Dear friend,
So much happened last week, and now we’ve started a busy couple of weeks here in Michigan. Last Monday, we began the week by welcoming a group of original Rosie the Riveters, all aged 97 to 101, to Washington to celebrate their patriotism and bravery and honor their legacy, which paved the way forward for generations of women.
I also spoke with advocates about expanding access to legal representation for those who need it, attended many hearings in my committees, spoke out on the House floor against legislation that prioritizes polluters over the health and wellbeing of the American people, and met with many neighbors from Michigan to discuss issues critical to our state. I also joined the UAW last week to speak about the importance of upcoming labor negotiations, remind them of their rich history of supporting all working men and women, and my belief is that this will be one of the most important contracts in their history.
Rosie Honor Flight
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Last Monday, we welcomed 11 of our beloved Rosies to Washington, D.C. on a special Honor Flight visit in recognition of their service and patriotism during World War II – and a surprise birthday celebration for three incredible women.
Rosie the Riveters are an important part of Michigan's history. I know these women, have been friends with many of them for decades, and see how they still inspire generations of women to break down barriers. More than six million Rosies entered the workforce to support the war effort during World War II, and in the process, redefined the role of women in American society. We will always be thankful for their strength and bravery, which was integral to getting a tough job done, and their patriotism will forever remain part of the American story. These women inspired a movement, set a new example of inclusivity in the workforce, paved the way forward for generations of women, and opened the doors wider for everyone. We salute their impact on our nation and their contribution to progress.
It was great to spend the day with them and hear their stories, and several of my friends in Congress stopped by to say hi as well.
UAW Special Bargaining Convention
Last Wednesday morning, I traveled back to Michigan for Day 3 of the UAW Special Bargaining Convention. The UAW has a strong and storied history and a legacy as a part of the labor movement, protecting working men and women far beyond their membership. Every worker in America is better off thanks to the UAW, which has been fighting for nearly 90 years for protections that many workers take for granted, including fair compensation, sick leave, pensions, the 40-hour work week, safe working conditions, protections against mass layoffs, and much more.
Every single worker in this country will be impacted by the negotiations that take place this year. Unions aren’t just good for workers, they’re good for communities and for democracy. The bottom line is that when workers are better off, the very fabric of our country is made stronger.
Equal Access to Justice
I joined the Legal Services Corporation for a forum on improving and expanding access to the justice system for low-income Americans. Every single American in the criminal justice system deserves fair representation, but unfortunately, we know that so many people in Michigan and across our country don’t have the resources to ensure their constitutional rights are recognized and protected.
The legal aid organizations that LSC supports, including the Michigan Advocacy Program, provide frontline services that go hand in hand with the casework that my office does, on issues including housing, health care, accessing public benefits including unemployment, disability, and food assistance, to name a few. All Americans deserve access to quality legal representation to make sure their rights under the law are upheld.
Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic
Last week, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic held a hearing focused on the impacts of the pandemic on our children’s education and mental health.
We all know that the COVID pandemic has had significant impacts on schools, students, their learning, and their mental health. While there’s still much we don’t know about the pandemic’s long-term effects on our nation’s youth, we’re beginning to learn more. According to a January 2023 McKinsey report, we’ve been set back two decades of progress in learning because of the pandemic, and the early missteps that forced schools to close and delayed kids getting back in the classroom sooner. The American Rescue Plan helped to address this quickly: When President Biden took office, only 46% of public elementary and middle schools were open for full-time in-person learning. One year into the Biden Administration, this number doubled to more than 95%.
Also raised at the hearing was the issue of masks. While none of us liked it, the overwhelming body of evidence shows that wearing masks is effective at preventing COVID-19.
There’s a lot for this committee to investigate when it comes to the COVID pandemic origins, response, and significant economic and social consequences, but it is crucial our work be guided by the facts so we are prepared for any future pandemics.
Vietnam Veterans Day
On Wednesday, we recognized our nation’s men and women that served our nation in uniform during the Vietnam War.
Vietnam War Veterans Day is a chance to say ‘thank you’ to Vietnam vets that braved jungles at a young age and often received very little appreciation when they returned home. On this day, we recognized their sacrifices and thanked them for their dedicated service to our nation.
Votes Last Week
Last week, the House passed Republicans’ H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, or as it should be named, the “Polluters Over People Act.”
This bill is not focused on bringing down energy costs and would not provide meaningful permitting reform. Instead, it would weaken landmark environmental laws to the benefit of the oil, gas, and mining industries. The intent of this legislation is clear: it puts the interests of polluters over the health and well-being of Americans.
In order to achieve meaningful energy independence here at home, we need a net-zero energy economy built on solar, wind, hydropower, batteries, electric vehicles, and even nuclear. And we need a process that includes and respects judicial review and our landmark environmental laws. As the wife of the man who authored NEPA, I know we can both protect its original intent while updating our laws to reflect the times we are in now and help us achieve our future climate goals – and that’s what Democrats will continue to focus on.
River Rouge Overnight Shelter Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, I joined the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency for the grand opening of the River Rouge Overnight Shelter. This new facility will support ChristNet and Wayne Metro's mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness within Wayne County shelter during the overnight hours, they will assist with limited casework, provide transportation support, and lead life skills workshops to help people get back on their feet.
This shelter fills an urgent void with 24/7 365-day assistance for people without housing - a need that has become more evident during the pandemic. This service will support and protect so many people who need help the most.
Access to safe housing is a basic human right, and this resource will change lives by giving a helping hand to those who could really use it.
As a society, we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable among us, and this shelter demonstrates what strong, caring, and welcoming neighbors we have.
I am so grateful to all the organizations, advocates, and our community that made this possible. I will continue working in Congress to ensure our communities have the resources they need to care for our most vulnerable populations.
This Week
This week I am all around the district, listening to constituents, meeting with mayors and supervisors, the Washtenaw County fire chiefs, students, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, restaurant owners, small business owners, and even the Easter Bunny.
This is a holy week for Christians, Jews, and Muslims across the world. It is a time to remember our shared beliefs and values, and that we have much in common.
Happy Easter, Chag Sameach, Ramadan Mubarak - wherever and however you are celebrating or observing, I wish you safety and peace.
Photos of the Week
Rep. Dingell joins Friends of the Detroit River for Riverkeeper Dinner.
Rep. Dingell joins students for University of Michigan Dance Marathon benefiting children with disabilities.
Students dance the night away at University of Michigan Dance Marathon.
Rep. Dingell visits with community at Moving the Mitten Easter Egg Hunt in Belleville.
Rep. Dingell with Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Slotkin, and others at Keep Looking Ahead Meeting.
