Rep. Debbie Dingell announced Wednesday that she is stepping away from Congress temporarily after the death of her family’s 12-day-old baby.
The Michigan Democrat shared the heartbreaking news in a post on X, saying she was returning home to be with her loved ones during what she described as an “incredibly painful and deeply personal time.”
“Today I am returning home to be with my family during an incredibly painful and deeply personal time,” Dingell wrote.
“Our family’s 12-day-old daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter has returned home to God this afternoon. We have been in God’s hands throughout all of this.”
Dingell did not provide additional details about the infant’s death.
In a follow-up post, the longtime congresswoman said she had planned to remain in Washington for House votes but decided her family needed her more.
“While I had planned to be present for votes today and tomorrow, my family needs me now,” Dingell wrote. “In moments like this, there is no greater responsibility than being by the side of those we love, offering comfort, support, and remembrance.”
Dingell, who has represented Michigan’s 6th Congressional District since 2015, has frequently spoken about the importance of family throughout her time in Congress.
Her absence comes as the House continues work on several high-profile legislative matters this week, though Dingell made clear that being with her family takes priority during the tragedy.
The congresswoman’s statement did not indicate when she expects to return to Washington.
Her message ended on a deeply personal note, emphasizing the importance of standing beside loved ones during life’s most difficult moments while mourning the loss of the newborn.
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