Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Democrat · MI · 59 bills sponsored
A bill to establish a task force to identify potential countervailable subsidies, dumping, and circumvention with respect to trade.
# S 3913 Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would create a government task force to investigate unfair trade practices from foreign countries and companies. Specifically, the task force would look for instances of "countervailable subsidies" (when governments illegally prop up their own companies with financial support), "dumping" (when foreign companies sell products at artificially low prices to undercut U.S. competitors), and "circumvention" (when companies find loopholes to avoid trade penalties). The task force would identify these practices and report its findings so the U.S. can take action against them. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects American businesses and workers in manufacturing and trade-dependent industries by potentially helping level the playing field against foreign competition. It could also influence U.S. trade policy and relationships with other countries. Consumers might be affected depending on how the U.S. responds to the task force's findings. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full Senate vote yet. No action has been taken beyond the initial referral.
Lifelong Learning Act
# Lifelong Learning Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Lifelong Learning Act (S 3870) aims to expand educational and training opportunities for Americans throughout their entire lives, not just during traditional school years. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic information available, lifelong learning bills typically focus on making it easier and more affordable for people to gain new skills, earn certifications, or pursue education at any career stage—whether they're early in their careers, changing jobs, or returning to education later in life. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily affect workers seeking career training or skill development, community colleges and educational institutions offering these programs, and potentially employers looking to upskill their workforce. Students of all ages who want to continue their education beyond high school could also benefit. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) in the 119th Congress. For more detailed information about specific provisions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
SWAT Act of 2026
I appreciate the request, but I don't have access to the actual text or details of S. 3810, the "SWAT Act of 2026." The information provided only shows basic metadata (sponsor, status, chamber) but not the bill's content, provisions, or legislative summary. To give you an accurate, factual summary, I would need to access: - The bill's official text or summary from Congress.gov - The stated purpose and key provisions - Which agencies or groups it affects **If you'd like, you could:** 1. Provide the bill's text or a link to Congress.gov 2. Share any official summary language from the bill itself 3. Tell me what the acronym "SWAT" stands for in this context I'm happy to summarize it once I have the substantive details—I just want to make sure the summary is accurate rather than speculative.
Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act
# Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act – Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill strengthens safety requirements for infant formula by requiring manufacturers to report potential contamination problems to the FDA much faster than current law allows. Specifically, manufacturers would have to notify the FDA within one business day if they discover their formula may lack required nutrients or could be contaminated with harmful microorganisms like salmonella. The bill also requires manufacturers to share test results with the FDA and work with the agency on how to properly handle contaminated batches. **Who It Affects and Why** The bill targets infant formula manufacturers and the FDA, ultimately protecting infants and families who depend on safe formula. Current law only requires manufacturers to report contamination *after* formula has left their control, which can delay the FDA's response to safety issues. This bill aims to catch problems earlier in the manufacturing process, preventing contaminated formula from reaching store shelves and consumers. **Current Status** The bill (S 272) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill addresses concerns raised by previous infant formula contamination incidents that affected supply and consumer confidence.
Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2026
# Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2026 aims to simplify how federal grants are distributed and managed. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills with this title typically seek to reduce bureaucratic complexity, streamline application processes, and make it easier for organizations—such as nonprofits, local governments, schools, and businesses—to access federal funding. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect organizations that apply for federal grants, including state and local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and small businesses. It would also impact federal agencies responsible for administering grants. Indirectly, it could affect the communities and programs these organizations serve. **Current Status:** As of the latest information, S 3709 is still in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). At this stage, the bill remains in the early legislative process and would need committee approval and Senate passage before becoming law.
Department of Defense Comprehensive Cyber Workforce Strategy Act of 2026
# Department of Defense Comprehensive Cyber Workforce Strategy Act of 2026 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the Department of Defense (DoD) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for building and maintaining its cyber workforce. The legislation directs the DoD to create a detailed plan addressing how the military will recruit, train, retain, and manage cybersecurity professionals—a critical need as cyberattacks on military systems have become increasingly common. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects the Department of Defense and military personnel involved in cybersecurity operations. It would also indirectly impact national security by strengthening the military's ability to defend against cyberattacks and respond to cyber threats. Current and future military cybersecurity professionals could benefit from improved training and career development programs outlined in the strategy. **Key Provisions** While specific details weren't provided, bills of this type typically require federal agencies to assess workforce gaps, develop recruitment strategies, establish training standards, and create retention incentives (such as competitive pay or specialized certifications) for highly skilled cyber professionals who might otherwise pursue private sector jobs. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate Senate committee for review and discussion but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act
# Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act Summary **What It Does:** This law extends funding and authorization for scientific research on the Great Lakes through 2030. The U.S. Geological Survey's Great Lakes Science Center will continue studying fish populations, invasive species, and ecosystem health to help manage fisheries in the region. The research supports both U.S. and Canadian fishery management efforts since the Great Lakes are shared between the two countries. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects fishing communities, environmental agencies, and states bordering the Great Lakes (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York). The research helps inform decisions that impact both commercial and recreational fishing industries and ecosystem preservation efforts in the region. **Key Provisions:** The law authorizes continued funding for monitoring fishery resources, studying invasive species that damage the ecosystem, and developing scientific tools to support better fishery management decisions. It operates under a binational framework, meaning the U.S. research coordinates with Canadian efforts. **Status:** Signed into law (already passed and in effect).
A bill to require the Secretary of Defense assess and, as appropriate, implement open technical standards for digital content provenance, and for other purposes.
# S. 3563 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the U.S. Secretary of Defense to evaluate and potentially adopt open technical standards for tracking the origin and history of digital content (known as "digital content provenance"). In simpler terms, it's about establishing systems to verify where digital files come from and how they've been modified—similar to how tracking numbers work for packages, but for digital information. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily impacts the Department of Defense and its operations, though the standards could potentially influence broader government and private sector practices. "Open technical standards" means using publicly available, non-proprietary systems rather than proprietary ones, which could make the technology more widely accessible and interoperable. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by either chamber of Congress. **Why This Matters** This type of legislation addresses growing concerns about deepfakes, misinformation, and the difficulty of authenticating digital content in an era of advanced image and video manipulation. By implementing standards for tracking digital content origin, the Department of Defense could better verify the authenticity of information used in defense operations and decision-making.
A bill to increase competition in Defense contracting, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S. 3541: Defense Contracting Competition Bill **What the Bill Would Do** S. 3541 aims to increase competition among companies bidding for U.S. Department of Defense contracts. By promoting more competition, the bill's supporters argue it could lead to better prices, improved quality, and faster innovation in military equipment and services. The bill is sponsored by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and is currently under review in committee. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact defense contractors—the companies that supply equipment, technology, and services to the military. It could also affect Department of Defense procurement officials who manage these contracts, and ultimately taxpayers who fund defense spending. Smaller companies might benefit if the bill makes it easier for them to compete against large, established defense contractors. **Current Status** The bill remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The specific provisions of the bill are not detailed in the publicly available information, so the exact methods for increasing competition are unclear at this stage.
HELP Response and Recovery Act
# HELP Response and Recovery Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would make it easier for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to quickly hire contractors during natural disasters and emergencies. Currently, DHS can award contracts without competitive bidding for only 150 days during disaster response. The bill extends this period to one full year, allowing the government to bypass the normal competitive bidding process for a longer timeframe when urgent needs arise during emergencies. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects disaster victims and communities recovering from emergencies, as well as contractors who work on disaster response. The government would have more flexibility to hire companies quickly without holding traditional bidding competitions. To ensure accountability, the bill requires DHS to submit annual reports to Congress for five years explaining how this change prevented waste and providing details on how these emergency contracts were used. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate and is now awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives. As a Democratic-sponsored bill, it reflects the argument that giving agencies more time to respond to disasters without bureaucratic delays saves lives and resources, though it will likely face scrutiny regarding whether extended noncompetitive contracting properly safeguards taxpayer money.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Retirement Technical Corrections Act
# Bill Summary: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Retirement Technical Corrections Act **What the Bill Does:** This bill makes technical corrections to retirement benefits for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers—federal employees who work at airports, ports, and land borders to inspect goods and people entering the country. The changes address issues in how their retirement benefits are calculated and administered, ensuring CBP officers receive the retirement pay and benefits they're entitled to under federal law. **Who It Affects:** The legislation directly affects CBP officers and their families who receive retirement benefits. It may also have broader implications for how the federal government manages retirement benefits for law enforcement and other federal employees. **Key Provisions and Current Status:** While the specific technical corrections aren't detailed in the available information, such bills typically address issues like clarifying how years of service are counted, correcting benefit calculation formulas, or fixing administrative problems. The bill has passed the Senate and is being considered further in the legislative process. As a "technical corrections" bill, it's generally intended to fix errors or ambiguities in existing law rather than create major new policies.
Disaster Assistance Simplification Act
# Disaster Assistance Simplification Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act aims to make it easier for people and communities to access federal disaster relief after emergencies like hurricanes, floods, or other disasters. The bill focuses on streamlining the application process and reducing bureaucratic obstacles that disaster victims often face when trying to get federal assistance. It also addresses cybersecurity and fraud prevention to protect both disaster survivors and government resources from scams and identity theft during the chaotic period after a disaster. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill primarily affects disaster victims seeking federal aid, state and local emergency management agencies that distribute assistance, and first responders coordinating relief efforts. Key provisions likely include improving communication systems between federal and local governments during disasters, implementing better safeguards against fraud, and simplifying how people apply for and receive disaster assistance. The bill also emphasizes coordination between different government agencies to avoid duplicating services or creating confusion. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate and is now moving through the legislative process. As with all federal legislation, it must also pass the House of Representatives and receive the President's signature to become law.
Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act
# Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would strengthen transparency requirements for lobbyists by improving how lobbying activities are reported to the public. It would enhance the disclosure system that tracks who is lobbying, on behalf of which clients, and for what purposes. The changes are designed to make lobbying information more accessible and easier for the public to understand. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts professional lobbyists and the organizations that employ them, requiring more detailed reporting. It also affects the public and government oversight bodies by potentially giving them better access to information about lobbying activities. Congress and federal agencies would need to implement and monitor these new requirements. **Key Provisions and Status:** While specific provisions aren't detailed here, bills of this type typically include measures such as updating registration forms, requiring more frequent disclosures, clarifying what activities count as lobbying, or improving the accessibility of lobbying databases. The bill has already **passed the Senate** as of this summary, meaning it has cleared one chamber of Congress and would need House approval to proceed further toward becoming law.
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025
# Summary: Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does** This bill would direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to provide financial compensation to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), a Native American tribe in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, to settle longstanding disputes over land claims. The funds would help resolve legal questions about tribal land ownership and clear the title to those properties. The KBIC would have flexibility to use the money for various purposes, with one restriction: they cannot use it to purchase land for gambling operations. **Who It Affects** The legislation primarily affects the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the federal government. The tribe has been seeking resolution of historical land claims in Baraga County, Michigan. The bill also potentially affects Michigan residents and the broader region by resolving legal uncertainties around tribal lands. **Current Status** The bill has already passed the U.S. Senate as of the time of this summary. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. The bill was sponsored by Senator Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat.
SAFER SKIES Act
# SAFER SKIES Act Summary The SAFER SKIES Act (S. 3481) is a proposed law currently being reviewed by a Senate committee. Based on its name and typical legislative patterns, this bill would likely aim to enhance aviation safety measures, though specific details about its exact provisions aren't provided in the information available. The bill is sponsored by Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan. Since the bill remains in committee and hasn't advanced to a broader vote, its final form and specific requirements are still being developed. Once additional information about its provisions becomes public, it would affect airlines, airport operators, passengers, and potentially aircraft manufacturers depending on what safety standards or requirements it establishes. As with most aviation legislation, any new rules would need to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. **Current Status:** The bill has not yet passed out of committee, meaning it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and may still be subject to changes. --- *Note: For more detailed information about specific provisions, I'd recommend checking Congress.gov or contacting Senator Peters' office, as the summary information available is limited.*
BIOSECURE Act of 2025
# BIOSECURE Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The BIOSECURE Act of 2025 aims to strengthen biosecurity and protect the United States from biological threats and risks. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on securing biological materials, research facilities, and supply chains related to biotechnology and life sciences. This could include measures to prevent dangerous biological materials from being stolen or misused, and to ensure safeguards are in place at laboratories and research institutions. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact research institutions, universities, biotechnology companies, and federal agencies involved in biological research and development. It could also affect international collaborations in life sciences and potentially influence how U.S. researchers work with foreign institutions and partners. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 3469) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet moved forward for a full vote in the Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan. For detailed information about specific provisions and any recent movement in the legislative process, you would need to check current congressional tracking websites like Congress.gov.
A bill to require the provision of alternative drinking water to households whose private drinking water is contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances from activities of the Department of Defense.
# Bill Summary: S 3445 - PFOA/PFOS Drinking Water Contamination Relief **What the Bill Does** This bill would require the Department of Defense to provide alternative drinking water to households whose private wells have been contaminated with two specific chemicals: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These "forever chemicals" are persistent pollutants that don't break down naturally in the environment. The bill holds the DoD responsible for contamination resulting from its own activities, suggesting these chemicals may have entered groundwater through military operations or facilities. **Who It Affects** The bill directly affects civilian households with private wells near military installations or DoD properties where PFOS/PFOA contamination has occurred. It could also impact military families and communities adjacent to military bases. The Department of Defense would bear the responsibility and costs of providing clean drinking water alternatives to affected residents. **Current Status** S 3445 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) during the 119th Congress. The bill has not yet advanced to a floor vote, meaning it remains in the early legislative stage.
Emergency Response Authority Act
# Emergency Response Authority Act Summary **What This Bill Would Do** The Emergency Response Authority Act (S 3450) is currently in committee in the Senate. Based on its title and sponsor, this bill appears intended to establish or modify authority structures for emergency response operations, though specific details about its exact provisions are not available in the information provided. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, a Democrat, introduced the legislation. **Current Status** The bill remains in the committee phase, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No additional information about the bill's specific provisions, who would be directly affected, or its prospects for passage is available at this time. **To Learn More** For detailed information about this bill's specific provisions, supporters, and opposition, you can visit Congress.gov and search for "S 3450" to view the full text, committee reports, and any amendments.
Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025
# Summary of the Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025 **What it would do:** This bill would strengthen legal protections for employees who work for federal contractors and grant recipients. Currently, these workers are protected from retaliation if they report misconduct to Congress or officials. The bill would expand these protections to also cover employees who simply *refuse to follow* an illegal or unlawful order—even if they don't report it. It would also extend these same protections to intelligence community employees and other government workers, who currently lack these safeguards. **Who it affects:** Federal contractors and their employees (companies hired to work on government projects), organizations that receive federal grants, and intelligence community members. These protections would apply across multiple agencies including the Department of Defense and NASA. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill has not been enacted into law.
Satellite Cybersecurity Act of 2025
# Satellite Cybersecurity Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Satellite Cybersecurity Act of 2025 is a proposed law designed to strengthen cybersecurity protections for satellite systems and networks. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to establish security standards, require cybersecurity assessments, and improve information sharing about threats to satellite infrastructure—both for government and commercial satellite operators. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact satellite companies, telecommunications providers, and government agencies that operate or rely on satellite systems. Indirectly, it could affect consumers and businesses that depend on satellite internet, GPS, weather services, and other satellite-based communications. **Current Status** The bill (S. 3404) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan) and is currently in committee, meaning it's under review and has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. For detailed information about specific provisions, you would need to consult the full bill text on Congress.gov or official congressional resources.
Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2025
# Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill aims to reform how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) conducts peer reviews—internal evaluations where VA medical professionals assess the quality of care provided by their colleagues. The legislation would establish neutrality requirements to ensure these reviews are conducted fairly and without bias, though specific details about what those requirements entail are not publicly available in the bill summary. **Who It Affects** The bill directly impacts VA healthcare workers and the review process used to evaluate their medical decisions and care quality. Indirectly, it affects veterans who receive care at VA medical facilities, as peer review processes influence the quality and accountability of that care. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For more specific details about the bill's provisions, the text would need to be reviewed on Congress.gov.
Quantum Readiness and Innovation Act of 2025
# Quantum Readiness and Innovation Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to prepare the United States for advances in quantum computing technology by promoting research, development, and workforce training in quantum science. Quantum computers are powerful machines that could revolutionize fields like medicine, cryptography, and artificial intelligence, but also pose security risks to current computer systems. The legislation appears designed to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in this emerging technology while addressing potential vulnerabilities. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact federal agencies, research institutions, universities, and technology companies working on quantum computing. It could also affect cybersecurity practices across government and private sectors, as quantum computers may eventually compromise existing data encryption methods. Workers in STEM fields could benefit from new training and educational programs created under the legislation. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) during the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass both the Senate and House before being signed by the President.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Act of 2025
# Motorcycle Safety Awareness Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Motorcycle Safety Awareness Act of 2025 is a proposed law focused on improving motorcycle safety in the United States. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to increase public awareness about motorcycle safety risks, promote safer riding practices, and potentially establish education or training programs for motorcycle riders and other motorists sharing the road. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact motorcycle riders and owners across the country. It could also affect the general driving public by promoting awareness of how to safely share roads with motorcycles. Insurance companies, motorcycle safety organizations, and government agencies involved in transportation safety may also be involved in implementing any resulting programs. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 3272) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced in the Senate but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. It was sponsored by Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan. The bill would need to pass through committee review, Senate floor debate, House approval, and presidential signature before becoming law.
Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act
# Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill directs the Department of Commerce to hire the National Academy of Public Administration—an independent, nonpartisan organization—to study how well the department's various offices and bureaus are working to support American manufacturing and supply chain strength. The study will evaluate whether these offices are effective, efficient, and actually achieving their goals, then provide recommendations for improvement. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects the Department of Commerce and its internal operations. Indirectly, it could impact American manufacturers, businesses in critical industries, and the general public by potentially improving how federal support for manufacturing is delivered. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate and is now awaiting action in the House of Representatives. It's a relatively straightforward measure focused on oversight and evaluation rather than creating new programs or spending significant funds.