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Dear Friend,

This week was a busy one, with lots of meetings, hearings, attempted votes in DC, and at home, the regular Mayor meetings, economic announcements, community gatherings as well as reports from the electeds to their cities and townships, townhalls, a keynote speech to the VFW and American Legion, farmer markets, walks, festivals, ribbon cuttings, and just my favorite- being out and about.  

Though it’s not officially summer yet, it feels like it on weekends as we once again gather for various fun events, like farmers markets where local fresh fruit and vegetables are sold. I will admit the smoke from Canada was hard on many… my eyes were watering, and my asthma kicked in. Using common sense and listening to the experts are getting most of us through.


Great Lakes Task Force Calls on Canada to Address Great Lakes Fishery Commission Operations 

On Tuesday, led by myself and fellow co-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, along with 21 of our colleagues, I led a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging Canada to address the breakdown within the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and find a long-term solution to resume normal operations. 

We have grown concerned about the breakdown in the functioning of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which is responsible for coordinating cross-border fishery management and controlling invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes. It’s our job to ensure that our shared Great Lakes are as healthy as possible to protect them and those that inhabit them.


Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act Reintroduction

On Tuesday, I introduced bipartisan legislation with fellow co-leads Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Colin Allred (D-TX) to make breast cancer diagnostic tests more affordable and accessible to women by eliminating copays and additional out-of-pocket expenses not currently covered by insurance companies. The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2023 requires insurance companies to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing. 

We know that early diagnosis saves lives, so no one should be unable to access critical testing because they can’t afford it. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and this bipartisan legislation would eliminate financial barriers that prevent women from getting vitally important diagnostic imaging tests.


Letter to FDA Commissioner Regarding Chemotherapy Drug Shortage
We’re currently experiencing a shortage of Chemotherapy drugs nationwide, and I’ve heard from hospitals in Michigan that are struggling with shortages. Patients should not have to worry whether they can access the scarce Chemotherapy drugs they need on top of the daily stressors accompanied by a cancer diagnosis. We must do more to address the dangerous supply disruptions that put patients at risk. This is why I and Congressman Walberg led the bipartisan Michigan delegation in sending a letter to the FDA Commissioner, Dr. Robert Califf, asking questions about why this is happening and urging the FDA to immediately address chemotherapy drug shortages nationwide. Earlier this week, our delegation met with FDA officials to discuss the shortage and the urgent actions we must take to ensure all patients have access to the drugs and medication they need.


E&C Hearing: AM Radio and Emergency Broadcasting

The Energy and Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on Communication and Technology held a hearing on Tuesday regarding AM radio's role in motor vehicles, the lack of availability, and the potential impact on community safety. AM radio is the backbone of our nation’s emergency alert system and how we ensure all consumers have access to critical information and not having to bear the cost of receiving lifesaving emergency information. Emergency alerts should be free of charge and standard in all vehicles for the safety of the American people and their loved ones. I am pleased the industry is making this commitment, but automotive companies need to make their commitment clear as well.

FEMA and Emergency Service workers have been clear that AM radio is crucial to providing accessible, dependable emergency information. We are asking questions of all involved to address this issue and determine what policy may be required. 


NNEDV Congressional Reception

On Tuesday, I met with advocates for domestic violence and abuse from across the country. I listened to their latest concerns as they continue to feel the impact of the pandemic and limited resources. These groups are very important to me because of the vulnerable women and children (and some men) they try to protect. Their work is very tough, and I have immense respect for all they do to protect survivors and provide resources for those in need.


Politico Healthcare Summit

On Wednesday, I participated in Politico’s annual Healthcare Summit. We discussed the urgent need to bring down healthcare costs for patients nationwide. 

I reiterated the need to reduce prescription costs, the importance of supporting home health care and how it can help reduce costs and my strong belief in Medicare for All. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn’t guarantee all its citizens access to health care. Every American has the right to health care, period. If you’re sick, you should be able to go to the doctor without worrying about the cost of treatment or prescription medicine.


Canadian House of Commons Testimony 

On Thursday, I testified before the Canadian House of Commons about the importance of resuming normal operations for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Since 1954, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has been instrumental in addressing shared, binational issues, including cross-border fishery management coordination, directing a binational science program that provides crucial information for management and restoration, and controlling the invasive, destructive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes.

But the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has not met in more than a year and has been unable to set up a regular program since 2021. Since 2018, the Commission, members of the public, and scores of members of Parliament have supported a proposal to move the Commission’s funding from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to Global Affairs Canada. This would mirror the governance structure in the United States and help get the Commission back on track and resume standard operations long-term.


Seniors Town Hall on Safe Aging

On Friday, I cohosted with the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging and participated in a town hall on Aging Safely. We had guests from the Washtenaw County Sherriff’s Department, AAA 1-B, and the Commission on Aging that helped seniors understand the best practices to stay safe, primarily online. Our seniors are frequent targets of scams and just need community support to live their lives with dignity and respect.


Pride Celebrations

June is Pride Month, and there are many events throughout the district to highlight and show support for the LGBTQI+ community. Among the events I attended were Milan Pride and the Wacker Chemical Pride celebration. I saw so many familiar faces and met many new friends. Participation in these events was strong, diverse, supportive, and educational. People came together to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community, stand up to hate wherever it might be, fight discrimination, and demonstrate that love is love and everyone deserves to be comfortable in who they are.


Other Events

Northville Township, Northville, and their school board had their annual report to the community which was a great opportunity to get updated and meet with electeds and community members.

Western Wayne Mayors met in Sumpter for their last meeting before the summer break and covered many critical issues including public safety and water and utility updates.

Ann Arbor is celebrating its annual A2Zero week to talk and educate on their plan for a just transition to carbon neutrality by 2030.

I joined the mayor to cut the ribbon at the Bryant Community Center.

Ann Arbor continues its Top of The Park Summer Festival as well, and Flat Rock has its concert series.

The Detroit News celebrated its 150th anniversary with a bourbon preview (I don’t drink, but it was big for Michigan).

Fishing Day for young people at the Wildlife Refuge, the Bridging Unity Walk in Washtenaw, Yaasoo Greek Festival, Chelsea Art Fair, Willow Run Yankee Museum Wheels and Air Annual Gala, multiple farmers markets, car shows….it’s summer and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

Let me know what is happening in your neighborhood because I want to stop by, meet people, and hear what is on people’s minds.

Lastly, as you enjoy summer PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF FIRES! We have all witnessed the horrific impact of out-of-control fires.


Fire Chief’s Warning 

We have already seen dangerous fires in northern Michigan. The lack of rain has made most of our communities more vulnerable than they have been in years. Governor Whitmer and Fire Chiefs throughout Michigan are warning of the dry conditions and Cottonwood tree seeds that provide perfect conditions for fires to spread. To stay safe and protect our homes and communities, it is strongly recommended that individuals refrain from anything that could spread into a larger fire, such as bonfires, and the careless disposal of cigarettes. Michiganders are advised to prevent sparks by keeping trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road and avoid parking hot equipment on dry grass. Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended, and most importantly as we head towards the fourth of a July and other summer celebrations, never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass, or shrubs. We think of wildfires as problems we see in the west or Canada, but we need to recognize this is very real for us in Michigan, too.