by Rep. Debbie Dingell

It’s been quite a busy few days as we have witnessed the peaceful and calm transition of government between Administrations. As the Biden Administration ended and the Trump Administration began, there has been a flurry of activity – much of which many are still trying to understand. 

There are many programs we secured funding for and environmental remediation underway we are seeking to protect. Protecting the people of the 6th district, and Michigan remains a top priority. Information on some of these is below.

I attended the Inauguration of President Trump, the luncheon following, as well as the Michigan event. It was important to be there as the theme this year was “our enduring democracy.”  This year’s inauguration was a striking difference from four years ago when violence hit the Capitol on January 6th and we are still dealing with the lingering consequences. I cannot forget those vivid memories of what happened that day in the Nation’s Capitol, the desecration of the Rotunda we sat in, the assault on law enforcement officers, and the chaos some tried to throw the nation into. But they did not succeed. 

This year, the voters spoke, and in a democracy, that matters and we should always have the peaceful transfer of power. I have made clear I will work with him on policies that will promote the interests of the 6th district and Michigan and will challenge him when policies don’t.

He has signed many, many executive orders and we are all trying to understand the impact, the depth, what will be challenged in the courts and it is a very complicated time. Some of them are clearly not constitutional. I will keep you regularly informed on these.

I simply cannot understand and find unacceptable President Trump’s decision to pardon hundreds of violent felons who stormed the Capitol and attacked police offices on January 6th. Instead of standing up for law enforcement, like he promised to do, he is standing up with criminals whose families fear for their safety now that they are free. These are people who beat, tased, stomped on and pepper sprayed police officers. Our communities are less safe now that they have been pardoned and released. I am including three specific officers and their stories below.

I also believe we must respect our Constitution and protect the basic rights in it. One executive order that is deeply concerning would limit birthright citizenship to which all children born in the United States are entitled. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 17 other states, plus the District of Columbia have challenged it. 

I am concerned about the energy and environmental actions being taken, trying to understand them and working with all stakeholders on the consequences, and asking – how do we ensure everyone has clean and affordable water, clean air to breathe, and continue the cleanup in our communities? Global climate change is real – how do we continue to address it? And, how do we ensure we have a strong, competitive domestic auto industry which provides jobs for our communities and keeps our economy strong?

Let me remind everyone – COVID, the flu, and RSV are all real. Listen to the public health experts. Wash your hands a lot, get your immunizations as appropriate, and when you get sick, call your doctor and listen and follow their advice.

These days won’t be dull. I am trying to be in as many places as I can be, want to hear from you, need to know what you are thinking and we all have to work hard together. We learn from each other, we have different perspectives, but we must work together respectfully. We can disagree, agreeably, and during intense times like these, we must work hard to accomplish this. Please share thoughts and observations, and invite me where you think I should be. 

As always, I want to hear from you. What do you want me to know? What are you thinking about? Please contact me with any questions, ideas, and concerns. Share them with me at this link, or by calling one of my offices in Ann Arbor, Woodhaven, or DC:   Ann Arbor: (734) 481-1100 Woodhaven: (313) 278-2936 Washington, DC: (202) 225-4071