Rep. Jack Bergman

01/09/2021

Thank you to the brave men and women who protect communities throughout the First
District and across the Nation!

#backtheblue

01/07/2021

In times of tension and turmoil, leaders stand up and do what is right. I made it very clear this week that I intended to stand for my belief that irregularities, discrepancies, and usurpation of state election laws demanded an investigation into the 2020 election. After all, this is a duty that Congress has been given and a lawful way to challenge concerns with state electors. As prescribed by the 12th Amendment, a joint session of Congress is to meet to “count electoral votes” and make a final determination on the 2020 Presidential Election. The Electoral Count Act of 1887 gives Congress the opportunity to object to any state where any member believes votes were either “unlawfully certified” or “not regularly given.” That is what I did today, and what many before me have done - including in recent elections.

Make no mistake, no one-person or chamber has unilateral power to overturn election results – not Congress, not the Vice-President, and not the President.

I said before, the decision we have before us was not binary - it was not founded in overturning an election, but grounded in securing free and fair elections and protecting election integrity. Congress and state legislatures have an obligation to provide restored confidence to the tens of millions of Americans who have lost faith in our election process.

The actions of the mob that participated in storming the Capitol, fighting Capitol Police, and harming civilians and property is un-American and a disgrace to our republic. Those who broke the law and participated in this effort should receive maximum punishment. These actions undermine our very foundation – I didn’t fight for our country for forty years to see us devolve into settling political disputes by violence and intimidation.

We are a nation of law and order and must remain so if we are to maintain our republic.

01/06/2021

I’ve said it dozens of times in the past few years - I support every American’s right to peacefully protest, but violence and attacks on our police have no place on our streets, or in our Capitol.

What we are seeing is disgraceful. The Capitol Police saved my life on the baseball field just over 3 years ago and they protect our Nation everyday. Attacks on any of them, innocent civilians, or any elected official should be met with the full force of the law.

01/04/2021

Bergman, Walberg to Object to Certain Presidential Electors on January 6th

Our options are not binary - Congress has an obligation to the tens of millions of Americans who have lost faith in our election process to prove that our elections are free, fair, and follow laws in place.

Rep Tim Walberg and I join with our Senate colleagues calling for an Emergency Electoral Commission to perform an emergency audit of the election results in the 10 days before the inauguration.

Read our full statement here -->

“While the easy answer is ignoring election irregularities – we will not stand idly by without taking every lawfully available option to ensure the outcomes of our elections can be trusted. This includes objecting to the electoral votes from disputed states where there is evidence warranting ...

01/04/2021

Bergman Sworn In To 117th Congress.

“I’m grateful and honored that the constituents of the First District have entrusted me to serve as their Representative in Washington for another term.

“Since day one, we’ve successfully fought to cut taxes and red tape, get a new Soo Lock underway, support our workers and small businesses, protect our rights, preserve our way of life, and keep our Great Lakes beautiful. I’m excited to serve in this new Congress and will continue to show up every day to fight for every First District constituent.”

Read the full release here —> https://bit.ly/3b18lQh

12/28/2020

Today, I supported a measure requested specifically by President Trump to provide $2000 impact payments directly to constituents of the First District.

Our neighbors are hurting financially as state rules and mandates have shuttered businesses and shattered the livelihoods of so many. While we know the answer to so many of our problems will be resolved if our state gets out of the way and lets our workers safely get back to work, much of the damage already done is irreparable. This additional support will help our communities through the winter months, which are already a trying time in the First District.

One of the biggest failures of last week’s COVID relief bill was providing only $600 per person. President Trump was right to demand Congressional leadership step up and provide much needed relief to the people.

This is a good next step and I was proud to stand up for my constituents and support this bill.

12/25/2020

Merry Christmas to all!

12/22/2020

Bergman Votes In Favor of COVID Relief, Appropriations Bills

Workers and small businesses across the First District are at a breaking point after 10 months of restrictions from the state and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I voted in favor of the COVID relief bill and the appropriations package - which provided big wins for the First District, including:

✔️ $600 Economic Impact Payments
✔️ 284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen PPP
✔️ $123.22 million for continued construction of the new Soo Locks project
✔️ $732 million for rural broadband
✔️ Maintains all pro-life protections
✔️ $330 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
✔️ Deductibility for forgiven PPP and EIDL funds.

Read more here ⤵️

"Workers and small businesses across the First District are at a breaking point after 10 months of restrictions from the state and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm pleased that critical PPP and EIDL funding and tax provisions are part of this legislation as businesses across our district fa...

12/16/2020

BIG NEWS: The House just passed H.R. 7105 - the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. This package contains my GI Bill Planning Act, as well as other bills which I’ve co-led including the Transparency for Wounded Warriors Act and the Reducing High Risk to Veterans and Veterans Services Act.

Read more about this important legislation that is now headed to the President’s desk here —> https://bit.ly/37mrWbf

12/10/2020

This week, I signed onto the Amicus Brief in support of State of Texas v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, et al. I didn’t come to this decision lightly or flippantly, and I didn’t make this decision based on emotion or even frustration with the election outcome. I came to this decision because trust in the very foundation of our Republic is at stake.

Americans are losing faith in our systems, specifically our elections, at an alarming rate. I’ve heard from numerous constituents over the past four years, on all sides of the political spectrum, concerned about these very things – interference in elections by foreign entities, voting irregularities, failure by election officials to follow current laws in place, and lack of security in absentee voting.

In this Amicus Brief, we outline multiple occasions where the state of Michigan – specifically the Secretary of State – subverted Michigan election law and constitutional precedent which in turn created a crisis of confidence in Michigan. Every American needs to know that every legal vote is counted – and only legal votes. This can only be achieved if those administering our elections are held to the highest standard. As with many elections in the past, our case deserves to be heard by the Supreme Court, and Michiganders deserve to know their concerns are being addressed.

12/10/2020

Bergman Introduces International Spending Transparency Act

Our government currently lacks a comprehensive analysis of how taxpayer dollars are being used by international organizations and whether those funds are being used to advance U.S. interests.

The U.S gives billions of dollars each year to entities like the United Nations but we have no reporting on what happens to that money and where it ultimately ends up being spent. It’s time we have a transparent, independent audit of these funds to ensure better oversight of and proper implementation of taxpayer dollars.

Read more about the legislation I introduced with Congressman Mike Johnson, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, and Congressman Joe Wilson here ⤵️

Rep. Bergman was joined by current RSC Chairman, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), and fellow Task Force members Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) as original cosponsors.

12/09/2020

Continuing to keep the pilot and all those involved in the search and rescue mission in our prayers.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison crashed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2020.

The search for the pilot continues and the pilot’s status remains unknown at this time.

The 115th Fighter Wing participated in a coordinated search effort with local emergency responders, the U.S. Coast Guard and other government agencies overnight. Search and rescue efforts on the ground, in the air, and in the water continue.

The crash site, located in Delta County, Michigan was initially secured by local emergency responders, but military personnel and safety and security personnel from the 115th Fighter Wing are now on site. Additional personnel will be sent later today to help facilitate the safety and security of the crash site.

“We are a close knit family and when an incident like this occurs, every member in our organization feels it.”, said Col. Bart Van Roo, 115th Fighter Wing commander. “The safety of our pilot along with search and rescue efforts are our top priority, and we will continue to pray for the pilot’s safe return”.

The incident remains under investigation.

#115thfwstrong #115thfighterwing #wiang

12/08/2020

First District Slated for Increased Connectivity Through Federal Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

BIG NEWS: The proposed broadband deployments in the First District will serve an estimated 87,503 homes and businesses.

The auction unleashed robust competition that resulted in more locations being awarded at less cost to Americans who pay into the FCC’s Universal Service Fund.

Read more here —>

In Michigan, the auction allocated $362,985,055.60 in support to expand broadband to 249,263 unserved homes and businesses over the next 10 years. Nearly all locations in Michigan that were eligible for the auction will be receiving access to broadband with speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps, with an ov...

12/08/2020

Why Addressing the Growing Cybersecurity Threat Is Central to Our COVID-19 Response - American Greatness

Malicious foreign actors are devoting all of their energies toward conducting an all-out cyber war against the U.S.

Congress can immediately address this crisis by incorporating the HACT Act as an amendment to the new COVID relief bill.

More here ⤵️

Americans are painfully aware that the worldwide coronavirus pandemic has demanded an unprecedented policy response from the federal government. From trillions spent to keep closed businesses and…

12/08/2020

Hundreds of businesses across the First District will not make it through the Christmas season now that the Governor has extended her lockdown orders.

Today’s announcement will inevitably leave more small business owners with an impossible decision: defy these new orders, open for business, and provide income for your employees- or permanently close your doors and forever impact thousands of lives and livelihoods. It does not have to be this way.

Michigan business owners and workers as a whole have proven they will put the safety of their patrons and customers first - including many in the restaurant industry who have already cut capacity limits substantially prior to the latest lockdown. These endless unilateral orders are an unsustainable path forward for our state. The Health Director made it very clear today in his press conference that he does not expect this order to end on the 20th of December, putting our small business and workers in further peril.

Throughout history, Michiganders have led in challenging times. We have overcome countless hardships and turmoil - but we are resilient and together, and we’ve always persevered. However, these continued unilateral orders are setting our businesses and our children up for failure.

As I pointed out again on Friday, our legislation to reopen the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to America’s 30 million small businesses would easily pass the U.S. House, yet Speaker Pelosi continues blocking it from the floor.

On the state level, my role as a federally elected representative has limited impact, but I will not sit idly by as hundreds of First District workers unnecessarily are laid off - many permanently - due to this shutdown. We must demand better from our state leaders.

12/07/2020

No Budget, No Pay!

If hardworking Americans failed to do their jobs, they would be held accountable.

Yet, members of Congress will still get paid if they fail to do their most basic job of funding the government.

This is wrong!

Read about our latest effort here —> https://bit.ly/2JTBXU5

12/07/2020

President Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" Address to Congress

Today, we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 2,403 Americans who were killed on that infamous day.

“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”

President Roosevelt addressed a Joint Session of Congress on December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. President Roosevelt denounced the attack and asked Congress for a declaration of war on Japan. This film was digitally restored by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential....

12/04/2020

Today, I had the honor to speak on the House floor to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Senator Tom Casperson.

We continue to keep Diane and and the entire Casperson family in our prayers.

12/01/2020

Yesterday, I virtually joined IITSEC - the world's largest modeling, simulation and training event - from our D.C. office. I was joined by several other Congressional Members from the bipartisan Congressional Simulation Caucus.

11/29/2020

Cindy and I are heavy hearted to have learned the news of the passing of Senator Tom Casperson. Tom has spent his life dedicated to his family, God, his community, and to making the U.P. a better place.

I’ve seen firsthand his dedication as a legislator, leader, and as a fierce competitor. The U.P. and our entire state is a better place because of his life and legacy.

The entire Casperson family is in our prayers as they grieve the loss of Tom.

11/28/2020

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Don’t forget #ShopSmall today and support our local economy!

11/26/2020

Even in a year where so many of us have experienced such loss, we still have so much to be thankful for.

This year, we are especially grateful for our frontline workers, nurses, first responders, and each and every person working to keep our nation moving forward through these challenging times.

From Cindy and I, Happy Thanksgiving to all!

11/17/2020

The FirstNet Network Expands Across Michigan to Advance Public Safety Communications Capabilities | First Responder Network Authority

A federal public-private partnership between FirstNet and AT&T is bringing additional connectivity to first responders in Northern Michigan and the UP. New FirstNet cell sites in Alcona, Chippewa, Delta, and Iron counties will provide lifesaving mobile broadband to public emergency response personnel who operate in our rural and remote communities.

In addition to further elevating public safety’s connected experience in support of their emergency response, this new infrastructure will also help improve the overall coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers in the area.

Michigan’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements.

11/16/2020

The Governor’s new blanket “short-term” lockdowns will do major long-term damage to millions across our state.

We must take Covid-19 seriously and each of us should take personal responsibility to protect the elderly, vulnerable, and all of our friends as cases across the state surge.

But this overreach will close the doors of small businesses across the District and hamper the education of our youth.

The Governor must begin working with our elected legislators and put together a real plan that puts Michiganders first to ensure the cure is not worse than the virus.

11/15/2020

Sales of licenses up as firearm deer season opens in Michigan

Happy Opening Day #Mi01. Have a safe and successful hunt!

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) — A pandemic-prompted quest for outdoor recreation and desire to prepare for potential food shortages has deer hunters heading to the woods in big numbers. A surge in deer hunting license sales foreshadows the state’s 2020 regular firearm deer season which begins Sunday. Michi...