Tom Barrett

“Disabled veterans depend on accessible vehicles to get to medical appointments, stop by the grocery store, visit loved ones, and maintain their independence,” said Barrett. “However, long reimbursement delays from the VA are placing financial strain on the small businesses that help modify veterans’ vehicles. If mobility equipment providers can’t count on the VA for on-time payments, they may be forced to leave the program, reducing options for veterans. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee for advancing my bill to streamline payments and ensure heroes injured in the line of duty can get where they need to go.”

“My first job after I graduated college was working loss prevention in retail, so I know firsthand the damage theft can do to a business. Organized retail theft hurts small businesses, raises costs for hardworking families, and threatens supply chains across the country and mid-Michigan,” said Barrett. “This bipartisan legislation gives law enforcement the tools and coordination they need to finally crack down on these dangerous criminal enterprises and keep our communities safe. I’m proud to have co-sponsored this bill and will continue working to protect our local businesses and take dangerous criminals off our streets.”

"I’m proud to congratulate Selena Arbogast for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Her colored-pencil drawing, 'Midnight Watch,' is truly a spectacular piece, and I know it will stand out amongst the other artwork displayed in the Capitol tunnel this year,” said Barrett. “I'm also grateful to all the talented students from high schools across the district who got involved and submitted their work. This competition reminds me every year just how much creative talent and artistic ability we have right here in mid-Michigan."

“I think we're very close to a breakthrough in Iran. That's my hope and continued prayer that we're able to do that,” Barrett told The Detroit News. “But I also believe that Congress has a role in authorizing this if that's the will of the people.”

Barrett, a 22-year veteran who deployed to Iraq and Kuwait, said his legislation is an effort to prevent the U.S. from being dragged into “another endless war.”

“This is an important constitutional protection that Congress has the authority to declare war. And by extension of that, Congress has the authority to designate how we go about the use of force,” Barrett said.