{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402225", "Office of Congressman Kinzinger: 2019 Snapshot", "2019-12-31", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As 2019 comes to a close, the Office of Congressman Kinzinger looks back on the year of visits, meetings, tours, and service to the 16th Congressional District of Illinois.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  As 2019 comes to a close, the Office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger looks back on the year of visits, meetings, tours, and service to the 16th Congressional District of Illinois. Below is a snapshot of the constituent services covered in 2019, as well as a video compilation of the Congressman's year in review.\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nVideo compilation can be found by clicking this image, and visiting the Congressman's Facebook pagehere.  \r\nLegislatively, the Congressman introduced several pieces of legislation and pushed for funding to help communities across the 16th District. In addition to securing funding for expanding broadband and helping recovery efforts in towns that need it most, Congressman Kinzinger also saw his legislation become law. Here are just a few of those legislative wins in 2019: \r\n \r\n    The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Amendment Act added Livingston County, the City of Freeport in Stephenson County, and the City of Jonesboro in Union County to the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA) to ensure all sites of Lincoln's legal career and the Lincoln-Douglas debates would be included. This bipartisan, Kinzinger-led provision was included in the final Lands Package and signed into law in March.\r\n    Congressman Kinzinger co-authored bipartisan legislation on fair-drug pricing that quickly passed the House with overwhelming support and was signed into law on September 27, 2019. TheFair and Accurate Medicaid Pricing Actclosed a loophole that allowed pharmaceutical companies to charge higher prices for medications and send the bill to the taxpayers.\r\n    Last week, the President signed into law the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. Congressman Kinzinger was a co-sponsor of the House version of the anti-Robocall legislation, and spoke in favor of its passage on the House floor. The bipartisan, bicameral bill authorizes the FCC to impose fines on violators and require phone companies to verify callers and help push back on the bombardment of robocalls.\r\n    In the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, Congressman Kinzinger secured several legislative wins like the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act, among others. The FY 2020 NDAA was signed into law on December 20, 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-continued-detention-of-philippine-senator-leila-de-lima", "Durbin Statement On Continued Detention Of Philippine Senator Leila De Lima", "2019-12-30", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.30.19\n\t\t\t Durbin Statement On Continued Detention Of Philippine Senator Leila De Lima \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCHICAGOU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding the continued detention of Philippine Senator Leila de Lima by the government of the Philippines and President Rodrigo Duterte:\r\nPhilippines human rights champion Senator Leila de Lima has been jailed for more than 1,000 days on highly questionable charges. Her release, which has been championed by groups such as Amnesty International  and now the U.S. Congress  is unfortunately symbolic of the larger price one increasingly pays for peaceful dissent and honest journalism under President Duterte in the Philippines. These voices, like de Lima's and Rappler journalist Maria Ressa's, face harassment and imprisonment for fostering honest coverage regarding the country's sweeping extra-judicial killings, which is an affront to the cherished democratic norms we share with our long standing Filipino allies.\r\nIllinois is proudly home to a vibrant, hardworking Filipino community. The Duterte regime should stop threatening the travel of these Filipino Americans and so many others who travel between our nations, and instead release Senator de Lima or assure a quick and credible trial. This strong-arm tactic is an insult to the Filipino American community and the country's democracy.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-john-lewis-cancer-diagnosis", "Statement on Rep. John Lewis' Cancer Diagnosis", "2019-12-29", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Danny K. Davis", "D000096", "davis.house.gov", "davis", "https://davis.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Congressman Lewis continues to face every aspect of life, every challenge, with equanimity, optimism and without fear. He has my love, my profound respect and every ounce of spiritual support I can summon.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-letter-continuing-disability-reviews", "Democratic Letter on Continuing Disability Reviews", "2019-12-27", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Danny K. Davis", "D000096", "davis.house.gov", "davis", "https://davis.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Top Democrats overseeing Social Security policy in the House and Senate recently called on the Social Security Administration to extend the comment period on a rule that would increase the frequency of so-called continuing disability reviews (CDR), a process that can be difficult for Americans with disabilities to navigate and may threaten their access to earned benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).\n\n\u201cWe urge SSA to extend by an additional 45 days the comment period for the notice of Proposed Rulemaking, \u2018Rules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews,\u2019\u201d the members wrote. \u201cUnder the proposed rule, SSA will increase the number and frequency of reviews of people who have previously been approved for SSDI and SSI, to see if the person\u2019s medical impairment has improved. This process, known as a continuing disability review (CDR), can be extremely complex for beneficiaries to navigate. We are concerned that under the proposed rule, some individuals subject to review will be simply unable to navigate the process and, as a result, lose their benefits even though there is no medical improvement.\u201d\n\nThe letter was signed by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (D-CT), House Ways and Means Worker & Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Finance Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Senate Aging Committee Ranking Member Bob Casey (D-PA).\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below.\n\nThe Honorable Andrew Saul\n\nCommissioner\n\nSocial Security Administration\n\n6401 Security Boulevard\n\nBaltimore, MD 21235\n\nDear Commissioner Saul:\n\nWe write to request that the Social Security Administration (SSA) extend by an additional 45 days the comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, \u201cRules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews\u201d (84 Fed. Reg. 63588, November 18, 2019), from January 31, 2020 to March 16, 2020.\n\nThe Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs provide income for people who, because of a severe and long-lasting medical impairment, are unable to work at a substantial level. The eligibility criteria are extremely strict. Fewer than 4 out of every 10 individuals who apply are found eligible, after all levels of appeal.\n\nUnder the proposed rule, SSA will increase the number and frequency of reviews of people who have previously been approved for SSDI and SSI, to see if the person\u2019s medical impairment has improved. This process, known as a continuing disability review (CDR), can be extremely complex for beneficiaries to navigate. We are concerned that under the proposed rule, some individuals subject to review will be simply unable to navigate the process and, as a result, lose their benefits even though there is no medical improvement. In addition, the process can create severe and unnecessary stress as beneficiaries fear they will lose their main source of income even though they are still unable to support themselves through work due to their medical impairment.\n\nOver the years, Congress and SSA have sought to balance the need for CDRs to ensure that only eligible individuals receive payments with equitable and humane treatment of disabled workers, who typically see their impairments worsen over time and are at higher risk of death than their peers. Not surprisingly, only a small fraction of beneficiaries who undergo a CDR have their benefits terminated.\n\nThere are four compelling reasons to extend the comment period by an additional 45 days, to March 16, 2020.\n\nFirst, SSA\u2019s proposed rule is incredibly complex and would make sweeping changes to SSA\u2019s continuing disability review process, including: creating a new CDR category, increasing the frequency of CDRs, and changing the criteria that SSA follows to determine when each individual will be reviewed. The rule\u2019s proposed changes would interact in complicated ways with each other and with SSA\u2019s existing procedures. In addition, the proposed changes are based on unsupported assertions in the NPRM about changes in medical treatment and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Thorough evaluation of how the proposed rule would affect SSDI and SSI beneficiaries, and SSA\u2019s service delivery, is a complex undertaking that merits more time.\n\nSecond, SSA\u2019s proposed rule would have a very significant and potentially harmful impact on Social Security and SSI disability beneficiaries, who typically rely on benefits for most or all of their income. SSA estimates that the proposed rule would lead to a total of $2.6 billion in benefit cessations.\n\nThird, the rule is a significant economic regulatory action (under Executive Order 12866, section 3(f)(1), as supplemented by Executive Order 12563). The rule would result in significant administrative expenditures by SSA totaling $1.8 billion over 10 years.\n\nFourth, Social Security\u2019s continuing disability reviews are a sensitive topic with a long and troubled history. In the early 1980s, the Reagan Administration implemented multiple initiatives to reduce the number of people receiving Social Security and SSI disability benefits \u2013 including aggressive use of CDRs. The harsh, harmful effects of SSA\u2019s CDR actions led to widespread concerns from the public, the states, Federal Courts, and the Congress. In order to reverse the harm SSA inflicted, Congress enacted bipartisan legislation in 1982 and 1984 to set SSA\u2019s CDRs on a stable and appropriate course. Since then, SSA has updated its CDR policies to reflect legislative changes, such as the bipartisan Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, which exempted from CDRs certain beneficiaries who are attempting to work. However, SSA has not considered sweeping changes to its CDR process since the early 1980s. SSA should proceed cautiously, should only act if it can demonstrate a solid evidence base, and should provide the greatest opportunity possible for the public to weigh in.\n\nIn closing, we urge SSA to extend by an additional 45 days the comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, \u201cRules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews\u201d (84 Fed. Reg. 63588, November 18, 2019), from January 31, 2020 to March 16, 2020, so that Congress and the public have sufficient time to analyze and comment on this complex proposed rule.\n\nRichard E. Neal\n\nChairman\n\nCommittee on Ways and Means\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nRon Wyden\n\nRanking Member\n\nCommittee on Finance\n\nU.S. Senate\n\nJohn B. Larson\n\nChairman\n\nSubcommittee on Social Security\n\nCommittee on Ways and Means\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nSherrod Brown\n\nRanking Member\n\nSubcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy\n\nCommittee on Finance\n\nU.S. Senate\n\nDanny K. Davis\n\nChairman\n\nSubcommittee on Worker and Family Support\n\nCommittee on Ways and Means\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nRobert P. Casey, Jr.\n\nRanking Member\n\nSpecial Committee on Aging\n\nU.S. Senate", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-secures-funding-local-priorities", "Underwood Secures Funding for Local Priorities", "2019-12-27", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 27, 2019\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014 Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the bipartisan, bicameral appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020, signed by the President. The legislation includes legislation championed by Underwood to lower insulin costs, establish an electronic health record system for the Department of Homeland Security, research gun violence, and invest in Fermilab.\n\n\"Our community is strongest when we are armed with the resources needed to build successful businesses, raise families, and live fulfilling lives. From day one, I have fought to bring the voices of the 14th District to Congress and have worked hard to make sure our priorities are reflected in federal funding bills. I'm pleased to see that so many of the investments I fought for were supported and will go into effect in the upcoming year,\" said Underwood.\n\nUnderwood's key victories include:\n\nHealth Care\n\nRaising the tobacco and e-cigarette purchase age to 21 nationwide, to combat the teen vaping epidemic.\n\nSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: The bill provides $5.9 billion, a $140 million increase above FY 2019. for local communities or agencies fund important opioid and suicide prevention work with SAMHSA grants.\n\nNational Institutes of Health: The bill provides $41.7 billion, a $2.6 billion increase above FY 2019. These critical investments will allow the United States to continue to innovate and find cures for rare cancers, chronic diseases and develop new pharmaceutical treatments.\n\nHRSA Nursing Workforce Development: The bill provides $260 million, a $10.5 million increase above FY 2019.\n\nVA Disability Claims Processing Backlog: The bill provides $125 million above the budget request for the Veterans Benefits Administration for hiring additional claims and appellate staff, and overtime pay in order to continue reducing the disability claims backlog.\n\nDefense Health Programs: The bill provides $34 billion in defense health programs to include $492.5 million for cancer research and $165 million for peer-reviewed psychological health and traumatic brain injury research programs.\n\nJobs and Education\n\nCreating Jobs: Reauthorization of the jobs-creating Export-Import Bank. Within IL-14 the Export-Import bank has supported local firms including Tru-Spec Metals of Waukegan and Miner Enterprises of Geneva.\n\nIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The bill provides $13.9 billion IDEA programs, a $417 million increase above FY 2019. West Aurora, Sycamore and Waukegan received recent awards to serve students with individualized education programs from age 3-21.\n\nStrengthening Community College Training Grants: The bill provides $40 million in community colleges and eligible four-year partners. This new program will help meet local and regional labor market demand for a skilled workforce by providing training to workers in in-demand industries.\n\nKeeping Our Communities Safe\n\nFEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program: The bill provides $90 million in total, with $50 million for the Urban Areas Security Initiative Program and $40 million to NSGP-State. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for security-related and physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations, with funding allocations appropriated for nonprofit organizations located inside and outside designated urban areas. These funds help communities and organizations in the Chicago area and northern Illinois who are at high risk for a terror attack.\n\nElection Assistance Commission (EAC): The bill provides $425 million for a new round of election security grants to improve the security and integrity of elections for Federal office. Ahead of the 2020 elections, these funds will help communities upgrade vulnerable election systems and improve Cybersecurity.\n\nGun Violence Prevention: The bill delivers $12.5 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and $12.5 million to the National Institute of Health for firearm injury and mortality prevention research.\n\nLocal Priorities for the 14th District\n\nFermilab: The bill provides $1.045 billion for the Department of Energy's High Energy Physics programs and allocations for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (LBNF/DUNE) at Fermilab.\n\nBiodiesel Tax: The bill extends the biodiesel tax credit, an important program that helps our rural economy continue to grow.\n\nFlood Insurance: The bill extends the National Flood Insurance Program, which serves communities across the 14th district.\n\nTransportation and Infrastructure: The bill increases TIGER and BUILD grants by $100 million, for a total of $1 billion. These grants support transportation and infrastructure projects directly serving northern Illinois, and this bill ensures rural and urban areas have parity in awarded funds.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/merry-christmas", "Merry Christmas!", "2019-12-24", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the lessons of love he brought to the world, I want to wish each one of you a Merry Christmas.This joyous season is an opportune time to express our gratitude for the love we share with our friends and family and the countless blessings we enjoy.\nDuring this holiday season, I am thankful for my family, our wonderful home in central Illinois, and the unbelievable privilege to represent the over 700,000 residents in Illinois' 18th District. Like many of you, we are incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones during Christmas. During this time of year, it is important that we give thanks to those who sacrifice their time without their families and loved ones to protect us. I want to take a moment to thank our troops during this Christmas seasonmany of whom are serving overseas far away from their families and loved ones. We recognize that you are far away from for family during this holiday season, so we can be safe at home with ours. Our country is the land of the free because of the brave and we do not take your sacrifice lightly From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Whether you're on your way to mass, gathering around the table with loved ones, or opening gifts, I hope each of you has a joyful and Merry Christmas!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bost-introduces-bill-address-rural-teacher-shortages", "BOST INTRODUCES BILL TO ADDRESS RURAL TEACHER SHORTAGES", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To read the full article, please click here.\nCongressional representatives from Southern Illinois and Iowa have introduced bipartisan legislation to combat inadequate funding and teacher shortages in rural schools.\nThe Rural Education Investment Act was introduced Dec. 11 by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., and U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa.\nThe measure requires the U.S. Secretary of Education to determine the percentage of K-12 students living in rural areas and ensures it is equal to the percentage of Teacher Quality Partnership, TQP, grant dollars going to schools in rural areas.\nThe TQP Grant Program allows teachers to be placed in a full-time classroom clinical practice while completing Master's-level coursework.\nAll students deserve access to a quality education, regardless of where they live, Bost said in a news release.\nA major part of that comes by educating and training highly qualified teachers.\nWhile Southern Illinois is blessed with many amazing educational professionals, rural communities face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. \nI'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure that rural areas receive assistance and resources necessary to grow the next generation of America's leaders.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=4301", "Lipinski Statement on Boeing's Removal of Dennis Muilenburg as C.E.O", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement today:\r\n\r\n\tAt a House Transportation Committee hearing in October, I grilled Dennis Muilenburg about whether the mistakes that Boeing made on the 737 Max that resulted in the deaths of 346 people in two crashes were the result of too much of a focus on the bottom line and whether anyone was being held accountable at Boeing. Today, someone was finally held accountable when Dennis Muilenburg was forced out as CEO. Boeing has long been a great company, but the legacy of the 737 Max is tragic. Not only were the lives of 346 people lost and their families forever impacted, but the livelihood of workers at Boeing have been put at risk. Dennis Muilenburg was not solely responsible for what happened at Boeing, but I am hopeful that this move reflects an understanding at the company that things must change. Safety must always be the top priority for Boeing. As a member of the Aviation Subcommittee of the Transportation Committee, I will continue to do all I can to make sure that the flying public is kept safe.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-donates-frequent-flyer-miles-help-wounded-service-members-and-0", "Schneider Donates Frequent Flyer Miles to Help Wounded Service Members and Military Families", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Brad Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative was pleased to once again donate the frequent flyer miles he earned through his congressional travel to the Hero Miles program administered by the Fisher House Foundation. This program provides round-trip airline tickets to wounded, injured, and ill service members and/or their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center.\nThis year, Rep. Schneider donated more than 57,000 miles accrued on his more than 50 flights between Illinois's Tenth District and Washington, DC.\nMaking travel a little easier to connect the men and women in uniform with their loved ones is the least we can do for those who serve us every day, said Schneider. The Fisher House Foundation and Hero Miles program do such important work supporting service members and bringing military families together. This holiday season, I'm proud to again support the Fisher House's work with a donation of the airline miles I accrued during my official travel in 2019.\nSchneider introduced legislation, H.R. 577, the Prohibiting Perks and Privileges Act, which would require Members of Congress to use airline miles accrued as a result of their service for official travel or to donate them.\nThe Fisher House Foundation helps both wounded, injured, and ill service members on approved leave travel to their homes, as well as families visit their loved ones in the armed forces while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center. Partner airlines include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-pieces-underwood-s-bipartisan-legislation-signed-law-president-trump", "Two Pieces of Underwoods Bipartisan Legislation Signed Into Law by President Trump", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Second piece of legislation signed would save lives and increase efficiency by establishing an electronic health record system across the Department of Homeland Security \nWASHINGTON Two pieces of bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) were signed into law by the President. \nUnderwood's bipartisanLower Insulin Costs Now Act will reduce the cost of insulin by helping lower-cost, generic insulin become available sooner. The Lower Insulin Costs Now Act will allow the FDA to continue to review applications for generic insulin beyond the looming March 2020 cut-off date, creating access to new treatments that can lower the cost of insulin for those who rely on it to survive. Over 1 million Illinoisans are living with type I or type II diabetes, including one in four seniors and a growing number of children in America. Along with Underwood, the legislation was led by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), and Mike Kelly (PA-16).\n\"Over the past two decades, the cost of insulin has skyrocketedit's unaffordable. I've heard from countless families in our community about the hard decisions they make to afford their insulin, including rationing their supply or going without. This is unacceptableover 7 million Americans rely on insulin to survive,\"Rep. Underwood said.\"There isn't a person I won't work withto lower the cost of prescription drugs, and I'm thrilled my colleagues in Congress and the President supported this advancement toward making lower-cost, generic insulin available more quickly.\"\nUnderwood was also successful in her efforts to secure $30 million in funding for an interoperable electronic health record (EHR) for use across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Underwood's legislation to establish this EHRa top priority for DHS medical officialsand set standards for medical screenings at the border passed with bipartisan support in September.\n\"When I visited the border this year, I found the humanitarian situation overwhelming and unacceptable. The medical officials there explained they needed a better health record system to help them safely process migrants and prevent illness and death. I worked on legislation to solve that problem, and am pleased that the solution I identified and fought for received bipartisan support from my colleagues and was signed into law by the President.\nThe legislation passed and was signed as part of the bipartisan, bicameral appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-pieces-underwoods-bipartisan-legislation-signed-law-president-trump", "Two Pieces of Underwood\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation Signed Into Law by President Trump", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Second piece of legislation signed would save lives and increase efficiency by establishing an electronic health record system across the Department of Homeland Security\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014 Two pieces of bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) were signed into law by the President.\n\nUnderwood's bipartisan Lower Insulin Costs Now Act will reduce the cost of insulin by helping lower-cost, generic insulin become available sooner. The Lower Insulin Costs Now Act will allow the FDA to continue to review applications for generic insulin beyond the looming March 2020 cut-off date, creating access to new treatments that can lower the cost of insulin for those who rely on it to survive. Over 1 million Illinoisans are living with type I or type II diabetes, including one in four seniors and a growing number of children in America. Along with Underwood, the legislation was led by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), and Mike Kelly (PA-16).\n\n\"Over the past two decades, the cost of insulin has skyrocketed\u2014it's unaffordable. I've heard from countless families in our community about the hard decisions they make to afford their insulin, including rationing their supply or going without. This is unacceptable\u2014over 7 million Americans rely on insulin to survive,\" Rep. Underwood said. \"There isn't a person I won't work with to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and I'm thrilled my colleagues in Congress and the President supported this advancement toward making lower-cost, generic insulin available more quickly.\"\n\nUnderwood was also successful in her efforts to secure $30 million in funding for an interoperable electronic health record (EHR) for use across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Underwood's legislation to establish this EHR\u2014a top priority for DHS medical officials\u2014and set standards for medical screenings at the border passed with bipartisan support in September.\n\n\"When I visited the border this year, I found the humanitarian situation overwhelming and unacceptable. The medical officials there explained they needed a better health record system to help them safely process migrants and prevent illness and death. I worked on legislation to solve that problem, and am pleased that the solution I identified and fought for received bipartisan support from my colleagues and was signed into law by the President.\"\n\nThe legislation passed and was signed as part of the bipartisan, bicameral appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-nomination-of-stephen-mcglynn-to-serve-as-us-district-judge-for-the-southern-district-of-illinois", "Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) andDick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after the White House announced the nomination of Stephen McGlynn to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois:\r\nWe are pleased that the President has nominated Judge Stephen McGlynn. He has the qualifications, integrity, and judgment to serve with distinction as a district court judge in the Southern District of Illinois. We appreciate the Administration's willingness to work with us and with our nonpartisan screening committee to reach consensus on nominees who will serve the people of Illinois well. We look forward to guiding his nomination through the Senate.\r\nIn 2017, Duckworth and Durbinestablishedscreening committeesto assist them in evaluating candidates for vacant federal judgeship, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Marshal positions in Illinois. The task of the screening committees is to review and vet candidates for the vacancies and advise the senators regarding the candidates' qualifications and fitness for the position.\r\nA bio of Judge McGlynn from the White House is included below:\r\nIf confirmed, Stephen McGlynn of Illinois will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.Stephen McGlynn currently serves as Circuit Judge on the Illinois Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court and previously served as a Justice on the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court. Earlier in his career, Judge McGlynn was in private practice at McGlynn & McGlynn, Attorneys at Law. He has also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General of Illinois. Judge McGlynn earned his B.A. from the University of Dayton and his J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-nomination-of-stephen-mcglynn-to-serve-as-us-district-judge-for-the-southern-district-of-illinois", "Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the White House announced the nomination of Stephen McGlynn to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois:\r\nWe are pleased that the President has nominated Judge Stephen McGlynn. He has the qualifications, integrity, and judgment to serve with distinction as a district court judge in the Southern District of Illinois. We appreciate the Administration's willingness to work with us and with our nonpartisan screening committee to reach consensus on nominees who will serve the people of Illinois well. We look forward to guiding his nomination through the Senate.\r\nIn 2017, Durbin and Duckworth established screening committees to assist them in evaluating candidates for vacant federal judgeship, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Marshal positions in Illinois. The task of the screening committees is to review and vet candidates for the vacancies and advise the senators regarding the candidates' qualifications and fitness for the position.\r\nA bio of Judge McGlynn from the White House is included below:\r\nIf confirmed, Stephen McGlynn of Illinois will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Stephen McGlynn currently serves as Circuit Judge on the Illinois Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court and previously served as a Justice on the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court. Earlier in his career, Judge McGlynn was in private practice at McGlynn & McGlynn, Attorneys at Law. He has also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General of Illinois. Judge McGlynn earned his B.A. from the University of Dayton and his J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-creation-of-new-website-to-report-blocked-crossings-to-federal-railroad-administration", "Durbin Announces Creation Of New Website To Report Blocked Crossings To Federal Railroad Administration", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.19\n\t\t\t Durbin Announces Creation Of New Website To Report Blocked Crossings To Federal Railroad Administration \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will establish a website where the public can report blocked rail crossings by freight trains in an effort to collect better data and prevent blocked rail crossings, which are jeopardizing safety in communities across Illinois. Durbin helped secure provisions in this year's Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bill that directed FRA to create this website in order to improve passenger rail service throughout Illinois.\r\nBlocked rail crossings are impacting Illinois communities much too often. The new FRA website will help empower the public to hold the freight railroads accountable when they are blocking crossings that run through our state causing unnecessary traffic delays and jeopardizing the safety of my constituents, Durbin said. The FRA must keep Illinois rail moving forward as efficiently and safely as possible.\r\nOur ability to address this issue is only as effective as the data we collect, FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory said. Therefore, we are hoping to engage citizens and all levels of government to help spread the word about this important tool.\r\nDurbin has urged FRA to take a more active role in preventing the blocking of grade crossings by freight trains, an increasing problem in communities around Illinois.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-votes-restore-state-and-local-tax-deduction", "Casten Votes to Restore State and Local Tax Deduction", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after he voted to pass H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for State and Localities Act, fulfilling a promise he made to his constituents to repeal the disastrous state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap implemented in the 2017 Republican Tax Bill.\n\nH.R. 5377 would lift the SALT cap deduction for years 2020 and 2021. The Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 capped the SALT deduction at $10,000 for individuals and families, but not businesses. Republicans took this deduction away from working, middle class families, like those in Illinois 6th Congressional District, to provide tax breaks for corporations. The cap also threatens the ability of states and local communities to fund education and other essential public services adequately. By restoring the SALT deduction, it helps state and local governments adequately plan and fund education, child care, mass transit, health care, and many more important public services.\n\nBut this bill does more than undue the harm caused by the Republican tax bill, it improves the tax code by doubling the Teacher Tax Credit and creates a new tax credit for first responders. Now teachers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and more can deduct up to $500 in out-of-pocket, professional costs.\n\nCasten said, \"From the very first tax code, our Founders recognized the importance of allowing a deduction for state and local taxes. They recognized the need for states and localities to protect revenue and to maintain local control in determining how to best administer public services. These public services include getting our children to school safely and on time when budgeting for school buses, ensuring police officers have the tools they need to protect our communities, budgeting for vital infrastructure investments that support our roads and public transportation, and allowing our local libraries to have the funds to spend on reading programs to help our young students. Budgeting for these decisions are best left to our states and the SALT deduction provides the financial stability to make those decisions. I came to congress to address the discriminatory SALT cap implemented last Congress, and I am proud to close out my first year as a Representative with a vote in support of tax relief to the residents of IL-06 and those across the country.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403542", "Davis Statement on National Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Statement on National Defense Authorization Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 20, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill) today released this statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which President Trump is expected to sign at a ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base later today. The NDAA overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate earlier this week.\r\n\r\nDavis applauded the adequate funding for our military, pay raise for our troops, repeal of the 'widow's tax,' and the inclusion of his bill, the Fallen Heroes Family Travel Act, which Davisintroducedfollowing the death of Petty Officer Logan Palmer from Macon County.\r\n\r\n\"This bill not only takes care of our servicemembers through adequate funding and a pay raise, it also takes care of the families of our troops,\" said Davis. \"I am so glad we have repealed the 'widow's tax' and codified into law the changes I led at the Pentagon so all families of our fallen servicemembers are able to travel to meet their loved one's remains if they are sent anywhere but home. Codifying this into law ensures the Pentagon's new policy cannot be changed without an act of Congress\"\r\n\r\nAdditionally, Davis noted the first-ever paid family leave for federal workers, which was included in the bill.\r\n\r\n\"I have always provided paid family leave for staff in my offices and I'm glad we could come together to ensure it's available for other federal workers,\" said Davis. \"We are behind nearly every industrialized nation when it comes to paid family leave and I think it's long overdue. Many private companies are beginning to offer this benefit as a retention tool, but we need to do more to help even more Americans have access to this benefit critical to so many families.\"\r\n\r\nDavis is leading efforts to help working families secure time off and save for child care. He's introduced theChild and Dependent Care Modernization Actto help more families save for child care and Davis is also backing a bill, theNew Parents Act, that allows parents after the birth or adoption of a child to use a portion of their Social Security to take time off. The bill is being pushed by Senators Marco Rubio and Mitt Romney in the Senate.\r\n\r\nAdditional Details\r\n\r\n \r\n    $738 billion topline funding for our military.\r\n    3.1 percent pay raise for the troops  the largest in a decade that will go into effect January 1, 2020.\r\n    Provides $5.7 million to allow surviving families of military members who die on active duty or in retirement to receive the full benefits for which they are allowed  effectively ending the widow's tax. Currently, survivors of deceased military servicemembers must give up part or all of their purchased Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity when they receive he VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits  the difference or loss between the SBP and DIC is the widows tax.\r\n    Provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal workers for the first time in American history  an initiative that has been supported by Ivanka Trump and the White House.\r\n    The Fallen Heroes Family Travel Act, which would allow the Department of Defense to pay for the travel of families of servicemembers who have died in non-combat situations to Dover Air Force Base to meet their remains  an idea that spurred from the August 2017 USS McCain collision where 12 sailors died, including Petty Officer Logan S. Palmer of Harristown, Illinois.\r\n \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-slams-new-trump-rule-impose-restrictions-reproductive-health-care", "Schakowsky Slams New Trump Rule To Impose Restrictions On Reproductive Health Care", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jan Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Deputy Chair of the Congressional Pro Choice Caucus, released the following statement in response to a new final rule announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would make it harder for health insurance to cover abortion care, create consumer confusion, and push abortion coverage further out of reach for many.\nDenying access to abortion care puts people's health and lives in danger and infringes on their basic human rights, said Congresswoman Schakowsky. Earlier this year, over 170 of my colleagues and I sent a clear message to the Trump Administration about this restrictive rule: hands off our health care. Today, the Administration ignored our calls and took another step in their crusade to dismantle reproductive health care. But we will not go back and Democrats will not stand by. We will keep fighting to protect your right to safe and legal abortion care.\nThe Trump Administration's rule would impose unnecessary and onerous burdens on insurers and consumers with the ultimate goal of eliminating abortion coverage in the Affordable Care Act marketplace and denying consumers their right to comprehensive health insurance. This rule would, for example, require that insurance companies send a separate bill for abortion care and require consumers to pay a separate bill from their premium for abortion care. The rule could impact as many as three million people across the United States. \nIn January, Congresswoman Schakowsky led over 170 House Democrats in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar criticizing this rule after it was first proposed. \nWomen have the right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health. Barriers to abortion care force women to delay care, resulting in unintended pregnancies and unplanned births, which often times force families deeper into poverty, wrote Congresswoman Schakowsky and her colleagues. For these aforementioned reasons, along with the fact that abortion care is health care, we oppose this rule and urge you to withdraw it immediately before it has the opportunity to cause harm to Americans across the country. \nA copy of the letter can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-warren-reintroduce-affordable-drug-manufacturing-act-legislation", "Schakowsky, Warren Reintroduce Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, Legislation to Radically Reduce Drug Prices through Public Manufacturing of Prescription Drugs", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jan Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lawmakers Also Release New Report Identifying Hundreds of Drugs Facing Limited Market Competition, Highlighting Need for Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act\nBill Text (PDF)|One-Pager (PDF) | Section-by-Section Summary (PDF) | Report (PDF)\nWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today announced the reintroduction of the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act (H.R. 5501), an ambitious proposal to address the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs. The bill would lower prices and increase competition in the generic pharmaceutical market by establishing an Office of Drug Manufacturing within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) tasked with manufacturing select generic drugs and offering them to consumers at a fair price that guarantees affordable patient access.\nThe lawmakers also released a new staff report, Costly Cures: The Broken Generic Drug Market and the Urgent Need for the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, which identifies market failures in the generic drug industry and outlines how the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act would address these failures. It also identifies hundreds of examples of drugs that are potential candidates for public manufacturing under the bill.\n\"Our prescription drug market is broken. Drug manufacturers are price gouging consumers without enough competition from more affordable, generic drugs,\" said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. \"That's why I'm proud to reintroduce the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act with my friend Senator Elizabeth Warren. It's time for our federal government to step up and ensure Big Pharma faces real, honest competition that will lower drug prices for people across the United States.\nThere is not enough competition in the market for generic drugs, and that allows giant pharmaceutical companies to line their pockets while millions of families are crushed by the rising cost of prescription drugs, said Senator Warren. Our bill would fix the broken generic drug marketmaking it more competitive and dramatically lowering prices.\nPrescription drug manufacturers have relentlessly raised prices on U.S. consumers. In the first six months of 2019, pharmaceutical corporations increased prices by over 10%, while in the past 10 years, spending on retail prescription drugs in the U.S. increased by nearly $100 billion.\nWhen patents on brand-name drugs expire, patients and providers have traditionally relied on generic drug companies to enter the market and create competition, driving down costs and ensuring a reliable supply of affordable drugs. But the new report reveals how the generic drug market is plagued by market failures that keep the costs of drugs high.\nCongresswoman Schakowsky's and Senator Warren's report also identifies key drugs that could be publicly-manufactured under the bill, finding that:\n Generic drug markets often lack competition, resulting in higher prices.\n\tUncompetitive generic drug markets allow for market manipulation, causing rapid increases in generic drug prices.\n\tPharmaceutical companies have been accused of engaging in illegal activity to keep generic drug prices high.\n\tUncompetitive generic drug markets increase the risk of drug shortages, leaving patients without critical treatments in times of need.\n The Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act would address these market failures by giving the HHS Secretary the authority to manufacture generic drugs in cases where the market has failed and strengthen the generic market for the long term by jump-starting competition. The Act:\n Establishes an Office of Drug Manufacturing within HHS charged with lowering prices, increasing competition, and addressing shortages in the market for prescription drugs;\n\tAuthorizes the Office to manufacture generic drugs under one of the following key conditions:\n\t\tNo company is marketing the drug,\n\t\t\tOnly one or two companies are marketing the drug, and the price has spiked;\n\t\t\tOnly one or two companies are marketing the drug, and the drug is in shortage; or\n\t\t\tOnly one or two companies are marketing the drug, the price is a barrier to patient access, and the drug is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization.\n\t\t\n\tAuthorizes the Office to manufacture any drug that the federal government has licensed, including under existing compulsory licensing authorities;\n\tAllows the government to sell publicly-manufactured drugs at a fair price that covers manufacturing costs while ensuring patients have access to these drugs;\n\tRequires the Office to begin public production of insulin, naloxone, and antibiotics within one year;\n\tImproves the ability of new companies to enter the generic drug market by authorizing the public manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients;\n\tRequires the Office to offer to sell the rights to publicly-manufactured drugs to manufacturers who commit to keep the drug on the market at a fair price, but authorizes the Office to resume production if a manufacturer violates these commitments.\n Under the bill, the federal governmentat the discretion of the HHS Secretarycould manufacture hundreds of drugs and would be required to manufacture insulin, naloxone, and antibiotics. The lawmakers' report contains key detailed examples and a list of over 400 drugs that could qualify for public manufacturing under the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act.\nThe Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, which was first introduced by the lawmakers in December 2018, is endorsed by Public Citizen, Social Security Works, Indivisible, CREDO, Center for Medicare Advocacy, American Federation of Teachers, Knowledge Ecology International, Action Center on Race and the Economy, Business for Medicare for All, Physicians for a National Health Program, MomsRising, Families USA, Alliance for Retired Americans, AFSCME, and People's Action.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-responds-reports-trump-administration-epa-considering-weakening-risk", "Schneider Responds to Reports Trump Administration EPA is Considering Weakening Risk Assessment of Ethylene Oxide", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Brad Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) released the following statement in response to reporting by the Chicago Tribune that the Trump Administration is reconsidering the risk assessment of ethylene oxide (EtO) after lobbying from the chemical industry:\nReports that the Trump Administration is considering unjustifiably weakening the risk assessment of ethylene oxide are severely troubling. If the U.S. EPA does so, it would put the economic interests of the chemical industry ahead of the health and well-being of our communities. During my meeting with Administrator Wheeler earlier this week, I again pressed him to protect the science in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment of EtO which shows the chemical is dangerous, even at low levels. We must not allow the U.S. EPA to undermine the IRIS findings with industry-backed, predetermined and bogus science. In light of this reporting, it is even more urgent that Administrator Wheeler accept the bipartisan Congressional Ethylene Oxide Task Force invitation to meet with our members, Republican and Democrat, who represent these affected communities.\n\nBackground:\nEthylene oxide is an industrial chemical used to sterilize medical equipment and manufacture products such as anti-freeze. In 2016, the EPA listed EtO as a known carcinogen, however the agency has yet to release a rule regulating the use of the chemical by medical sterilizers, nor has the agency engaged with communities affected by EtO emissions. This inaction has created public concern in communities surrounding facilities that use EtO, including sites in Waukegan and Gurnee in the 10th Congressional District (Schneider).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-wasserman-schultz-lead-jewish-members-congress-call-dismissal-white", "Schneider, Wasserman Schultz Lead Jewish Members of Congress in Call for Dismissal of White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Brad Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, 25 Jewish Members of Congress called for the dismissal of White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller for disseminating the views of hate groups supportive of white supremacy and virulently anti-immigrant tropes.\nThe letter to President Donald Trump was led by U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and signed by all Jewish Democratic Members of Congress.\nThe recently released emails show Stephen Miller traffickingthe views of white supremacist hate groups that espouse a repugnant and extreme anti-immigrant agenda, said the letter's co-leads Schneider and Wasserman Schultz. These hateful views have no place in our government, much less just steps from the Oval Office. At this time of rising antisemitism, xenophobia, racism and white supremacy, we must forcefully call out and refuse to accept intolerance or hate anywhere within our government.\nThe letter writers also refuted the claim, promoted by an official in the White House, that criticism of Miller is clearly a form of anti-Semitism.\nWe are also deeply troubled that your Administration is claiming that legitimate criticism of Miller is anti-Semitic simply because Miller is Jewish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hateful ideology is not just unacceptable, it is un-American, irrespective of the faith, race, or nationality of the individual promoting it. Weaponizing anti-Semitism is incredibly dangerous  by muddying the waters, we are no longer able to see and fight against the real anti-Semites in our midst, write the 25 Jewish Members of Congress in the letter.\nThe signed letter is available online here.\nLetter text below:\nDecember 20, 2019\n\nThe President\nThe White House\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nAs Jewish members of Congress, we are calling on you to immediately relieve White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller of all government responsibilities and dismiss him from your Administration. His documented support for white nationalist and virulently anti-immigrant tropes is wholly unacceptable and disqualifying for a government employee.\n\nAs demonstrated by his recently released emails, Miller frequently disseminated the views of multiple hate groups supportive of white supremacy and other vile ideologies throughout 2016. His distribution of materials fear-mongering about white genocide and supporting eugenics-based immigration theories are particularly disturbing given his leadership of your Administration's immigration policies. With America experiencing historic levels of anti-Semitism, xenophobia, racism, and white supremacy, there should be no place in our government and on any President's staff for people propagating such views.\n\nWe are also deeply troubled that your Administration is claiming that legitimate criticism of Miller is anti-Semitic simply because Miller is Jewish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hateful ideology is not just unacceptable, it is un-American, irrespective of the faith, race, or nationality of the individual promoting it. Weaponizing anti-Semitism is incredibly dangerous  by muddying the waters, we are no longer able to see and fight against the real anti-Semites in our midst.\n\nWe will not now, or ever, accept intolerance or hate anywhere within our government, and especially not in the White House. On behalf of the American taxpayers from our districts contributing to Miller's salary, we urge you to immediately dismiss Stephen Miller from his duties and the White House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-votes-for-bipartisan-agreement-to-fund-the-government", "Duckworth Votes for Bipartisan Agreement to Fund the Government", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth Votes for Bipartisan Agreement to Fund the Government \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) voted for the two Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations packages, which will fund the government through September 30, 2020. The bills passed the U.S. Senate with a bipartisan majority and now heads to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nI'm glad both parties came together to pass this bipartisan budget agreement that includes a number of important provisions, such as securing miners' earned health care and pension benefits, defending the Great Lakes from invasive species and permanently repealing both the medical device tax and the Cadillac tax, Duckworth said. Hard-working families in Illinois and across our nation will benefit from this funding package, and I look forward to the President signing it into law.\r\nKey provisions included in the Appropriations packages will:\r\n \r\nProtect miners' pensions and health care coverage for retirees impacted by 2018 and 2019 mine bankruptcies;\r\nHelp defend the Great Lakes from invasive species;\r\nPermanently repeal the medical device tax and the Cadillac tax; and\r\nFund four additional C-130J aircrafts for the National Guard and eight F-15EX fighters.\r\n \r\nThe Bipartisan American Miners Act, included in the final funding package, secures lifetime health care benefits for the 13,000 miners who would have lost their benefits entirely and the 92,000 miners who would have seen their pensions gutted next year without Congressional action. This includes pension benefits for more than 8,000 miners and health coverage for more than 1,000 miners in Illinois.\r\nDuckworth discussed the invasive species issue with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District Commander Colonel Steven Sattinger in October of this year. She also successfully secured a provision in the America's Conservation Enhancement Act that will provide $2.5 million for five years in assistance for agencies across the federal government that have strategies to prevent invasive species from doing irreparable harm to our environment and economy.\r\nIn March of this year, Duckworth joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) in reintroducing a bill to permanently repeal the 2.3 percent federal excise tax on medical device sales. Duckworth also cosponsored the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019, which would repeal a 40 percent excise tax on certain employer-sponsored health insurance plans known as the Cadillac Tax.\r\nDuckworth is an Iraq War Veteran who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Duckworth was able to secure provisions in FY2020 NDAA to support jobs at Rock Island Arsenal, protect noncitizen servicemembers and Veterans from deportation and reduce servicemembers' exposure to toxins. Last year, Duckworth alsoauthored several amendmentsthat were included in the FY2019 NDAA to prevent low-income servicemembers from going hungry, make it easier for Illinois's small businesses to secure DOD contracts, make the federal contracting process more efficient and further secure the Rock Island Arsenal's future.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-spending-bills-with-illinois-priorities-secured-by-durbin", "Congress Passes Bipartisan Spending Bills With Illinois Priorities Secured By Durbin", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Congress Passes Bipartisan Spending Bills With Illinois Priorities Secured By Durbin \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bills yesterday. The bills are expected to be signed by President Donald Trump today.\r\n\r\nThese bills invest in Illinois' environment, transportation infrastructure, health, agriculture, service members, and security. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, bringing home federal dollars will always be a top priority for me. I'm glad that Congress was able to come together on a bipartisan basis to pass these bills, which will benefit families in Illinois and across the country.\r\n\r\nThese funding bills include the following priorities for Illinois:\r\n\r\nInterior and Environment\r\n\r\n \r\nGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), Great Lakes Region: $320 million in funding for the GLRI to support the inter-agency program to address issues affecting the Great Lakes, including invasive species and pollution. Since 2010 GLRI has invested more than $226 million in Illinois to implement 170 projects including the removal of toxic chemicals from Waukegan Harbor, green infrastructure projects like the Millennium Reserve near the Calumet River, and the restoration of 40 acres of land at Northerly Island.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nBubbly Creek: The bill includes Durbin's language urging EPA, Army Corps, and DOJ to expedite a resolution to negotiations over liability concerns that have prohibited the Army Corps of Engineers environmental restoration program on the South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nEthylene Oxide and the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): The bill includes language addressing concerns about ethylene oxide emissions and urges the EPA to brief the committee about its plans to update federal standards. The bill also includes language to continue to maintain the IRIS program and its mission to identify harmful chemicals with the highest scientific rigor.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nManganese: The bill includes Durbin's language about manganese soil contamination in Chicago and encourages EPA to clean up all affected areas to the lowest possible limits for residential screening and monitoring.\r\n \r\n\r\nTransportation, Housing, and Urban Development\r\n\r\n \r\nBUILD Grants: $1 billion in nationwide funding for the BUILD program (formerly TIGER'), of which Illinois has been a major beneficiary since the program was created in 2009.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAmtrak: $2 billion in nationwide Amtrak funding and $100 million to support a multi-year, $1.5 billion replacement of Amtrak's 40-year rolling stock.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nQuad Cities to Chicago Rail: The bill includes Durbin's language urging the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide a multi-year extension of the current grant agreement to establish the new Quad Cities to Chicago State-supported Amtrak route.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nBlocked Crossings: The bill includes Durbin's language directing the FRA to report on its efforts to collect data on blocked crossings and what additional data would be needed to properly analyze the problem.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRoadside Deaths and Distracted Driving: The bill includes Durbin's efforts to combat roadside personnel deaths, specifically $5 million in grants for testing technology, barriers, and other solutions to improve driver awareness and protect roadside personnel. The bill also includes Durbin's language directing the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to report on deaths and motor vehicle accidents involving roadside personnel.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nExpanding the Chicago HEAL Initiative: In Illinois, Durbin has launched the Chicago HEAL Initiative with 10 major hospitals to reduce violence, strengthen neighborhoods, and overall improve community health. The bill includes Durbin's language encouraging the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to replicate the Initiative across the country by providing incentives for new projects that coordinate with both housing providers and health care organizations.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAssessing the Current Public Housing Backlog: The bill includes funding for HUD to complete an updated capital needs assessment of the nation's public housing stock. The most recent assessment was completed in 2010 and estimated a $26 billion backlog projected to increase by an average of $3.4 billion per year. \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nImproving Public Housing Safety: The bill includes Durbin's language directing HUD to change the process by which emergency safety and security grants are allocated, from a lottery to regionally, based on need.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nEast St. Louis Receivership: The bill includes Durbin's language directing HUD to review the progress made during the three-decade-long administrative receivership of the East St. Louis Housing Authority and to report to Congress on transitioning Public Housing Authorities out of receivership.\r\n \r\n\r\nAgriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration\r\n\r\n \r\nProtecting SNAP Benefits for Illinois Seniors: The bill includes Durbin's bill language to protect SNAP nutrition assistance benefits for 8,000 low-income seniors and elderly people in Illinois. In recent years, USDA has sought to strip SNAP eligibility and participation from 150 supportive senior living facilities across Illinois, and the Durbin amendment blocks this regulatory overreach.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nLowering Prescription Drug Costs: The bill includes Durbin's report language to lower the cost of prescription drugs by speeding the FDA approval process for lower-cost generic insulin and studying efforts by pharmaceutical companies to block competition by abusing the patent system.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nNational Center for Agricultural Utilization Research: The bill includes $1.424 billion for the Agricultural Research Service. This amount ensures continued funding for research labs across the country, including the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, where more than 250 scientists and staff are conducting important research to create new markets for food waste, biofuels, and plant-based biochemicals. \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nBiodiesel Tax Credit: retroactively extends the biodiesel tax credit through 2022, ending the longest lapse in the credit's history\r\n \r\n\r\nLabor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies\r\n\r\n \r\nMedical Research: Increases funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $2.4 billion, for a total funding level of $41.5 billion in fiscal year 2020. Durbin has secured at least five percent real growth at the NIH for each of the last five fiscal years.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nOpioids: Provides $3.8 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address opioid abuse, including $1.5 billion to help states directly address the opioid epidemic and mental health.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nTobacco Cessation: Provides an increase of $20 million in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) work to address the public health risk caused by the dramatic increase in youth use of e-cigarettes.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nGun Violence Research: The bill includes $25 million for CDC and NIH to conduct gun violence research for the first time in 25 years.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nTextbook Affordability: Includes $7 million for new grants under the Open Textbook Pilot program, a program based on Durbin's legislation that awards grants to create and expand the use of freely accessible college textbooks. Durbin has secured $17 million for this effort over three years. \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIncreasing Pell Grant Awards: Increases the maximum Pell award by $150 to $6,345.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nMiners' Pensions: Includes a fix for miners' pensions and health care coverage for miners impacted by 2018 and 2019 mine bankruptcies. The fix will cover pension benefits for more than 8,000 miners and health coverage for more than 1,000 miners in Illinois.\r\n \r\n\r\nHomeland Security\r\n\r\n \r\nUrban Flooding Pilot Program: The bill includes Durbin's request for a $1.2 million pilot program to provide grants within eligible urban areas (more than 50,000 people) to improve flood mapping and urban flood mitigation, based on a bill introduced by Durbin and Rep. Quigley.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nPre-Disaster Mitigation Program: The bill includes Durbin's language directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to evaluate its process for assisting states experiencing technical difficulties when applying to the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM). The State of Illinois was one of several states that experienced technical difficulties when applying to the Fiscal Year 2018 PDM Program, and was ultimately deemed ineligible for these grants.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nBetter Protecting Firefighters from Cancer Risks: The bill includes Durbin's language directing FEMA to collaborate with fire departments to find cost-effective procedures to reduce firefighters' exposure to carcinogens.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nFederal Disaster Declarations: The bill includes Durbin's language directing FEMA to communicate with greater transparency how it determines federal disaster declarations. Due to FEMA's disaster declaration process, large states like Illinois face difficulties qualifying for federal aid to repair damage caused by natural disasters.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nTransportation Security Administration (TSA): The bill includes funding for an additional 1,090 front-line screening personnel.\r\n \r\n\r\nCommerce, Justice, and Science\r\n\r\n \r\n2020 Census: The bill includes $7.6 billion for the 2020 Census.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nBureau of Prisons: The bill includes $7.47 billion to fund Bureau of Prisons staff, inmate care, and building construction and maintenance costs. This amount ensures full funding of FY20 operations of USP Thomson, a high-security federal prison in Thomson, Illinois. $75 million of the funding is specifically dedicated to the implementation of the First Step Act, at Durbin's request. Durbin was one of the lead authors of the First Step Act, a landmark, bipartisan law that uses evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to help inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence; it also reduces some sentences for certain low-level, nonviolent offenders while preserving important law enforcement tools to tackle criminal enterprises.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nNOAA: The bill includes $76.5 million for Coastal Zone Management Grants and $45 million for Coastal Zone Management and Services to support regional efforts to restore and protect coastal communities in the Great Lakes Region. The bill also includes $4.15 million for the Regional Climate Centers to develop products and services for climate-related issues affecting sectors such as agriculture, transportation, energy generation, and water resources.\r\n \r\n\r\nMilitary Construction and Veteran Affairs\r\n\r\n \r\nVeteran Health Records: Includes Durbin's language supporting electronic health record integration between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Durbin helped establish the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center as the first fully integrated, joint DOD and VA health care facility prior to its opening in 2010.\r\n \r\n\r\nFinancial Services and General Government\r\n \r\nElection Security: Includes $425 million in election security grant funds to states, of which Illinois is expected to receive about $14.8 million of this formula funding to help the State Board of Elections maintain its Cyber Navigator Program and local election officials to update their infrastructure.\r\n \r\n\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-urge-illinois-residents-to-apply-now-for-census-jobs", "Durbin, Duckworth Urge Illinois Residents To Apply Now For Census Jobs", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Duckworth Urge Illinois Residents To Apply Now For Census Jobs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Thousands of part-time jobs available to eligible Illinoisans\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Census Bureau in Illinois is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers, among other positions, for the 2020 Census. Thousands of people throughout Illinois will be needed to work as census takers for the 2020 Census between January and June of 2020. These short-term jobs pay between $14.00 - $29.50 an hour, allow for flexible hours, and offer paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work.\r\nThe Census results help determine representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety. It's an incredibly important responsibility and I urge interested Illinoisans to apply for these jobs, Durbin said.\r\nA fair and accurate Census has a real impact on people's lives and determines how much federal funding would go to Illinois for important projects like transportation, infrastructure, education and more, said Duckworth. It's important these jobs go to hard-working folks in our state and I encourage anyone interested to apply and take part in this civic duty.\r\nThose interested in becoming part-time census takers should apply as soon as possible. Information on how to apply is available on the Census Bureau's website or through the toll-free Jobs Line at 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020).\r\nTo qualify, applicants must be eligible for a 2020 Census job, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, be a U.S. citizen, have a valid email address, complete an application, and answer assessment questions. (Some assessment questions are available in Spanish. However, an English proficiency test may also be required.) You must be registered with the Selective Service System or have a qualifying exemption, if you are a male born after December 31, 1959. You must also pass a Census-performed criminal background check and a review of criminal records, including fingerprinting, commit to completing training, and be available to work flexible hours, which can include days, evenings, and/or weekends.\r\nIn August, Durbin and Duckworth sent a letter to Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham urging the prioritization of local hiring. These efforts will not only provide employment opportunities across the State, but they are imperative in reaching and establishing trust within hard-to-count communities to ensure a fair and full count of all Illinoisans.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-lankford-kinzinger-loebsack-introduce-bill-to-support-rural-hospitals", "Durbin, Lankford, Kinzinger, Loebsack Introduce Bill To Support Rural Hospitals", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Lankford, Kinzinger, Loebsack Introduce Bill To Support Rural Hospitals \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  This week, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and James Lankford (R-OK), along with U.S. Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA-02), introduced a new bill to support financially vulnerable rural hospitals facing risk of closure. The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act would update Medicare's Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation so more rural hospitals can qualify for this financial lifeline and continue to serve their communities with quality, affordable health care services. Small hospitals are the backbone of rural communities, and often the largest employers, yet more than 113 rural hospitals have closed nationwide in the past decade, with many more hospitals operating with negative margins.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation will update Medicare's rules in order to strengthen our commitment to rural hospitals and the communities they serve, Durbin said. In Illinois and across the country, rural hospitals are a health care and economic lifeline. I'm pleased to work with Senator Lankford and Representatives Kinzinger and Loebsack to maintain support for these essential health providers.\r\nAccess to rural health care is vital for many of our Oklahoma communities, said Lankford. Giving flexibility to states to help designate certain rural hospitals as necessary providers will help rural hospitals stay open while maintaining high-quality care for the community. I'm glad to partner with Senator Durbin and Congressmen Kinzinger and Loebsack to help communities continue to provide a vital lifeline and much needed access to life-saving services for patients. It is essential that we address the wave of rural hospital closures across the nation, and I am hopeful that this proposal can serve as a critical first step in doing just that.\r\nRural hospitals are a vital lifeline in communities across IL-16 and the country. It's time for us to take action to help save these vulnerable health facilities facing financial hardships, said Kinzinger. I'm pleased to have the support from my House and Senate colleagues, and appreciate their interest in my legislation that will designate these rural facilities as Critical Access Hospitals' (CAHs) for the people and the communities who truly rely on the services they provide.\r\nWe must keep fighting to ensure all Iowans have access to high-quality health care no matter where they live, said Loebsack. Critical Access Hospitals, which are the lifeblood of rural communities, play an important role by providing access to primary, emergency, and acute care services. I have visited rural hospitals across Iowa that are struggling, and this legislation will provide them with a path forward. I am pleased to work on a bipartisan basis to ensure these healthcare providers get the support they need and deserve.\r\nUnder CAH status, hospitals are paid a higher Medicare rate101 percent of their actual costs, rather than set rates per service, as long as they have fewer than 25 inpatient beds; are located 35 miles from other hospitals; maintain patient length of stays less than 96 hours; and offer 24/7 emergency care.\r\nThe Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act would support rural hospitals by providing flexibility around the 35-mile distance requirement and enabling states to certify a hospital as a necessary provider in order to obtain CAH designation. This authority ended in 2006, but today's bill would re-open this financial lifeline for certain rural hospitals that serve a low-income community, are located in a health professional shortage area, and that have operated with negative margins for multiple years.\r\nThe Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act is supported by the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA), and National Rural Health Association (NRHA).\r\n-30-\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-senators-call-on-mnuchin-to-strengthen-irs-criminal-division", "Durbin, Senators Call On Mnuchin To Strengthen IRS Criminal Division", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Senators Call On Mnuchin To Strengthen IRS Criminal Division \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), today sent a letter to the Department of the Treasury urging the Administration to strengthen the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) enforcement efforts, including focusing on tax code violations and financial crimes. The Senators, in a letter to Secretary Steven Mnuchin, expressed serious concern over the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Division's Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, which revealed a drastic drop in the volume of tax fraud identified in FY2019 compared to previous years. The Senators urged the Department to commit to prioritizing enforcement efforts to identify and combat tax fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.\r\nWe cannot allow criminals, bad-actors, and tax-cheats writ-large to flout the system avoid paying their fair share in taxes, or enable more serious financial crimes such as money laundering, the Senators wrote. When we allow our financial system to be exploited, the average American taxpayer is left holding the bag.\r\nAccording to its own report, the IRS CI Division only identified $1.8 billion in tax fraud during FY2019, an 81 percent decline compared to the $9.7 billion in tax fraud identified in FY2018. The report also indicated the IRS CI Division initiated 2,485 cases in FY2019, a 53 percent drop from the 5,314 cases initiated in FY2013.\r\nThe Senators noted that Republican-led efforts to cut IRS funding have led to staffing decreases throughout the agency, undermining the agency's ability to pursue criminal enforcement actions.\r\nRepeated efforts by Republicans to slash IRS fundingwhich undoubtedly has forced the Service to cut staffhave resulted in nearly across-the-board decreases in the number of investigations initiated by the IRS CI Division, the Senators continued.\r\nIn March, Durbin, Whitehouse, Warren, Blumenthal, and Sanders wrote to the IRS urging the agency to strengthen enforcement efforts.\r\nFull text of the letter to the IRS is available here and below:\r\nDecember 20, 2019\r\nDear Secretary Mnuchin:\r\nWe write today to express concern over the troubling trends within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI) Division's Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. Released on December 5, 2019, this report illustrates the continuing decline in the number of investigations initiated by the IRS CI Division and features a drastic drop in the volume of tax fraud identified in FY2019 compared to previous years. On March 8, 2019, we wrote to IRS Commissioner Rettig urging the IRS to strengthen its enforcement efforts. In reviewing the annual report, it is clear that tax-cheats and fraudsters continue to outfox this Administration's tax enforcement regime. We urge the Treasury Department to commit to prioritizing enforcement efforts to identify and combat tax fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.\r\nThe IRS CI Division is the only federal agency authorized to investigate and recommend prosecution on federal income tax cases. Whether identifying tax schemes, investigating narcotics and terrorist financing, or examining emerging cybercrimes, the IRS CI Division plays a vital role in enforcing our federal tax code. Maintaining a robust and well-sourced enforcement regime helps provide a strong benefit to taxpayers across the country. Every $1 invested in tax enforcement has the potential to produce more than $5 in revenue, with additional, indirect savings from deterring tax evasion potentially worth more than three times that amount. \r\nIt is deeply troubling that the IRS CI Division only identified $1.8 billion in tax fraud during FY2019, an 81 percent decline compared to the $9.7 billion in tax fraud identified in FY2018. If we fail to address financial crimes, we risk irreversible reputational harm to our federal tax system by compromising the integrity of our compliance regime. We cannot allow criminals, bad-actors, and tax-cheats writ-large to flout the system avoid paying their fair share in taxes, or enable more serious financial crimes such as money laundering.\r\nRepeated efforts by Republicans to slash IRS fundingwhich undoubtedly has forced the Service to cut staffhave resulted in nearly across-the-board decreases in the number of investigations initiated by the IRS CI Division. In a May 2, 2019, response to our previous letter, IRS Commissioner Rettig pointed to decreased numbers in special agents and professional staff, projected losses of special agents in the coming years due to attrition and retirement, and a diminishing geographic presence as contributing to the current enforcement landscape.\r\nEchoing those views, in a recent call to discuss the release of the annual report, IRS CI Division Chief Don Fort brought up reductions in staff as one of the key drivers behind the downward trend in the number of investigations initiated and the falling number of prosecutions. As illustrated in the report, the IRS CI Division initiated 2,485 cases in FY2019, a 53 percent drop from the 5,314 cases initiated in FY2013. As bad actors continue to invent new, complex ways to shirk their tax liabilities and engage in criminal activity, we need an IRS CI Division that is equipped with the resources necessary to bring these criminals to justice. A strong and effective enforcement regime is paramount to ensure that all taxpayers are operating within the law and are paying their fair share.\r\nJust last week, the Department of Justice announced a $192 million deferred-prosecution agreement with the Swiss banking unit of HSBC Holdings after they were found to have assisted U.S. clients with tax evasion by hiding income and assets in offshore accounts for ten years. When we allow our financial system to be exploited, the average American taxpayer is left holding the bag.\r\nThe IRS CI Division's release of its FY2019 Annual Report marks its 100th year as a law enforcement agency. This is a milestone worth celebrating, and to be clear, a number of data points within the report deserve commendation. In FY2019, the IRS CI Division achieved a conviction rate of 91.2 percent and emphasized enforcement of employment taxes and tax-schemes surrounding virtual currencies. Unfortunately, we also believe it was a missed opportunity to celebrate the great work being done at the IRS CI Division and to highlight just how far this vital law enforcement agency has come. Instead, this report illustrates the consequences of misguided efforts to hamstring the IRS and the CI Division through underfunding. It is not too late to reverse course. \r\nThe Treasury Department must do more to prioritize the elimination of criminal activity in the financial sector. We will continue to advocate for providing adequate resources so those at Treasury, the IRS, and the CI Division can continue working to deter tax evasion, cracking down on criminal activity, and strengthening enforcement efforts. We urge you to do your part to protect the integrity of our financial system by prioritizing enforcement efforts at Treasury and the IRS, especially of financial crimes that may be linked to money laundering. We look forward to your response.\r\nSincerely,\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trump-administrations-new-e-cigarette-flavor-policy", "Durbin Statement On Trump Administration's New E-Cigarette Flavor Policy", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Durbin Statement On Trump Administration's New E-Cigarette Flavor Policy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSPRINGFIELD  U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that it will ban the sale of some flavored e-cigarette pods and cartridge products, such as those used in JUUL devices. However, in a major reversal, menthol flavored pods will be exempt from this ban and vape shops will be mostly exempt by being allowed to continue selling flavored liquid nicotine used in open tank systemsthese products often come in flavors such as cotton candy and gummy bear.\r\nDuring a briefing with the Administration this morning, I told officials that I would judge our success in stopping the youth vaping epidemic by two standards: first, are fewer American children becoming addicted to e-cigarettes and vaping products like JUUL. And second, are we developing a national strategy to end nicotine addiction to vaping that already impacts the lives of five million kids.\r\nWhile today's announcement is a step in the right direction, this policy still has a number of gaping holes. For instance, we should be removing all e-cigarette flavors from the market  including menthol  as was promised four months ago. And we should not be exempting flavored nicotine products that kids can access in vape shops. There is simply no public health benefit to allowing cotton candy and gummy bear nicotine flavors to remain on vape shop shelves.\r\nI believe that today's announcement is a positive step, but it is far from a comprehensive one.\r\nFive million children are now vaping, including one in four high school studentsan increase of 135 percent over the past two years alone. Between 2017 and 2018, America saw a 78 percent increase in the number of high-school children using e-cigarettes, and a 48 percent increase in the number of middle-school children using these addictive and dangerous products. Today, nearly 30 percent of school-aged children are vaping, compared with less than four percent of adults in the United States.\r\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,561 people have been sickened by vaping related illnesses, with 55 deaths reportedincluding five in Illinois. The illnesses have spread across 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\r\nIn March, Durbin, along with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO-01) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to crack down on kid-friendly flavorings in highly-addictive e-cigarettes and cigars. The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids (SAFE Kids) Act will place strong restrictions on e-cigarette flavorings and ban cigar flavorings altogether.\r\nIn September, Durbin, along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), urged FDA to immediately remove all pod- and cartridge-based e-cigarettes from the market, unless or until they can prove that they benefit the public health.\r\n-30-\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-takano-va-must-protect-veteran-students-in-wake-of-ftc-settlements-with-for-profit-colleges", "Durbin, Takano: VA Must Protect Veteran Students In Wake Of FTC Settlements With For-Profit Colleges", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Takano: VA Must Protect Veteran Students In Wake Of FTC Settlements With For-Profit Colleges \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Within last several months, FTC has announced major settlements with Career Education Corporation and University of Phoenix\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-41), along with several of their colleagues,today sent a letter toSecretary of Veteran Affairs Robert Wilkie urgingthe Departmentof Veteran Affairs toprotect veteran students in the wake of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settlements with for-profit Career Education Corporation (CEC) and University of Phoenix (UOP) for unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices.\r\nIn August, the FTC announced a $30 million settlement with CEC, which enrolls more than 7,500 veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at its American Intercontinental and Colorado Technical University brands and took in more than $60 million in GI Bill funds in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. The FTC found that CEC and its subsidiaries used an illegal and deceptive telemarketing schemewrongfully obtaining consumer information and falsely representing that its schools were affiliated with or recommended by the military.\r\nThis week, the FTC announced a $191 million settlement with University of Phoenix over deceptive advertising. The FTC found that UOP falsely touted their relationships and job opportunities with companies such as AT&T, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Twitter, and the American Red Cross in an effort to attract students. According to VA, University of Phoenixthe largest recipient of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits since the program's creationenrolls 22,365 veterans and took in more than $150 million in GI Bill funds in FY18.\r\nFederal law, specifically 38 U.S.C.  3696(a), states that the Secretary [of Veterans Affairs] shall not approve enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution which utilizes advertising, sales, or enrollment practices of any type which are erroneous, deceptive, or misleading either by actual statement, omission, or intimation. The statute also specifically provides authority for VA to rely on FTC for purposes of making determinations under section 3696(a).\r\nWhat steps will VA take to fulfill its statutory responsibilities under 38 U.S.C.  3696(a) based on FTC's investigation and findings of wrongdoing against Career Education Corporation and University of Phoenix? the members wrote.\r\nToday's letter wasalso signed by: U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and U.S. Representatives Susan Davis (D-CA-53), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), and Katie Porter (D-CA-45).\r\nFull text oftoday'sletter is availablehereandbelow:\r\nDecember 20, 2019\r\nDear Secretary Wilkie:\r\nWe write today in the wake of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settlements with for-profit Career Education Corporation (CEC) and University of Phoenix (UOP) for unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices. We urge you to take action to protect student veterans.\r\nIn August, the FTC announced a $30 million settlement with Career Education Corporation. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), CEC enrolls more than 7,500 veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at its American Intercontinental and Colorado Technical University brands and took in more than $60 million in GI Bill funds in FY18. The FTC found that CEC and its subsidiaries used an illegal and deceptive telemarketing schemewrongfully obtaining consumer information and falsely representing that its schools were affiliated with or recommended by the military.\r\nJust this week, the FTC announced a $191 million settlement with University of Phoenix over deceptive advertising. The FTC found that UOP falsely touted their relationships and job opportunities with companies such as AT&T, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Twitter, and the American Red Cross in an effort to attract students. Specifically, FTC found that the deceptive advertising targeted active duty servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses According to VA, University of Phoenixthe largest recipient of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits since the program's creationenrolls 22,365 veterans and took in more than $150 million in GI Bill funds in FY18.\r\n38 U.S.C.  3696(a) states that the Secretary [of Veterans Affairs] shall not approve the enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution which utilizes advertising, sales, or enrollment practices of any type which are erroneous, deceptive, or misleading either by actual statement, omission, or intimation. The statute provides authority for VA to rely on the FTC's investigatory expertise and findings in making determinations under this provision. In these cases, the FTC found evidence of wrongdoing against both CEC and UOP that would violate 38 U.S.C.  3696(a). Though 38 U.S.C.  3696(a) does not require misconduct to be specific to veterans in order to be covered, the fact that veterans and military students were the target in both of these cases makes it even more critical for VA to act. What steps will VA take to fulfill its statutory responsibilities under 38 U.S.C.  3696(a) based on FTC's investigation and findings of wrongdoing against Career Education Corporation and University of Phoenix?\r\nWe ask for your response no later than January 10, 2020. Thank you for your consideration.\r\n Sincerely,\r\n -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-durbin-introduce-bill-to-add-ireland-to-e-3-non-immigrant-visa-program", "Toomey, Durbin Introduce Bill To Add Ireland To E-3 Non-Immigrant Visa Program", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Toomey, Durbin Introduce Bill To Add Ireland To E-3 Non-Immigrant Visa Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to add Ireland to the E-3 non-immigrant visa program. The bill would allow Irish nationals annual access to any unused E-3 visas from the previous fiscal year. In exchange, Ireland intends to provide Americans expanded access to work visas in Ireland. A similar bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) and Richard Neal (D-MA-01) passed the House of Representatives last Congress by voice vote.\r\nAmerica has long benefited from the contributions of people who have come to this country willing to work hard, Toomey said. This bipartisan bill continues that tradition by allowing highly skilled Irish workers to apply for the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program. I appreciate Senator Durbin working with me on this worthwhile measure.\r\nFrom our earliest days as a nation, America and Ireland have been united by unbreakable bonds of friendship and family, and by a shared commitment to liberty and freedom, Durbin said. Our proposal is a commonsense measure that would further strengthen America's special relationship with Ireland. I'm committed to working to quickly pass this bipartisan legislation, as well as other critically-needed fixes to our broken immigration system.\r\nThe E-3 treaty professional visa is a temporary work visa currently limited to citizens of Australia. Up to 10,500 E-3 visas may be granted each year and the visas are valid for up to two years on a renewable basis. Qualifying jobs in the U.S. for which an E-3 visa may be obtained require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specialty occupation.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-votes-usmca-trade-deal", "BOST VOTES FOR USMCA TRADE DEAL", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), bringing America\u2019s trade relations with Canada and Mexico into the 21st century. It opens Canadian markets up to American dairy, wheat, and poultry products; addresses digital trade; and cleans up unfair trade enforcement provisions. The Senate is expected to consider USMCA in the new year before advancing to the president\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cWith today\u2019s vote, The House is delivering much-needed certainty to the nearly 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and free trade with Canada and Mexico,\u201d said Bost. \u201cUSMCA will strengthen exports for farmers across my district and is a bright spot in what has been one of the worst years in decades for agriculture. Despite a year of unnecessary delays, I\u2019m glad that we are finally moving forward on this historic agreement.\u201d\n\n\u201cIllinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representative Bost\u2019s vocal leadership for USCMA and for recognizing the value of expanded trade between the U.S. and its neighbors,\u201d said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., who farms in the 12th District. \u201cThe largest export market for Illinois corn is Mexico. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to that vital market and opens up the Canadian market for more sales of dairy and wheat from the 12th District. Thanks to Rep. Bost\u2019s leadership Illinois farmers can begin to reap the benefits of expanded trade under USMCA.\u201d\n\nOnce enacted, USMCA is expected to help create over 176,000 American jobs, $68 billion in new economic activity, and $2.2 billion in annual agriculture exports.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-usmca-trade-deal", "BOST VOTES FOR USMCA TRADE DEAL", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), bringing America's trade relations with Canada and Mexico into the 21st century. It opens Canadian markets up to American dairy, wheat, and poultry products; addresses digital trade; and cleans up unfair trade enforcement provisions.The Senate is expected to consider USMCA in the new year before advancing to the president's desk for signature. With today's vote, The House is delivering much-needed certainty to the nearly 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and free trade with Canada and Mexico, said Bost. USMCA will strengthen exports for farmers across my district and is a bright spot in what has been one of the worst years in decades for agriculture. Despite a year of unnecessary delays, I'm glad that we are finally moving forward on this historic agreement. Illinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representative Bost's vocal leadership for USCMA and for recognizing the value of expanded trade between the U.S. and its neighbors, said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., who farms in the 12th District. The largest export market for Illinois corn is Mexico. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to that vital market and opens up the Canadian market for more sales of dairy and wheat from the 12th District. Thanks to Rep. Bost's leadership Illinois farmers can begin to reap the benefits of expanded trade under USMCA. Once enacted, USMCA is expected to help create over 176,000 American jobs, $68 billion in new economic activity, and $2.2 billion in annual agriculture exports.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-helps-pass-historic-usmca-deal/", "BUSTOS HELPS PASS HISTORIC USMCA DEAL", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Cheri Bustos", "B001286", "bustos.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Local labor, agricultural and manufacturing stakeholders express support for USMCA\nWashington  Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) cast her vote in favor of the historic United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The legislation is the first trade deal in recent history to receive broad-based support across agricultural and labor stakeholders.\nIllinois farmers and workers deserve the strongest possible trade deal. Thanks to changes secured by House Democrats, USMCA is that deal. No agreement is ever perfect, but this legislation addresses the needs of the district while delivering the strongest trade enforcement mechanisms our country has ever seen, said Congresswoman Bustos. Throughout the months of negotiation, I worked to help chart a path forward that would serve all Illinoisans. I'm proud Congress secured a deal that will help all sectors of our region's economy prosper.\nDuring the past year, Congresswoman Bustos has toured Illinois' 17th Congressional District, speaking with farmers, labor organizers and local stakeholders, and convening a meeting between Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, the Illinois Farm Bureau and Farmers for Free Trade, in order to ensure that the concerns of all parties were brought to the table.\nAfter months of negotiations, House Democrats struck a deal that resulted in bipartisan and broad-based support across industries and communities.\nCongresswoman Bustos delivered a speech on the Floor of the House today in support of the USMCA, which can be viewed here.\nBACKGROUND\nLabor\n \nStronger protections for workers through enhanced enforcement: creates an interagency committee to monitor labor reforms and establishes benchmarks for the implementation of reforms.\nCloses enforcement loopholes and streamlines the dispute settlement system to ensure that our trading partners live up to their commitments.\n \nAgriculture\n \nDelivers much-needed trade certainty for farmers and the agriculture community.\nEstablishes a foundation to create new markets in future trade negotiations.\n \nPrescription Drugs and the Environment\n \nRemoves 10-year exclusivity for biologics, which are some of the most expensive drugs on the market.\nIncludes enhanced environmental protections.\n \nLocal labor, agricultural, and manufacturing stakeholders have expressed support for the trade deal and Congresswoman Bustos' work to secure the agreement:\nThe USMCA has enforceable labor standards and it eliminates special corporate giveaways and legal loopholes. We made NAFTA better, said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. Workers have long been last in line when it came to trade policy in this country, but this trade deal is a vast improvement over the original NAFTA and the initial USMCA proposal. We acknowledge that is only a step, not a solution to outsourcing and inequality. Working people won this fight and we thank Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, the House and Senate leadership, as well as the negotiators for standing with us.\nI truly appreciate Rep. Bustos' efforts over the past several months to help lay the groundwork for a successful bipartisan USMCA vote in the U.S. House. Her work to facilitate an August meeting between me and Speaker Pelosi to discuss the need for USMCA is greatly appreciated, said Richard Guebert Jr., President of the Illinois Farm Bureau. That meeting received a lot of attention, was seen as a positive development, and created optimism and momentum for an updated trade agreement that will maintain tariff free access to two of our top three export markets. We thank Rep. Bustos for her work  and for her vote  to ratify USMCA.\nMexico and Canada are significant markets for corn and corn co-products so Illinois corn farmers couldn't be happier to see the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement passed in the House today, said Randy DeSutter, Illinois Corn Growers Association Vice President from Woodhull, IL.Mexico is our largest purchaser of corn and of dried distillers grains with soluables.Canada is our second largest purchaser of ethanol.Together, these two markets are our most reliable customers.Ratification of this agreement and guaranteeing our relationship for years into the future is a big win for Illinois corn farmers who need market certainty this year.\nSoybean growers are appreciative of our Congressional leaders, especially Rep. Bustos, for their support of the Biodiesel tax credit during what has been a rough patch for farmers, said Ron Moore, soybean farmer and Director of the American Soybean Association. We have endured a down farm economy, the ongoing trade war, and other hardships including bad weather this year.This tax credit will help expand markets and provide certainty for the soybean industry,\nTrade is critical for Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors. Ninety-five percent off the world's consumers live outside the United States and more than 40 percent of Illinois' exports are sent to Mexico and Canada, said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. We applaud Congresswoman Bustos for her support of the USMCA trade agreement that will help the manufacturing sector.\nThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers is grateful to Rep. Bustos for her efforts to modernize and strengthen trade across North America and for her vote in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, said Dennis Slater, president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers of Peoria, IL. The agreement ensures continued duty-free access to our industry's largest export markets, creates tens of thousands of news jobs, and adds $68 million to the U.S. economy. We applaud Rep. Bustos for her work to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our industry, the local communities we serve, and the 119,000 hard working men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in Illinois.\nThe USMCA is good for America and American manufacturing, said Caterpillar, Inc. That's why it has bipartisan support.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-statement-on-epas-rule-to-undercut-renewable-fuel-standard/", "Bustos Statement on EPAs Rule to Undercut Renewable Fuel Standard", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Cheri Bustos", "B001286", "bustos.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17)  a member of the House Agriculture Committee  released the following statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new rule that would undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard:\nThe finalization of this EPA rule demonstrates this Administration's complete failure to meet the needs our family farmers and biofuel producers. Throughout the rule-making process, the Administration said they would seek to fully restore lost gallons, provide more long-term certainty in the waiver process and offer a clear path to implementation. Instead, the Administration has chosen to side with big oil and turn their backs on rural America.\nBACKGROUND\nEarlier this month, the Administration announced a new ethanol plan that was set to make up for their own actions to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard and our agricultural economy. Today, the EPA announced a final rule on how the administration plans to execute their ethanol plan, but it fails to match the needs of rural America. In August, Congresswoman Bustos slammed the EPA for approving 31 small refinery biofuel waivers, which undermined the Renewable Fuel Standard and rigged the system for big oil. Congresswoman Bustos has also been a longtime supporter of year-round E15 to grow our agricultural economy. In addition, her plan to combat climate change and spur economic growth  the Rural Green Partnership  expands the use of biofuels to reduce Green House Gas emissions by optimizing fuel standards. In recognition of her efforts to champion the work of ethanol producers, Congresswoman Bustos received the Fueling Growth Award from Growth Energy  the country's largest ethanol association. Congresswoman Bustos serves on both the House Appropriations and Agriculture Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-durbin-members-illinois-congressional-delegation-press-epa", "Casten, Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler on Ethylene Oxide Emissions", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about their concerns about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions at the Medline and Vantage facilities in Lake County. In a meeting with Administrator Wheeler, Durbin pushed for a timeline of regulatory actions by the U.S. EPA, and called on Administrator Wheeler to protect the U.S. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values from industry interests in its rulemaking. They also discussed a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data study that showed higher levels of cancer-causing EtO found in people living near Medline Industries in Waukegan, Illinois. Medline uses EtO to sterilize medical products. Durbin also pressed Administrator Wheeler on what the EPA is doing to immediately reduce EtO emissions in Lake County.\n\n\"Administrator Wheeler has a responsibility to ensure his agency is doing everything it can to protect the public health of all Illinois families,\" Durbin said. \"Without stronger standards, inspections, and emissions monitoring of this deadly chemical, Illinois communities will continue to be at risk.\"\n\nCasten and Durbin were joined by U.S. Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Bill Foster (D-IL- 11), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) at today's meeting.\n\n\"While I'm glad that Administrator Wheeler finally met with the Illinois delegation about our ongoing concerns about ethylene oxide exposure in our communities, I am deeply disturbed and extremely frustrated that it took this long. At a time when our constituents are rightly concerned about our health and safety, the U.S. EPA has left our communities in the dark and has failed to mount any satisfactory response,\" said Casten. \"Moving forward, I hope the Administrator will commit to working with us to secure better information on the risks of ethylene oxide and, finally, move forward in finalizing new rules for the use of this dangerous chemical at commercial sterilization facilities.\"\n\n\"I have serious concerns that the EPA is beginning to undermine its own risk analysis for ethylene oxide,\" said Lipinski. \"The evidence is overwhelming that ethylene oxide poses significant cancer risks to those exposed to emissions, but now the agency is questioning its own scientific review. EPA must always err on the side of caution and make protecting the health and safety of communities its overriding priority.\"\n\n\"Our community has waited for too long as U.S. EPA continues to drag its feet on properly regulating ethylene oxide,\" said Schneider. \"Today, I again conveyed to Administrator Wheeler that the public deserves engagement on ethylene oxide, not silence from the U.S. EPA. Enough with the delay, it is past time for the U.S. EPA to release strong, science-based standards that protect the health of our communities.\"\n\nIn November, Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with Lipinski, Foster, Schneider, Casten, and Underwood, sent a letter to the EPA urging it to better protect communities from EtO emitted by industrial processes. The members voiced concerns that the EPA's recently proposed actions on EtO emissions are not protective enough, and once again asked EPA to quickly issue new rules for EtO emissions at commercial sterilization facilities, and publish a timeline of regulatory actions, along with a status of progress and estimated completion.\n\nThe members also urged EPA to immediately conduct inspections of all Region 5 facilities \u2013 including Medline and Vantage Specialty Chemicals Inc. in Gurnee, Illinois, which use EtO for manufacturing and commercial sterilization. The members also asked EPA to identify and measure emissions, and to evaluate the pollution control technology used to control stack emissions.\n\nEarlier this year, the Senate received information alleging that senior EPA political appointees had instructed EPA civil servants in Region 5 to avoid conducting any inspections of facilities that emit EtO. That prompted Durbin, Duckworth, and Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) to ask the EPA's Office of Inspector General to immediately launch an independent investigation into whether the Trump EPA is attempting to prevent the public from learning about their exposure levels to EtO, which is a known carcinogen.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-durbin-members-illinois-congressional-delegation-press-epa-administrator", "Casten, Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler on Ethylene Oxide Emissions", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about their concerns about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions at the Medline and Vantage facilities in Lake County. In a meeting with Administrator Wheeler, Durbin pushed for a timeline of regulatory actions by the U.S. EPA, and called on Administrator Wheeler to protect the U.S. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values from industry interests in its rulemaking. They also discussed a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data study that showed higher levels of cancer-causing EtO found in people living near Medline Industries in Waukegan, Illinois. Medline uses EtO to sterilize medical products. Durbin also pressed Administrator Wheeler on what the EPA is doing to immediately reduce EtO emissions in Lake County.\nAdministrator Wheeler has a responsibility to ensure his agency is doing everything it can to protect the public health of all Illinois families, Durbin said. Without stronger standards, inspections, and emissions monitoring of this deadly chemical, Illinois communities will continue to be at risk.\nCasten and Durbin were joined by U.S. Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Bill Foster (D-IL- 11), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) at today's meeting. \nWhile I'm glad that Administrator Wheeler finally met with the Illinois delegation about our ongoing concerns about ethylene oxide exposure in our communities, I am deeply disturbed and extremely frustrated that it took this long. At a time when our constituents are rightly concerned about our health and safety, the U.S. EPA has left our communities in the dark and has failed to mount any satisfactory response, said Casten. Moving forward, I hope the Administrator will commit to working with us to secure better information on the risks of ethylene oxide and, finally, move forward in finalizing new rules for the use of this dangerous chemical at commercial sterilization facilities.\nI have serious concerns that the EPA is beginning to undermine its own risk analysis for ethylene oxide, said Lipinski. The evidence is overwhelming that ethylene oxide poses significant cancer risks to those exposed to emissions, but now the agency is questioning its own scientific review. EPA must always err on the side of caution and make protecting the health and safety of communities its overriding priority.\nOur community has waited for too long as U.S. EPA continues to drag its feet on properly regulating ethylene oxide, said Schneider. Today, I again conveyed to Administrator Wheeler that the public deserves engagement on ethylene oxide, not silence from the U.S. EPA. Enough with the delay, it is past time for the U.S. EPA to release strong, science-based standards that protect the health of our communities.\nIn November, Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with Lipinski, Foster, Schneider, Casten, and Underwood, sent a letter to the EPA urging it to better protect communities from EtO emitted by industrial processes. The members voiced concerns that the EPA's recently proposed actions on EtO emissions are not protective enough, and once again asked EPA to quickly issue new rules for EtO emissions at commercial sterilization facilities, and publish a timeline of regulatory actions, along with a status of progress and estimated completion. \nThe members also urged EPA to immediately conduct inspections of all Region 5 facilities  including Medline and Vantage Specialty Chemicals Inc. in Gurnee, Illinois, which use EtO for manufacturing and commercial sterilization. The members also asked EPA to identify and measure emissions, and to evaluate the pollution control technology used to control stack emissions. \nEarlier this year, the Senate received information alleging that senior EPA political appointees had instructed EPA civil servants in Region 5 to avoid conducting any inspections of facilities that emit EtO. That prompted Durbin, Duckworth, and Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) to ask the EPA's Office of Inspector General to immediately launch an independent investigation into whether the Trump EPA is attempting to prevent the public from learning about their exposure levels to EtO, which is a known carcinogen.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-his-vote-approve-usmca-trade-agreement", "Casten Statement on His Vote to Approve the USMCA Trade Agreement", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after he voted in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the agreement that regulates trade between the three countries.\n\nCongressman Casten's vote in support of the USMCA follows months of negotiations initiated by House Democrats to improve the Trump Administration-negotiated deal that had, amongst other things, weak labor protections and big handouts to drug makers. The successful negotiations resulted in several new key provisions that vastly improve the deal, including overall enforcement of the trade agreement, landmark labor standards and enforcement, and removal of unacceptable giveaways to drug companies.\n\nCasten said, \"I am proud of the work we have done to push for a better trade deal that will benefit American workers, businesses, and farmers alike. This agreement protects American workers by creating truly enforceable labor standards. It ensures that America can act to lower its prescription drug prices by removing provisions in the original deal that gave lengthy monopoly periods for the most expensive drugs. It maintains American agriculture export markets and improves Canadian market access for U.S. dairy and wheat producers. And lastly, it strengthens our trade relationship with our closest trading allies and supports the 12 million American jobs and the 120,000 U.S. small and medium-size businesses that sell their goods and services to Canada and Mexico.\n\n\"Although, I believe the provisions in the USMCA will greatly benefit the United States across our economy, this deal is not perfect. I wish we would have seen more action on climate. Given recent scientific estimates, we must account for climate in everything that we do, including trade, in order to achieve the global emissions reductions needed to prevent additional sea-level rise and the other irreversible effects of climate change. Additionally, in the future, we must reevaluate regulations on the technology sector, specifically provisions that grant internet platforms immunity from consequences stemming from what its users post.\n\n\"But there is no denying it: With the USMCA, the trade rules in America will now be fairer. All Americans depend on the free and fair trade. I was proud to vote for the USMCA today and am proud of our dedication to fight for policies that expand the American economy and protect American businesses and workers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-garc-his-vote-against-usmca", "Statement from Congressman Garca on his vote against USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) issued the following statement today after voting against the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA, aka NAFTA 2.0):\nAfter careful deliberation and many conversations with labor leaders, environmental experts, and advisors in my community and Mexico, I have decided to vote against the USMCA. My parents' generation worked in good manufacturing jobs in Chicago and I saw the devastation caused by job losses resulting from the 1992 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Working conditions and wages for Mexican workers have stagnated, thus contributing to increased pressures to migrate. I hoped the USMCA would significantly improve on the inadequate labor and environmental protections in NAFTA. While I appreciate the work of USMCA negotiators, the final version of the agreement fails to reverse the harm to North American workers caused by NAFTA.\nI have been working hard to secure improvements since the USMCA draft was released last year. In July, I authored a letter with 27 of my colleagues urging specific improvements. In September, I joined 110 of my colleagues to urge binding climate standards be included in this agreement. Although House Democrats secured some worthwhile changes-- especially eliminating language that would have locked in high drug prices by securing new monopoly rights for pharmaceuticals--- other important demands I made were left out:\n In the face of a global climate crisis, the USMCA fails to include binding climate standards or even mention the words climate change.\n\tExemptions for U.S. oil and gas firms were maintained through terms that preserved Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) rights for U.S. firms with contracts in Mexico.\n\tThe crucial food safety protections known as Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements were left out.\n Finally, I am concerned about provisions in the USMCA that protect big tech companies while putting consumers' privacy at risk. The agreement shields tech companies from liability for content their users post, and also includes language that undermines government restrictions on how and where consumer data may be moved or stored.\nDespite my colleagues' hard work to ensure positive changes, ultimately I could not support USMCA because the agreement lacks climate standards and fails to secure labor protections for working people in my district, throughout the U.S. and Mexico.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/floor-statement-congressman-danny-k-davis-vote-impeach-president-donald-j", "Floor Statement of Congressman Danny K. Davis  On the Vote to Impeach President Donald J. Trump  December 18, 2019", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Danny K. Davis", "D000096", "davis.house.gov", "davis", "https://davis.house.gov/media", "scraper", "This is indeed a sad day for our country. This is indeed a sad day for America, but it is a good day for our constitution. It is a sad day for our country because our President has defied our constitution, our rules, our requirements, and our expectations. It is clear that President Trump places himself above the law, above our constitution, and above the expectations of the American people.\n\nAt my last Town Hall meeting, which was held Saturday, December 15th, at Malcolm X College in Chicago, someone asked the question: \u201cWhat is our position on impeachment?\u201d Every person there rose and answered, \u201cImpeach.\u201d\n\nMadam Speaker, I make it a rule to follow the dictates of those who elect me; therefore, my vote will be that of the people of the Seventh District of Illinois. Impeach. Impeach. Impeach.This is indeed a sad day for our country. This is indeed a sad day for America, but it is a good day for our constitution. It is a sad day for our country because our President has defied our constitution, our rules, our requirements, and our expectations. It is clear that President Trump places himself above the law, above our constitution, and above the expectations of theAmerican people.\n\nAt my last Town Hall meeting, which was held Saturday, December 15th, at Malcolm X College in Chicago, someone asked the question: \u201cWhat is our position on impeachment?\u201d Every person there rose and answered, \u201cImpeach.\u201d\n\nMadam Speaker, I make it a rule to follow the dictates of those who elect me; therefore, my vote will be that of the people of the Seventh District of Illinois. Impeach. Impeach. Impeach.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-danny-k-davis-and-paul-gosar-introduce-bipartisan-inventor", "Representatives Danny K. Davis and Paul A. Gosar Introduce Bipartisan Inventor Rights Act of 2019", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Danny K. Davis", "D000096", "davis.house.gov", "davis", "https://davis.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chair of the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee on the Committee on Ways and Means and Congressman Paul A. Gosar (AZ-04) yesterday introduced the Inventor Rights Act of 2019 today in the Untied States House of Representatives.\n\nUnder this bill inventors who own their own patent will be permitted to opt out of Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Accused infringers will have the right to challenge validity in a regular court of law, which is how the U.S. patent system worked for our first 190 years. If the PTAB is reformed such that it is a faster and cheaper alternative to district court, then inventors will voluntarily participate. Currently, inventors usually only receive a \u201creasonable royalty\u201d, while even a willful infringer gets to keep most of their profits from using the invention without permission. This bill disgorges all the profits from willful infringers who knew or should have known of their violation of a patent owned by the original inventor. This remedy is consistent with other forms of intellectual property including design patents, copyrights, and trademarks.\n\nIn addition, inventors that own their own patent will be entitled to:\n\ninjunctions to prohibit unauthorized use of the invention\n\nthe right to file suit in their home district\n\nrecovery of attorney fees that exceed more than 10% of the amount of damages awarded\n\nDavis said, \u201cIt is imperative that my colleagues and I exercise our constitutional authority to promote progress in the useful arts of intellectual property by securing inventors the exclusive rights to their creations.\u201d\n\nThe Inventor Rights Act provides narrowly targeted relief only to inventors that own and control their own patents. This bill does not apply to large corporations, drug companies, or typical non-practicing entities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-supporting-updated-usmca-trade-agreement", "Foster Statement Supporting Updated USMCA Trade Agreement", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement in support of the updated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\n\n\"I support and will vote for the updated USMCA trade agreement that is a major improvement over the unenforceable and deeply flawed deal initially proposed by the Trump Administration. House Democrats negotiated and fought for vital changes, including enhancing enforcement for violations of labor standards, increasing environmental protections, and removing provisions that would have raised the cost of prescription drugs for American families.\n\n\"As we work tirelessly to carry out our constitutionally mandated oversight obligations, we work just as hard to deliver legislation that benefits all Americans, and this state-of-the-art trade agreement is an example of just that. The USMCA brings a 25-year-old trade agreement into the 21st Century and should serve as a template for bipartisan consensus in future trade agreements.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-votes-to-provide-relief-for-illinois-taxpayers-through-bipartisan-salt", "Foster Votes to Provide Relief for Illinois Taxpayers through Bipartisan SALT Legislation", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) voted in favor of the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which would reverse the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction that that was enacted under the GOP's 2017 tax law.\n\nThe legislation would eliminate the marriage penalty by doubling the SALT deduction cap to $20,000 for joint filers in 2019 and fully restoring the state and local tax deduction for 2020 and 2021. The cost would be offset by reverting the top individual tax rate from 37 percent to 39.6 percent, the same level as before the GOP tax law.\n\n\"On top of being a massive giveaway for large corporations and wealthy campaign donors, the Republican tax law actually resulted in a major tax increase for middle class families in Illinois and across America through its repeal of the SALT deduction which allows taxpayers to deduct the taxes they pay at the state and local levels from their federal taxes,\" Foster said. \"Illinois taxpayers already subsidize other states because we pay between 20 and 40 billion dollars more in federal taxes than we receive back in federal spending. Removing the SALT deduction only exacerbates this unfairness by forcing taxpayers to pay federal tax on money they already paid to state and local governments. This is double taxation, and it is wrong.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402220", "Kinzinger Statement on USMCA Passage", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted in favor of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted in favor of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support and will replace the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), established in January of 1994. After House passage of the USMCA legislation, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement: \r\nThe passage of the USMCA today is long overdue, but a big win for the American people and our economy. Bringing this trade deal into the 21st century will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and innovators a chance to compete in the international market and allowing for better digital trade opportunities. The USMCA will also create 176,000 new jobs in America and produce over $68 billion in new economic activity. \r\nIllinois currently ranks third in the country for exporting agricultural commodities, and the USMCA will provide more certainty through streamlined customs procedures that would reduce inefficiencies and get U.S. products to the market faster.\r\nThe USMCA has strong support across the country, and especially throughout Illinois. The Congressman is pleased to have the support of the Illinois Farm Bureau, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the Illinois Corn Growers Association, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA), and many others in pushing for passage of the USMCA in Congress. \r\nBig thanks to Rep. Kinzinger for his strong, vocal support of USMCA, said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., a grain farmer from Randolph County in southern Illinois. Without growing international market demand, farming becomes a lot more difficult and we've seen recent evidence of that. Congressman Kinzinger has spent a lot of time with farmers in his district and absolutely understands the importance of exports to our bottom line.\r\nThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is grateful to Rep. Kinzinger for his efforts to modernize and strengthen trade across North America and for his vote in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, said Dennis Slater, President of AEM. The agreement ensures continued duty-free access to our industry's largest export markets, creates tens of thousands of news jobs, and adds $68 million to the U.S. economy. We applaud Rep. Kinzinger for his work to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our industry, the local communities we serve, and the 119,000 hard working men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in Illinois.\r\nToday's USMCA passage will be stability to the marketplace that Illinois corn farmers desperately need.Mexico is the largest purchaser of corn and dried distillers grains with soluables.Canada is the second largest purchaser of ethanol. Together, our neighbors make up our largest and most reliable customers for corn and 25 percent of U.S. agricultural trade. I am so pleased and grateful for an agreement that solidifies our relationship, said Bill Leigh, President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. \r\nTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important than Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent  $27 billion  of Illinois' manufactured exports last year. We applaud Congressman Kinzinger for supporting the USMCA trade agreement that will benefit our local manufacturers, said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of IMA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/lahood-supports-usmca-passage", "LaHood Supports USMCA Passage", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the United States Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. House of Representatives passed the implementing legislation for the trade agreement by a vote of x to x. It now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cUSMCA is a win for Illinois and today is a victory for our farmers, manufacturers, and workers,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cSince the day this agreement was announced, I have been working to get it across the finish line and, after months of delay, I am proud to see it passed today. Forty percent of the products we grow in Illinois go to Mexico or Canada, and this trade pact will strengthen that vital relationship and provide needed certainty for our producers. I applaud President Donald Trump and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the work to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and look forward to seeing this passed in the Senate.\u201d\n\n\u201cFarmers in this state know they can absolutely count on Representative LaHood to be a vocal leader on trade and valuable ally in the fight to open and expand market access for Illinois agricultural exports. Rep. LaHood recognizes that farmers in his district are perfectly situated to export. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to two of our top three export markets and positions us to sell even more to our northern and southern neighbors. The Farm Bureau appreciates Rep. LaHood for his hard work to get USMCA across the finish line,\u201d said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr., a Randolph County grain farmer.\n\n\u201cTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important that Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent - $27 billion \u2013 of Illinois\u2019 manufactured exports last year. Congressman Darin LaHood has been a champion for our state\u2019s manufacturing sector and played an integral role in the USMCA success as a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. We applaud his strong support of Illinois manufacturing companies,\u201d said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturing Association.\n\n\u201cThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is grateful to Rep. LaHood for his efforts to modernize and strengthen trade across North America and for his vote in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,\u201d said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. \u201cThe agreement ensures continued duty-free access to our industry\u2019s largest export markets, creates tens of thousands of news jobs, and adds $68 million to the U.S. economy. We applaud Rep. LaHood for his work to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our industry, the local communities we serve, and the 119,000 hard working men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in Illinois.\u201d\u201cThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is grateful to Rep. LaHood for his efforts to modernize and strengthen trade across North America and for his vote in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,\u201d said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. \u201cThe agreement ensures continued duty-free access to our industry\u2019s largest export markets, creates tens of thousands of news jobs, and adds $68 million to the U.S. economy. We applaud Rep. LaHood for his work to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our industry, the local communities we serve, and the 119,000 hard working men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in Illinois.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. LaHood spoke on the House floor during full debate. You can view those remarks here.\n\nUSMCA is a win for America:\n\nUSCMA will:\n\nBring over $68 billion in new economic activity\n\nAdd 176,000 new American jobs\n\nAdd 76,000 new American automotive sector jobs\n\nFor the first time, Canada\u2019s markets will be opened for American dairy, wheat, chicken, eggs, and turkey producers to sell their products\n\nUSMCA establishes the United States as a leader on digital trade and sets the standard for future trade agreements with a new digital trade chapter\n\nPassed over 24 years ago, it was time to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and expand market access for farmers and ranchers\n\nRelated:\n\nRep. LaHood Votes to Send USMCA to the House Floor for Full Consideration\n\nRep. LaHood Statement on USMCA Agreement\n\nRep. LaHood Statement on the USMCA Signing\n\nRep. LaHood Applauds Trilateral Agreement to Replace NAFT\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-supports-usmca-passage", "LaHood Supports USMCA Passage", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the United States Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. House of Representatives passed the implementing legislation for the trade agreement by a vote of x to x. It now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.\nUSMCA is a win for Illinois and today is a victory for our farmers, manufacturers, and workers, said Rep. LaHood. Since the day this agreement was announced, I have been working to get it across the finish line and, after months of delay, I am proud to see it passed today. Forty percent of the products we grow in Illinois go to Mexico or Canada, and this trade pact will strengthen that vital relationship and provide needed certainty for our producers. I applaud President Donald Trump and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the work to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and look forward to seeing this passed in the Senate.\nFarmers in this state know they can absolutely count on Representative LaHood to be a vocal leader on trade and valuable ally in the fight to open and expand market access for Illinois agricultural exports. Rep. LaHood recognizes that farmers in his district are perfectly situated to export. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to two of our top three export markets and positions us to sell even more to our northern and southern neighbors. The Farm Bureau appreciates Rep. LaHood for his hard work to get USMCA across the finish line, said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr., a Randolph County grain farmer.\nTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important that Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent - $27 billion  of Illinois' manufactured exports last year. Congressman Darin LaHood has been a champion for our state's manufacturing sector and played an integral role in the USMCA success as a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. We applaud his strong support of Illinois manufacturing companies, said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturing Association.\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. LaHood spoke on the House floor during full debate. You can view those remarks here.\nUSMCA is a win for America:\n USCMA will:\n\t\tBring over $68 billion in new economic activity\n\t\t\tAdd 176,000 new American jobs\n\t\t\tAdd 76,000 new American automotive sector jobs\n\t\t\n\tFor the first time, Canada's markets will be opened for American dairy, wheat, chicken, eggs, and turkey producers to sell their products\n\tUSMCA establishes the United States as a leader on digital trade and sets the standard for future trade agreements with a new digital trade chapter\n\tPassed over 24 years ago, it was time to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and expand market access for farmers and ranchers\n Related:  Rep. LaHood Votes to Send USMCA to the House Floor for Full Consideration  Rep. LaHood Statement on USMCA Agreement  Rep. LaHood Statement on the USMCA Signing  Rep. LaHood Applauds Trilateral Agreement to Replace NAFT\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=4298", "Lipinski: USMCA Not Perfect, But Improvement Over Disastrous NAFTA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement today about his vote in support of The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement:  When President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement into law in 1993, it was sold as a historic deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico that would increase exports and create jobs. But NAFTA was disastrous for American workers and communities all around the country, including in the Third District. NAFTA resulted in the loss of nearly 1 million jobs, lower wages, and a larger trade deficit. Illinois was hit particularly hard as hundreds of thousands of hard-working middle-class families felt the impact of a weakened manufacturing sector.  One of my top priorities since I was elected to Congress has been to stop bad trade deals that hurt American workers and fight to replace NAFTA and other bad deals with agreements that help American workers. I helped introduce and push for the 21st Century Workers' Bill of Rights' to establish guidelines for what needs to be contained in trade agreements including the right to unionize, the protection of Buy American laws, environmental safeguards, and a dispute resolution process that does not undermine American sovereignty. The ideal NAFTA replacement would meet all of these guidelines and not undermine the competitiveness of American manufacturing.  Today, I helped the House pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to replace NAFTA. This was a tough vote for me, but I ultimately decided to support the agreement because, while it has flaws, it is an improvement over the disastrous NAFTA and establishes a floor plan to build from that protects American workers and tries to force Mexico to uphold labor standards that won't undercut American workers.  USMCA has the support of the AFL-CIO, whose president called it a vast improvement over both NAFTA and the original agreement negotiated by President Trump last year. The AFL-CIO is particularly supportive of the USMCA's provisions that will allow complaints to be brought against facilities for violating the rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.  Another major change recently made is the elimination of language from the original USMCA agreement that would have protected the interests of Big Pharma and hurt Americans by making it more difficult for cheaper generic prescriptions to hit the market.  Other benefits of the agreement include the recognition of environmental conservation treaties and a mechanism to add other environmental agreements. It also establishes a U.S. interagency committee to monitor and enforce USMCA's environmental rules.  President Trump deserves credit for getting Mexico and Canada back to the negotiating table for a new trade agreement after all these years. His original agreement had problems, but a group of us in the House were able to force changes that made USMCA an acceptable replacement for NAFTA.  But our job is not over. The enforcement mechanisms are not nearly as strong as they could be and the enforcement of labor standards in Mexico is not guaranteed. We need to continue to keep the pressure on Mexico to abide by this agreement, and we now know that the United States has the power to force Mexico and Canada back to the negotiation table. Congress' overriding principle when it comes to trade must always be protecting American workers and I will continue to work to make it that way.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-passage-usmca", "Quigley Statement on Passage of USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", "quigley", "https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after voting in favor of the United States\u2013Mexico\u2013Canada Agreement (USMCA):\n\n\"Our nation has led the global economy: innovating, manufacturing and selling American made goods around the world. Strong trade agreements are critical to our economic success, national security, and maintaining our leadership role on the international stage. It is also important we demand these agreements provide protections for American workers. It has been 25 years since passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and it needed to be modernized to fit the economy of the future. Building off the progress made by the Obama administration, the newly revised USMCA makes critical updates to NAFTA and represents a paradigm shift in U.S. trade agreements.\n\n\"Thanks to the tireless efforts of Democratic leadership, USMCA is a significantly stronger trade deal than it would have been without Speaker Pelosi's intervention. By standing our ground, Democrats secured changes to the actual text of the agreement. The version we passed today is a far better deal than was first presented. It closes enforcement loopholes and streamlines the dispute settlement system to ensure our trading partners fulfill their commitments; strengthenes labor rules and protects worker rights; includes a commitment from all three countries to adopt, implement, and maintain high environmental standards; and removes provisions that contribute to high prescription drug prices.\n\n\"While this agreement is not perfect, we secured many critical wins for our country. Continuing to participate in international trade in a thoughtful way is vital to our nation's continued success. Due to Democrats hard work, this is a deal we can be proud of.\n\n\"I will continue to fight for high standards around the world to combat the climate crisis, protect workers, and continue our nation's economic growth.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-lower-federal-tax-burden-illinois", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes to Lower Federal Tax Burden on Illinois Homeowners", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement following her \"YES\" vote on the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377), which will reduce the federal tax burden on Illinois homeowners created by the GOP Tax Scam:\n\n\"When Congressional Republicans rammed through their GOP Tax Scam, they raised taxes on Illinois homeowners by needlessly capping the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000 per year.\n\nThe imposition of this cap resulted in higher federal taxes on homeowners in Illinois and other so-called \"blue\" states which tend to have higher state and local taxes.\n\nSince the passage of the GOP Tax Scam, American families have come out strongly against this provision and the law generally. Much of the opposition is rooted in the simple fact that the bill gave more than 80 percent of the benefits to a small, handful of super rich American families while middle and working-class families in Illinois and around the country were left paying the bill.\n\nThis legislation, approved today, doubles the allowed SALT deduction and is a first step toward correcting the problems created by the GOP Tax Scam, a partisan bill that raised taxes of many working and middle-class Illinois families.\n\nHouse Democrats are focusing on kitchen table issues that matter to Illinois families. Passage of this bill, along with our efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, address gun violence and raise the minimum wage, is House Democrats delivering on our For The People promise.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-to-lower-federal-tax-burden-on-illinois", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes to Lower Federal Tax Burden on Illinois Homeowners", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement following her YES vote on the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377), which will reduce the federal tax burden on Illinois homeowners created by the GOP Tax Scam:\nWhen Congressional Republicans rammed through their GOP Tax Scam, they raised taxes on Illinois homeowners by needlessly capping the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000 per year.\nThe imposition of this cap resulted in higher federal taxes on homeowners in Illinois and other so-called blue states which tend to have higher state and local taxes.\nSince the passage of the GOP Tax Scam, American families have come out strongly against this provision and the law generally. Much of the opposition is rooted in the simple fact that the bill gave more than 80 percent of the benefits to a small, handful of super rich American families while middle and working-class families in Illinois and around the country were left paying the bill.\nThis legislation, approved today, doubles the allowed SALT deduction and is a first step toward correcting the problems created by the GOP Tax Scam, a partisan bill that raised taxes of many working and middle-class Illinois families.\nHouse Democrats are focusing on kitchen table issues that matter to Illinois families. Passage of this bill, along with our efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, address gun violence and raise the minimum wage, is House Democrats delivering on our For The People promise.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-yes-key-trade-deal-will-benefit-local", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes \u201cYES\u201d on Key Trade Deal, Will Benefit Local Farmers & Businesses", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve the revised United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA).\n\n\"The Second District is unique; it encompasses urban, suburban and rural communities, including parts of the nation's 3rd largest city and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities,\" said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. \"Trade deals are only good when they benefit Illinois farmers, workers and businesses. After rounds of critical negotiations and revisions, I'm confident that the newly revised USMCA will grow the economy and opportunity in Illinois.\"\n\nAccording to the Illinois Farm Bureau, one in five Illinois acres are planted to feed consumers in Mexico and Canada. Illinois farmer sell roughly one billion in agricultural exports to our northern and southern neighbor which supports thousands of Illinois jobs.\n\nIn an OpEd for the Kankakee Daily Journal explaining her support for the revised trade agreement, Congresswoman Kelly highlighted the significant challenges facing local farmers, namely the failed trade war and recent extreme weather.\n\nDuring the first two days of the failed Trump Trade War, Illinois soybean and pork producers lost a collective $380 million in market value. As the trade war continued, Illinois farmers lost market share to competitors from Brazil and Russia. These bad trade policies coupled with low commodity prices have been driving a historic level of farm bankruptcies, especially family farms. Additionally, extreme weather has delayed planting and destroyed crops across the Midwest increasing the pressure on already struggling farmers.\n\n\"The men and women who feed our families are in desperate need of a critical lifeline. The USMCA coupled with other efforts, like delaying crop insurance premium payments, are critical efforts to stem the tide and start reversing years of thin margins and losses,\" added Congresswoman Kelly.\n\nThe Congresswoman's vote has won support from key agriculture groups in Illinois.\n\n\"Illinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Congresswoman Kelly's vote for the U.S. Mexico Canada Free Trade Agreement,\" said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., a southern Illinois grain farmer. \"Rep. Kelly spends a lot of time talking to farmers in her district and understands they are under a lot of financial and emotional stress these days. Over the course of the last several months, the Congresswoman has listened carefully to the need to expand exports and she recognizes that USMCA will create value in the 2nd District. We are grateful for Rep. Kelly's continued strong record on issues important to Illinois agriculture.\"\n\n\"Today's USMCA passage will be stability to the marketplace that Illinois corn farmers desperately need. Mexico is the largest purchaser of corn and dried distillers grains with soluables. Canada is the second largest purchaser of ethanol. Together, our neighbors make up our largest and most reliable customers for corn and 25 percent of U.S. agricultural trade. I am so pleased and grateful for an agreement that solidifies our relationship,\" said Bill Leigh, Illinois Corn Growers Association President.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-yes-on-key-trade-deal-will-benefit-local", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes YES on Key Trade Deal, Will Benefit Local Farmers & Businesses", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve the revised United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA).\nThe Second District is unique; it encompasses urban, suburban and rural communities, including parts of the nation's 3rd largest city and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities, said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. Trade deals are only good when they benefit Illinois farmers, workers and businesses. After rounds of critical negotiations and revisions, I'm confident that the newly revised USMCA will grow the economy and opportunity in Illinois.\nAccording to the Illinois Farm Bureau, one in five Illinois acres are planted to feed consumers in Mexico and Canada. Illinois farmer sell roughly one billion in agricultural exports to our northern and southern neighbor which supports thousands of Illinois jobs.\nIn an OpEd for the Kankakee Daily Journal explaining her support for the revised trade agreement, Congresswoman Kelly highlighted the significant challenges facing local farmers, namely the failed trade war and recent extreme weather.\nDuring the first two days of the failed Trump Trade War, Illinois soybean and pork producers lost a collective $380 million in market value. As the trade war continued, Illinois farmers lost market share to competitors from Brazil and Russia. These bad trade policies coupled with low commodity prices have been driving a historic level of farm bankruptcies, especially family farms. Additionally, extreme weather has delayed planting and destroyed crops across the Midwest increasing the pressure on already struggling farmers.\nThe men and women who feed our families are in desperate need of a critical lifeline. The USMCA coupled with other efforts, like delaying crop insurance premium payments, are critical efforts to stem the tide and start reversing years of thin margins and losses, added Congresswoman Kelly.\nThe Congresswoman's vote has won support from key agriculture groups in Illinois.\nIllinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Congresswoman Kelly's vote for the U.S. Mexico Canada Free Trade Agreement, said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., a southern Illinois grain farmer. Rep. Kelly spends a lot of time talking to farmers in her district and understands they are under a lot of financial and emotional stress these days. Over the course of the last several months, the Congresswoman has listened carefully to the need to expand exports and she recognizes that USMCA will create value in the 2nd District. We are grateful for Rep. Kelly's continued strong record on issues important to Illinois agriculture.\nToday's USMCA passage will be stability to the marketplace that Illinois corn farmers desperately need. Mexico is the largest purchaser of corn and dried distillers grains with soluables. Canada is the second largest purchaser of ethanol. Together, our neighbors make up our largest and most reliable customers for corn and 25 percent of U.S. agricultural trade. I am so pleased and grateful for an agreement that solidifies our relationship, said Bill Leigh, Illinois Corn Growers Association President.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403539", "Davis Statement on Passage of USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after the House passed the USMCA by a vote of 385-41.\r\n\r\nI have been fighting for passage of this agreement from day one and I'm glad we finally got a vote in the House,\"said Davis.\"But it's disappointing that Speaker Pelosi has waited until after impeachment because now farmers will have to wait even longer for the Senate to be able to consider their top priority. This is not how our government should work. We should be able to set politics aside and move good, bipartisan legislation forward for the people we represent.\r\n\r\n\"The modernized trade deal will build on the economic growth we have seen and create new, good-paying jobs. I am especially pleased with the expansion of the markets for American farmers, as well as the provisions to incentivize more auto manufacturing and higher manufacturing wages. I applaud the Trump Administration for their diligent work in securing a better trade deal for the American people.\r\n\r\nLocal agriculture applauds Davis' work on USMCA:\r\n\r\nNo one understands better than Rep. Rodney Davis why farmers in his district and across Illinois must have improved access to international markets,said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., a Randolph County grain farmer.\"Illinois Farm Bureau leaders and members greatly appreciate Congressman Davis' leadership and years of service on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and his understanding ofUSMCA's value.From day one, Rodney has been a vocal advocate, immediately recognizing the importance of an updated, modern trade deal with two of U.S. agriculture's top three trading partners.\"\r\n\r\nToday's USMCA passage will be stability to the marketplace that Illinois corn farmers desperately need.Mexico is the largest purchaser of corn and dried distillers grains with soluables.Canada is the second largest purchaser of ethanol.Together, our neighbors make up our largest and most reliable customers for corn and 25 percent of U.S. agricultural trade.I am so pleased and grateful for an agreement that solidifies our relationship,said Bill Leigh, Illinois Corn Growers Association President.\r\n\r\nADM greatly appreciates the leadership shown by members and the leadership of the House of Representatives as well as the Administration in supportingUSMCA.This agreement is a good deal for the agriculture and food industries in all three countries, offering access to markets along with important modernizations. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers toward a successful implementation.- Archer Daniels Midland\r\n\r\nThe Illinois Soybean Growers are encouraged by the bipartisan support for theUSMCAagreement that ensures market and trade stability with the second largest export market for U.S. soybeans and leading export market for U.S. pork. Reliable access to export markets is critical for agriculture and the rural economy. We commend members of the U.S. House of Representatives voting in support ofUSMCAand look for speedy passage in the U.S. Senate.\" -Illinois Soybean Growers\r\n\r\n\"Passage of USMCA is a vital step forward to enhancing the export of agricultural products produced here in Illinois with neighboring countries.We appreciate the support of Congressman Rodney Davis to move this agreement across the finish line in the House of Representatives,\"said Jeffrey Adkisson, Executive Vice-President, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois.\r\n\r\nTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important that Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent - $27 billion  of Illinois' manufactured exports last year. We applaud Congressman Davis for supporting the USMCA trade agreement that will benefit our local manufacturers,\"said Mark Denzler, President & CEO, Illinois Manufacturers' Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-rush-delivers-remarks-at-energy-and-commerce-press-conference", "Chairman Rush Delivers Remarks at Energy and Commerce Press Conference on End of Year Accomplishments", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), Chairman of the Energyand Commerce Subcommittee onEnergy, delivered remarks highlighting the Subcomittee'send of year accomplishmentsalongside other Committee leaders.\nRush Remarks as Delivered:\nI want to thank my Chairman, Mr. Pallone, and I want to thank the Vice Chair of the Committee.\nAs we stand here in this room  the John Dingell Committee Room  I just want to take a note and say that the work that we accomplished this year in some great sense was based on the work that preceded us by the Chairman John Dingell. This is a breastplate that I received from his office when he retired, and I'm proud to have this memento of his work that he did for the American people.\nI am appalled, and I join with a chorus of others who demand that this midget-minded man called President Trump, that he apologizes to Debbie Dingell  to the people of Michigan, to all of America  for his demeaning and ill-advised comments trying to tear down the work of an American giant. He can't even reach the soles of John Dingell's feet, and his words certainly are empty as he tried to demean the work of one of the finest Americans and one of the finest members of Congress that this Congress has ever seen.\nToday presents an opportunity for reflection as a year passes and focused discussion as we approach another. As the proud Chairman of this Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, I appreciate the opportunity to call attention to its recent contributions.\nThis year alone we have:\n Enhanced public safety and security by seeking opportunities to modernize the electric grid as well as passing legislation out of Committee to expand pipeline safety;\n\t\t\n\tMade our country's energy infrastructure more effective by reinforcing energy efficiency in our buildings and homes;\n\t\t\n\tPrioritized diversity in the clean energy workforce by moving the Blue and Green Collar Jobs Development Act; and\n\t\t\n\tContributed to the Committee's broader mission to create a clean energy economy to combat climate change.\n And we are just getting started. In the coming months we will:\n Enact the Safer Pipelines Act into law, which will improve pipeline safety and reduce methane emissions;\n\t\t\n\tHold the Trump Administration accountable through effective oversight, ensuring that the DOE finally updates and finalizes efficiency standards, the NRC does not rollback reactor oversight, and that the Natural Gas Act is serving the interests of the American people; and\n\t\t\n\tFurther we will ensure that all legislation to enable our transition to a cleaner, greener, and more diverse economy benefits all Americans, especially low-income consumers.\n I remain steadfast in continuing this work as we approach the second session of the 116th Congress, because the nation demands and deserves that commitment from us.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-in-support-of-the-united-states-mexico-canada-agreement-usmca", "Rush Votes in Support of the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush voted in support of H.R. 5430, the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act, which includes a series of transformative improvements to the Trump Administration's USMCA as originally proposed and will set a new floor for standards in future U.S. trade agreements.\nIllinois depends on our reciprocal trading relationship with Canada and Mexico, which supports almost half a million jobs in Illinois. However, I have also seen the damage wrought by well-meaning free trade agreements, such as NAFTA, that have caused many well-paying jobs to leave my district. That is why I am pleased to see the implementation of the USMCA, which includes key provisions secured by House Democrats.\nIn particular, this trade agreement will create a new labor enforcement mechanism that protects workers' rights and holds non-compliant actors accountable, as well as a new customs verification mechanism to make sure that our trading partners are complying with international environmental agreements. These provisions were conspicuously absent from the original USMCA proposed by the Trump Administration but have since been included at the behest of this House of Representatives.\nThis new and improved trade deal will support workers, protect the environment, and bring down prescription drug prices. With that said, this trade deal is but a first step in creating even stronger deals which benefit American workers, said Rush.\nThe USMCA is supported by the following organizations: \nAmerican Council of Life Insurers\nAFL-CIO\nAgriBank District Farm Credit Council\nAlliance for American Manufacturing\nAMCOT\nAmerican Chemistry Council\nAmerican Cotton Producers\nAmerican Farm Bureau Federation\nAmerican Feed Industry Association\nAmerican Petroleum Institute\nAmerican Soybean Association\nAmerican Trucking Association\nAssociation for Accessible Medicines\nAssociation of Equipment Manufacturers\nAT&T\nBusiness Roundtable\nCampaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing\nCargill\nCoalition of Service Industries\nConsumer Technology Association\nCotton Growers Warehouse Association\nCotton Warehouse Association of America\nCottonseed and Feed Association\nEdge Dairy Farmer Cooperative\nElectronic Transactions Association\nFarmers for Free Trade\nFord\nForeign Policy for America\nIBM\nIllinois Farm Bureau\nInformation Technology Industry Council\nIntel\nInternational Brotherhood of Teamsters\nInternational Dairy Foods Association\nMotor & Equipment Manufacturers Association\nNarrow Fabrics Institute\nNational Association of Home Builders\nNational Association of Manufacturers\nNational Association of REALTORS\nNational Chicken Council\nNational Corn Growers Association\nNational Council of Textiles Organizations\nNational Electrical Contractors Association\nNational Farmers Union\nNational Grain and Feed Association\nNational Marine Manufacturers Association\nNational Milk Producers Federation\nNational Pork Producers Council\nNational Restaurant Association\nNational Retail Federation\nNational Turkey Federation\nNetwork Lobby for Catholic Social Justice\nNorth American Meat Institute\nSEAMS\nSecurities Industry and Financial Markets Association\nTechNet: The Voice of The Innovation Economy\nThe Software Alliance\nToyota\nU.S. Chamber of Commerce\nU.S. Dairy Export Council\nU.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute\nU.S. Wheat Associates/National Assoc of Wheat Growers\nUnited Steelworkers\nUPS\nVisa Inc.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-to-eliminate-the-10000-cap-on-state-and-local-tax-salt", "Rush Votes to Eliminate the $10,000 Cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted in support of H.R.5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act of 2019. This bill would eliminate the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, one of the more damaging provisions of the GOP Tax Scam. The bill would also restore the top individual income tax rate to the pre-GOP Tax Scam levels and double the deduction for educators' and first responders' out-of-pocket expenses.\nThe Republican tax scam was nothing more than a modern-day smash and grab carried out by the President and his enablers in Congress, amounting to a massive giveaway to the wealthiest tax bracket while middle- and lower-income Americans were left footing the bill. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act of 2019 reverses this injustice by shifting the tax burden away from the middle class.\nThe low cap on this critical deduction was deliberately designed to penalize those Americans living in Democratic congressional districts and has unquestionably harmed Illinoisans across the state. Moreover, the cap on SALT deductions has undermined crucial state and local investments in public services that benefit the entire community, such as schools, roads, first responders, and public health programs. Eliminating this cap will not only make the tax code more equitable, but it will also come as a welcome relief to state and local governments who have faced unreasonable pressure to cut revenues and, ultimately, services.\nH.R. 5377 also increases the deduction for educators' and first responders' out-of-pocket expenses and creates an above-the-line deduction for unreimbursed expenses for those who typically pay out of pocket. Additionally, the bill would eliminate the marriage penalty in 2019, allowing married couples filing jointly to deduct $20,000 and married couples filing separately to each claim $10,000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-5th-circuit-decision-against-individual-mandate", "Schakowsky Statement on 5th Circuit Decision Against Individual Mandate", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jan Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, reacted after a split 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled 2 to 1 against the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate. The individual mandate is a central part of the ACA, requiring everyone to have health care coverage or pay a penalty with their annual tax filings. The circuit instructed the District Court, which had previously struck down the entirety of the Affordable Care Act, to determine the next steps, including the possibility of again striking down the ACA. Schakowsky offered the following statement:\nI am disgusted that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has punted on their responsibility to uphold the constitution and has instead chosen to imperil the health care of the hundreds of millions of Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its protections to survive, including over 130 million Americans living with preexisting conditions.\nThe Court was only able to make this decision because President Trump's Department of Justice refused to defend the ACA against an illogical lawsuit brought by Republican-led states after Congressional Republicans were unsuccessful in repealing the Affordable Care Act in 2017. Furthermore, the individual mandate is only being struck down because of the nefarious language tucked into President Trump's signature legislative achievement, the Republican tax scam.\nWhile the Republican sabotage of the Affordable Care Act is dangerous and more threatening than ever, there is still hope. The ACA is still the law of the land. Democratic states and our House Democratic Majority have joined this lawsuit to defend your care and I will keep fighting to protect the ACA. But the Court's decision today also reminds us that we must keep fighting for universal, high quality health care for all.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-passage-us-mexico-canada-agreement", "Schakowsky Statement On Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jan Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Access to Medicines Co-Lead on Speaker Pelosi's 8-Member NAFTA Working Group, spoke on the U.S. House floor today prior to the final vote on the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement. Her full statement is below:\n\"M. Speaker, I rise in support of the United States Mexico Canada trade agreement.\nThis is the first trade agreement I'm voting for in my twenty years plus in the United States Congress.\nI'm proud to have served on Speaker Pelosi's working group that helped negotiate it, chaired by Richie Neal.\nThe renegotiated NAFTA is far, far better than the original North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It's also far better than the deeply flawed trade deal President Trump handed us last year.\nFor example, the Trump Administration tried to tuck in huge gifts to Big Pharma that would have raised medicine prices throughout the hemisphere. From Day 1 of our negotiations, I insisted that the biologics exclusivity provision be removed. Today it's gone.\nWe also removed protections for secondary patents that would have increased drug prices in the U.S and revised unfair provisions to ensure generic competition and to improve access to affordable medicines for people across North America.\nWithout the changes forced by the Working Group and our staff, the Speaker, and AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, we would not be voting on this agreement today.\nThis agreement is not perfect, and therefore cannot serve as a template for future trade agreements. The renegotiated USCMA still includes a gift to Big Tech that provides a liability shield for all content on internet platforms called Section 230.\nI seek unanimous consent to insert into the record a letter from Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone and Ranking Member Greg Walden that says we cannot allow Section 230 in future trade agreements.\nStill, I urge all my colleagues to support USMCAthe new floor for workers and consumers in trade agreements that we can and must build on moving forward.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-presses-us-epa-issue-ethylene-oxide-regulations-meeting-administrator", "Schneider Presses U.S. EPA to Issue Ethylene Oxide Regulations in Meeting with Administrator Wheeler", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Brad Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Wednesday, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and pressed the Administrator about the U.S. EPA's responsibilities to inform the public about the dangers of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions and the need to urgently pass new, stricter regulations of the chemical. Schneider met with Wheeler as a part of an Illinois delegation meeting on EtO organized by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).\n\nSchneider also personally invited Wheeler to meet with the bipartisan Congressional Ethylene Oxide Task Force, which he recently formed with Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA), to discuss the need for U.S. EPA to conduct public outreach on EtO. Schneider hand-delivered to Wheeler a letter signed by all 11 members of the bipartisan task force setting a deadline of February 28, 2020 to issue its proposed regulations on EtO.\n\nRead the Letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Wheeler from Congressional Ethylene Oxide Task Force\n\nOur community has waited for too long while U.S. EPA continues to drag its feet on properly regulating ethylene oxide, said Schneider. Today, I invited Administrator Wheeler to meet with our bipartisan Congressional EtO Task Force so he can hear from those of us who represent communities across the country about how the U.S. EPA's silence is affecting our constituents. We also gave the U.S. EPA a firm deadline for issuing new EtO regulations  these new rules are long overdue and there is zero reason for further delay.\n\nPHOTO: Rep. Brad Schneider, Sen. Dick Durbin, and other members of the Illinois congressional delegation meet with U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on December 18, 2019.\n\nThe bipartisan task force supports legislative efforts likeH.R. 1152, introduced by Schneider, which would require U.S. EPA to issue new, strict EtO emissions standards for medical sterilization and chemical facilities and require the U.S. EPA to notify the public no more than 30 days after it learns that the new standards have been violated. A majority of task force members are co-sponsors of the legislation.\n\nMembers of the Ethylene Oxide Task Force represent half a dozen communities from four states affected by EtO and include: co-chairs Brad Schneider and Jody Hice, as well as Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), David Scott (D-GA-13), Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), and Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02).\n\nBackground:\nEthylene oxide is an industrial chemical used to sterilize medical equipment and manufacture products such as anti-freeze. In 2016, the EPA listed EtO as a known carcinogen, however the agency has yet to release a rule regulating the use of the chemical by medical sterilizers, nor has the agency engaged with communities affected by EtO emissions. This inaction has created public concern in communities surrounding facilities that use EtO, including sites in Waukegan and Gurnee in the 10th Congressional District (Schneider).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-s-legislation-reduce-taxes-middle-class-families-passes-house", "Underwoods Legislation to Reduce Taxes for Middle Class Families Passes House", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, legislation co-sponsored and championed by Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) to reduce taxes for middle class families passed the House of Representatives. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377) would end the burden on middle class families caused by the 2017 Republican tax law's $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. This deduction was previously unlimited. The legislation would help middle class families by immediately eliminating the marriage penalty, which currently does not allow two married people a higher SALT deduction than single taxpayers, and eliminating the SALT deduction cap altogether in 2020 and 2021.\nAdditionally, the bill doubles the educator expense deduction to $500, helping over 13,000 teachers in the 14th District afford classroom supplies, and creates a new $500 expense deduction for first responders, helping to defray the cost of uniforms and training programs. Underwood has been fighting for changes to the SALT deduction since she was sworn into Congress, and introduced her own legislation, H.R. 1757, in March.\nBefore the Republican tax law took effect, taxpayers in our community were able to deduct all of their state and local taxes before calculating their federal tax billthe average amount is over $14,000 and well over $20,000 for some in our community. Now they're limited to just $10,000a loss of thousands for middle class families. This bill would help middle class Illinois families who were unfairly harmed by the Republican tax law by allowing them to once again deduct all of their state and local taxes, said Rep. Underwood.\nIn Congress, Underwood has continuously fought to provide tax relief for Illinois families unfairly harmed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In January, Underwood urged the Internal Revenue Service to address the disproportionate tax burden being placed upon Illinois families due to changes in the SALT deduction as passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In a letter, Underwood expressed concern that current efforts by the IRS are insufficient. In March, Underwood introduced H.R. 1757 with Representative Sean Casten (IL-6) to address the Republican tax law's changes to the SALT deduction. In June, Underwood testified before the Ways and Means Committee to advocate for middle class families and urged the committee to consider her legislation. In July, Underwood supported the bipartisan H.J. Res. 72 to overturn harmful U.S. Treasury Department regulations aimed at restricting Americans from deducting charitable contributions from their federal taxes. Underwood is a member of the House of Representatives SALT working group.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwoods-legislation-reduce-taxes-middle-class-families-passes-house", "Underwood\u2019s Legislation to Reduce Taxes for Middle Class Families Passes House", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, legislation co-sponsored and championed by Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) to reduce taxes for middle class families passed the House of Representatives. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377) would end the burden on middle class families caused by the 2017 Republican tax law's $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. This deduction was previously unlimited. The legislation would help middle class families by immediately eliminating the marriage penalty, which currently does not allow two married people a higher SALT deduction than single taxpayers, and eliminating the SALT deduction cap altogether in 2020 and 2021.\n\nAdditionally, the bill doubles the educator expense deduction to $500, helping over 13,000 teachers in the 14th District afford classroom supplies, and creates a new $500 expense deduction for first responders, helping to defray the cost of uniforms and training programs. Underwood has been fighting for changes to the SALT deduction since she was sworn into Congress, and introduced her own legislation, H.R. 1757, in March.\n\n\"Before the Republican tax law took effect, taxpayers in our community were able to deduct all of their state and local taxes before calculating their federal tax bill\u2014the average amount is over $14,000 and well over $20,000 for some in our community. Now they're limited to just $10,000\u2014a loss of thousands for middle class families. This bill would help middle class Illinois families who were unfairly harmed by the Republican tax law by allowing them to once again deduct all of their state and local taxes,\" said Rep. Underwood.\n\nIn Congress, Underwood has continuously fought to provide tax relief for Illinois families unfairly harmed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In January, Underwood urged the Internal Revenue Service to address the disproportionate tax burden being placed upon Illinois families due to changes in the SALT deduction as passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In a letter, Underwood expressed concern that current efforts by the IRS are insufficient. In March, Underwood introduced H.R. 1757 with Representative Sean Casten (IL-6) to address the Republican tax law's changes to the SALT deduction. In June, Underwood testified before the Ways and Means Committee to advocate for middle class families and urged the committee to consider her legislation. In July, Underwood supported the bipartisan H.J. Res. 72 to overturn harmful U.S. Treasury Department regulations aimed at restricting Americans from deducting charitable contributions from their federal taxes. Underwood is a member of the House of Representatives SALT working group.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/12/20/2019/duckworth-responds-to-faa-tsa-federal-employees-being-overlooked-on-paid-family-leave", "Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Duckworth joins Senators Schumer, Schatz, Murray, Reed, Peters, Cantwell to cosponsor a legislative fix to address the problem\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding the exclusion of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, including air traffic controllers, from being eligible for 12 weeks of paid family leave that other federal employees are now eligible for under the newly-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nIn the most prosperous nation in the history of the world, no one should have to choose between caring for a sick child or family member and losing their job, Duckworth said. Every working American deserves paid family leave and, while I appreciate the monumental achievement of ensuring federal employees finally gain access 12 weeks of paid leave, it's disappointing that FAA and TSA workers were left behind due to a legislative drafting error. I stand by Senators Schumer and Schatz to address this oversight.\r\nExpanding paid family is a major priority for Senator Duckworth. She has introduced legislation that would update the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to help more educational support professionals (ESP) at schools  teacher's assistants, custodians and maintenance staff, among others  access its benefits without the risk of losing their job. Duckworth also helped introduce the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would establish a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program that will provide 12 weeks of paid leave for workers who need time to care for a newborn or adopted child, a seriously ill family member, or their own serious health condition.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-responds-to-faa-tsa-federal-employees-being-overlooked-on-paid-family-leave", "Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, DC]  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding the error in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that excluded FAA and TSA federal employees from being eligible for 12 weeks of paid family leave\r\nNo one should have to choose between caring for a sick child or family member and missing a paycheck, or losing their job, and that remains true for FAA and TSA workers who have been left off the list of federal employees who would benefit from 12 weeks of paid family leave. Every family in America deserves paid family leave and, while I appreciate the progress that has been made in the 2020 NDAA, it's disappointing that FAA and TSA workers were left behind. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to quickly fix this critical error.\r\nExpanding paid family is a major priority for Senator Duckworth. She has introduced legislation that would update the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to help more educational support professionals (ESP) at schools  teacher's assistants, custodians and maintenance staff, among others  access its benefits without the risk of losing their job. Duckworth also helped introduce the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would establish a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program that will provide 12 weeks of paid leave for workers who need time to care for a newborn or adopted child, a seriously ill family member, or their own serious health condition.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-secures-big-wins-to-support-and-protect-the-great-lakes", "Duckworth Secures Big Wins to Support and Protect the Great Lakes", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth Secures Big Wins to Support and Protect the Great Lakes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  This week, two provisions led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to support the Great Lakes were included in the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE), which was voted out of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and will now be considered by the full Senate. Duckworth and is Ranking Member of the EPW Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife.\r\nThe Great Lakes support 1.5 million jobs and provide drinking water to tens of millions of Americans and it's our duty to keep them healthy and strong for decades to come, said Senator Duckworth. These provisions will make sure critical research needed to protect the Great Lakes can continue and the invasive species that threaten the environment and economy can be rooted out.\r\nThe first provision Duckworth led provides $15 million for five years to help ensure assessments and monitoring of the Great Lakes, support the deployment of new technologies for better fishery management, and improve the multi-billion Great Lakes fishery. It was also included in the government funding bill that was passed in both chambers of Congress and is expected to be signed into law.\r\nDuckworth's second provision included in ACE will provide $2.5 million for five years in assistance for agencies across the federal government that have strategies to prevent invasive species from doing irreparable harm to our environment and economy.\r\nAs the top Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife, Duckworth has been a strong advocate for protecting the Great Lakes from threats like toxic pollution, invasive species and President Trump's budget cuts. She and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) had several of their priorities included in the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, including improving federal cost sharing at Brandon Road Lock and Dam. Last year, Duckworth also introduced the Great Lakes Water Protection Act to improve water quality in the Great Lakes and create a dedicated fund to help clean up sewage in the Great Lakes.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-the-impeachment-of-president-trump", "Duckworth Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump:\r\nThe fact that a majority of duly elected representatives of the American people voted to impeach Donald Trump is not something anyone should celebrate. This is a grave moment in our nation's history. In the coming weeks, every single United States Senator will be required to raise their right hand and swear an oath to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.' I take this oath very seriously. Most of my careerboth military and civilianhas been dedicated to defending and upholding our Constitution.\r\nAccordingly, I will reserve judgement and carry out my Constitutional duty of serving as an impartial juror. I urge Senator McConnell to do the same and allow for a full and fair trial. If the facts do not prove the charges laid out in the articles of impeachment, I will be the first to say so. But if the facts are hidden or if Senate Republicans enable thisor anyPresident to decide for themselves what the limits of their power are, they will not only be violating their oaths, they will do irreparable damage to our system of checks and balances as well. No one who claims to respect the Constitution or our nation should allow that to happen.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-5-million-in-new-rural-ems-funding-in-year-end-funding-bill", "Durbin Announces $5 Million In New Rural EMS Funding In Year-End Funding Bill", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Durbin Announces $5 Million In New Rural EMS Funding In Year-End Funding Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced the inclusion of $5 million in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill for a new grant program that supports rural fire and emergency medical services (EMS). The funding, created through Durbin's Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act, supports EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipmentfor everything from naloxone and first aid kits, to power stretchers or new ambulances. Durbin's bipartisan SIREN Act was signed into law last year as part of the Farm Bill and this is the first year of annual funding for the grant program.\r\nIn many small and rural towns in Illinois and across the country, rural fire and EMS agencies are a lifeline in their communities. One of the biggest challenges I've heard from rural EMS professionals is a lack of steady funding to support their operations. After meeting with rural EMS officials from Nauvoo, Illinois, I introduced the SIREN Act last year. I'm pleased this new grant program can finally start bringing much needed funding to our rural communities, Durbin said.\r\nEarlier this year, Durbin joined leaders from the Nauvoo Fire Protection District to discuss passage and implementation of the SIREN Act. He was joined by Mark Kennedy, a paramedic for the Nauvoo Fire Protection District and Chair of the Illinois chapter of the National Association of EMTs, whose advocacy efforts helped with passage of the SIREN Act.\r\nA decline in primary care and hospital service availability, great distances between health care facilities, and low insurance reimbursement for transport and emergency treatment have all strained rural EMS agencies. At the same time, EMS agencies today are tasked with ever-greater responsibilitiespreparing for natural and manmade disasters and bioterror threats, supporting the chronic and emergency care needs of an aging population, and responding on the front lines of the opioid epidemic. These first responders are often the only health care providers in their area and face difficulty in personnel recruitment and retention, and securing expensive equipment.\r\nIn addition to supporting rural fire and EMS agencies, Durbin introduced bipartisan legislation this year to address rural health workforce shortages. Introduced in August, theRural America Health Corps Act,would authorize a new $25 million program that would provide additional loan forgiveness funding through the National Health Service Corps program for health professionals that serve in rural communities.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-cramer-smith-applaud-inclusion-of-bill-to-lower-cost-of-insulin-for-patients-in-year-end-funding-bill", "Durbin, Cramer, Smith Applaud Inclusion Of Bill To Lower Cost Of Insulin For Patients In Year-End Funding Bill", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Cramer, Smith Applaud Inclusion Of Bill To Lower Cost Of Insulin For Patients In Year-End Funding Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Tina Smith (D-MN) today applauded the inclusion in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill of their Affordable Insulin Approvals Now Act, a bipartisan bill to speed up approvals of lower-cost, generic insulin products in order to help reduce prices of this life-saving medication for patients. Approximately 7.5 million Americans with diabetes rely on insulin every day to survive, yet the drug has experienced a price increase of more than 600 percent over the past two decades in the United States.\r\nBig Pharma's insulin price gouging is driving families and children to extraordinarily dangerous lengths  like rationing dosages in order to afford a lifesaving medication. I'm pleased my bipartisan bill to accelerate FDA's review and help lower the cost of insulin will become the law of the land, Durbin said.\r\nIncreasing the amount of generic and low-cost insulin in the market will decrease the burden placed on patients who rely on these drugs, said Cramer. I am pleased to see our bipartisan bill included in this package, and I plan to keep working to find more ways to encourage competition and free market solutions to the rising cost of health care.\r\nPeople with diabetes in Minnesota and across the country who need insulin to survive should not be forced into economic distress or dangerous rationing practices to afford Big Pharma's skyrocketing prices,said Smith.By successfully securing our measure in this spending package to speed up the FDA approval process and bring low-cost insulin products to market, we're taking steps to make this life-sustaining medication more accessible and affordable for families nationwide.\r\nThis bill will lower the price of insulin by promoting competition and bringing lower-cost generic products to market soonerspecifically by requiring FDA to continue reviewing generic insulin applications even after the agency's currently planned March 2020 cut-off date.\r\nIn December 2018, FDA issued guidance to clarify implementation of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act. While the intent of this action is to ease the approval pathway for lower-cost biosimilar products in the long-run, it created a perverse incentive that could delay approval of generic insulin. FDA's new guidance effectively creates an application termination cliff on March 23, 2020in which FDA will automatically reject generic insulin products that are in the approval pipeline during that time. As a result, this could delay approval of lower-cost insulin products for American patients for months or years.\r\nInsulin was first discovered in 1921. The Nobel Prize-winning researchers sold the patent to the University of Toronto for just $1 because they believed that insulin should be made widely available to everyone, without worrying about the cost. However, the price of insulin today is the subject of anti-competitive practices and constant price increases.\r\nThere are only three primary insulin manufacturers in the U.S., Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi. Lantus, a popular long-acting insulin, cost $35 when it was first introduced in 2001.Within the past few years, the price of a Lantus vial has skyrocketed to more than $372, while that same exact drug was sold in France for $46, and $67 in Canada. The United States represents only 15 percent of the global insulin market, yet generates nearly half of pharma's revenue on insulin.\r\nThirty million Americans are living with type I or II diabetes. Approximately 7.5 million of them rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels, and it is essential to their survival.\r\nJoining Durbin, Cramer, and Smith in cosponsoring the legislation include Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Doug Jones (D-AL), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Cory Gardner (R-CO).\r\nThe legislation is supported by Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, the National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council, and Children with Diabetes.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-king-smith-sinema-secure-7-million-for-competitive-grants-supporting-open-textbooks-in-year-end-funding-bill", "Durbin, King, Smith, Sinema Secure $7 Million for Competitive Grants Supporting Open Textbooks in Year-End Funding Bill", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, King, Smith, Sinema Secure $7 Million For Competitive Grants Supporting Open Textbooks In Year-End Funding Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL),Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)today applauded the inclusion of$7 million in additional funding and report language for the continued implementation of the Open Textbooks Pilot in the FiscalYear (FY) 2020 appropriationsbill  a $2 million increase from FY19.The Open Textbooks Pilot, based onthe Senators'Affordable College Textbook Act,is a competitive grant program to support the creation and expand the use of open college textbookstextbooks that are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. The FY19 funding follows $5 million the Senators secured for the Pilot in FY17 and FY18.\r\nWith this additional funding, more colleges and universities across the country will be able to participate in the pilotbringing critical cost-savings to more students. I encourage all interested institutions in Illinois and across the country to apply. It's imperative, to ensure the maximum savings for students, that the Department of Education allocate this funding as Congress has directed it in the bill, Durbin said.\r\nCollege is expensive enough  textbooks shouldn't drive the price even higher, said King. The expansion of the Open Textbooks Pilot is an important opportunity to help more students affordably access the tools they need to succeed.\r\nI hear from college students in Minnesota who struggle with the high cost of textbooks, and sometimes forgo materials needed for class. It's my hope that with this additional funding more students and institutions will be able to benefit from open textbooks, in Minnesota and across the country, said Smith. These efforts will help save students money and ultimately help bring down the amount of student loan debt that young people graduate with.\r\nSteeptextbookcostsshould never hold an Arizonan back from an education. We're increasing access tocourse materials so all students can receive a quality education,said Sinema.\r\nTextbook costs are one of the most overlooked costs of going to college, but they can be substantial and can be a barrier to attaining a college education. According to The College Board, the average student budget for college books and supplies during the 2017 2018 academic year was $1,240 at four-year public institutions. According to a survey by U.S. PIRG, 65 percent of students decided not to buy a textbook because of the cost and 94 percent of those students worried it would negatively affect their grade.\r\nThe Affordable College Textbook Act also expands and updates provisions from Durbin's College Textbook Affordability Act contained in the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act. The provisions aimed to make more information available to students looking to manage college textbook costs. The 2008 law required textbook publishers to disclose to faculty the cost of a textbook to their students, required schools to publish textbook price information in course catalogues when practicable, and required publishers to offer unbundled supplemental materials so students had choices. The provisions took effect on July 1, 2010.\r\n- 30 -\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-bipartisan-government-funding-bills", "Durbin Statement On Bipartisan Government Funding Bills", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Durbin Statement On Bipartisan Government Funding Bills \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bills, which secure funding for important priorities for American families and our national security:\r\nThese funding bills include important investments for Illinoisans and Americans across the country, including increased funding for our troops, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  including funding for CDC and NIH to conduct gun violence research for the first time in 25 years. The bills also provide critical funding for our veterans and their caregivers, for protecting the Great Lakes region, and for infrastructure programs such as BUILD grants, Capital Investment Grants, and Amtrak.\r\nImportantly, these funding bills will prevent another disastrous government shutdown. While not perfect, these bills reject many of the terrible cuts President Trump proposed in his budget and invest in the programs that Americans rely on.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-epas-final-renewable-fuel-standards-blending-targets-rule", "Durbin Statement On EPA's Final Renewable Fuel Standards Blending Targets Rule", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Durbin Statement On EPA's Final Renewable Fuel Standards Blending Targets Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today released the following statement expressing concern over the finalized supplemental rule establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard's (RFS) 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations and 2021 Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes:\r\nBy issuing 85 waivers that allow oil refineries to stop blending biofuels, President Trump has single-handedly delivered one crippling blow after another to everyone who invested decades in building the biofuels industry. This watered-down RFS deal makes me wonder if we will ever see a biofuels market under this President like we once had. There are few options remaining to fix the damage, Durbin said. President Trump claims his love for ethanol and biodiesel is strong. I say believe it when you see it.\r\nThe RFS, which Durbin helped pass, has proven critical to strengthening states' rural and agricultural economies while also helping to ensure a clean energy future.\r\nLast week, Durbin, along with eight other Senators, sent a letter to the EPA arguing that the rulewhich determines how much biofuel is required to be blended into our transportation fuel supply on an annual basisfails to adequately account for the small refinery exemption (SREs) waivers, including those given to big oil companies. Since 2016, the Trump Administration has granted 85 SREs, effectively waiving more than four billion gallons of biofuels.\r\nDurbin, along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), introduced a bipartisan bill that would require EPA transparency with small refinery hardship waivers.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-statement-house-impeachment-vote", "BOST STATEMENT ON HOUSE IMPEACHMENT VOTE", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement regarding the House vote to impeach President Donald Trump:\n\n\u201cFuture generations will look back on today as the day Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats put partisan politics above the best interests of the country. For them, the ends would justify the means if it meant overturning the results of the 2016 election. This is a dark day for our country, but I am hopeful the Senate will move quickly and acquit the president so we can get back to doing the people\u2019s business.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bost-speaks-out-against-impeachment", "BOST SPEAKS OUT AGAINST IMPEACHMENT", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To read the full article, please click here.\nIllinois RepublicanU.S. Rep. Mike Bost, who represents the 12th District, released this statement after he voted against both articles of impeachment:\nFuture generations will look back on today as the day Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats put partisan politics above the best interests of the country. For them, the ends would justify the means if it meant overturning the results of the 2016 election. This is a dark day for our country, but I am hopeful the Senate will move quickly and acquit the president so we can get back to doing the people's business.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-house-impeachment-vote", "BOST STATEMENT ON HOUSE IMPEACHMENT VOTE", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement regarding the House vote to impeach President Donald Trump: Future generations will look back on today as the day Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats put partisan politics above the best interests of the country. For them, the ends would justify the means if it meant overturning the results of the 2016 election. This is a dark day for our country, but I am hopeful the Senate will move quickly and acquit the president so we can get back to doing the people's business. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-helps-pass-funding-packages-with-major-local-wins/", "Bustos Helps Pass Funding Packages With Major Local Wins", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Cheri Bustos", "B001286", "bustos.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With Critical Bustos Provisions Included, Appropriations Bills Pass Full House\nWashington  Yesterday, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped pass, out of the House of Representatives, two major funding packages to fully fund the federal government. Congresswoman Bustos secured sweeping wins for hardworking Illinoisans in both packages, including provisions addressing health care needs in rural America, ensuring our nation's veterans have access to services regardless of their zip code, strengthening our military and support for our servicemembers, investing in infrastructure, from roads and bridges to locks and dams, securing our elections and more.\nI am proud that we have delivered solutions to help veterans access care, improve rural health care access, reinforce our long tradition of service, assist our teachers and more, Congresswoman Bustos said. This legislation will fully fund our government while also investing in our region, state and country. This week, I cast my vote to support this meaningful step towards improving the lives of so many Illinoisans.\nBy fully funding the federal government, this legislation will avert a disastrous shutdown like the one that hurt families in Illinois and across the country last year. The first package consists of the domestic and international assistance appropriations bills, which reflect eight appropriations priorities: Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development.\nThe second package is focused on national security appropriations and includes four appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security.\nBACKGROUND\nAs a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Bustos worked to secure a number of critical victories for Illinoisans:\nLabor, Health and Humans Services (HHS), and Education\n \n$120 million for the National Health Service Corps, which helps recruit health providers to underserved communities, including rural areas. This is a $15 million increase.\nAn increase of $550 million for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, for a total of $5.8 billion.\nAn increase of $550 million for Head Start, which helps children become school-ready, for a total of $10.6 billion.\nAn increase of $50 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps assist families with energy costs, for a total of $3.7 billion.\nAn increase of $178 million for the Employment Training Administration, which helps train and put people to work. This is a total of $9.3 billion and $1.4 billion above the Administration's budget request.\nA requirement for HHS to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and its newly established Rural Health Liaison, a position created by Congresswoman Bustos in last year's Farm Bill.\nA directive for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to examine how it can better recruit and train primary care physicians to address shortages of providers.\nA requirement for HHS to update the Appropriations Committee on strategies and best practices for coordination with schools and programs offering rural health curriculum  such as medical residencies  to improve the health care workforce in rural communities.\nA requirement for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report on teacher shortages and the factors contributing to challenges with teacher recruitment and retention.\n \nDefense\n \n$79 million in funding for engine enhancement packages for C-130H aircraft  like those in operation at the 182nd Air National Guard squadron in Peoria  in order to ensure that our Air Force is operating with state-of-the-art equipment.\n$5 million in new funding to lay the groundwork for future projects and additional funding to continue current projects carried out by the Rock Island Arsenal's Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC). The bill also includes $5 million funding for the conversion of Humvees into service trucks, or Shop Equipment Contact Maintenance (SECM), which hold tools and equipment needed to repair damaged vehicles on the battlefield.\nLanguage directing the Department of Defense to identify additional activities that will benefit from the unique capabilities of the recently created Center for Excellence for Advanced and Additive Manufacturing at the Rock Island Arsenal.\n \nInterior\n \n$1.64 billion of funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), $500 million more than the Administration's previous request. States can utilize CWSRF funds for low-cost financing of water infrastructure projects.\n$1.13 billion of funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), $260 million more than the Administration's previous request. The DWSRF provides low-interest financing to communities to ensure their drinking water is safe.\n$15 million of funding for the Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Act, including $1.7 million for Technical Assistance for Water Treatment Works. These programs serve 80% of the country's public wastewater treatment utilities and 91% of drinking water systems that serve fewer than 10,000 people, by helping these communities comply with Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act mandates.\n \nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD)\n \n$10 million for aviation workforce development grants for the aircraft pilot workforce and aviation maintenance workforce, in order to address the skills gap in the industry.\nFunding for the Rural Housing Stability grant program, which will help address homelessness and housing affordability in rural communities.\nSupport for a multi-year extension of federal funding for the Quad-Cities-to-Chicago rail line.\nA requirement that the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Justice (DOJ) coordinate and report to Congress on their efforts to prevent sexual harassment in public housing.\nSupport for HUD cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, in order to ensure that all HUD-assisted and low-income housing residents have access to housing that is free of lead and other contaminants.\n \nEnergy and Water Development\n \n$10 million for the Vehicle Technologies Program, which promotes research into energy efficiency in off-road vehicles, such as industrial and farming equipment. At the Congresswoman's request, the bill requires that half of those funds be directed towards the study of fluid power systems, which could lead to cost savings for producers across Illinois.\nLanguage that urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Rock Island District to begin pre-construction engineering and design for the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP), following the completion of a new economic study. NESP would update to 1200 feet the locks along the Upper Mississippi River System while investing in ecological restoration of the waterway.\n \nMilitary Construction-Veterans Affairs\n \n$80.2 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care, including $300 million in rural health initiatives for the VA.\n$222 million in funding for suicide prevention outreach.\nA direction that the VA spend $5 million toward a pilot program to address transportation obstacles faced by rural veterans, a problem Congresswoman Bustos consistently hears about when traveling through Northwest Illinois.\nA mandate that the VA issue a report and develop a plan of action to address the challenges of contacting hard-to-reach rural veterans.\nLanguage regarding the lack of rural health care providers and urging the VA to consider the expanded use of physician assistants to address the rural health provider gap. The agreement also requires a report from VA with a plan to address this provider gap.\nSupport for telehealth and broadband programs, which help rural veterans receive care that facilities could otherwise not provide in that area.\n \nCommerce, Justice, Science\n \nBureau of Prisons (BOP) salary and expense account increases in order to support federal workers employed by BOP in Thomson and Pekin.\nCongresswoman Bustos recently introduced the Boosting America's Exports Act (BAE Act)  a bill designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses increase their exports and compete across the globe. Congresswoman Bustos included language from this bill in the funding package that directs the International Trade Administration to analyze the location of U.S. Export Assistance Centers, the services they provide and whether they can better assist small and medium sized businesses export their products.\n \nHomeland Security\n \nAfter heavy rainfall and flooding, Congresswoman Bustos fought to deliver a provision encouraging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide improved technical assistance to states applying for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. In Fiscal Year 2018, the State of Illinois was denied participation in the program, negatively impacting communities like Freeport and Moline  this will help ensure that Illinois and other states are able to fully participate in this program.\nIncreased funding for FEMA's RiskMAP Program, which helps communities identify and plan for flood risks.\n \nFinancial Services and General Government\n \n$425 million in Election Security Grants from the Election Assistance Commission, an account that received zero funding last year.\n$132.5 million in funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.\n$998.5 million in funding for the Small Business Administration, including $261 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs.\nIncreased funding for Oversight.gov, which would improve government transparency by making their resources more efficient and accessible to the public.\nA provision to direct the Federal Communications Commission to work with the Federal State Joint Board to complete their evaluation of Universal Service Fund contribution reform efforts to better serve key broadband and telephone service to rural areas.\n \nAgriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies\n \n$640 million to expand Broadband in rural underserved areas.\n$3.2 billion for Agriculture Research to support research at all ARS facilities to help mitigate and stop devastating crop diseases, improve food safety and water quality, increase production, develop critically needed vaccines for diseases like African swine fever, and combat antimicrobial resistance.\nRequirement that the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) fill its vacant staff positions with permanent scientists, in order to help the Peoria Ag Lab fully staff up. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Bustos worked across party lines with Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) to ensure the President's budget included funding for the Peoria Ag Lab, after it was originally proposed to be eliminated.\nDirects the USDA to designate a Rural Health Liaison in the Office of the Secretary no later than 90 days after the enactment of this bill.\n$1.45 billion for USDA Water and Sewer Loans and Grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems and sanitary waste disposal systems.\nIncreased funding for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants to expand access to critical health and education services in more rural areas.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-votes-articles-impeachment", "Casten Votes for Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after he voted in support of both Articles of Impeachment against the President of the United States. Last week, Casten announced his support and earlier today, he spoke on the Floor in favor of the Articles.\n\nCasten said, \"Impeaching the President was not a step I foresaw when I began my service as a Representative. However, as an elected official, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The Constitution explicitly includes impeachment as a final check against those who would wield executive power in the service of \u2018treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors'. These abuses of power are exactly what President Trump committed when he withheld military aid to an ally to pressure a foreign government to investigate a political rival, and then systematically obstructed Congress' ability to learn the truth of his actions. These are the deeply troubling facts that led me to vote for both Articles of Impeachment and uphold my Constitutional responsibility to protect our Nation. No matter the outcome of this process, I will continue to fight to ensure a better future for all and future generations to come, including combating the climate crisis, providing accessible health care, and ensuring a growing economy that benefits all Americans.\"\n\nNow it is the U.S. Senate's Constitutional responsibility to hold a trial to determine whether to convict the President.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jes-s-chuy-garc-s-statement-impeachment-donald-j-trump", "Congressman Jess Chuy Garcas Statement on the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C . - Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors:\nToday's vote to impeach the President is sobering. While I have deep disagreements with President Trump on immigration, health care, climate change and other policy areas, I did not come to Washington to impeach the President. I came to represent the voices of my constituents and I take my duty very seriously.\nThe facts tell a disturbing yet highly consistent story. The President's misdeeds have been verified by an immense body of evidence and the testimony of dozens of witnesses--including civil servants and constitutional scholars of the highest caliber. President Trump abused his power to bribe another country for his own personal and political gain. This is wrong.\nI voted to impeach President Trump to do right by my constituents, the future of our democracy, and to uphold the rule of law and my oath to defend the Constitution. The facts are clear. The President obstructed Congressional investigations by instructing his accomplices to ignore compulsory calls to testify before Congress. No matter how he tries to spin it, President Trump violated the Constitution and must be held accountable. Regrettably, House and Senate Republicans are going along with the President's lies and attempts to cover up his actions.\nNo one is above the law, not even the President.\nDonald Trump indisputably violated the Constitution and is, without a shadow of a doubt, no longer fit to discharge the duties of the President of the United States of America.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-impeachment-of-president-trump", "Foster Statement on Impeachment of President Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve two Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump:\n\n\"I voted in favor of both Articles of Impeachment because the facts clearly show that President Trump abused the power of his office for his personal political gain and willfully ignored subpoenas lawfully issued by Congress pursuant to the exercise of its constitutional power of impeachment.\n\n\"With this vote, the House has placed itself on the right side of history. Under our democratic system of constitutional checks and balances, no person \u2013 not even the President \u2013 is above the law or immune from facing consequences for their actions. Today, we voted to hold the President accountable to the American people.\"\n\nThe House voted 230-197 to impeach President Trump for abuse of power.\n\nThe House voted 229-198 to impeach President Trump for obstruction of Congress.\n\nThe Articles will now be sent to the Senate for consideration at trial.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402219", "Rep. Kinzinger on Articles of Impeachment Vote", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 755.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after voting against H.Res. 755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, the two articles of impeachment that were introduced last week: \r\nThis is a sad, divisive day for our nation and this institution. The foundation for the articles of impeachment is weak and as such, I voted against H.Res. 755 on the House Floor today. \r\nDemocracy is the foundation for our freedom, and it is our democratic process that has continued to be a beacon of light around the world. We in this institution have a responsibility to the people we serve: to uphold the Constitution and protect this democracy.Impeachment is a serious matter and deserves serious consideration. But this process has usurped the will of the American people and denied them the transparency they deserve and the answers they expected from Congress. \r\nIgnoring the right of due process, as my colleagues have done, ignores past precedent for impeachment in favor of a highly partisan, politically driven process. It did not help inform the public and it delayed our legislative work on behalf of the people we serve. \r\nI hope my colleagues across the aisle learn from this moment, recognize the shortfalls in taking these procedural shortcuts, and return in the New Year ready to legislate. We are better when we work together, finding common ground for the good of the country. The American people deserve better than this broken process, and I for one look forward to getting back to work and restoring faith in our government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/lahood-vote-no-articles-impeachment", "LaHood to Vote No on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today released the following statement ahead of the U.S. House of Representatives vote on articles of impeachment.\n\n\u201cAs I have said throughout this process, impeachment is the nuclear option, reserved for the most treasonous and criminal activity. In this case, the House Democrats have failed to present evidence to support this high threshold for impeachment. Moreover, the entire process has lacked due process, transparency, and fairness. Impeachment is the most consequential act Congress can take, and it is disappointing the Democrats are moving ahead with the fastest and most partisan impeachment process in our country\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret that since President Trump was elected, Democrats have fixated on undoing the results of the 2016 election through impeachment. Our democracy is premised on the power being with the people, not partisan members of Congress. In less than nine months, early voting starts for the 2020 presidential election, and the American voters will have an immediate opportunity to render judgment. I will vote no today, and I hope we can finally move on and work on issues voters sent us to Washington to fix.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-vote-no-articles-impeachment", "LaHood to Vote No on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today released the following statement ahead of the U.S. House of Representatives vote on articles of impeachment.\nAs I have said throughout this process, impeachment is the nuclear option, reserved for the most treasonous and criminal activity. In this case, the House Democrats have failed to present evidence to support this high threshold for impeachment. Moreover, the entire process has lacked due process, transparency, and fairness. Impeachment is the most consequential act Congress can take, and it is disappointing the Democrats are moving ahead with the fastest and most partisan impeachment process in our country's history.\nIt's no secret that since President Trump was elected, Democrats have fixated on undoing the results of the 2016 election through impeachment. Our democracy is premised on the power being with the people, not partisan members of Congress. In less than nine months, early voting starts for the 2020 presidential election, and the American voters will have an immediate opportunity to render judgment. I will vote no today, and I hope we can finally move on and work on issues voters sent us to Washington to fix.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=4297", "Lipinski Presses EPA Administrator Wheeler to Update EtO Regulations Based on Best Available Health Science", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Daniel Lipinski", "L000563", "lipinski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3), Senator Dick Durbin (IL), and other Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler today to discuss ongoing concerns about health impacts of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions in Illinois communities. Members pressed Administrator Wheeler to update emissions standards for EtO in a timely manner that takes into account the best available science and to better communicate health risks with impacted communities.  The health risks of EtO became widely known in 2016 when the U.S. EPA's Office of Research and Development released an updated Integrated Risk Information System assessment and found that the inhalation cancer risk of ethylene oxide was 30 times greater than previously estimated. The EPA has not yet committed to using this health risk evaluation and has indicated it will seek comment on alternative risk assessments for consideration when finalizing the rule for EtO regulations.  I have serious concerns that the EPA is beginning to undermine its own risk analysis for ethylene oxide, Lipinski said. The evidence is overwhelming that ethylene oxide poses significant cancer risks to those exposed to emissions. The EPA's own Office of Research and Development recognized these risks, but now the Agency is questioning its own scientific review. EPA must always err on the side of caution and make protecting the health and safety of communities its overriding priority.  Congressman Lipinski and other Members of the Illinois Delegation have repeatedly called for the EPA to promulgate updated, health-based standards that protect communities nationwide from EtO.  While dangerously high levels of EtO no longer effect my district since the Sterigenics Willowbrook facility shutdown, we must continue to stand with other effected communities around the nation,\" Lipinski said. \"EPA must quickly update their regulations, relying on the best available science.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-impeachment-president-trump", "Quigley Statement on Impeachment of President Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", "quigley", "https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump based on two articles of impeachment:\n\n\"Today, I cast my vote in favor of impeaching President Donald Trump because if Congress did not hold this President accountable for his actions, we would have forsaken our duty, betrayed our oaths of office, and sent the message that some people can avoid justice.\n\n\"No one is above the law.\n\n\"By abusing his power, extorting an ally to meddle in our elections, endangering our democratic process, placing our national security at risk, lying to the American people about his schemes, and obstructing legitimate Congressional investigations, the President has committed impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors.\n\n\"Nobody comes to Congress to impeach a President. When I came to Congress, I pledged an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Just because the President of the United States has chosen not to honor his oath, does not mean that I will abandon mine. Today, I cast my vote to protect the future of our democracy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/editorials/why-i-support-the-new-usmca", "Why I support the new USMCA", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Illinois and the Midwest have long been the breadbasket of the world. Soybeans, corn, wheat, pork and other products are proudly grown here and feed people all over the world. Likewise, we still make American steel products, cabinets, pharmaceuticals and beverage cans right here in Kankakee.\n\n\n\tIn order for the goods grown and produced in Illinois to reach markets across the globe, trade is essential. Unfortunately, President Donald Trump's policies have had a devastating impact on local farmers and manufacturers.\n\n\n\tOver the first two days of his trade war, Illinois soybean and pork producers lost $380 million in market value. Local soybean farmers watched their products spoil, while farmers in Russia and Brazil gobbled up their market share in China, the world's largest market for soybeans. To make matters worse, recent extreme weather and flooding delayed planting and destroyed crops. It was a one-two punch that has pushed a historic number of American farms into bankruptcy.\n\n\n\tIn order to preserve our proud family-farming heritage and the economic benefits that it creates, we must do more to provide local farmers with greater market access. That's where the USMCA comes in.\n\n\n\tThe USMCA, or the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a newly revised trade deal between the U.S. and our neighbors and largest trading partners. This new deal, designed to address the negative impacts of the 25-year old NAFTA, will expand market access, protect workers and our environment and work to rein in the outrageous costs of some prescription drugs.\n\n\n\tWhile I, like many others, had serious concerns about the first draft of the agreement, I worked with other House Democrats to address these concerns so we could get to yes. It was a long and difficult process, but the results were worth it.\n\n\n\tIn today's global economy, trade is vital to the growth of every community in every country. High-quality trade deals, like the newly revised USMCA, will pay dividends for Illinois farmers, workers, manufacturers and families.\n\n\n\tI'm glad that we could come together  the White House and Congress  Republicans and Democrats  to get a deal that works for everyone, most importantly our local farmers, workers and businesses: the engines of our economy and future.\n\nCongresswoman Robin Kelly has represented Kankakee County in Congress since 2013.\nRead the original at the Kankakee Daily Journal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-announces-support-for-usmca-0", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly Announces Support for USMCA", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement declaring her support for the revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\nWhen first announced, I had a number of concerns regarding the USMCA. However, after months of intense negotiations and changes that remedy my concerns, I'm proud to announce my support for this significant trade deal that will foster economic growth and opportunity throughout Illinois.\nI'm honored to represent the Second Congressional District of Illinois, a unique district that includes urban, suburban and rural communities. Our district includes part of Chicago, the nation's 3rd largest city, and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities.\nThe revised USMCA will further expand markets for Illinois farmers, many of whom are struggling. Recent extreme weather and the failed Trump Trade War have put Illinois farmers at a severe disadvantage. This trade deal is a vital lifeline to farmers as they work to recapture global market share in an increasingly competitive environment. Likewise, new provisions included to protect our environment will ensure that Illinois and the Midwest remains a viable bread basket of the world.\nI'd like to thank the Kankakee and Illinois Farm Bureaus for their constructive engagement with me on this topic. Hearing from local farmers is vital to my work in Congress and I appreciate the steady, proactive and informative outreach from local farming organizations and their members.\nIn addition to supporting American agriculture, the changes to the USMCA will also benefit Illinois workers and manufacturers. I'm proud that House Democrats were able to bolster worker protections, so workers are treated fairly, and non-compliant factories are held accountable.\nI also thank the United Steelworkers (USW) and United Automobile Workers (UAW) for their work during this process. Through steadfast advocacy, they were able to ensure a deal that supports Illinois workers and workers throughout North America.\nFinally, provisions added by House Democrats will spur greater competition to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for American families. As healthcare costs continue to grow, too many Americans are facing the difficult choice between buying lifesaving medicines and buying groceries. No family should be forced to make that impossible choice. While House Democrats continue aggressively working to address the high-cost of prescription drugs, the provisions within the USMCA are an important step that will foster competition and thereby lower prices.\nIt's no secret that the USMCA process has been long and difficult. However, I believe that this process has created a high-quality trade agreement that will pay dividends for Illinois farmers, workers, manufacturers and families. I'm proud to support the United State-Mexico-Canada Agreement, thanks to the changes imposed through bipartisan compromise.\nRead Congresswoman Kelly's editorial in the Kankakee Daily Journal.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-announces-support-usmca-0", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly Announces Support for USMCA", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement declaring her support for the revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\n\n\"When first announced, I had a number of concerns regarding the USMCA. However, after months of intense negotiations and changes that remedy my concerns, I'm proud to announce my support for this significant trade deal that will foster economic growth and opportunity throughout Illinois.\n\nI'm honored to represent the Second Congressional District of Illinois, a unique district that includes urban, suburban and rural communities. Our district includes part of Chicago, the nation's 3rd largest city, and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities.\n\nThe revised USMCA will further expand markets for Illinois farmers, many of whom are struggling. Recent extreme weather and the failed Trump Trade War have put Illinois farmers at a severe disadvantage. This trade deal is a vital lifeline to farmers as they work to recapture global market share in an increasingly competitive environment. Likewise, new provisions included to protect our environment will ensure that Illinois and the Midwest remains a viable bread basket of the world.\n\nI'd like to thank the Kankakee and Illinois Farm Bureaus for their constructive engagement with me on this topic. Hearing from local farmers is vital to my work in Congress and I appreciate the steady, proactive and informative outreach from local farming organizations and their members.\n\nIn addition to supporting American agriculture, the changes to the USMCA will also benefit Illinois workers and manufacturers. I'm proud that House Democrats were able to bolster worker protections, so workers are treated fairly, and non-compliant factories are held accountable.\n\nI also thank the United Steelworkers (USW) and United Automobile Workers (UAW) for their work during this process. Through steadfast advocacy, they were able to ensure a deal that supports Illinois workers and workers throughout North America.\n\nFinally, provisions added by House Democrats will spur greater competition to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for American families. As healthcare costs continue to grow, too many Americans are facing the difficult choice between buying lifesaving medicines and buying groceries. No family should be forced to make that impossible choice. While House Democrats continue aggressively working to address the high-cost of prescription drugs, the provisions within the USMCA are an important step that will foster competition and thereby lower prices.\n\nIt's no secret that the USMCA process has been long and difficult. However, I believe that this process has created a high-quality trade agreement that will pay dividends for Illinois farmers, workers, manufacturers and families. I'm proud to support the United State-Mexico-Canada Agreement, thanks to the changes imposed through bipartisan compromise.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/impeachment-is-not-an-option-it-s-an-obligation-because-no-one-is-above", "Impeachment is not an option, its an obligation because no one is above the law, says Congresswoman Robin Kelly", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, a member of the National Security Oversight Subcommittee, delivered this speech on the House Floor regarding the pending articles of Impeachment against President Donald John Trump for his efforts to recruit a foreign government to interfere in American elections:\nMadame Speaker, today is a solemn day in America. A day that none of us hoped for when we came to Congress.\nBut the events of today are something that each of us swore that we were prepared to execute in defense of the Constitution of the United States - against all enemies, foreign and domestic.\nThis is the oath that binds the men and women of the 116th Congress, as our democracy implores we defend her.\nA clear and present threat to American Democracy is what brings us here.\nThe architect, a President who asked that a foreign nation interfere in our election. This was our Founding Fathers' greatest fear.\nI cast this solemn vote for the many individuals in my district who entrusted me to be their voice in Congress. They entrusted me to uphold our Constitution for them.\nI vote yes for Sarah in Chicago, Doug in Kankakee, Diane in Flossmoor.\nYes, for Kathy in Momence, Kathryn in Crete and Jimmie in Park Forest.\nThe facts are simple. The path forward is clear: impeachment is not an option, it's an obligation because no one is above the law.\nA video of Congresswoman Kelly's speech can be downloaded here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/impeachment-not-option-its-obligation-because-no-one-above-law-says", "\u201cImpeachment is not an option, it\u2019s an obligation because no one is above the law,\u201d says Congresswoman Robin Kelly", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, a member of the National Security Oversight Subcommittee, delivered this speech on the House Floor regarding the pending articles of Impeachment against President Donald John Trump for his efforts to recruit a foreign government to interfere in American elections:\n\n\"Madame Speaker, today is a solemn day in America. A day that none of us hoped for when we came to Congress.\n\nBut the events of today are something that each of us swore that we were prepared to execute in defense of the Constitution of the United States - against all enemies, foreign and domestic.\n\nThis is the oath that binds the men and women of the 116th Congress, as our democracy implores we defend her.\n\nA clear and present threat to American Democracy is what brings us here.\n\nThe architect, a President who asked that a foreign nation interfere in our election. This was our Founding Fathers' greatest fear.\n\nI cast this solemn vote for the many individuals in my district who entrusted me to be their voice in Congress. They entrusted me to uphold our Constitution for them.\n\nI vote yes for Sarah in Chicago, Doug in Kankakee, Diane in Flossmoor.\n\nYes, for Kathy in Momence, Kathryn in Crete and Jimmie in Park Forest.\n\nThe facts are simple. The path forward is clear: impeachment is not an option, it's an obligation because no one is above the law.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403543", "Davis Votes Against Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Votes Against Articles of Impeachment \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 18, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after he voted against both articles of impeachment:\r\nThis is the second most consequential vote we have to take in this House. The first is to send our men and women in uniform to war and the second is to vote to impeach and remove a President of the United States. This is the first partisan impeachment in our nation's history and I am fearful it sets a dangerous precedent. I will not vote to remove a duly elected president of either party or bar them from running without a legitimate independent investigation and proof of a crime, neither of which exist in this case. I am hopeful we can put this kind of partisanship aside and move forward on bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of hardworking American citizens.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-on-fifth-circuit-s-individual-mandate-ruling", "Rush Statement on Fifth Circuits Individual Mandate Ruling", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Texas v. United States to strike down the Patient Protect Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate provision:\nI am deeply disappointed in the Fifth Circuit's ruling to strike down the individual mandate and to force millions of Americans to continue to live in fear that the ACA could be struck down in its entirety. The ACA has provided benefits to millions of Americans, such as ensuring protections for those with pre-existing conditions, expanding Medicaid eligibility to low-income individuals in many states, including Illinois; and requiring that patients have access to preventive services at no-cost; just to name a few of the many monumental accomplishments of this landmark legislation.\nPresident Trump and his administration have attempted to sabotage the ACA at every turn. While the President may be obsessed with taking away health care from millions of Americans, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to do just the opposite: we will fight tooth and nail to do everything we can to ensure that Americans have access to affordable and comprehensive health care. I will also continue to closely monitor this case as it progresses, said Rep. Rush.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-to-impeach-president-donald-j-trump", "Rush Votes to Impeach President Donald J. Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bobby Rush", "R000515", "rush.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted in favor of impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge the President with Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress. The articles passed 2301971 and 2291981, respectively.\nUnfortunately, this President has left us with no choice. Impeachment is the only recourse we have in the face of such an egregious and illegal abuse of power. This President has abused his oath, and his office, by soliciting assistance from a foreign government in a clear attempt to undermine the results of the 2020 election. Furthermore, he has willfully obstructed Congress's constitutionally-endowed rights and obligations, and for that, he must be impeached.\nThe American people cannot have confidence in our Constitutionally-established democratic process if the President  the sworn protector of that very process  is actively working to undermine it. Simply put, the President is a clear and present threat to our democracy and our national security, and although I take no pleasure in his impeachment, it is what is required both morally and by the constitution, which I have sworn an oath to defend and protect.\nI am fully persuaded that this President does not respect the law of the land, but instead seems to love the law of the jungle'  the law of the brute and the bully. That ends today. No one, including this President, is above the Constitution of the United States of America, said Rep. Rush.\nA copy of the Articles of Impeachment can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-impeachment-vote", "Schakowsky Statement on Impeachment Vote", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jan Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, voted in favor of two Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, and released the following statement after they passed the U.S. House:\nI've taken an oath eleven times now to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' The biggest threat to our Constitution is sitting in the oval office. This President has violated the law at every turn, stealing power from the judiciary and legislative branches and using it to advance his own personal interests. He has jeopardized our national security, abused and tarnished the Office of the President, and proved that he is incapable of putting our nation, its people, and our democracy first.\nAfter months of investigations and committee hearings, thousands of pages of reports, and countless hours of witness testimony it became clear that our oath and the Constitution provided only one path forward. A path that led us here, to the introduction and passage of Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump.\nIt was never my goal or wish to impeach a President. But this summer, my son Ian Schakowsky, reminded me of my oath and said, Mom, this is not about politics. It is not about Party. This has nothing to do with the final outcome  it's about doing the right thing, even if others don't.' Today, I did the right thing. I put our nation, its people, and our democracy first, as I swore to do. I voted yes on both Articles of Impeachment against this President.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-brad-schneider-during-impeachment-floor-debate-president-s-actions-demand", "Rep. Brad Schneider During Impeachment Floor Debate: The Presidents Actions Demand This Response", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Brad Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) spoke on the House Floor as members debated articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump (H.Res. 755).\nVIDEO: Schneider's remarks on the House Floor during Impeachment Debate\nSchneider's remarks:\nMadam Speaker, The President abused the power of his office by corruptly putting his own political interests ahead of our nation's security. He blocked Congressionally-authorized military aid to coerce Ukraine to launch a phony investigation into his political rival. In the months since, he has waged a campaign of absolute obstruction against Congress's constitutional authority, ordering all federal officials to defy subpoenas and refusing to produce even a single document. \nI take no joy in today's impeachment vote or that the President's actions demand this response.\nThis is sad moment for our nation. Only twice before has the House voted to impeach a President, and never before on accusations of compromising national security. I hope in the Senate both prosecution and defense can call and cross-examine witnesses, and the Senators will hear the evidence and make their decisions without prejudice or prejudgment. \nThis is a solemn moment, but our system of checks and balances was designed for times like these. I have faith that our Constitution will guide us on the path ahead.\nBackground:  \n\tPress Release, Schneider Statement on Articles of Impeachment (December 17, 2019)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-statement-on-house-impeachment-votes", "Shimkus Statement on House Impeachment Votes", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collinsville, Illinois  Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement regarding today's votes by the House of Representatives to impeach President Donald Trump: \"Long before today's votes were scheduled, my wife Karen and I made arrangements to visit our son Joshua in Tanzania where he's serving in the Peace Corps. At the White House last week I informed President Trump that I would not be present for the these votes, and he was supportive of me visiting my son. I told him I did not support his impeachment, and I have requested that this statement of my reasons for opposing both articles of impeachment be entered into the Congressional Record. I've been to Ukraine twice this year. I was an observer of the second round of the Presidential election on April 21, 2019. I returned with a bipartisan Congressional delegation from September 28 thru October 5, 2019 right in the middle of this supposed controversy. We met with many people. We met with our embassy leadership. We also met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and Minister of Defense. We had a chance to visit our soldiers who are helping in the training mission of the Ukrainian military. During that time, we met with the military leadership of both countries. Finally, we met with members of the Ukrainian parliament. During all these meeting no one mentioned a quid pro quo. What I also know is this: The Trump Administration provided the long-overdue aid to Ukraine, including lethal Javelin anti-tank missiles, that had been authorized by Congress but withheld by the previous administration in their misguided efforts to appease Russia. Other assistance to Ukraine was temporarily delayed this year following the election of a new president  a political outsider we knew little about. The new president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also addressed this issue several times. He has rejected the accusation that any quid pro quo or any pressure was applied to him or the Ukrainian government. The aid was also released prior to the Ukrainian government being pulled into this political controversy. These observations convince me that the first article of impeachment, 'abuse of power,' is not credible. My experience in Congress, including during the impeachment of President Clinton, likewise convinces me the second article of impeachment, 'obstruction of congress,' is not a credible charge. Constant tension exists between our legislative and executive branches of government. Every president I've served with has said at one time or another he is empowered to do this or to withhold that. When Congress disagrees, we have at times taken those questions of executive authority or privilege to our third branch of government: the courts. But the Democrats haven't even given President Trump an opportunity to defend his executive privilege through the courts, and they're demanding that he just give up his constitutional powers under Article II. I'm disappointed to miss these votes but not embarrassed. I'm embarrassed that they are even happening.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-statement-health-care-repeal-lawsuit-decision", "Underwood Statement on the Health Care Repeal Lawsuit Decision", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the Fifth Circuit Court ruling on the Trump Administration-backed lawsuit to overturn the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) and throw the health system of the American people into chaos. Republicans have voted over 70 times to try to repeal the law that guarantees coverage and access to essential care for people with preexisting conditions, requires preventive services without out-of-pocket costs, expands Medicaid, bans junk insurance plans, and allows people up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents' health insurance. After failing dozens of votes, Republicans and the Administration are now attempting to use the courts to deny quality, affordable health care to Americans.\n\n\"Ever since the Affordable Care Act was passed, Republicans and now this Administration have worked themselves breathless trying to take health care away from millions of Americans. Despite today's ruling and the efforts of those trying to take us back to the days of people with preexisting conditions not being able to get coverage, we will not let up. We need to work together to lower health insurance and prescription drug costs, expand access to mental health services, and improve the quality of health care. I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect health care for Illinoisans, and I won't let up.\"\n\nIf the ACA is struck down, the health and financial well-being of Illinois families will be devastated by the GOP's reckless health care assault:\n\n5,471,600 Illinoisans who have preexisting conditions and will lose their protections.\n\n605,000 Illinoisans could lose their health care coverage.\n\n91,000 Illinoisans under age 26 would lose the guarantee of remaining on their parents' insurance.\n\n250,509 Illinoisans would lose tax credits to make coverage more affordable.\n\n187,357 Illinois seniors could have to pay more for their prescription drugs.\n\nIllinoisans over age 50 would face a $4,597 \"Age Tax\" from health insurance companies.\n\nWhile the Administration has worked to weaken the ACA, Underwood has championed several bills to strengthen our current system by reducing health care costs. In March, Underwood introduced the Health Care Affordability Act to reduce premiums for consumers who purchase plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Care Affordability Act (H.R. 1868) would expand tax credits to people who don't currently qualify for them because their income is higher than 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and would increase the size of the tax credit for all income brackets. In June, Underwood passed legislation as a part of the House appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020 that would prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from spending federal funds on litigation that undermines the health care law, including Texas v. United States.\n\nIn May, legislation Underwood introduced to help protect Americans with preexisting conditions passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, H.R. 1010, would overturn an Administration rule that expands short-term, limited-duration insurance, commonly known as \"junk plans.\" The legislation followed action by the Administration that finalized a rule expanding short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans that do not have to offer patient protections like coverage for preexisting conditions or essential health benefits like maternity care, prescription drugs, and hospitalization that the ACA requires.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-statement-healthcare-repeal-lawsuit-decision", "Underwood Statement on the Health Care Repeal Lawsuit Decision", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the Fifth Circuit Court ruling on the Trump Administration-backed lawsuit to overturn the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) and throw the health system of the American people into chaos. Republicans have voted over 70 times to try to repeal the law that guarantees coverage and access to essential care for people with preexisting conditions, requires preventive services without out-of-pocket costs, expands Medicaid, bans junk insurance plans, and allows people up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents' health insurance. After failing dozens of votes, Republicans and the Administration are now attempting to use the courts to deny quality, affordable health care to Americans.\n\"Ever since the Affordable Care Act was passed, Republicans and now this Administration have worked themselves breathless trying to take health care away from millions of Americans. Despite today's ruling and the efforts of those trying to take us back to the days of people with preexisting conditions not being able to get coverage, we will not let up. We need to work together to lower health insurance and prescription drug costs, expand access to mental health services, and improve the quality of health care. I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect health care for Illinoisans, and I won't let up.\nIf the ACA is struck down, the health and financial well-being of Illinois families will be devastated by the GOP's reckless health care assault:\n 5,471,600 Illinoisans who have preexisting conditions and will lose their protections.\n\t605,000 Illinoisans could lose their health care coverage.\n\t91,000 Illinoisans under age 26 would lose the guarantee of remaining on their parents' insurance.\n\t250,509 Illinoisans would lose tax credits to make coverage more affordable.\n\t187,357 Illinois seniors could have to pay more for their prescription drugs.\n\tIllinoisans over age 50 would face a $4,597 Age Tax from health insurance companies.\n While the Administration has worked to weaken the ACA, Underwood has championed several bills to strengthen our current system by reducing health care costs. In March, Underwood introduced the Health Care Affordability Act to reduce premiums for consumers who purchase plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Care Affordability Act (H.R. 1868) would expand tax credits to people who don't currently qualify for them because their income is higher than 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and would increase the size of the tax credit for all income brackets.In June, Underwood passed legislation as a part of the House appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020 that would prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from spending federal funds on litigation that undermines the health care law, including Texas v. United States.\nIn May, legislation Underwood introduced to help protect Americans with preexisting conditions passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, H.R. 1010, would overturn an Administration rule that expands short-term, limited-duration insurance, commonly known as junk plans. The legislation followed action by the Administration that finalized a rule expanding short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans that do not have to offer patient protections like coverage for preexisting conditions or essential health benefits like maternity care, prescription drugs, and hospitalization that the ACA requires.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/12/18/2019/duckworth-durbin-announce-over-178000-to-fight-veteran-homelessness", "Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $178,000 to Fight Veteran Homelessness", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $178,000 to Fight Veteran Homelessness \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[CHICAGO, IL]  U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $178,172 in federal funding for housing authorities to reduce homelessness among Veterans across Illinois. The funding, from the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, will be used to provide rental assistance, case management and other critical services.\r\nEvery American is dishonored when a Veteran who fought for this country's freedom must lay his or her head down on the very streets they defended, said Duckworth. This funding will help bring us closer to the goal of eliminating Veteran homelessness once and for all and I look forward to working alongside Senator Durbin toward that goal.\r\nToo often, our nation's veterans find themselves facing financial difficulties and the prospect of homelessness, Durbin said. This federal funding will help ensure that local housing authorities across our state have the necessary resources to help veteran families find secure housing. I will continue working alongside Senator Duckworth in the fight to end veteran homelessness.\r\nUnder today's announcement, the following organizations will receive HUD-VASH funding:\r\n \r\n$48,024 for Chicago Housing Authority\r\n$58,596 for Housing Authority of Champaign County\r\n$22,861 for Rockford Housing Authority\r\n$19,619 for Winnebago County Housing Authority\r\n$29,072 for Housing Authority of the County of Boone\r\n \r\n\r\nFor years, Senator Duckworth has advocated for policies to end Veteran homelessness, including her work as the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs, where she coordinated the joint initiative with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to combat the issue. In the Senate, Duckworth has led on a wide range of issues impacting Veterans including a recent trip to Tijuana, Mexico, to honor deported Veterans and offer supportive services. Last month, Duckworth introduced three bills addressing Veteran suicide, homelessness and access to healthcare. Duckworth's proposalsthe Veteran Employment and Child Care Access Act, Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans (ACE Veterans) Act and Post 9/11 Veteran Suicide Prevention Counseling Actwould increase access to child care services as well as contraceptives and help reduce Veteran suicide. Duckworth also introduced the Get the Lead out of Military Housing Act in April of this year, which would protect military families from lead exposure by improving testing and inspection for lead in drinking water and military homes.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/12/18/2019/duckworth-durbin-booker-introduce-bill-to-enhance-public-housing-oversight-and-transparency-improve-conditions-for-residents", "Duckworth, Durbin, Booker Introduce Bill to Enhance Public Housing Oversight and Transparency, Improve Conditions for Residents", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth, Durbin, Booker Introduce Bill to Enhance Public Housing Oversight and Transparency, Improve Conditions for Residents \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  Today, as part of her ongoing efforts to prevent future housing crises like what happened in Cairo, Illinois, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced legislation to improve public housing oversight and transparency by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill, the Averting Crises in Housing Assistance (ACHA) Act, seeks to address the national backlog of needed repairs in public housing facilities by investing $70 billion in the Public Housing Capital Fund and improve public housing outcomes for residents.\r\nThe mismanagement, fraud and abuse that happened in Cairo and forced hundreds of people out of their homes should never happen again, said Duckworth. While it's critical that we hold those responsible accountable for their actions, we also need to look forward and do everything we can to improve policies and prevent future crises. I'm proud to introduce legislation today that will strengthen oversight of public housing facilities, make progress in addressing the backlog of critical repairs and go a long way toward preventing the same failures that resulted in so many families being displaced.\r\nWhat took place in Cairo was a failure at all levels of government. The bill Senator Duckworth and I are introducing would give public housing residents a stronger voice in ensuring that what happened in Cairo never happens again.The Averting Crises in Housing Act would require early intervention by HUD to assist public housing authorities in bringing their properties into good standing, said Durbin. No American should have to live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Period.\r\nSpecifically, the ACHA Act would:\r\n \r\nStrengthen HUD oversight of public housing properties by updating the conditions under which a property would be deemed failing;\r\nAllow residents to petition HUD to intervene if a property meets any such conditions, but passes its inspection;\r\nRequire HUD to partner with a housing authority with a failing property to develop an action plan and address unacceptable conditions or risk a private right of action by residents against the Federal government;\r\nRequire HUD or the housing authority to provide notice to residents of a failing property as to its designation, the action plan and timeline for rehabilitation, and the options available to residents if the property is not brought into compliance;\r\nInvest $70 billion in the Public Housing Capital Fund to address the existing backlog of repairs and help build, modernize, and rehabilitate public housing;\r\nMake explicit in statute that a receivership's goal should be to maintain and rehabilitate, to the greatest extent possible, the existing housing inventory; and\r\nPush HUD to update regulations and allow small public housing agencies to voluntarily merge or consolidate to pool resources.\r\n \r\nThe bill was endorsed by the National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Shriver Center on Poverty Law.\r\nNHLP is excited to support Senator Duckworth's Averting Crises in Housing Assistance (ACHA) Act, said Shamus Roller, Executive Director of NHLP. The nation's federally owned public housing stock is a crucial and threatened resource, and HUD has largely abdicated its responsibility to preserve and maintain public housing properties. The ACHA Act will strengthen HUD's oversight of failing properties and prioritize the preservation of public housing over demolition or conversion. Importantly, the bill will put tenants at the center of conversations about their own homes and protect their health and safety.\r\nSince being sworn into the Senate in 2017, Duckworth has worked to address the challenges faced by Cairo residents, hold those responsible for the crisis accountable and improve the Cairo economy. Duckworth hasvisitedCairoseveral times, secured a commitment for HUD Secretary Carson to visit and hear firsthand from residents and elevated the community's needs to his attention during multiple meetings and calls, andplaceda blanket hold on all HUD nominees after the agency failed to respond to her request for detailed information regarding its decision to shutter two additional AHCA facilities in Thebes, Illinois. In 2019, the City of Cairo presented Duckworth with their Service Award, recognizing her continuing efforts to help the Cairo community, protect Alexander County Housing Authority residents, bring accountability to wrongdoers and grow the region's economy.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-colleagues-to-introduce-the-safe-gun-storage-act", "Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues to Introduce the Safe Gun Storage Act", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Tammy Duckworth", "D000622", "www.duckworth.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues to Introduce the Safe Gun Storage Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.]  Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and 17 other colleagues in introducing the Safe Gun Storage Act, which would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish safety standards for firearm locks and firearm safes. U.S. Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year.\r\nPassing public safety measures to save lives isn't tyranny, it's common sense and this bill would help make sure that firearms are stored securely so families across America are kept safe, said Duckworth. We owe it to the countless and growing number of firearm violence victims to take action and I call on Mitch McConnell to let us vote on this and other similar, smart pieces of legislation so we can take action that could prevent future tragedies.\r\nFar too many lives have been lost to gun violence because children or unauthorized individuals gained access to a firearm that should have been securely stored. With commonsense safety measures for safely locking up firearms, we can further prevent guns from ending up in the wrong hands, said Durbin. I'm a proud cosponsor of the Safe Gun Storage Act because it's our responsibility in Congress to address our nation's gun violence epidemic and legislate to keep our communities safe.\r\nAn estimated 4.6 million American minors live in a household with a firearm. According to a 2018 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health survey, 54 percent of firearm owners report storing their firearms in an unsafe manner. Eighteen percent of all firearm injuries in our nation occur because of this high rate of improperly stored firearms in homes.\r\nAlong with Duckworth, Durbin and Blumenthal, the Safe Gun Storage Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-and-krishnamoorthi-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-youth-vaping-prevention-programs-in-schools", "Durbin And Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Create Youth-Vaping Prevention Programs In Schools", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Durbin And Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Create Youth-Vaping Prevention Programs In Schools \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08) today introduced the Providing Resources to End the Vaping Epidemic Now for Teenagers (PREVENT) Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill with Representative Peter King (R-NY-02) that will create youth vaping prevention programs in schools and provide resources to help teachers and administrators combat skyrocketing youth e-cigarette use.\r\nWith more than five million children now using e-cigarettes, the youth vaping epidemic is out of control. Unless we take action, an entire generation of American kids will suffer from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Today's bill builds on previous tobacco prevention strategies, helps fund preventive efforts that steer kids away from vaping, and helps those already struggling with nicotine addiction. Further, the bill holds the Big Vape companies who created this public health crisis accountable, said Durbin.\r\nBoth the CDC and FDA have determined that the sky rocketing use of e-cigarettes in middle and high schools across the country is an epidemic. That's why we just introduced the PREVENT Act, which would ensure these agencies have the funding they need to combat this public health crisis not at the expense of taxpayers, but the vaping companies selling these harmful products. Our children are not for sale and it's time we start educating them on the dangers of nicotine addiction from vaping and e-cigarette usage, said Krishnamoorthi.\r\nThe PREVENT Act establishes a new user fee under the Food and Drug Administration, and directs those funds to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop prevention programs to decrease the use of e-cigarettes on school grounds. The bill awards grants to state and local health agencies and non-profits to carry out such prevention programs, and requires these programs to provide resources to empower youth to communicate with their peers on the dangers of nicotine addiction, provide resources and tools for school personnel to identify and prevent youth use, and launch social media and marketing campaigns to educate students on the health risks of e-cigarette use. Further, the PREVENT Act requires health agencies and non-profits to consult with public health experts, addiction specialists, and school personnel organizations, among others, to carry out such prevention programs at middle and high schools across the country. Finally, the bill requires grantees and the CDC to publish reports identifying best practices so that schools across the country can work in tandem to end youth vaping.\r\nThe bill is currently endorsed by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes, Society for Public Health Education, Respiratory Health Association, American College of Preventative Medicine, American Association of Women Dentists, Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Oncology Nursing Society, American Association of Endodontists, Academy of General Dentistry, Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Eta Sigma Gamma, and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-bipartisan-agreement-to-help-immigrant-workers-stuck-in-the-green-card-backlog", "Durbin Announces Bipartisan Agreement To Help Immigrant Workers Stuck In The Green Card Backlog", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Durbin Announces Bipartisan Agreement To Help Immigrant Workers Stuck In The Green Card Backlog \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, today joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) on the Senate floor to announce their bipartisan agreement to amend Lee's Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act.\r\nSenator Lee and I have reached a bipartisan agreement on what we think is a reasonable approach these families affected by this backlog are really going through hardship and concerns that no family should face. The sooner we resolve them, the better, Durbin said. As I've talked to many of these families, they said why don't you sit down with Senator Lee and see if you can reach an agreement?' I did. We have. Now I hope we can move forward.\r\nThe Lee-Durbin agreement would make three changes to the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act. First, it would protect immigrants and their families who are stuck in the backlog. Immigrant workers and their immediate family members would be eligible for early filing for their green cards. Immigrant workers would be able to switch jobs and travel without losing their immigration status. The amendment includes a critical protection from Durbin's RELIEF Act, which would protect the children of immigrant workers from aging out of green-card eligibility so they will not face deportation while they are waiting for a green card.\r\nSecond, the amendment would create a green-card set aside for immigrant workers stuck in the backlog overseas. The amendment would reserve 4,600 green cards on an annual basis for immigrant workers who are stuck in the backlog overseas and not eligible for early filing. This number is based on the approximate number of people who apply for employment green cards from overseas each year.\r\nFinally, the amendment would address abuse of H-1B temporary work visas by prohibiting a company from hiring additional H-1B workers if the company's workforce is more than 50 employees and more than 50 percent temporary workers. This commonsense bipartisan reform would stop outsourcing firms from abusing the H-1B visa to exploit immigrant workers and offshore American jobs.\r\nVideo of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor are availablehere.\r\nAudio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere.\r\nFootage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations.\r\nDurbin also explained that ultimately Congress must increase the number of green cards to eliminate the green-card backlog. In October, Durbin, along with Senators Pat Leahy (D-VT) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), introduced the Resolving Extended Limbo for Immigrant Employees and Families (RELIEF) Act, which would eliminate the family and employment green card backlog by increasing the number of green cards. The RELIEF Act would also help keep American families together by classifying spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) as immediate relatives and exempting derivative beneficiaries of employment-based petitions from annual green card limits, protect aging out children who qualify for LPR status based on a parent's immigration petition, and lift country caps.\r\nIn October, Durbin, along with all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, called on Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, to hold a hearing on legislation to address green-card backlogs.\r\nClose to four million future Americans are on the State Department's immigrant visa waiting list, in addition to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the U.S. who are also waiting for green cards. However, under current law only 226,000 family green cards and 140,000 employment green cards are available annually. Children and spouses of LPRs count against these numbers, further restricting the number of available green cards.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-help-secure-illinois-miners-pensions-and-health-care-coverage-in-year-end-funding-bill", "Durbin, Duckworth Help Secure Illinois Miners' Pensions And Health Care Coverage In Year-End Funding Bill", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Duckworth Help Secure Illinois Miners' Pensions And Health Care Coverage In Year-End Funding Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bill will protect miners' pensions and health care coverage for retirees impacted by 2018 and 2019 mine bankruptcies.The Bipartisan American Miners Act, included in the final funding package, secures lifetime health care benefits for the 13,000 miners who would have lost their benefits entirely and the 92,000 miners who would have seen their pensions gutted next year without Congressional action. This includes pension benefits for more than 8,000 miners and health coverage for more than 1,000 miners in Illinois.\r\nFor nine thousand retired coal miners in Illinois, we have protected their pensions and health care. This bipartisan effort was their only hope, Durbin said.\r\nThousands of mineworkers across Illinois have worked in difficult and dangerous conditions to provide a good life for their families and I'm pleased that this bipartisan effort delivers on our promise to secure their earned health care and pension benefits, Duckworth said.\r\nThe Bipartisan American Miners Act of 2019 will amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land fund to the 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency. It will also amend the Coal Act to include 2018 and 2019 bankruptcies in the miners' health care fix that passed in 2017.\r\nThe Bipartisan American Miners Act of 2019 is also co-sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Rob Portman (R-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Tom Carper (D-DE).\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-members-of-illinois-congressional-delegation-press-epa-administrator-wheeler-on-ethylene-oxide-emissions", "Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler On Ethylene Oxide Emissions", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler On Ethylene Oxide Emissions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about their concerns about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions at the Medline and Vantage facilities in Lake County. In a meeting with Administrator Wheeler, Durbin pushed for a timeline of regulatory actions by the U.S. EPA, and called on Administrator Wheeler to protect the U.S. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values from industry interests in its rulemaking. They also discussed a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data study that showed higher levels of cancer-causing EtO found in people living near Medline Industries in Waukegan, Illinois. Medline uses EtO to sterilize medical products. Durbin also pressed Administrator Wheeler on what the EPA is doing to immediately reduce EtO emissions in Lake County.\r\nAdministrator Wheeler has a responsibility to ensure his agency is doing everything it can to protect the public health of all Illinois families, Durbin said. Without stronger standards, inspections, and emissions monitoring of this deadly chemical, Illinois communities will continue to be at risk.\r\nDurbin was joined by U.S. Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Bill Foster (D-IL- 11), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) at today's meeting.\r\nI have serious concerns that the EPA is beginning to undermine its own risk analysis for ethylene oxide, said Lipinski. The evidence is overwhelming that ethylene oxide poses significant cancer risks to those exposed to emissions, but now the agency is questioning its own scientific review. EPA must always err on the side of caution and make protecting the health and safety of communities its overriding priority.\r\nOur community has waited for too long as U.S. EPA continues to drag its feet on properly regulating ethylene oxide, said Schneider. Today, I again conveyed to Administrator Wheeler that the public deserves engagement on ethylene oxide, not silence from the U.S. EPA. Enough with the delay, it is past time for the U.S. EPA to release strong, science-based standards that protect the health of our communities.\r\nWhile I'm glad that Administrator Wheeler finally met with the Illinois delegation about our ongoing concerns about ethylene oxide exposure in our communities, I am deeply disturbed and extremely frustrated that it took this long. At a time when our constituents are rightly concerned about our health and safety, the U.S. EPA has left our communities in the dark and has failed to mount any satisfactory response, said Casten. Moving forward, I hope the Administrator will commit to working with us to secure better information on the risks of ethylene oxide and, finally, move forward in finalizing new rules for the use of this dangerous chemical at commercial sterilization facilities.\r\nIn November, Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with Lipinski, Foster, Schneider, Casten, and Underwood, sent a letter to the EPA urging it to better protect communities from EtO emitted by industrial processes. The members voiced concerns that the EPA's recently proposed actions on EtO emissions are not protective enough, and once again asked EPA to quickly issue new rules for EtO emissions at commercial sterilization facilities, and publish a timeline of regulatory actions, along with a status of progress and estimated completion.\r\nThe members also urged EPA to immediately conduct inspections of all Region 5 facilities  including Medline and Vantage Specialty Chemicals Inc. in Gurnee, Illinois, which use EtO for manufacturing and commercial sterilization. The members also asked EPA to identify and measure emissions, and to evaluate the pollution control technology used to control stack emissions.\r\nEarlier this year, the Senate received information alleging that senior EPA political appointees had instructed EPA civil servants in Region 5 to avoid conducting any inspections of facilities that emit EtO. That prompted Durbin, Duckworth, and Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) to ask the EPA's Office of Inspector General to immediately launch an independent investigation into whether the Trump EPA is attempting to prevent the public from learning about their exposure levels to EtO, which is a known carcinogen.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-raising-federal-tobacco-age-is-a-good-step-but-does-not-address-youth-vaping-epidemic", "Durbin: Raising Federal Tobacco Age Is A Good Step, But Does Not Address Youth Vaping Epidemic", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Richard Durbin", "D000563", "www.durbin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Durbin: Raising Federal Tobacco Age Is A Good Step, But Does Not Address Youth Vaping Epidemic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today in a speech on the Senate floor addressed the Tobacco to 21 (T21) provision included in the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bill. Durbin, who introduced the Tobacco to 21 Act this April and is a longtime supporter of the policy, expressed his concern that the T21 provision, on its own, does not address the youth vaping epidemic. Durbin, who was prevented from including real reforms in the appropriations bill that would help reduce the number of children vaping, reiterated his call for an e-cigarette flavor ban that protects our nation's children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Such a ban is supported by the public health community. Durbin also noted that tobacco and vaping giants like Altria and JUUL now, after years of opposition, support T21 because they believe it will help them avoid scrutiny for their targeted efforts to hook kids on e-cigarettes.\r\nAny serious solution to skyrocketing rates of youth e-cigarette use must include the removal of kid-friendly flavors, not just the tobacco industry's preferred policy, Durbin said.\r\nVideo of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor are availablehere.\r\nAudio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere.\r\nFootage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations.\r\nDurbin also called out the President for caving to lobbying pressure from Big Tobacco and Big Vape, breaking his promise to protect our nation's children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. For years, e-cigarette use among children has skyrocketed nationwide, leading the Trump Administration to finally announceon September 11, 2019that it would soon ban all non-tobacco e-cigarette flavors within weeks. Now, more than three months later, no ban has been put in place.\r\nFive million children are now vaping, including more than one in four high school studentsan increase of 135 percent over the past two years alone. Between 2017 and 2018, America saw a 78 percent increase in the number of high-school children using e-cigarettes, and a 48 percent increase in the number of middle-school children using these addictive and dangerous products. Today, nearly 30 percent of school-aged children are vaping, compared with less than four percent of adults in the United States.\r\nIn March, Durbin, along with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO-01) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to crack down on kid-friendly flavorings in highly-addictive e-cigarettes and cigars. The Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids (SAFE Kids) Act will place strong restrictions on e-cigarette flavorings and ban cigar flavorings altogether.\r\nIn April, Durbin, along with Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Todd Young (R-IN), and Mitt Romney (R-UT), introduced the Tobacco to 21 Act, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21 nationwide.\r\n-30-\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n    \n   \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 3455, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "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"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "IL", "p2": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 2875, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2019&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 580, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2019&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 3455, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 3455, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 3455, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-12-18,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edurbin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fdurbin-raising-federal-tobacco-age-is-a-good-step-but-does-not-address-youth-vaping-epidemic", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2019&_next=2019-12-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edurbin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fdurbin-raising-federal-tobacco-age-is-a-good-step-but-does-not-address-youth-vaping-epidemic&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 1101.7987099476159, "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"}