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Happy Cold Mid-January! 

These weeks reflect times of transition, cold weather and snow in both DC ( which doesn’t handle it well) and Michigan, new beginnings as we prepare for the inauguration of Donald Trump and say goodbye to President Joe Biden in this current role, goodbye to colleagues from the former Congress and hello to new ones as we’re sworn in for the 119th Congress, the state funeral for Jimmy Carter who lived to be 100, committee assignments, early legislation to introduce, the return of the Detroit International Car Show in January (and yes the snowstorm the night of the Charity Preview), and the passing of too many friends and local leaders. Far too many for the first two weeks of this new year. Jack O’Reilly, the former mayor of Dearborn for fifteen years, and City Council for 17 years before that. He cared deeply about his city. Paul Massaron, a UAW leader, fellow Board of Governors member at Wayne State and my dear friend. Northville Township Trustee Scott Frush at the age of 53 who cared about so much died suddenly. The 31-year-old daughter of Pastor Wimberly who has two young children. The list goes on. Most have been sudden and unexpected, my heart is with the families as you just try to make sense of it.

The cold of January causes fewer events but trying to still be out and about, checking in, talking with people, hitting the cold farmer markets just to hear the gossip, attending school sports events, visiting with veterans, getting in the union halls, meeting with new mayors, attending the regular meetings of regional mayors, city councils, county meetings, the state legislators, local police and fire, school superintendents, getting around, hearing what is on people’s minds, what are they worried about, what do they want to see done. It just always feels good to be home, seeing people and friends, routines, good neighbors, and real life. Working hard to deliver what people need and had a big win for Trenton (more later), and yes this past weekend was a real test of life’s unpredictability with a power outage at the house, broken mechanical equipment (which the furnace company kept saying they would fix for two months of frustrating weekly calls) that caused multiple problems when the power went out, but as a friend said we have roofs over our heads, food, and can stay warm.

In other words, January is a good time to catch up, clean out, touch base with friends you haven’t talked to, do something nice for someone, actually try to have unplanned evenings and weekends and have TV or long movie marathons, invite friends over for dinner and make that hearty comfort food you wanted an excuse for like stews, lasagna, beef burgundy, homemade soups. Light the candles you have been given, wear cozy pajamas. Cuddle up and chill alone or with people you want to be with. I am not good at doing nothing, but I am good at organizing, cleaning out, reaching out, and enjoying the fireplace and a good book. Self-care matters during these times too.

But let me give you highlights of the first 13 days of 2025.

Getting Sworn Into the 119th Congress

I am honored to continue to serve the hard-working people of Michigan’s 6^th district. This Congress, I’m getting right back to work on the issues that I hear about every time I am home: investing in American workers and industry, creating good-paying jobs, protecting clean air and water, expanding access to health care and education, and bringing down everyday costs.  

As I always have, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come up with real solutions to the problems and challenges Michiganders are facing. Most importantly, I will continue to make sure everyone has a seat at the table and has an opportunity to make their voices heard.  

I look forward to seeing everyone this year at farmers markets, union halls, festivals, parades, town halls, senior centers, and more – please let me know what’s going on in your neighborhood, and I’ll do my best to be there. 

118th Congress By the Numbers 

I am blessed with a great staff and Team Dingell works hard to deliver for the 6th district. Here is a quick summary of some of our work during the 118th Congress.

Many people call the office for help with social security, the IRS, veterans, passports, and more. The work of this office closed 2857 cases, returned $9,137,973 to residents of MI-06, delivered $785,254,305 in federal funding to the district, participated in 322 town halls, forums, and community discussions in every town and city in the district, responded to 146,981 constituent phone calls, emails, and messages, facilitated 1461 D.C. tours for constituents, including at the White House and U.S. Capitol, introduced and co-led 123 bills on issues including PFAS, long-term care, conservation, water affordability, American manufacturing, health care, and more, co-sponsored 492 bills, and attended more than 2000 community events. 

I’m looking forward to a productive 119th Congress and remain focused on addressing the issues that matter to Michiganders. Please remember if you think I should be somewhere, invite me. I will make every effort to be there. And if you need help reach out.

Honoring President Jimmy Carter

President Carter’s legacy is one of tireless work, selflessness, and service to his nation and neighbors. When Jimmy Carter won the presidency, he sought to unite Americans and heal a fractured country. The effects of his advocacy on issues including environmentalism, conservation, and human rights can still be felt today. 

However, his most remarkable and impactful work came following his time in office, as he helped to significantly expand Habitat for Humanity, shared his wealth of experience with students as a Distinguished Professor at Emory University, and established the Carter Center to continue his work promoting democracy and human rights around the world. 

President Carter cared about humanity and believed so deeply in the importance of public service and giving back, and I hope we all continue to learn from the example he set. 

It was an honor to greet him for the last goodbye from Washington as he lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

January 6th Anniversary

On January 6, we certified the results of the 2024 presidential election. We also remembered the violence and terror that took place four years ago as we conducted this same process. What happened that day is a permanent reminder of the fragility of our Democracy and how vigilant we always must be to protect it. 

We remember all the law enforcement who defended our Democratic process, especially the many who were injured and some who died due to their brave service. Many continue to serve today, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. We can never stop the work of standing up for our Democracy, free and fair elections, and our Constitutional protections and values. 

We carried out our Constitutional responsibility and certified the results of the election. I will continue to do all I can to ensure the peaceful, lawful transfer of power, and remain focused on doing the work of the American people. 

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025

I joined my co-chairs on the Great Lakes Task Force and introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 to reauthorize the GLRI for another five years. Since it was established, the GLRI has been an environmental and economic success and is fundamental to protecting, restoring, and maintaining the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy. 

The Great Lakes are not only an important natural resource but a critical economic driver that supports communities, jobs, commerce, agriculture, transportation, and tourism for millions of people across the country and it is critical we protect the Great Lakes for generations to come.

Trenton Awarded $73 Million for Road Grade Separation Downriver

The Federal Railroad Administration is awarding $73,446,704 to the Michigan Department of Transportation to complete a road grade separation between M-85 and Canadian National Railroad in Trenton. 

This project will eliminate a dangerous crossing on one of the Downriver Region’s busiest traffic corridors, where Canadian National freight tracks intersect with highway and pedestrian rights of way.  This federal funding is a direct result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program.

This has been a top priority for me since coming to Congress and has been a critical issue needing attention Downriver for decades, and building the business case has finally gotten these critical funds. For too long, Downriver communities have been dealing with the inconveniences and risks of at-grade railroad intersections, including everything from slower commutes to life-threatening delays for first responders and people seeking critical care as a result of a blocked crossing, 

The completion of a grade separation will make Downriver safer for all who live, work, and visit here. I will work with our state and local leaders as this project is carried out, from start to finish.

President Biden Blocking Sale of U.S. Steel

President Biden blocked Nippon Steel of Japan's $14 billion takeover of U.S. Steel because the sale would threaten our national security and supply chains by placing one of America’s largest steel producers under foreign control. 

The United States must keep American steel manufacturing capacity owned and operated in this country. It is critical to our economic security and national security that we keep our steel manufacturing ability and jobs strong here in America. The backbone of our economy cannot be dependent on foreign countries and manufacturers. I strongly support this decision and will continue to work to protect and strengthen American manufacturing, jobs, and workers.

Celebrating Law Enforcement

This past week we celebrated Law Enforcement. I tried to get by many of the police stations in the district to give my personal appreciation to them for all they do.

Thank you to the brave men and women who serve and protect. Their career is often dangerous but they never stop working to keep us safe.

Detroit Auto Show

I’m a car girl so I’ve never missed the car show in 40 years. It is always great to go to Huntington and see firsthand the incredible products we make. 

The future of mobility is here, and Michigan—the heart and soul of the auto industry—is at the forefront of this transformation. Michigan didn’t just put the world on wheels; it continues to lead the charge, as this car show perfectly showcases, especially in terms of groundbreaking automotive technology.

Football

If you are a football fan like me, these last few games have had you smiling ear to ear. Our UMich Wolverines had a strong ending to the year and season with a win against Alabama in the bowl game, showing everyone whose to watch next year.  

The Lions have continued to make us all proud, with their latest win against the Vikings making them NFC North Champions for the second year in a row and they clinched their first-ever No. 1 seed. I hope they got some well-earned rest during the bye week and come back strong against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field this Saturday.

Back to D.C. for another busy week, but will be sure to keep you updated!