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Dear friend, We have one week of session before Congress hopefully breaks for the holidays, and much needs to be done. It is not clear at all what will actually get accomplished, and that is one of the problems that disturbs me. We have become a Congress of too much gotcha, and not enough let’s solve these problems. Both the House and Senate are rushing to finish up a slew of… Read more »

Dear Friend, We are well into the holiday season, with holiday parades, Christmas tree lightings, community celebrations, food drives, and the celebration of rituals with the traditions that keep us together from generation to generation underway. Hopefully, you survived Thanksgiving dinner without intense political debates that divide too many families as we gathered for the first… Read more »

Dear friend,  We head into Thanksgiving after another intense week. We passed a continuing resolution and kept the government open. It is now good to be home as holidays and traditions are underway, though I know how many in my community are still scared, angry, worried, and focused on the Mideast and Ukraine, as well as issues closer to home. I am meeting and talking to many and… Read more »

Dear friend, It continues to be intense and busy.  Michigan has always had communities that deeply care about each other, who are supportive and compassionate to all and I have seen during these difficult times that there is serious concern for the lives lost and the humanity which connects us all. Our common humanity, our diversity, and our giving nature makes these communities… Read more »

Dear friend, It isn’t slowing down. We have a Speaker and have been legislating again, but the floor schedule is crazy, and unpredictable, we are considering amendments in the middle of the night and there is a lot of tension. Funding for the government expires two weeks from today and we have serious policy issues requiring attention. I am working long hours, meeting with as many… Read more »

Dear friend, How do you describe the last couple of weeks? It is almost impossible. The world feels upside down and communities I love, and have been a part of for many years, feel threatened and scared. Worse, after decades of building trust between them, they are now experiencing great rawness and harm. The House of Representatives has been in chaos without a speaker for over three… Read more »

Dear friend,   It’s been another busy and hectic week and weekend in Washington. We averted a government shutdown and are working hard to ensure that we can fully fund the government come late November. Below are a few highlights from this week.   Averting a Government Shutdown   This weekend, the House did what was right for the country by voting to keep the… Read more »

Dear friend, This week's report is a little late, or a little early depending upon how you look at it. It’s been intense and busy, with two subjects all encompassing: UAW negotiations and critical votes to keep the government running. Current funding runs out September 30th, a mere 8 days away. Republicans have very divided strategies, with members who want to cause total chaos. It is… Read more »

Dear friend, An additional week of hot weather after Labor Day did help make it feel like summer wasn’t quite over, but the House returned to work this week with a very full agenda, all schools are back in session and fall football- professional, college, and high school - is in full throttle. I am cheering loudly for a great past week with the Lions and University of Michigan wins…… Read more »

Dear friend,  There are trees in my neighborhood that are already red and orange. Weather forecasters tell us that fall has begun. Michigan won its first game of the season (and so did Michigan State) and all my high schools are cheering for their teams again as well. Tailgates bring my favorite junk food. Have been to several cider mills, had too many doughnuts and the bees are… Read more »