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Here is an update for June 23. 

Thought of the day: “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” – Oprah Winfrey

Today we have a hearing with the COVID-19 Taskforce and the familiar faces of Dr. Fauci, Dr. Redfield, the head of the CDC, Dr. Brett Giroir from HHS, and Dr. Stephen Hahn, Commissioner of the FDA. There’s a need for increased testing, not less, and I will ask how a potential COVID-19 vaccine will be safe for all Americans. Vaccine development & testing should follow the rigorous & science-based guidance laid out by the FDA. We must guarantee that any vaccine is safe, effective & available to all Americans. You can watch the hearing here. 

Today, there is a rally to show support for our postal workers. During the crisis, Postal Workers essential work has kept us connected and delivered critical goods to our homes. They need and deserve our support and I’ll never stop fighting for them. The USPS is the largest employer of veterans, boasts a diverse workforce, and handles nearly half of the world’s mail. The Postal Service is an American treasure. USPS delivers life-saving medication, essential services, keeps us in touch – and provides good-paying jobs to hard-working Americans. Senate Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate must act on legislation already passed by the House that will provide emergency funding to USPS.

The University of Michigan Ann Arbor announced it will bring students back to campus for the fall. It will be a mixture of in-person and online classes.  

The FDA continues to protect consumers from companies selling fraudulent COVID-19 products. Recently, the FDA issued a warning letter to a company called North Isle Wellness Center, which “offers” Methylene Blue products for sale with misleading claims that the products can mitigate, prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. There are currently no FDA approved products to prevent COVID-19. The best way, as of now, to prevent COVID-19 is to practice safety guidelines, wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, and practice physical distancing.  

48 years ago today, Title IX was signed into law. Title IX is a civil rights issues and prohibits discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity receiving federal assistance. Any attempt to weaken the law is unacceptable and goes against the idea that all of us are created equal and deserve equal opportunity. Title IX helps offer protections that cover sexual harassment and sexual violence. Schools are legally required to respond and address hostile educational environments. These are commonsense approaches we all believe and are ones we must protect at all cost. We all want our children to attend school free from any sort of discrimination or harassment. 

The 2020 Census is still going on. Michigan’s participation has been great so far, but that doesn’t mean our work is done. It’s on all of us to complete the 2020 Census. Remember, political change starts with making your voice heard, and everyone can build their power by participating in the Census. Everyone single person living in the US has the right to get counted. It takes just 10 minutes to make a 10-year impact in your community. This could mean more funding for after school programs, more money for housing, and increased funding for healthcare. Our community deserves to be heard. 
Team Dingell is here seven days a week and wants to listen and help. It isn’t as smooth as we want on some issues, but we will never stop fighting for you. Call our office at 313-278-2936 or contact us through Facebook or our webpage.
 
New information becomes available every day. Below is a list of resources and information that can be helpful during this time. Please share this information with your family, friends, and colleagues. Remember, stay home, stay safe, save lives.

Coronavirus information

File for unemployment

Small Businesses can apply for low-interest disaster loans

Navigating Social Security Benefits
 
School Based Food Service Interactive Map
 
Food Banks and Kitchens in Michigan's 12th Congressional District
 
Contact numbers for people looking for information are:
• Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov/coronavirus, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
• Michigan.gov/coronavirus, or 888-535-6136.

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