:: Sander Levin for Congress ::

One Republican Senator Blocks Unemployment Extension (2/26/2010)

House Votes to End Anti-Trust Exemption for Health Insurers (2/24/2010)

Macomb Community College Awarded $5 Million to Train Workers in Defense Industry Jobs (2/12/2010)

Center Line, Southfield to Receive Firefighter Grants (2/5/2010)

Chairmen Rangel and Levin Urge Action to Open Japanese Auto Market to U.S. Auto Exports (2/3/2010)

Local Water Projects to Receive Recovery Funds (2/1/2010)

Levin, Dingell, Peters Call for Greater Access to Credit for Manufacturers (1/28/2010)

Southeast Michigan Awarded $2 Million to Provide Training and Placement in Clean Energy Jobs (1/20/2010)

$238 Million in Tax Credits Awarded to Michigan for Green Manufacturing (1/8/2010)

Macomb, Oakland to Receive $2 Million for Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance (1/7/2010)

House Approves $1.6 Million for Lawrence Tech to Develop Combat Armor (12/16/2009)

Michigan Members Win Quick Action on Asian Carp (12/14/2009)

Houses Passes Landmark Wall Street Reforms (12/11/2009)

House Approves $150,000 to Help Establish Health Care Clinic in Ferndale (12/11/2009)

Houses Passes Landmark Wall Street Reforms (12/11/2009)

$1.025 Million for Oakland County�s CLEMIS Included in Consolidated Appropriations Bill (12/11/2009)

Macomb County Projects Included in Consolidated Appropriations Bill (12/10/2009)

House Passes Tax Relief Extensions (12/9/2009)

Levin Introduces Bill to Provide Tax Incentive for Small Business Investment (12/8/2009)

Independent Report Confirms Negative Impact of Health Care Excise Tax on Middle Class Families (12/4/2009)

$9.6 Million Awarded to Help Michigan Residents Purchase Efficient Home Appliances (12/3/2009)

Levin Calls for Emergency Unemployment Compensation to be Available Next Year (12/2/2009)

Levin Statement to Financial Services Committee on Small Business Lending (11/30/2009)

Michigan Awarded Tri-State Grant to Improve Worker Retraining for Auto Workers (11/18/2009)

Members Call for Fairness in Korean and Japanese Auto Markets (11/6/2009)

House Votes to Add 20 Weeks for Michigan Unemployment Insurance (11/5/2009)

Levin Statement on Senate Vote to Extend Unemployment Insurance (11/4/2009)

Congressman Sander Levin released the following statement regarding Senate passage of an extension to emergency unemployment compensation.

House Votes to Expedite Credit Card Reform (11/4/2009)

The House of Representatives today passed legislation to prevent credit card companies from instituting unfair practices by moving forward the effective date for previously passed reforms. Congressman Levin is an original co-sponsor of the legislation, which passed by a vote of 331 to 92.

House Approves $475 Million for Great Lakes Restoration (10/29/2009)

The House Democratic Caucus released the Affordable Health Care for America Act, legislation to lower health costs, expand access to care, and bring new competition and fairness to the insurance market. Congressman Levin made the following statement regarding the legislation.

House Approves $475 Million for Great Lakes Restoration (10/29/2009)

The House approved legislation today to provide $475 million for a new Great Lakes restoration effort. The funding, approved as part of the annual funding bill for the Department of the Interior and Environmental Protection Agency, passed the House by a vote of 247 to 178. The Senate is expected to approve the measure in the near future, clearing the legislation for President Obama's signature.

Levin Calls for End to Offshore Tax Abuse (10/27/2009)

The Chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee, along with senior committee members, unveiled a comprehensive proposal today to clamp down on offshore tax evasion by giving the IRS new tools to detect, deter and discourage offshore tax abuses. Representative Levin is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and original co-sponsor of the legislation.

GM Wins Grants to Develop Heat Energy Capture (10/26/2009)

The Department of Energy announced today funding for 37 advanced energy research projects including a $2.6 million project at General Motors to develop technology to convert waste heat from car engines into electricity at the GM Technical Center in Warren. This could result in vehicles that are significantly more efficient.

$2.7 Billion Released for Home Energy Assistance (10/22/2009)

The Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of $2.7 billion in grant funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) today. The funding, which is for the remaining months of the year, will be used to help eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes this winter.

House Passes HIV/AIDS Treatment Legislation (10/21/2009)

The House of Representatives passed legislation to strengthen the Ryan White program which provides care, treatment and support services to nearly half a million Americans living with HIV and AIDS – most of whom are low-income. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act passed by a large, bipartisan vote of 408 to 9.

Congressional-Executive Commission on China Releases Annual Report on State of Human Rights in China (10/16/2009)

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China published its 2009 Annual Report on October 14. The 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 1,279 political prisoners currently detained or imprisoned in China.

House Approves Expansion of Senior Nutrition Program (10/7/2009)

The House of Representatives approved the annual agriculture appropriations bill today by a vote of 263 to 162. Included in the legislation is an increase in funding, fought for by Rep. Levin, for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), a monthly food delivery service which provides nutritious meals to nearly half a million people across the country. In the Detroit area, the program is administered by Focus: HOPE, a local non-profit and long-time advocate for the program, which serves 41,000 people in the area, 35,000 of whom are seniors.

Levin: Senate Tax on Health Benefits Flawed (10/7/2009)

Representative Sander Levin joined Reps. Joe Courtney, Pete Stark, Betty Sutton, and Mazie Hirono at a press conference today to unveil a letter signed by 157 members of the House Democratic Caucus to Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposing a Senate Finance Committee proposal to tax so-called “high-cost” health care benefit plans.

Michigan Awarded $38 Million to Retrain Unemployed Workers (9/29/2009)

U.S. Department of Labor announced today three grants totaling $38,033,600 to provide dislocated workers retraining in areas of economic growth, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and management, scientific and technical consulting services. The amount released today will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Eastpointe Wins Energy Efficiency Grant (9/25/2009)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that the Eastpointe Housing Commission will receive a $492,000 Recovery Act grant to improve energy efficiency at Berry Manor, an apartment complex for low-income seniors administered by the Commission.

Houses Passes Bill to Protect Medicare Beneficiaries (9/24/2009)

The House of Representatives passed the Medicare Premium Fairness Act, legislation which will protect seniors and people with disabilities from unfair increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums. The legislation passed by a bipartisan vote of 406 to 18.

Macomb, Oakland Receive Community Development Grants from Recovery Act (9/23/2009)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that all Recovery Act funding for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) have been released and are now in the hands of the state and local communities. The Recovery Act included $1 billion for CDBG of which $2.9 million was allocated for Macomb and Oakland Counties and communities

House Votes to Add 13 Weeks of Unemployment Insurance (9/22/2009)

The House of Representatives approved an additional 13 weeks of benefits for people in states with unemployment rates above 8.5 percent. The legislation passed by a vote of 331 to 83.

“Almost 15 million are unemployed, the greatest number since 1939,” said Rep. Levin. “We can tell these people to ‘get looking,’ ‘get lost,’ or ‘get some help.’ They are already looking, so it’s a question of whether we are going to get them the help they need.”

House Approves Sweeping College Aid Reform (9/17/2009)

The House of Representatives voted today to make the nation’s largest investment ever in student financial aid. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) will raise the maximum Pell Grant award, simplify the student financial aid application process, and begin the community college initiative President Obama proposed while at Macomb Community College. The legislation, which is fully paid for, passed by a vote of 253 to 171.

House Passes Advanced Vehicles Act to Spur Next Generation of Cars and Trucks (9/16/2009)

The House of Representatives voted today to build on the success of the Department of Energy’s vehicle technology programs, such as FutureCar and the 21st Century Truck Partnership, which boost American manufacturing innovation and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Chairman Levin Statment Regarding Retaliation in Response to the China Tires Decision (9/14/2009)

House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI) issued the following in response to news reports that China intends to retaliate following the Obama Administration’s decision to provide temporary relief to address a market-disrupting surge in tire imports from China:

Obama Administration Stands Up for American Workers, Industry (9/11/2009)

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 statements in response to President Barack Obama’s decision to address the harmful surge of low-priced Chinese tires in the U.S. marketplace:

Chippewa Valley Awarded $125,000 for Local Drug Free Coalition Efforts (8/27/2009)

The White House announced today that the Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth & Families will receive a $125,000 Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant for its efforts to facilitate active citizen participation in local drug prevention efforts. The DFC program was created by the Drug Free Communities Act of 1997, legislation co-authored by Congressman Levin.

Army Corps of Engineers to Fund Restoration Effort in Red Run Drain (8/19/2009)

The US Army Corps of Engineers has updated its list of projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including several previously unfunded projects. Included in the new projects is a total of $3.75 million to reduce sedimentation and improve water quality in the Red Run Drain. The Red Run Drain is a tributary of the Clinton River.

Michigan Firms Awarded $966 Million to Jump-Start U.S. Battery Manufacturing (8/5/2009)

The Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $2.4 billion in Recovery Act funding to support advanced batteries and electric vehicles manufacturing and development today. These funds include $1.5 billion for advanced battery manufacturing. The battery awards come about as a result of $2 billion that was included for advanced batteries in the economic recovery bill approved by Congress earlier this year and were a top priority of the Michigan congressional delegation.

Macomb Awarded $979,400 to Launch Training Initiative for Workers 55 and over in Southeast Michigan (7/30/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin welcomed the news that the Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works was being awarded a $979,400 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to lead in starting a new program to help unemployed workers 55 years and older throughout southeast Michigan.

Levin Calls for Extension of Unemployment Insurance for Hardest Hit States (7/30/2009)

Led by Subcommittee Chairman Jim McDermott, Representative Levin and other members of the Ways and Means Committee joined together to introduce legislation to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program for another 13 weeks in states with unemployment over 9%. Michigan, which has lost 777,000 jobs since 2000, had an unemployment rate in June of 15.2%.

Levin Introduces Hybrid Truck Tax Credit (7/28/2009)

Congressman Sander Levin introduced legislation today to extend and improve the existing tax credits for the purchase of medium and heavy duty hybrid vehicles. Tax credits ranging from $1,500 to $12,000 are currently available for the purchase of medium or heavy duty hybrid vehicles, such as delivery vehicles, utility trucks and garbage trucks. The maximum credit varies depending on the size and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. This important incentive to speed the deployment of heavy duty hybrid vehicles is currently set to expire at the end of this year.

House Votes to Expand Community Development Block Grants (7/24/2009)

The House of Representatives approved the annual appropriations bill for transportation and housing today which included $4.6 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), an increase of $725 million or 18.7 percent. The bill was approved by a vote of 256 to 168.

Chairmen Rangel and Levin Welcome New Emphasis on Trade Enforcement (7/16/2009)

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 statements following Ambassador Ron Kirk’s speech in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on the trade enforcement priorities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative:

Levin Introduces Improved Tax Deduction for Food Bank Donations (7/15/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Geoff Davis of Kentucky today to expand and strengthen a tax deduction that encourages business donations to food banks and pantries. The legislation permanently extends the current tax deduction so that all business taxpayers are eligible and provides a two year increase in the amount of the deduction to address the increased need during the recession and economic recovery.

House Approves Funding Boost for Nutrition Programs (7/9/2009)

The House of Representatives passed the Agriculture Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 by a vote of 266-160 today. Representative Levin submitted the following statement into the record regarding the legislation.

Macomb, Oakland Receive $7.6 Million for Weatherization Assistance (7/6/2009)

The US Department of Energy released $288 million in weatherization assistance funds today, including $97.3 million for Michigan. Macomb County received $3.2 million and Oakland County received $4.4 million. The counties previously received funds for training and ramp-up activities, and will be eligible for additional funds ($4 million for Macomb and $5.5 million for Oakland) after the state meets reporting guidelines

Job Loss Figures Spotlight Need for State and Federal Action (7/2/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement regarding the national jobs report released today by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Clean Energy Bill Will Spur Green Jobs,Reduce Carbon Emissions (6/26/2009)

The House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act by a vote of 219 to 212 today. By limiting the pollutants which cause global warming, the legislation greatly expands the market for clean energy, invests in advanced research, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and spurs millions of new jobs.

House Approves $475 Million for Great Lakes (6/26/2009)

The House approved legislation today to provide $475 million for a new Great Lakes restoration effort. The funding, approved as part of the annual funding bill for the Department of the Interior and Environmental Protection Agency, passed by a vote of 254-173.

Ford Receives $5.9 Billion for Retooling (6/23/2009)

The Department of Energy has announced today that Ford Motor Company, Tesla Motors, and Nissan USA are the recipients of federally subsidized retooling loans. The loans were authorized under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Incentive Program (ATVIP) in Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

House Releases Draft on Health Care Reform (6/19/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin, a member of the Ways and Means committee with jurisdiction over health care legislation, made the following statement on the Draft Legislation released today by three House Committees (Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce and Education and Labor).

Levin Introduces Health Care Quality Improvement Legislation (6/18/2009)

Representative Sander Levin introduced the Healthcare Improvements for Generating High Performance (or HIGH Performance) Act today which would establish a network of technical assistance centers to help health care providers implement clinical, managerial, and health care delivery best practices.

$69 Million in Unemployment Modernization Funds Coming to Michigan (6/17/2009)

The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday certified the release of $69.4 million in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds, roughly one third of the total UI funds available for Michigan. Michigan could receive another $138 million, but the Michigan State Senate has failed to act on the necessary legislation. Congress made these funds available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) to states that incorporate certain improvements into their unemployment insurance laws.

$1 Billion Approved for Fleet Modernization (6/16/2009)

The House of Representatives passed legislation today which included $1 billion to provide consumers with an incentive to recycle their older vehicles and replace them with new, cleaner, and more fuel efficient models.

Macomb and Oakland Receive Allocations from Recovery Zone Bond Program (6/12/2009)

The U.S. Treasury Department announced today that nearly $2 billion in bond authority will be immediately available for the state and local governments in Michigan under the Recovery Zone Bonds program. Recovery Zone Bonds, created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are targeted to areas particularly affected by significant job loss and will help state and local governments raise capital for economic development projects.

$50 Million in Additional Trade Adjustment Assistance on Way to Michigan (6/2/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin, who worked to get a new Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program included in the Recovery Act, issued the following statement about the supplemental allocation of TAA funds for Michigan.

Saluting our Veterans on Memorial Day (5/25/2009)

This Memorial Day, as we remember the sacrifice and courage of the men and women who have fought for our country, I wanted to take a moment to share with you efforts taken this year to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits and compensation they deserve. The Obama Administration and Congress have made veterans care a priority and I look forward to implementing an aggressive new agenda.

House Passes Mortgage Reform to Fight Predatory Lending and Curb Foreclosures (5/7/2009)

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 300-114 in favor of H.R. 1728, 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.

Levin Introduces Legislation to Expand Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program (5/5/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin has introduced legislation to increase the amount of loans available to help automakers and suppliers retool to manufacture advanced technology vehicles and components. The bill, H.R 2150, would amend Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act to increase the amount of retooling loans available under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Incentive Program (ATVMIP) from $25 billion to $50 billion.

Levin Statement on Chrysler (4/30/2009)

“After what this country has been through with the financial meltdown, it is outrageous that a handful of hedge funds and other creditors have refused to join all the other stakeholders in participating in the restructuring necessary to pave the way for a Chrysler-Fiat Alliance.

Levin Releases Online Community Resource Guide for Federal Recovery Programs (4/9/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin released an online Community Resource Guidebook for the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that became law in February.

Levin Reintroduces Carried Interest Tax Reform Legislation (4/3/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin today reintroduced legislation to tax carried interest compensation at the same ordinary income tax rates paid by other Americans. Currently, the managers of private investment partnerships are able to receive compensation for these services at the much lower capital gains tax rate rather that the ordinary income tax rate by virtue of their fund’s partnership structure.

3.7 MILLION MICHIGAN WORKING FAMILIES TO BENEFIT FROM MAKING WORK PAY TAX CREDIT (4/1/2009)

Our State and Nation is facing the most severe economic and financial crisis in generations. To help middle-class families get back on their feet and restore some fairness to the tax code, the Economic Recovery package that became law in February included the Making Work Pay Tax Credit. As a result, families across the country will see more money in their paychecks. This is one of the fastest and broadest tax cuts in American history.

Rep. Levin on "New Path to Viability for GM & Chrysler" (3/30/2009)

“The President expressed his commitment to the future of the domestic auto industry. He stated that he is ‘absolutely committed to working with Congress and the auto companies to meet one goal: the United States of America will lead the world in building the next generation of clean cars.’

Full Disclosure of Congressional Earmark Requests FY 2010 (3/29/2009)

For many years, the process of Congressional funding requests - sometimes known as "earmarks" - lacked transparency and accountability. Since assuming the majority in 2007, Congressional Democrats have overhauled the process for requesting project-specific funding requests. For the last two years, every earmark approved by Congress included public disclosure of which Member(s) requested the money, which entity received the funds, what the funds were for, and how much money Congress approved.

Rep. Sandy Levin Statement on Passing of Former State Representative Aldo Vagnozzi (3/27/2009)

Congress Approves Tax on AIG and all Tax-payer Funded Bonuses (3/20/2009)

The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to tax the bonuses paid to executives using taxpayer funds. The vote was 328 to 93. Mr. Levin, a member of the Ways and Means Committee that wrote the legislation, spoke in favor of passage.

Action for Supply Industry Sends Strong Signal of Support for Auto Industry (3/19/2009)

Rep. Sander Levin issued the following statement regarding the announcement by President Obama’s task force that they are establishing a program to support the automotive supply industry during this domestic downturn and global financial crisis.

Bright Day for Science - Hopeful Day for Millions of Americans (3/9/2009)

“A heavy burden has been lifted today from the shoulders of American scientists seeking to understand and potentially cure the most devastating diseases that impact each and every one of our families.”

Michigan Unemployment Rate a Stark Reminder of the Need for Action on Multiple Economic Fronts (3/5/2009)

“The economic downturn is getting worse for Michigan’s families and it is essential that government act on several fronts to stabilize the economy,” said Rep. Sander Levin. “The recovery package is a good first step and those monies are beginning to flow, but we must take more action.”

Water Infrastructure Funding to Help Reduce Pollution in Lake St. Clair (3/4/2009)

The two Lake St. Clair-related projects eligible for assistance would provide federal Clean Water funds to projects in Center Line and Fraser to correct longstanding problems with the sanitary sewers in these communities. Rep. Levin contacted Governor Granholm in February to underscore the need to continue to reduce pollution in the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.

Save our industrial backbone (2/18/2009)

The domestic auto industry is the backbone of our industrial base, supporting 5 million jobs. It helped create the middle class, provides health care for 2 million Americans and supports 800,000 retirees.

Recovery Package to Provide Major Benefits to Michigan (2/12/2009)

Congress has reached agreement on a major economic recovery and reinvestment package to create jobs, jumpstart economic activity and transform our economy. The impact of this package will be particularly important to Michigan families and in the State’s effort to create jobs and re-shape our economy. The U.S. House is scheduled to vote on the Recovery package tomorrow.

Expanded Trade Adjustment Assistance Will Help American Workers in Economic Recovery Bill (2/5/2009)

Agreement has been reached to add a major expansion of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program to the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment package. The House approved comprehensive legislation last year, but the Senate did not act. In recent weeks, Members have been working on a bi-partisan basis and with the Obama Administration to craft comprehensive legislation, modeled on the House legislation, to be added to the recovery package.

House Sends Landmark Children's Health Bill to President's Desk (2/4/2009)

The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, by a vote of 290-135. This landmark, bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which currently provides health insurance for more than seven million children.

Rep. Levin Statement on President Obama's Plans to Achieve Energy Independence (1/26/2009)

The time has come for everyone to join together in the partnership described by President Obama on the journey toward energy independence. As the President indicated that means working on a bi-partisan and with industry to build more fuel efficient cars and build them in the United States."

Many Benefits for Michigan in Economic Recovery Plan (1/16/2009)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, released today by U.S. House Leadership, is a comprehensive recovery package that will bring many positive developments to the State of Michigan and our residents.

Jobs Report Underlines Need for Economic Recovery Package (1/9/2009)

“This recession is growing deeper for our nation and much more difficult for individual families,” said Rep. Levin. “We must act quickly and effectively to both jumpstart the economy and put in place long-term recovery measures like job creation, job training and key investments in advanced technology manufacturing.”

Statement from Sen. Levin and Rep. Levin on Auto Bridge Loans (12/19/2008)

The action to provide emergency loans to the U.S. auto industry announced this morning by the President will provide a bridge to the future for the industry and for millions of working families in communities across America.

Levin Statement on Signing of Unemployment Extension (11/21/2008)

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.

Rep. Levin Testifies on the Need for Bridge Loans for Automakers (11/19/2008)

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.

Michigan Delegation Urges Immediate Action on Auto Industry (11/10/2008)

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.

House Passes Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (10/3/2008)

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.

Federal Mortgage Refinancing Program Comes into Effect (10/1/2008)

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.

Oakland and Macomb Communities Allocated Millions for Neighborhood Stabilization (9/30/2008)

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.

Rep. Levin on Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (9/29/2008)

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.

House Approves Extension of Unemployment Benefits as part of Economic Stimulus Package (9/26/2008)

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.

House Passes Landmark Credit Card Industry Reform Bill (9/23/2008)

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.

House Approves Measure to Strengthen Mental Health Care (9/23/2008)

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.

House Approves Great Lakes Legacy Act (9/18/2008)

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.