I write today to update you on recent legislative activities in the United States Congress.  I appreciate the opportunity to contact you.

Protecting Families and Improving Children’s Health Care

I am pleased to report that last week, both the House of Representatives and the Senate adopted my legislation to combat counterfeit prescription drugs and improve access to children’s medical devices.  The legislation now awaits the President’s signature to become law.

Counterfeit medications create life-threatening situations for Americans who depend on a safe supply of prescription drugs.  My legislation requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop and recommend standards to encourage the utilization of anti-counterfeiting technologies.  It also enhances inspection of drug shipments and boosts enforcement against counterfeit medications.  This is a crucial step to protect families against the threat of fake and potentially deadly drugs.

Furthermore, I believe children should not be shut out of advances in medical technology.  Adult medical devices rarely adapt for use in treating small babies or young children.  Pediatricians tell us that development of children’s medical devices can be a decade behind those for adults.  My legislation offers incentives to device manufacturers to create medical devices specifically designed to meet the needs of pediatric patients and it gives the FDA authority to review the devices and require post-market studies to ensure continued safety and effectiveness. 

For more information on this issue, please click here.

Creating Jobs in Lansing

Last month, the House of Representatives approved my request for an extension of the runway at Lansing's Capital City Airport.  I am pleased to report that last week, the U.S. Senate also approved funding for this important project.  The bill will soon go to the President for his signature. 

As Capital City Airport works to expand its services to include international travel options, a longer runway has become a top priority.  A runway extension will allow the airport to attract new passengers from around the world, expand shipping services, and increase the number of daily flights in and out of Lansing.

But most importantly, the runway extension project will create jobs at the airport and in the Lansing area.  As more capability is provided by the airport, there will be more opportunities to attract job providers to Michigan. 

To read a report from WLNS in Lansing on this issue, please click here.

Making Home Ownership More Accessible

Recently, I voted to make home ownership more accessible for families across the country.  Legislation passed by the House of Representatives would bolster the ability of American families to become homeowners.

Like the American Dream Downpayment Act which I introduced in 2001 and was signed into law in 2003, the measure just approved by the House is also intended to help low and middle income families become homeowners.  Homeownership gives families a stake in their community and can lead to stronger neighborhoods and help families create wealth and a more secure future.

Under the legislation I supported last week, borrowers would have the opportunity to buy homes with lower down payments, refinance under safer loan options, obtain housing counseling, and take part in the FHA's enhanced reverse mortgage program for seniors.  The bill now awaits consideration before the Senate.

To read a Detroit News article about this legislation, please click here.

I appreciate your continued interest in the legislative activities of your U.S. Congress.  As always, should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.