WKTV Staff
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi.) on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, issued a statement urging Michiganders “to join together … (to) follow Dr. King’s example and give back to their communities so we can help make his dream a reality for future generations of Americans.”
“As we honor the legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr., we remember his steadfast dedication to the pursuit of justice, equality and tolerance for people of all different backgrounds and beliefs, and celebrate his commitment to protecting our fundamental civil rights,” he said in supplied material. “At a time when our nation is deeply divided, we cannot allow ourselves to turn against one another. We must strive to bridge our differences and work together to ensure that every American — no matter who they are or where they live — has access to clean air and clean water, quality schools, opportunities for economic advancement, affordable health care, and the ability to make their voices heard at the ballot box.”
Senators Stabenow, Peters support decision on foreign appliances
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mi.) and Sen. Gary Peters on Jan. 12, voiced support for a recent ruling by the U.S. International Trade Committee that foreign manufacturers of washing machines were engaging in unfair trade practices, deliberately undercutting the Michigan-based Whirlpool Corporation.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for American manufacturing and our talented workers,” Sen. Stabenow said in supplied material. “I have fought aggressively to enforce our trade laws to stop companies in China and South Korea from cheating, and today’s action is an important win in this continuing fight.”
As a result of the ITC decision, South Korean based producers Samsung and LG must now pay duties of 52 percent and 32 percent, respectively, to offset their actions of unfair pricing tactics. Whirlpool employs 22,000 workers across the United States, with nearly 15,000 of those employees in manufacturing.
Sen. Peters votes to move Defense Secretary nominee forward
On Jan. 12, Sen. Gary Peters voted to pass legislation providing an exception to the limitation on being appointed Secretary of Defense within seven years of serving as an active duty commissioned officer of the Armed Forces. Defense Secretary nominee General James Mattis retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2013, short of the seven year requirement.
But he did so with some reservations.
“Our men and women in uniform and their families make immense personal sacrifices on behalf our nation, and I deeply respect General Mattis’ long record of military service,” he said in supplied material. “Unfortunately, our nation is facing these extraordinary circumstances today. We have an incoming President who is unpredictable and whose words and actions cause both our allies and adversaries to question America’s commitments to global security. While General Mattis’ experience and qualifications alone do not justify lifting this requirement, I believe it is necessary to add a steady presence and moderating force to President-elect Trump’s national security team.”
