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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today delivered her annual State of the District Address at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Legislative Forum.

In her remarks, Rep. Dingell provided updates on legislative successes from the previous year for the Downriver community, including federal investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and environmental protections, as well as priorities for the coming year, including supporting auto workers and the auto industry and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Dingell also previewed her Downriver environment town hall, which will be held this Wednesday, January 29.

Key excerpts

On the environment:

“Our state is setting an example to the nation that when we work together, we can solve real problems hardworking Americans face.

“I continue to focus on the cleanup of former industrial sites and pollution in our district, including McLouth and Arkema, and keeping the Detroit River clean. I’m working closely with the EPA, EGLE, and all officials involved on these issues, and I am holding a town hall with EPA and EGLE on Wednesday because it’s important to me that the community keeps speaking up and your voices are heard.

…

“I remain committed to protecting our environment, natural resources, and natural treasures.

“In the first week of this new Congress, I joined my colleagues in relaunching the Great Lakes Task Force, and reintroducing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act. This bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of FY 2026, for another five years through FY 2031. 

“Since it was established, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been an environmental and economic success, and is fundamental to protecting, restoring, and maintaining the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy."

On the auto industry:

“Last Congress I introduced legislation to invest in domestic research, innovation, and manufacturing, to keep our auto industry strong and keep us a global leader, to strengthen our domestic supply chains, and more, and I will do so again this Congress. I want American workers and companies to be the ones creating and building the technologies of the future here in Michigan, and I will always fight for that.

“Last November, we announced the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains awarded more than $26.6 million in federal funding for three different projects in Michigan to retool vehicle manufacturing facilities, increase battery recycling, and accelerate smart manufacturing. 

“These critical projects—retooling vehicle manufacturing, expanding battery recycling, and advancing smart manufacturing— will not only bolster our economy and create jobs; they also secure America’s and Michigan’s place as a global leader in EVs and manufacturing.

“This funding will strengthen our domestic supply chains, support local innovation, and empower workers across the state to build a more sustainable and resilient future. I am proud that Michigan remains at the forefront of research and innovation, shaping the future of the auto industry.”

On supply chains and manufacturing:

“I will continue to work toward bipartisan supply chain legislation in the Energy and Commerce Committee to strengthen our industrial base, identify and prevent future vulnerabilities, and support supply chain resilience, and I want those jobs coming here to Michigan.

“As we all know, this isn’t just a manufacturing and jobs issue. This is a national and global security priority. Dependence on adversarial nations’ supply chains makes us less safe in times of global unrest and crisis.

“I was supportive earlier this month when President Biden blocked the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel.

“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, and I know President Trump feels the same.

“The backbone of our economy cannot be dependent on foreign countries and manufacturers.”

On trade:

“We need to be competing on a level playing field. I am concerned about China, and I am concerned about the business they are doing in Mexico and in other countries.

“Today, we see foreign OEMs and suppliers trying to take advantage of our trade policies through USCMA and go through Mexico, and I will not let that happen. We need to fix USMCA.

“We know that NAFTA hurt many of our businesses here in Michigan. Tariffs have been and can be helpful to communities who are hurting. When prices are increasing, tariffs are a tool in the toolbox to try and contain prices for the average American.

“I will work with President Trump to ensure we’re competing on a level playing field and we’re protecting and strengthening our domestic auto industry.”
   
Watch Rep. Dingell’s full remarks here.