Tim Walberg

Walberg’s Bipartisan Bill to Combat Human Trafficking Signed into Law

Position: Supports H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, which requires training and tools for Department of Labor staff to detect and report labor or sexual exploitation, establishes referral procedures to law enforcement, and increases DOL transparency and congressional oversight on human trafficking.

Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) issued the following statement after President Trump signed into law H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act. This bipartisan legislation strengthens the Department of Labor’s (DOL) ability to identify human trafficking, protect vulnerable individuals, and combat exploitation. "Today, we took a collective step forward in addressing the scourge of human trafficking," said Rep. Walberg. "Very often, Department of Labor enforcement personnel are the first to encounter signs of human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation; the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act provides these employees with the tools and knowledge needed to detect and address this heinous crime. I’m proud this bipartisan legislation is now law, strengthening protections for the most vulnerable—including women and children—from exploitation." H.R. 4307, Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act: Establishes guidelines to ensure DOL staff are provided needed training and equipped with sufficient tools and resources to report labor or sexual exploitation. Establishes a clear framework for DOL employees to make referrals and further assist law enforcement in preventing labor or sexual exploitation. Promotes DOL transparency and congressional oversight regarding DOL detection and response to human trafficking. Congressman Walberg serves as the Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee. Issues:Local Issues

Walberg Invites Constituents to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Position: The release encourages residents to safely dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and recounts the representative's past support for federal opioid and fentanyl legislation.

This Saturday, October 24, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) encourages his constituents to participate by visiting one of the many drug disposal locations available throughout Michigan’s 5th Congressional District and beyond between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. "Addiction continues to fuel a nationwide crisis, devastating families and overwhelming communities," said Rep. Walberg. “Leftover or expired prescriptions often accumulate in homes, where they can be misused, stolen, or illegally sold. Proper disposal of unused prescription drugs helps prevent misuse and helps keep our streets safer. Ahead of this Prescription Drug Take Back Day, I encourage all residents to check their medicine cabinets and safely discard any unused prescriptions to help protect our loved ones and keep our communities safe.” Residents who have expired or leftover medications can visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website here to find more information about available disposal sites. A list of locations throughout Michigan’s 5th District is also available below. Calhoun County Family Fare Supermarket: 1406 N Eaton St, Albion, MI Michigan State Police Marshall Post: 714 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI Lenawee County Hickman Hospital: 5640 N Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI Monroe County Village of Dundee Police Department: 350 W Monroe St, Dundee, MI Erie Township Police Department: 2065 Erie Rd, Erie, MI St. Joseph County Constantine Police Department: 115 White Pigeon St, Constantine, MI Sturgis Police Department: 122 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI Three Rivers Police Department: 333 W Michigan Ave, Three Rivers, MI Rep. Walberg’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis across our nation: As a member of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, Congressman Walberg has been committed to working with his colleagues to address the alarming opioid epidemic that is affecting communities in Michigan and sweeping the nation. In 2018, Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass a landmark bill, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, signed into law by President Trump. Walberg proudly authored multiple bipartisan provisions in this historic bill to crack down on the epidemic. After the bill’s implementation, opioid overdoses not only slowed but began to decrease. To build on this success, in 2025, the House passed, and President Trump signed into law, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. This legislation reauthorizes the successful programs passed in the original bill and will continue to help those struggling with addiction. The Congressman was also a proud cosponsor of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump last year and permanently placed fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. This critical legislation provided law enforcement with the tools necessary to keep these dangerous substances off our streets. To learn more about the Congressman’s work to combat the opioid epidemic, please click here. Issues:Local Issues

Walberg Signs VP's Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud

Position: Rep. Walberg signed a pledge with Vice President Vance to combat fraud in taxpayer-funded programs, including committing to ensure benefits serve law-abiding citizens rather than illegal aliens, and to prosecute and deport illegal alien fraudsters. He cites legislation he advanced on fraud in federal student aid and child care programs.

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) joined Vice President JD Vance in the fight against fraud by signing a pledge to ensure that American programs only benefit law-abiding citizens. "Each year, fraudsters steal billions of dollars from hardworking Americans and taxpayer-funded programs," said Rep. Walberg. "Programs should support real American families, rather than fraudsters. I'm proud to join the Vice President in the fight against fraud to provide stronger protections for vulnerable Americans and hold fraudsters accountable. As Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, I have been working with my colleagues to crack down on fraud in federal student aid and child care assistance programs. We must build on these efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure support goes to those who need it, rather than those exploiting the system." The Pledge reads: I pledge to join the fight and do everything in my power to ensure that: 1. Vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly, indigent, and disabled, are protected from fraudsters who seek to prey on them. 2. Taxpayer-funded programs serve law-abiding Americans, not illegal aliens or fraudsters. 3. Taxpayer-funded benefits are not used by fraudsters to buy mansions or luxury cars. 4. Public agencies and officials work tirelessly and aggressively, coordinating at all levels of government, to stop fraud before payments go out the door. 5. Fraudsters face justice for their crimes in a court of law. Convicted fraudsters will be imprisoned and barred from ever receiving another penny of taxpayer dollars. 6. Illegal alien fraudsters are promptly arrested, prosecuted, imprisoned, and deported, never able to take advantage of Americans’ generosity again. Background Recent reports by the Government Accountability Office estimate that up to $521 billion are lost to fraud each year. As Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Walberg ushered legislation through the House to strengthen oversight and institute safeguards against fraud in federal student aid and child care programs. The No Aid for Ghost Students Act and Stop Child Care Scams Act would strengthen oversight and protect taxpayer dollars. Rep. Walberg also sent letters to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison earlier this year following reports of widespread fraud in Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program. Issues:Taxes & Spending

Walberg, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts

Position: The release describes introduction of the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, which would designate the Great Lakes Commission as a Regional Great Lakes Partnership within NOAA's Regional Ocean Partnerships Program to secure federal research and conservation funding for the Great Lakes region. Members state that the legislation closes a funding gap relative to coastal ocean states.

Today, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David Joyce (R-OH), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Hillary Scholten (D-MI) introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program. This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts. "As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Rep. Walberg. "The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem." "As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region," said Rep. Kaptur. "The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic wellbeing, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region." "As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I have made it my mission to have the federal government recognize the Great Lakes as a national priority," said. Rep. Huizenga. "The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act furthers this objective by enhancing the Great Lakes Commission’s steadfast work to protect and conserve Michigan’s most valuable natural resource." "The Great Lakes and their connected waterways are invaluable resources for Michigan and the United States," said Rep. Dingell. "As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation for future generations to enjoy these national treasures." "The Great Lakes are a critical resource for the economies and communities that surround them," said Rep. Joyce. "As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen federal partnerships and expand funding opportunities to advance the research, coordination, and conservation efforts needed to protect the Great Lakes — ensuring they remain a resource our communities can rely on for generations to come." "Michigan is the Great Lakes state, period. Jobs, recreation, and tourism across the Midwest depend on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem," said Rep. Stevens. "I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues of both parties to ensure that Michigan receives our fair share of federal investment that will protect and preserve our Lakes for generations to come." "Protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our water, wildlife, and communities throughout the region," said Rep. Barrett. "This bipartisan legislation will help bring federal resources to the table and strengthen the partnerships already working to preserve our state's natural resources. I’m proud to work with colleagues from across the region to ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come." "As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest assets," said Rep. Scholten. "I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This commonsense bill will strengthen the research and coordination that keeps the Great Lakes region healthy. Investing in our Great Lakes is investing in our future, and it’s crucial that we conserve this resource for the next generation." "The Great Lakes Commission is grateful to Rep. Walberg for introducing this important legislation to designate the GLC as a regional partnership for the Great Lakes," said GLC Chair Timothy Bruno, Great Lakes Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. "This designation will allow the agency to build on its more than 70 years of regional leadership — fostering dialogue, building consensus, and advancing coordinated solutions to the Great Lakes’ most pressing challenges — to ensure the Great Lakes region continues to speak with a strong, unified voice. We look forward to working with our partners to realize the full benefits of this program for the region." Background The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) brings together eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces to protect the Great Lakes and promote economic growth in the Great Lakes basin. The GLC is composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) coordinate interstate ocean and coastal resource management efforts and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Although NOAA administers four Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Gulf, and West Coast, the Great Lakes currently lack an ROP. Designating the GLC as the region’s ROP will ensure the Great Lakes region receives its fair share of program funding. Companion legislation, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), has been advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Issues:Great Lakes

Walberg, Smith, Owens, and Cassidy Lead Bicameral Effort to Expand Educational Opportunities

Position: The release supports introducing two bills to expand the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit by removing the state opt-in requirement and allowing married taxpayers to claim up to double the individual cap.

Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) joined Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing the Educational Opportunities Expansion Package, two bills to strengthen his Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, a key provision of the Working Families Tax Cuts. The package aims to expand educational opportunities for students nationwide by removing the current state opt-in requirement and ensuring that scholarship donors are not restricted in their giving based on their marital status. "Last year, Republicans' Working Families Tax Cuts became law, delivering the largest expansion of school choice in history. I support giving every family the opportunity to benefit, providing parents with greater flexibility to choose the educational environment that best supports their child’s needs. All children deserve access to an education that helps them achieve the American Dream, no matter their background or address,”said Chairman Walberg. "My Federal Scholarship Tax Credit marked a critical victory for educational freedom nationwide. However, I know our work is not done. This is why I introduced my Educational Opportunities Expansion Package to ensure students nationwide can reap the full benefits of these scholarships, while also protecting benefactors from penalties based on their marital status. I am grateful for the strong bicameral support of my colleagues, and I look forward to working together to build on our success,” said Smith. “Parents know what is right for their kids much better than any bureaucrat. I’m grateful for this legislation that strengthens school choice policies which puts parents in the driver’s seat of their child’s education and ensures the student can receive the education they deserve,”said Owens. “As parents, we know our children better than anyone. When we put parents in charge of their child’s education, we give children the best opportunity to thrive,”said Dr. Cassidy. “Another win for School Choice!” The Educational Opportunities Expansion Package is supported by the American Federation for Children, Invest in Education Coalition, Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Coalition Steering Committee, Ed Choice, and Agudath Israel of America. BACKGROUND: The Educational Opportunities Expansion Package includes two bills aimed at expanding access to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and restoring Congressional intent following changes made during the Senate parliamentarian’s review of the 2025 reconciliation. H.R. 10412: Would repeal the state opt-in requirement for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, ensuring that every student has access to its scholarship opportunities regardless of their zip code. Click here to read the full text of H.R. 10412. HR 10413: Would ensure that married taxpayers are not at a disadvantage by allowing them to claim the tax credit up to an amount that is double the cap for individual filers. Click here to read the full text of H.R. 10413.

Walberg-Backed Ratepayer Protection Act Passes House

Position: The release states support for the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would have state utility commissions consider large-load standards requiring data centers drawing over 100 MW to pay the full incremental costs of the power they need, rather than passing those costs to consumers.

Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) voted to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that would require state public utility commissions to consider a strategy to make data centers pay their own way instead of passing costs on to American consumers. The Ratepayer Protection Act codifies the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge from earlier this year, under which more than 300 other organizations ranging from utilities to data center developers committed to protecting communities from increased costs resulting from data center construction. The legislation would have state utility commissions consider large-load standards for data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power, to ensure they pay for the full incremental costs to serve their loads. "Michigan families, farmers, and small businesses should not be forced to foot the bill for growing energy demands from data centers," said Rep. Walberg. "I was proud to support the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to ensure that the companies building data centers are the ones paying for the electricity needed to power them, instead of hardworking American families. I urge the Senate to pass this common-sense legislation to protect consumers from rate increases and address the concerns shared by local communities." Issues:Local Issues

Walberg's Legislation to Bridge the Digital Divide Advanced by Energy and Commerce Committee

Position: The release supports the PLAN for Broadband Act, which would require the Administration to develop a national strategy to coordinate federal broadband programs, reduce duplication, and accelerate broadband deployment to unserved and underserved areas. It describes the bill's committee passage as a step toward closing the digital divide.

Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee voted to pass the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. Introduced by Congressmen Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA), the bipartisan legislation would implement a national strategy to accelerate the deployment of critical broadband infrastructure across the country. "We cannot let Michigan's rural communities get left behind in today's digital age due to fragmented and overlapping broadband deployment efforts," said Rep. Walberg. "I am proud to see the Energy and Commerce Committee advance the PLAN for Broadband Act to improve the efficiency and coordination of federal broadband programs. Developing a detailed roadmap that streamlines deployment efforts is a commonsense step we can take to increase reliable high-speed internet access for the rural communities that need it most." "For too long, broadband has failed to reach many of the communities who need it most," said Rep. Peters. "This shortfall has left constituents in San Diego and communities across the country still waiting to be connected to the internet. Today, I'm glad to see the PLAN for Broadband Act pass out of committee, bringing us one step closer to closing the digital divide." Background The PLAN for Broadband Act is based upon a Government Accountability Office report that found that federal broadband efforts are oftentimes fragmented and duplicative. While enough federal funding exists to bridge the digital divide, a national broadband strategy is needed to avoid duplicative efforts and ensure that funds are available to reach the truly unserved and underserved areas. The PLAN forBroadband Act would require the Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to close the digital divide. Congressman Walberg serves as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress, visit Walberg.house.gov. Issues:Technology and Communications

Walberg Votes to Strengthen Oversight and Crack Down on Fraud

Position: Rep. Walberg voted for two bills, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act and the PROOF Act, which aim to strengthen federal oversight of taxpayer-funded programs and combat fraud. He states that federal programs should support real families rather than fraudsters.

Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) voted in favor of two bills that would strengthen federal oversight of taxpayer-funded programs and crack down on fraud. The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act and the Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act passed the House by votes of 352-72 and 217-207, respectively. "Federal programs should support real families, rather than fraudsters," said Rep. Walberg. "As Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, I helped usher multiple bills through the House earlier this year to strengthen oversight and institute safeguards against fraud in federal student aid and child care programs. These bills would build upon these efforts to further identify and crack down on fraud and hold criminals who are exploiting the system accountable." Background Each year, fraudsters steal billions of dollars from Americans and taxpayer-funded programs, with the Government Accountability Office estimating up to $521 billion being lost due to fraudulent payments. The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act would codify President Trump's Division for National Fraud Enforcement within the Department of Justice. Since its establishment in January, the division has uncovered billions of dollars in fraud. This legislation would ensure that an office is permanently in place to combat fraud across the federal government, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and hold fraudsters accountable. The Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act would improve information-sharing between state administrators and federal law enforcement, making it easier to identify fraud more quickly. Issues:Taxes & Spending

Walberg-Backed Farm Bill Passes House

Position: Rep. Walberg supports the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which reauthorizes farm programs for five years and provides regulatory certainty, risk management tools, and market access for farmers and agricultural producers.

Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) voted for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, which authorizes farm programs for the next five years to support our nation's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. The legislation provides long-overdue regulatory certainty for interstate commerce, enhances risk management tools for specialty crop producers, reduces energy costs for rural families, and champions American commodities in global markets. "America’s hardworking farmers deserve policies that reflect the realities they face today," said Rep. Walberg. "This Farm Bill builds on the successes of the Working Families Tax Cuts, which provided the largest investment in American farmers in at least a generation, to ensure farmers have the tools they need to thrive. Michigan farmers feed and fuel the world, and this Farm Bill brings much-needed certainty to the producers who keep America's food supply strong." Background The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026: Builds on the historic agricultural investments included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Completes overdue reauthorization of key farm bill programs across conservation, rural development, research, trade, energy, and specialty crops Expands market access for U.S. agriculture by strengthening export promotion programs and reducing trade barriers Improves access to credit for farmers and ranchers while supporting young and beginning producers Invests in rural communities through stronger broadband, rural health care access, water infrastructure, and workforce development Promotes precision agriculture, research, and innovation to keep American producers competitive Supports voluntary, locally led conservation programs that protect working lands without adding unnecessary regulations Issues:Agriculture

Walberg Highlights National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

This Saturday, April 25, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) encourages his constituents to participate by visiting one of the many drug disposal locations available throughout Michigan’s 5th Congressional District and beyond between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. “Across the country, families and communities are feeling the effects of the addiction crisis, and one of the most important steps we can take is to keep prescription medications from falling into the wrong hands," said Rep. Walberg. "Leftover or expired prescriptions often accumulate in our homes, where they can be misused, stolen, or illegally sold. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers a safe and responsible way to dispose of unneeded medications at drop‑off sites. I encourage all residents to check their medicine cabinets and safely discard any unused prescriptions to help keep our communities safe.” Residents who have expired or leftover medications can visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website here to find more information about available disposal sites. A list of locations throughout Michigan’s 5th District is also available below. Berrien County Niles State Police: 1600 Silverbrook Ave, Niles, MI Calhoun County Family Fare Supermarket: 1406 N Eaton St, Albion, MI Cass County Howard Township Hall: 1345 Barron Lake Rd, Niles, MI Cass County Sheriff's Office: 321 M-62, Cassopolis, MI Pokagon Tribal Health Center: Commodities Building, 58620 Sink Rd, Dowagiac, MI Dowagiac Police Department: 241 N Front St, Dowagiac, MI Family Fare: 56151 M-51 S, Dowagiac, MI Marcellus Township Hall: 13163 Marcellus Hwy, Marcellus, MI ONTWA/Edwardsburg Police Department: 13163 Marcellus Hwy, Marcellus, MI St. Joseph County Constantine Police Department: 115 White Pigeon St, Constantine, MI Lenawee County Hickman Hospital: 5640 N Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI Monroe County Village of Dundee Police Department: 350 W Monroe St, Dundee, MI Rep. Walberg’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis across our nation: As a member of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, Congressman Walberg has been committed to working with his colleagues to address the alarming opioid epidemic that is affecting communities in Michigan and sweeping the nation. In 2018, Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass a landmark bill, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, signed into law by President Trump. Walberg proudly authored multiple bipartisan provisions in this historic bill to crack down on the epidemic. After the bill’s implementation, opioid overdoses not only slowed but began to decrease. To build on this success, in 2025, the House passed, and President Trump signed into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. This legislation reauthorizes the successful programs passed in the original bill and will continue to help those struggling with addiction. The Congressman was also a proud cosponsor of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump last year and permanently placed fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. This critical legislation provides law enforcement with the tools necessary to keep these dangerous substances off our streets. To learn more about the Congressman’s work to combat the opioid epidemic, please click here. Rep. Walberg serves on the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force.