Gary C. Peters

Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Accelerate Testing and Deployment of Automotive Safety Technologies | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Position: Senator Peters supports legislation that would expand federal testing authority to vehicle suppliers, allowing them to independently test automotive safety technologies in controlled environments rather than requiring partnership with automakers, to accelerate deployment of safety innovations.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate the testing and safe deployment of innovative vehicle technologies on our roadways. The Vehicle Safety Equipment Testing Act, which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), would update existing law to give vehicle suppliers the same testing authorities currently held by automakers, allowing them to independently test their technologies in controlled environments. “Vehicle suppliers in Michigan are working to develop some of the most advanced vehicle components and technologies available today. Unfortunately, existing law is delaying the testing needed to get these innovative systems in our cars and on the road,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bill would allow suppliers to conduct testing on the products they make, helping to speed up the deployment of new technologies that have the potential to drastically improve roadway safety.” Automotive suppliers manufacture key components that are integrated into automobiles, such as braking systems, emissions controls, and powertrain components. Legislation passed in 2015 requires these suppliers to partner with domestic automakers to test new vehicle systems, which often leads to delays in the verification process. To expedite the deployment of technologies that can improve vehicle and roadway safety, Peters’ Vehicle Safety Equipment Testing Act would expand this federal testing authority to vehicle suppliers, providing them the same independent testing and validation process currently used by automakers. This legislation is supported by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the National Consumers League. “Suppliers drive much of the innovation that makes vehicles safer, more efficient, and more reliable. Yet under current federal law, many suppliers are unable to independently test the technologies they develop in real-world environments, slowing innovation and delaying the deployment of safety-enhancing advancements. We applaud Senators Peters and Fischer for their leadership in introducing this legislation. By establishing testing parity, Congress will help accelerate the development and validation of next-generation vehicle technologies,” said Paul McCarthy, President and CEO of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “Advances in automobile safety require more than prudent policy, they require innovation,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety at the National Consumers League. “This legislation creates a nationwide proving ground, helping usher in the next era of safety technologies that can reduce the unacceptable injuries and death resulting from automobile crashes on our nation’s roadways. The National Consumers League applauds Senators Peters and Fischer for their leadership on this important issue.” Throughout his time in the Senate, Peters has consistently fought to support Michigan’s automotive sector and advocated for responsible adoption of innovative vehicle technologies. During a hearing on autonomous vehicles earlier this year, Peters emphasized the need for the upcoming surface transportation bill to include policies to guide the safe deployment of AVs on our roads to ensure American innovators pave the way on autonomous technologies. Leveraging his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has consistently fought to advance provisions in funding legislation to help accelerate the safe development of cutting-edge vehicle technology. This includes $13.9 million secured in recent funding legislation for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Automation Safety and $3.5 million for NHTSA’s Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) Program, which focuses on collaboration between automakers and federal agencies to share data on, and improve the performance of, advanced driver assistance systems. In 2025, he also introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow NHTSA to expand its research of emerging driver assistance systems, helping to improve roadway safety for Americans.

VIDEO: At Senate Hearing, Peters Pushes for Harnessing Emerging Technology to Advance U.S. Transportation Industry | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Position: Senator Peters advocates for Congress to pass a bipartisan federal regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles to improve roadway safety, enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, and create American jobs, while ensuring emerging technologies support rather than replace the transportation workforce.

Peters Again Called on Congress to Pass Bipartisan Federal Framework for Autonomous Vehicles to Improve Roadway Safety, Create American Jobs, and Cement U.S. Global Leadership in Mobility Innovation WASHINGTON, DC – During a hearing in the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the subcommittee, emphasized the need to harness new technologies to improve safety, lower costs, boost U.S. economic competitiveness, and create American jobs in the transportation industry. Peters also reiterated the need to ensure emerging technologies support, not replace, the transportation workforce. “I have long advocated for harnessing technological innovation to combat the challenges we face in the transportation sector, from unsafe roads to harmful environmental impacts to freight and infrastructure challenges that raise prices for everyday Americans,” Peters said in his opening remarks. “Technology has the potential to improve safety and productivity for American workers, including America’s truck drivers, if we play our cards right. But technology should also create good-paying American jobs, which is why I believe we must develop and manufacture it here at home.” To watch the full video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks and questions, click here. During the hearing, Peters also called for Congress to pass a bipartisan regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles (AV) to improve roadway safety, cement U.S. economic competitiveness, and protect American jobs. Throughout his time in the Senate, Peters has championed efforts to advance a set of “rules of the road” for AVs in the United States and repeatedly pushed for an AV regulatory framework to help usher in safe adoption of this technology. “For years, I have said that Congress cannot continue to stand on the sidelines when it comes to these AVs. I believe we must pass a federal AV framework to harness the safety benefits of this technology, ensure that it is deployed responsibly, and cement U.S. leadership in the development, manufacturing, and deployment on our roads,” said Peters. Peters reiterated how AVs and other emerging vehicle technologies can make transportation safer for Americans across the United States. Peters continued, “Every year, 40,000 Americans die on our highways, and nearly 1,000 die on our railways. These aren’t just numbers, they are families that will never be whole again. We must take action, and we know that technology is certainly part of the solution. I believe it will require government, industry, labor, and advocates coming together to address this safety crisis and to ensure that technology is deployed across our transportation system in a way that benefits all Americans.” Peters also emphasized that leading the development and deployment of transportation technology is critical to U.S. national security. “For example, today’s vehicle technologies have advanced sensor suites that collect and utilize a huge amount of data, which would be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands,” Peters said. “That’s why I have pushed to keep Chinese vehicles and vehicle technologies out of the United States, and why I want to hear from our witnesses today about protecting Americans’ data from exploitation by our adversaries as well as here at home.” Throughout his time in the Senate, Peters has consistently fought to support Michigan’s automotive sector and advocated for responsible adoption of innovative vehicle technologies. During a hearing on autonomous vehicles earlier this year, Peters emphasized the need for the upcoming surface transportation bill to include policies to guide the safe deployment of AVs on our roads to ensure American innovators pave the way on autonomous technologies. Leveraging his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has consistently fought to advance provisions in funding legislation to help accelerate the safe development of cutting-edge vehicle technology. This includes $13.9 million secured in recent funding legislation for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Automation Safety and $3.5 million for NHTSA’s Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) Program, which focuses on collaboration between automakers and federal agencies to share data on, and improve the performance of, advanced driver assistance systems. In 2025, he also introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow NHTSA to expand its research of emerging driver assistance systems, helping to improve roadway safety for Americans.

VIDEO: At Senate Appropriations Hearing, Peters Presses DHS Secretary Mullin for Updates on Key Michigan Projects | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Position: Senator Peters supports the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the establishment of the Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, both of which he has championed and secured federal funding for. He also raised concerns about potential disparities in FEMA disaster declaration approvals between Democratic and Republican-led states.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin for updates on two key Michigan projects – the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the new bridge, when Peters asked whether Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is prepared to facilitate trade and travel once the bridge is open, Secretary Mullin confirmed that CBP has the staff in place. “The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been in the works for decades now. This bridge that has been built was paid for by our Canadian neighbors, but they used American steel and union labor, and it’s actually going to be a critical component for not just Michigan, but for the country,” the Senator said. “So, my question to Secretary Mullin — is DHS, and specifically CBP, prepared right now to facilitate trade and travel at the bridge?” “We’re prepared. We’re staffed. We’re ready to go,” confirmed Secretary Mullin in response. Peters has long supported the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, securing $15 million for inspection and screening systems for it, as well as $1 million in government funding legislation to help DHS prepare for the completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Earlier this year, Peters and eight of his Michigan Congressional colleagues sent a letter to President Trump reiterating the importance of opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge as scheduled this year. Peters also questioned Mullin about the current progress of the Northern Border Mission Center, which is being established at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. “You committed to taking action on implementing a law that Senator Collins and I passed that would create a Northern Border Mission Center,” the Senator said. “You responded that within one month of your swearing in, you would work to get that center set up — it's been two months since you've been sworn in. Have you taken actions, as required by law, to advance the center?” Mullin confirmed that the personnel are in place, and it is actively mission capable. Peters established the Center and has secured a total of $9 million for its operations, which will support DHS’ ongoing border security work to address the evolving threats and challenges the Department faces, including the bi-directional flow of illicit drugs, like fentanyl, and other contraband, as well as human smuggling and trafficking. To watch the full video of Senator Peters’ questioning, click here. Peters also pressed Mullin about reports that FEMA disaster declaration requests made by Democratic-run states have repeatedly been delayed and denied by President Trump more frequently than requests from Republican-led states. “There are reports that President Trump has approved nearly 90% of requests from red states, but only 23% from blue states, even when the request met the FEMA established threshold for federal assistance,” said Peters. “I don’t think there’s any other President since the establishment of FEMA that has chosen to actually punish American citizens that have survived a flood or a wildfire because of their home state’s governor or senators’ political affiliation.” Michigan has faced continual delays in approvals for disaster declaration requests and unprecedented denials. After ice storms left thousands without power in Northern Michigan last year, Peters, alongside other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, worked tirelessly to get a disaster declaration approved and overturn the President’s denial of Category F assistance for public utilities so that critical federal resources could be issued to help Michiganders rebuild and recover.

VIDEO: Following Michigan Legislature Investment, Peters Presses Air Force to Accelerate Federal Resources to Support New Missions at Selfridge Air National Guard Base | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Position: Senator Peters advocates for accelerated federal funding and resources from the Air Force to support infrastructure upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan to accommodate new F-15EX fighter jets and KC-46A tankers, building on the state's $152 million investment.

WASHINGTON, DC – After applauding the State of Michigan’s $152 million investment to support the new F-15EX fighter jets and KC-46A tankers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) pressed the Air Force to accelerate the federal resources needed for beddown of these next-generation aircraft. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing with Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink, Peters emphasized the importance of timely Air Force investments to build on the state’s funding commitment. “This was following months of advocacy from folks at the state, local, and federal level,” Peters said during the hearing. “Now, with the state delivering on the funding, I think it's imperative that we move forward as quickly as possible.” To watch the full video of Senator Peters’ questioning, click here. After Peters sent a letter to Secretary Meink in December 2025, the Air Force committed to providing robust funding to upgrade infrastructure at Selfridge following state investment. When combined with state resources, nearly $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades are proposed for Selfridge. Once completed, these upgrades will place Selfridge among the most modern Air Force bases in the country, National Guard or active duty. During the hearing, Secretary Meink reiterated the importance of the State of Michigan’s investment, and highlighted the flexibility it provides the Air Force for making the remaining investments necessary to support the arrival of these missions. “No question, with 21 F-15s, and as well as the tankers, it's going to be a be a very, very capable Guard base,” Secretary Meink said during the hearing. Peters has made supporting the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base a top priority. Peters recently secured confirmation of the Air Force’s “commitment to station 21 F-15EX aircraft at Selfridge ANGB” and its ongoing efforts to deliver the federal funding needed for facilities and infrastructure improvements to Selfridge. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has secured millions in federal funding for runway and taxiway improvements at Selfridge. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Peters also recently secured $20 million in federal military construction funding to support beddown of both the KC-46 and F-15EX missions. Earlier this year, Peters also urged the Air Force to provide the necessary resources and attention to ensure the on-time delivery of the new F-15EX fighter jets to Selfridge and called for expanded funding for the F-15EX training pipeline program, conducted primarily at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, where Selfridge’s current A-10 pilots will need to undergo transition training for the F-15EX mission. Prior to the F-15EX basing announcement in April 2025, Peters sent a letter urging the Air Force to base a new fighter mission at Selfridge. Last year, Peters introduced bipartisan legislation seeking to preserve the U.S. Air Force’s fighter force structure and support the recapitalization of Air National Guard fighter missions, including at Selfridge. In January 2024, Peters announced that the U.S. Air Force selected Selfridge to host a new squadron of twelve KC-46A refueling tankers. This announcement came shortly after Peters led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Michigan delegation members in urging then-U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to select Selfridge for a new squadron of these next-generation tankers, which will be deployed by the U.S. Air Force for at least the next 50 years. To further strengthen Selfridge’s role in U.S. national and homeland security efforts, Peters established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center. Peters secured $3 million to operate this Center at Selfridge, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS is already standing up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.

Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Transparency of Trump Tariffs for Michigan Businesses and Consumers | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Position: Senator Peters supports legislation requiring the Trump Administration to publicly release summaries of tariff investigations conducted under Section 232, arguing that transparency is necessary for businesses and consumers to understand the rationale behind tariff decisions. While acknowledging that targeted tariffs against adversaries can serve U.S. interests, Peters opposes the current administration's broad, sweeping tariff approach as chaotic and harmful to Michigan's economy.

Bipartisan Bill Would Require Public Release of Investigation Findings Used by Trump Administration to Implement Tariffs WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen transparency requirements for tariff investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Section 232 Public Transparency Act would require the Secretary of Commerce to publish summaries of its investigations examining alleged national security risks tied to imports of certain goods. Peters’ legislation comes as the Trump Administration has launched a record number of investigations to justify imposing high, sweeping tariffs without releasing the findings of these investigations and providing little transparency or rationale to justify these broad tariffs. This Administration’s chaotic approach to tariffs have affected numerous industries that are critical to Michigan’s economy, including our manufacturing sector, and have raised prices for consumers. “Tariffs, when used in a targeted way against our adversaries like China, can be a helpful tool to advance U.S. economic and national security interests. But Michigan workers, consumers, manufacturers, and small businesses deserve transparency and clarity when the government imposes sweeping, chaotic tariffs that could significantly impact their lives and livelihoods,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation would ensure the Administration follows the law and publicly shares the rationale behind these tariff decisions.” Under current law, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) must complete Section 232 investigations within 270 days and provide findings to the President. The law also requires the Commerce Department to publish a summary of the investigation in the Federal Register, excluding classified information. However, the Trump Administration has not publicly released summaries for any completed Section 232 investigations. Peters’ bill would clarify the existing law to explicitly require the Commerce Department to publish summary reports by the time the findings are submitted to the President. Peters has repeatedly spoken out against the Trump Administration’s chaotic tariff policy, including during a speech on the Senate floorlast year. In September 2025, Peters cosponsored the Small Business RELIEF Act to exempt small businesses in Michigan and across the country from President Trump’s global baseline reciprocal tariffs and provide refunds to the small businesses that were forced to pay them. Peters also sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick demanding that he immediately work with the President to reverse tariffs for small businesses. During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Peters also pressed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the tariff policies’ impacts on Michigan workers and manufacturers, specifically questioning Greer on the Administration's tariffs on Canada, Michigan’s largest trading partner. Peters visited Walker Tool & Die in Grand Rapids last year to discuss the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on West Michigan manufacturers. During the listening session, Peters heard directly from manufacturers and workers in the region about how Michigan companies are navigating the tariff policies and what policies would better foster economic success.

Senator Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Study Link Between Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Position: Senator Peters supports legislation to commission a Justice Department study on the connection between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, and to authorize grant programs for mental health experts, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations to prevent animal cruelty and rehabilitate offenders.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help us better understand and respond to the connection between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence. Peters’ Animal Violence Exposes Real Threat of (AVERT) Future Violence Act – which he reintroduced with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) – would commission a Justice Department study to assess the link between acts of animal cruelty and future violence against others, such as domestic violence and gun violence. It would also authorize a grant program to support mental health experts, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations in their efforts to stop animal cruelty and rehabilitate offenders. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. “There is a clear connection between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, but more research is needed to help our communities effectively prevent and respond to red flags when we see them,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would improve our understanding of how a history of animal abuse can lead to future violence, while directing needed federal resources to the local partners who work to protect our communities each and every day.” “By introducing the AVERT Future Violence Act, Sen. Peters and Sen. Tillis are elevating this very important discussion about the relationship between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence,” said Nancy Blaney, Director of Government Affairs, Animal Welfare Institute. “It is crucial not only to identify risk factors and the potential for future violence among animal abusers, but also to make sufficient resources available for prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation.” “Providing the tools to tackle animal cruelty head-on will better protect both animals and people,” said Sara Amundson, President of Humane World Action Fund. “The AVERT Future Violence Act is a commonsense solution to ensure our communities are safe ensuring criminal justice officials including law enforcement have the training and technology they need to bring those responsible for cruelty to animals to justice while preventing future harm.” Research shows that individuals who commit animal abuse are five times more likely to commit crimes than non-animal abusers. On average, 70 percent of convicted animal abusers will commit another crime within ten years, and nearly 40 percent of those follow-on crimes will be violent. This link between animal abuse and future criminality is so strong that in 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) amended the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) to start collecting data on animal abuse. Moreover, the perpetrators of mass shootings in Oxford, Michigan; Columbine, Colorado; Parkland, Florida; Buffalo, New York; and Uvalde, Texas were all linked to a history of animal cruelty. However, animal abuse is still largely treated as an isolated issue in our society, and animal cruelty cases are substantially under-reported and under-investigated. Local authorities often are not equipped to deal with animal cruelty cases, there are few diversion programs available for juvenile or adult animal cruelty offenders, and programs to specifically address the mental health needs of such offenders are extremely limited. Senator Peters’ AVERT Future Violence Act would ensure that animal abuse is treated with urgency as a broader community issue. It would also provide lawmakers with concrete policy recommendations to develop more effective intervention and diversion strategies for animal cruelty offenders, in order to reduce the likelihood of future violence occurring in our communities. Specifically, the bill would: Reducing violent crime and protecting animal welfare are both key issues that Peters has prioritized in the Senate. Peters visited the Humane Society of West Michigan to highlight the need to reauthorize the federal grant program established by his Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act which helps protect domestic violence survivors and their pets. The program provides funding to facilities that harbor survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence, along with their pets, as well as the animal shelters that partner with domestic violence service providers. In 2022, Peters introduced the Planning for Animal Wellness Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law. This law helps protect pets and other animals during and in the aftermath of natural disasters by requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory group to offer guidance regarding animal welfare in federal disaster preparedness, response and recovery. In 2023, the Senate unanimously passed Peters’ bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program – a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime. In the same year, the Senate also unanimously passed Peters’ Strong Communities Act – a bipartisan legislation bill that strengthens the relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve by incentivizing recruits to work in the communities where they live. The bill provides federal grants for local law enforcement recruits who agree to attend school or academy and then serve in a law enforcement agency in their respective communities.

Peters Statement on Trump EPA Rolling Back Drinking Water Standards for Toxic PFAS Chemicals | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Position: Senator Peters opposes the EPA's rollback of national drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals, arguing that the decision undermines public health protections and delays necessary cleanup efforts.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) move to roll back national drinking water standards for harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals”: “This decision is extremely alarming and rolls back years of progress to rid our communities of toxic, deadly PFAS chemicals. Every person deserves access to safe, clean drinking water, but these forever chemicals continue to threaten the health and lives of people across our state and country. That’s why I have long fought for stricter standards to protect Americans from PFAS exposure. Unfortunately, this move by the Trump Administration is a step in the wrong direction, and will delay needed cleanup work at the detriment of public health.” Michigan communities and residents continue to face severe challenges with toxic PFAS contamination. Michigan is home to a number of military installations where PFAS contamination has been detected, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. If finalized, the EPA’s proposal would end drinking water limits for four toxic PFAS chemicals, including GenX, PFHxS, PFNA, and PFBS. PFHxS specifically has been heavily detected at Camp Grayling. The decision also would give utilities two additional years to comply with limits on two other prevalent chemicals known as PFOS and PFOA. Peters has long fought to address toxic PFAS chemicals, including by securing $10 billion in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS remediation efforts in Michigan and across the country. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters also successfully secured a provision in the annual national defense bill that requires DOD to submit annual reports detailing site-specific funding, progress, and barriers for all interim PFAS remediation and cleanup efforts. This includes timelines, performance metrics, and the status of the actions. Peters’ provision also requires DOD to create a public online dashboard within one year to display updated PFAS cleanup data, funding, timelines, and community points of contact. The bill also contained a Peters led initiative to direct DOD to provide bottled water to communities with private drinking water wells with high levels of PFAS contamination as a result of DOD activities. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, which assessed the federal government’s response to PFAS contamination and remediation efforts. He then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state, and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. Peters also convened a hearing in 2021 as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to examine how servicemembers, their families, and communities across the country have been harmed by exposure to toxic PFAS substances connected to military sites. In 2022, Peters convened a field hearing in East Lansing with officials from the Department of Defense (DoD), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to examine federal efforts and coordination with state and local governments to clean up and prevent contamination from PFAS, and to examine the impact exposure to these toxic chemicals has had on servicemembers, first responders, families, and other Michiganders. He has also taken steps to hold the DoD accountable for their failure to meet key PFAS reporting deadlines. Peters introduced and advanced bipartisan legislation to reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at commercial airports. The Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, which was signed into law in 2022, is working to deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. In 2022, Peters’ bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law.

Senate Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Improve Safety and Security of U.S. Pipeline Infrastructure | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Bill Includes Peters-Led Provision to Create “Center of Excellence” in Great Lakes Region to Improve Hazardous Pipeline Leak Detection WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to improve the safety and security of pipeline infrastructure in Michigan and throughout the United States. The Pipeline Integrity, Protection, and Enhancement for Leveraging Investments in the Nation’s Energy to Assure Safety (PIPELINE) Safety Act would reauthorize and significantly increase funding for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) safety programs for five years. These critical programs help Michigan effectively inspect and enforce safety standards for more than 100,000 miles of pipeline currently in operation throughout the state. The bill additionally requires pipeline operators to protect against the growing threat of cyberattacks, such as the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2023. The bill also includes a provision led by Peters to pave the way for a PHMSA “National Center of Excellence for Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Leak Detection.” The center would conduct research into state-of-the-art pipeline leak detection technologies that can help efficiently identify a spill and improve our response to a potential incident. If passed into law, the center would be established in the Great Lakes region. “We must ensure our pipeline infrastructure remains strong. This bipartisan bill will help protect both public safety and our environment by working to prevent accidents and improve protections for this critical infrastructure,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety. “Michiganders particularly know that we must do all we can to prevent a Great Lakes oil spill. I’m proud this bill has a provision I fought for to establish a Center of Excellence in the Great Lakes region to strengthen our ability to detect and respond to potential dangerous pipeline leaks.” “Michigan Tech greatly appreciates Senator Peters’ leadership in advancing a National Center of Excellence for Pipeline Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection through the Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Act,” said Michigan Technological University’s President Richard Koubek. “By bringing together government, industry, and academia, the Center would help advance research, improve detection technologies, and strengthen pipeline safety nationwide. Michigan Tech appreciates the opportunity to support Senator Peters’ vision of protecting the environment while supporting the nation’s critical energy and industrial needs.” Peters introduced the Pipeline Integrity, Protection, and Enhancement for Leveraging Investments in the Nation’s Energy to Assure Safety (PIPELINE) Safety Act alongside U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Todd Young (R-IN). Peters has made it a priority to strengthen U.S. pipeline infrastructure and improve our response to pipeline spills. In 2018, he authored and passed legislation creating the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise to study the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses to protect the Great Lakes. Peters then announced that the Center would be dual headquartered in Michigan at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor to maximize its research and operational capabilities. Peters led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Center for Freshwater Research and Education at LSSU, which is home to the Center of Expertise, in 2022. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has continued to advocate for additional funding to support the Great Lakes Center of Expertise’s work. Peters also introduced legislation to help federal agencies more quickly and effectively respond to potential oil spills on the Great Lakes and elsewhere. In 2021, Peters applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to formally implement a provision of his PIPES Act, which designated the Great Lakes as an Unusually Sensitive Area, subjecting pipelines operating in the area to higher standards for operating safely. As Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Peters plays a key role in uniting Great Lakes Basin Senators to coordinate legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts to address the most important issues facing the Great Lakes, such as invasive species, environmental contamination, shoreline erosion, water quality, infrastructure needs, and more.

Peters Announces $15 Million in Federal Funding for Port of Monroe | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that the Port of Monroe has received a $15 million federal investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to support critical dock upgrades and modernize operations. The funding comes from DOT’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Peters advocated for the Port of Monroe’s application for this federal funding. “The Port of Monroe plays a critical role in connecting Michigan to regional and global shipping partners, helping to safely and efficiently transport products that our families and businesses depend on every day,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to help secure this funding for the Port to make necessary upgrades that will improve operations and strengthen key Michigan supply chains.” “Senator Peters’ unrelenting support of the Port of Monroe has been and continues to be one of the greatest honors of my career. His dedication to the citizens of Michigan is unparalleled and his recognition of the Great Lakes maritime industry’s vital role to a prosperous economy is unmatched,” said Captain Paul C. LaMarre III, President of the American Great Lakes Ports Association and Port Director in Monroe, Michigan. “This funding will ensure that aging infrastructure at the Port of Monroe is revived and ready for any and all cargoes to support Michigan industry now and in the future.” Specifically, this grant funding will allow the Port of Monroe to eliminate failing infrastructure and modernize critical waterfront assets. Upgrades include rehabilitation of key riverfront docking areas and electric power systems, which will support uninterrupted operations at the port. Additionally, the funding will help the Port of Monroe become the first SAFE Port Act compliant facility on the Great Lakes, which will provide the Midwest with a direct and efficient link to global trade, reducing reliance on congested coastal gateways and anchoring long-term growth for manufacturers and exporters. Peters has long prioritized strengthening Michigan’s shipping ports, including the Port of Monroe. Since 2020, Peters has repeatedly fought to secure robust funding for the port, including investments to expand cargo capacity, purchase new crane equipment, and upgrade cargo screening infrastructure. In 2025, Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to help ensure Great Lakes ports receive a fair share of PIDP funding. In 2024, Peters convened a field hearing to examine the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. Captain LaMarre testified at the hearing and reiterated that expanded freight capacity at the Port of Monroe will bolster Michigan’s and the nation’s critical supply chains. In 2021, Peters toured the Port of Monroewith Customs and Border Protection officials to discuss cargo clearance challenges facing the port. In a video released as part of Peters’ On the Job for Michigan video series, Captain LaMarre highlighted the importance of Peters’ advocacy for positioning the Port of Monroe for continued success.

Senate Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Infant Formula Shortages | U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan

Peters’ Legislation Responds to 2022 Infant Formula Shortage Crisis Caused by Bacterial Contamination That Resulted in Infant Deaths, Widespread Product Recalls WASHINGTON, DC — The Senate passed U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan bill that aims to prevent future infant formula shortages. Peters’ authored the Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act following a 2022 bacterial contamination of infant formula at a manufacturing facility resulting in a nationwide recall and shortages. The legislation would strengthen the oversight capabilities of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the nation’s infant formula supply is safe and affordable for families across the country. “As a father and grandfather, there is nothing more important than keeping our kids safe and healthy. Parents deserve the peace of mind knowing the formula they give their babies is safe,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I’m proud to see this bipartisan bill pass the Senate. This commonsense bill will help to protect our kids by ensuring contaminated formula doesn’t reach the shelves in the first place, and prevent another nationwide shortage where folks struggled to both find and afford infant formula.” Peters reintroduced the legislation with U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) last year. The bill was passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in January 2026. Peters’ bill responds to the bacterial contaminations at an infant formula manufacturing plant, the deaths of 9 infants, and infant formula recalls that triggered a nationwide shortage in 2022. Between September 2021 and February 2022, the FDA received reports of infants who were sickened after consuming powdered infant formula products manufactured by a facility in Michigan. The FDA initiated an onsite inspection at the facility and commenced an investigation that revealed insanitary conditions, including the presence of five different strains of Cronobacter sakazakii within the facility. In February 2022, the FDA warned consumers not to use certain products manufactured at this facility and the company issued a voluntary recall. In addition, in 2023, FDA issued warning letters to three additional infant formula manufacturers to improve conditions at their plants. While progress has been made to restore the safety of products made at the facilities, additional oversight remains needed to prevent future contaminations and shortages. Peters’ bipartisan legislation would improve the FDA’s ability to help prevent future bacterial contaminations and minimize the supply chain disruptions if product recalls do occur. Specifically, Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act would: Furthermore, the legislation would require the FDA to issue a progress report to Congress on its implementation of the recommendations it provided in the Long-Term National Strategy to improve the safety and security of our nation’s infant formula supply. In January 2025, the FDA released its Long-Term National Strategy to Increase the Resiliency of the U.S. Infant Formula Market to secure a safe, consistent, and diversified infant formula supply, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by the 2022 formula shortage. Among other recommendations, the FDA’s strategy calls for the testing authorities included in Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act. The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act is supported by numerous key stakeholders including the Association of Maternal and Child Health, First Focus, Zero to Three, March of Dimes, MomsRising, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest.