Dear friend,
The year is almost through its first quarter. Like many students, we are on a spring district work period, and I am working. Taxes are due by April 15, and mine are done, which always brings a feeling of peace and comfort. My mother turns 90 next week, and my siblings and I are planning celebrations with her family and friends. I am so looking forward to my brother, sister, nieces, nephews, and cousins all coming home. The pattern of life, with its ups and downs, continues.
The last ten days have been filled and busy with Washington continuing to be challenging and home my rock as usual. We finally passed the rest of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget last Friday and managed through much drama and many threats. It was far from a perfect process and six months late, but we got it done. There are many other issues that need attention, hearings, and markups in all my committees, and constituents visiting, and the days are more than full. I headed home in the aftermath of the March snowstorm. Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom in DC and the daffodils at my house in Michigan had to be dug out from the snow. The weather remains unpredictable whatever city I am in– go ahead and try to convince me climate change isn’t real.
Home always brings me serenity. This is a time of ritual and traditions as spring arrives and many faiths celebrate different holidays. I got off the plane and immediately headed to the Trenton Fire Department and visited with the Easter Bunny. The Trenton firefighters hold a pancake breakfast to raise money for local charities and I never miss it. John and I did it for years, and he would sit and talk with everyone. I love the firefighters and will try to always support them in any way I can. The weekend grounds me as it always does as I attended other Easter events, candy drops, got to my Ann Arbor Market, veteran events, union events, both a domestic violence roundtable and Take Back the Night annual fundraiser to raise money to protect women from sexual violence with the Attorney General. Sunday I also visited the puppet and luminary making for Festifools the weekend of April 5th. So many talented people which I am not. I am the Honorary Grand Luminary and the new puppet face this year. A little overwhelming but I love this tradition and look forward to it in a week.
Sunday night was hard as Dana Nessel, Haley Stevens, and I visited the funeral home to pay respects to the Kildee family and our colleague Dan Kildee after the death of his youngest brother, Tim. The entire family is struggling to make sense of what happened, the suddenness of losing someone you love, and supporting everyone involved is so critical and painful. All of us are just there for anything they need.
And before I share highlights of the work in the last ten days, let us also remember that today is the one-year anniversary of Evan Gershkovich from the WSJ being imprisoned in Russia. Today is also a reminder of Paul Whelan for all of us in Michigan. Paul is a former Marine who has been wrongfully imprisoned in Russia as well. He was a resident of Novi in my district before the Russians took him. His parents are also constituents who live in Manchester and never stop working, hoping, and praying for his return. They work with Paul’s siblings, fighting every day for his return and this family has become so important to me. He needs to come home, as does Evan. We cannot forget them, stop trying, or stop supporting their families. For all involved this is another holiday without two men their families love, and a scary confinement in a ountry that should terrify all of us.
Finally, holidays are hard for those who have lost someone they love. I miss John more than many can understand. They say it gets easier, but to be honest, the emptiness remains and you become sad at the littlest of things. But my friend Lynda Carter, whose two children are my godchildren, lost her husband as well. This month she released a song about Robert and their love affair - a beautiful tribute to love and yes, missing the man that made her whole. I have included a link for you here with her permission.
So here is my summary of recent work.
Good Friday and Easter
On Good Friday, Christians remember Christ’s death and the sacrifice that came with it. To those observing in southeast Michigan and across the world, may this day of reflection and togetherness bring you peace and hope. Let this day serve as a reminder that sometimes the darkest moments are a sign that light is coming.
On Sunday, we will celebrate Easter—a day of hope and renewal for Christians across the world. I wish a blessed Easter to all who observe.
WIC Roundtable
Joined Food Gatherers, WIC recipients, local leaders, and community members for a WIC roundtable to discuss the importance of this program in Michigan and beyond.
Our dialogue reaffirmed just how critical WIC is to families and communities, providing access to nutritious food and health-related services for millions of women and children, including more than 300,000 in Michigan. This past budget cycle, this program was in serious danger with a threat of a billion-dollar reduction which would have dropped two million babies, children, and mothers from the program. Mothers at the table shared this program was the only way they were able to feed their babies at the end of the month and that it ensured their children were being tested to know if they were developing in a healthy way. Supporting access to food for pregnant women and babies should never be a partisan issue, but it is clear we must be vigilant to ensure full funding for WIC moving forward. I appreciate all the community partners who joined us for this roundtable and who are committed to supporting Michigan families, and I will continue to fight in Congress to protect resources so many women and children depend on at a time when it is most essential for their well-being and development. Investing in WIC is critical. It doesn’t just feed moms and babies – it’s an investment in our country’s future.
Turner Senior Resource Center Visit with Secretary Becerra
It was an honor to join HHS Secretary Becerra to visit the University of Michigan Turner Resource Center where we discussed the issues seniors face every day, including drug costs.
The Biden Administration is committed to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, expanding health care coverage, and looking out for seniors. The Inflation Reduction Act was passed and enacted under President Biden’s leadership, which has capped the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare at $35 a month and has ensured Medicare beneficiaries pay no more than $2000 in out-of-pocket costs for their drugs a year. No one should have to choose between life-saving medication and a roof over their head. There are many challenges that seniors face, but we will continue working together at all levels of government to make sure they are protected and our caregivers are supported.
Vietnam Veterans Day
Our veterans make incredible sacrifices to protect our freedom and our way of life, answering the call when our nation needs them most. On Vietnam Veterans Day, we thank our courageous veterans who put their lives on the line and braved the jungles of Vietnam. We are forever grateful for their service. We treated the Vietnam veterans terribly when they came home after they fought for all of us. 50 years later, they deserve more from us. Several this week shared stories they had never shared with anyone.
I joined many pinning ceremonies throughout the district at the Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital, Canton, and the John Dingell VA Hospital sponsored a ceremony in Taylor, Michigan. When the pins were given to veterans, we said, “on behalf of a grateful nation, welcome home." We also unveiled the sign for the Vietnam Highway in Washtenaw County, sponsored and led by Jimmie Wilson. Went to Flat Rock VFW Tuesday and will join veterans in Wyandotte tonight.
Tour of Downriver Railroad Tracks and McLouth Steel
I spent time Downriver with Assad Turfe, Deputy County Executive, touring environmental sites in the process of cleanup. We were accompanied by EPA who is working with EGLE on many projects. Then we met with Downriver leaders, elected officials, and business owners to discuss continued clean up and future economic developments. This is important work and it's critical for the hidden jewel that is Downriver. The Downriver Community Conference, made up of all the communities and the mayors, is known for its work in this arena and for the Brownfield Programs. We have shown many other communities how to address these issues.
Inflation Report
When I first got elected, I posted the price of milk, eggs, and Diet Coke to track inflation. I chose these items because milk and eggs are a staple to everyone, and Diet Coke is a staple to me. COVID hit and John died, so I took a break from posting and some discouraged me from starting again, but I am going to do it weekly because this is real for too many of us.
When I went to the store earlier this week, eggs were $3.69 a dozen, milk was $2.79 a gallon, and Diet Coke was $5.99 for a six-pack. In 2015, eggs were $2.47 a dozen, milk was $3.42 a gallon, and Diet Coke was $4.99– for an eight-pack! I admit, Diet Coke is an expensive habit and I know water would be healthier– I’m working on it.
EPA Announces Final Vehicle Emissions Standards
The EPA announced its final national pollution standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027 through 2032 and beyond.
My priority will always be to protect American jobs and our environment, keep the United States at the forefront of automotive manufacturing, technology, and innovation, and keep our domestic industry strong and competitive. The EPA has worked with all stakeholders to reach this final rule that includes hybrid and electric vehicles, and ensure these goals are achievable. It’s important to protect vehicle choice – the number of available models has doubled in the last three years, and in the last year sticker prices are down 20%. We need to continue to work on making sure that these vehicles are affordable to everyone, that we have the infrastructure in place to make them accessible and practical for consumers, and bring jobs back to the U.S. The bottom line is that the future of the industry must be created in America and driven by American workers, and we are all committed to working together toward that future.
Protecting the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
Republicans have yet again brought a bill to the floor to deceive and mislead the American people. They are attempting to repeal the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. The Greenhouse Reduction Fund was established by the Inflation Reduction Act, inspired by legislation I championed. The program leverages the expertise and existing models of community lenders across the nation – including in Michigan. Revoking this program is misguided.
We need to level the playing field because China is beating us in the global marketplace. If we don’t invest here in this country, we’re abandoning ourselves and our future. I want to see this country succeed, and blocking the Environmental Protection Agency from doing its work is no way to lead.
Committee Work
The full Energy and Commerce Committee considered 28 bills – ranging from health, energy, environment, and communications and technology bills. I spoke out in opposition to Rep. Carter’s H.R. 7650, Air Quality Standards Implementation Act, which is an irresponsible compilation of attacks that strike at the heart of the Clean Air Act. It would impede EPA’s ability to set strong, health-protective standards, undermining decades of progress on reducing pollution and protecting public health from criteria pollutants – like ozone and particulate matter.
During the markup, the House Energy and Commerce Committee moved one of my bills, the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, through committee. This bill will prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in the organ transplant system. It’s unthinkable that people with disabilities are passed over for life saving transplants based on discriminatory and subjective assumptions. Charlotte’s bill will ensure that all Americans, regardless of disability status, have equitable access to the care they need, and I look forward to the bill coming to the House Floor.
The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing about Laboratory-Developed Tests, which many of us are familiar with. The Food and Drug Administration is proposing a new rule about these tests, and I specifically addressed two issues: how these tests are used for tuberculosis and their efficacy. I also raised the issue of false positives on prenatal tests and how the FDA can address this issue.
The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries held hearings on pending legislation, including the Great Lakes Mapping Act, a bill that I am leading with my Republican colleague Rep. McClain. The Great Lakes Mapping Act directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, to conduct high-resolution mapping of the lakebeds by 2030 and collect important data. In addition, the bill requires NOAA to share the data publicly no later than 180 days after the completion of the mapping effort.
The Great Lakes basin is the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world and is home to about 20 percent of the world's freshwater supply. It is a vital part of our nation's economic, environmental, and cultural identity. Not only are the Great Lakes unparalleled in their beauty, but they are also home to 3,500 unique plant and animal species. We have never mapped our lakebeds and there is a wealth of information to learn. I will continue working to ensure our Great Lakes are protected and preserved for generations to come.
I testified at the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health (I am not a member of the Committee) on the VA Peer Neutrality Act, which I introduced following issues at the John D Dingell Veteran’s Hospital in Detroit. The VA Peer Neutrality Act would take concrete steps to strengthen accountability and neutrality within the VA’s peer review process. This bill will codify a VA policy ensuring that members of a VA facility’s Peer Review Committee cannot participate in peer reviews of cases they were involved in or cases that present a conflict of interest.
Our veterans deserve the best care, and this legislation will better strengthen accountability and oversight within VA medical facilities that serve them.
The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic held a hearing about vaccine confidence and vaccine compensation programs. I asked questions about ways to improve vaccine confidence - especially with the new measles outbreak including cases in my district. We must help build confidence in the science and efficacy of these programs. I discussed two bills that would be impactful in this space, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act and the Vaccine Access Improvement Act of 2023. They would increase the transparency and efficiency of vaccine compensation programs. I am committed to finding a meaningful way to better our vaccine compensation and delivery to be prepared for the next outbreak.
Women’s Health Care Roundtable with Governor Whitmer
I joined my good friend and champion for women everywhere, Governor Whitmer, for a women’s health roundtable. We had meaningful conversations about what is happening in this space currently, including about those who want to interfere in a woman’s right to make her own health decisions. We heard moving personal stories and must continue having these conversations because no one should have a say in a woman’s health care decision other than herself, her doctor, and her family and faith if she chooses.
National Rosie the Riveter Day
Last Thursday, we celebrated Rosie the Riveter Day. Our Rosies are true trailblazers who answered the call when our nation needed them most and opened the door wider for women and girls across America. I love our Rosies, they keep me young, have contagious energy, and never fail to make me smile.
America will forever be changed for the better thanks to their ‘can do’ spirit and in honor of Rosie the Riveter Day, I am excited to co-lead an important package to get these fearless women the recognition they deserve. We also celebrated the 103rd birthday of Rosie Helen Bandyke this week. I have been so lucky to celebrate almost ten 100th+ birthdays in the last couple of years with the original Rosies. How can you not be inspired?
14th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
John Dingell fought tirelessly to get the Affordable Care Act through Congress. It was the culmination of decades-long efforts to pass comprehensive, meaningful reforms to expand access to quality, affordable health care. He was by President Obama’s side when he signed the landmark law in 2010.
On the 14th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, more Americans have health insurance than ever before. We remain committed to protecting and building on the ACA, lowering costs, and expanding coverage because health care is a human right.
Garden Club of America National Affairs and Legislation Committee Conference
Joined the Garden Club of America for their National Affairs and Legislation Committee conference to discuss our shared mission to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink and ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoors. I talked to them about several priorities, including protecting and recovering endangered species and protecting the Great Lakes.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence Congressional Briefing
As co-chair of the House Domestic Violence Task Force, it was great to join my friends from the National Network to End Domestic Violence to discuss the Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report. They are all doing important work to make sure survivors and their families have access to resources that save lives every day, expand avenues to justice, and ensure victims have the support they need to leave a dangerous situation and find safety and security when they do.
I was proud to support the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act which was included as part of the Omnibus appropriations package in 2022. This funding helps communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Last month, Rep. Ann Wagner and I led 38 of our colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter urging the Biden Administration to work with Congress to address funding shortfalls in the Victims of Crime Act’s Crime Victims Fund. CVF is the largest source of federal funding for victim services organizations that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, stalking, and other crimes.
Congress must continue to work to ensure that these streams of funding are bolstered to provide these vital programs with adequate staffing and capacity to serve those who depend on them to heal and move forward.
Labor Caucus Women’s History Month Roundtable
As co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, It was an honor to join colleagues from the Labor Caucus, the Democratic Women’s Caucus, and many women labor leaders to discuss the unique challenges women face in the workforce and our path forward to advance values that uplift all workers. When women succeed, our country succeeds.
Greenhills School Visit
Seeing Greenhills School students from Ann Arbor was a great start to last Wednesday. I got to hear their thoughts and listen to the issues they care about most. So many great questions and a lively discussion!
University of Michigan Students for Clean Energy
Met with students from the University of Michigan who are leading the next generation of clean energy on campus and in their communities. It was great to talk about what’s important to them and hear about the work they are doing every day.
Photos of the Week
The week just has me working hard and trying to get to every part of my district, talk to people about what is on their minds, learn about issues in communities, talk about what we have done in Washington, and celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day. Two members of President Biden’s Cabinet visited the district and we talked about the critical work happening in DC, toured some of the Downriver environmental projects, talked about redevelopment Downriver, spoke at Brownstown/Woodhaven Rotary, hosted a Women’s Health Roundtable with the Governor Downriver as well, went to Canton for sewer discussions, Plymouth for business, Western Washtenaw for meetings and I am spending a lot of time listening. Was also honored to join Eastern Michigan University faculty, staff, and students to celebrate 175 years of EMU! It’s inspiring to see everything that this university has accomplished in the past 175 years and I’m eager to see what’s in store in the years to come. I look forward to many more Easter events throughout the weekend. The children always make you smile and warm your heart, especially in a cold Michigan spring. Hope our paths cross soon and if I should be somewhere, please let me know.
The weekend ahead has religious services in my own Catholic faith, but the Black Minister’s Alliance is hosting a Good Friday Service where I will share a few reflections, Iftar dinner at the new Mosque tomorrow night and also celebrating Holi festival on Easter Sunday, a significant day in the Hindu Religion which celebrates color, spring, and love. This is a time we all remember no matter what culture we come from or what faith we belong to. We share common ideas including truth, respect, responsibility, and compassion which also means love, empathy, kindness, and caring for each other– and we must stand up to hate and bullying wherever we see it.
As always, I want to hear from you. What do you want me to know? What are you thinking about? Please contact me with any questions, ideas, and concerns. Share them with me at this link, or by calling one of my offices in Ann Arbor, Woodhaven, or DC:
Ann Arbor: (734) 481-1100
Woodhaven: (313) 278-2936
Washington, DC: (202) 225-4071
