I recently returned from another productive weeklong district work period.

Before I left Washington I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee in passing a landmark bill to move our nation toward a cleaner, more independent energy policy.

Everyone on the committee compromised to find a solid middle ground and move the bill forward into the House of Representatives.  It was not easy, but good legislation rarely is.  As Chairman Emeritus of the Committee and Dean of the House, I can tell you first hand that some of the most important legislation in our nation’s history has often been the most difficult to pass, requiring every representative to use their ability to compromise for something that benefits the greater citizenry as a whole.  Now it is up to the full membership of Congress to pass this important legislation.

I arrived in Michigan in time to celebrate a beautiful Memorial Day throughout the District, starting at the Ypsilanti  It was wonderful to see so many community members out celebrating and remembering the men and women who have sacrificed to defend our nation’s freedom and ideals. parade then moving on to parades in Dearborn and Monroe.

Throughout the week I did a series of town halls to update constituents on what I’ve been up to in Washington, as well as to field questions and collect feedback on various issues.  First I met with a number of folks for a UAW Town Hall meeting where we discussed the state of the auto industry and the Employee Free Choice Act as well as legislation regarding health care and climate change.  The next day I focused primarily on health care at a Family Caregivers Town Hall in Brownstown.  On Thursday evening I hosted a Telephone Town Hall during which I addressed constituents’ questions on issues ranging from education to the economy. 

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending the first Annual Superior Township Green Fair. The Superior Township community has done a great thing in creating an event that brings together some of the finest vendors who offer great opportunities for recycling and conservation. We can all do our part to ensure that we create a greener earth and pass on a cleaner environment to future generations.

Last week I also attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the inaugural flight from Detroit to Shanghai out of the Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport.  In combination with the existing Detroit-Beijing route, the direct flight to Shanghai makes our airport the largest and most effective gateway to Asia.  The Detroit-Shanghai flight alone is estimated to benefit our region’s economy in excess of $160 million dollars.

As I’m sure you are well aware, General Motors declared bankruptcy last Monday.  That afternoon they announced the forthcoming closures of many plants that are the lifeblood of communities throughout our region.  I believe much thought should be given to decisions that carry such heavy ramifications.

Specifically, I have urged the company’s leadership to rethink their decision to close the historic Willow Run Transmission Plant in Ypsilanti Township, which gave our region the title, “Arsenal of Democracy” when it built the B-24 bomber that helped the U.S. and our allies win the Second World War.  With tax abatements from YpsilantiTownship, support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and recent investments in the plant by GM itself, it makes little financial sense to close such a high-efficiency plant as Willow Run, which assembles the highest quality six-speed transmissions for $145 cheaper than any other comparable facility in the United States.

Please join me in this critical effort to protect our community by visiting my website: www.friendsofwillowrun.com where you can learn more and take action by emailing GM CEO Fritz Henderson on the importance of keeping Willow Run open.  Please also join our facebook group for Friends of Willow Run by clicking here.

Before heading back to Washington I hosted a roundtable with community leaders and U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis at the GM Romulus Engine Plant and later at EMU.  I used these opportunities to find out what more the federal government can do to assist our state in accommodating thousands of additional displaced workers.  An additional $49.9 million in federal funding will be released to Michigan for worker retraining, extended unemployment insurance and some health care coverage.  I emphasized the need for these funds to be made available as soon as possible for rapid disbursement to our unemployed workforce.  After all, these resources are useless if they are not easily accessible to those who need them.

Click here to find out how to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) funds

These roundtables established a coordinated effort at all levels of government to effectively meet the needs of our region.  It was an important first step in dealing with the effects of recent events, but there is much more to be done.

Times are tough and they’re not going to be easy in the near future.  Please know that I am doing everything I can to facilitate and expedite the process of getting worker retraining programs in place so that each and every unemployed person has the soonest opportunity to get back to work.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any additional service to you.