{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-pocan-lead-24-heartland-members-urging-leadership-expand", "Dingell, Pocan Lead 24 Heartland Members in Urging Leadership to Expand Economic Opportunities in Manufacturing Communities Harmed by Outsourcing", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Dingell", "D000624", "debbiedingell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) led a letter with 24 House Members from Heartland states to Majority Leader McConnell, Leader-elect Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi urging immediate action in the upcoming Congress to expand economic opportunities in manufacturing communities harmed by the outsourcing of American jobs.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThe frustration and despair felt by workers in our region is palpable, and the discourse during the year\u2019s election detailing the lack of opportunity for the working class underscores the need for solutions to these challenges. Congress has a responsibility to address their concerns and work together to strengthen the economic stability of these communities,\u201d the letter states. \u201cToo many working class families in our districts have been left behind because of the outsourcing of American jobs. It is critical Congress takes immediate action to jumpstart the economic prosperity of these communities.\u201d\nThe letter to Congressional Leadership was signed by Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-IL), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI), Sander M. Levin (D-MI), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Gwen S. Moore (D-WI), Richard M. Nolan (D-MN), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Pete Visclosky (D-IN). \u00a0\nThe text of the letter is below, and you can find an electronic copy here.\nDear Majority Leader McConnell, Leader-elect Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi:\nWe write today to urge immediate action in the 115th Congress to expand economic opportunity in communities harmed by the outsourcing of American jobs.\nOur states encompass communities that once served as thriving hubs for manufacturing and development, providing the opportunity for working class families to achieve the American Dream. In recent decades, the livelihoods of these workers have been pulled out from beneath them. We have watched too many factories shutter their doors and too many workers lose their jobs, decimating these neighborhoods and leaving families behind.\u00a0\nThe frustration and despair felt by workers in our region is palpable, and the discourse during the year\u2019s election detailing the lack of opportunity for the working class underscores the need for solutions to these challenges. Congress has a responsibility to address their concerns and work together to strengthen the economic stability of these communities.\nFor these reasons, we urge Congress to prioritize the consideration and passage of legislation consistent with the following principles:\n1. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should close loopholes in our tax code which reward companies that ship jobs overseas and punish companies that stay in the United States and invest in American workers.\n2. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Federal contracting and procurement policies should give preference to American labor and domestic-made goods so our taxpayer dollars benefit working class families in the United States.\n3. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should increase investments in education and prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing and other industries that will be pivotal in the 21st century economy.\n4. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Trade Adjustment Assistance and retraining programs should be improved and expanded to give workers the opportunity to get back on their feet when confronting job displacement.\n5. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We should expand access to quality broadband services and increased telecommunications connectivity so all communities have the digital resources that are necessary to compete in our digital economy.\n6. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The promise of a secure retirement must be upheld by preserving benefits that workers have paid into and earned, including Social Security, Medicare, and workplace pension guarantees.\nToo many working class families in our districts have been left behind because of the outsourcing of American jobs. It is critical Congress takes immediate action to jumpstart the economic prosperity of these communities by passing legislation that adheres to the principles listed above.\u00a0\nWe hope you will stand with us and our constituents during the 115th Congress to advance these goals and revive the American Dream for workers across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dingell-pocan-lead-24-heartland-members-urging-leadership-expand"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7020221091806889, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}