WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice S. Miller (MI-10) issued the following statement after the Air Force announced that Selfridge Air National Guard Base is one of five bases being considered to host F-35A fighter aircraft: 

“Throughout my entire career, I have fought to ensure that the A-10 fleet was not retired until the Air Force could put forward an equally capable follow-on platform, and there is no better place to host this follow-on platform, the F-35, than Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

“Last year, the 127th Wing was named the Top Flying Unit in the National Guard because of the brave men and women who serve there and their unparalleled performance in battle. However, Selfridge, a strategically located northern border base, is also perfectly positioned to host the assets that safeguard both our national and homeland security.

“The servicemen and women who served there, their prime real estate, and world-class facilities are some of the many factors that work in our favor as the Air Force considers which bases will host the F-35s. The consideration of Selfridge itself demonstrates that the Air Force is investing in and committed to the men and women who serve there, our community, and our state, and I am confident that they will find Selfridge a prime location for the F-35 unit.”  

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) applauded the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) approval of a $50,000 grant to establish an economic development plan to support capital investment and job creation in Huron County in light of the closure of DTE’s Harbor Beach power plant:

“As our nation’s energy industry and power sector changes, we must not neglect the communities who, for so many generations, have built their livelihood on providing our nation with the critical energy it needs,” Miller said. “This year, energy provider DTE announced they would close the Harbor Beach coal-fired power plant to make way for a natural gas turbine plant. While this change would provide Michiganians with cleaner, safer, more reliable energy, it also has the potential to have a devastating impact on the economies of surrounding communities. This grant, will develop an economic plan that helps the Huron County economy adapt, continue to support new business development, and job and economic growth.”

This grant is funded through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER is a coordinated effort, involving multiple federal agencies, with the goal of effectively aligning federal economic and workforce development programs and resources to assist communities negatively impacted by changes in the coal industry and power sector.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) applauded the Michigan Strategic Fund’s (MSF) approval of a $642,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant awarded to the Inn on Water Street, LLC to help with the redevelopment of downtown Marine City.

“Since its founding, Marine City has always served as a destination along the historic St. Clair River,” said Miller. “In continuing with this tradition, downtown Marine City has continued to grow and thrive, most recently with the expected construction of the Inn on Water Street. This new hotel, which will be built on the site of a former car dealership, will generate $4.2 million in private investments, complementing the growth of the theater district, restaurant industry, and the entire downtown area. I applaud the Michigan Strategic Fund for awarding this critical $642,000 revitalization grant, which will promote the continued growth of Marine City.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) was created in 1984 to promote economic development and create jobs in Michigan.  For more information about MSF, please visit them online: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/michigan-strategic-fund-msf/

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) issued the following statement after DTE Energy’s announcement that it will build a natural gas turbine plant in China Township, Michigan to replace the Belle River power plant, which DTE is retiring:

“I applaud DTE Energy’s commitment to providing Michiganians with cleaner, safer, more reliable energy. I strongly believe that energy independence equals national security and that we must continue to produce more reliable, affordable domestic energy in an effort to wean the U.S. off its reliance on foreign fossil fuels. However, I am also a fierce advocate of the environment and understand how important it is that we increasingly invest in cleaner energy technologies. Today’s announcement by DTE Energy underscores their dedication to doing both and I applaud their efforts.” 

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10), Vice Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, applauded the House and Senate for overriding the President’s veto and enacting into law the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). This law allows U.S. courts to hear cases involving claims against foreign states for injury or death that occurs inside of the U.S. as a result of international acts of terrorism. Upon enactment, Rep. Miller issued the following statement:

“Earlier this month, both the House and Senate unanimously passed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, legislation that allows families of victims of terror, including those lost on 9/11, to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism. However, in a move that abandons the families of these loved ones, President Obama vetoed this legislation.

“Today, Congress took a stand, once again voicing their support of these victims and overriding the President’s veto. The families of the victims of terror have lost so much, and, although nothing can ever truly mend the loss they experience every day, they deserve the opportunity to seek justice in court. I am proud to have stood with my colleagues in support of this important legislation.”

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) applauded Michigan Strategic Fund’s (MSF) approval of a $4.56 million grant for Fiat Chrysler in light of the company’s $1.48 billion investment and announcement that it will create 700 new jobs at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant:

“This summer, Fiat Chrysler announced it would invest $1.48 billion in revamping its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in preparation for its role in the production of the next-generation Ram 1500. Creating an additional 700 jobs at the assembly plant, this investment is a major economic boost for the Sterling Heights community and underscores the continued resurgence of our domestic auto industry. Continuing to support our domestic auto industry is critical to Michigan’s economy and, really, the economy of our entire nation. Today, I applaud the Michigan Strategic Fund’s announcement that it will continue to support the industry through its $4.56 million grant for this assembly plant.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) was created in 1984 to promote economic development and create jobs in Michigan.  For more information about MSF, please visit them online: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/michigan-strategic-fund-msf/

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) applauded Michigan Strategic Fund’s approval of a $400,000 grant to help with the reopening of Yen Group, LLC’s manufacturing plant in Port Huron.

“The reopening of the Yen Group’s manufacturing plant in Port Huron underscores the continued resurgence of our domestic auto industry,” Miller said. “Expected to create at least 80 jobs, the Yen Group’s more than $10 million investment is a welcome economic boon for the entire region.”

Yen Group, LLC specializes in fulfilling purchase orders of engine blocks, heads, and other engine components. The company plans to reopen its manufacturing plant in Port Huron, Michigan, investing $10.2 million and creating 80 jobs.

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) was created in 1984 to promote economic development and create jobs in Michigan.  For more information about MSF, please visit them online: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/michigan-strategic-fund-msf/

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10), Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement in response to this weekend’s bombings in New York City and New Jersey:

“My thoughts and prayers are with those wounded by this weekend’s senseless attacks in New York City and New Jersey. It is thanks to the swift actions of our first responders and law enforcement officers that those responsible are now being brought to justice. As Americans, we will not cower in the face of terror, but rise with the resolve and resilience that makes this country the greatest in the world.”

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) issued the following statement after the House passed legislation prohibiting the transfer of any individual detained at Guantanamo Bay to U.S. soil or foreign countries:

“In an effort to make good on a misguided campaign promise, President Obama has repeatedly attempted to close Guantanamo Bay. I toured Gitmo and saw, firsthand, the facility operations and detainees, some of the world’s most heinous terrorists, including some directly tied to the attacks on September 11th. At a time when we continue to fight the ever-evolving threat posed by terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda, it is unconscionable that President Obama would seek to transfer these known terrorists onto U.S. soil.

“The first and foremost responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense of its citizens, and I will not allow this priority to be undermined by the President’s shortsighted actions. Just today, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence confirmed that, so far this year, 2 more prisoners released from Guantanamo Bay have returned to fighting alongside terror organizations. The President’s release of these prisoners and continued efforts to free more is reckless and irresponsible. In response, the House passed legislation that would immediately pause the transfer of these Gitmo detainees to U.S. soil and foreign countries in an effort to protect the security of Americans at home and around the world.”

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) issued the following statement after a bipartisan majority of the House passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 5587), legislation that seeks to provide more Americans with the skills they need to compete in a changing economy and ever-evolving workforce environment:

“According to the National Science Foundation, less than 25% of high school seniors are proficient in science and math, and, in an ever-increasingly STEM-based economy, this means, when it comes to workforce preparedness, we are failing our students. We need to ensure our students have the education they need to compete in a global economy, which is why, today, the House passed legislation that provides students with the skills and resources they need to pursue vital technical fields. This legislation provides states with the flexibility to tailor federal resources to their unique education and economic needs and streamlines career and technical education programs. Every student deserve the opportunity to develop the skills they need to participate in a 21st century economy, and I am confident these additional resources will help them do so.”

Highlights of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act:

• Delivers states more flexibility to use federal resources in response to changing education and economic needs.
• Ensures career and technical education prepares all students, including historically disadvantaged and vulnerable students, for success in high-skill, high-wage occupations and careers in nontraditional fields. 
• Improves alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships, and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.
• Enhances career and technical education through increased focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities, and meaningful credentialing so students are prepared to enter the workforce poised for success. 
• Empowers state and local leaders to develop plans that improve the quality of career and technical education and take into account unique ‎local and state needs.

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