Senator Stabenow to be Recognized for Exemplary Public Service in Congress 

WASHINGTON—The Congressional Management Foundation today announced that Senator Debbie Stabenow will receive the 2024 Democracy Award for Members of Congress in Lifetime Achievement. Senator Stabenow will receive the award for her decades of work improving the lives of people in Michigan and across the country.

The Congressional Management Foundation recognized Senator Stabenow’s decades of leadership, during which she has been known for her unrivaled work ethic, ability to build bipartisan coalitions to get things done, and commitment to public service that has set the standard for constituent service. Throughout her years in public service, she has blazed trails and opened doors for women and girls. Among her many “firsts” – she was the first and youngest woman to chair the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, first woman to preside over the Michigan House of Representatives, and first woman elected to the United States Senate from Michigan. 

“It’s my honor to receive this award from an organization so committed to building a stronger Congress and a better democracy. Throughout my years in public service, I’ve always focused on working across the aisle and getting things done regardless of party politics. Thank you to the Congressional Management Foundation for this distinguished award,” said Senator Stabenow. 

“While there are many Members of Congress demonstrating outstanding public service, Senator Debbie Stabenow stands out,” said Bradford Fitch, CEO and President of the Congressional Management Foundation. “She’s devoted her career to improving the lives of her constituents and improving our nation as a whole. Senator Stabenow has served in Congress for 27 years and marks many “firsts” for women in Michigan politics and the United States Senate.” 

Senator Stabenow is driven by the belief that we can’t have a strong economy unless we make things and grow things in our state. As chair of the powerful Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, her work continues to shape our nation’s food and farm policy, impacting generations to come. She has redefined the role of American agriculture in protecting our land and water; responding to the climate crisis; addressing hunger and nutrition; and creating a food system that is more inclusive. She created the first specialty crop title in Farm Bill history to support Michigan’s broad range of crops – from our fruits and vegetables to hops and horticulture. 

Senator Stabenow has persistently focused on making things in America and bringing jobs home. During the global financial crisis, she led Senate efforts to rescue our auto industry. She has championed laws to spur new investments in clean energy and advanced manufacturing including the original electric vehicle consumer credit, battery tax credit, and clean energy manufacturing tax credit. Because of her leadership, Michigan is well-positioned as a global leader in our new clean energy economy. 

From stopping invasive species to modernizing our Soo Locks, Senator Stabenow has been a champion for our Great Lakes, natural resources, and Michigan way of life. She authored two landmark programs that are already transforming the health of our Great Lakes and waterways for future generations – the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program in the Farm Bill. 

Senator Stabenow helped write the Affordable Care Act and passed major reforms to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. Her bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act is transforming the way we deliver behavioral health services by funding behavioral health the same way we fund physical health services. It is the biggest step forward in expanding community mental health and addiction services in a generation, and millions of people in Michigan and across our nation will be receiving the care they need as a result of her leadership. 

The Congressional Management Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy. 

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