On this week's special in-district edition of Straight Talk With Scholten, I debunk some of the myths that are being spread about the current federal government shutdown. It's more important than ever to prioritize facts over misinformation. Let's get into it. Watch below.

I came to Washington to demand good governance for the American people. These are YOUR TAX DOLLARS at work to spread political propaganda. It’s the furthest thing from good governance, and likely illegal. I remain committed to working for the American people. npr.org/2025/09/30/n...

When the President proposed tariffs on pharmaceuticals, building materials, and certain trucks, I pushed back on behalf of everyday Americans. The Lowering Costs Caucus wrote a letter to Sec. Lutnik to reconsider these tariffs, and we got results. Read more below.

More than 40,000 Coasties are working without the certainty of pay for the duration of this government shutdown. My bill, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act, would ensure that they receive pay on time, as members of other branches of the military do when funding lapses.

Q: Why is the government shut down? A: Trump and House Republicans refuse to give AN INCH on making healthcare more affordable for the American people.

As American families begin to plan and budget for 2026, many can expect their health care premiums to more than DOUBLE. Republicans can fix that TODAY and re-open the government. That’s not finger pointing. That’s fact-checking.

Wishing all those observing in West Michigan and across the world a meaningful Yom Kippur. G'mar Chatima Tovah!

Let’s think back to July: House Republicans rushed a vote on the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” to deliver tax breaks and corporate welfare to their billionaire buddies to the tune of $700/day. Now, when the health and livelihood of hardworking, everyday Americans are on the line, they say no way.

West Michigan, the federal government has shut down, but I’m still fighting for you. No matter what, my office is OPEN and here to help you through this.

I’ll never stop fighting for our Coasties, especially during the uncertainty of a government shutdown. That’s why I’m championing the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act, which would ensure that every @uscg.bsky.social member could support themselves and their families in the event of a shutdown.

Women and families are going to be hit hard by the Republican-induced shutdown. The @demwomencaucus.bsky.social won’t stand for it. We’re fighting back.

Telehealth is a lifeline for millions of American seniors, but House Republicans are about to rip away this essential service. Without proper funding for Medicare, our seniors who experience limited mobility or transportation hurdles could be left without care. It's a disgrace.

Republicans are trying to push through a funding bill that will be harmful for West Michiganders. You may be hearing it called a “C.R.,” or “continuing resolution,” but I have another name for it: bad governance.

Being a Gold Star Mother is a distinction that no mother desires, but one that is carried with a sense of heavy pride. As we honored Gold Star Mother’s Day this week, we honored the mothers who have lost a child in active military service.

I’m praying for the Grand Blanc community today after this horrific act of violence and I’m grateful to our brave first responders who acted quickly. www.reuters.com/world/us/mul...

Trump’s new change to institute a $100,000 fee on H-1B applications will be harmful for the Michigan workforce. I’m standing with Michigan members of Congress to urge the Trump Admin to seriously consider the impacts this decision will have on our essential employees, including health care workers.

#SuicidePreventionMonth reminds us that silence can cost lives — and conversation can save them. Start a conversation. Be the difference. Learn how at nami.org/suicidepreventionmonth.

It’s an exciting day for GRFD, as they officially open the Kendall St Fire Station, the first new Grand Rapids fire station in 40 years! I was honored to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and personally thank our community firefighters for their tireless work.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Muskegon Heights for a great town hall focused on democracy and voting rights with Sec. Benson and I! Now is a crucial time to fight to protect our democracy, and we’re proud to stand alongside West Michiganders in this effort.

I’m laser-focused on ensuring the affordability of energy for all in West Michigan through an all-of-the-above energy approach. Great to host a roundtable with API to collaborate on ways we can continue investing in American energy.

Play is where learning begins. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum makes that possible for thousands of kids each year.

I introduced the SBIR Innovation Workforce Act so that small businesses like Anzen Unmanned get the support and workers they need to succeed. Great to tour their facility to learn more about their day-to-day operations and speak more about the importance of renewing the SBIR program.

REMINDER: Sec. Benson and I are having an in-person town hall this Friday in Muskegon Heights! You can RSVP at scholten.house.gov/townhall. We hope to see you there!

Congress must get back to work to fund the government ahead of the looming shutdown deadline. Rep. Vasquez and I are leading @housedemocrats.bsky.social who are ready to return to Washington for the American people.

At a time when aviation professionals are needed more than ever, the West Michigan Aviation Academy is a huge asset to our community and our nation. It’s a launching pad for high schoolers interested in the aviation field, allowing them to SOAR to new heights.

Shanah Tovah! In the midst of increasingly difficult times for the Jewish community in America and around the world, may this season of renewal bring you and your family peace, happiness, and good health.

I’m proud to stand with my @demwomencaucus.bsky.social colleagues to call on the Department of Labor to investigate the alarming exit of women from the workforce and lead with solutions. We can’t wait. Our economy, our families, and our future depend on it. #WorkforceEquity

I’m grateful to be working with the Michigan Primary Care Association and community health leaders from West Michigan. These centers care for more than 94k of our neighbors — and they need Congress to act on funding to stay afloat. I am proud to be part of this fight alongside them.

Great hearing from stakeholders at our NDC Air Traffic Control Roundtable to hear from experts in the field & continue working together to support air traffic controllers. They know firsthand how desperately we need to invest in our air traffic control system to keep our airways & passengers safe.

Make no mistake: President Trump's latest proclamation on H-1B visas is an attack on our economy, and a further assault on health care. apnews.com/article/h1b-...

Our small businesses face myriad challenges when competing in the federal marketplace, and my amendment to the NDAA would help maintain a level playing field for these entrepreneurs.

I‘ll always work to protect clean water, including our wetlands, and to ensure we are doing everything we can to limit the devastation of future floods in Michigan and beyond. 🧵

We’re once again on the brink of a government shutdown — a pattern that has become all too familiar in our political world. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, it SHOULDN’T be this way. Let’s get into it on this week’s episode of Straight Talk With Scholten. Watch and subscribe below.

Our labor unions and organizations are drivers of change in the workforce. It’s always great to meet with West Michigan Teamsters to reaffirm my commitment to American workers.

So excited to join @michigansos.bsky.social for an in-person town hall next week in Muskegon Heights! This will be a great chance to ask Sec. Benson and me questions about our work, issues impacting Michiganders, and what we’re doing to fight for you. RSVP at scholten.house.gov/townhall.

We’re running out of time to keep our government functioning. The American people deserve a responsible funding package that supports our essential services and employees — not a partisan package that undermines what keeps our nation afloat. Let’s get to work.

Congress is supposed to be a separate and equal branch of government to the President and his Administration — not blind enforcers of the Executive Branch's policies. 🧵

Every year, the government funding deadline falls on the same day: September 30th. It's not a surprise. We only have two weeks left to pass a responsible funding package that keeps our government afloat. www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...

Great to meet with superintendents from all across MI-03 today — we had representation from Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties! I’m a steadfast supporter of our educators, and will continue working alongside them to ensure West Michigan’s students have what they need to thrive.

I’m back in Washington working to do what I can to get a smart, responsible funding package passed for the American people. We have until September 30th to get this done. It’s time to get to work.

So proud to see the affordable housing project reach completion in the Alger Heights neighborhood! I was proud to secure a grant that supported the project, and I look forward to seeing our affordable housing options continue to expand in West Michigan. www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-es...

For decades, the Grand Rapids Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association has played an important role in educating and caring for our neighbors throughout West Michigan.

On this day in 1994, President Clinton signed the first-ever Federal Assault Weapons Ban into law. Since it expired in 2004, Congress has failed to reestablish an assault weapons ban, and innocent Americans have paid the price.

I’m deeply concerned about the steep cost of health care, and the folks being hit the hardest are everyday, hardworking Americans like you.

Our aviation professionals deserve support. I’m a proud cosponsor of the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025, which passed the House this week, and would require the FAA to review and update its regulations and policies on mental health for pilots and air traffic controllers.

Let me be clear: I’m ready to work with anyone to enact real permitting reform that both expedites decisions AND safeguards our waters. @transportdems.bsky.social are ready to make it happen.

Airline travelers facing delays were set to receive compensation for lengthy delays and cancellations under a Biden-era rule, that is, until recently. Trump’s DoT reversed course on this rule, ending a commonsense approach to flight delays — an issue we all despise.

Today marks the 24th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. As we remember the lives lost, we honor the survivors, first responders, and families whose lives were forever changed on September 11, 2001.

Political violence of any kind has no place in our country. The attack on Charlie Kirk today is reprehensible and not a reflection of who we are as a country. I condemn it in the strongest terms. I am praying for him and his family.

Thanks to the leaders at West Michigan’s own @vai.org for their commitment to advancing the medical field. I’m proud to support American innovation, especially when it’s coming from MI-03!