In Partnership With

Advance. Transforming Communities. Transforming lives. Cinnaire

Happy Independence Day!

July 4, 2026

Michigan Business Network

Celebrating 250 Years Of America

Happy Independence Day! Today, we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. That’s 250 years of independence and 250 years dedicated to the proposition that everyone is created equal with God-given rights.

As we celebrate this historic occasion, we have an opportunity to reflect not only on how far our nation has come, but on the responsibility we have to leave it better for future generations.

For 250 years, America has stood as the world’s greatest experiment in self-government — built on the shared belief in the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Through some of our nation’s greatest challenges, generations of Americans have worked to leave our country stronger than they found it.

Today, many Americans feel that trust in our institutions is fading. As we work to preserve this great experiment for the next 250 years, we must renew our commitment to building a government that is more accountable, more transparent, and more responsive to the people it serves.

That’s why I introduced my Blueprint for a Better America — my vision for restoring trust in government and strengthening our republic for generations to come. This week, I shared those ideas in an op-ed in the Lansing City Pulse.

Now is the time to recommit ourselves to the ideals that have united generations of Americans. That work starts with an honest effort from all of us to keep our government accountable to the people it serves.

Honoring A Mid-Michigan Hero

The freedoms we celebrate today were secured by Americans who were willing to give everything in service. One of those fallen heroes was Ensign Francis C. Flaherty, a Medal of Honor recipient who gave his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor while serving aboard the USS Oklahoma. When the ship was struck and began to sink, he remained at his post to help his fellow sailors escape, sacrificing himself to save others.

This week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to rename the Charlotte post office in his honor, ensuring his bravery and sacrifice are permanently remembered. His heroism deserves our gratitude and reverence for generations to come. Learn more about his heroic story and the legislation I introduced here or by clicking the button below.

Learn More

Preventing Another Endless War

One of the biggest frustrations I had serving in the Army was being sent to fight in wars with no clear mission and no end date. That is why Congress must debate every decision to engage in a conflict that can easily turn into another endless war.

I recently wrote an op-ed at Fox News Digital about the importance of Congress reclaiming its constitutional responsibility when it comes to decisions of sending troops or tax dollars to fight a war.

As tensions with Iran continue, it is more important than ever that decisions about the use of military force are made with clear authorization, defined objectives, and full accountability to the American people. Iran must never get a nuclear weapon, and the Constitution is clear that Congress — not just the executive branch — must have a voice in matters of war, and that principle becomes even more critical in moments of heightened global risk.

We must ensure that any use of force is guided by clear congressional authorization and a shared understanding of the mission, its limits, and its intended end date.

Mobile Office Hours

Resolving issues with the federal government is one of the many ways my office can help you. We know the federal bureaucracy can sometimes be frustrating, and my office may be able to help you navigate any issues you’re experiencing, from claiming your Social Security or using your VA benefits to getting your tax refund or obtaining a passport.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please contact my office at 517-993-0510, reach out through my website, or stop by our next mobile office hours.

Sincerely,