Dear Friend,

2011 ended the way it should have began.  The Congress came together in a bipartisan manner to extend tax cuts for working families, extend unemployment so those struggling to find a job did not have to worry about paying their heating bill and ensure that our doctors are being paid for the Medicare services they provide.  It is my sincere hope that this spirit of bipartisanship and working together for America’s families will continue into 2012.

Despite the partisan bickering, overreaching and constant blocking by the Senate, we were able to have some successes for the American people this year.  This year, we have improved food safety for American families.  One year ago, one of the biggest food accomplishments in decades, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act was officially signed into law.

We passed a bipartisan pipeline safety bill, which I authored with another Michigander, Fred Upton. This bill not only passed the House unanimously, it also smoothly went through the Senate. This type of togetherness workmanship exemplifies how Congress can work effectively.  This bill is awaiting the President’s signature.

I am so happy we are bringing our troops home from Iraq.  It is about time, and I am pleased it is being done in a responsible way.  Pulling out the troops too rapidly would have been dangerous for American soldiers and Iraqis alike.  I am grateful to the soldiers and their families who have paid an enormous cost during these long conflicts, and as a veteran, I am more than honored by their greatness as they have performed admirably and sacrificed so much.

Even with these successes, I would be remiss if I didn’t take just a moment to reflect on the current state of Congress.  During my tenure, I have seen our country and government face some challenges and at times get downright stuck.  But not like this, right now is one of the most stifled I have seen our institution.  This Congress is terribly dysfunctional, but I have great faith in the institution of Congress and the American people.  I am hopeful that things will get better, and I pray that my colleagues will heed the call to come together and cooperate for the people of our great Nation.  The actions taken at the end of 2011 give me great hope.

American families are still struggling to find jobs, feed their families, and keep their homes.  It is difficult and scary, and at this time in our history, we need your help more than ever. I am tirelessly fighting for you all every day, but we must all work together to move Michigan forward.  It is imperative that we continue to enhance our economic recovery and sustain our capacity to be able to ‘out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. I have repeated to my friends in Washington that nothing should be more important than creating jobs in America.  This must be policy makers’ number one priority, and I call on all my colleagues to put aside personal politics, work together and bring to the floor bipartisan legislative proposals that will put Americans back to work.

Our economy must continue to be our number one priority in 2012. Americans are ready to get back to work, and I am confident that we can make great progress toward a recovery in the year to come. Happy New Year!

John D. Dingell