Easter is a few days away, the season of new life, hope, and renewal. Those of the Jewish faith are celebrating Passover, a seven to eight-day holiday where the message revolves around the themes of freedom, redemption, and remembrance, emphasizing the importance of both physical and spiritual renewal. Those of the Muslim faith celebrated Eid al-Fitr at the end of March, which commemorates the end of the fasting period during Ramadan and marks a time of spiritual renewal. While all three holidays are celebrated within different religious traditions, all share a focus on renewal, celebration, and the end of a period of fasting or reflection as well as gratitude, the need for hope, and a strong sense of community.
As I write this, I am in a very pensive mood. I am working very hard, no matter what city I am in. These are challenging times for everyone. In Washington, budgets are being cut, programs are endangered or eliminated, people have been fired, the stock market is in turmoil, and there are more questions than answers to many issues. The system of checks and balances between the three branches of government is being challenged. In the weeks ahead, we will begin the process of reconciliation to determine how we will accomplish the budget passed by Republicans last week, and I remain determined to protect critical programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Tax cuts for billionaires and corporations will also be part of the discussion. My job is to protect the people of my district, and I will intensely study every proposal and understand who it will impact and how.
At home, so many people want to talk, are scared, want to understand, are worried, anxious, many are angry (people of all perspectives), and I simply try to make time for everyone so I can listen, answer questions, understand what is happening, who is being impacted, and reassure if I can — but more frequently I cannot. I am holding multiple town halls throughout the district, with students and seniors, union workers, farmers, doctors, nurses, researchers, small business owners, OEMs, start-ups, caregivers, government workers, suppliers, dealers, and the list goes on. Meetings, holding round tables, attending events, and being where people are gathering. I don’t have answers for many. I am collecting the stories, working to understand the issues, fighting for the people I represent, and I will not be silent or let anyone take away freedom of speech. Casework from those needing help with the federal government is high, some government agencies are not answering phones because their offices have been closed, many jobs have been eliminated, but I don’t give up, and we keep trying to solve problems.
So, as I share some of the work I am doing, and we approach spring and Easter, it must be with hope for the strength of our democracy and community. We all recognize these are challenging and interesting times, that we hold onto our values, fight for the rights and freedoms of our Constitution, and that all of us have a responsibility to be engaged citizens.
My motto for this district work period is from Helen Keller, who observed, "Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." Have faith and hope, and whatever holiday you celebrate, take time to find peaceful moments and time for renewal.
I am around if you want to talk, observe, give advice, meet with me, or invite me to an event (please do). And the following is a summary of some of my work.
Washington D.C. Update
Republican Budget
The Republican budget, which passed the House last Thursday, will harm working men and women across this country. It includes $7 trillion in tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations while increasing the debt limit by $5 trillion. The top .1% would get an average annual tax break of more than $314,000. It also includes $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and $230 billion in cuts that threaten food assistance. House Democrats introduced the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act and will continue to use every tool we can to fight against this Republican damage to the people I represent. Every Democrat voted against it.
The House Committee on the Budget put together a site where you can find the impacts of the Republican budget on each congressional district. Share with your neighbors, friends, and those who care. This is a great resource to help share facts and information about the harmful impacts of Republicans’ actions.
SocialSecurity
Republicans say they won’t touch Social Security, but their actions say otherwise. DOGE is planning to fire 7000 people and close many offices, tried to cut off phone services that seniors rely on, threatened to shut it down, said it wouldn’t matter if someone missed a month’s payment, and the richest man in the world called it a “Ponzi scheme”.
These cuts are already leading to delays and disruptions of your earned benefits. For 40% of our seniors, Social Security is the only income they have. They can’t afford to miss a check.
SAVE Act
House Republicans passed the SAVE Act, which will make it more difficult to vote and disenfranchise millions of Americans. Let me be clear: it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections.
The costly and unnecessary requirements in this bill would prevent or make it harder for military voters, seniors, married women who have changed their names, victims of domestic violence, rural voters, voters of color, and millions of other eligible Americans to vote by requiring documents that many don’t have access to or cannot afford to get. Many married women don’t have birth certificates that match their legal names, many seniors have disabilities or lack transportation to get to a clerk’s office, and victims of natural disasters often lose their documents, and it can take years to replace them. Our democracy only works if every citizen can participate, and we should be making voting more accessible for all eligible citizens.
Energy and Commerce Committee Markup
We had a full committee markup in Energy and Commerce, and a couple of my bills were passed. They now go to the House floor.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act passed through committee with bipartisan support and will next head to the House floor. The TAKE IT DOWN Act provides a critical remedy for victims to ensure these images are removed and that perpetrators are held accountable. As new technology emerges, so too does the potential for new forms of abuse, and we must act swiftly to protect women from tech-facilitated abuse. See my remarks on this bill during the Energy and Commerce Committee markup here.
The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act also passed with bipartisan support through the Energy and Commerce Committee Markup and will next face a vote on the House floor. This bill will bring our supply chains home and prevent future vulnerabilities, reducing our dependence on foreign competitors, investing in American jobs, and strengthening our national and economic security. See my remarks on this bill during the Energy and Commerce Committee markup here.
Natural Resources Committee Markup
In Natural Resources, we had a full committee markup. Instead of addressing the cost of living, Republicans brought up the Gulf of America Act to rename the Gulf of Mexico, a waste of legislators' time, agencies' resources, and taxpayer dollars. Another bill that we marked up was the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, which will remove federal protections for gray wolves nationwide and disregard any scientifically-informed delisting process. This dangerous bill is putting gray wolves at risk.
I voted no on both of these bills. Both of these bills passed through committee and will face a vote on the House floor.
Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing on AI
The Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on AI and American global competitiveness. AI is transforming every sector — from healthcare and transportation to consumer protection and manufacturing. But with rapid advancements come serious challenges, such as data privacy risks, equity concerns, and the growing threat of foreign adversaries exploiting our vulnerabilities.
I have always said that when used strategically, tariffs are a tool in the toolbox to bring back jobs and support American workers and industries. However, the keyword is ‘strategically.’ The Trump Administration’s implementation of tariffs has been chaotic and created nothing but uncertainty and confusion, and will disrupt financial markets. Changes don’t happen overnight, and companies need stability and time to make adjustments. We must bring manufacturing capacity, supply chains, and jobs in critical areas, including steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals back to America, and we need to renegotiate USMCA. This requires a focused strategy, which we are not seeing right now.
Trump Aiming to End Collective Bargaining
Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending the collective bargaining rights of hundreds of thousands of federal employees is a blatant attack on workers’ rights and organized labor everywhere. Federal employees are firefighters, nurses, doctors, law enforcement and public safety officials, and more, and this president clearly does not care about their service.
This executive order is illegal and already being challenged in the courts. We will stand in solidarity and fight against every effort to roll back workers’ rights.
Medicare for All
Every American has the right to health care, period. If you’re sick, you should be able to go to the doctor without being worried about the cost. Medicare for All is a solution for real change in our health care system.
Joined Rep. Pramila Jayapal, People's Action, National Nurses, United Public Citizens, and Social Security Works to discuss Medicare for All, watch it here. We are planning to reintroduce this bill at the end of the month.
Michigan Bankers Association Fly-in
Joined the Michigan Bankers Association during the ABA Washington Summit. Always great to see these people.
Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council
Met with members of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council to discuss the important work they do. Construction workers are the backbone of our communities. Their skill, hard work, and dedication build not only structures but also the foundation for progress and growth.
Legislative Update
Below is a summary of legislation I have introduced and bills the House is working on
Bipartisan Great Lakes Mapping Act
Joined Rep. Lisa McClain in reintroducing the bipartisan Great Lakes Mapping Act, legislation that would provide a better understanding of the unseen, unexplored lake beds of America’s Great Lakes, and further our knowledge of their environmental, social, and economic impact.
Exploring and mapping the Great Lakes will strengthen our understanding of their underwater environment so that we can better protect them and the many species they contain and continue to foster the economic prosperity they have supported for generations.
CDC and SAMHSA Rescinding Billions in Funding
Led 40 of my House colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the agency’s actions to pull back billions of dollars of funding sent to state and community health departments by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Any agency rescinding over $11 billion of authorized funds without congressional approval is extremely concerning, especially because those funds support state and local health department employees who work on vaccines, and we are in the middle of a growing measles and avian flu outbreak.
Harm to Long-term Care Caused by Trump's Failed Immigration Policy
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and I led 42 or our House colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer expressing their deep concern with the Trump Administration’s immigration policies and the potential long-term impact on our health care system - especially access to long-term services and supports.
In an already understaffed workforce, this administration's policies will only add to the strain on our healthcare professionals. We need to take immediate steps to improve working conditions for those on the front lines of care, not further exacerbate the staff shortage.
HHS Cuts to Domestic Violence Programs, Firing of Leadership and Staff
Myself, Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), and Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, expressing deep concern about staff and budget cuts to programs that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families. We also requested an explanation into the Administration’s decision to fire Shawndell Dawson, the Director of the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), along with thousands of federal employees whose work focuses on preventing gender-based violence and informing violence prevention efforts.
International students across Michigan and the country began to see their student visas pulled weeks before the end of the semester, and for some, right before their graduation. The action appeared arbitrary, leaving angst, confusion, fear, and more questions than answers.
I led the Michigan Democratic delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem requesting answers to the many questions about those involved, including why, if there is a way to appeal, and how we can ensure due process.
The letter is signed by all members of the U.S. House Michigan Democratic delegation: Representatives Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08).
Co-led with Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and André Carson (IN-07) a resolution recognizing Eid al-Fitr, the observance of the conclusion of Ramadan, and offering support to all Muslims for a reflective observance. This year, as we mark Eid al-Fitr, we pray for peace for those in the Muslim community and around the world. Michigan has a strong Muslim presence in many of our communities, where they are impactful members and contribute in many ways.
Michigan Time
Town Halls
Thank you to everyone who has joined the town halls scheduled in the 6th. We have been hosting town halls regularly, which have filled auditoriums and overflow rooms. People are scared, worried, angry, passionate, and frustrated about many issues. These town halls and conversations matter more than ever. It is important to listen, respond, and deliver. We will continue to hold these frequently.
Visit my website here to stay up to date on upcoming town halls.
Social Security Rally
Republicans have threatened to shut Social Security down, and DOGE is planning to fire 7000 workers and close dozens of offices. Social Security was created on the promise that no American would grow poor in retirement - a promise of economic security and dignity after a lifetime of hard work. Joined Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Social Security employees, seniors, and members of the disability community to speak out about the importance of Social Security and show we won’t stop fighting to protect it.
Defend the VA Rally
Veterans have earned the right to the best care our nation can offer. VA cuts are risking the quality of services they receive. That’s why I joined many veterans and community members to stand up for VA employees and defend the VA. Earlier this month, I joined VA Secretary Doug Collins during a visit to the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, and I will continue emphasizing to him the importance of ensuring veterans can access the best care possible.
Ann Arbor Vietnam Veterans Day Event
Attended the Ann Arbor Vietnam Veterans Day event, where Vietnam veterans were recognized and pinned in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. A heartfelt thank you to all Vietnam veterans for your service to our country.
Take Back the Night at UM
For too long, women have been discouraged from coming forward when they are assaulted, either explicitly told by those around them not to report, or because a culture exists where women are not believed or supported. I spoke at the University of Michigan Take Back the Night rally to speak out against all forms of sexual violence in our community. We must be proactive and vigilant to ensure each student’s safety and well-being.
Western Wayne NAACP Women in Labor Luncheon
Joined the Western Wayne NAACP Women in Labor Luncheon to celebrate women’s impact on the labor movement and fight for workers’ rights.
Hash Bash
Marijuana laws across the country are changing, and I hear all the differing perspectives people have regarding its legalization. I have spoken at Hash Bash for the last few years on the need to modernize federal law and seriously reexamine federal policies, especially regarding safe banking, medical research, and decriminalization.
Detroit River Riverkeeper Dinner
Joined the Friends of the Detroit River Riverkeeper Dinner to support their work protecting, preserving, and restoring the Detroit River watershed. The mission is very important, and an important resource for me. We must never stop fighting to protect our water.
Food Gatherers' State of Our Plate
Joined Food Gatherers’ State of Our Plate to discuss the important work Food Gatherers does to address food insecurity in our community. At its core, this effort is about taking care of our friends and neighbors in need. It’s about community-building. Combating hunger is something that matters to all of us, and it is still far too big a problem here in Michigan. I will continue to do everything I can to support food gatherers and the fight to protect the programs people depend on.
CCAT Global Symposium
Spoke at the CCAT Global Symposium with former USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretaries for Research and Technology Dr. Robert Hampshire and Diana Furchgott-Roth on the future of transportation research funding and fostering innovation. Our country has the opportunity to herald a new era of mobility, and it is critical to sustain our role as a global leader in auto innovation and manufacturing, and Michigan should be the national leader in this space.
FoolMoon and FestiFools in Ann Arbor
A light-filled night of foolish fun filled with music, illuminated sculptures, a street party, and more. Always a good time at FoolMoon in Ann Arbor. Sunday was followed by the Festifools parade, where streets were filled with creative papier-mache puppets. Rituals and traditions matter.
Kiwanis Club's Annual Pancake Breakfast
Joined the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser in Ypsilanti. All you can eat pancakes to raise money for children’s programs like children’s hospitals, local Little League, awards for high schoolers, dictionaries for 3rd graders, and more. I try never to miss it.
Fisher House Michigan's Songs of Service
Attended the Fisher House Michigan’s Songs of Service where they integrated music and Veteran stories and raised funds to support the two Fisher Houses in Michigan. For those who don’t know, a Fisher House is a home located at a major military or VA medical center where military or veterans’ families can stay free of cost while their loved one is being treated. The keynote address was given by Doug Bradley, an author, educator, and Vietnam veteran.
Trenton Firefighters Annual Pancake Breakfast
Trenton Firefighters Annual Easter Bunny Pancake Breakfast is a must-attend. The money raised benefits the Trenton Firefighter Charities for the entire year. I never miss it.
EMU Digital Divas
An important event I do each year at Eastern Michigan University is Digital Divas. This is a series of programs founded at Eastern Michigan University in 2010 to encourage girls to explore areas in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). This event helps young women explore what a difference they can make in the science and technology fields.
We need smart young women like these students stepping up to help innovate, discover, and solve many challenges we are facing. We must continue working to foster environments where young women have the opportunity to thrive in STEM.
In the News
CNN The Arena
Joined Kasie Hunt on CNN’s The Arena to discuss Governor Whitmer’s visit to the Oval Office, the threat to our freedom of speech, tariffs, and more.
Joined CNN’s Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer to discuss tariffs and the auto industry, Senator Cory Booker’s historic floor speech, and Republicans’ attempt to block proxy voting for new parents.
As you know, I have monitored grocery prices since becoming a Congresswoman and am tracking the cost of milk, eggs, and Diet Coke. This week, Diet Coke remained $6.99 or three for $15, and Milk for $2.89. Eggs a dozen were $7.99.
USPS Hiring
Both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Post Offices are hiring, and interested parties can apply online at www.usps.com/careers.
