Hillary J. Scholten

Congresswoman Scholten Leads Effort to Improve Hormonal Health Research and Testing

Position: Congresswoman Scholten introduced legislation directing the NIH and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to conduct research and testing on routine baseline hormonal testing for premenopausal women, citing the need for increased focus on women's health research.

WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of Women’s Health Month, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Vice Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, introduced the Hormone Health Data and Research Act. The bill would direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to conduct research and testing into the utility of routine baseline hormonal testing of premenopausal women. “Women make up 51% of the population, and yet only 5% of global health research funding is designated for women’s health. It’s beyond time we begin to study and understand women’s baseline hormone structures, as well as their changes over time and how that impacts their health,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “I’m proud to introduce this bill to give hormone testing the national attention and resources it deserves, which will help improve how millions of women can predict and manage their health.” About two million American women enter perimenopause every year, which is the natural transition period leading up to menopause and usually begins in a woman's 40s. The Hormone Health Data and Research Act would specifically direct the NIH and USPSTF to study the variability of a woman's hormone levels before she experiences symptoms of perimenopause, as well as any baseline patterns in that variability. These studies will help determine the utility of baseline hormonal testing for improving the diagnosis and management of perimenopause. NIH and USPSTF would also be required to submit a report to Congress on their findings and recommendations for future research. ###

Rep. Scholten’s Main Street Competes Act Passes Out of Small Business Committee

Position: The release announces that the Main Street Competes Act, which would require federal antitrust agencies to report annually to Congress on their impact on small businesses and coordinate with the Small Business Administration, passed out of committee. The representatives argue the legislation strengthens federal enforcement against unfair competition and monopoly power.

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the Main Street Competes Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), passed unanimously out of the House Small Business Committee (SBC). The legislation would help protect small businesses from unfair competition by requiring the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to work with the Small Business Administration to submit an annual report to Congress on the impact of anti-trust laws, the agencies’ ability to assist small businesses, and relevant policy recommendations. “Helping small businesses thrive in the modern economy is exactly the kind of thing I came to Congress to do,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “There’s currently a major gap in our federal laws that make it easier for larger businesses and corporations to evade accountability for illegal activity. Our Main Street Competes Act would fix that and strengthen federal agencies’ muscle to protect small businesses from unfair competition.” “Small businesses are the backbone of Kansas communities and our economy, and they deserve a fair opportunity to compete and grow,” said Congressman Derek Schmidt. “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure federal agencies are paying attention to how antitrust laws impact Main Street businesses, not just the largest corporations. Greater transparency and accountability will help protect competition, strengthen entrepreneurship, and support the small businesses that create jobs across Kansas and the country.” "Thousands of independent sellers, from mom-and-pop shops to multimillion-dollar businesses, have made e-commerce one of the fastest growing, most dynamic sectors of the American economy. However, when major platforms misuse their power over sellers, they can stifle this dynamism and harm both sellers and consumers," said Amanda Lewis, Co-Founder and Director of U.S. Competition Policy at the Responsible Online Commerce Coalition. "By empowering the Small Business Administration to address anticompetitive conduct, these sellers get another strong cop on the beat to take on monopoly power and ensure a fair and robust online marketplace where sellers of all sizes have an opportunity to grow and thrive." Rep. Scholten also introduced this bill last Congress. ### Issues:Economy

Rep. Scholten Leads Effort to Improve Small Business Administration's AI Usage

Position: Rep. Scholten supports legislation directing the Small Business Administration to implement AI tools for improving contracting, research programs, fraud prevention, and application processing to enhance efficiency and support for small businesses.

WASHINGTON, DC – This month, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) introduced the Small Business Administration Artificial Intelligence Adoption Reporting Act (SBA AI Adoption Reporting Act). The legislation would direct the SBA to implement its recent findings on how to best improve its AI uses for contracting and research programs. Rep. Scholten requested the study that produced these findings last Congress. “This bill is about making the government work more efficiently for small businesses and the hardworking people who keep them running,” said Rep. Scholten. “The SBA can and should be using AI to reduce backlog, streamline applications for funding opportunities, and prevent fraud, which is why I requested this report in the first place and why it is critical we now implement its findings. As AI becomes an increasingly common part of our economy, we have to make sure Main Street businesses have the tools and support they need to grow, compete, and protect their operations.” The report outlines ways in which SBA can use AI to enhance various agency functions, including conducting market research, reviewing proposals, preventing fraud, and reducing staff burden by saving time and analyzing large amounts of information. It also examines potential barriers and risks to adopting AI and highlights the importance of government transparency regarding AI usage. The full report can be found here. ###

Reps. Scholten, Pettersen Introduce Main Street BRIDGE Act

Position: The representatives support legislation to improve federal coordination between the Small Business Administration and Minority Business Development Agency to streamline access to technical assistance for small businesses, particularly those owned by members of historically underserved groups.

WASHINGTON, DC – This month, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) introduced the Main Street Business Resource Integration and Development for Growth and Equity Act (Main Street BRIDGE Act). The legislation would strengthen collaboration between federal agencies to help disadvantaged small businesses access the technical assistance and additional tools they need to grow and thrive. “Small businesses should not have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the resources meant to help them grow,” said Rep. Scholten. “Right now, far too many small business owners, especially those belonging to historically underserved groups, face unnecessary barriers and duplicative processes when trying to access technical assistance through federal programs. Our Main Street BRIDGE Act would strengthen coordination between agencies so local businesses can more easily connect with the tools, guidance, and support they need to succeed. When we make government more efficient and accessible, we create stronger Main Streets, stronger local economies, and better opportunities for working families.” "Small businesses are the backbone of our community and power our local economies. But outdated regulations and complicated hurdles can stand in the way of these businesses," said Rep. Pettersen. "The Main Street BRIDGE Act is about breaking down those barriers and ensuring that federal agencies are working together. By improving how we deliver assistance, we can better support business owners — especially entrepreneurs from underserved groups — on the path to success, helping them secure what they need to thrive long-term. I'm proud to join Congresswoman Scholten in this effort to make the federal government a true partner for our small business leaders." Specifically, the bill would direct the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to enhance their collaboration in providing technical assistance to small businesses through MBDA Business Centers and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). MBDA Business Centers and SBDCs provide a range of services to small businesses, from helping them find new markets to building a stronger business plan. This bill ensures these services aren’t provided to businesses in a vacuum, encouraging both entities to help entrepreneurs utilize every resource available to them between Business Centers and SBDCs. The MBDA and SBA would also then be required to submit a report to Congress with information on the results of this collaboration. ###

Rep. Scholten Leads Letter Urging President Trump to Address Skyrocketing Energy Prices

Position: Rep. Scholten and colleagues urge the Trump administration to address rising energy prices and utility costs, arguing that administration policies including tariffs and H.R. 1 are driving electricity and gas price increases that strain household budgets.

WASHINGTON, DC – This month, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) led a letter with her colleagues in the Lowering Costs Caucus urging President Trump to immediately address the energy affordability crisis straining household budgets across the country. The members highlighted how the Trump administration's policies, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) and chaotic tariffs, are driving these skyrocketing costs. “More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade,” the Representatives wrote in part. “Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet,” the Representatives continued. “Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices.” Rep. Scholten was joined by Reps. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01). The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear President Trump, We write as members of the Lowering Cost Caucus to urge your Administration to take immediate action to provide American consumers with relief from skyrocketing energy prices. Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet. American families have been saddled with an energy affordability crisis. More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade. In 2026, gas prices have soared more than 30 percent. The national average sits at $4 per gallon, up over a dollar since February. This is the most significant jump in gas prices in six decades. This reality–in conjunction with tariffs raising the cost of imported goods by nearly seven percent, and domestic goods by almost five percent–is untenable and places a significant strain on communities throughout the nation. In addition to rising prices at the pump, global market oil shortages have jacked up the price of jet fuel by over 14 percent compared to this time last year. Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in fewer flight options, increased fares, and other fees for Americans. This will inevitably limit our constituents from traveling for work or leisure, as well as being there for their loved ones during significant life events such as weddings or funerals. Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices. We share the goal of lowering costs for all Americans, and that includes taking swift action to lower gas and energy prices. The Lowering Cost Caucus stands ready to work with our colleagues in Congress to bring immediate relief to families across the nation, and we encourage your Administration to support these efforts. Thank you for your time and attention to this pressing matter. ### Issues:Economy

Rep. Scholten Announces $307K for Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Today, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids will receive $307,000 through NeighborWorks America. The funding will support Dwelling Place’s efforts to lower housing costs, expand the local housing supply, generate new economic opportunities, and revitalize West Michigan neighborhoods. “Every family deserves access to stable, affordable housing, and that work is best led by trusted local partners who know our neighborhoods best. I’m proud to announce this $307,000 investment in Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, which will help lower costs, expand housing opportunities, and drive economic growth across West Michigan,” said Rep. Scholten. “In Congress, I will continue advocating for resources to empower local solutions, because that is exactly what it means to be a strong federal partner.” “This investment from NeighborWorks America is a powerful affirmation of the work happening in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan,” said Jacob Horner, Chief Real Estate Development Officer of Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids. “With this $307,000 in support, we can continue expanding access to safe, affordable housing while strengthening the neighborhoods people call home. These resources allow us to not only increase housing opportunities but also create pathways for economic stability and long-term community growth. We’re grateful to Representative Scholten for her continued partnership in advancing local solutions that make a lasting impact.” NeighborWorks America, established by Congress in 1978, supports local solutions to affordable housing and community development challenges by providing organizations with financial support, training, technical assistance, organizational assessments, technology tools, and other services. In Fiscal Year 2025, NeighborWorks America attracted $74 in additional investment for each dollar of the federal appropriation. Collectively, these efforts generated $11.64 billion in direct investment in communities across the country, helping families and communities take control of their economic futures, build stability and wealth, and thrive. ###

House Passes Rep. Scholten’s Bipartisan Agricultural Bills

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) secured House passage of two of her commonsense, bipartisan agricultural bills in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (the Farm Bill), along with several other amendments and priorities for Michigan. As Rep. Scholten continues to work to achieve a final version of the Farm Bill that best delivers for West Michigan, she is among the top Democrats leading the charge to improve it and has secured these major policy accomplishments along the way. The Friends in the Field Act would strengthen biological pest control practices on farms in West Michigan and across the country by encouraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to engage in further research and development around its best uses. The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act would remove administrative hurdles for small farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs, which would expand their economic opportunities and improve access to healthy, affordable food for families. “I’m thrilled my Friends in the Field Act and Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act have passed the House and are one step closer to becoming law,” said Rep. Scholten. “These bipartisan, practical bills are essential to the economic well-being of our farmers and producers, and will help ensure families in West Michigan and nationwide have access to fresh, healthy food. Both efforts are about making sure the government is working for the people it serves, which is exactly what I came to Congress to do, and I will keep fighting to improve the Farm Bill for West Michigan.” In addition to passing her bills, Rep. Scholten partnered with Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) to advance the Making Access to Cleanup Happen (MATCH) Act and the Sustainable Agriculture Research Act. The bipartisan MATCH Act makes it easier to carry out critical emergency watershed protection measures after disasters. The bipartisan Sustainable Agriculture Research Act helps find cutting-edge solutions to food, agricultural, and environmental challenges. ###

Reps. Scholten, Valadao Introduce Bipartisan Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would reduce administrative barriers for small farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC, thereby expanding their market access and improving food access for low-income families.

WASHINGTON, DC – This month, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and David Valadao (R-CA-22) introduced the bipartisan Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act. The legislation would remove administrative hurdles for small farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which would expand their economic opportunities and improve access to healthy, affordable food for families. “Too often, local farmers and ranchers cannot access the federal programs designed to help feed our communities, not because of a lack of need or demand, but because the system is too complicated to navigate,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “By cutting through unnecessary red tape for farmers to participate in these nutrition programs, we can enable more local producers to succeed while ensuring families have better access to fresh, affordable food. Our bipartisan, bicameral effort is about making government work the way it should – advancing practical solutions that are responsive to the people it serves. “Central Valley producers grow the food that feeds our nation, but unfortunately, complicated administrative hurdles make it hard for them to provide food to families in our own communities," said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill reduces these barriers and equips small farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to accept benefits through programs like SNAP and WIC. By expanding access to fresh, locally-grown food for lower-income families and opening new markets for producers, we can both strengthen our agricultural economy and improve food access across the Valley.” "The Farmers Market Coalition is extremely pleased to see the introduction of this bill. Farmers markets and the farmers who sell at them face many barriers to accepting SNAP and other Federal Nutrition Benefits, and this bill would make necessary improvements to remove red tape and streamline the process. These changes will increase income for American farmers and improve access to healthy food for low-income shoppers,” said Jamie Hadji, Board President at the Farmers Market Coalition. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) is leading the Senate companion bill. “Every family deserves nutritious, affordable food, and that food can be grown right here in Minnesota. Farmers and producers are the lifeblood of Minnesota’s ag economy, and we should be doing everything we can to help farmers sell their products to families in their local community,” said Sen. Smith. “By cutting red tape and providing necessary technology and equipment, this bill will make it easier for them to accept nutrition program benefits, while simultaneously helping folks using federal nutrition programs get healthy, local food at farmers markets.” Specifically, the bill would require USDA to: Streamline the application process for farmers and ranchers to participate as authorized vendors under the various nutrition programs. Streamline the equipment/technology systems needed by farmers to process the benefits under the various nutrition programs. Provide free wireless or mobile processing equipment and systems for farmers' markets. Rep. Scholten and Senator Smith previously introduced a version of this bill in the 118th Congress. ###