Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett has used his social media platform to address recent political and regional developments, sharing his perspectives on government funding, infrastructure, and local tragedies.

On November 1, 2025, Barrett criticized Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. He wrote, "There is no excuse for blocking government funding and shutting down the government — full stop. Democrats are trying to spin this and shift the blame for their shutdown, but people are seeing right through it."

Later that day, he highlighted his advocacy efforts for the Great Lakes region. In a post dated November 1, 2025, Barrett stated, "I’m proud to lead the fight to bring a new icebreaker to the Great Lakes — a critical upgrade that would boost commerce, save lives, and strengthen security across the region. This would be a huge win for the Great Lakes and our great state, and I’m going to keep working to get".

On November 2, 2025, Barrett addressed a recent tragedy in his district involving an aviation accident. He wrote: "It’s been two weeks since a heartbreaking plane crash took three innocent lives. On Thursday, I took some time to meet with the heroes who responded to the scene and sprang into action at a moment's notice. It was an honor to thank them personally for their courageous service,"

Barrett represents Michigan's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The call for a new icebreaker comes amid ongoing concerns about aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes; modernizing these vessels is considered important for maintaining year-round shipping routes and supporting economic activity in states bordering these waterways.

The recent plane crash referenced by Barrett occurred within his district; first responders played a significant role in managing its aftermath.