Grand Rapids Reporter

Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, who represents Michigan’s 3rd district in the U.S. Congress, has recently highlighted her ongoing advocacy for Native tribes and addressed federal funding issues in a series of posts on social media.

On October 31, 2025, Scholten posted about her participation in a ceremony recognizing Indigenous history in West Michigan: "The Grand River Bands have a long and storied history in West Michigan, and this 200+ year-old Indigenous trade route is a critical part of that history. 

It was an honor to take part in the moving recognition ceremony earlier this week." She followed up with another post on the same day, emphasizing her legislative efforts: "I’m a huge advocate for our Native tribes, and am fighting to pass my bill, the bipartisan Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act. This legislation would grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands, allowing Tribal members to access critical resources, including social".

On November 1, 2025, Scholten addressed concerns regarding lapses in federal funding due to administrative decisions: "As of today, November 1, 2025, federal funding has lapsed because the Trump Admin and @USDA decided not to use the funds they have set aside for emergencies such as this shutdown.

Despite the recent court order, the Trump Admin still has to take action to administer the funds".

Scholten began serving as U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 3rd District in 2023 after succeeding Peter Meijer. She was born in Grand Rapids in 1982 and continues to reside there. Scholten holds a BA from Gordon College (2004) and earned her JD from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2011.