Benefits bill, which passed the House on December 6, 2016 and was signed into law by the President Obama on December 16, 2016.
The bureaucratic culture in the VA has led to long wait times and subpar healthcare for our nation’s veterans. In order to overhaul the bureaucratic culture and ensure VA employees are held accountable for their actions, the House has passed The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act in June 2018 and H.R. 27, The Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act in January 2017. The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 provides the Secretary of the VA with increased flexibility to remove, demote or suspend any VA employee for performance or misconduct while H.R. 27 ensures that all reprimands and admonishments given to VA employees remain in their files as long as they are employed by the VA.
Another issue the VA has been plagued by is the administration’s inability to recruit and retain top-notch candidates in their fields. In order to address the VA’s inability to recruit and retain the most qualified workforce possible, the House passed H.R. 1367 in March 2017. H.R. 1367 establishes a recruiting database to ensure candidates are aware of open positions at the VA. Additionally, this legislation creates opportunities for career training and establishes staffing, recruitment, and retention programs in the VA to ensure the VA has the ability to retain the best and brightest employees possible.
It is imperative that we ensure our nation’s veterans have a smooth transition into civilian life. One key component to a successful transition out of service is to make sure veterans have access to the benefits they have earned, especially the GI Bill. Using the GI bill can be difficult and burdensome with additional restraints on when and how it can be used. In order to streamline this process, the House passed H.R. 3218 in August 2017: The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act. H.R. 3218 removes the 15 year time restriction currently placed on veterans, their spouses as well as their children to use this educational benefit.
In addition to removing red tape that is often associated with the GI Bill, H.R. 3218 also makes other beneficial pro-veteran changes to the program. The bill includes a significant increase in GI Bill funding and moves to make it easier and cheaper for veterans to use their GI Bill to take national tests or tests that lead to a license or credential.
Congress also has addressed Social Security adjustment for our nations veterans. I voted in support of H.R. 1329, The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017, which the President signed into law on November 2, 2017. H.R. 1329 would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans as of December 1st, 2017.
These are just some of the many issues Congress is working on to ensure we keep the promises we made to the selfless men and women in uniform.
You can follow additional actions by Congress here. For more information on what resources are available to veterans, please visit the Veterans section of my Constituent Services page.
2021 Edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors
03/01/2022 - H.R.5754 - Patient Advocate Tracker Act
02/07/2022 - H.R.4702 - Military Spouse Tax Act
12/07/2021 - H.R.5755 - Veterans Patient Advocacy Act
10/20/2021 - H.R.4624 - Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act
07/20/2021 - H.R.1273 - Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act
03/01/2021 - H.R.1448 - PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act
08/11/2020 - H.R.7347, To designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
03/10/2021 – WDIV: Walberg says rule that led VA to deny COVID vaccine to veteran will be fixed
01/22/2020 - WLNS: Walberg Hosts Veterans Town Hall in Jackson
07/30/2019 - WLNS: Walberg, Slotkin Host Veterans Resource Fair
In my capacity as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions (HELP), I am working with my colleagues to promote policies that grow our economy, allow businesses to create new jobs, strengthen employee benefit program, and safeguard the rights of workers and employers. The HELP subcommittee is tasked with overseeing matters dealing with relationships between employers and employees, expanding business opportunities, employee benefits, and retirement security for American workers.
The subcommittee has jurisdiction over a number of labor laws, including:
National Labor Relations Act – Enacted in 1935, the NRLA recognizes the right of employees to engage in collective bargaining through representatives of their own choosing. The National Labor Relations Board (NRLB) is the federal agency charged with implementing the NRLA. The NLRB investigates and adjudicates representation disputes, complaints of unfair labor practices, and contract disputes.
Labor Management Relations Act (“Taft-Hartley”) – Seeks to prevent labor-management disputes that would burden or obstruct commerce and harm the economy, by listing unacceptable labor practices for unions, guarantees certain freedoms of conduct and speech to employers, and provides for states to enact right-to-work laws.
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (“Landrum-Griffin Act”) – Establishes a union member “Bills of Rights,” safeguards against improper disciplinary actions, freedom of speech, freedom from interference with the right to sue, and freedom from increased dues except by majority vote. Also requires unions to issue yearly financial disclosures, and set forth specific election procedures.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) – Sets minimum standards that private-sector pension and health plans must met with respect to reporting and disclosure, employee participation and vesting, plan funding, and fiduciary standards.