Please join me for "Believe...Hope...Dream: A Congressional Conversation about Breast Cancer" on Monday, July 12, from 12:00-1:30 p.m. The program will take place in the Green Lecture Hall, which is on the third floor of Scott Hall in the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Speakers include Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ms. Maureen Meldrum of the Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for a Cure, and Dr. Wei-Zen Wei of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Come learn about and discuss efforts to raise awareness, promote detection and prevention, improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families, and find a cure. A light lunch will be served. Free parking is available in Lot 75. For more information, call (313) 965-9004. I hope to see you there!

Today, we celebrate the 40th annual Earth Day. I am working with my colleagues in Congress to promote a clean energy economy that will create jobs, strengthen our national security, and help preserve the air we breathe and the water we drink.

As a Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, I have secured funding for several initiatives, including the City of Wyandotte’s wind energy project, aimed at preserving the environment. I have also secured funds that enhance efforts to provide safe drinking water, preserve the Detroit River, and control and eradicate the Emerald Ash Borer. I am working with Members of the Michigan delegation to protect the Great Lakes from an invasion of Asian carp. In addition, I am continuing to lead efforts to bring rail transportation to southeastern Michigan. It would not only create jobs and stimulate community development, but it would also reduce car congestion and our dependence on foreign oil.

By working together, we can make a difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a list of ways we can all do our part to save the earth and encourages us all to “Pick 5.” For more information, visit www.epa.gov/pick5.

I look forward to working with you to protect the planet!

I read to a group of second and third grade students at Friends School yesterday. I totally enjoyed the time I spent with them. The children are bright and talented. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious!

As a former teacher, I understand the important role reading plays in enhancing language, writing, and other skills. As I told the children, "Readers are leaders!"

My visit also demonstrated my support of the National Education Association’s signature program, Read Across America. Now in its thirteenth year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read.

The Library of Congress Center for the Book is a longtime Read Across America partner. Educators and students can find resources at its new Website, www.read.gov.

Yesterday, I sent a letter to The Detroit News' Editor/Publisher Jonathan Wolman after reading inaccurate information about me in an article. The text of the letter is below.

March 3, 2010
 

Mr. Jonathan Wolman
Editor and Publisher
The Detroit News
615 West Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48226

Dear Mr. Wolman:

I read with interest the article, “New Ambassador Bridge Span Stalled,” on The Detroit News’ Web site today. I was angered when I read the final paragraph, which indicated that I “declined to comment Tuesday.” No one from The Detroit News called my office and requested a comment from me on this issue.

The Detroit News must report accurate information. Please do not print falsehoods about me that mislead and misinform your readers.

Sincerely,

Today, I joined other Members of Congress in remembering Mrs. Rosa Parks, the Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. Elaine Steele, a long-time friend of Mrs. Parks and the co-founder of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development, also celebrated with us.

Mrs. Parks transformed the country with her quiet strength and determination. Her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, her commitment to change, and her compassion for young people should always be remembered. As we celebrate what would have been Mrs. Parks’ 97th birthday, we are reminded that we must continue her work. We must embrace, engage, and encourage a new generation of leaders who are committed to creating positive change in the world.

Mrs. Steele presented me and the other Members of Congress with "Freedom Roses" named in honor of Mrs. Parks. I am proud to have led efforts to name the Homeland Security building in Detroit the Rosa Parks Federal Building and to secure federal funding needed to build the Rosa Parks Transit Center. I am humbled to be recognized for my efforts to remember her life and legacy. This is truly an honor I will always cherish. Mrs. Parks will always be my role model.

Today, the House passed H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. It is now headed to the President’s desk.  I supported this bill because it will provide immediate assistance to workers, families, and businesses in the 13th Congressional District and throughout Michigan. It extends 1) unemployment benefits for 20 more weeks in Michigan, 2) the $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit to April 30, 2010, and 3) tax relief for military families and businesses.

Today, the House introduced our health reform bill. It has a public option, which will reduce the cost of premiums, make insurance affordable and accessible, and compete with private insurance companies. There are no co-pays, no deductibles, and no penalties for pre-existing conditions.

If you have health insurance, you can keep your plan and your doctor. You and your doctor—not your insurance company—will be in charge of your health.

This insurance plan strengthens Medicare. You will keep the benefits you currently have.

This plan will provide quality health care for Americans. It means affordability for the middle class, security for seniors, and responsibility for the future because it will not add a dime to the deficit.