Congresswoman McDonald Rivet Celebrates Advancing Her First Bill Through House of Representatives

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) celebrated leading two key policy priorities through the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time a bill she authored has successfully passed in the chamber. These U.S. Coast Guard-related measures aim to protect local economies, jobs, and public safety across the Great Lakes. 

“The Great Lakes are our country’s most valuable natural resources and are a critical part of Michigan’s economy and way of life. We need to make sure it stays that way,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “We brought Democrats and Republicans together to support these efforts that will help protect Michigan jobs and commerce while also ensuring the safety of everyone on the water.” 

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s Coast Guard priorities, which passed the House, include: 

• The Great Lakes Icebreaker Act of 2025, which instructs the Coast Guard to develop a plan to design and build a new icebreaker for the Great Lakes and analyze the effectiveness of the current icebreaking fleet. Congresswoman McDonald Rivet recently led the bill through the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure alongside Republican Representatives Tony Wied (WI-08) and Max Miller (OH-07). This is the first bill Congresswoman McDonald Rivet has written and passed through the House of Representatives.
• A provision requiring the Coast Guard to study the impact of reduced search-and-rescue operations at Coast Guard Station Saginaw River and other stations after 24/7 operations were cut last year. Congresswoman McDonald Rivet spoke about the importance of reinstating 24/7 search-and-rescue operations at the Saginaw River Station during a recent meeting of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet is a member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard, maritime and waterborne transportation, and all U.S. waterways. The Congresswoman is also a member of the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force, which advocates for the economic and environmental well-being of the Great Lakes.