Congressman Sander Levin

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Jobs Report Underlines Need for Economic Recovery Package {In response to today’s announcement from the Department of Labor (DoL) that the number of unemployed Americans went up to more than 11 million --  the highest level in 25 years -- Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today reiterated the importance of fast action on a recovery project  and inclusion of unemployment insurance expansion, Trade Adjustment Assistance and job creation funds.  DoL figures released today indicated that 524,000 jobs were lost in December alone, with over a million jobs lost in the last two months, and 2.5 million jobs lost in 2008.  The national unemployment rate also jumped to 7.2 percent. 1/9/2009

Statement from Sen. Levin and Rep. Levin on Auto Bridge Loans Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI12) issued the following statement today regarding the auto industry bridge loans announced by President Bush this morning: 12/19/2008

Levin Statement on Auto Industry Bridge Loans Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI) released the following statement today: 12/12/2008

Levin on House Approval of Bridge Loans to Automakers The House of Representatives today approved legislation to support the American auto industry and protect millions of auto-related jobs nationwide.  H.R. 7321, the Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act, passed by a vote of 237-170.  12/10/2008

Dramatic November Jobs Lost Figures Highlight What Is at Stake in Auto Bridge Loan Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement on the announcement by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that the United States lost 533,000 jobs during November, the largest one month decline since 1974. 12/5/2008

Auto Plans Strong and Forward Looking Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement regarding the business plans submitted by Ford, G.M. and Chrysler in their response to the path outlined by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to support the request for a federal bridge loan to weather the current recession and increase global competitiveness in the years ahead. 12/2/2008

Levin Statement on Signing of Unemployment Extension President Bush today signed a much-needed extension of unemployment benefits to provide assistance to the long-term unemployed struggling to find work in a weakening job market.  The extension, passed by the House last month and the Senate yesterday, provides a 7-week extension of benefits nationwide and an additional 13-week (for a total 20-week) extension in high unemployment states like Michigan beyond a state’s traditional unemployment program 11/21/2008

Levin on Efforts to Assist Domestic Auto Industry Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement on the status of efforts to secure a bridge loan for the domestic auto industry. 11/20/2008

Rep. Levin Testifies on the Need for Bridge Loans for Automakers In testimony before the House Financial Services Committee today, Congressman Sander Levin emphasized the urgent need to provide bridge loans to American automakers to protect millions of U.S. jobs and allow the companies to continue the historic restructuring they have been undergoing in recent years.  Congressman Levin told the committee that the current financial crisis threatens the domestic auto industry, the backbone of the U.S. manufacturing and industrial base.  11/19/2008

Congressional Executive Commission on China Releases Annual Report on State of Human Rights in China {The Congressional-Executive Commission on China adopted its 2008 Annual Report on October 31 by a vote of 22 to 1.  The 23-member Commission was created by Congress in 2000 to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China. The full text of this year’s report is available at www.cecc.gov, along with a PDF containing case records of 1,088 political prisoners currently detained or imprisoned in China.  11/18/2008

Rep. Levin to Honor Local Veterans for Their Work in Recording Veterans Histories {This afternoon Rep. Levin will be joining Mayor Brenda Lawrence, City Librarian Dave Ewick, and Commission Chairman Dan Brightwell in an event honoring the work of the Southfield Veterans Commission in conjunction with the Veterans History Project. 11/10/2008

Michigan Delegation Urges Immediate Action on Auto Industry The Michigan Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urging that he use authority granted under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) or other statutes to provide emergency assistance to the domestic automobile industry.  Members of the Michigan delegation released the following statements regarding the letter: 11/10/2008

Statement on the House and Senate Leadership Meeting with Auto Industry Chairman John Dingell and Representative Sander Levin issued the following statement after the meeting of U.S. House Leadership with top executives from Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and the President of the United Auto Workers. 11/6/2008

House Passes Emergency Economic Stabilization Act Responding to a week of nearly unprecedented turmoil in the financial markets, the House of Representatives passed legislation today to shore up the financial system and maintain access to credit markets for consumers and businesses.  It was passed by a vote of 263-171. 10/3/2008

Federal Mortgage Refinancing Program Comes into Effect The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, signed into law on July 30, includes a number of provisions to address the mortgage crisis and help homeowners facing foreclosure.  At the heart of the legislation is a program called Hope for Homeowners, which authorizes the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure up to $300 billion in refinanced loans.  The program brings affordable, sustainable mortgages within reach for qualified homeowners whose lenders are willing to refinance based on the home’s current value.  The new program begins October 1, 2008, and will be available for three years.   10/1/2008

Oakland and Macomb Communities Allocated Millions for Neighborhood Stabilization The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that Michigan has been allocated a total of $263,563,263 under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to purchase and redevelop foreclosed properties.  With foreclosure rates across the state among the nation’s highest, Michigan received the third largest allocation behind Florida and California.  9/30/2008

Rep. Levin on Emergency Economic Stabilization Act Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement today after the House failed to approve the Emergency Economic and Stabilization Act of 2008.  Mr. Levin voted in favor of the legislation. 9/29/2008

House Approves Extension of Unemployment Benefits as part of Economic Stimulus Package The House of Representatives today approved an extension of unemployment benefits as part of a broader economic stimulus package to promote job creation and preservation, invest in infrastructure, and provide economic and energy assistance. The Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act would provide a 7-week extension of unemployment benefits nationwide, with an additional 13-week extension for high unemployment states like Michigan (for a 20-week extension total).  The measure passed by a vote of 264-158. 9/26/2008

House Approves Measure to Strengthen Mental Health Care The House of Representatives today passed legislation to strengthen mental health care and reduce barriers to treatment in the current health care system.  H.R. 6983, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, was approved by a vote of 376-47.  The legislation permanently reauthorizes and expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 to make mental health coverage and substance addiction treatment more accessible and affordable. 9/23/2008

Ukrainian Famine-Genocide Remembered by House The House of Representatives today approved H.Res.1314, a resolution introduced by Representative Sander Levin to remember the 75th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 and extend the sympathies of the House of Representatives.  The resolution was approved by voice vote. 9/23/2008

House Passes Landmark Credit Card Industry Reform Bill The House of Representatives today passed legislation to curb unfair and deceptive credit card lending practices.  Representative Levin is a co-sponsor of the Credit Card Holder’s Bill of Rights Act which was approved by a vote of 312-112.  The legislation would put in place protections against arbitrary interest rate increases, due date gimmicks, and misleading terms. 9/23/2008

Great Lakes Compact Approved The House of Representatives today passed the Great Lakes Compact, a measure designed to ensure Great Lakes water is not diverted to other regions.  The agreement prohibits the bulk diversion of water from the Great Lakes, with very limited exceptions.  The Compact further establishes a comprehensive management framework to protect this shared resource and requires Great Lake states to regulate their own large-scale water use.  The Compact was approved by a vote of 390-25. 9/23/2008

House Approves Great Lakes Legacy Act {The House of Representatives today passed legislation to update the key federal law that helps fund the environmental cleanup of contaminated sediment in Great Lakes Areas of Concern.  The bill, H.R. 6460, passed by a vote of 371-20. 9/18/2008

House Passes Comprehensive Energy Package The House of Representatives today passed legislation to lower energy costs for consumers, invest in renewable energy sources, expand domestic energy exploration and create greater energy efficiency and conservation.  The Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act, H.R. 6899, was approved by a vote of 236-189.  9/16/2008

Effort Starts to Continue Extension of Unemployment Benefits (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin supports providing a further extension of unemployment benefits for Americans struggling to find work in the nation’s increasingly difficult job market.  H.R. 6867 would provide a 7-week extension of unemployment benefits nationwide, with an additional 13-week extension for high unemployment states like Michigan (for a 20-week extension total).  The bill may be included in a larger economic stimulus plan in the coming weeks. 9/11/2008

Further Job Losses Show Need for Economic Recovery Plan (Washington D.C.)-  The U.S. Department of Labor’s monthly jobs report released today showed that the national unemployment rate rose and the economy continued to lose jobs in July, as it has for seven straight months.  51,000 jobs were lost in the past month; nearly half a million jobs have been lost since the beginning of 2008.  The unemployment rate rose in July to 5.7%.  The number of people looking for work climbed to 8.8 million.  Nearly one in five of those looking for work have been jobless for six months or more. 8/1/2008

Measure to Promote Equal Pay for Women Approved (Washington D.C.)-  The House of Representatives today passed legislation to help bridge the wide disparity in wages between men and women working in similar jobs. H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act, strengthens the landmark Equal Pay Act signed by President Kennedy in 1963 and closes loopholes that have allowed employers to avoid penalty for discriminatory pay.  The measure passed by a vote of 247-178.    7/31/2008

House Passes Consumer Protection Regulation Overhaul (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed the most expansive overhaul of U.S. product safety rules in decades to bolster consumer protections from unsafe products.  The legislation, H.R. 4040, imposes sweeping new rules to make children’s toys and other products safer, increases penalties for rule violators, and strengthens the enforcement ability of the Consumer Product Safety Commission by providing the Commission more resources while cracking down on potential conflicts of interests that have tainted the organization recently.  The bill passed with near unanimous support, 424-1.   7/30/2008

Republican Opposition Sinks Bill to Curb Oil Market Speculation (Washington D.C.)-  Legislation to strengthen market regulation to stop excessive speculation in the energy futures markets from driving up gas prices failed in the House of Representatives today.  H.R. 6604, the Commodity Market Transparency and Accountability Act, would have closed loopholes that allow speculators to escape regulatory rules, increase market transparency and increase regulatory staff to fight market manipulation and fraud.   7/30/2008

House Members Call for Funding to Create Green Jobs and Build Advanced Technology Vehicles (Washington D.C.)-  A bipartisan coalition of over 70 U.S. House Members have sent a letter to House leadership urging funding be provided for a program to help American auto manufacturers build advanced technology vehicles.  The lawmakers are requesting $3.75 billion to activate the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program, which was authorized but not funded in the Energy Independence and Security Act last year.  This amount would fully fund the program, providing up to $25 billion in low-interest credit to U.S. automakers and parts suppliers to retool manufacturing facilities to build fuel saving vehicles such as plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles and their key components.   7/28/2008

Bill to Curb Identity Theft Introduced (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin applauded today the introduction of legislation to help protect seniors and the disabled from identity theft.  The bill, H.R. 6600, of which Rep. Levin is an original cosponsor, would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to phase out the display of Medicare beneficiaries’ Social Security numbers on Medicare cards to reduce the likelihood that patients’ numbers can be obtained for use in pernicious identity theft crimes.   7/25/2008

Great Lakes Compact Introduced in Congress (Washington D.C.)-  The Great Lakes Compact, a measure designed to ensure Great Lakes water is not diverted to other regions, will be introduced today in Congress.  The agreement prohibits the bulk diversion of water from the Great Lakes, with very limited exceptions.  The Compact further establishes a comprehensive management framework to protect this shared resource and requires Great Lake states to regulate their own large-scale water use.  7/23/2008

House Passes Bill to Combat Foreclosure Crisis (Washington D.C.)-  In response to the nationwide economic downturn caused by the housing and credit crisis, the House of Representatives has approved major legislation to combat the unprecedented rise in foreclosures by helping struggling homeowners refinance their mortgages, and increase Community Development Block Grants to help local governments ease the negative impact of rising foreclosure rates on communities and the overall economy.   7/23/2008

Legislation to Address Housing Crisis to be Voted on Today (Washington D.C.)- In response to the nationwide economic downturn caused by the housing and credit crisis, the House of Representatives today will vote on major legislation to combat the unprecedented rise in foreclosures by helping struggling homeowners refinance their mortgages and increase Community Development Block Grants to help local governments ease the negative impact of rising foreclosure rates on communities and the overall economy.   7/23/2008

First Unemployment Extension Checks to be Sent (Washington D.C.)-  Unemployed individuals throughout Michigan will receive much needed assistance this week, as the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency begins distributing Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) checks tomorrow.  Congress enacted the nationwide, 13-week unemployment insurance extension last month and, after opposing an extension all year, President Bush relented and signed the extension into law June 30.  Individuals who first claimed regular unemployment benefits on or after May 7, 2006 and have since exhausted their regular 26 weeks of benefits are now eligible for the extension.  Those exhausting their regular benefits in the coming months are eligible to file for an extension through March 28 of 2009.   7/21/2008

Chairmen Rangel and Levin Introduce Trade Enforcement Bill (Washington D.C.)-  House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander L. Levin (D-MI) today introduced legislation to promote an effective trade agenda by ensuring that U.S. workers, farmers, and businesses are getting a fair shake in the global marketplace and that U.S. consumers have confidence that the products they buy are safe.  Specifically, H.R.6530 will actively open markets by eliminating foreign barriers to U.S. goods and services exports, combat counterfeiting and piracy, restore rights under U.S. trade remedy laws and strengthen the U.S. ability to address unfair and illegal trade practices.  7/17/2008

Michigan Lawmakers Urge President to Release Emergency Energy Funds (Washington D.C.)-  Congressmen Sander Levin, John Dingell, Dale Kildee and 49 other Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have urged President Bush to release emergency funding set aside to help families struggling to afford rising home energy costs.  Democrats and Republicans of the Northeast/Midwest Congressional Coalition sent a letter to President Bush this week urging him to release $120 million dollars in emergency Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding.  $100 million of those funds will expire if not used by the end of the fiscal year.  In Michigan, federally funded home heating assistance to individual families was slashed this year, due to an increased demand for home heating assistance caused by record energy prices. 7/10/2008

Levin Statement on President Signing Extension of Unemployment Benefits (Washington D.C.)-  President Bush today signed H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008, which included a nationwide 13-week extension of unemployment benefits.  Congressman Sander Levin, a vocal proponent of a benefit extension, issued the following statement: 6/30/2008

House Approves Middle Class Tax Relief (Washington D.C.)-  The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation to protect more than 25 million families from a tax increase under the alternative minimum tax (AMT).  H.R. 6275, the Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008, which would ensure that additional taxpayers, over 800,000 in Michigan, do not face a higher tax bill this year.  The bill passed by a vote of 233-189.   6/25/2008

House Approves Extension of Unemployment Benefits (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives tonight approved an extension of unemployment insurance benefits to help the growing number of jobless workers nationwide and to stimulate the economy.  The extension, passed 416-12 as an amendment to the War and Domestic Supplemental Funding package, will extend unemployment benefits for 13 weeks across the country.  President Bush has agreed to approve the measure despite originally saying he would not support an extension of unemployment benefits.  Congressman Sander Levin, a vocal proponent of extending unemployment benefits, spoke on the House floor today in favor of an extension. 6/19/2008

Levin Hails Strong House Vote for Unemployment Extension (Washington D.C.)-  The House of Representatives today passed legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits to help the growing number of jobless workers nationwide and to stimulate the economy.  H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act, passed by a two-to-one vote, 274-137.  President Bush has threatened to veto the bill, saying that the unemployment rate is too low to warrant an extension—even though he signed an extension in 2002 when the unemployment rate was only two-tenths of one percent higher.  The strong two-thirds vote today suggests the House may be able to override a presidential veto of the measure if necessary.   6/12/2008

Ways and Means Democrats Urge Bush to Support an Extension of Unemployment Benefits (Washington D.C.)- {Responding to today’s report of an enormous increase in the unemployment rate, Representative Sander Levin, along with Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel and Representative Jim McDermott, sent the following letter today to President Bush: 6/6/2008

House Votes to Combat Oil Cartel Price Fixing (Washington D.C.)-  The House of Representatives today passed legislation to combat record gas prices by cracking down on OPEC-controlled entities and oil companies for oil price fixing.  The bill, the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act (HR 6074), passed by a vote of 324-84. 5/20/2008

House Approves Extension of Unemployment Benefits (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed an extension of unemployment insurance benefits to help the growing number of jobless workers nationwide and to stimulate the economy.  The extension, which was taken up as an amendment to the War and Domestic supplemental funding package, would extend unemployment benefits for 13 weeks across the country and 13 additional weeks in high unemployment states like Michigan. Congressman Sander Levin, a vocal proponent of extending unemployment benefits, spoke on the House Floor today in favor of an extension.   5/15/2008

House Approves Major Bills to Address Housing Crisis (Washington D.C.)-  In response to the nationwide economic downturn caused by the housing and credit crisis, the House of Representatives today approved major legislation to combat the unprecedented rise in foreclosures by helping struggling homeowners refinance their mortgages, encourage the purchase of homes to revive the housing market and address the negative impact of rising foreclosure rates on communities and the overall economy.   5/8/2008

Levin and Fellow Dems to Bush: Lower Gas Prices by Suspending Fill of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Congressman Sander Levin and other lawmakers are calling on President Bush to help working families by taking action to lower the cost of gasoline.  In a letter to the president, Rep. Levin and other House Members urged President Bush to suspend the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), an action the president has the power to take immediately to lower the price at the pump.  Not only would this action put more oil on the market, it could also have an immediate impact on speculators who are driving up oil prices.  5/8/2008

House Committee Approves Legislation to Help Struggling Homeowners (Washington D.C.)-  In response to the nationwide economic downturn caused by the housing and credit crisis, members of the House Financial Services Committee today approved legislation to combat the unprecedented rise in foreclosures and help struggling homeowners refinance their mortgages.   5/1/2008

House Approves $1 Million in Funding for Roseville Road Repair (Washington D.C.)-  The House of Representatives yesterday approved over $1 million in funding for road repairs in Roseville.  The funds were approved as part of a transportation package, HR 1195, which makes corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which passed by a vote of 358-51.  With the Senate previously approving the legislation, the package will now be sent to the president for his signature. 5/1/2008

House Approves Bill to Prevent Genetic Discrimination The House of Representatives today passed legislation to protect patients against discrimination by health insurance providers and employers based on their genetic makeup or predisposition to disease or chronic condition.   H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act of 2008, was approved by a vote of 414-1.  Congressman Sander Levin is a co-sponsor of the legislation.  5/1/2008

House Approves Legislation to Protect Lakes from Invasive Species (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed HR 2830, the Coast Guard Authorization Act by a vote of 395-7.  One of the bill’s goals is the elimination of invasive species like the zebra mussel from ballast water that is discharged into U.S. waters by 2015. 4/24/2008

House Votes to Stop President's Medicaid Rule Changes That Could Reduce Health Care Coverage and Cost States Billions of Dollars (Washington D.C.)-  The House of Representatives today passed legislation to stop rule changes to Medicaid proposed by the Bush Administration that restrict Medicaid payment in key areas and could reduce coverage and cost the State of Michigan billions of dollars.  H.R. 5613, Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act, passed by a vote of 349-62.  This bipartisan bill places a moratorium until March 2009 on seven damaging Administration-imposed Medicaid regulations.  If these regulations were allowed to go into place, they could severely impact state budgets at a time when states are already financially struggling.  Despite the support of all 50 Governors, President Bush has vowed to veto the bill.  4/23/2008

More than 25 Members Join with Dingell, Michigan Democrats to Call for Second Economic Stimulus Package (Washington D.C.)- {In response to the continued economic downturn, four Members of Congress from Michigan joined with their colleagues all across the country from New Hampshire to Southern California in sending a letter initiated by Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for a second, broader economic stimulus initiative.  This is on the heels of a stimulus package which passed Congress and was signed into law in February that provided most taxpayers with a rebate check.  In addition to calling for short-term initiatives to stimulate the economy like extending unemployment benefits, increased infrastructure investment and increased food stamp payments, this letter focuses on creating a strategy for creating well-paying jobs and preparing a workforce in transition.  4/18/2008

Levin Statement on U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (Washington D.C.)- {Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement regarding the news that the U.S. and South Korea have reached a tentative understanding on access of U.S. beef in the Korean market: 4/18/2008

Rep. Levin Supports Bill to Protect Continued Access to Federal Student Loans (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin today joined a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to approve legislation to ensure that the turmoil in the U.S. financial markets does not keep students and families from accessing the federal student loans they need to pay for college. The Ensuring Continued Access to Federal Student Loans Act of 2008 (H.R. 5715), which carries no new cost for taxpayers, was passed by a vote of 383-27. 4/17/2008

Levin Features Michigan Stories as Committee Passes Legislation to Extend Unemployment Benefits (Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin highlighted the real faces behind the need to extend unemployment insurance at a House committee mark-up of legislation to extend unemployment benefits today.  Rep. Levin also presented a national map demonstrating county-by-county levels of unemployment for the committee.  The House Ways and Means Committee approved the extension of unemployment benefits by a vote of 23-13.  4/16/2008

House Passes Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act Of 2008 (Washington D.C.)-  As taxpayers in Michigan and across the country completed their tax returns today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to improve federal tax preparation procedures, use tax dollars more efficiently and stop companies from avoiding paying taxes by moving offshore.  The Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act was passed by the House by a vote of 238-179.  Congressman Sander Levin joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of the Act. 4/15/2008

House Approves Resolution On China's Crackdown In Tibet (Washington D.C.)-  The House of Representatives today voted to approve House Resolution 1077, “Calling Upon Chinese Government to End Crackdown in Tibet and Begin Substantive Dialogue with the Dalai Lama,” by a vote of 413-1.  The resolution calls on China to end its crackdown in Tibet; enter into a substantive dialogue directly with the Dalai Lama; allow independent monitors, journalists and medical personnel into Tibet; and release all Tibetans who were arrested for non-violently expressing their political views.    4/9/2008

Ways And Means Committee Approves Housing Bill (Washington D.C.)-  A wide bipartisan majority of the House Committee on Ways and Means today approved legislation to help alleviate the national housing crisis.  The Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 would provide tax credits to first-time homebuyers, improve access to low-income housing and allow families to deduct property taxes, as well as a provision authored by Congressman Sander Levin to relieve pressure on credit markets and make public projects more affordable for local communities.  The package will help bring stability to the housing market while assisting families in the purchase of their first home and improving access to affordable housing.  The legislation is designed to complement efforts by the House Committee on Financial Services to address the growing rate of foreclosures nationwide. 4/9/2008

Rep. Levin Speaks In Support Of House Resolution On Tibet (Washington D.C.)-  Rep. Sander Levin spoke on the House floor tonight in support of House Resolution 1077, “Calling Upon Chinese Government to End Crackdown in Tibet and Begin Substantive Dialogue with the Dalai Lama.”  The resolution calls on China to end its crackdown in Tibet; enter into a substantive dialogue directly with the Dalai Lama; allow independent monitors, journalists and medical personnel into Tibet; and release all Tibetans who were arrested for non-violently expressing their political views.   4/8/2008

Jobs Report Shows More Evidence Of Overdue Need To Extend Unemployment Insurance (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin called for swift action in the House of Representatives to approve an extension of unemployment insurance benefits after new data showed that the U.S has lost nearly a quarter million jobs in the first quarter of 2008.  Today's Department of Labor employment report showed the number of jobs in the economy dropping for the third consecutive month (declining by 232,000 since December, 80,000 in March alone), and the number of unemployed Americans rising by 434,000 in March (for a total of 7.8 million).  The national unemployment rate went from 4.8% to 5.1%. 4/4/2008

Levin Introduces Bi-partisan Legislation To Further Encourage Advance Medical Plans For Times Of Health Care Crisis (Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI) today introduced bi-partisan legislation with Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) to help strengthen procedures to encourage individuals to create advanced medical plans to direct health care decisions during times of medical emergency or serious illness.  The bill, The Advance Directive Promotion Act of 2008, is designed to make more Americans aware of advance directives (which include a living will stating an individual’s preference for medical care and a power of attorney for this care) and provide the opportunity for them to discuss them with a physician and ensure they are honored throughout the country. 4/3/2008

Rep. Levin Supports Full Disclosure Of Congressional Earmark Requests On the first day of the 110th Congress, the New Majority in the House adopted rules that require Members requesting an earmark to disclose in writing the name and address of the intended recipient and the purpose of the earmark, and certify the Member (and his or her spouse) has no financial interest in the request.   4/3/2008

Rep. Levin Supports Bill To Expand U.s. Effort To Fight Global Hiv/aids, Tb, And Malaria (Washington D.C.)-  Rep. Sander Levin today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in support of landmark legislation that will extend and expand a key initiative to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria around the globe.  The Lantos-Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization was approved by a vote of 308 – 116. 4/2/2008

Rep. Miller And Rep. Levin Urge Funding For Lake St. Clair/st. Clair River Management Plan Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) and Congressman Sander Levin (MI-12) today urged the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy to include funding in the Fiscal Year 2009 for the Lake St. Clair/St. Clair River Management Plan.  Miller and Levin requested $900,000 for implementation of the management plan which is critical to a healthy future for these important waterways.  Miller and Levin released the following statements today:  4/1/2008

Administration Must Adopt New China Trade Strategy (Washington D.C.)-  Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) joined fellow Committee members on a letter urging President Bush to adopt and implement a new strategy for dealing with China’s persistent currency manipulation and other trade issues. 3/27/2008

Congressman Levin Addresses Lake St. Clair Conference (Harrison Township, MI)- Congressman Sander Levin addressed the 4th Binational Lake St. Clair Conference today, discussing his efforts to restore and protect Lake St. Clair.  The conference, sponsored by the Great Lakes Commission, is a gathering of resource managers, local officials, elected representatives, citizens’ groups, business representatives, local residents and members of the news media with an interest in the Lake St. Clair watershed.  3/19/2008

House Approves Resolution To Strengthen Ethics Enforcement (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today approved a resolution to strengthen congressional ethics enforcement by creating a new Office of Congressional Ethics.  The resolution passed by a vote of 229-182.  The resolution (H.Res. 895) will bring greater accountability and transparency to the ethics enforcement process by creating an independent office, comprised of individuals who are not Members of Congress, to review alleged Congressional ethics violations. 3/12/2008

House Attempts Veto Override Of Bill That Outlaws Torture (Washington D.C.)-  Rep. Levin Votes to OverriThe House of Representatives today attempted to override the President’s veto of the 2008 Intelligence Authorization bill (H.R. 2082).  The President vetoed the bill over a provision that sought to extend to U.S. intelligence agencies the current prohibitions in the Army Field Manual against waterboarding and other torture.  While a majority of Members voted to override the president’s veto, the House fell short of the two-thirds vote necessary to override the veto by a vote of 225-188. 3/11/2008

New Jobs Report: Largest Monthly Jobs Loss In Five Years (Washington D.C.)-  A new jobs report released by the U.S. Department of Labor today showed that the national economy shed 63,000 jobs in February.  The private sector lost 101,000 jobs, the largest decline since March of 2003.  3/7/2008

House Approves Measure To Strengthen Mental Health Care (Washington D.C.)-  The House of Representatives today passed legislation to strengthen mental health care and reduce barriers to treatment in the current health care system.  H.R. 1424, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, was approved by a vote of 268-148.  The legislation permanently reauthorizes and expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 to make mental health coverage and substance addiction treatment more accessible and affordable. 3/5/2008

House Passes Energy Bill To Invest In Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed legislation to invest in clean, renewable energy and increased energy efficiency.  The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act was approved by a vote of 236-182.  The legislation provides tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel, as well as for plug-in hybrid cars and energy efficient homes, buildings and appliances.  Over time, these incentives will create jobs and help consumers and businesses save billions of dollars on energy bills. 2/27/2008

Congressman Sander Levin Meets With Seniors To Highlight Important Details Of Economic Stimulus Package Roseville/Oak Park, MI-  Congressman Sander Levin held two public meetings with senior citizens today to discuss the state of the economy and outline details of the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act, the bipartisan economic stimulus package enacted February 13.  Congressman Levin held the meetings at senior centers in Roseville and Oak Park. 2/20/2008

Levin/rangel Statement On Enforcing Trade Rules (Washington D.C.)-  House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) issued the following joint statement regarding the 2007 annual trade deficit figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce today: 2/14/2008

Levin Statement On President's Signing Of Economic Stimulus (Washington D.C.)-  Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s signing of the economic stimulus package passed by Congress last week (H.R. 5140): 2/12/2008

Rep. Levin Statement On Passing Of U.s. Representative Tom Lantos Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement today regarding the passing of U.S. Representative Tom Lantos:  2/11/2008

Levin Statement On Economic Stimulus Package (Washington D.C.)- Both chambers of Congress today overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan economic stimulus package.  The Senate modified the original House legislation which provided rebates to 130 million families to include anyone who receives at least $3,000 in Social Security income, self-employment income or veterans’ disability payments (including payments to survivors of disabled veterans).   This is estimated to add approximately 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans.   2/7/2008

House Passes Bill To Address Rising College Prices & Remove Other Barriers To College Enrollment (Washington D.C.)-  The U.S. House of Representatives voted today 354-58 in favor of the College Opportunity and Affordability Act (H.R. 4137).  The legislation builds on Congress’ efforts to make college more accessible and affordable.  2/7/2008

Rep. Levin Applauds SSA Decision Partially Suspending Regulation Limiting The Rights Of Disabled Americans To Appeal (Washington D.C.)- The Social Security Administration (SSA) notified Congress late yesterday that the agency would suspend some parts of a controversial proposed regulation that would sharply restrict appeal rights for severely disabled individuals applying for benefits. 1/31/2008

Levin Statement On Economic Stimulus Package The U.S. House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan economic stimulus package.  The Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act passed by a vote of 385-35.  1/29/2008

Levin Response To State of the Union (Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s final State of the Union Address: 1/28/2008

Levin Statement on Economic Stimulus Deal Reached (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) issued the following statement in response to today’s tentative agreement by the Bush administration, Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Boehner on an economic stimulus package: 1/24/2008

Levin Statement on Attempted S-chip Veto Override (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) issued the following statement in response to House Republicans blocking of an override of President Bush’s veto of an expansion of the federal S-CHIP program today: 1/23/2008

Levin Statement on Bush Economic Stimulus Address (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s address on the need for economic stimulus today: 1/18/2008

Levin Applauds Home Heating Assistance January 17, 2008 (Washington D.C.)-  Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today applauded the Bush Administration’s release of $450 million in energy assistance to help families struggling to keep their heat on throughout the winter.   

Local Residents Participate in National Program to Keep Veterans Stories Alive Area residents are taking part in a national program to preserve United States veterans’ stories for future generations.  The Southfield Veterans Commission (SVC) is taking the lead in collecting veterans’ histories as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, a program to preserve first-hand accounts from America’s wartime veterans and civilians that supported the armed forces during war time.  The Veterans History Project is collecting audio- and video-recorded oral histories, along with other first-hand materials such as memoirs, photographs, diaries and letters.   1/7/2008

Local Student Excels as Capitol Hill Page and is Asked to Return for Next Year (Washington D.C.)-  Lianna Stroster of St. Clair Shores was among a small number of students asked to return to Washington, D.C. for a second semester as a Congressional Page.  Congressional Pages study while they are in D.C. and work on the U.S. House Floor while Congress is in Session. 1/3/2008

Macomb County Radio Communications Boosted by Federal Support The federal budget for 2008 approved by Congress yesterday includes funding for Macomb County Emergency Management and Communications.  12/20/2007

House Approves Mortgage Tax Relief Measure The House of Representatives today approved H.R. 3648, the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act, to help address the subprime lending crisis and ongoing turmoil in the housing market.  The Senate approved H.R. 3648 on December 14th, and today’s vote sends the measure to the President.  12/18/2007

Levin Supports Landmark Energy Legislation The House of Representatives took final action today on sweeping energy legislation, clearing the measure to be sent to the White House for the President’s signature.  The House approved the energy legislation by a strong bi-partisan majority on a vote of 314-100.  12/18/2007

Levin Supports Comprehensive Energy Bill Congressman Sander M. Levin issued the following statement in support the Energy Independence and Security Act debated on the floor of the House of Representatives today:  12/6/2007

Levin Encourages Party Conventions to Consider Inter-regional Primary Congressman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement today in support of a bi-partisan plan advanced to their respective national party committees by Saul Anuzis, member of the Executive Committee of the Republican Party, and Debbie Dingell, member of the Democratic National Committee, to fix our nation’s process for selecting presidential candidates.   12/4/2007

Lawrence Tech Awarded $1 Million for Composites Research Funds Will Be Used For Development And Testing Of Cutting Edge Materials That Protect U.s. Troops (Washington D.C.)-  U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) announced that Congress has approved $1 million in federal funds for the Center for Innovative Materials Research (CIMR) at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.  The funds will be used for the development and testing of innovative composite materials for lightweight armor to strengthen vehicles and structures. 11/29/2007

House Stands for New Budget Priorities and Investment in Health, Education and Training The U.S. House of Representatives last night fell short of overriding President Bush’s veto of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.  With 277 members voting for the legislation and 141 voting against, the bill did not meet the two-thirds majority threshold necessary to override a presidential veto.  The budget bill originally was approved in the House and the Senate with bi-partisan margins.   11/16/2007

House Passes Mortgage Reform to Fight Predatory Lending and Curb Foreclosures The U.S. House of Representatives today voted 291-127 in favor of H.R. 3915, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting homebuyers from predatory lending that has led to the recent mortgage crisis across the country.   11/16/2007

House Approves Bill to Set Timetable for Redeployment of Troops Out of Iraq The U.S. House of Representatives last night voted 218-203 in favor of H.R. 4156, the Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Act, a bill requiring withdrawal of American combat troops from Iraq.  The legislation requires troop redeployment to begin within 30 days of enactment and sets a December 15, 2008 goal for redeployment completion.  The legislation provides $50 billion to meet the needs of the troops in the field, but does not provide the $200 billion President Bush requested to continue fighting through the end of his presidency.  11/15/2007

House Votes for Middle Class Tax Relief, Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility The U.S. House of Representatives today voted 216-193 in favor of a fiscally responsible tax package to protect more than 23 million families from a tax increase under the alternative minimum tax (AMT).  H.R. 3996, the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007, would ensure that no additional taxpayers pay the AMT this year, while also extending important tax credits and deductions set to expire at the end of 2007.   11/9/2007

Levin Urges Vote for Middle Class Tax Relief, Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote tomorrow on a fiscally responsible tax package to protect more than 23 million families from a tax increase under the alternative minimum tax (AMT).  H.R. 3996, the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007, would ensure that no additional taxpayers pay the AMT this year, while also extending important tax credits and deductions set to expire at the end of 2007.   11/8/2007

U.s. Trade Policy Makes Dramatic Change in Course The U.S. House of Representatives approved 285-132 a bi-lateral trade agreement with Peru that includes for the first time worker rights and environmental standards fully enforceable like all other commercial provisions.  11/8/2007

House Passes Employee Non-discrimination Act The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a measure to end employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.  The bill, H.R. 3996, the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, was approved by a vote of 235-184.  The act would prohibit employment discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans.  Similar legislation has been introduced in the House since the 1970s, but this is the first time the bill has reached the Floor of the House of Representatives.  11/7/2007

House Votes to Override Bush's Veto of Water Protection Legislation The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to override President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), a bill to provide investment in crucial infrastructure projects to protect lakes, wetlands, coastline and communities near water.  With 361 members voting for the legislation and only 54 voting against, the bill easily passed the two-thirds majority threshold necessary to override a presidential veto.  11/6/2007

One Year After Historic Elections, New Congressional Majority Highlights Accomplishments The New Democratic Congress joined together today to highlight major accomplishments on the one year anniversary of the election which brought about change in both the U.S. House and Senate.     11/1/2007

House Approves Overhaul of Trade Adjustment Assistance to Better Meet Needs of Workers in Global Economy The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a complete overhaul of the federal program to assist workers impacted by globalization.  The Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 would expand and improve the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Act of 1962 to help more workers that lose their jobs as a result of global trade.  It was approved by a vote of 264 to 157.  10/31/2007

Ways and Means Vote Unanimous on New Peru FTA On a recorded vote, the Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously on the new Peru Free Trade Agreement.  10/31/2007

Picture a New Presidential Primary System Rep. Sander Levin and Senator Bill Nelson have  introduced legislation to reform the Presidential Primary nominating system.  The legislation would establish six primary or caucus dates between March and June.  On each of the dates, a state or group of smaller states from each region of the country would go on every day.  This is not a regional primary system instead every election date would have a fair and representative presence from every region of the country.  10/26/2007

Levin Introduces Legislation to Encourage Donation of Healthy Food To Local Food Banks and Hunger Programs Rep. Sander Levin introduced legislation to make permanent an important provision of the tax code that encourages businesses to donate food inventory to food banks and other hunger-fighting organizations.     10/26/2007

Levin Statement on Rangel Tax Reform Bill Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today released the following statement regarding Ways and Means Chairman Rangel’s introduction of the Tax Reform and Reduction Act of 2007.  10/25/2007

Ways and Means Committee Approves Overhaul of Trade Adjustment Assistance to Better Meet the Needs of Workers in Global Economy The Ways and Means Committee approved a complete overhaul of the federal program to assist workers impacted by globalization.  The Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 would expand and improve the program and is expected to be considered by the U.S. House in the next weeks.  10/24/2007

American Workers Seek a New Direction for Trade Policy Amidst growing public skepticism regarding the benefits of trade, President Bush gave a speech today in Miami, Florida on the pending free trade agreements.  House Committee on Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement in response:  10/12/2007

House Ends Outsourcing of Abusive and Inefficient Private Tax Collection Program The House of Representatives today approved by a vote of 232-173 H.R. 3056, the Tax Collection Responsibility Act, which would repeal the Internal Revenue Service’s authority to contract out tax collection to private collection agencies.  Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), who was an original co-sponsor of the legislation, praised the House’s action to end this failed experiment in outsourcing essential government services.  10/10/2007

House Approves Mortgage Tax Relief The House of Representatives today approved H.R. 3648, the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act, by a wide bipartisan majority [386-27] to help address the subprime lending crisis and ongoing turmoil in the housing market.  Included in the bill was a provision authored by Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) to extend the deductibility of mortgage insurance premiums.   10/4/2007

Levin Statement In Support of the State Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2007 (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) made the following floor statement in support of the State Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2007:  9/25/2007

Report by Trade Commission Highlights Repeated Failure of Korea to Open Markets Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement regarding the International Trade Commission (ITC)’s Report:  U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Potential Economy-wide and Selected Sectoral Effects.  9/20/2007

Rep. Levin Welcomes Senate Introduction of Presidential Primary Reform Bill (Washington D.C.)-  Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) have joined together to reform the presidential primary nominating system.  Senator Nelson today introduced companion legislation to Rep. Levin’s interregional primary reform bill introduced earlier this year. 9/6/2007

Rep. Levin on Legislation to Address Ubit Rules that Encourage Off-shore Investment (Washington D.C.)-  Today Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) introduced legislation to allow tax-exempt entities to invest directly in US-based hedge funds rather than routing their investments offshore.  Levin was joined by Ways & Means Committee Members Reps. Jim McDermott, John Lewis, Earl Pomeroy, Earl Blumenauer, Bill Pascrell, Shelley Berkley, and Chris Van Hollen. 9/6/2007

Levin Announces Congressional Page Appointment Lianna Stroser of St. Clair Shores (Washington D.C.)-  U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) is pleased to sponsor Lianna Stroster, a junior at Lake Shore High School in, for the Congressional Page Program offered by the U.S. House of Representatives.  Ms. Stroster will serve as a Congressional Page from September 2, 2007 through January 25, 2008 in Washington, D.C. 8/1/2007

Levin to Hold Hearing on China Trade Legislation (Washington D.C.)-  The Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), is holding a hearing on Thursday, August 2, 2007 to review legislation introduced on trade with China.  The hearing will take place in the main Committee hearing room, 1100 Longworth House Office Building, at 9:00 a.m. 8/1/2007

Congress Approves Health Care for Kids (Washington D.C.)-  Today, the House of Representatives is expected to approve the CHAMP Act of 2007, which provides funding for the re-authorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and improves Medicare for all beneficiaries. The SCHIP program currently provides health coverage for 6 million low-income children nationwide and 55,000 kids in Michigan alone.   8/1/2007

Lake St. Clair Funding Clears Another Hurtle Water Resources Bill Calls for Up to $20 Million to Restore Lake St. Clair (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives is expected to adopt legislation later today that calls for up to $20 million to implement restoration projects in Lake St. Clair.  The Lake St. Clair restoration language was requested earlier this year by Representative Sander Levin. Senators Levin and Stabenow worked to gain Senate approval of the language.  8/1/2007

Rep. Levin Discloses Earmark Request for 2008 These are Rep. Sander Levin’s Project-Specific Appropriations Requests for FY 2008. 7/31/2007

Levin, Miller Announce Funding for Emergency Radios (Washington D.C.) -  U.S. Representatives Candice Miller and Sander Levin today announced the allocation of $1.075 million in federal funding for interoperable communications for Macomb County Emergency Management. The funding was made possible through dual requests made by Reps. Miller (R-10) and Levin (D-12). 7/26/2007

Congress Stands Up for Great Lakes Moves to Stop Indiana From Issuing Permit to Dump Ammonia into Lake Michigan (Washington D.C.) - Standing up for one of our great natural resources, the House of Representatives will vote today on a resolution to express disapproval of the State of Indiana Department of Environmental Management for its decision to allow British Petroleum (BP) to dump ammonia and suspended solids into Lake Michigan. This resolution reflects the commitment from Congress to protect the waters of the Great Lakes, a crucial resource for the region.  7/24/2007

House Approves Education/HHS Appropriations Bill Funds Education and Research (Washington D.C.)-  Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 3043, the “Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008.” This bill restores, in a fiscally responsible manner, funding for important education, labor, and health priorities. Some of these include increases in financial aid for college students, a strong investment in No Child Left Behind, expanding access to health care for the uninsured, and investing in medical research to cure life threatening diseases. 7/19/2007

House Votes to Increase Funding for Renewable Energy and Vehicle Technology (Washington D.C.) -  With rising energy costs hitting consumers hard, and with growing concern over our dependence on foreign oil, the House of Representatives voted, 312 to 112, to significantly increase funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and new vehicle technology. The new research and development funding was included in the annual funding bill by the Department of Energy and the Army Corps of Engineers. 7/18/2007

Rep. Levin Corrects Record on Iraqi Refugees in Michigan In response to a number of inquiries to his Congressional office regarding Iraqi refugees relocating to Macomb county communities, Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement:  7/18/2007

House Ways and Means Committee Passes Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Act In a unanimous vote, the House Ways and Means Committee approved legislation today to strengthen protections of Americans’ Social Security Numbers (SSNs). Recent reports indicate that between 10 and 15 million individuals are victims of some form of identity theft every year. Law enforcement experts and the Government Accountability Office have all reported that the SSN is the most valuable piece of information for identity thieves because it unlocks access to other personally identifiable information and is often relied upon by creditors and other businesses to authenticate identity.  7/18/2007

House to Consider Legislation Requiring Redeployment from Iraq Requires Redeployment Within 120 Days (Washington D.C.)-  Today, the House of Representatives is debating H.R. 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act.  The legislation requires the Secretary of Defense to begin the redeployment of U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 120 days of enactment, and complete the reduction in U.S. forces by April 1, 2008.   7/12/2007

House Passes Single Largest Investment in College Aid Since Gi Bill (Washington D.C.)-  Rep. Sander Levin today voted for legislation that would make the largest investment in college financial aid since the 1944 GI Bill. This bill helps millions of Americans pay for college, at no cost to taxpayers.  7/11/2007

Levin and Democrats Introduce Legislation to End Carried Interest Tax Advantage Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), along with Chairmen Charles Rangel and Barney Frank and Ways and Means Members Reps. Pete Stark, Jim McDermott, John Lewis, Richard Neal, Earl Pomeroy, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, John Larson, Earl Blumenauer, Ron Kind, and Bill Pascrell introduced legislation that would ensure that investment fund managers who take a share of the funds’ profits as compensation for investment management services, known as “carried interest” would be taxed at an appropriate ordinary income tax rate. Currently, the managers of private investment partnerships are able to receive compensation for these services at the much lower 15% capital gains tax rate rather that the ordinary income tax rate by virtue of their fund’s partnership structure.  6/22/2007

Levin Details Problems With Korea FTA at Hearing of the International Trade Commission {U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, made the following statement today at the International Trade Commission:  6/20/2007

House Debates Veterans Funding Bill: Demcorats Fulfill Promises to Nation's Veterans Today the U.S. House of Representatives debates HR 2642, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008.  The bill contains historic increases in Veterans Administration (VA) spending, increasing the VA budget by $6.7 billion above the Fiscal Year 2007 level.   6/15/2007

Information on the House Page Program I am hoping you can help spread the word about a wonderful, but time-sensitive, opportunity for students living in the 12th Congressional District: the U.S. House of Representatives Page program.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students.  High school pages learn about Congress, as they live in Washington DC, enter a semester-long course of study and work as support staff for the House of Representatives.  6/8/2007

MI Delegation Introduces American Manufacturing Initiatve: Michigan Democrats Call for Comprehensive Initiative to Revitalize U.S. Manufacturing (Washington D.C.)- WASHINGTON –Michigan Democrats today laid out a comprehensive agenda to revitalize our domestic manufacturing industry and respond to the loss of millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs. Their American Manufacturing Initiative (AMI) would bring together government, private industry, and academia in a robust partnership aimed at turning around the manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy.  5/23/2007

American Manufacturing Initiative: A Proposal from Michigan Democrats to Boost the U.S. Economy I. MANUFACTURING INCENTIVES AND MANDATES  5/22/2007

MSU Satellite and Macomb County Perfect Match Reps. Sander Levin (D-MI-12) and Candice Miller (R-MI-10) released the following joint statement in response to recent deliberations regarding the new location for a satellite campus for the Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine:  5/15/2007

Congress and Administration Announce New Trade Policy Members of the Democratic and Republican Congressional leadership led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined with key Administration officials today to announce an agreement on a new trade policy for America.  Today's announcement was the culmination of months of negotiations between Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Ranking Member Jim McCrery (R-LA), Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Wally Herger (R-CA) and the Administration.   5/10/2007

Levin Opening Statement at Tripartite Hearing on Currency U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, made the following opening remarks today during the Tripartite Hearing on Currency, "Currency Manipulation and Its Effect of U.S. Businesses and Workers," convening Subcommittees of Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Energy and Commerce:  5/9/2007

Winners of the 2007 Congressional Art Competition At an awards reception at the Macomb Community College, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) announced the winners of the 2007 Congressional Arts Competition of the 12th Congressional District, An Artistic Discovery, the nationwide Congressional Art Competition coordinated and conducted by Members of the House of Representatives in their districts. Levin hosted an awards reception for all participants showcasing the competition's artwork from throughout the 12th Congressional District.  5/4/2007

Levin, Camp Introduce Investment in America Act U.S. Reps. Sander Levin (D-MI) and Dave Camp (R-MI) today introduced the Investment in America Act of 2007, bi-partisan legislation to strengthen and make permanent the Research and Development Tax Credit.  Levin and Camp are both senior members of the House Ways and Means Committee.  Twenty-eight of their colleagues on the Committee joined them in introducing the legislation.  5/3/2007

Levin Supports Veto Override of Iraq Accountability Act U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today voted in favor of overriding the President's veto of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act.  The President's veto ignores the American people's call for a new direction in Iraq.  This measure would have required accountability from both the Bush Administration and the Iraqi government for the first time.   Although the bill received a majority of support with a vote of 222 to 203, with one voting present, it did not achieve the two-thirds required to override the veto.  5/2/2007

House Approves Bill to Limit Canadian Trash The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously approved H.R. 518, the International Solid Waste Importation Act. Introduced by U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn), the measure has been co-sponsored by every single Michigan member of the House including U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak).  4/24/2007

4-year Public University Key to Macomb's Future U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) welcomed a key recommendation of a blue ribbon Commission appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and an independent report developed by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), a leading higher education policy research group, that a 4-year public institution of higher learning be established in Macomb County. The Commission and the Institute had analyzed higher education attainment in the County and the need for a four-year public institution.  4/23/2007

House Passes Water Resources Development Act The House of Representatives today passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), on a broad bi-partisan vote of 394 to 25, which includes a provision calling for up to $10 million a year to implement restoration projects in Lake St. Clair. Just last month, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the St. Clair Shore restoration language requested by U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak).  4/19/2007

Trade Deficit Continues at Unsustainable Pace U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today offered the following comments as the U.S. Department of Commerce released its monthly trade deficit figures:  4/13/2007

Levin Responds To China WTO Intellectual Property Cases The United States Trade Representative today announced the filing of a formal complaint against China within the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the inadequate market access for American goods and Chinese enforcement of intellectual property rights.  House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement today in response: 4/9/2007

Levin Reacts to Recess Appointment Of Biggs To Social Security Administration U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, issued the following reaction to the recess appointment of Andrew Biggs as Principal Deputy Commissioner of Social Security - the second-in-command at the agency:  4/5/2007

Levin Statement On U.S. - South Korea FTA House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI) today issued the following statement upon completion of the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement (FTA):  4/2/2007

Rangel And Levin Respond to Commerce Subsidy Investigation House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), issued the following joint statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce decision to continue its investigation into the subsidization of Chinese paper products: 3/30/2007

Rangel and Levin Seek Extension of Trade Preferences for the Andean Nations of Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI), introduced legislation today to provide a two-year extension of trade preferences for the Andean nations of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.  The bill would extend the preferences given under the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA).  The ATPDEA provides critical trade benefits to these developing nations, which have resulted in job creation and economic development.   3/29/2007

Administration Must Change Course in U.S.-South Korea FTA Negotiations As the March 31st deadline for notifying the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement approaches, Democratic Congressional leaders strongly urged the Bush Administration to change the course of negotiations to re-establish a bipartisan foundation for trade policy.  The Democratic Leaders are concerned that the current negotiation strategy is inadequate to tear down South Korea's "iron curtain" to American manufacturing.   3/29/2007

Rangel and Levin Unveil New Trade Policy for America House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), today unveiled "A New Trade Policy for America," to improve pending free trade agreements and allow for bipartisan support in the House.   3/27/2007

Levin Supports Iraq Supplemental Bill U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today voted in favor of the Iraq Supplemental Appropriations Bill - H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act. The measure passed on a vote of 218 to 212.  3/23/2007

Chairman Levin Opening Statement at Trade Subcommittee Hearing on U.S. - South Korea FTA As the United States and South Korea complete the 8th round of negotiations, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, today made the following opening statement at the Trade Subcommittee Hearing on the U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement:  3/20/2007

Funding for Lake St. Clair Restoration Clears First Hurdle A key committee in the House of Representatives signed off on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislation today that includes a provision calling for up to $10 million a year to implement restoration projects in Lake St. Clair.  The Lake St. Clair restoration language was requested by U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) in a letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee earlier this year (see below letter).  3/15/2007

Chairman Levin's Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Nonmarket Economy Trade Remedy Act of 2007 U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today made the following opening statement at the Trade Subcommittee Hearing on the Nonmarket Economy Trade Remedy Act of 2007:  3/15/2007

"Rush to the Front" Spotlights Need for Comprehensive Reform of Presidential Nominating System With just a year until the traditional Super Tuesday Presidential primary, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today introduced the "Interregional Presidential Primary and Caucus Act of 2007," a bill that would create an interregional system for the selection of delegates to Presidential nominating conventions through primaries and caucuses.   Levin called his bill a "long overdue step towards fixing the broken system of the Presidential primary and caucus schedule."  3/14/2007

Address by King Abdullah Ii Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Washington D.C.)- King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hasehemite Kingdom of Jordan, made the following speech to a Joint Session of Congress on Wednesday, March 7th:  3/7/2007

Levin Trade Speech: Using Trade as a Tool to Shape Globalization U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, today delivered a trade speech entitled, "Using Trade as a Tool to Shape Globalization," at the Center for American Progress (CAP).  3/5/2007

Proposal To Open Korea's Closed Market Sent To President To Jumpstart Negotiations As the U.S. and South Korea Free Trade Agreement enters into the eighth round of negotiations, a broad range of Members of Congress today presented a groundbreaking proposal to address South Korea?s closed automotive market.  3/2/2007

Watch U.S. Rep. Levin Speak On The Iraq Resolution U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today in support of the Iraq Resolution.  2/15/2007

Chairman Levin's Opening Statement During Trade Hearing On China U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today offered the following opening statement - as prepared for delivery - of the Trade Subcommittee Hearing on trade with China:  2/15/2007

Levin Opening Statement At Ways And Means Committee Hearing On U.S. Trade Agenda U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today made the following opening statement at the Ways and Means Committee Hearing on the U.S. Trade Agenda with Ambassador Schwab:  2/14/2007

Congressional Leaders Urge Bush To Act As 2006 Annual Trade Deficit Breaks All Time Record As the United States Department of Commerce released its 2006 annual trade deficit figures today revealing another record-breaking year of $764 billion, Democratic Congressional leaders urged the Bush Administration to chart a new direction in U.S. trade policy that addresses the explosive U.S. trade deficit and promotes broad-based equitable growth for all Americans. The 2006 trade deficit represents a 6.5 percent increase over the 2005 record. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), House Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), joined key House Ways and Means Members in sending the following letter to President Bush:  2/13/2007

Administration Must Shift Course On Trade Policy Prior To TPA Extension U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, offered the following statement after United States Trade Representative Susan Schwab spoke at the National Press Club on the extension of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA):  2/12/2007

Congressional Leaders Urge Paulson To Press Japan Over Yen At G-7 Summit As the Group of Seven Finance Ministers convene in Essen, Germany today, Congressional leaders urged Secretary of the Treasury, Henry M. Paulson, Jr., join European leaders in pressing the Japanese on the issue of the value of the Yen. House Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), Energy and Commerce Chairman John D. Dingell (D-MI), and Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA), sent the following letter yesterday to Secretary Paulson:  2/9/2007

China Must Be Held Accountable For Unfair Trade Practices Today, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Susan Schwab announced her intent to bring a case before the World Trade Organization (WTO) to deal with China's unfair subsidies. Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin issued the following statement in response: 2/2/2007

House Cleans Up Budget Mess The Democratic House of Representatives today passed H.J.Res. 20, a Continuing Resolution funding the Federal Government aimed at cleaning up the budgetary mess left by the Republicans last Congress, on a vote of 286 to 140. The new Congress set priorities by providing additional funding for key Veterans healthcare, highways, and education programs, while putting moratorium on all earmarks until a reformed process is put in place to restore an accountable, above-board, transparent process for funding decisions.  1/31/2007

LEVIN: ADMINISTRATION MUST CHANGE COURSE ON U.S. TRADE POLICY PRIOR TO EXTENSION OF TPA U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, offered the following statement regarding trade policy and Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) after the President's speech at Caterpillar Inc., in Illinois.  1/30/2007

LEVIN REACTS TO STATE OF THE UNION (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, offered the following comment in reaction to the State of the Union Address:  1/23/2007

LEVIN VOTES TO END BIG OIL TAX BREAKS AND INVEST IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Completing the House Democratic Leadership's 100 Legislative Hour Agenda, the House of Representatives today passed H.R. 6, the CLEAN Energy Act, on a bipartisan vote of 264 to 163. The measure will repeal $13 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for Big Oil companies, and use the savings to invest in clean renewable and alternative fuels and energy efficiency. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), an original cosponsor of the bill, applauded its passage saying it "charted a new course on energy security."  1/18/2007

DEMOCRATIC HOUSE MAKES COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE BY CUTTING INTEREST RATES ON STUDENT LOANS Today, the Democratically-controlled House of Representatives passed H.R. 5, the College Student Relief Act, on a broad bipartisan vote of 356 to 71. This measure will cut the interest rate on subsidized student loans for undergraduates in half over the next five years -- from 6.8% today to 3.4% by 2011. Under this bill, which would take effect starting in July, the average Michigan student starting school in 2007 would save $2,190 over the life of the loan; those starting in 2011 would save $4,240 over the life of the loan, according to a report by US PIRG. This aid is provided at no additional cost to taxpayers as the bill is fully offset by trimming the subsidies paid to lenders and guaranty agencies on these student loans by the federal government.  1/17/2007

U.S. TRADE POLICY MUST SHAPE GLOBALIZATION AND INSIST UPON A TWO-WAY STREET U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement following the Ways and Means Committee formal organization meeting about his priorities for the 110th Congress as Chair of the Trade Subcommittee.  1/17/2007

VEHICLE SUPPLIERS PLAY MAJOR ROLE IN AMERICAN ECONOMY The Motor Equipment Manufactures Association (MEMA) today released a study highlighting the valuable economic contribution of the motor vehicle parts supplier industry to the overall U.S. economy.  1/17/2007

BIPARTISAN STEM CELL BILL APPROVED BY HOUSE Continuing to implement their 100 Legislative Hour Agenda, the Democratic House of Representatives voted today to significantly expand stem cell research, by approving the DeGette-Castle Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act - H.R. 3 - on a bipartisan vote of 253 to 174. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), an original cosponsor and ardent supporter of stem cell research, hailed the bill's passage.  1/11/2007

LEVIN VOTES TO GIVE AMERICA'S WORKING FAMILIES A PAY RAISE The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives today voted to raise the federal minimum wage keeping their promise to give American families a pay raise. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), an original cosponsor, voted in support of H.R. 2 - which passed with wide bipartisan support on a vote of 315 to 116 - that would raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over two years benefiting nearly 13 million American workers and their families.  1/10/2007

PATH OF SKYROCKETING TRADE IMBALANCES SIGNALS NEED FOR STRONG CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today offered the following comments as the U.S Department of Commerce released its monthly trade deficit figures:  1/10/2007

HOUSE PASSES 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS The Democratic House of Representatives today launched their 100 Hour Legislative Agenda by approving a measure that would implement the 9/11 Commission Recommendations designed to make America safer. Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations - H.R. 1 - won passage with bipartisan support passing on a vote of 299 to 128. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) voted in favor of the measure and was an original co-sponsor. According to a Gallop/USA Today poll, 62 percent of the American public support implementing the 9/11 recommendations [10/06].  1/9/2007

LEVIN DISCUSSES U.S. TRADE POLICY As the gavel came down to open the 110th Congress, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) participated in the Democratic Caucus' "Radio Row" to discuss the Democrats agenda - the 100 Legislative Hours.  1/5/2007

DEMOCRATIC HOUSE PASSES ETHICS REFORM ON 1ST DAY The new Democratic 110th Congress today passed an aggressive ethics reform package to restore public trust in the Congress. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today applauded the passage of The Honest Leadership and Open Government bill during the opening of the 110th Congress.  1/5/2007

LEVIN STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT FORD U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) offered the following comments today regarding the death of President Gerald R. Ford:  12/27/2006

TRADE DEFICIT FIGURES CONTINUES DISTURBING PATH TO RECORD DEFICIT U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today offered the following comments as the U.S Department of Commerce released its monthly trade deficit figures:  12/12/2006

JOHANNA'S LAW WINS CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today announced that Johanna's Law - a bill that would authorize a federal campaign to increase early detection of Gynecologic Cancer - has been approved by both Houses of Congress and will head to the President for his signature.  Johanna's Law, first introduced by Mr. Levin in 2003, is named after Johanna Silver Gordon, a local teacher who died of ovarian cancer in 2000.  In his remarks, Levin praised Johanna's family and the coalition of cancer survivors, family members, and medical professionals whose dedication and hard work resulted in its passage.  12/10/2006

Congress Reauthorizes Anti-drug Program U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today announced that the Drug Free Communities Act, which was created with bipartisan support in 1997, has been reauthorized. Passed earlier this year by the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate tonight cleared the measure for the President's signature. Levin was the original co-author of the legislation that established the Drug Free Communities program in 1997.  12/8/2006

LEVIN COMMENTS ON FRINK RESIGNATION U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) made the following statement in reaction to the resignation of the Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, Al Frink:  12/6/2006

TRADE WITH SOUTH KOREA MUST BE TWO-WAY STREET U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today offered the following statement on the beginning of the fifth round of negotiations of the U.S. - South Korea FTA in Montana:  12/4/2006

DELEGATION CALLS ON PRESIDENT FOR "VIGOROUS FEDERAL ACTION" ON AUTO ISSUES All 17 Members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation called on President Bush to take action on issues he discussed with the CEOs of the US automakers in a meeting last week. The top executives from General Motors, Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Group discussed with the President the competitive disadvantages US companies face with international competitors on issues like trade, healthcare and getting advanced technologies to the marketplace in a swift manner. The Michigan Delegation looks forward to continuing the dialogue with both the CEOs and the President. In support of the efforts of the executives of the Big 3, Michigan Congressional Members shared their concerns with the President in the following letter:  11/22/2006

JOHANNA'S LAW MAKES GREAT LEAP FORWARD U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today announced that Johanna's Law - a bill that would authorize a federal campaign to increase early detection of Gynecologic Cancer - has been approved by the United States House of Representatives.  Johanna's Law, first introduced by Mr. Levin in 2003, is named after Johanna Silver Gordon, a local teacher who died of ovarian cancer in 2000.  Levin, who spoke in support of the measure on the House Floor, praised Johanna's family and the coalition of cancer survivors, family members, and medical professionals whose dedication and hard work resulted in the House vote. Levin applauded the bill's passage calling the bill "significant progress for women's health."  11/14/2006

LEVIN NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NOMINATIONS TO THE U.S. SERVICE ACADEMIES (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) is currently accepting applications for nominations to the four U.S. Service Academies for the class of 2011.  Applicants must live in the 12th Congressional District, and must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 17 and 21.  All applicants seeking an appointment to the Academies must first receive a nomination from one of the three authorized nominating sources: U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, and the Vice President.  10/24/2006

LEVIN UKRAINIAN FAMINE MEMORIAL BILL APPROVED BY CONGRESS The Senate unanimously approved H.R. 562 last week, a bill introduced by Representative Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) to allow the Government of Ukraine to donate a memorial in Washington, DC honoring the victims of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-33.  The House of Representatives approved H.R. 562 last November, and the Senate?s action sends the bill to the President for his signature.  10/5/2006

OVER 90% OF NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM ENROLLEES IN MICHIGAN AT RISK OF FALLING INTO THE DOUGHNUT-HOLE After seniors battled months of confusing and inaccurate enrollment information surrounding the Medicare Prescription Drug program, Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee, led by senior members including U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), today released a Congressional Report that found that 91% of newly enrolled Medicare Part D beneficiaries in Michigan are at risk of falling into the "doughnut-hole," the part of the program that contains a gap in coverage where beneficiaries continue to pay premiums without receiving financial coverage for medicines.  Michigan's percentage is above the already high national average of 88%. The report also concluded that only 7% of new enrollees -- 1% of Michigan's total Medicare population -- gained full, uninterrupted coverage through the new law.  9/21/2006

LEVIN HONORED FOR COMBATING DRUG ABUSE BY LEADING ANTI-DRUG ORGANIZATION The Partnership for Drug-Free America (Partnership) today presented select members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate "Guardian Awards" to honor each Member's active commitment to protecting children and families from substance abuse. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) received a Guardian Award presented by Partnership CEO Stephen J. Pasierb. In addition, the Macomb County Prevention Coalition will present an award in Levin's name to Dana Gire for his excellent work as the Prevention and Training Coordinator at the Macomb County Office of Substance Abuse.  9/19/2006

LEVIN RISES IN SUPPORT OF CANADIAN TRASH BILL AS POSSIBLE FURTHER STEP Speaking on the House floor today in strong support of an issue of great importance to the people of Michigan, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) made the following statement regarding H.R. 2491 - The International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2006:  9/6/2006

U.S.-SOUTH KOREAN FTA MUST TEAR DOWN HISTORIC AUTOMOTIVE TRADE BARRIERS AND OPEN MARKET ACCESS IN SOUTH KOREA As the third round of trade negotiations begin between the United States and South Korea, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today offered a stiff reminder to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that a successful trade pact with South Korea must include significant market access for the U.S. automotive sector. Despite a letter to the Administration from several Members of Congress on the heels of the second round of negotiations, the Administration has refused to make clear that the most basic issue is eradicating South Korea?s trade barriers.   9/5/2006

LEVIN HAILS TRASH AGREEMENT WITH CANADA NEGOTIATED BY STABENOW AND LEVIN U.S Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today applauded the efforts of Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin (D-MI) to broker an agreement with the Canadian government to deal with the long-standing problem of shipments of municipal solid waste from Canada into Michigan. The agreement between Stabenow and Levin with Ontario's Minister of the Environment provides that there will be an immediate 20 percent reduction in shipments of Canadian municipal solid waste in the first year and a complete phase out over a four year schedule.   8/31/2006

LEVIN HOSTS BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY To commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Social Security system, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, hosted a birthday party for Social Security today at the St. Clair Shores Senior Center.  8/14/2006

HOUSE POLITICS: MINIMUM WAGE BILL POISONED House Republicans today chose to play politics with the wages of American families by failing to bring a stand-alone Minimum Wage bill to the House floor, instead choosing to combine the needed wage increase with a controversial repeal of the estate tax. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), speaking in opposition to the poisonous measure, blasted Congressional Republicans on the House Floor for holding hostage a vote on raising the federal minimum wage by attaching it to a measure that would benefit very few at the expense of the needs of many working families.  7/28/2006

CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS MOVE TO END PROGRAM AIMED AT ASSISTING EVACUEES Congressional Republicans yesterday introduced and passed a bill that would temporarily increase funding for the Repatriation Program to cover the current cost of assisting thousands of U.S. Citizens being evacuated from Lebanon, but then would terminate the Repatriation Program in 2007. The Bush Administration has notified Congress that the program will shortly run out of funds and will no longer be able to assist citizens returning to the U.S.  U.S. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, together with U.S. Reps. Jim McDermott of Washington and Ben Cardin of Maryland, had introduced alternative legislation that would raise the cap on funding for this year's emergency without preventing it from helping people evacuated in the future. Levin slammed Congressional Republicans for their "upside-down" priorities at a time when Americans need their assistance.  7/26/2006

U.S. REP. SANDER LEVIN RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT'S FIRST VETO OF STEM CELL ACT Using his power of the veto for the first time since taking office, President Bush today vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, H.R. 810 - a bill that has passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support. In reaction to the President's actions, the House of Representatives immediately exercised their constitutional right to take up of the bill with the goal of overriding the President's veto. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), who supported the measure originally, cast his vote to override the veto, which failed to get the two-thirds vote needed to override a presidential veto.  The House vote was 235 to 193.   7/19/2006

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES HIGHER ED COMMISSION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT STUDY As a result of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's announcement of the creation of a Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth in Macomb County, and the establishment of an independent, professional, privately-funded study of the County's higher education needs, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) sent the following letter to supporters of a 4-year University in Macomb County today.  7/18/2006

NEW NATIONAL REPORT CONFIRMS PROBLEMS REMAIN WITH RX DRUG PROGRAM Nearly two months after President Bush and House Republican leaders refused to extend the deadline to enroll in a Medicare drug plan this year, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, highlighted a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report released today that found that call centers run by private Medicare drug plans provided inaccurate and incomplete information most of the time. GAO determined that the private plans responsible for running the new Medicare drug benefit "did not consistently provide callers with accurate and complete information."  7/10/2006

GAO INVESTIGATION UNCOVERS PROBLEMS WITH EPA'S SPILL PREVENTION EFFORTS IN THE ST. CLAIR - DETROIT RIVER CORRIDOR Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representative Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) announced the results of a new study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that identified a number of serious concerns about the accuracy of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) data concerning oil and chemical spills in the St. Clair River/Lake St. Clair/Detroit River corridor as well as deficiencies in the EPA's procedures to prevent and respond to spills.   7/7/2006

U.S. -SOUTH KOREA FTA TEST OF BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S WILLINGNESS TO FIGHT FOR U.S. AUTO INDUSTRY As the United States' trade delegation prepares to depart for the second round of negotiations of the U.S. - South Korea free trade agreement in Seoul, Michigan Representatives Dale Kildee (D-Flint), Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) and Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), led the effort to open the Korean automotive market to American-made autos in ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.  The three U.S. Representatives organized a bipartisan group of 38 members of the House of Representatives in writing the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Susan Schwab, urging her to meaningfully address persistent unfair trade practices by South Korea that have discriminated against the U.S. automotive sector.  7/7/2006

THE DEMOCRATIC PLAN: A REAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN FOR SENIORS U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today joined his Democratic colleagues in endorsing the Democratic Prescription for Change - the Democrats' plan to improve the flawed Prescription drug plan. The Democratic plan will make key improvements to the program so that beneficiaries get an affordable, simple, and reliable prescription drug benefit they earned by paying into Medicare while they were working. It would also allow millions of seniors who were unable to choose a plan by the May 15th deadline are now locked out until January 2007 to get coverage this year.  6/27/2006

REPUBLICAN STUDENT AID HIKES ARE AN UNWELCOME PRESENT TO GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS With the average student borrower accumulating a record $17,500 in debt and tuition and fees soaring 40% at four-year public colleges since 2001, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today slammed the Republican cuts to the federal student aid program that take affect July 1st. The Republican Raid on Student Aid was passed this past February as part of the misnamed Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, where the $12 billion cut from student aid programs was used to pay towards the $70 billion in tax cuts for the very wealthy. The rate increases be felt acutely by families in Michigan and across the country.  6/22/2006

NEW ESTATE TAX BILL IS FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to blast the GOP's latest attempt to pass a reckless tax cut that benefits a very few at the expense of the many. Levin spoke in opposition to the bill - H.R. 5638 - that would permanently cut the federal estate tax, calling it "fiscally irresponsible." The House of Representatives approved the Republican estate tax bill on a vote of 269 to 156. Last week, the House Republican Leadership blocked a vote on raising the minimum wage for American families, which had bipartisan support.  6/22/2006

LEVIN CALLS ON BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO CHANGE COURSE IN IRAQ Throughout yesterday and today, the U.S. House of Representatives held a marathon 11-hour debate on a divisive resolution on Iraq written by the House Leadership.  The highly partisan resolution [H. Res. 861] would shun specific timetables for redeploying troops out of Iraq and casts the war as a central front in the war on terrorism. Democrats objected to rubber stamping the Bush Administration's open-ended policy in Iraq.  Democrats also objected that the House Leadership would not permit any amendments to be offered to the resolution, as well as the fact that the resolution on terrorism was so narrowly focused on Iraq and did not even mention Osama bin Laden.  The House adopted the resolution on a vote of 256 to 153, and 5 members voting "present," with U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) voting against the resolution.   6/16/2006

LEVIN DEMANDS ANSWERS ABOUT NEW PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM AFFECTING SENIORS At the first full House Ways and Means Committee oversight hearing on the new prescription drug program, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the Committee, today sought answers from the Bush Administration about the millions of seniors now locked-out of receiving drug coverage because of the confusing and complicated nature of the enrollment process. Levin also inquired about how many seniors are now locked-into drug plans with gaps in coverage and other limits on benefits of which they may not be aware. Representatives of the Bush Administration continued to use selective and misleading statistics to claim victory, rather than engaging in a discussion about the millions of seniors who are now locked-out of coverage or the problems ahead for those locked-in.  6/14/2006

LEVIN RESPONDS TO REPUBLICAN EFFORTS TO PRIVATIZE SOCIAL SECURITY IN 2007 Today, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, responded to remarks House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Jim McCrery (R-LA) made to reporters after a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:  6/6/2006

LEVIN ENDORSES BILL PROTECTING VETERANS FROM IDENTITY THEFT In response to the breach of 26.5 million personal records by the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D- Royal Oak), Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, today announced that he is cosponsoring the Veteran Identity Protection Act, H.R. 5455. This legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. John T. Salazar of Colorado, aims to assist veterans whose personal data was stolen from the home of a VA employee earlier this month.  6/6/2006

U.S. -- SOUTH KOREA FTA MUST KNOCK DOWN BARRIERS TO U.S. AUTOS OR FACE OPPOSITION With the beginning of formal negotiations for a U.S. - South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today warned that a U.S. - South Korea Free Trade Agreement must meaningfully address persistent unfair trade practices by South Korea that have for too long discriminated against the U.S. automotive sector.  6/5/2006

HOUSE GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO OIL DRILLING THAT DOES NOTHING TO LOWER GAS PRICES Today, the House of Representatives approved legislation [H.R. 5429] opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil drilling.  The House adopted the measure on a vote of 225 to 201, with U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) opposing the legislation.  It is unclear whether the bill has enough support to pass the Senate.  5/25/2006

LEVIN PRAISES COMMODITY FOOD PROGRAM FUNDS Late last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2007 Agriculture Appropriations bill on a vote of 378 to 46. The legislation included $118.3 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), an increase of $11 million.  Earlier this year, the President had proposed eliminating CSFP in his budget request.  Voting in support of the bill, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) praised the restored funding for this important food assistance to low-income seniors, mothers and children, and slammed the Administration for its upside-down budget priorities.  5/24/2006

LEVIN ANNOUNCES U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today announced that three of the students that he nominated to United States Service Academies from the 12th Congressional District were offered Appointments.  All three students accepted their offers by the May 1st deadline and will be entering their respective Academy in July.  Each student received a nomination from Congressman Levin after they completed the application process and interviewed with a local nomination selection committee.  5/23/2006

LEVIN BLASTS IMMORAL BUDGET U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, opposed the Republican budget proposal early this morning stating the Republican budgetary policy was "unsustainable and morally indefensible." The Republican budget proposal passed in the dead of night on a vote of 218 to 210.  5/18/2006

NEW RX DRUG PROGRAM: LOCKED-IN OR LOCKED-OUT? As the May 15th Deadline for Medicare beneficiaries to sign-up for the new prescription drug plan has passed, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today responded to reports that House Republicans may introduce legislation to waive the cash penalty for late enrollment in Medicare Part D, but are not willing to give seniors more time to enroll or switch plans.  Under both current law and the Republican proposals being discussed, seniors who have not yet enrolled would be "locked out" of drug coverage and seniors who have enrolled would be "locked in" to their current plans until January 2007.  5/16/2006

ADMINISTRATION ALSEEP AT THE WHEEL WHILE TRADE DEFICIT ON TRACK FOR ANOTHER RECORD SETTING YEAR As the U.S. Department of Commerce released new trade deficit figures forecasting a record deficit for 2006, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, reacted today by calling on the Bush Administration to get off its hands and enforce U.S. trade laws to shrink the rapidly exploding trade deficit.  5/12/2006

MILLIONAIRES SHOWERED WITH CAVIAR WHILE AMERICAN MIDDLE-CLASS GETS CRUMBS UNDER REPUBLICAN TAX BILL .S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, speaking on the House floor today blasted the Republican Majority's misguided Tax Reconciliation Conference Report, H.R. 4297. The Republican Tax Bill rewards those making a million dollars or more with an average tax cut of $42,000, while giving American middle-class families an average of $20. The GOP Tax Bill passed the House on a vote of 244 to 185.  5/10/2006

BUSH ADMINISTRATION LOOKS THE OTHER WAY, AGAIN, OVER CURRENCY MANIPULATION AS U.S. BUSINESS PAYS THE PRICE In response to the United States Treasury Department's release today of its Semiannual Report on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, offered the following remarks:  5/10/2006

LEVIN: TAKE THE LOCK OFF MAY 15th As Secretary Michael O. Leavitt of Health and Human Services attends a Medicare Prescription Drug event in Detroit touting the Bush Administration's new drug plan, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today sent a clear message to Secretary Leavitt to deliver to President Bush: Extend the May 15th deadline so seniors who are not enrolled yet can make an informed choice, and seniors who are already enrolled can make sure they're enrolled in the right plan. The Administration has refused to consider extending the May 15th deadline, or giving seniors more time to switch plans despite the fact that millions of uncovered seniors have not yet signed up, and the majority of seniors who have signed up are enrolled in plans that have a gap in coverage, known as the "doughnut hole."  5/10/2006

LEVIN PRAISES HOUSE APPROVAL OF BILL TO PROTECT MILITARY FUNERALS The House of Representatives today passed the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 5037) by an overwhelming vote of 408 to 3.  U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) voted for and co-sponsored the bill, which would protect military families from having their loved ones' funeral interrupted by protests.   5/9/2006

GOP LOBBYING BILL IS REFORM IN NAME ONLY (Washington D.C.)- In the midst of the Republican culture of corruption encapsulating Congress, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today opposed the watered-down GOP lobbying bill, H.R. 4975 - the Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act, which passed 217 to 213. Levin instead supported the Democratic reform plan, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, which he was a cosponsor. In what has become a standard abuse of House Rules, Democrats were denied the opportunity to debate a number of substantive amendments seeking to improve and strengthen many components of the GOP bill, including elements of the Democratic reform proposal. Levin slammed passage of the GOP bill by stating that it was reform in name only and merely a smoke and mirror tactic by the Republican Majority.   5/3/2006

LEVIN PUSHES TO EXTEND MAY 15TH PRESCRIPTION DRUG DEADLINE With the May 15th deadline quickly approaching and millions of Americans still deciding whether to enroll in a drug plan, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, attended what may be the only Ways and Means Health subcommittee oversight hearing on the new Medicare Prescription Drug program.  Levin and other senior Ways & Means Members have repeatedly asked the Committee to conduct oversight hearings on the drug program.   Democrats took the opportunity to ask the tough questions about extending the enrollment deadline and offered a warning that the largest difficulties with the new drug law may still be ahead.  5/3/2006

SENIOR WAYS AND MEANS DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO 2006 SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE TRUSTEES REPORT Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stark and Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Sander Levin issued the following statements today, responding to the 2006 reports of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds:  5/1/2006

LEVIN CALLS ON PRESIDENT TO TAKE CONCRETE ACTIONS IN ADVANCE OF MAY MEETING WITH BIG THREE In advance of the indicated May meeting of President Bush with the Big Three automakers, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, outlined immediate concrete actions the Bush Administration can take to help strengthen the auto industry and its workers:  4/27/2006

LEVIN SCORES 100% VOTING RECORD ON ISSUES AFFECTING AMERICA’S SENIORS The Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), a nationwide senior organization, awarded U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) a 100 percent voting record rating on issues affecting America's seniors during the first session of the 109th Congress. ARA calculated the rating by evaluating Member votes on a range of issues affecting retired workers and their families, including pension protections and reform, cutting senior programs, Medicare Part D, and Social Security solvency.  4/26/2006

LEVIN CALLS FOR ROLLBACK OF TAX BREAKS FOR BIG OIL AS GAS PRICES SOAR As oil and gas prices soar in Michigan and throughout the United States, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin advocated for the Energy Consumer Relief Act [H.R. 4479], which would roll back billions of dollars in tax breaks, royalty holidays and subsidies to oil and gas companies.  These subsidies were included in sweeping energy legislation approved by Congress last summer, which President Bush signed into law.  Addressing rising gas prices today, the plan President Bush outlined would save tax payers only $2 billion compared to the Democratic plan estimated to save Americans $9.3 billion dollars, both over ten years.  4/24/2006

RECESS APPOINTMENTS FOR TRUSTEES SENDS WRONG SIGNAL Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stark and Social Subcommittee Ranking Member Sander Levin issued the following response today to President Bush's recess appointments of John L. Palmer and Thomas R. Saving as public trustees of the Social Security and Medicare programs.   4/21/2006

LEVIN OBJECTS TO CUTS TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS UNDER PRESIDENT'S 2007 BUDGET PROPOSAL U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today released a report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) projecting that the entire 12th Congressional District would lose nearly 20% of its CDBG funding under the President's budget proposal. Opposing these proposed cuts, Levin today joined local officials on a "windshield" tour of Warren's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs to highlight the importance of this federal funding to 12th District communities. Levin plans to visit Southfield's Community Development Block Grants program on Monday.  4/19/2006

LEVIN RESPONDS TO NOMINATIONS OF ROB PORTMAN TO HEAD OMB AND SUSAN SCHWAB AS THE NEXT USTR U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, offered the following statement today after President Bush nominated United States Trade Representative (USTR) Rob Portman to be the next Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and elevated Deputy United States Trade Representative Susan Schwab to head the trade office:  4/18/2006

U.S. - PERU FTA FAILS TO ADDRESS THE REALITIES ON THE GROUND IN PERU U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, a senior Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, spent a week in January on fact-finding trip to Peru and Panama in advance of Congressional consideration of these trade agreements.  A summary of the findings during four days in Peru is attached to this statement:  4/12/2006

TRADE ROUNDTABLE CALLING ON BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO KNOCK DOWN FOREIGN TRADE BARRIERS TO U.S. PRODUCTS (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today was joined by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), in hosting a Trade Roundtable on the unfair trade barriers to U.S. products in overseas markets at the Macomb Educational Technology Center in Warren, Michigan. Levin, Granholm, and Levin were surrounded by members of Michigan's manufacturing community in discussing the negative impact of unfair trade barriers that hurt Michigan businesses and workers, while calling on the Bush Administration to use the tools at its disposal to challenge these practices.  4/11/2006

BUSH ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO IGNORE MANUFACTURING JOBS CRISIS (Washington D.C.)- In response to President Bush's comment that "manufacturing activity is growing" during his remarks on the economy this morning, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, made the following statement:  4/7/2006

BUSH ADMINISTRATION CANNOT IGNORE CRUCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. EXPORTS (Washington D.C.)- The United States Trade Representative (USTR) today released the National Trade Estimates (NTE) report, a government inventory of barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services, investment and intellectual property rights of our trading partners.  In anticipation of this report, House Democratic Leadership joined with members of the Committee on Ways and Means and the New Democrat Coalition on a joint letter to President Bush outlining additional opportunities for the Bush Administration to enforce U.S. trade laws and stand up for American workers and businesses.  3/31/2006

WELCOMED STEP, MUCH MORE ACTION NEEDED ON CHINA TRADE (Washington D.C.)-  U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to today's announcement by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that it will file a case with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against unfair Chinese tariffs on imported auto parts:  3/30/2006

LEVIN REPORTS ON HIS TRADE TRIP TO PERU AND PANAMA (Washington D.C.)- In preparation for the trade agenda this year, Rep. Levin went on a week-long fact-finding trip in late January to Peru and Panama.  The Administration had notified Congress of its intention to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Peru on January 6th and the negotiations with Panama were entering their seventh round.  Since the trip, the Administration has also notified Congress of its intention to sign an FTA with Colombia.  The Trip focused on the impact of rapidly expanding economic globalization on their socio-economic structures, the level of economic growth and its contents, and the likely effects of an FTA embodied in the negotiations between our nations.  3/14/2006

LEVIN CITES IMPORTANCE OF HOUSE PASSAGE OF UKRAINE PERMANENT NORMAL TRADE RELATION (Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1053 on a vote of 417 to 2 granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Ukraine, paving the way towards Ukraine's accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO).  U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, spoke on the House floor in support of the measure, which also ends the application to Ukraine of the Cold War-era Jackson-Vanik Amendment linking trade benefits to the emigration and human rights policies of communist and former communist countries.  3/8/2006

LEVIN STATEMENT ON U.S. PORTS (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) issued the following statement regarding the President's threat to veto Congressional action on the sale of operational control of U.S. ports to a company controlled by the United Arab Emirates:  2/22/2006

LEVIN JOINS MOVE TO ENSURE MICHIGAN CHILDREN RECEIVE MONEY OWED TO THEM (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today joined colleagues U.S. Rep Jim McDermott of Washington and U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois in introducing a bill that would repeal the child support enforcement cuts that Republicans included in the Deficit Reduction Act.  2/16/2006

LEVIN: US-CHINA TRADE 'ONE-SIDED' (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, made the following statement in response to the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) release of its "Top-to-Bottom" review of U.S - China trade policy:   2/14/2006

TRADE DEFICIT SETS ALL-TIME HISTORIC HIGH AS BUSH ADMINISTRATION FAILS TO ENFORCE TRADE AGREEMENTS, KNOCK DOWN TRADE BARRIERS AND STOP UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES (Washington D.C.)- With today's announcement of the highest trade deficit in U.S. history, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, reacted by calling on the Bush Administration to "get into the game and use the tools of the federal government to shape trade to our advantage."  2/10/2006

LEVIN ON BUSH: FIRST BIPARTISANSHIP, NOW PRIVATIZATION? (Washington D.C.)- {U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, today responded to the President's 2007 budget proposal to spend $712 billion over the next 10 years for the creation of private accounts in the Social Security program.  2/7/2006

THREE MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS COMMEND EPA ON AGREEMENT TO BEGIN 2ND PHASE OF PCB CLEANUP (Washington D.C.)- Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for agreeing to return to St. Clair Shores to continue the cleanup of PCB contamination. The three lawmakers have been working with the City of St. Clair Shores to get EPA to move ahead with the next phase of the PCB cleanup.  2/7/2006

IN NEGOTIATING A KOREAN TRADE AGREEMENT BUSH ADMINISTRATION MUST STAND UP FOR US AUTOMOTIVE SECTORUSTR (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today issued the following statement in advance of the United States Trade Representative's official announcement scheduled for 3PM today of its intent to enter into negotiations for a free trade agreement with South Korea.   2/2/2006

FEDERAL MANUFACTURING AGENDA (####)  2/1/2006

BUSH'S VISION FOR MANUFACTURING REMAINS ONE OF INACTION (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today released the scorecard of his Federal Manufacturing Agenda checklist indicating the President only mentioned three of the issues and fully addressed just one of them during his State of the Union Address. Levin released the Federal Manufacturing Agenda to try once again to encourage the President to acknowledge the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and finally take action. Levin pointed out that the President didn't say the word "manufacturing" once throughout his State of the Union Address.  2/1/2006

LEVIN: BUDGET BILL HARMS AMERICA'S CHILDREN (Washington D.C.)- Today, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), speaking on the House floor, opposed the second Budget Reconciliation Conference Report passed by both the House and Senate. Deceptively called the "Deficit Reduction Act of 2005," the bill would dramatically reduce federal support for child support collection, student loans, and healthcare for children, the elderly, and the disabled. As a result, its reported budgetary savings would be more than canceled out by the $70 billion in tax cuts Republican leaders plan to pass later this month. Levin blasted its razor thin passage of 216 to 214, calling it "harmful for America's children."  2/1/2006

FAMILIES HAVE TO BE ASKING THEMSELVES WHERE HAS THE PRESIDENT BEEN? (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, reacted to the President's failure to use the State of the Union to address the manufacturing jobs crisis in this country.  1/31/2006

PRESIDENT BUSH DOESN'T HAVE A GOOD TRACK RECORD ON SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSIONS (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking member on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, released the following statement in response to the President's 2006 State of the Union address:  1/31/2006

BUSH ROSY ECONOMIC RHETORIC RINGS HOLLOW FOR MILLIONS OF MICHIGAN FAMILIES (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today issued the following statement after President Bush's speech on the economy before the Chicago Economic Club.  1/6/2006

LAWRENCE TECH AWARDED $1 MILLION FOR RESEARCH CENTER (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) released information today regarding $1 million in federal funds that was allocated for the Center for Innovative Materials Research (CIMR) at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.  The University broke ground for the Center last spring to build on Lawrence Tech's path-breaking work in structural materials research.  The new facility will be a state-of-the-art laboratory for the research, development and testing of carbon fiber composites and other advanced materials.  1/5/2006

LEVIN SLAMS WHITE HOUSE FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY (Washington D.C.)- With Congress adjourned for the year and most Americans focused more on holiday shopping than economic news, Treasury Secretary John Snow sent a letter to Congressional leaders on December 29 asking lawmakers to increase the federal debt limit.  Unless Congress approves a higher debt ceiling by mid-March, at the very latest, Secretary Snow warned that it would "be unable to continue to finance government operations."  This is the 4th increase in the debt limit that the Bush Administration has sought since 2002.   1/3/2006

LEVIN RESPONDS TO BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S MISLEADING CLAIM ON MEDICARE DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today made the following statement in response to the Bush Administration's claim that 21 million seniors and disabled will be getting prescription drug coverage beginning January 1st:  12/23/2005

LEVIN HAILS REPORT LANGUAGE AS FIRST, GOOD STEP TOWARDS JOHANNA’S LAW (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) welcomed the inclusion of dedicated funding for gynecological cancer education and awareness. The Committee report on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill specifically calls attention to how important early detection of gynecological cancers is and calls upon the Secretary of HHS to begin a national education campaign -- specifically earmarking $100,000 for that purpose.  12/16/2005

WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE OVERWHELMINGLY REJECTS SOCIAL SECURITY PRIVATIZATION (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking Member on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, today reacted to the news that the majority of the Delegates to the White House-sponsored Conference on Aging overwhelmingly rejected the privatization of Social Security.  12/16/2005

PENSION BILL SETS PERILOUS COURSE FOR MANUFACTURERS and DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, took to the House floor during debate to detail the dangerous provisions in the bill for the manufacturing sector and defined-benefit pensions which provide guaranteed monthly retirement payments.  House Republicans offered a closed rule shutting out any opportunity for debate or discussion on the Democratic Alternative.  12/15/2005

REPUBLICANS' MISGUIDED BUDGET PRIORITIES APPROVED ON SECOND TRY WITH TWO VOTE MARGIN (Washington D.C.)- Just a week after passing additional tax cuts for the very wealthy, House Republicans are back at it again attacking programs for working families contained in the House Republican Labor-HHS-Education conference report. Passing 215 to 213, the House Republican LHHS second conference report cuts critical services in labor, health, social services, and education by $1.6 billion for the poor, the sick, and the elderly below that 2005 funding level.  In a game of political arm-twisting, House Republicans threatened Members to vote for the LHHS Bill arguing that the cuts would be deeper under a continuing resolution.   12/14/2005

LEVIN ANNOUNCES $400,000 FOR FERNDALE COMMUNITY CENTER (Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) announced today that $400,000 in federal funds has been allocated to expand Ferndale's Kulick Community Center.  The money was included, at Rep. Levin's request, in the 2006 Department of Transportation funding bill.  The House and Senate approved this legislation last month, and President Bush recently signed the measure into law.  12/14/2005

REP. LEVIN DELIVERS STATEMENT ON PENSIONS (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, made the following brief statement today about the GOP Pension Bill expected to be on the House floor later this week:  12/13/2005

MICHIGAN DELEGATION JOINS TOGETHER TO SEND STRONG MESSAGE TO U.S NEGOTIATORS ON AUTO-RELATED ISSUES AT WTO (Washington D.C.)- The entire Michigan Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Rob Portman, on the eve of the upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong regarding Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in the automobile sector within the context of the Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiations. As a strong automotive industry is vital to the U.S. economy overall and a critical part of the U.S. manufacturing sector, the Delegation believes it is critical that the U.S. take a position during the Hong Kong Ministerial meeting that will further advance this important issue and achieve an outcome that is beneficial to the U.S. automotive sector.  This letter was discussed at the recent bipartisan meeting with Governor Granholm and was circulated by Reps. Sander Levin and Dave Camp (both Members of the Ways and Means Committee).  12/13/2005

NICK CIARAMITARO OF MACOMB COUNTY TO ATTEND WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING (Washington D.C.)- {U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) announced today that Nick Ciaramitaro of Macomb County will attend as the 12th District Delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging next week. Mr. Ciaramitaro was selected by Rep. Levin to participate in the White House conference because of his strong commitment to older Americans and issues of aging.  12/8/2005

THE REPUBLICAN CHOICE IS CLEAR: MORE TAX CUTS FOR THE VERY WEALTHY AT THE EXPENSE OF WORKING FAMILIES (Washington D.C.)- {U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today spoke on the House floor about Republican choices: House Republicans want to award additional tax cuts for the very rich over the needs of working families. Mr. Levin opposed the $56 billion Republican Tax Reconciliation Act, which includes $21 billion in extension of the capital gains and dividend tax cuts for the very wealthy. Today’s passage, in a vote of 234 to 197, of the Republican tax cuts occurred three weeks after the House approved $50 billion in cuts to student loans, child support enforcement, food stamp assistance, and health care for children, the elderly and disabled.   12/8/2005

LEVIN VOTES IN SUPPORT OF BAHRAIN FTA (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today spoke on the House floor in support of the Bahrain Free Trade Agreement – HR 4340 US/Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act – which won approval with a vote of 327 to 95.  12/7/2005

MYTH OR REALITY? HOUSE VOTES TO EXTEND TAX RELIEF FOR MIDDLE-CLASS AMERICA (Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today spoke on the House floor in favor of a measure that provides assistance for millions of middle-class families by extending relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) – H.R. 4096, the Stealth Tax Relief Act of 2005, passing 414 to 4. However, Democrats argued that the AMT stand alone tax bill was simply a political maneuver by the Republican Majority before they bring up their tax reconciliation bill that does not include AMT relief, but instead awards $21 billion in additional tax cuts that would benefit the very wealthy – nearly half of the cuts go to those who make over a million dollars annually.  12/7/2005

REP. LEVIN RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT BUSH'S COMMENTS ON PENSIONS (Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Bush's comments on pensions during his speech on the economy and tax relief:  12/5/2005

U.S. REP. SANDER LEVIN, STATE REP. FRED MILLER, COMMISSIONER PAUL GIELEGHEM ANNOUNCE COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS ON THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A FOUR YEAR PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN MACOMB COUNTY (WARREN, MI)- Rep. Sander Levin, State Rep. Fred Miller and County Commissioner Paul Gieleghem met with students at Fitzgerald High School in Warren to announce collaborative efforts on the need to establish a four year public institution of higher education in Macomb County.  12/2/2005

STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN SANDER LEVIN ON TREASURY DEPARTMENT'S REPORT RELEASE ON INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND EXCHANGE RATE POLICIES (Washington D.C.)- Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI), a Senior Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, made the following statement in response to the Treasury Department's release of the Report to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies:  11/28/2005

AMERICANS DEALT BAD HAND UNDER REPUBLICAN BUDGET PLAN (Washington D.C.)- Early this morning, House Republicans delivered a blow to American families by passing their Budget reconciliation bill slashing critical services in the areas of child support, college loans, health services, and food stamps. Turning their backs on America's working families, the Republican plan trades services for those in need in order to award additional tax cuts -- 53 percent of which would go to individuals making more than $1 million annually -- and at the same time digs the deficit deeper.  Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) joined a unified Democratic Party in opposing the bill, which passed 217 to 215.  11/18/2005

MACOMB COUNTY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BOOSTED BY FEDERAL SUPPORT (Washington D.C.)- The Senate and the House have approved the annual spending bill for Science, State, Justice, and Commerce and Related Agencies.  Included in the bill is a total of $900,000 targeted at five communities in Macomb County to upgrade their radio communications equipment.  11/18/2005

HOUSE DEMOCRATS SCORE WIN FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES (Washington D.C.)- Today House Democrats united to defeat a damaging Republican Labor, HHS, and Education Conference Bill that sought to cut education, health and human services, and labor programs to pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy. Although the GOP Leadership held open the vote for 36 minutes to pressure members to change their minds, the conference agreement on the 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill was defeated on a vote of 209 to 224, with all House Democrats and 22 Republicans voting no.  Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) lauded the bill’s defeat, calling it "a win for American families."  11/17/2005

LEVIN SPONSORED BILL ESTABLISHING UKRAINIAN FAMINE MEMORIAL PASSES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (Washington D.C.)- The US House of Representatives today passed H.R. 562, a bill introduced by Representative Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) to allow the Government of Ukraine to donate a memorial in Washington, DC honoring the victims of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-33.  Passing by a voice vote, Rep. Levin spoke on the House floor in support of the bill:  11/16/2005

GUARANTEED PENSIONS THREATEND UNDER REPUBLICAN PENSION PLAN (Washington D.C.)- The House Ways and Means Republicans today approved a highly controversial pension reform bill, the "Pension Protection Act of 2005," which would likely increase the number of companies terminating their pension plans, depriving workers of hard-earned retirement benefits they were promised. Opposing the Republican proposal, Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) instead supported the Democratic substitute that does not include harmful provisions that will make it more difficult for companies to balance the immediate need to increase competitiveness and fund future pension obligations.  The Democratic substitute also prevents top executives from receiving big bonuses and new benefits while they underfund and terminate the pension plans of their rank and file employees.  11/9/2005

HOUSE REPUBLICANS: UPSIDE-DOWN PRIORTIES (Washington D.C.) - Today, House Republicans on the Budget Committee approved a partisan Republican budget reconciliation bill that would dramatically reduce federal support for child support collection, student loans, nutrition assistance, and health care for children, the elderly, and the disabled. Republicans claimed the "Deficit Reduction Act of 2005" would help to pay for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but in fact the bill would hurt those most affected by the Hurricanes by slashing key funding to programs designed to help them in their recovery. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) blasted its approval, calling Republican priorities "upside-down."  11/3/2005

MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS CALL ON EPA TO COMPLETE PCB CLEANUP IN ST. CLAIR SHORES (Washington D.C.) - Members of the Michigan Delegation today released a joint letter to Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Administrator Tom Skinner urging the EPA to "take immediate action to remediate the additional PCB contamination that has been discovered in St. Clair Shores, Michigan."  The letter was signed by Senators Levin (D) and Stabenow (D), and Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak).  11/3/2005

REP. LEVIN'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT'S TAX PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS (Washington D.C.)- Today, the President’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform issued its recommendations for tax reform. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement:  11/1/2005

CAMP, LEVIN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN HOUSE BILL SEEKING BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF TRADE LAWS (Washington D.C.)- Two of Michigan's senior members of the House Ways and Means Committee, the committee responsible for trade policy, today introduced new legislation to beef up U.S. enforcement of international trade laws.   11/1/2005

LEVIN BACKS IMPROVEMENTS TO WORKER TRADE ASSISTANCE BILL (Washington D.C.)- Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) and more than 66 Members of Congress introduced a bill making comprehensive improvements to the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, HR 4156 -- the Trade Adjustment Assistance Improvement Act.  TAA is in place to assist workers whose jobs are shipped overseas or lost because of imports from other countries. 10/28/2005

CONGRESS TAKES LAST STEPS ON BRAC RECOMMENDATION (Washington D.C.)- Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today opposed a resolution that would have blocked the recommendations made by the BRAC Committee, including the addition of nearly 650 additional jobs at TACOM. The LaHood Resolution of Disapproval, introduced by Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois, was defeated with a vote of 324 to 85.   10/27/2005

PRESIDENT FORCED TO END HIS EXECUTIVE ORDER SUSPENDING PREVAILING WAGE LAWS FOR GULF REGION WORKERS (Washington D.C.)- Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement after learning that President Bush has announced he will reverse the decision he made in September to remove wage protections for construction workers in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.  The 1931 Davis-Bacon Act requires that federal contractors pay the locally prevailing wage on construction projects, including highways, buildings, and bridges.  10/26/2005

HOUSE REPUBLICANS SET TO DECIMATE CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS IN DRIVE TO CUT TAXES (Washington D.C.)- Proposals included in the Republican budget reconciliation would reduce child support payments to families nationwide by $16.8 billion over the next 10 years.  Michigan families would lose $204 million in child support payments in just the next three years.  These figures are drawn from analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) of the Republican proposal scheduled for consideration in the House Ways & Means Committee tomorrow.  10/25/2005

STATEMENT BY REP. SANDER LEVIN ON THE DEATH OF MRS. ROSA PARKS (Washington D.C.)- Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today released the following statement on the death of Mrs. Rosa Parks:  10/25/2005

LEVIN-AUTHORED DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES SUPPORT PROGRAM ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO 12 MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES (Washington D.C.)-  The Office of National Drug Control Policy today announced that 12 Michigan Communities will receive new funding through the Drug Free Communities Support Program, totaling 176 new grants being awarded to anti-drug coalitions around the country. Rep. Sandy Levin (D-Royal Oak) was the original co-author of the legislation that established the Drug Free Communities Program in 1997.  9/21/2005

• 108th Congress Press Releases (2003-2004)
• 107th Congress Press Releases (2001-2002)