to Discuss Michigan Priorities

WASHINGTON, DC –– U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports, released the following statement after meeting with former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, President-elect Trump’s intended nominee to serve as Secretary of Transportation:  
 
“Michigan is the capital of the auto industry –– our workers keep Americans on the road. I made it clear to former Congressman Duffy that a top priority of mine is making sure that the future of the auto industry is built in my home state and pressed him to commit to working with me towards that goal if he’s confirmed as Secretary of Transportation.
 
“We specifically discussed steps we can take to bolster America’s competitive advantage over China, how we can make our roads safer for everyone, including through the responsible deployment of critical safety technologies, and additional developments we can foster to keep Michigan and our entire country at the forefront of automotive innovation and manufacturing. 
 
“I also raised additional Michigan priorities like keeping our Great Lakes healthy for future generations, protecting resources that I secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to restore our roads, bridges, railroads, maritime ports and airports, and the need to continue providing the resources Michigan needs for efficient, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
 
“I appreciate former Congressman Duffy’s openness and readiness to have a conversation about these and other issues, and I look forward to learning more about his vision to lead the Department of Transportation as his confirmation process continues.”   
 
Senator Peters has an extensive track record of fighting for Michigan’s transportation needs. He has pushed to counter the economic and national security threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. He also worked to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already invested $13 billion to upgrade Michigan’s aging infrastructure like roads and bridges. In July, Peters convened a field hearing in Lansing to examine the impact of the legislation in Michigan. He also worked to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and support Michigan’s airports through his role on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.  

###