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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) participated in a virtual hearing with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. 

“Challenging times demand decisive and compassionate leaders—Governor Whitmer is such a leader,” said Dingell. “Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers are devastating. And Michigan has been hit harder than most states: 4th in deaths, nearly 2 million unemployed, and lives forever changed. Throughout this pandemic, Governor Whitmer has taken swift actions to flatten the curve and blunt the spread of COVID-19. There is much this Committee can learn from how Michigan has responded, and as states begin the re-opening phase there is much this Committee can learn on what challenges still remain; the resources that are still needed; and the actions we still need to take.”

During the hearing, Dingell asked Whitmer about the urgent need for direct relief to the states, counties, and municipalities. Dingell also asked what steps the Governors are taking to prepare for a potential second wave. Video of Dingell’s questioning is available here.

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on in some communities and dissipate in others, we are here to explore just how our states have been confronting this global health emergency—the challenges they have faced; the successes and failures; and what resources are still needed from the federal government to weather this storm,” said Dingell. “Our state and local officials, first responders, doctors and nurses, and the many others nationwide stepping up to meet this moment have been on the frontline of this crisis since the beginning. We owe it to all of them to come together and learn from each of the governors testifying here today to insure we are getting the policies right for both this pandemic and future pandemic responses.”

Governor Whitmer’s full written testimony is available here.