See how Jack Bergman actually votes — against your values.
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Prediction track record
How often we called Jack Bergman's passage votes correctly, from their stated positions on each bill's tagged topics. Excludes “unclear” calls and abstentions.
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Based on 8 data points across public statements and recorded votes · AI analysis of public records
118-hr-2882·Consistent
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024
85/100
What they said
Apr 17, 2026
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes the need to prioritize maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and supports the administration's defense budget request as essential to address readiness. The FY2024 Defense Appropriations Act included in this consolidated bill funds military activities and readiness operations. Bergman's yes vote on passage is consistent with her stated position that adequate defense funding is necessary to sustain the existing fleet and address declining readiness trends.
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 budget request as essential to address readiness. The FY2024 DOD Appropriations Act provides funding across multiple categories including Operation and Maintenance, Procurement, and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. Bergman's YES vote on this appropriations bill is generally consistent with his stated position that adequate topline defense funding is necessary to address readiness; the bill's inclusion of Operation and Maintenance funding aligns with his emphasis on sustaining the existing fleet. However, the bill also funds Procurement, which Bergman critiques as over-prioritized relative to maintenance, creating some tension between his stated preference for maintenance-focused spending and a yes vote on a bill that funds both categories without specifying their relative allocation.
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 budget request as essential to readiness. The bill is a FY2025 DOD appropriations measure that funds multiple categories including Operation and Maintenance, Procurement, and Research/Development. Bergman's YES vote on the appropriations bill is generally consistent with supporting military readiness broadly, and the Operation and Maintenance funding aligns with his stated priority. However, the bill also funds Procurement at scale, which Bergman criticized as diverting resources from maintenance ('procuring shiny objects'). The statement addresses FY2027 priorities while the vote is on FY2025; the specific budget allocation trade-offs between maintenance and procurement within this bill are not detailed in the statement.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
75/100
What they said
Apr 17, 2026
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment over new procurement, and supports the FY2027 budget request as essential for readiness. The FY2024 NDAA bill authorizes procurement appropriations for various military platforms and includes oversight provisions for specific programs. Bergman's YES vote on the bill is generally consistent with supporting defense readiness broadly, though the bill's focus on procurement authorization somewhat contrasts with his stated preference for maintenance prioritization. The statement does not address the specific procurement programs in the FY2024 bill, creating some granularity mismatch between his maintenance-focused rhetoric and a vote on a procurement-authorization bill.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
75/100
What they said
Apr 17, 2026
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 budget request as essential to readiness. The FY2024 NDAA bill authorizes procurement for various military platforms and sets policy for DOD acquisition programs. Bergman's YES vote on the bill is generally consistent with supporting defense readiness broadly, though the bill focuses on new procurement authorization rather than the maintenance-first approach the statement advocates. The statement criticizes focus on 'procuring shiny objects' while the bill authorizes such procurement, creating some tension; however, the bill also includes oversight provisions (e.g., limits on obligating funds for certain programs, required reviews) that could align with Bergman's call for more disciplined resource management.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
75/100
What they said
Apr 17, 2026
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 budget request as essential to readiness. The FY2024 NDAA he voted for authorizes procurement appropriations for various military items and sets policy for procurement programs—a bill focused substantially on new acquisition. However, the NDAA also includes provisions addressing fleet management and program reviews (e.g., tactical wheeled vehicle strategy, LOGCAP V contract review) that align with sustainment concerns. The vote is consistent with supporting a defense budget broadly, though the bill's primary focus on procurement authorization somewhat diverges from his stated emphasis on maintenance over new procurement.
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment over new procurement, and explicitly supports the administration's budget request as essential for readiness. However, he voted no on the FY2024 DOD Appropriations Act procedural motion. While the bill itself includes Operation and Maintenance funding that aligns with his stated priorities, his procedural no vote suggests opposition to the bill as a whole—potentially due to bundled provisions, timing, or other objections not addressed in the statement. The procedural nature of the vote and the gap between his stated support for the budget request and his actual vote create substantial inconsistency.
Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
45/100
What they said
Apr 17, 2026
Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
Rep. Bergman's statement emphasizes prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment over new procurement, citing declining readiness. The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act includes significant procurement funding (Iron Dome, David's Sling, Iron Beam systems) alongside operation and maintenance. While the bill does fund O&M activities that align with Bergman's stated priorities, the procurement component—which the statement explicitly criticizes as diverting focus from sustainment—is substantial. The vote is procedural, which limits clarity on Bergman's substantive intent regarding the bill's specific mix of maintenance versus new procurement spending.
Pairs with ambiguous language and high uncertainty are withheld until more data is available. Procedural, cloture, and amendment votes are excluded — they don't cleanly signal substantive support or opposition.
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Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Jack Bergman broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
Bergman Applauds VA For Record-Setting Investment to End Veteran Suicide, Highlights Work Still Ahead
Position: Rep. Bergman supports increased federal funding for VA suicide prevention and treatment programs, noting that the FY27 appropriations bill exceeded the requested amount and represents progress in addressing veteran suicide.
This week, the VA announced that it has reached the highest levels on record for both suicide risk screenings and follow-up evaluations for Veterans. As of March 2026, 88% of Veterans receiving VA care completed an annual suicide risk screening - the highest rate since tracking began in 2021.
Additionally, 96% of Veterans identified as at risk received a comprehensive follow-up evaluation and support plan within 24 hours, also a record high.
In March, Rep. Bergman led a bipartisan request signed by 29 Members urging the House Appropriations Committee to provide full funding for VA suicide prevention and treatment programs in the FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) funding bill. The request called for funding at not less than the VA’s FY27 Advance Appropriations request of $3.09 billion, including $713.4 million for suicide prevention outreach.
Earlier this month, the Appropriations Committee released its FY27 MilCon-VA bill and accompanying report, outlining $3.67 billion in funding for VA suicide prevention and treatment, of which $726.7 million is directed toward outreach efforts.
“These numbers represent real lives being reached and real progress in the fight to end Veteran suicide, but we know the mission is far from over, and we must continue to match progress with resources. This is exactly how the process should work. We identified the need, fought for the resources, and delivered even more support than requested to help save Veterans’ lives," said Bergman.
The VA’s progress follows increased focus on improving suicide risk screening and timely follow-up care, including addressing concerns raised in a 2024 Office of Inspector General report. Expanded outreach has also played a key role, particularly in reaching unenrolled Veterans, who account for more than 60% of Veteran suicides.
Veterans in crisis, or those concerned about a Veteran, can contact the Veterans Crisis Line for 24/7 confidential support by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.
The full release from the VA can be found here.
Bergman, Correa Lead Letter Urging FDA to Expedite Review of Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies
Position: The representatives urge the FDA to expedite its review of psychedelic and entactogen-assisted therapies for mental health conditions, particularly PTSD and traumatic brain injury, while maintaining rigorous safety and efficacy standards. They request clarification on FDA regulatory expectations and methodological standards for these emerging treatment modalities.
Millions of Americans continue to struggle with complex mental health challenges, and for many, existing treatment options fall short. This gap in care is felt acutely among Veterans, who experience rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide far exceeding those of the general population, and it has contributed to a growing and urgent public health crisis affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country.
The letter follows President Trump’s April 18 signing of the Executive Order “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,” which directs federal agencies to fast-track access to psychedelic treatments for patients with serious mental illnesses who have not found relief in existing treatment options.
You can read the full letter here or below:
We write regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ongoing evaluation of rapid-acting novel therapeutics, including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies, for mental health conditions affecting millions of Americans. For many individuals, current treatment options remain insufficient, deepening an already urgent public health crisis. As Members of the House of Representatives, we have heard from countless Veterans, clinicians, and families seeking evidence-based alternatives, and many of us joined a bipartisan letter to President Biden in 2024 urging his administration to support access to MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pending FDA approval.
We are encouraged by your public statements recognizing these treatments as “a top priority for this FDA and this administration.”
We agree that the agency must conduct “an expeditious and rapid review” of promising treatments, especially those that address urgent unmet needs in PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
At the same time, we understand and respect the agency’s role in ensuring that any new treatment meets rigorous standards of safety and efficacy. Recent regulatory actions, including the issuance and public release of the Complete Response Letter (CRL) for MDMA-assisted therapy, highlight the complexity of evaluating innovative treatment modalities and underscore the need for clear, consistent expectations for this emerging field.
In that spirit, we respectfully request written responses to the following questions:
1. Special Protocol Assessment (SPA): How does the FDA communicate and apply any remaining data concerns beyond clearly defined primary endpoints and control conditions when pivotal trials are conducted under an SPA? Are improvements underway to make regulatory expectations more predictable for therapies in emerging fields?
2. Methodological Standards and Interagency Coordination: What steps is the FDA taking to clarify methodological expectations for entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted clinical trials – including strategies to mitigate functional unblinding and expectancy effects – and how is the agency coordinating with federal partners such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to streamline research pathways for populations with urgent unmet needs, including Veterans with PTSD.
3. Review Integrity and Subject-Matter Expertise: How does the FDA ensure that qualified experts with relevant experience conduct reviews of entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies? What steps are in place to ensure consistency, objectivity, and independence in the evaluation process?
4. Final Guidance Timeline: What is the expected timeline for finalizing the FDA’s June 2023 guidance on clinical trials involving rapid-acting novel therapeutics, including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies?
In addition, we encourage the FDA to provide further clarity in the final guidance around:
- Strategies to mitigate functional unblinding and expectancy bias;
- Standards for adverse event monitoring and safety reporting;
- Provider training, licensing, and participant safeguards;
- The evolving role of psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmacological intervention;
- Generalizability of findings across diverse patient populations; and
- Consistency in regulatory expectations across entactogen and psychedelic drug development programs.
We remain committed to ensuring that Veterans and others living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions have access to safe, evidence-based care.
We respectfully urge the FDA to continue its evaluation of entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies with transparency, urgency, and scientific rigor as the agency carries out its statutory responsibilities.
Thank you for your leadership and ongoing commitment to addressing this critical public health issue.
Bergman: America Must Rebuild Readiness by Maintaining the Force We Already Own
Position: Rep. Bergman advocates for prioritizing maintenance and sustainment of existing military equipment and platforms over new procurement, and supports the administration's FY2027 defense budget request as essential to address declining military readiness.
"I think that we can all agree that the declining readiness trends are unacceptable," Rep. Bergman said. "These trends have been years in the making and are causing aircraft to be cannibalized and ground vehicles to sit idle...The sad fact is that we have allowed our military readiness to decline across the board because we are more focused on procuring shiny objects than on holistically managing the day-to-day maintenance necessary to sustain our military."
Rep Bergman's Statement as Prepared for Delivery:
I’d like to welcome everyone to today’s hearing.
I particularly want to thank all our esteemed witnesses for accepting our invitation to discuss the plight of our military readiness.
I think that we can all agree that the declining readiness trends are unacceptable.
These trends have been years in the making and are causing aircraft to be cannibalized and ground vehicles to sit idle.
While I look forward to our witnesses’ thoughts, I would like to offer a few ideas as to what we in Congress need to do to make our military more lethal and effective in the near term.
First of all, we need to do the hard work and focus on sustaining the existing fleet.
The sad fact is that we have allowed our military readiness to decline across the board because we are more focused on procuring shiny objects than on holistically managing the day-to-day maintenance necessary to sustain our military.
Secondly, the overall topline requested by the administration in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request is unprecedented, but absolutely essential to address the plight of our military forces.
For too long, our military has relied on a legacy force structure that has not been maintained to the readiness levels required.
One need not look further than the Joint Strike Fighter program and the readiness levels provided by this exquisite platform.
Cannibalizing our Joint Strike Fighter fleet because we have not provided the basic parts to support this superior platform is not a reasonable long-term solution to maintaining current readiness.
This budget request, with the accompanying reconciliation supplement, will break this cannibalization cycle and put the Joint Strike Fighter on a sustainable path.
Finally, we need to develop a modernization strategy that provides for our ability to maintain legacy assets through their expected service life.
A stark example of this readiness crisis is the state of our amphibious fleet.
The Marine Corps has long championed a naval strategy capable of accelerated national security response, and has consistently advocated for the restoration of a 3.0 amphibious readiness group worldwide presence — a standard the Navy has failed to meet.
Years of neglect, misplaced priorities, and open derision from certain Navy pundits have left less than half of our amphibious ships available for tasking.
That is not a maintenance problem — it is a leadership problem.
This Subcommittee will hold the Navy accountable for restoring these ships to their expected service life.
The Marine Corps should not have to implore its sister service for the platforms it needs to execute America's crisis response mission.
In conclusion, I think any expanded force structure needs to be accompanied by a strategic focus on maintaining the existing forces through their expected service life.
This approach is not only cost-effective but also more rapidly expands our readiness force posture to best meet our ongoing national security challenges.
I thank the witnesses for being here today.
I look forward to your testimony and to working together to address these challenges.
Bergman, Golden, Bacon, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Formally Review Mental Health Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
Position: The representatives support legislation requiring the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly assess and improve mental health programs for transitioning servicemembers and veterans, with measurable standards, regular review, and transparency to Congress.
“I’ve seen firsthand how the transition from active duty to civilian life can be one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember’s career. We owe our men and women in uniform more than gratitude - we owe them accountability and results,” Bergman said. “The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act ensures the Department of War and VA are working together effectively, eliminating gaps and duplication, and delivering real access to mental health care when it matters most. By requiring measurable standards, regular review, and transparency to Congress, this bill strengthens the transition process and helps ensure no Veteran falls through the cracks.”
“When I came home from the Marines, I saw how important it is to have a strong support system in your corner. The VA is full of skilled public servants who do that work, but there’s only so much an individual employee can do about the fundamental gaps in service created by an imperfect system,” Golden said. “I’m grateful for the partnership of Congressmen Bergman, Bacon and Suozzi in the effort to show VA leaders just how lacking the agency’s outreach, rural logistics, and staffing efforts have been.”
“Too many veterans and service members fall through the cracks when transitioning from active duty to civilian life. We have to do better,” Suozzi said. “It’s our responsibility as lawmakers and Americans to make sure that everyone who serves our country receives the healthcare, including mental healthcare, they deserve,” said Suozzi. “It’s common sense to assess and improve veterans’ health services of all kinds as time goes on. This bipartisan bill does just that, and I’m glad to join my colleagues, Congressmen Golden, Bergman, and Bacon, who I also thank for their service. Never forget the vet!”
“The transition to civilian life is one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember’s career. We must ensure our mental health screening tools are validated, effective, and connecting people to care,” Bacon said. “The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act strengthens oversight, improves coordination between the Department of Defense and the VA, and helps ensure no servicemember falls through the cracks. I’m pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Golden on this important effort to better support our servicemembers and veterans.”
The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act would require the Department of Defense-Veterans Affairs Joint Executive Committee (JEC) to assess the effectiveness of their programs and processes in facilitating access to mental health services for veterans returning to civilian life.
Included in JEC’s review would be a complete inventory of the government’s mental health programs, along with metrics, milestones and plans of actions to identify inefficiencies and gaps in programming. There would be a 180-day deadline to present the report to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.
The legislation would also require the JEC to update its existing Joint Separation Health Assessment (SHA) every two years. The SHA currently uses an outdated process to infrequently catalog veterans’ generalized health needs — an issue that forces policymakers to contend with data that isn’t specific nor timely enough.
“The American Legion is proud to support the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act,” Matthew Jabaut, chairman of the American Legion’s National Legislative Commission said. “On behalf of our nearly 1.5 million members, we commend Representative Golden for advancing oversight-driven reforms that reinforce mental health support and help ensure no servicemember or veteran falls through the cracks.”
Bergman, Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Forest Health, Enhance Wildfire Resilience and Recovery
Position: The release advocates for passage of the RNGR Support Act, which would formally authorize and fund the Forest Service's Reforestation, Nursery, and Genetic Resources program to strengthen forest health, expand nursery capacity, and improve wildfire resilience and recovery.
“Healthy forests are an irreplaceable piece of our rural communities, our economy, and our environment,” said Rep. Bergman. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the RNGR Support Act - a common-sense, bipartisan effort to strengthen America’s reforestation pipeline and expand nursery capacity, including supporting critical facilities like the J.W. Toumey Nursery right here in Michigan’s First District. This legislation will help ensure our states, tribes, and private partners have the resources they need to restore and sustain our forests for generations to come.”
"As our forests face unprecedented threats brought on by wildfires, drought, and disease, we must take action to strengthen and streamline our national reforestation efforts,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “By codifying the Forest Service’s RNGR program, we can build a robust and effective national reforestation pipeline that supports the long-term health of our forests and public lands and improves our wildfire resilience.”
The RNGR program plays an integral role in addressing increased nursery demand for information regarding the implementation of native species in restoration, reforestation, and conservation projects across the country. While currently underfunded, the existing RNGR program provides crucial information and assistance and, as such, contributes to long-term goals such as sustainability in our nation’s forests, increased timber production, and improved air and water quality.
The RNGR Support Act would formally authorize the RNGR program and provide it with its own budget line item and funding. Taking this step will solidify the program’s footing and allow it to focus on technical and financial assistance to nurseries, research projects, and provide compelling and accessible online resources.
“The USDA Forest Service Reforestation, Nursery, and Genetic Resources Program (RNGR) represents a key but under-resourced program for providing technical training, coordination, and support to state, private, and tribal nursery efforts,” said George Geissler, Washington State Forester. “The RNGR Support Act will provide additional funding and resources for the RNGR Program while creating opportunities for state, private and tribal nurseries to apply for infrastructure improvements to help these nurseries across the country produce enough seedlings to adequately address the nation’s reforestation needs, while ensuring the seed and seedling supplies are genetically suited to meet the needs of a changing climate.”
"Post-wildfire areas make up the vast majority of today's reforestation need. Without timely intervention, these areas are at a heightened risk of conversion and repeated high-severity fire, threatening watersheds, wildlife, and communities. It's time to scale the full restoration pipeline, not just the planting—from seed collection to seedling cultivation, site prep, and everything in between," said Rebecca Turner, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer at American Forests. "The RNGR Support Act strengthens a critical piece of the pipeline by lifting up and leveraging state, Tribal, and private nurseries and increasing coordination across boundaries. American Forests commend Reps. Schrier and Bergman for championing this issue and for their commitment to the long-term health of our nation's forests."
Bergman, Budzinski, Pappas Lead Letter Demanding USPS Reverse Postmark Rule
Position: The lawmakers oppose the USPS postmark rule change that would allow postmarks to no longer reflect the original mailing date, arguing it will harm rural Americans, delay time-sensitive mail delivery, and undermine law enforcement's ability to investigate mail-related fraud.
The lawmakers emphasized that this change would harm Americans impacted by existing mail delays, make it harder for law enforcement to investigate and deter crime and fraud committed via mail, and undermine the ability of the Postal Service to accurately postmark letters and packages on the day they were sent by the customer. This will be especially harmful to Americans from rural areas where the Postal Service’s RTO plan has already slowed outgoing mail.
“As you know, millions of Americans rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the delivery of critical items such as tax returns, bills, checks, and even election ballots. For our constituents, a delayed postmark could result in late fees on bills, essential utilities being shut off, mail-in ballots not being accepted by local Boards of Elections, or delays in receiving paychecks and refunds,” the lawmakers wrote. “This change is likely to have a disproportionate impact on rural Americans who do not always have easy access to a post office where they can request a same-day postmark, an issue that has been exacerbated by the Regional Transportation Optimization plan.”
The letter is signed by Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02).
The full text of the letter can be read HERE and below:
Postmaster General David Steiner
As Members of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, we are writing regarding the Postal Service’s December 24, 2025, final rule clarifying that a postmark will no longer reflect the date a Postal Service customer originally mailed a letter. We are concerned about how this rule clarification coupled with the delays stemming from the Regional Transportation Optimization Plan (RTO) may affect delivery of time-sensitive mail, and the ability of the Postal Service, law enforcement to effectively investigate and deter crime and fraud committed via mail, and the integrity of the United States Postal Service.
As you know, millions of Americans rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the delivery of critical items such as tax returns, bills, checks, and even election ballots. For our constituents, a delayed postmark could result in late fees on bills, essential utilities being shut off, mail-in ballots not being accepted by local Boards of Elections, or delays in receiving paychecks and refunds.
This change is likely to have a disproportionate impact on rural Americans who do not always have easy access to a post office where they can request a same-day postmark, an issue that has been exacerbated by the Regional Transportation Optimization plan. As you know, the RTO plan, which has been gradually implemented across the country over the last year, has reduced the number of times mail is picked up from post offices located more than 50 miles from a Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RP&DC). The results of these changes have been clear: the RTO has added additional delays for outgoing mail from rural areas and cities that do not have an RP&DC. In 2024, a pilot version of this program was tested in the Postal Service’s Wisconsin region, and the USPS Office of Inspector General found that the changes resulted in a “decrease in service,” with “rural communities more significantly impacted.”
Additionally, we are concerned that delays in postmarking stemming from broader RTO related mail delays will hinder the ability of the Postal Service and law enforcement to investigate crimes and fraud committed via mail. By shifting postmarking from the point of origin to regional processing centers, the policy obscures where mail entered the postal system and makes it more difficult to trace mail associated with criminal or fraudulent activity. For example, in 2001, following the anthrax mail attacks on the United States Capitol and various other public officials, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was able to use the postmark to track the exact date on which the contaminated letters were sent and the location from which they were mailed. We are concerned that these changes would make it more difficult for federal law enforcement to track packages containing illicit substances, potentially resulting in increased danger for both Postal Service employees and the general public.
As Members of the Postal Service Caucus, we remain concerned that the full implementation of the RTO plan will exacerbate postmark delays for rural communities that rely on timely service from the United States Postal Service. For these reasons, we ask that the RTO plan be reversed until the Postal Service can assure customers across the country that they will not experience delayed postmarking on time-sensitive mail simply because they do not live within 50 miles of an RP&DC.
As you may expect, we have received many questions from our constituents regarding the December 24 rule change and how it will impact postmarking going forward. Accordingly, we respectfully request that you provide written responses to the following questions:
We appreciate your time and attention to these concerns and look forward to your response. Thank you for your continued service to the United States Postal Service and the millions of Americans who depend on it.
Michigan Republican Delegation Demands Answers from Secretary Benson on Election Integrity
Position: The Michigan Republican delegation calls on Secretary of State Benson to take stronger action to prevent non-citizen voting and demands she comply with Department of Justice requests for voter registration data to maintain election integrity.
Recently, Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini identified 14 non-citizens who were registered to vote, some of whom had a voting history. This comes in addition to earlier reporting that at least 15 non-citizens were found to have cast ballots in the 2024 election.
"While you admit you are aware of instances of non-citizen voting you continued to erode public confidence by refusing to comply with a lawful request by the Department of Justice to provide them Michigan’s voter registration data to ensure that Michigan’s voter rolls are being properly maintained," the lawmakers write.
"Your refusal to comply with the DOJ’s request and assist in building the public’s confidence in Michigan elections invalidates your statement to the Committee on House Administration that you believe your responsibility is to 'ensure our elections are accessible, safe, secure and that the results are accurate' because under your watch you have allowed an environment to persist where at least 15 non-citizens cast ballots in the 2024 election."
"These continued reports of non-citizens both registering to vote and casting a ballot in elections is unacceptable and as Secretary of State you should be taking every action to ensure the integrity of Michigan elections and build public confidence in them," the lawmakers continue.
The lawmakers' letter to Benson can be found in full here.
The letter was signed by every member of the Michigan Republican Delegation: Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Tom Barrett (MI-07), Lisa McClain (MI-09), and John James (MI-10).
Bergman, Budzinski Introduce Legislation to Make Gerald's Law Permanent
Position: Representatives Bergman and Budzinski support legislation to permanently extend Gerald's Law, which ensures that veterans who receive VA-furnished hospice care at home remain eligible for burial benefits, closing a loophole that previously denied benefits to families when veterans chose home-based end-of-life care.
Gerald’s Law was previously included as a pilot provision in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025, but that authority is set to expire later this year.
Under prior law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could provide a burial allowance to the surviving family of a Veteran who died while in the care of a qualifying VA facility, such as a VA hospital or VA-funded nursing home. However, terminally ill Veterans who were discharged from a VA facility and received VA-furnished hospice care at home were deemed to have died outside a qualifying facility, even though VA remained responsible for their care.
As a result, some families lost eligibility for burial benefits simply because their loved one chose to spend their final days at home. This gap in the law created a perverse incentive that discouraged Veterans from choosing home-based hospice care out of concern that doing so would forfeit their earned burial benefits.
Gerald’s Law is named in honor of Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, a U.S. Army Veteran from Dickinson County, whose family was denied burial benefits under this loophole. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, originally brought Jerry’s story to Rep. Bergman, inspiring the legislation.
Rep. Bergman said, “Veterans should not be penalized for choosing to spend their final days at home, surrounded by loved ones. Forcing families to forfeit earned burial benefits is unacceptable, and what happened to Jerry must never happen again.”
"For surviving families, VA’s burial allowance eases the burden of funeral and burial costs, allowing them to properly honor their loved one who gave so much in service to our country. It’s wrong for a veteran to be denied this earned benefit just because they choose to pass away in the comfort of their own home. Congress temporarily closed this loophole last year, now it's time to fix this injustice permanently,” said Rep. Budzinski
Gerald’s Law has received the support of a number of key stakeholders:
“We are deeply grateful for the reintroduction of Gerald’s Law by Representatives Bergman and Budzinski. This critical legislation ensures that veterans and their families can continue to choose comfort over cost when selecting an end-of-life care setting, without having to risk the loss of crucial burial benefits,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home. “While Congress previously addressed this issue on a temporary basis, veterans and their families deserve certainty and permanence. We thank both Representatives for their bipartisan leadership and look forward to supporting efforts to make this protection permanent and ensure continued access to care at home for our nation’s veterans.”
"No veteran should ever be forced to choose between the comfort of their own home and the burial benefits they earned through honorable service. The Gerald’s Law Act closes a technical loophole that currently penalizes families when a veteran transitions from a VA facility to VA approved and funded home hospice care. DAV is proud to support this bill and commends Reps. Bergman and Budzinski for their leadership in upholding the dignity of every veteran’s end-of-life journey," said DAV National Legislative Director Jon Retzer.
“Gerald's Law was introduced to ensure veterans who choose to receive VA-furnished hospice care at home with their families were not penalized and denied benefits based on that choice. The passage of S. 141, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, codified Gerald's Law, but only until October 2026. As a pilot program, Gerald’s Law demonstrated how critical it was to address the gaps in veteran end of life benefits. NACVSO has long supported this initiative and looks forward to working with Representatives Bergman and Budzinski to make Gerald's Law permanent. The pilot provision has been successful and now is the time to do the right thing for our veterans," said Andrew Tangen, President of National Association of County Veteran Service Organizations.
"AMVETS fully supports making Gerald's Law permanent, allowing veterans to receive hospice care at home without their families losing crucial burial benefits. By passing this legislation, Congress will ensure that veterans are never penalized for choosing to spend their final days surrounded by their loved ones,” said Paul Shipley, AMVETS National Commander.
“Veterans who choose to spend their last days in hospice care are being denied the burial benefits and dignity they deserve. Service to their nation should determine their benefits, not the location of their passing,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the Gerald’s Law Act, and we thank For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman for his commitment to our veterans and their right to choose the location of their treatment.”
“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Representatives Bergman and Budzinski for reintroducing the Gerald’s Law Act. This vital bipartisan legislation ensures that veterans receiving VA-furnished hospice care qualify for the burial allowance, regardless of whether that care is provided at home,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “On behalf of our nation’s surviving families, who honor their loved one’s final wishes, TAPS looks forward to this important bill’s swift passage.”
"Gold Star Spouses of America (GSSA) understands firsthand the lasting impact that end-of-life decisions have on military families. Gerald’s Law ensures that Veterans are treated with equal respect at the end of life, supports family-centered care decisions, and provides clarity and fairness in VA burial benefits. It affirms that a Veteran’s final chapter, wherever it is written, does not diminish their service or sacrifice. Gold Star Spouses of America urges Congress to advance and pass Gerald’s Law without delay. This legislation is a meaningful step toward honoring Veterans, supporting surviving families, and ensuring compassion and equity in VA policy," said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America.
Gerald's Law has also been endorsed by the American Legion.
Position: Rep. Bergman secured bipartisan language in the FSGG report opposing USPS plans to reduce mail pickup frequency, consolidate processing facilities, and close local post offices, particularly in rural communities.
The language, which Rep. Bergman secured alongside fellow Congressional Postal Service Caucus co-chairs Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), and Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), seeks to address USPS plans to reduce the frequency that mail is picked up from rural post offices, consolidate processing facilities, and close local post offices.
Rep. Bergman stated, “For many families in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, reliable mail service isn’t a convenience - it’s a necessity. Seniors depend on the mail for prescriptions, workers rely on it for paychecks and important documents, and small businesses count on it to reach their customers. These bipartisan provisions push back against proposals that would make mail delivery slower and less reliable for rural communities.”
Specifically, the FSGG report includes language that:
Bergman Cosponsors Legislation to Ban Stock Trading by Members of Congress
Position: Rep. Bergman supports legislation to prohibit Members of Congress from trading stocks, arguing that such a ban would prevent lawmakers from profiting from nonpublic information and restore public trust in government.
Concerns about stock trading by elected officials have grown in recent years, as multiple academic studies and media investigations have shown that Members of Congress have historically outperformed the broader stock market at rates that raise serious questions about access to nonpublic information.
Rep. Bergman noted, “The American people work hard for every dollar they earn, and they are right to be angry when politicians use insider information to trade stocks and game the system. The Stop Insider Trading Act helps restore trust by making clear that Members of Congress cannot profit from the same information they use to write the laws. This bill is about fairness, accountability, and making sure Washington plays by the same rules as the folks back home.”
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
Recent stock activity
Periodic transaction reports filed under the STOCK Act — disclosed by the rep, sourced from public filings.
No disclosed trades on record.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.TAKE BACK THE HOUSE 2020Leadership3 contributionsMember-of-Congress leadership PAC — supports candidates aligned with Republican efforts to gain House seats.AI$19,265
2.AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE POLITICAL ACTION COIdeological3 contributionsPAC arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, federalized in 2021. Backs candidates of both parties who support U.S.-Israel security and economic ties.AI$16,600
3.DELTA AIR LINES PAC3 contributions$15,000
4.AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION PACLabor3 contributionsTrade-union PAC for commercial airline pilots — backs candidates supporting pilot workplace protections, collective bargaining rights, and aviation safety standards.AI$15,000
5.MAJORITY COMMITTEE PAC--MC PACLeadership3 contributionsLeadership PAC — likely affiliated with a member of Congress or caucus group; backs allied candidates and party priorities.AI · low$15,000
6.HUCK PACLeadership2 contributionsMember-of-Congress leadership PAC — directs contributions to allied candidates, likely associated with a member using the nickname or surname Huck.AI$10,000
7.CARPENTERS LEGISLATIVE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE UNITED BROTHERH2 contributions$10,000
8.THE EYE OF THE TIGER POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEOther2 contributionsPAC with a motivational slogan name — specific policy positions and affiliations not inferable from the name alone.AI · low$10,000
9.AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY PACAgriculture2 contributionsAgricultural company PAC for a major sugar producer — backs candidates supporting farm subsidies, tariff protections, and agricultural trade policies.AI$10,000
10.ALAMO PAC2 contributions$10,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST EFFORTS$31,445
2.C2 STRATEGIES$31,250
3.MICHIGAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE$10,000
4.ZURICH$9,935
5.CHARLES SCHWAB CORP$7,500
6.PM PARTNERS$7,000
7.COLFAX LAW OFFICE INC$7,000
8.VETERANS GUARDIAN$7,000
9.CARDIAC SURGERY ASSOCIATES$7,000
10.HOWE MARINE$7,000
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
