Dingell, Debbie RSS Articles

Dingell Statement on EPA Agreement with Gelman Sciences to Address Contaminated Aquifer in Ann Arbor

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s legal agreement with Gelman Sciences LLC to address 1,4-dioxane contamination in Scio Township and the City of Ann Arbor and establish the responsibilities for long-term remedial planning and near-term response actions.

"This agreement between the EPA and Gelman Sciences is a major step forward in addressing the decades-long contamination of our community's drinking water and environment. After six decades of advocacy from residents, local officials, and community leaders, we are seeing meaningful action to advance the cleanup of the Gelman site. This agreement establishes responsibilities for critical cleanup work, strengthens federal oversight, and moves us closer to the long-term restoration of the groundwater.

"Washtenaw County has lived with the impacts of 1,4-dioxane contamination for far too long. This will help accelerate the investigation and cleanup of the contamination, reduce the spread of the groundwater plume, and provide the community with additional resources to better understand the work ahead. This progress reflects the persistence of a community that has never stopped fighting for safe drinking water and accountability.

"I want to thank the EPA for their continued work and attention to this issue and for taking action to move this forward. I have spent years working with residents, federal, state, and local officials to ensure the Gelman plume receives the oversight and resources it deserves, and I will continue that work until the job is done. I will continue working with the EPA, state and local partners, and the community to ensure this cleanup is transparent, Gelman Sciences is held accountable, and residents have safe drinking water. Our communities deserve nothing less."

The agreement, known as an administrative settlement agreement and order on consent, requires Gelman Sciences to:

Conduct a remedial investigation and feasibility study which will determine the nature and extent of the contamination and evaluate potential cleanup approaches.

Excavate soils contaminated with 1,4-dioxane from the former burn pit area on Gelman’s property.

Increase the groundwater extraction and treatment rates in the eastern groundwater plume to reduce the spread of groundwater contamination.

Install additional groundwater monitoring wells to further define the easternmost extent of 1,4-dioxane groundwater contamination.

Provide grant funding for community groups to hire an independent technical advisor to help interpret and explain technical reports, site conditions, and the EPA’s proposed actions.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has long advocated for the Gelman dioxane plume to be designated as a Superfund site. For years, she has worked with federal, state, and local officials to push for stronger oversight, accountability, and resources to protect drinking water and public health. In 2023, Dingell announced the plume had been deemed eligible by the EPA for inclusion on the National Priorities List (NPL). In 2024, the EPA proposed adding Gelman Sciences to the NPL. On March 12, 2026, the EPA formally added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List, marking a major milestone in Dingell’s longstanding effort to secure federal oversight and resources for the cleanup. Today’s agreement builds on that progress, establishing a path forward for critical response actions and long-term remediation.

Dingell Presses United Airlines CEO After Continued Mishandling of Sexual Harassment on Flights

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) is calling for answers from United Airlines regarding reports of another incident of sexual harassment involving a woman seated next to a man who allegedly performed a lewd sexual act beside her. Reports indicate that no flight crew members assisted the woman, forcing her to climb over the alleged assailant’s seat to seek help.

The staff eventually moved the woman to another seat but did not alert authorities about the sexual act. In its response, United confirmed that it is opening an investigation but is not required to report passenger sexual misconduct to police or a federal agency.

“This second incident raises serious questions about United’s sexual misconduct protocol and its commitment to passenger safety, specifically the safety of women,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “United’s claim in its written response that they are working to strengthen its policies and training protocols is not enough. It is past time for United to have ‘conversations in their leadership meetings,’ as a customer service supervisor told the San Diego passenger. We need action, and we need it now.”

The Congresswoman continued, “Incidents like these are not exclusive to United, and sexual misconduct is a broader issue across the airline industry that demands attention and accountability. That is why I will be introducing legislation to strengthen passenger protections and ensure airlines take appropriate action in response to sexual misconduct. Addressing this kind of behavior is essential to ensuring that women can travel with safety and dignity. Airlines must do better.”

Last month, Congresswoman Dingell led a letter with the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) demanding answers about a similar alleged assault that took place on another United Airlines flight. The airline responded in a letter stating that the company is looking into the matter. Congresswoman Dingell announced she is drafting new legislation to strengthen passenger protections and ensure airlines take appropriate action in response to sexual misconduct.

A copy of the follow-up letter to United Airlines can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Mr. Kirby and Ms. Fariello:

This letter is regarding the second reported incident in less than a month involving a United Airlines passenger subjected to a passenger’s lewd behavior and an inadequate response from the airline. On a recent United flight from San Diego to Newark, a woman reported the misconduct to the flight crew and had to ask multiple times to change seats. Afterward, she was not given any guidance about reporting the incident until she contacted United herself days later. This follows reports from last month about a nearly identical incident, which I addressed in a letter to United alongside the Democratic Women’s Caucus on October 6, 2026. In its October 16, 2026, response, United provided an insufficient explanation, largely deferring responsibility for the incident to their regional partner, Republic Airways, who operated the flight, despite their own admission that Republic is under United’s operational control.

This second incident raises serious questions about United’s sexual misconduct protocol and its commitment to passenger safety, specifically the safety of women. United’s claim in its written response that they are working to strengthen its policies and training protocols is not enough. It is past time for United to have “conversations in their leadership meetings,” as a customer service supervisor told the San Diego passenger. We need action, and we need it now.

Incidents like these are not exclusive to United, and sexual misconduct is a broader issue across the airline industry that demands attention and accountability. That is why I will be introducing legislation to strengthen passenger protections and ensure airlines take appropriate action in response to sexual misconduct. Addressing this kind of behavior is essential to ensuring that women can travel with safety and dignity. Airlines must do better.

Please provide a written response by Friday October 30, 2026, detailing the concrete steps United will take to improve flight crews’ response to sexual misconduct incidents, including how they can more meaningfully support passengers who report inappropriate behavior.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Dingell, Colleagues Express Concerns to CMS Regarding Complex Rehabilitation Technology Coverage

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and colleagues expressed concerns about significant gaps in Medicare’s coverage and reimbursement framework for complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) — including customized power wheelchair systems — for beneficiaries living with serious physical and functional disabilities.

“Under current rules governing Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) benefit for CRT equipment, a component part must have already failed or malfunctioned before Medicare will cover any servicing of the equipment — meaning that routine, scheduled maintenance designed to prevent failure is categorically excluded from reimbursement. This framework is counterproductive in two respects. First, it drives avoidable equipment failures: problems that could be identified and corrected through routine maintenance instead go unaddressed until they become acute. Second, it undermines beneficiaries’ ability to plan,” said the lawmakers.

The lawmakers continued: “A second, related problem concerns the fact that Medicare’s coverage of repairs to customized power CRT equipment is conditioned on the beneficiary having a valid prescription on file dated within the prior twelve months. For beneficiaries who depend on power wheelchairs and similar equipment, this requirement creates an unnecessary and potentially harmful administrative obstacle.”

In a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, the lawmakers highlighted CMS’s responsibility to the tens of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries each year who depend on complex rehabilitation technology to maintain their mobility and independence. The lawmakers encouraged prioritizing these reforms and maintaining an open discussion between offices.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Administrator Oz:

We write to raise concerns about significant gaps in Medicare’s coverage and reimbursement framework for complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) — including customized power wheelchair systems — for beneficiaries living with serious physical and functional disabilities. Two issues in particular warrant the agency’s attention: an outdated prescription renewal requirement that creates unnecessary administrative barriers to equipment repairs, and the absence of coverage for preventative maintenance on life-sustaining equipment. We urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to address both through regulatory action.

Lack of Coverage for Preventative Maintenance

Under current rules governing Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) benefit for CRT equipment, a component part must have already failed or malfunctioned before Medicare will cover any servicing of the equipment — meaning that routine, scheduled maintenance designed to prevent failure is categorically excluded from reimbursement. This framework is counterproductive in two respects. First, it drives avoidable equipment failures: problems that could be identified and corrected through routine maintenance instead go unaddressed until they become acute. Second, it undermines beneficiaries’ ability to plan.

Scheduled maintenance is predictable and can be arranged around a beneficiary’s care needs and daily life. Waiting for damage to occur makes servicing logistically unpredictable for individuals who rely on this equipment for mobility and independence.

CMS has the regulatory authority to modernize this framework, and we urge the agency to provide flexibility to allow for coverage of preventative maintenance on CRT systems. Doing so would reduce equipment failures and improve quality of life for beneficiaries.

Prescription Renewal Requirement for CRT Repairs

A second, related problem concerns the fact that Medicare’s coverage of repairs to customized power CRT equipment is conditioned on the beneficiary having a valid prescription on file dated within the prior twelve months. For beneficiaries who depend on power wheelchairs and similar equipment, this requirement creates an unnecessary and potentially harmful administrative obstacle.

By their nature, Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for customized power CRT equipment have severe, permanent medical conditions — such as spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy — for which the need for the equipment will not change over time. Requiring a prescription renewal as a precondition for repair coverage adds little clinical value for this population, and yet it can delay access to critical service when a component fails. Such delays carry real consequences for beneficiary health, function, and independence.

Importantly, the Social Security Act does not expressly mandate a twelve-month prescription renewal as a condition of repair coverage eligibility. We believe that CMS has regulatory authority to waive or modify this requirement. We urge the agency to do so without delay.

Conclusion

Each year, tens of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries depend on CRT systems and equipment to maintain their mobility and independence. Removing the prescription renewal barrier and providing coverage for preventative maintenance of CR equipment are targeted, achievable steps that would meaningfully improve care for this vulnerable population. We encourage CMS to prioritize both reforms and welcome the opportunity to discuss them further.

Please feel free to contact our offices with any questions. Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Dingell Introduces National Foster Care Improvement Legislation in Honor of Samier Amer

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced the Samier Amer Foster Care Improvement Act, legislation that would require state foster care programs to ensure children are prioritized for placement with their relatives and put additional requirements in place for a fairer decision-making process when an agency places a child.

“The well-being and safety of children must be a top priority across the board, but especially when a child in foster care is being matched with a family,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Whenever possible, we must keep families together and ensure children are placed into a safe and nurturing environment with relatives they know and love. Michigan now has the laws that make this possible, but only after the Amer family lost their children to the state’s foster care system. This bill would ensure the federal government follows Michigan’s example so future children or families don’t have to go through this painful experience.”

The Samier Amer Foster Care Improvement Act would require that states provide notice of decision to the child’s parents, relatives, or other legal guardian within 90 days of a placement decision. Additionally, the legislation would require states to establish procedures that would allow any of the parties who receive notice of the placement decision to request, within five days after receipt of the notice, documentation of the reasons for the state’s decision. It would also allow the child’s attorney to petition the court to review the decision and require that the court commence a review within seven days after receipt of the petition.

In 1985, Rehab and Ahmed Amer lost two of their children to Michigan’s foster care system after the accidental death of their son, Samier. Although cleared of any wrongdoing, the State refused to return the Amers’ children to their custody or allow a relative to care for the children. When Rehab’s brother petitioned to be a foster parent to the Amers’ children, he was denied even though he had previously served as a foster parent for other children. Since then, the Amer family has advocated tirelessly for improving foster care policies for all children.

Bill text can be found HERE.

Dingell Receives Response from EGLE Regarding Los Alamos, Prompts Further Questions for EPA

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is continuing to demand greater transparency on behalf of her constituents in Ypsilanti Township as it relates to the proposed University of Michigan (U-M) Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) research computing center at the Textile Road site.

Congresswoman Dingell recently sent a letter to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Environmental Protection Agency requesting a formal review of the environmental status of the Textile Road Site. As promised, she is releasing EGLE’s response to her September 2026 inquiry. The congresswoman is still awaiting a response from the EPA to her inquiry.

The response from EGLE prompted additional questions for the EPA from Congresswoman Dingell. In her latest letter to the EPA, the congresswoman is requesting additional information regarding the environmental status of the Textile Road Site, as well as the final Work Plan document for the site.

In September 2026, Congresswoman Dingell expressed opposition to the proposed Los Alamos research computing center at the Textile Road site in Ypsilanti Township. This month, Congresswoman Dingell announced she is drafting a federal data center “Bill of Rights” and is seeking input on a proposed framework to ensure communities have a meaningful voice in decisions surrounding large-scale data center projects. Last week, she released the latest response from U-M to her most recent inquiry.

A copy of the response from EGLE can be found HERE.

A copy of the new letter to the EPA can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

This letter is to request additional information regarding the environmental status of the Textile Road Site in Ypsilanti Township, which is a follow-up to my September 16, 2026 request to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). As you know, this site has been selected for the proposed University of Michigan-Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) research computing center.

EGLE responded to my request for information on October 13, 2026. Their answers to my September 16, 2026 request prompt additional questions and requests as I seek to gain a full and clear understanding of the Textile Road Site’s environmental history and the potential implications of UM-LANL’s proposed research computing center.

EGLE’s response is attached and raises more questions for you. They are:

1. Are the responsible parties for this site, as determined by the EPA’s Administrative Order of Consent (Docket No. V-2-99-C-562), responsible for additional environmental testing, monitoring, remediation, or response?

2. Are groundwater monitoring requirements complete or are there continued requirements in accordance with the Administrative Order of Consent for this site?

3. Does the analytical data in the September 2003 Notice of Migration of Contamination depict the complete monitoring network?

4. Was the final Restrictive Covenant finalized and recorded with the Register of Deeds? If so, please provide this documentation.

Additionally, I request the final Work Plan document for the Textile Road Site.

The Ypsilanti Township community deserves a full environmental history of this site. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your response to these questions and requests, as well as to my September 16, 2026 request.

Dingell, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Honoring Doris Miller and Prohibiting Renaming of Naval Vessels After Sitting Presidents

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), and Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) introduced the U.S.S. Doris Miller Act and the Department of Defense Renaming Integrity and Ethics (DORIE) Act. These two pieces of legislation would honor the legacy of Mess Attendant Third Class Doris “Dorie” Miller and ensure that the Navy aircraft carrier currently under construction retains his name.

The U.S.S. Doris Miller Act would express the sense of Congress regarding the naming of a naval aircraft carrier in Miller’s honor. Miller famously manned an anti-aircraft gun during the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II, despite having never been trained to operate the weapon, and helped carry wounded soldiers to safety even after being ordered to abandon ship. He was the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second-highest award for valor.

The Department of Defense Renaming Integrity and Ethics (DORIE) Act would prohibit the naming of Department of Defense assets, including military bases, ships, and other military installations, after sitting presidents. The DORIE Act would amend Title 10 of the United States Code, which is the section of federal law that outlines the legal framework, roles, missions, and organization of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Defense. This comes after an unprecedented proposal by Navy leadership to rename the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Doris Miller in honor of President Donald Trump.

“Doris Miller represented courage, sacrifice, and the essential role African Americans have played in defending this country,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Naming this carrier after him is more than honoring one extraordinary sailor—it recognizes that African Americans are an essential part of American history. No sitting president has ever been able to, nor should they be able to, name a vessel after themselves. I am proud to support the U.S.S. Doris Miller Act to ensure American heroes are honored for their sacrifice.”

“Black history is American history, and you cannot tell the story of the Second World War without the story of Doris (Dorie) Miller,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “Doris Miller’s life was one of extraordinary bravery and patriotism, and I will continue to fight against any and all efforts to minimize or denigrate that history. The aircraft carrier that was scheduled to be named in his honor represents a fitting tribute to the estimable legacy of Dorie Miller. It is the very least that we owe to this great American hero who like so many before him, laid down his life for his country. Taking his name off that ship to instead name it for President Trump while he is still in office would be a disgrace. That has never been the practice of our government, nor should it be now. No sitting President, of any party, should have a ship, a base, or any other military asset named after them while in office. That is just one of the many reasons why I am proud and honored to support the DORIE Act. It's the right thing to do.”

“Doris Miller put himself in harm’s way to save his fellow sailors, and he did it at a time when segregation limited what Black servicemembers were allowed to do. His courage deserves to be celebrated, not forgotten,” said Congressman Bell. “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue working to ensure our sailors are honored for their service, and that their legacy is never erased. Our warships should carry the names of those who gave something to this country, and few gave more than Dorie Miller. That’s why I’m proud to champion these bills.”

Bill text for the DORIE Act can be found HERE.

Bill text for the U.S.S. Doris Miller Act can be found HERE.

Dingell, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Delay 340B Rebate Model, Protect Access to Affordable Medicine

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA-08), Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), and Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) introduced the 340B Rebate Model Delay Act, bipartisan legislation to delay implementation of the federal government’s 340B rebate model, citing concerns that the new system could create significant financial and administrative risks for healthcare providers and patients.

“Families in Michigan are already struggling to pay for healthcare,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Safety-net providers are not in the financial position to front this money, especially in light of Medicaid cuts, and will either have to hike up prices for patients or stop offering lifesaving drugs. This bill would delay the implementation of this rebate model so we can ensure people’s lives are not put at risk.”

Under the rebate model, participating providers would pay the full price of certain prescription drugs upfront and receive the 340B discount later through rebates. This could create cash-flow pressures, increase administrative burdens, and make it more difficult for community health centers, hospitals, and other safety-net providers to maintain access to affordable medications.

“Patients and providers should not have to bear the risks of an untested change to a program that helps deliver affordable medicines to communities across the country,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “Congress needs more time to evaluate the potential financial and administrative consequences of the rebate model and ensure that any changes to 340B protect patients and the providers who serve them.”

“Rural hospitals and health care providers across the Big First District rely on the 340B program to stretch limited resources and continue providing quality care close to home,” said Congressman Mann. “The new rebate model would force these providers to pay higher upfront costs and wait to be reimbursed, putting unnecessary financial strain on facilities that already operate on tight margins. This legislation provides certainty for our rural health care providers by stopping the rebate model through 2028 and protecting their ability to serve patients in rural communities.”

“Safety-net hospitals and community health centers are lifelines for low-income families, seniors, and people without health insurance,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. “Our bipartisan bill stops a new requirement forcing these providers to pay full price for prescription drugs and then wait for rebates. Their limited resources should go toward caring for patients, not waiting for drug companies to pay them back. We should be making it easier for people to get the medicine they need, not putting more financial strain on the hospitals and clinics they depend on.”

The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows eligible healthcare providers serving underserved communities to purchase covered outpatient drugs at discounted prices and stretch limited resources to provide care.

Bill text can be found HERE.

Dingell Releases Latest Response from U-M Regarding Los Alamos

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is continuing to demand greater transparency on behalf of her constituents in Ypsilanti Township as it relates to the proposed University of Michigan (U-M) Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) research computing center at the Textile Road site.

Congresswoman Dingell sent a follow-up letter to U-M requesting a full public disclosure of the underlying agreement and details regarding federal resources between U-M and LANL. While she is still requesting a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this response confirms no federal dollars have been committed to this project. As promised, she is releasing the latest response to her September 2026 inquiry.

In September 2026, Congresswoman Dingell expressed opposition to the proposed Los Alamos research computing center at the Textile Road site in Ypsilanti Township. The congresswoman also requested the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a formal review of the environmental status of the Textile Road site in Ypsilanti Township. This month, Congresswoman Dingell announced she is drafting a federal data center “Bill of Rights” and is seeking input on a proposed framework to ensure communities have a meaningful voice in decisions surrounding large-scale data center projects.

A copy of the responses can be found HERE.

Dingell, Colleagues Express Concern Over Workplace Safety at Pontiac USPS Facility

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) are expressing concerns about workplace safety at the United States Postal Service (USPS) Michigan Metroplex P&DC in Pontiac, Michigan and across other Southeast Michigan USPS Facilities. Since May 2026, employees have raised safety concerns and offered solutions to management, but to date employees report that nothing has been done to rectify the situation.

“On September 1, 2026, a non-maintenance supervisor at the facility used a maintenance bypass code, which is supposed to be known and handled by mechanics only, to start a bundle sorting machine that was placed in maintenance mode and shut down for repairs. However, a maintenance employee was inside the machine when the non-maintenance supervisor attempted to start it, which could have resulted in major injury or death. Fortunately, the machine was shut down before it could activate,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued: “According to employees at the facility, staff have been raising this safety concern since May 2026, indicating reoccurring negligence of this issue. Employees have brought both complaints and solutions before management, although nothing has been done to rectify the situation. It is concerning that requests for proper safety protocol have been largely neglected, especially after the death of Mr. Nicholas Acker, who was found in a similar mail handling machine at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park, Michigan. This is unacceptable, and employees should have the confidence that they are protected on the job. USPS has the responsibility to enforce proper safety protocols and standards.”

In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, the lawmakers noted that the USPS has a responsibility to ensure that employees are safe and protected on the job.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

This letter is regarding workplace safety concerns at the United States Postal Service (USPS) Michigan Metroplex P&DC in Pontiac, Michigan. We are concerned by the reports of unsafe practices at this facility and across Southeast Michigan.

On September 1, 2026, a non-maintenance supervisor at the facility used a maintenance bypass code, which is supposed to be known and handled by mechanics only, to start a bundle sorting machine that was placed in maintenance mode and shut down for repairs. However, a maintenance employee was inside the machine when the non-maintenance supervisor attempted to start it, which could have resulted in major injury or death. Fortunately, the machine was shut down before it could activate.

According to employees at the facility, staff have been raising this safety concern since May 2026, indicating reoccurring negligence of this issue. Employees have brought both complaints and solutions before management, although nothing has been done to rectify the situation. It is concerning that requests for proper safety protocol have been largely neglected, especially after the death of Mr. Nicholas Acker, who was found in a similar mail handling machine at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park, Michigan. This is unacceptable, and employees should have the confidence that they are protected on the job. USPS has the responsibility to enforce proper safety protocols and standards.

Given the USPS’s role in ensuring worker safety, we request clarification on this matter and written responses to the following questions:

1. Was USPS aware that a non-maintenance supervisor had knowledge of and used a maintenance bypass code on multiple occasions, which could have led to serious, life-threatening consequences?

2. What steps will USPS take to ensure that only qualified employees have access to the maintenance code?

3. Have any disciplinary actions been taken, and if not, what correctional actions will USPS pursue?

4. How often are program evaluations, service talks, safety observations, and inspections conducted at this facility, as described in the Employee and Labor Relations Manual, and how will USPS adapt the safety training and protocols to address this problem at the facility?

5. What are the appropriate procedures for employees to communicate complaints or concerns with the appropriate staff when a supervisor is involved in an unsafe practice?

6. What future actions will USPS put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur?

Ensuring worker safety remains our top priority. Thank you, and we look forward to your full and prompt response.

Dingell, Hayes Introduce Bill to Hold Schools Accountable for Mishandling Reports of Sexual Assault

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05) introduced the Title IX Take Responsibility Act, legislation that would hold schools accountable for mishandling reports of sexual assault and provide survivors a stronger path towards justice.

The legislation amends Title IX, a U.S. federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that bans sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal money. The bill would reform how schools handle sexual assault and harassment by replacing outdated legal loopholes with clear accountability.

"For far too long, outdated legal loopholes have allowed educational institutions to turn a blind eye to reports of sexual assault, leaving survivors without justice or support," said Congresswoman Dingell. "Title IX was enacted to protect students, not to shield institutions from accountability when they fail to keep campuses safe. This bill closes these gaps and ensures that every student has access to a safe learning environment free from abuse."

"One incident of sexual violence is one too many," said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. "I am committed to protecting students, supporting survivors, and ensuring college campuses are safe learning environments for all. The Title IX Take Responsibility Act will put the responsibility on educational institutions for any mishandling of sexual assault reporting and failure to prevent further assaults. This legislation should be considered immediately, and I thank Congresswoman Dingell for partnering on this effort."

Under current Supreme Court precedents, schools can only be held liable if high-level officials had "actual notice" and reacted with "deliberate indifference," creating an incentive for institutions to turn a blind eye. This bill eliminates that defense by holding schools legally responsible if they knew or reasonably should have known about the abuse and failed to take effective action. It also expands access to justice by allowing survivors to hold schools accountable in federal court for monetary damages and legal fees.

The legislation is endorsed by Volare, Ujima, End Rape on Campus, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), Just Solutions, YWCA, and the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA).

“Survivors should not have to sacrifice their education because an institution failed to respond meaningfully to sexual harassment or violence. The Title IX Take Responsibility Act strengthens survivors’ ability to enforce their rights and recognizes that students should be able to access meaningful support without being required to pursue an investigation. Survivors deserve options that protect their safety, well-being, and ability to continue their education,” said Volare CEO Bridgette Stumpf.

“YWCA USA is unwavering in our pursuit of a world where all women and girls can thrive. To meet that mission, it is essential that every student can learn in an environment free from sexual violence. Sadly, we know that violence does occur. The deeply disturbing reports from Cornell University underscore that passing the Title IX Take Responsibility Act is an essential and overdue step that would hold our educational institutions more responsible for protecting students from the start and accessing swift, meaningful pathways to justice and healing,” said Kate Kasper, VP of Public Policy and Advocacy, YWCA USA.

"Schools must take sexual misconduct more seriously. We're abandoning survivors and ignoring the enormous impact of sexual violence on their educational attainment, health, and quality of life. This is unacceptable. The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence applauds Representatives Dingell and Hayes for re-introducing the Title IX Take Responsibility Act. We must have more accountability," said Monika Johnson-Hostler, President & CEO, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

“I’m grateful to Reps. Dingell and Hayes for reintroducing the Title IX Take Responsibility Act. At moment when the Dept of Education is rolling back protections under Title IX and leaving survivors of sexual violence vulnerable, this bill would strengthen protections and where appropriate, hold institutions accountable,” said Lisalyn Jacobs, CEO of Just Solutions.

“Survivors should never have to choose between their safety and their education. The Title IX Take Responsibility Act affirms survivors’ rights to support, to make their own choices about reporting, and to seek justice when their access to education is harmed. It also gives schools clear standards that reflect what effective, survivor-centered response looks like. NOVA strongly supports this bill,” said Claire Ponder Selib, Executive Director, National Organization for Victim Advocacy.

Bill text can be found HERE.

Dingell, Walberg to Host Washtenaw County Veterans Fair

Mon, 13 May 2019 14:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) will co-host a Veterans Resource Fair in Washtenaw County on Monday, May 13 to provide veterans and their family members with access to resources earned through their service to our country. More than 20 veteran employment specialists, Veterans Affairs counselors, and veterans service organizations will participate. Constituents can call Congresswoman Dingell’s office at 313-278-2936 or Congressman Walberg’s office at 517-780-9075 for more information.

Veterans are encouraged to bring a copy of their DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

At the fair, veterans will be able to register for eBenefits, file or check the status of a VA claim, check their healthcare benefits or enrollment, find veteran peer support, find employment services, and connect with financial assistance if needed.

WHAT: Dingell, Walberg to hold Washtenaw County Veterans Resource Fair

WHEN: Monday, May 13 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: VFW Post 423, 3230 S. Wagner Rd. in Ann Arbor

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS:

American Legion

Attorney General - Consumer Protection

Buddy-to-Buddy

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County

Concordia University

Department of Labor Disabled Veterans Outreach

Detroit VARO (Veterans Benefits Administration)

Eisenhower Center

Fischer House Michigan

Great Lakes National Cemetery

Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley

Michigan Works! Washtenaw

National Guard Family Assistance Center

State Senator Jeff Irwin

State Representative Donna Lasinski

State Representative Rebekah Warren

Tags and Tails

Talent Investment Agency, Veterans’ Employment Services

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

VA Loan Guaranty Division

VCAT Region 9 / Community Action Agency

Vietnam Veterans of America

Volunteers of America Michigan

Washtenaw County Veterans Affairs