Debbie's Blog
Dingell Update: July 20, 2020
Washington,
July 20, 2020
Here is an update for July 20th. Thought of the day: “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something” – John Lewis This weekend, our nation lost a fighter and I have lost a friend. John Lewis was America’s friend. He had the courage of a lion, the passion of a cougar, the wisdom of Solomon, and the heart of a lamb. A close friend of both John Dingell and mine, John Lewis inspired everyone he knew and built an army to fight the good fight with him. John Lewis always believed that America’s best days were ahead of us. That drove him to fight harder for not only Civil Rights and Voting Rights, but for healthcare, gun violence prevention, freedom of speech, and just being nice and good to people. John Lewis gave me the courage and encouragement to share my own story of gun violence. All it took was him touching my hand and giving his blessing for me to summon the power to share raw memories. That was the greatness of John Lewis.
John Lewis delivered a eulogy at John Dingell’s funeral in Washington. It was a blur to me then, but I’m thankful for videos on the internet that allow me to relive and go back to the powerful and kind love we shared. Please watch here. I know John Lewis and John Dingell are with each other again – surly making a bit a trouble. Back in Washington this morning as Congress has a full to-do list to tackle. Now that we are back in session and things are happening every day, these updates will come daily again. Scheduled on the floor this week are critical bills to set National Defense Authorization, the Great American Outdoors Act to preserve public lands and national parks, and the NO BAN Act to end the Muslim Ban and prevent any future discriminatory bans that threaten our freedom of religion and equal treatment under the law. And Congress must address additional relief and support for working families, frontline workers, students and seniors who are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. We must address the looming deadline of expiring federal unemployment benefits. And as more workers return to the workplace, we need strong workplace safety standards that protect workers and prevent the spread. We must get something done. 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. Click here to be removed from this list. |
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