Debbie Dingell, wife of Energy and Commerce Chairman Emeritus John Dingell (D-Mich.), is leaving General Motors Co., the Detroit News reported Monday.

According to the newspaper, Dingell — who serves as vice chairman of the General Motors Foundation and as executive director of public affairs and community relations at GM — is taking a buyout from the carmaker, which is trying to trim its executive ranks as part of a federal government bailout deal. She will be leading a yet-to-be unveiled project for the domestic auto industry.

“She’s been a passionate voice and the face of GM in many communities,— a GM spokesman said, according to the Detroit newspaper. “We wish her continued success and expect her to continue as a champion in a new, expanded role for the industry.—

Dingell joined GM in 1977 but stopped lobbying on the company’s behalf in 1981, when she married John Dingell, who is also the dean of the House. She is expected to leave GM on Oct. 1.