Dingell, Debbie RSS Articles

Dingell Secures Federal Grant for Ypsilanti-based Manufacturer following Administration’s Attempts to Revoke Critical Funding

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement on her successful efforts securing $31.7 million in federal grant funding for the Ypsilanti-based manufacturer LuxWall after the Trump Administration sought to revoke the funding:

“When I heard this administration was trying to revoke federal funding for Michigan manufacturing, I knew I had to act. Working with LuxWall, we were able to get their $31.7 million federal grant reinstated. This a big win for Michigan manufacturing and workers. Investments in our local economies are critical, and LuxWall would not have been able to expand their operations in Detroit and Ypsilanti without these federal dollars. I will keep fighting for federal investments that support Michigan manufacturing,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

LuxWall is a Michigan-based company that manufactures advanced Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) designed to turn windows into energy-efficient, high-performance insulation. The company was awarded a federal grant to expand a clean manufacturing facility producing high-performance glass that reduces energy consumption and lowers costs for consumers. The federal funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but after President Trump returned to office and initiated his “DOGE” efforts, this grant was revoked. LuxWall notified Congresswoman Dingell of their grant termination in October 2025 and appealed the decision with the Department of Energy (DOE). Congresswoman Dingell advocated for the appeal on behalf of LuxWall in an October letter to the DOE, which led to the DOE granting the appeal and reinstating the federal grant.

Dingell, Matsui Press Administration on Threats to Free Speech and Independent Journalism

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) raised concerns about recent guidance changes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that could undermine press freedom and free speech. In a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Congresswomen Dingell and Matsui warned that the new interpretation of federal guidance could create uncertainty for broadcasters, discourage coverage of candidates, and limit the public’s access to important information to make knowledgeable opinions and choices in the democratic process.

“This reinterpretation represents a significant departure from nearly a century of statutory history and decades of bipartisan FCC precedent designed to protect editorial judgment and prevent government interference in speech. This action appears to be part of a broader pattern of public statements and regulatory actions by you that distort the power and purpose of the FCC and raises further concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of its authority to influence lawful speech,”the members said.

“By signaling that a candidate’s broadcast appearance could trigger new political filing obligations and equal time demands, the guidance introduces regulatory uncertainty that could predictably discourage broadcasters from airing lawful, newsworthy content, thereby chilling free speech,” they continued.

Congresswomen Dingell and Matsui are urging the FCC to reverse its guidance and reaffirm its commitment to protecting a free and fair press.

“We urge the FCC to restore clarity and confidence by reversing its guidance and reaffirming that it will not use its authority to intimidate broadcasters or suppress lawful expression. Our democracy depends on a free press that can exercise independent judgment without fear of retaliation from the government,” the members concluded.

Congresswoman Dingell is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees policy matters related to the FCC. Congresswoman Matsui is also a member of the committee and is the Ranking Member of its Communications and Technology Subcommittee

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

This letter is regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent guidance reinterpreting the equal time rule and its implications for free expression and independent journalism.

This reinterpretation represents a significant departure from nearly a century of statutory history and decades of bipartisan FCC precedent designed to protect editorial judgment and prevent government interference in speech. This action appears to be part of a broader pattern of public statements and regulatory actions by you that distort the power and purpose of the FCC and raises further concerns about the Trump Administration’s use of its authority to influence lawful speech.

As you know, the equal time rule originates from Section 18 of the Radio Act of 1927 and requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunities to legally qualified candidates who request airtime. Recognizing that a rigid application of this requirement would undermine effective election coverage, Congress established multiple exemptions in 1959 to preserve the ability of broadcasters to report on newsworthy events and candidates. Among these, the bona fide news interview exemption has long been understood to protect editorial discretion in news and talk programming. The FCC itself reaffirmed in 2006 that the interview portion of late-night programs fall within the bona fide news interview exemption.

The FCC’s recent guidance appears to abandon this longstanding practice. By signaling that a candidate’s broadcast appearance could trigger new political filing obligations and equal time demands, the guidance introduces regulatory uncertainty that could predictably discourage broadcasters from airing lawful, newsworthy content, thereby chilling free speech. When broadcasters alter programming decisions, avoid discussions, or decline interviews out of fear of regulatory scrutiny, the public is deprived of information and perspectives that are essential to our democracy. This outcome is not inconsequential, and thus it is deeply troubling that you would rather use your authority as Chairman of the FCC to suppress speech instead of protecting it.

The FCC was never intended to function as an arbiter of political content or as a mechanism for influencing editorial decisions. Efforts that leverage the value of broadcast licenses to shape or constrain lawful expression undermine First Amendment protections, erode public trust in independent institutions, and threaten democracy.

We urge the FCC to restore clarity and confidence by reversing its guidance and reaffirming that it will not use its authority to intimidate broadcasters or suppress lawful expression. Our democracy depends on a free press that can exercise independent judgment without fear of retaliation from the government.

As the Members of the committee of jurisdiction over the FCC, we appreciate your attention to this matter.

Dingell, DeLauro Urge State Department to Ensure Governments Respect Access to Holy Sites After Clergy Blocked from Church in Israel at Start of Holy Week

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) expressed their concerns over encroachments on religious freedom amid the start of Easter Week. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers urged the State Department to ensure foreign governments, particularly our allies, closely consult with the United States as decisions are made regarding access to holy sites for people of faith during religious holidays.

The effort follows an incident in Jerusalem at the start of Easter Week where Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and a small group of other Catholic clergy were blocked by Israeli Authorities from celebrating the start of Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where according to Christian tradition it is believed that Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This was the first time in centuries that the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church.

“In a moment already marked by tension and conflict, protecting places like this is not just about one faith, but about safeguarding shared symbols of history, humanity, and coexistence for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. They become more important than ever in these times. And should serve as a reminder of the shared values of all faiths,” the lawmakers said in their letter.

The decision to block services drew strong condemnation from many as a violation of religious freedom. Following a public outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the restrictions to permit access for “representatives of the Churches” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the remainder of Holy Week. However, other key holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, remain closed to worshipers.

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

Dear Secretary Rubio,

This letter is regarding the concerning reports that access to holy sites in Jerusalem was restricted by the Israeli government as Holy Week began.

On Palm Sunday, March 29th, 2026, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and a small group of other Catholic clergy were blocked by Israeli Authorities from celebrating the start of Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where according to Christian tradition it is believed Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This was the first time in centuries that the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church. This site holds profound significance not only for Catholics and other Christians—who commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus—but also for Jews and Muslims, for whom Jerusalem is a sacred and shared spiritual center. The decision to block services drew strong condemnation from many as a violation of religious freedom, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni describing it as "an affront not only to believers but to any community that upholds religious freedom".

On March 30th, in response to the many concerns raised, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the restrictions to permit access for “representatives of the Churches” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the remainder of Holy Week. However, other key holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, remain closed to worshipers. While security concerns in Jerusalem are real and must be taken seriously, they should be addressed in ways that uphold—not restrict—religious freedom and dignity.

Pope Francis and now Pope Leo have repeatedly expressed concern about preserving access to holy sites and protecting the rights of worshippers, underscoring the importance of maintaining their historic importance and ensuring that sacred spaces remain open and respected. In a moment already marked by tension and conflict, protecting places like this is not just about one faith, but about safeguarding shared symbols of history, humanity, and coexistence for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. They become more important than ever in these times. And should serve as a reminder of the shared values of all faiths.

We urge the State Department to ensure the Israeli government closely consults with you as these decisions are made and strongly uphold access to these deeply holy sites during sacred moments.

In light of these restrictions on religious freedom, we respectfully request a response to the following questions within the next two weeks:

•Did the Israeli government consult with the United States prior to restricting access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy sites during religious holidays?

•Has the State Department expressed concerns to Israel regarding potential infringements on religious freedom related to these restrictions?

•Is the State Department taking action to ensure that access to holy sites in Jerusalem is preserved for religious observances?

Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt response.

Dingell Announces More Than $20 Million in Health Care Funding for the University of Michigan

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) announced she secured $20,323,488 in federal grant funding for the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor to support a wide range of research initiatives, including aging, nursing, neurological disorders, cancer, and more. The funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and was made possible by Congresswoman Dingell’s advocacy.

“I am proud to have secured this federal funding to bolster the University of Michigan’s leadership in research and innovation.” said Congresswoman Dingell. “These federal grants are a powerful investment in the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to Michigan that secure better treatments and improve patient outcomes.”

Projects receiving funding include:

$3,824,37 for Pharmacology Physiology and Biological Chemistry Research
$2,382,662 for Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolic Research
$2,063,918 for Cancer Research
$4,278,492 for Clinical Research Related to Neurological Disorders
$613,304 for Biological Research Related to Deafness and Communicative Disorders
$42,632 for Allergy Immunology and Transplantation Research
$312,000 for Oral Diseases and Disorders Research
$99,747 for Senior International Fellowship Awards Program
$666,732 for Nursing Research
$1,369,591 for National Center for Sleep Disorders Research
$2,881,291 for Human Genome Research
$1,732,842 for Aging Research
$32,130 for Research for Mothers and Children
$43,588 for Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs

A full list of projects receiving grant funding can be found HERE.

HHS is the largest grant-making agency in the United States. Most HHS grants are provided directly to states, territories, tribes, and educational and community organizations, then distributed to eligible individuals and organizations. For more information on HHS grants, click here.

Dingell, McDonald Rivet Urge Administration to Protect Health Care Access Amid Implementation of Big Ugly Bill

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08) urged the Trump Administration to protect health care access for Medicaid recipients as it begins to implement onerous work requirements included in last year’s GOP tax law, dubbed by some as the “Big Ugly Bill”, which made drastic cuts to federal health care funding in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert. F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz. the lawmakers expressed their concerns that the short timeline for implementation as well as the lack of clarity in the law will likely lead to coverage losses of about 5 million people and decreases in Medicaid enrollment.

“Evidence from the few states that have attempted to implement work requirements demonstrate the policy’s lack of success, including in our home state of Michigan. In 2018, the Governor signed a law implementing work requirements in the state’s Medicaid expansion program. The policy was short-lived, as it was discontinued in 2020 by a federal court ruling. 80,000 individuals were at risk of losing their health care coverage within the first month of implementation, and 100,000 were expected to lose coverage in the first year of implementation,” the lawmakers said.

“49 percent of beneficiaries were already working, and 10 percent were students or homemakers, suggesting that many of those at risk of losing coverage were already meeting the new requirements, but faced coverage loss as a result of the red tape associated with the policy,” the lawmakers continued.

The congresswomen also called out the false narrative that Americans receiving health care through Medicaid are refusing to work. The claims are often parroted by advocates for burdensome work requirements, and they fail to account for barriers to employment and the fact that receiving health care assistance does not help individuals avoid needing a job to pay for other necessities like rent and childcare.

“Imposing work requirements on beneficiaries without offering any additional support also fails to acknowledge structural barriers to employment that may have kept them from seeking employment in the first place, such as childcare and transportation. It is a misrepresentation of reality to say that Americans are “refusing to work”. Work requirements will force vulnerable populations into employment despite not addressing the full range of barriers these communities face to employment, potentially putting them in impossible positions,” the lawmakers said.

Additional lawmakers signing onto the letter include U.S. Representatives Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07).

A copy of the letter can be found HEREand text is below:

We write to express serious concern with the implementation of the Medicaid Work Requirements enacted in H.R.1, the Republican budget bill. In particular, the short timeline for implementation as well as the lack of clarity in the law will likely lead to coverage losses of about 5 million people and decreases in enrollment, as we have seen in other states where work requirements have been implemented, such as Georgia and Arkansas. The budget law directs states to implement a nationwide 80 hour-per-month work requirement mandate for “able bodied, working age” adults across all state Medicaid programs by December 31, 2026. As we will illustrate throughout this letter, work requirements are associated with a significant degree of negative outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries. We strongly encourage you to take these outcomes into consideration prior to implementation, and to provide guidance for states to avoid these outcomes to the extent possible.

Evidence from the few states that have attempted to implement work requirements demonstrate the policy’s lack of success, including in our home state of Michigan. In 2018, the Governor signed a law implementing work requirements in the state’s Medicaid expansion program. The policy was short-lived, as it was discontinued in 2020 by a federal court ruling. 80,000 individuals were at risk of losing their health care coverage within the first month of implementation, and 100,000 were expected to lose coverage in the first year of implementation. 49 percent of beneficiaries were already working, and 10 percent were students or homemakers, suggesting that many of those at risk of losing coverage were already meeting the new requirements, but faced coverage loss as a result of the red tape associated with the policy.

The work requirement provision in the Republican budget law models its policy on Georgia’s program, Pathways to Coverage, which was launched in July of 2023. In Georgia, Pathways to Coverage is a statewide program that expanded Medicaid eligibility to adults aged 19-64 years with low incomes and simultaneously introduced work requirements for newly eligible enrollees–making them the first state to tie expansion to work requirements. They experienced no gains in Medicaid coverage or in employment rates compared with their counterparts in neighboring non-expansion states during the 15 months after Pathways to Coverage. According to data from the state, only 7,500 people in Georgia, as of May, were able to receive Medicaid out of an estimated 345,000 eligible people. When compared with a control state that expanded Medicaid without work requirements, Georgia’s program reduced coverage without increasing employment, suggesting that the red tape associated with work requirements impeded Medicaid enrollment in the state.

In Arkansas, work requirements decreased Medicaid and Marketplace coverage by 13.2 percentage points among adults aged 30-49 years within six months, while there was no change in employment or engagement in community activities. According to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, more than 18,000 adults in Arkansas lost coverage because of Medicaid work requirements, out of an estimated 100,000 people who were subject to them.

Imposing work requirements on beneficiaries without offering any additional support also fails to acknowledge structural barriers to employment that may have kept them from seeking employment in the first place, such as childcare and transportation. It is a misrepresentation of reality to say that Americans are “refusing to work”. Work requirements will force vulnerable populations into employment despite not addressing the full range of barriers these communities face to employment, potentially putting them in impossible positions.

The findings in the study, paired with the extremely short turnover for implementation, raise serious concerns about the implementation of work requirements on the national scale. The findings demonstrate that Georgia did not have the intended results over two years, and that is with a longer implementation plan and less frequent compliance verifications than is permitted under the Republican budget law. The Government Accountability Office reported that Georgia’s work requirements program had spent $54.2 million on administrative costs, more than double what it spent on health care.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the work requirement provisions “raise many operational and implementation questions” on issues such as compliance verification, data matching, exemptions for “medically frail” and “special medical needs,” short-term hardship exemptions, informing individuals of requirements, and noncompliance notices. With HHS not expected to release its implementation guidance until June 2026, states are pressed for time to implement policies that will ultimately require complex systems changes and substantial coordination across sectors in the health care system. Additionally, we urge you to carefully consider the harmful consequences of the new six-month renewal cycle. The shortened timeline is likely to create substantial operational challenges for states and impose significant administrative burdens on beneficiaries, particularly given the very narrow scope of available exemptions, resulting in many eligible individuals losing coverage not because of noncompliance, but because of procedural barriers, paperwork challenges, and other administrative hurdles associated with more frequent renewals.

As you prepare to implement this provision of the budget law, we urge you to take steps to ensure that this will exact the least harm possible on the Americans who rely on Medicaid that are subject to these requirements. We would like to request your responses to the questions below within one month of receipt of this letter.

How will you reduce administrative burden related to reporting work requirements, and ensure that any reporting processes are accessible and easy to navigate for all communities?
What steps will you take to reduce unnecessary coverage loss of beneficiaries because of new requirements?
- How will you ensure beneficiaries receive timely, effective communication and sufficient resources regarding the new six-month renewal cycle to prevent avoidable coverage losses?
Who do you plan to consult with in crafting guidance on which communities/individuals are considered “medically frail” or having “special medical needs”?
- What steps will you take to ensure that these individuals are in fact exempt from the work requirements and are sufficiently protected against coverage losses?
- How will you reduce administrative burden for these communities to prove their status that qualifies for exemption?
- Are you working with or will you work with disabled individuals and their families/caregivers, providers, disability advocacy groups and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that this community is protected?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response and hope you will work closely with us to avoid coverage losses as a result of this implementation.

Dingell, Raskin Press Administration for Answers on DNA Collection Practices After Threatening Canadian National Seeking Lawful Entry into Michigan

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed the Trump Administration for answers following the detaining of a Canadian national and subjecting him to an unnecessary DNA collection under threat of criminal charges carrying one year in prison. The Canadian national, 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist Kevin Larson, was seeking legal entry into Michigan to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. In a letter to the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Representatives Dingell and Raskin are demanding answers as to why Mr. Lawson was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers after expressing his desire to attend a peaceful protest in Michigan. After complying with the DNA collection out of fear for his safety, he was let go, not charged, and not suspected of any illegal activity.

“We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings,” the lawmakers wrote.

“This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist,” they continued.

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

Dear Secretary Mullin, Secretary Rubio, and Attorney General Bondi:

This letter is in response to an extraordinary incident on October 18, 2025, in which a Canadian retiree, Kevin Larson, with no known criminal record and no suspected illegal activity, was required to provide a DNA sample under threat of possible jail time while simply attempting to lawfully cross the Blue Water Bridge into Port Huron, Michigan.

On that date, Mr. Larson, a 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist from Ontario attempted to enter the United States lawfully to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. Instead, he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, apparently denied entry based on the nature of his planned activity, and subjected to fingerprinting, a phone search, and a DNA collection. He was explicitly informed that failure to provide a DNA sample could result in criminal charges carrying up to a year in prison. After complying under this threat, he was returned to Canada. Mr. Larson was not charged with any crime and was not suspected of illegal activity.

You may not have heard, but Canada is our major trading partner, our friend, our neighbor, and one of our strongest allies in defending democratic freedom around the world against fascism and authoritarianism. Canadians and Americans regularly cross the border in both directions to shop, work, and visit family. Episodes like this risk undermining that longstanding relationship and are already contributing to a chilling effect on cross-border travel and engagement. This kind of hostile and arbitrary treatment at the border could further damage one of our most important bilateral relationships already battered by President Trump’s vilification of the Canadian people and threats to annex their country.

The informal Canadian boycott of American commerce, travel, tourism, and goods is already killing a lot of American businesses from Michigan and New York to Nevada and Florida, and this kind of authoritarian treatment of Canadian citizens at the border will only make matters a lot worse.

We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings. This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist.

In light of these extraordinary actions by CBP, we request a response to the following questions by April 10, 2026:

•Why was Mr. Larson denied entry to the United States on October 18, 2025?

•What was the legal authority for requiring Mr. Larson to submit to a DNA test under threat of criminal prosecution?

•How did Mr. Larson’s case meet CBP’s criteria for DNA collection, what is the current governing policy, and how is it being implemented at ports of entry?

•How many individuals have had DNA collected by CBP at ports of entry despite not being charged with or suspected of a crime?

•How has Mr. Larson’s DNA been used, and what are the policies governing its storage, access, and retention by the FBI?

•Has Mr. Larson’s DNA been entered into CODIS, and if so, under what authority?

•If the collection was not consistent with CBP policy or legal requirements, what process exists to remove Mr. Larson’s DNA from federal databases?

Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter, which could trigger major international repercussions, especially before the next No-Kings Day on March 28, and we look forward to your prompt response.

Dingell, Tlaib, Carson Introduce Resolution Recognizing Eid al-Fitr

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and André Carson (D-IN-07) introduced a resolution recognizing Eid al-Fitr, the observance of the conclusion of Ramadan. The Representatives extended their hope for peace and prosperity to Muslim communities celebrating, as well as their hopes for renewed unity and compassion amid this season of reflection.

“As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, this is a time for us all to remember the importance of compassion, justice, and generosity,” Dingell said. “This year, as we mark Eid al-Fitr, I am proud to recognize the contributions of Muslim Americans to every part of our society, and I am praying for peace for those in our community and around the world.”

“As we mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, that comes at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, may we also remember all of the families who have lost loved ones and all those celebrating Eid on top of the rubble of their masjids and homes," said Tlaib. "As we gather together, let us keep showing up for each other, speaking out against injustice, and caring for our communities. May this Eid al-Fitr bring us closer to a future grounded in justice and human dignity for all people.”

“Muslim Americans helped build this country. Muslims Americans have always been and will always be part of the fabric of our country” said Congressman Carson. "Our bill is about recognizing and uplifting these important holidays, but I also hope it sends a clear message to all Muslim Americans: you belong, and our community values you. As millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, this bill is a chance to promote inclusion and tolerance of all people and all religions – the bedrock of our American values.”

View the full text of the resolution here.

Dingell, McGovern Introduce Legislation Supporting Americans Fleeing Other Countries Amid Crises

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jim McGovern (D-MA-02) introduced legislation to protect American citizens evacuating foreign countries during a crisis. The Leave No Americans Behind Act would end the practice of charging fees from Americans evacuating foreign countries in times of crisis.

“We have a responsibility to get Americans out of harm’s way, no questions asked, and no strings attached,” said Dingell. “These fees place a real financial burden on people during an already traumatic time, while providing only a marginal amount of revenue. The government shouldn’t be charging fees to Americans in distress during a crisis outside of their control.”

“Our government’s top job ought to be ensuring the safety of the American people at home and abroad,”said McGovern. “It’s outrageous and unacceptable that the evacuation of Americans during a crisis comes with strings attached. I’m proud to partner with Representative Dingell to make sure that Americans in danger can focus on getting to safety—not on whether they can afford to pay for an unexpected and unplanned emergency evacuation.”

Current State Department policy requires American citizens who are being evacuated from a foreign country to sign a promissory note obligating them to repay to the US government the equivalent price of a commercial flight from the area from which they are being evacuated. These evacuation fees typically cost hundreds of dollars, and the federal government will put a hold on an evacuee’s passport until this amount is repaid.

Dingell and McGovern first introduced the Leave No Americans Behind Act in 2018. Concerns about this practice resurface every time there is a major evacuation of U.S. citizens from a foreign country, like we are currently seeing across the Middle East. These fees provide a minimal amount of revenue to the federal government in a typical year, with less than $1 million collected from FY2015 – FY2018.

View the full text of the bill here.

Dingell Delivers State of the District in Ann Arbor

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today delivered her annual State of the District Address to the A2Y Regional Chamber.

In her remarks, Rep. Dingell provided updates on legislative successes from the previous year and addressed current issues including religious hate, ICE, the state of healthcare, the situation in Iran, and provided an update on the Gelman Plume.

Key excerpts as prepared

On Religious Hate:

“I am grateful no students or staff were injured in yesterday’s attack on Temple Israel synagogue. Houses of worship are meant to be sacred places. Places where people go for prayer, reflection, and clarity. Yet yesterday’s horrible attack reminds us once again that antisemitism and hatred are real threats. This kind of hate is unacceptable and happening too much.”

“We have to stand up to hate whenever and whenever we see it. Period. Parents are afraid to send their children to school again, or gatherings. Faith communities are feeling very vulnerable and also question ‘can this happen to us?’”

“We cannot normalize violence. We’ve got to stand together right now. People of all faiths and backgrounds need to say that violence and hatred cannot divide us. We stand united in supporting our Jewish neighbors, we’re united in condemning antisemitism, and we need to be united in condemning all forms of religious hate.”

On the Gelman Plume:

“Yesterday, the EPA announced it was adding the contaminated Gelman Sciences site to the Superfund National Priorities List. This marks a major milestone for the community and everyone who worked for years to hold Gelman accountable and ensure this contamination receives the resources it needs to support clean up.”

“This was only made possible due to the years of persistence of this community, but our work is not over. We must continue working with the EPA, state and local partners to ensure this cleanup is transparent and drinking water is safe. Our community deserves nothing less.”

“Many people across our region also care deeply about the rising cost of living, particularly housing. In communities like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the demand for housing has increased faster than new homes are being built. As a result, the cost to rent or buy a home has risen dramatically.”

On Iran:

“President Trump’s unilateral decision to strike Iran should concern us all. The American people have lived through decades of war in the Middle East, and there is deep concern about being pulled once again into an conflict with no clear strategy or defined end that puts American servicemembers in harms’ way. We’re all mourning the lives of the servicemembers who have already died in this rush to war.”

“There is no question that the Iranian regime was brutal. It slaughtered its own people, massacred thousands, and posed a serious threat to regional security, especially in its quest to secure dangerous weapons.”

“However, acknowledging the evil of a regime does not relieve us of the responsibility to ask hard questions about what comes next. Will American troops be deployed? What’s our exit strategy? What will this mean for American servicemembers and their families? What are our NATO partners and regional allies saying?”

“America must always defend its national security interests and protect its personnel. And the Constitution is clear—only Congress has the responsibility to decide whether we take this country to war, and that responsibility cannot be sidelined. That’s why I voted in support of a War Powers Resolution to curb the President’s use of military force in Iran without congressional authorization. The resolution failed, but we will continue to push for congressional oversight.”

On ICE:

“The divisions in this country are raw. I have joined several vigils throughout the district where people came together peacefully to mourn and speak out.”

“Last week, Secretary Kristi Noem was fired. While the decision was long overdue, Americans still want serious reforms that would ensure ICE follows the same rules as other law enforcement agencies, like no masks, judicial warrants, mandatory body cameras, no more deporting and arresting American citizens, and no more targeting children in schools, hospitals, or places of worship.”

“Unfortunately, my colleagues across the aisle have not presented any meaningful reforms to ICE. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down, along with TSA and FEMA.”

“Funding for TSA and FEMA is deeply important, especially following the severe storms Michigan experienced last weekend. But ICE’s actions must be addressed as immigration enforcement expands across Southeast Michigan.”

“Last month, ICE confirmed it purchased a warehouse in Romulus with plans to convert it into a detention center. The Romulus City Council has passed a resolution opposing the project, and officials across all levels of government are exploring options to try to stop it.”

On Healthcare:

“I’ve heard from hundreds of people who can’t afford their health insurance anymore and have decided to go without. When people lose coverage, they don’t stop getting sick. They simply end up in emergency rooms without insurance. This places enormous strain on hospitals and the healthcare system. In fact, at least four Michigan hospitals are at risk of closure, and others have already been forced to reduce services.”

“And it’s not just Medicaid beneficiaries and those on the exchange who will be impacted – premiums, copays, and deductibles for employer-sponsored insurance will rise too. “

“Despite these challenges, I’m proud to have passed several bipartisan healthcare bills this Congress. These include the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act to accelerate treatments for children battling rare diseases, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act to reduce burnout and suicide among health care professionals.”

“We also passed my Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the organ transplant system, and the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act to strengthen oversight of bone graft and tissue companies after the tragic death of a Michigander due to contaminated tissue.”

“These bills are great examples of what’s possible when we work across the aisle to focus on the issues that matter. I hope to see them get through the Senate to the president’s desk this year."

Watch Rep. Dingell’s full remarks here.

Dingell Statement on Listing of Gelman Sciences Inc. Site to the EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to add the Gelman Sciences Inc. site in Washtenaw County to the Superfund National Priorities List.

“Today’s decision to place the Gelman Sciences Inc. site on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List marks a major milestone for the Ann Arbor community and for everyone who has worked for years to hold Gelman Sciences accountable and ensure this contamination receives the resources it deserves.

“For six decades, residents, local officials, and advocates have raised concerns about the spread of the 1,4-dioxane plume and the long-term risks it poses to drinking water, public health, and the environment. Listing the Gelman site on the NPL will help bring additional federal tools, authorities, oversight, and resources to support a cleanup and long-term strategy to protect public health.

“I want to thank EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel for recognizing the urgency of this issue, and for working closely with my office and the community to confirm this designation. This step reflects years of persistence from people who refused to let this problem be ignored.

“While this designation is an important step forward, our work is far from finished. I will continue working with the EPA, state and local partners, and the community to ensure the cleanup is transparent, drinking water is safe, and public health is protected. The people of Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities deserve certainty that their health, water, and environment are protected.”

Gelman Sciences operated as a medical filter manufacturer from 1966 until 1986 near Ann Arbor, Michigan. The facility’s unregulated waste handling created a plume of the industrial solvent 1,4-dioxane, which has spread and contaminated groundwater in Ann Arbor and Scio Townships. Surrounding communities have lived with the impacts of 1,4-dioxane contamination near the Gelman Sciences, which was first detected in 1985.

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 NPL. In 2024, the EPA proposed adding Gelman Sciences to the NPL. The posting on March 12, 2026, to the Federal Register formally added the site to the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List.

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