Protecting The Great Lakes

I believe nothing defines Northern Michigan more than the Great Lakes.  Not only are our lakes breathtaking, they are also a vital component to our economy and directly support nearly 1.5 million jobs in the United States. Having lived my entire life in Northern Michigan, I know just how important the Great Lakes are to our way of life. Over the last 19 months in Congress, I have worked hard to protect the Great Lakes and ensure that people in Northern Michigan will be able to enjoy these natural wonders for generations to come.  

Fighting Invasive Species 

Our Great Lakes are being threatened from invasive species like Asian carp and sea lamprey.  These aquatic predators have the potential to do permanent harm to our native fish species. Since coming to Congress, I have endorsed several bills that fight the spread of invasive species such as the “Asian Carp Prevention Act,” the “Stop Asian Carp Act”, and the “Cormorant Management Act.”

The Great Lakes Task Force

I am a proud member of the Great Lakes Task Force, a bipartisan group in Congress whose sole purpose is aimed at protecting and defending the Great Lakes, as well as promoting the economic impact the Lakes provide to the region.  Over the past three decades the Task Force has worked on issues such as lake restoration initiatives, environmental clean-up projects, and invasive species control efforts.  

Working For Michigan’s Harbors and Waterways

Since coming to Congress, I have fought to protect Northern Michigan’s many harbors and waterways.  Shipping and recreational boating are a vital component to our region’s economy.  I have strongly supported the RAMP Act, a bill that will ensure all money collected for the federal Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be used to maintain and dredge harbors and ports.  The RAMP Act has been labeled by supporters as a ‘game changer’ for Great Lakes shipping which is facing serve hardships due to the closing of ports and maintenance issues. 

Michigan’s First Congressional District has over 1,600 miles of shoreline—the most in the continental United States and is the only District with shoreline on three of the five Great Lakes.