Jack Bergman

ALPENA — U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, said lawmakers in Washington need to use common sense to find common ground for the common good of all.

He said creating and passing good legislation that both Republicans and moderate Democrats can agree on is key to getting things done.

Bergman said since President-elect Donald Trump handily defeated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in November, the mood in the U.S. House of Representatives has changed. He said many representatives are eager to get to work but also understand the Republicans hold a very small majority, so crafting common sense policy is key to getting things passed.

“I would say the mood here now, at least with Republicans, is they are excitedly optimistic,” Bergman said. “There is some concern because of the small majority, but we know any legislation we create can’t have any Republican members vote against it. Voters nationwide have given us an opportunity and we have to capitalize on the opportunity. Our goal is to make good, moderate bills that everyone — no matter the party — can get behind.”

Bergman served during Trump’s first term. He said he believes the former president can hit the ground running, with the help of Congress, to move his platform forward. He said he also believes Trump learned a lot during his first term and that will make his transition and ability to work with Congress, and all of the other players in the nation’s capital, easier.

“To President Trump’s credit, he acknowledges he knows now what worked and what didn’t,” Bergman said. “I think there will be a lot of work done to remove the roadblocks.”

Still, Bergman said, there will be times when some legislation may be difficult to pass. He said many elected officials worry too much about reelection instead of passing good bills that the party may not approve of.

“People vote for fear of not being reelected and are scared to make certain decisions,” he said. “We need to get to the point where we worry more about the American people and less about what parties think and how a vote can impact the chances of reelection.”

During Trump’s time in the White House, Bergman proved he has the ability to pick the president’s brain and communicate with him.

After several rallies and visits in Michigan, Bergman joined Trump in the presidential limousine or on Air Force One where they talked about issues in Northern Michigan, including the need to build a new Sault Lock. In 2019, Trump approved $75.3 million in funding toward the design and construction of a new lock, and the construction of it is ongoing. Bergman said Trump was also eager to know more about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and other matters pertaining to the Great Lakes and their health.

Bergman said Trump is always inquisitive about issues in Michigan and eager to learn more about them, so solutions can be considered.

Bergman said Trump had questions about Asian carp, asking what the ramifications could be if they were to begin breeding in the Great Lakes. He said Trump knew a little about the issue, but wanted more detail about where the fish came from, how they got into the Mississippi River, and what could be done to protect the lakes without damaging commerce and shipping.

Bergman said being able to have the ear of the president is good for not only the residents and businesses in his district, but statewide and he will continue to work and communicate with the incoming president to help the residents, businesses, and natural resources in Northern Michigan.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.