{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/year-in-review-16-from-2023-in-il16", "Year in Review: 16 Snapshots from 2023 in IL16", "2023-12-31", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "16 Snapshots from 2023 in the 16th Congressional District\n\nIn 2023, I've been honored to begin representing the new 16th Congressional District of Illinois. With constituents in 21 counties covering central and northern Illinois, we've made it a priority to get into the community and discover what makes our state and region special. Over the course of the year we visited small businesses, community organizations, farms, factories, colleges, hospitals, energy facilities, and much more. To highlight an eventful year, I wanted to showcase 16 snapshots from the new 16th Congressional District! Happy New Year and see you in 2024!\n\nIn January, I made my first official visit to Galena to meet with small businesses, elected officials, and the Chamber of Commerce to learn about what's happening in the community and issues impacting the region.\n\nLater in January, I visited the Rockford Airport to discuss the status of airport upgrades and what the future looks like for them.\n\nIn February, I spoke at Eureka College in honor of one of their most famous alumni, President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan\u2019s legacy of civic leadership continues to be carried out through the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Fellows and it's always a privilege to celebrate the incredible students at Eureka.\n\nIn March, I traveled to Morris in Grundy County to visit the LyondellBasell plant. They do a great job supporting their community by offering jobs and they are leaders in the low-carbon industry.\n\nFarmers are a key economic driver in the 16th District. In April, I visited Brian Duncan's family farm to help plant. I appreciate all the family farmers who feed and fuel our country.\n\nThe Future Farmers of America (FFA) shape and educate the next generation of Illinois farmers. In May, I visited with the Livingston County FFA to check in on their projects and innovative work in agriculture.\n\nIn June, I toured the Byron Nuclear Plant. Nuclear energy helps support our economy in Illinois and it is an important emission-free energy resource, which is critical to our all-of-the-above energy approach.\n\nEach year, I am honored to nominate young men and women to attend our nation's military academies. In June, I hosted those students who were appointed to one of the service academies in our Peoria District Office.\n\nOne of my top priorities is providing high quality constituent services. In July and August, I was proud to join community leaders in Morris and Normal to open new Congressional Offices, which are open and accessible to all IL16 constituents.\n\nIn September, I did a hard hat tour of the OSF's Cancer Institute in Peoria, which will make Peoria a hub for cancer research and treatment throughout our state and region.\n\nPrecision Planting's new facility in Morton will support hundreds of jobs in the community and I was grateful to visit in September.\n\nMy office was proud to secure a Community Funding Project award to support the new YMCA facility in Morris. I was honored to participate in a beam signing with local officials in October.\n\nThe Rockford Chamber of Commerce is an important advocate for local small businesses and I joined them in November to provide a Congressional update.\n\nI am proud to champion legislation to strengthen the low income housing tax credit. In November, I was honored to break ground on the new Willis Senior Lofts project in Rochelle.\n\nIn December, I visited with the Little Learners and Birth to Five Council at the CTE Academy in Elizabeth to talk about their mission to improve child care and support families.\n\nWishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! I look forward to seeing many of you in 2024", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-johnson-renew-fight-for-stronger-truck-insurance-requirements", "Reps. Garc\u00eda, Johnson Renew Fight for Stronger Truck Insurance Requirements", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressmen Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04) and Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act, legislation that would strengthen insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers and protect American families from the financial devastation caused by catastrophic truck crashes.\n\nThe Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act proposes two key changes:\n\nIncreasing the minimum insurance requirement for interstate motor carriers from $750,000 to $5,000,000. This outdated figure, which has not changed since 1980, does not reflect rising medical costs and potential losses from serious crashes. The new minimum would reflect the true cost of a tragic truck crash.\n\nIndexing the new minimum insurance requirement to inflation. This critical provision ensures that financial protection for crash victims does not erode over time, keeping pace with the rising cost of healthcare and other expenses.\n\n\u201cFor too long, truck crash victims and their families have been burdened by tremendous emotional and financial consequences, facing a mountain of medical debt and shattered lives,\u201d said Congressman Garc\u00eda. \u201cThe Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is about justice, responsibility, and protecting our communities. It's time to ensure that trucking companies have adequate insurance to cover the true cost of their actions and prevent families from being financially destroyed by crashes they had no control over.\u201d\n\nKate Brown is a board member for the Institute for Safer Trucking (IST), a non-profit committed to helping truck crash victims and survivors throughout the U.S. Her son Graham was severely injured in a truck crash in 2005. The trucking company only had a $750,000 policy. \u201cOur family still struggles with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of that crash,\u201d Kate Brown said. \"The inadequate insurance barely covered a fraction of Graham's medical needs, leaving us buried in debt. The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act would help prevent other families from facing the same nightmare.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe fact that minimum insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers haven\u2019t been updated since 1980 is ridiculous,\u201d said Congressman Johnson. \u201cFamilies like the Karths\u2014who lost their beloved AnnaLeah and Mary on I-20 in Georgia\u2014and so many others who have lost loved ones in truck crashes should not also be financially devastated in the aftermath of these tragedies.\u201d\n\n\u201cAn increase in the minimum liability insurance requirement for trucking companies is long overdue. $750,000 is a value which doesn\u2019t come anywhere close to DOT\u2019s determination of the Value of a Statistical Life at $12.5 million for 2022.\u201d said Marianne and Jerry Karth, co-founders of AnnaLeah & Mary for Truck Safety. \u201cWe lost two daughters, AnnaLeah and Mary, in 2013 due to a truck crash. The trucking company\u2019s insurance policy had to cover all the costs no matter how many parties or victims were involved. We need a commonsense solution to this ongoing predicament so victims no longer have to bear the financial burden and so trucking companies are incentivized to adopt available safety technologies.\u201d\n\nDexter Culclager, an IST board member, who lost his entire family in a 2015 truck crash, added his support for the legislation. \u201cMy wife, Yakel, and our three children, Tre'Quis, Tra'Desia, and Tra'Veion, were taken from us in an instant because of a negligent trucking company,\u201d Culclager said. \"There's nothing that can bring them back, but the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act could prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss by incentivizing the insurance companies to play a larger role in keeping unsafe trucking companies off our roads.\u201d\n\nThe Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is cosponsored by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), John Garamendi (CA-03), Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-ramirez-garcia-amplify-aclu-calls-dhs-terminate-contract-private-company", "Reps Ramirez, Garcia Amplify ACLU Calls for DHS to Terminate Contract with Private Company Accused of Negligent Migrant Care", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) released a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas citing the American Civil Liberties Union\u2019s recommendation to immediately terminate the contract with Loyal Source Government Services (Loyal Source) after reports of wrongdoing and mistreatment of migrants in detention facilities. Loyal Source is a Florida-based corporation that has contracts with the DHS to provide medical care to noncitizens at the southern U.S. border.\n\nIn the letter, the members of Congress highlight that Loyal Source\u2019s alleged pattern of inadequate staffing and negligent medical care appears to have contributed to the tragic death of eight-year-old Anadith Reyes Alvarez on May 17, 2023, at a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) detention facility in Texas. According to reports, Anadith was suffering serious flu symptoms, and a fever of 104.9 degrees. Loyal Source medical staff failed to review her medical history, denied her access to a physician, and refused both emergency medical transport and care.\n\nMembers of Congress wrote: \u201cIn light of these failings, we want to raise the recommendations made to your agency by the American Civil Liberties Union, which has called on the agency to:\n\nImmediately terminate its blanket purchase agreement with Loyal Source Government Services (\u201cLoyal Source\u201d) and secure a new vendor under a contract that incorporates measurable, enforceable standards for the provision of medical care;\n\nrapidly implement and enforce binding medical care standards and custody protocols to ensure the protection and rapid release of migrants encountered by or in CBP\u2019s custody;\n\nensure that contract medical providers are subject to rigorous oversight and quality assurance enforcement mechanisms; and\n\nensure that medical care in CBP custody promptly identifies medically vulnerable people, and ensure effective and efficient processing of CBP custody.\u201d\n\nThe congressional effort comes after coverage by The Washington Post and whistleblower reports that allege significant wrongdoing by Loyal Source, \u201cincluding chronic staff shortages, excessive travel expenses, and error-plagued record-keeping.\u201d Whistleblowers allege a failure by the CBP to hold Loyal Source accountable for these violations.\n\n\u201cWe recognize that CBP has faced longstanding challenges in the provision of medical care at the border, under difficult circumstances. However, as Members of Congress who care deeply for the well-being of migrants in custody, we have deep concerns, given its history, whether Loyal Source can continue to be trusted as a partner,\u201d concluded the Members of Congress.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL\u201307), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (AZ-07), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-priorities-included-ndaa", "Schneider Priorities Included in NDAA", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON -- Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) had several of his priorities included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed and was signed into law this month.\n\n\u201cI am proud of my bipartisan work that was included in this years National Defense Authorization Act, including provisions to promote the Abraham Accords and expand normalization in the region, bolster security cooperation with Israel, and support our troops\u2014including the largest pay raise for servicemembers in over twenty years,\u201d said Schneider. \u201cDuring a frustratingly unproductive year under the partisan Republican majority, I am thankful we were able to come together and pass this critical legislation to support U.S. national security.\u201d\n\nCongressman Schneider secured the following provisions in the final bill that was signed into law:\n\nMARITIME Act: This important legislation, co-led by Congressman Schneider and marked up along bipartisan lines in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will increase security cooperation between the Abraham Accords countries and the United States in order to combat increasing aggression by Iran and to support Isarel in its efforts to combat Hamas.\n\nExtension of U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation: This year\u2019s NDAA included an extension of this program, based on legislation introduced by Schneider. This program helps bolster Israel\u2019s ability to detect, map, and eliminate tunnels used by terrorist organizations in the region to support and launch attacks against Israel.\n\nSpecial Envoy: Included within this legislation was language championed by Schneider to create within the State Department an Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements. This new Envoy will focus on expanding the historic Abraham Accords to promote normalization between Israel and other countries in the region, promoting increased economic interdependence and security cooperation.\n\nIntelligence Assessment of Abraham Accords: This legislation requires the Central Intelligence Agency to assess the historic impact and effects resulting from the success of the Abraham Accords, an effort supported by Schneider and the Abraham Accords Caucus, of which he is co-chair. Having a better sense of the impacts these historic agreements have will better assist the United States in building upon that success to expand security cooperation and stability in the region.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-congresswoman-escobar-congresswoman-ramirez-joint-statement-on-governor-abbott-s-reckless-politicization-of-migrant-relocation", "Congressman Garc\u00eda, Congresswoman Escobar, Congresswoman Ramirez, Joint Statement on Governor Abbott\u2019s Reckless Politicization of Migrant Relocation", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "EL PASO, TX - CHICAGO, IL \u2014 Today, Congressman Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement regarding Governor Abbotts\u2019 reckless politicization of migrant relocation efforts:\n\n\u201cWe write together, unified in our call for the State of Texas and Governor Greg Abbott to stop politicizing the relocation of migrants and asylum-seekers and take seriously the need to more extensively coordinate efforts between southern border cities, like El Paso, and interior cities, like Chicago.\n\nThe situation in border communities like El Paso requires our attention and urgent action. Meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families demands our cooperation. Instead, Governor Abbott has chosen to use this unprecedented moment of global migration to score cheap political points.\n\nGovernor Abbott has repeatedly demonstrated that he is not trying to find solutions to the challenges cities like El Paso confront as they welcome new arrivals. If he were seeking solutions, he would foster more effective collaboration and cooperation at landing sites with cities like Chicago. Instead, Governor Abbott insists on sending buses and planes from El Paso to Chicago without complete manifests, to undesignated landing sites, in the cold of Chicago winters. Chicago\u2019s recent ordinances are intended to ensure that those being resettled to Chicago are received at a humane, safe, and warm place at an agreed-upon time. If Governor Abbott took that charge seriously, such ordinances would be unnecessary.\n\nIt is Congress\u2019 job to deliver legislative solutions that uphold our values and shared humanity. While we work to that end, it is our collective responsibility to steward the safety of families in our collective care. If Governor Abbott stopped wasting time and resources creating chaos, more could be done to support local partners and share the responsibility of humanely resettling families across our country.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/declaracion-conjunta-de-los-congresistas-garcia-escobar-y-ramirez-sobre-la-politizacion-irresponsable-de-la-reubicacion-de-migrantes-por-parte-del-gobernador-abbott", "Declaraci\u00f3n Conjunta de los Congresistas Garc\u00eda, Escobar y Ram\u00edrez Sobre La Politizaci\u00f3n Irresponsable de la Reubicaci\u00f3n de Migrantes por Parte Del Gobernador Abbott", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "EL PASO, TX - CHICAGO, IL \u2014 Hoy, los Congresistas Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Ver\u00f3nica Escobar (TX-16) y Delia C. Ram\u00edrez (IL-03) emitieron la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n sobre la politizaci\u00f3n imprudente de los esfuerzos de reubicaci\u00f3n de inmigrantes por parte del Gobernador de Texas Greg Abbott.\n\n\u201cEscribimos juntos, unidos en nuestro llamado al Estado de Texas y al Gobernador Greg Abbott para que dejen de politizar la reubicaci\u00f3n de migrantes y solicitantes de asilo y tome en serio la necesidad de coordinar m\u00e1s ampliamente los esfuerzos entre las ciudades fronterizas del sur, como El Paso, y ciudades del interior como Chicago.\n\n\u201cLa situaci\u00f3n en comunidades fronterizas como El Paso requiere nuestra atenci\u00f3n y acci\u00f3n urgente. Satisfacer las necesidades de los ni\u00f1os y las familias vulnerables exige nuestra cooperaci\u00f3n. Sin embargo, el gobernador Abbott ha optado por aprovechar este momento sin precedentes de migraci\u00f3n global para ganar puntos pol\u00edticos.\n\n\u201cEl Gobernador Abbott ha demostrado repetidamente que no est\u00e1 tratando de encontrar soluciones a los desaf\u00edos que enfrentan ciudades como El Paso al recibir a los reci\u00e9n llegados. Si estuviera buscando soluciones, fomentar\u00eda una colaboraci\u00f3n y cooperaci\u00f3n m\u00e1s efectiva en los lugares de aterrizaje con ciudades como Chicago. En cambio, el gobernador Abbott insiste en enviar autobuses y aviones desde El Paso a Chicago sin manifiestos completos, a sitios de aterrizaje no designados, en los fr\u00edos inviernos de Chicago. Las ordenanzas recientes de Chicago tienen como objetivo garantizar que quienes sean reubicados en Chicago sean recibidos en un lugar humano, seguro y c\u00e1lido a una hora acordada. Si el Gobernador Abbott tomara en serio esa acusaci\u00f3n, tales ordenanzas ser\u00edan innecesarias.\n\n\u201cEs trabajo del Congreso ofrecer soluciones legislativas que defiendan nuestros valores y la humanidad compartida. Si bien trabajamos con ese fin, es nuestra responsabilidad colectiva velar por la seguridad de las familias bajo nuestro cuidado colectivo. Si el Gobernador Abbott dejara de perder tiempo y recursos creando caos, se podr\u00eda hacer m\u00e1s para apoyar a las organizaciones locales involucradas en la ayuda a los migrantes y compartir la responsabilidad de reubicar humanamente a las familias en todo nuestro pa\u00eds\u201d.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-announces-over-870000-returned-constituents-2023", "Foster Announces Over $870,000 Returned to Constituents in 2023", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Naperville, IL \u2013 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that his office returned a total of $874,362 to constituents in 2023.\n\n\"Making sure my constituents receive effective and efficient services from my office has been my priority ever since I began serving them in Congress,\u201d said Foster. \u201cChief among those services is assistance working with federal agencies like the IRS, VA, and the Social Security Administration to recover money owed to my constituents. I\u2019m proud my office was able to intercede on behalf of so many constituents and help secure the benefits and compensation they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\nConstituents in need of assistance can find information and contact our office at foster.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-israeli-military-strategy-gaza", "Foster Statement on Israeli Military Strategy in Gaza", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement:\n\n\"I join my colleagues in expressing concern over Prime Minister Netanyahu's current military strategy in Gaza, and in their urging President Biden to use all available leverage to effect a change in that strategy.\n\n\"The mounting and unnecessary civilian death toll and worsening humanitarian crisis are unacceptable. They are not in accord with American principles or interests; nor do they make Israel safer. Maintaining the current strategy also jeopardizes efforts to permanently dismantle Hamas and secure the release of all hostages.\n\n\u201cIn addition, I support efforts in the Senate to require weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental to be used in accordance with U.S. law and international humanitarian law, and support congressional oversight to ensure those conditions are respected.\n\n\"Finally, I urge President Biden to continue using America's leverage to urge the Israeli government to pursue a long-term peace founded upon a sustainable two-state solution that respects international law and the interests of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-escobar-congresswoman-ramirez-congressman-garcia-joint-statement", "Congresswoman Escobar, Congresswoman Ramirez, Congressman Garc\u00eda Joint Statement on Governor Abbott\u2019s Reckless Politicization of Migrant Relocation", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "El Paso, TX - Chicago, IL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Congressman Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04) released the following statement regarding Governor Abbotts\u2019 reckless politicization of migrant relocation efforts:\n\n\u201cWe write together, unified in our call for the State of Texas and Governor Greg Abbott to stop politicizing the relocation of migrants and asylum-seekers and take seriously the need to more extensively coordinate efforts between southern border cities, like El Paso, and interior cities, like Chicago.\n\nThe situation in border communities like El Paso requires our attention and urgent action. Meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families demands our cooperation. Instead, Governor Abbott has chosen to use this unprecedented moment of global migration to score cheap political points.\n\nGovernor Abbott has repeatedly demonstrated that he is not trying to find solutions to the challenges cities like El Paso confront as they welcome new arrivals. If he were seeking solutions, he would foster more effective collaboration and cooperation at landing sites with cities like Chicago. Instead, Governor Abbott insists on sending buses and planes from El Paso to Chicago without complete manifests, to undesignated landing sites, in the cold of Chicago winters. Chicago\u2019s recent ordinances are intended to ensure that those being resettled to Chicago are received at a humane, safe, and warm place at an agreed-upon time. If Governor Abbott took that charge seriously, such ordinances would be unnecessary.\n\nIt is Congress\u2019 job to deliver legislative solutions that uphold our values and shared humanity. While we work to that end, it is our collective responsibility to steward the safety of families in our collective care. If Governor Abbott stopped wasting time and resources creating chaos, more could be done to support local partners and share the responsibility of humanely resettling families across our country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ramirez-joins-congresswoman-velazquez-resolution-calling-end", "Congresswoman Ramirez Joins Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez in Resolution Calling for an End to the Monroe Doctrine", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) joined Rep. Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07) to introduce a resolution calling for the abandonment of the Monroe Doctrine. The bill\u2019s introduction coincides with the 200-year anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, which has been used to justify American intervention in Latin American affairs throughout the policy\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cFor 200 years, the United States has used the Monroe Doctrine to justify a paternalistic, damaging approach to relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, the legacy of our nation\u2019s foreign policy in those regions is political instability, deep poverty, extreme migration, and colonialism. It is well past time we change our approach,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez. \u201cWe must recognize our interconnectedness and admit that the Monroe Doctrine undermines the partnership needed to confront the complex challenges of this century. We must become better neighbors. That is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez to develop an approach to foreign policy that advances our collective interests and builds a stronger coalition in Latin America and the Caribbean.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine presents the U.S. and the hemisphere with a chance to move past an outdated and ineffective foreign policy strategy,\u201d said Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez. \u201cFrom drug trafficking to mass migration to climate change, the many shared challenges between the United States and Latin America cannot be addressed by the antiquated Monroe Doctrine. These are some of the most pressing issues of our time, and they call for a process that stresses respect and cooperation.\u201d\n\nIn addition, the resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (IL-04), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14).\n\n\u201cU.S. foreign policy has too often contributed to instability in Latin America. Instead of toppling duly-elected governments, we can support democracy, grow our economies, and reduce forced migration. Instead of sanctions that starve our neighbors, we can work together to solve the climate crisis,\u201d said Congressman Casar. \u201cWe can begin charting this new way forward by eliminating the outdated Monroe Doctrine.\u201d\n\nFrom the invasion of Puerto Rico in 1898 to U.S. support for coups and dictatorships in Latin America throughout the 20th century, the resolution details the harmful effects of the policy over the past 200 years.\n\nThe resolution calls for:\n\nThe Department of State to formally confirm that the Monroe Doctrine is no longer a part of United States policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean.\n\nThe Federal Government to develop a \u2018\u2018New Good Neighbor\u2019\u2019 policy in place of the Monroe Doctrine.\n\nDeveloping a new approach to promoting economic development.\n\nThe termination of all unilateral economic sanctions imposed through Executive Orders, and working with Congress to terminate all unilateral sanctions, such as the Cuba embargo, mandated by law.\n\nNew legislation to trigger the suspension of assistance to a government whenever there is an extraconstitutional transfer of power.\n\nPrompt declassification of all United States Government archives that relate to past coups d\u2019\u00e9tats, dictatorships, and periods in the history of Latin American and Caribbean countries characterized by a high rate of human rights crimes perpetrated by security forces.\n\nCollaboration with Latin American and Caribbean governments on a far-reaching reform of the Organization of American States.\n\nSupporting democratic reforms to the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other international financial institutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-leads-innovation-data-commerce-subcommittee-members-call", "Schakowsky Leads Innovation, Data, & Commerce Subcommittee Members in Call for Comprehensive Data Privacy Legislation Following Rite Aid's Misuse of Facial Recognition Technology", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led her fellow Subcommittee members, Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Lori Trahan (MA-03), in calling for the passage of comprehensive federal data privacy legislation and the Algorithmic Accountability Act following Rite Aid's discriminatory and deceptive misuse of facial recognition technology:\n\n\u201cDiscriminatory and deceptive uses of artificial intelligence (AI), like Rite Aid's misuse of facial recognition technology, are harming Americans as we speak. Facial recognition technology has been shown time and again to fail people of color and women, with devastating consequences. Its use on unsuspecting consumers is unacceptable, and it should never be used to harass, profile, or humiliate.\n\n\u201cOur Subcommittee has worked for years on legislation to address these harms, including comprehensive federal data privacy legislation and the Algorithmic Accountability Act. Now is the time to protect consumers by passing commonsense measures. These bills hold companies accountable for their use of consumers\u2019 data and their deployment of discriminatory algorithms. We applaud the Federal Trade Commission\u2019s action yesterday which sends a clear message: there is no AI-exception to companies\u2019 responsibilities to operate fairly without deception or discrimination.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-highlights-accomplishments-central-and-northwestern-illinois-2023", "Sorensen Highlights Accomplishments for Central and Northwestern Illinois in 2023", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MOLINE, IL \u2013 Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is highlighting how he and his office worked throughout 2023 to be a good neighbor to Illinoisans, ensure government works for middle-class families, and make Central and Northwestern Illinois more sustainable for the next generation.\n\n\u201cThis past year, we\u2019ve made a lot of progress in creating strong, healthy, and sustainable communities for the future,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cIt has been my honor to serve Central and Northwestern Illinois as their trusted neighbor in Congress and I look forward to continuing to be a bipartisan voice for all Illinois families.\u201d\n\n\ud83c\udfa5 WATCH: \ud83c\udfa5 SORENSEN, THE ONLY METEOROLOGIST IN CONGRESS, RETURNS TO THE GREEN SCREEN TO HIGHLIGHT HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR ILLINOIS IN 2023.\n\nAmong other things, Sorensen is highlighting the following wins for Illinois in 2023:\n\nMaking Government Work for Illinois\n\nResolving 818 constituent cases, helping Illinoisans with issues related to federal agencies, which include the IRS, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and more.\n\nReturning $810,597 to constituents and local businesses in overdue tax returns, Social Security benefits, student loans, veterans\u2019 benefits, and more.\n\nAnnouncing over $353 million in tax dollars brought back in prime grant awards and over $2.7 million on grant subawards for purposes such as substance abuse treatment, health care, local law enforcement, education, and more.\n\nDelivering Bipartisan Results\n\nPassed one bill, the bipartisan DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act in the House of Representatives \u2013 This was one of 11 pieces of legislation Sorensen introduced in 2023.\n\nCosponsoring 149 bills, with over 75 percent being bipartisan.\n\nCasting 706 votes on the House floor, making sure Central and Northwestern Illinois residents have their voices heard on every important issue.\n\nSecuring six amendments in House legislation to address issues like keeping jobs at the Peoria Air National Guard base and bringing manufacturing jobs to our region to develop new military technologies.\n\nGetting 14 community projects for Central and Northwestern Illinois included in appropriations legislation, which includes $846,910 to support police training in Winnebago County, $75 million to revolutionize our river infrastructure and bring farmers\u2019 goods to market faster.\n\nAttending 47 committee hearings and legislative markups, where Sorensen made sure to voice Illinois priorities and found ways that government can better deliver for Illinois working families.\n\nJoined 13 caucuses, including the Pro-Choice Caucus and Congressional Labor Caucus.\n\nBeing a Good Neighbor\n\nResponding to over 30,000 constituent messages\u2014communicating with an average of nearly 81 Illinoisans each day.\n\nHosting 729 conversations and meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-responds-census-release-illinois-population", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Responds To Census Release On Illinois Population", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SCHAUMBURG, IL - Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement following a U.S. Census Bureau release claiming Illinois' population had declined.\n\n\u201cThe Census Bureau\u2019s latest population estimates (and the opportunistic bashing of our state) only raise the question of why the Census Bureau\u2019s own analysis in 2022 found that its projections had been wrong, and Illinois\u2019 population actually grew to a new high. We continue to be interested in the answers because until we can figure them out, we will be left without a proper accounting of what went wrong in the 2020 Census, and how Illinois can get a fairer share of federal resources.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kelly-and-balderson-bill-combat-opioid-addiction-passes-house", "Reps. Kelly and Balderson Bill to Combat Opioid Addiction Passes House, Heads to Senate", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013The House overwhelmingly passed the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act by a vote of 386-37. The bill, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Troy Balderson (OH-12) in June, would direct the federal government to conduct a study on the benefits and efficacy of remote monitoring technology that would enable healthcare providers to track and ensure the wellbeing of patients who are prescribed opioids.\n\nAddiction can quickly set in when opioids are involved, making it even more important for medical professionals to intervene as soon as possible when they see the warning signs. Remote monitoring gives healthcare providers the ability to view trends and identify problems in physiological functions when a patient is no longer under their direct supervision. This can include tracking medication adherence and monitoring patients\u2019 vital signs. The bill was included as a part of the larger Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which focuses on equipping communities to fight substance abuse. In 2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health documented19,451 overdoses, with 2,944 resulting in fatality.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-ftcs-proposed-changes-childrens-online-privacy-protection", "Schakowsky Statement on FTC's Proposed Changes to Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "EVANSTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement on the Federal Trade Commission's proposed changes to the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule:\n\n\u201cThe internet our children use has changed dramatically since the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) rule was last updated 10 years ago. Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took yet another bold step to protect our kids from the growing online harms detailed by researchers, medical professionals, and whistleblowers. These include depression, eating disorders, and invasions of children\u2019s privacy driven by companies\u2019 manipulative advertisements, algorithms, and features. The rulemaking initiated today by the FTC proposes commonsense protections for children\u2019s data, privacy, and well-being. But we must go further. We must pass comprehensive data privacy legislation to protect all consumers online, including children, as well as bills to update COPPA and give the Commission stronger authorities to reign in more types of harmful practices.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-ramirez-underwood-jacobs-watson-coleman-introduce-resolution-honoring-6", "Reps Ramirez, Underwood, Jacobs, Watson Coleman Introduce Resolution Honoring 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and Condemning Hate Crimes", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), joined by Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), andBonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), introduced a resolution honoring Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian boy, murdered as a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian Muslim identity, in the State of Illinois. The resolution affirms that no one should be a target of hate because of their ethnicity or religion and strongly condemns hate crimes, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian discrimination. The legislative text definitively declares that Palestinian children, Israeli children, United States children, and all children across the globe deserve to live in peace and be free from discrimination, hate crimes, and violence.\n\nIn light of reports that misinformation and hateful rhetoric contributed to Wadee\u2019s murder, the resolution also asserts that dehumanizing misinformation and disinformation can fuel acts of violence against ethnic or religious groups. That\u2019s why the legislation calls on elected officials and the media to take on the responsibility of communicating and informing the public and constituents without utilizing dehumanizing rhetoric.\n\n\u201cHateful anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian rhetoric has real consequences. Just 30 minutes away from my district, Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American child full of dreams, became victim to the rising islamophobia and hateful rhetoric spewed about carelessly and recklessly since October 7. His death and his family's pain weigh heavily on my heart, and we must ensure that no other children, families or communities suffer as a result of this vile rhetoric,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez. \u201cThe safety, well-being, and peace of our communities are interconnected. The rise of hate crimes anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism puts all of us in grave danger. That\u2019s why I am proud to join Reps Jacobs, Underwood, and Watson Coleman, Wadee\u2019s family, and a broad coalition of human rights advocates to honor the life of Wadee and condemn hatred that makes us all less safe. I call on all the members of Congress to join me in upholding our sacred shared humanity.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur community lost a beautiful light when Wadee Alfayoumi was taken from us,\u201d Rep. Underwood said.\u201cWadee brought sunshine and joy to his loved ones and classmates, and I am so proud to have worked with Wadee\u2019s family and community leaders on this resolution to honor his life and his memory.\u201d\n\n\u201cWadee Alfayoumi was a happy, sweet, spirited six-year-old, who deserved every opportunity in life. I am distraught and heartbroken for his family, who witnessed his murder and now have to live life without him \u2013 and I am alarmed by the rise of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian racism and violence that has skyrocketed since October 7,\u201d said Rep. Sara Jacobs. \u201cNo one should be targeted and killed because of their identity, and every child should have the chance to grow up free from violence and hate. I\u2019m honored to co-lead this resolution to honor Wadee\u2019s life, to denounce hatred of all kinds, and to push for peace and safety for everyone in the United States, Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.\u201d\n\n\"It is a shared wish of every parent for their children to live in peace and security. The brutal murder of Wadee Alfayoumi shook the world. The increase in dehumanizing language we\u2019ve seen in recent years and especially in the last two months puts all of our children at risk. This resolution comes at a critical time when we must reverse this trend and create a world in which all of our children - be they American, Palestinian, or Israeli - live and thrive with a sense of peace, dignity, and mutual respect,\u201d said Rep. Watson Coleman.\n\nThis legislation also has the support of local and national organizations, including the Muslim Civic Coalition, Defending Rights & Dissent, Emgage Action, Muslimahs in Policy, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USPCR), National Association of Muslim Lawyers, CAIR National, Muslim Bar Association, Chicago Muslim Medical Alliance, North Carolina Muslim Bar Association, Dallas Ft. Worth Texas Bar Association, American Muslim Health Professionals, Muslim Legal Fund of America, and ICNA Council of Social Justice.\n\nThe Resolution resolved that:\n\nthe United States lost the beautiful light of Wadee Alfayoumi because of hate;\n\nit is the duty of elected officials and media to tell the truth without dehumanizing rhetoric when informing the public of factual information;\n\nfreedom of speech and peaceful protest are constitutionally protected and a fundamental corner- stone of democracy; and\n\nthe United States has zero tolerance for hate crimes, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab discrimination.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-tours-river-bend-food-bank-quad-cities-highlights-work-address-hunger", "Sorensen Tours River Bend Food Bank in Quad Cities, Highlights Work to Address Hunger", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MOLINE, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined River Bend Food Bank officials for a tour of their facility followed by a listening session focused on addressing hunger and improving nutrition. River Bend Food Bank, located in Davenport, serves more than 400 hunger-relief partners in 23 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.\n\n\u201cNo one in the Quad Cities should go hungry,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cAs a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am committed to making sure that the next Farm Bill supports food banks like River Bend so we can make sure families and children do not go hungry. I want to thank River Bend for the tour and the work they do to keep our neighbors fed.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are very appreciative of Congressman Sorensen\u2019s visit today and for his concern for the hunger problem in the area,\u201d said Nancy Renkes, River Bend Food Bank President & CEO.\u201cWe had a great conversation and I feel confident that he will do everything in his power to address this critical issue.\u201d\n\nIn Congress, Sorensen has cosponsored numerous bills that will address food insecurity concerns in Central and Northwestern Illinois including the bipartisan Delivering for Rural Seniors Act, which will allow seniors living in rural areas, seniors with disabilities, and those with mobility or transportation issues to receive home delivery services from food banks participating in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.\n\nSorensen also cosponsored the bipartisan Helping Schools Feed Kids Act, which will help schools continue to provide meals to students and mitigate the impacts of inflation.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-leads-106-democrats-in-letter-urging-banking-regulators-to-revise-basel-iii-provisions-that-could-imperil-clean-energy-transition-and-undermine-the-ira", "Casten Leads 106 Democrats In Letter Urging Banking Regulators to Revise Basel III Provisions That Could Imperil Clean Energy Transition And Undermine The IRA", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) led 106 colleagues in a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg, and Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu urging the agencies to revise tax equity provisions in the Basel III endgame proposed rules that may imperil the clean energy transition and undermine the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\n\u201cWe strongly support the Agencies\u2019 goals of prioritizing the safety and soundness of our banking system and ensuring large banks are well-capitalized,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cHowever, we are concerned that substantially increasing the capital requirements for banks making tax equity investments, primarily in clean energy projects, is not reflective of such investments\u2019 risk profiles and would have unintended consequences that endanger the clean energy transition. We therefore urge the Agencies to reconsider this change in the proposed rule and consider alternatives that accurately reflect the risk profiles of tax equity investments.\u201d\n\n\u201cA provision in the proposed Basel III regulations could inadvertently throw cold water on billions of dollars of solar and storage investments, and we greatly appreciate Congressman Casten\u2019s work to quickly fix this mistake,\u201d said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). \u201cRapidly deploying clean energy is critical if we want to address the climate crisis. The Congressman\u2019s proposal is a common-sense effort to correct a clear error in the draft regulations and preserve the growing clean energy economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cTax equity is a predominant source of financing in the U.S. renewable energy market, and it is critical that federal agencies immediately clarify a risk weight for renewable energy tax equity reflective of these investments' loan-like characteristics, low-risk profile, and overwhelmingly positive historical returns. Near-term action is essential to avoid stifling crucial financing for the renewable sector at a time when it is needed most,\u201d said Lesley Hunter, Senior Vice President of Programs and Sustainable Finance, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE).\n\nOn July 27, 2023, the Agencies issued a notice of proposed rulemaking implementing Basel III, global standards agreed to by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in response to the 2007-2008 financial crisis. The goal of these standards is to improve the resilience of the U.S. banking system by modifying capital requirements for large banking organizations to better reflect their risks and apply more transparent and consistent requirements across large banking organizations.\n\nHowever, a change to risk weighting for tax equity investments within the proposed rules could have unintended consequences for the financing of clean energy projects in the United States and undermine the goals of the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nUnder existing regulatory capital rules, tax equity receives a 100% risk weight if the bank\u2019s total equity investments are below 10% of its capital, but anything above that would be assessed at 400% risk weight. The proposed rules under Basel III would remove the 10% threshold test for equity investments and would provide the 100% risk weight only for community development investments such as low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments. As a result, banks would have to hold $4 in reserves for every dollar of tax equity for clean energy projects that they provide, instead of $1.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Chairman Powell, Chairman Gruenberg, and Acting Comptroller Hsu:\n\nWe write regarding the proposed rules implementing Basel III endgame issued jointly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively, \u201cthe Agencies\u201d) on July 27, 2023. We strongly support the Agencies\u2019 goals of prioritizing the safety and soundness of our banking system and ensuring large banks are well-capitalized. However, we are concerned that substantially increasing the capital requirements for banks making tax equity investments, primarily in clean energy projects, is not reflective of such investments\u2019 risk profiles and would have unintended consequences that endanger the clean energy transition. We therefore urge the Agencies to reconsider this change in the proposed rule and consider alternatives that accurately reflect the risk profiles of tax equity investments.\n\nWe appreciate the Agencies\u2019 focus on safeguarding the strength and resilience of the banking system and were pleased to see an extension of the comment period to allow interested parties more time to analyze the issues and prepare their comments. We further support the Agencies\u2019 attention to ensuring our financial system can adequately withstand challenges and continue to lend through periods of economic stress.\n\nHowever, we are concerned with the proposed changes to risk weighting for non-publicly traded equity within the proposed rules. Currently, certain equity exposures carry a 100% risk weighting unless in aggregate they exceed more than 10% of a bank\u2019s capital, at which point the marginal equity exposures carry a 400% risk weighting, also known as the 10% non-significant equity threshold test. The test includes all public and non-public equity exposures except certain qualified community development investments, such as low-income housing tax credit investments, which carry a 100% risk weight regardless of the threshold test.\n\nWhile the proposed rules maintain the 100% risk weighting for community development investments, they would remove the non-significant equity threshold test. As a result, it would quadruple the capital requirements for all non-community development tax equity investments regardless of the level of exposure relative to the bank\u2019s capital. This effectively increases the risk weighting for clean energy tax equity, from 100% risk weighting to 400% risk weighting. The proposed rule would apply the same risk weighting to tax equity as it would for private equity despite the former being less risky.\n\nClean energy tax equity investments have a similar risk profile to community development investments and, like community development investments, receive comparable support from the federal government. Tax equity has loan-like characteristics that allow project sponsors and banks to take advantage of federal tax incentives for clean energy projects. Therefore, we believe that they should have proportional risk weightings to other tax credit investments that qualify as community development investments.\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is predominantly a tax incentive bill that extended and expanded federal tax incentives to decarbonize the U.S. economy, including technology such as clean energy manufacturing. And while the IRA facilitated new tax credit monetization options through transferable tax credits and direct pay for eligible taxpayers, there remains a critical role for tax equity to finance projects that typically have high up-front capital costs. Energy finance experts believe that the current $20 billion annual market for tax equity must increase to more than $50 billion to meet the goals of the IRA and fulfill the demand created by the new incentives.\n\nAs written, the proposed rule would make it prohibitively expensive for banks to extend tax equity financing for clean energy project development, which would slow deployment of clean energy generation and manufacturing. Leading tax equity providers anticipate that annual tax equity investments in the clean energy sector could shrink by up to 90%, and many banks could exit the renewable tax equity market entirely. More urgently, we are aware of this draft rule already causing tax equity providers to pause new clean energy investments pending the outcome of the regulatory rule making.\n\nGiven this, we urge the Agencies to carefully review the changes to capital requirements for noncommunity development tax equity investments in the proposal and consider alternatives that more accurately reflect the risk profiles of these investments. Additionally, we urge the Agencies to acknowledge the current chilling effect that this proposal is having on tax equity financing and consider solutions to ensure that the investments in clean energy projects and the projects themselves continue to move forward, while the rulemaking continues to play out.\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-presents-jobs-americas-graduates-250000-federal", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Presents Jobs for America\u2019s Graduates with $250,000 in Federal Funding to Expand the Organization\u2019s Career and Technical Education Program with High School District 214", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SCHAUMBURG \u2013 Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presented Jobs for America\u2019s Graduates (JAG) with a check commemorating the $250,000 in federal community project funding the Congressman secured for its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The funding, secured as part of December 2022\u2019s government spending package, will go towards expanding the CTE program to include 9th and 10th graders, in addition to adding more resources for 11th and 12th graders, to whom the program is already available.\n\n\u201cCareer and technical education (CTE) programs make all the difference in preparing our students for rewarding, middle-class careers that will help strengthen our entire economy,\u201d said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \u201cI was proud to secure this funding to expand Jobs for America\u2019s Graduates\u2019 CTE programs in District 214 to include 9th and 10th graders, as well as the juniors and seniors already learning through skills-based education. Ensuring students have opportunities to pursue CTE education throughout high school opens the door to a range of opportunities for their educational and professional journeys ahead.\u201d\n\nCongressman Krishnamoorthi was joined for a check presentation ceremony by High School District 214 Superintendent Scott Rowe and former JAG students, as well as JAG President and CEO, Lauire Phelan, Program Manager Jim Lambert, Vice President of Operations Jan Ennis, and Specialist Sira Crusoe. During their press conference, all stressed the importance of investing in CTE programming and expressed hope that more funding for CTE would be passed by Congress. Today\u2019s presentation follows Congressman Krishnamoorthi\u2019s leadership on the frontlines of expanding access to CTE, dating back to his first term in Congress when he authored the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which reformed American skills-based education for the first time in over a dozen years while increasing national funding for CTE programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-krishnamoorthi-sykes-pallone-and-cardenas-introduce-improving-newborns", "Reps. Krishnamoorthi, Sykes, Pallone, and C\u00e1rdenas Introduce The Improving Newborns\u2019 Food and Nutrition Testing Safety (INFANTS) Act to Address Alarming Levels of Toxic Heavy Metals Found in Baby Food", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joined with Reps. Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Tony C\u00e1rdenas (CA-29) in introducing the Improving Newborns\u2019 Food and Nutrition Testing Safety (INFANTS) Act, legislation which will set requirements that baby food products be tested for toxic heavy metals and the results be reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).\n\n\u201cFor several years, I have been investigating the dangerous levels of neurotoxins such as lead, inorganic arsenic, mercury, and cadmium in leading baby foods while advocating for higher safety standards to protect our children,\u201d Rep. Krishnamoorthi said. \u201cIt is critical that Congress mandate sampling, testing, and reporting requirements for manufacturers to assist the FDA in monitoring the levels of these toxic heavy metals so that families know the food they are feeding their children is safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents have enough on their plates \u2013 they shouldn\u2019t have to worry if the food they are feeding their infants and toddlers contains dangerous amounts of toxic heavy metals like lead or arsenic. I introduced the INFANTS Act alongside Reps. C\u00e1rdenas and Krishnamoorthi to require commonsense nutrition testing that will keep our babies safe and healthy,\u201d Rep. Emilia Sykes said. \u201cThe INFANTS Act will provide parents with much-needed peace of mind and ensure infants and toddlers have the safe, nutritious food they need to grow and develop.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents should not have to worry about whether the food they buy for their children is contaminated with bacteria, lead, or another toxic heavy metal. In just the last few months, we have read frightening reports about contaminated applesauce leading to potential lead poisoning in dozens of children. This followed tragic stories last year about infants becoming sick and even dying after drinking infant formula contaminated with cronobacter bacteria. The INFANTS Act would establish a testing regime to ensure toddler and infant food products are free of dangerous contaminants and clarify FDA\u2019s authority to recall adulterated products. I\u2019m grateful to Congresswoman Sykes for her leadership and look forward to working together to see this bill signed into law,\u201d Rep. Frank Pallone, Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said.\n\n\u201cAssessing the safety of baby and toddler food is of paramount importance to ensuring the health of our nation\u2019s children,\u201d Rep. Tony C\u00e1rdenas said. \u201cThe INFANTS Act will demand more accountability from food manufacturers as they test their final products for toxic heavy metals, improve the U.S. Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) ability to conduct oversight, and provide parents and caregivers the much-needed assurance that the food they give to their children is safe.\u201d\n\nThere is currently no federal mandate for testing finished baby food products for contaminants like heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and mercury. Exposure to toxic heavy metals can cause permanent decreases in IQ, diminished future economic productivity, and increased risk of future criminal and antisocial behavior in children. Toxic heavy metals endanger infant neurological development and long-term brain function. As opposed to just testing the ingredients, heavy metal levels can be higher after food processing. Additionally, FDA does not require powdered infant formula manufacturers to have a regular environmental monitoring for powdered infant formula\u2019s exposure to cronobacter spp. and salmonella, two bacteria which have caused infections after being found in infant formula.\n\nThe INFANTS Act of 2023 would:\n\nRequire the owner, operator, or agent in charge of a food facility that manufactures or processes food in final product form, including infant and toddler food, to:\n\nCollect representative samples of each food manufactured or processed and test those samples at least once per quarter for contaminants, including toxic elements like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic;\n\nPrepare a written sampling plan for sampling and testing and ensure it is carried out; and\n\nMaintain records of sampling and testing and allow those records to be inspected and copied by FDA.\n\nSpecify that foods manufactured or processed by facilities that fail to follow sampling and testing requirements are adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;\n\nRequire records to be provided to FDA, at FDA\u2019s request, in advance of or in lieu of an inspection, within a reasonable timeframe, within reasonable limits, and in a reasonable manner;\n\nClarify FDA\u2019s mandatory recall authority over infant or toddler foods that bear or contain a contaminant that renders the product adulterated;\n\nClarify that manufacturers of infant formula must notify FDA within 24 hours if they acquire knowledge that the infant formula they manufacture does not contain adequate nutrients or is otherwise adulterated or misbranded; and\n\nRequire manufacturers of powdered infant formula to establish and implement an environmental monitoring program to verify the effectiveness of sanitation and hygiene controls where food has the potential to be exposed to Cronobacter spp. or Salmonella.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-delbene-wenstrup-beyer-tenney-panetta-urge-passage-of-affordable-housing-credit-improvement-act-as-the-bill-reaches-200-cosponsors", "LaHood, DelBene, Wenstrup, Beyer, Tenney, Panetta Urge Passage of Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act as the Bill Reaches 200 Cosponsors", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Don Beyer (D-VA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), all members of the House Ways and Means Committee, urged House Leadership in a letter for consideration of their bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement (AHCIA) Act in any potential tax legislation brought to the floor. The AHCIA would help build nearly 2 million new affordable homes over the next decade and has reached 200 cosponsors, with 100 Republicans and 100 Democrats in support.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers write:\n\n\"Throughout its 37-year history of bipartisan support, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) has financed the production of over 3.7 million homes nationwide. It is responsible for virtually all affordable housing produced since its inception. This finances homes for people in need like veterans, seniors, and working families. Unfortunately, our nation remains in a deepening affordable housing crisis and the time to expand and improve the Housing Credit is now.\n\n\"We must address this crisis directly and immediately by increasing Housing Credit resources. Therefore, we must enact provisions from the AHCIA that will do just that by:\n\nReversing a 12.5 percent cut to the Housing Credit. Though the Housing Credit allocation was increased by this amount with bipartisan support in 2018, the increase expired at the end of 2021, meaning we now produce less affordable housing at a time when it is needed more than ever.\n\nLowering the \u201c50 percent test\u201d bond financing threshold to access Housing Credit equity. This arbitrary threshold creates a barrier to affordable housing production, especially for the growing number of states that fully utilize their private activity bond cap.\"\n\nThe nationwide housing crisis continues to worsen. Currently, nearly one-in-four renters or, over 10 million families, spend more than half of their household income on rent, cutting into other essential expenses like child care, medication, groceries, and transportation. At the same time, nearly 600,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, an increase over pre-COVID levels.\n\nThe Affordable Housing Credit Improvement (AHCIA) Act would support the financing of nearly 2 million new affordable homes by:\n\nIncreasing the amount of credits allocated to each state. The legislation would increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent\u2014which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.\n\nIncreasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision would stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.\n\nImproving the Housing Credit program to better serve at-risk and underserved communities. The legislation would also make improvements to the program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans.\n\nLearn more about the legislation HERE. A summary of the legislation provided by the ACTION campaign can be found HERE. The text of the legislation can be found HERE.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be read HERE and below.\n\nDecember 15, 2023\n\nDear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries,\n\nThroughout its 37-year history of bipartisan support, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) has financed the production of over 3.7 million homes nationwide. It is responsible for virtually all affordable housing produced since its inception. This finances homes for people in need like veterans, seniors, and working families. Unfortunately, our nation remains in a deepening affordable housing crisis and the time to expand and improve the Housing Credit is now.\n\nThat is why we must act now to advance provisions from our bill, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Improvement Act (H.R. 3238/ AHCIA). If two key provisions from the AHCIA are enacted, we can finance 1.5 million more affordable homes in communities coast to coast suffering from a chronic lack of affordable housing. Inclusion of these proposals in any emerging tax vehicle is essential to address America\u2019s housing crisis head-on. There is not a single community in the U.S, that is unaffected by this urgent need, and the significant support for our bill shows that \u2013 200 cosponsors in the House, equally divided between Republicans and Democrats.\n\nOur nation had an affordable housing supply crisis before the overwhelming pressure of inflation, rising interest rates, and supply chain issues exacerbated it even more. Nationwide, we are over 3.8 million homes short of meeting the general housing needs of Americans, and 7 million homes short of housing for extremely low-income renters. The Housing Credit is an indispensable part of the solution because it is our nation\u2019s primary tool to finance affordable housing production in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Skyrocketing rents and persistent underdevelopment of affordable housing are a major issue for economic growth and job creation. Local economies are facing a vicious cycle in which workers cannot find housing and employers struggle to find workers. More Housing Credit resources means more housing for the working people who are essential to a thriving community and growing economy\u2014including in the education, healthcare, hospitality, and retail sectors.\n\nWe must address this crisis directly and immediately by increasing Housing Credit resources. Therefore, we must enact provisions from the AHCIA that will do just that by:\n\nReversing a 12.5 percent cut to the Housing Credit. Though the Housing Credit allocation was increased by this amount with bipartisan support in 2018, the increase expired at the end of 2021, meaning we now produce less affordable housing at a time when it is needed more than ever.\n\nLowering the \u201c50 percent test\u201d bond financing threshold to access Housing Credit equity. This arbitrary threshold creates a barrier to affordable housing production, especially for the growing number of states that fully utilize their private activity bond cap.\n\nThe AHCIA also includes other important provisions such as additional state allocation and \u201cbasis boosts\u201d to make more developments feasible for particular communities, including rural, tribal, and other difficult development areas, plus properties that specifically serve extremely low-income populations like homeless veterans. All of these provisions of the AHCIA will help directly increase the supply of affordable housing.\n\nBecause the Housing Credit is vastly oversubscribed and the need has never been greater, getting these critical provisions signed into law would have an immediate positive impact. Thousands of projects currently on the sidelines could begin development.\n\nAt a time of heightening division and negativity in our politics, this crisis transcends party because it affects everyone. With such a packed agenda for Congress in the remainder of this year and into early 2024, we must act now before America\u2019s affordable housing crisis gets any worse.\n\nWe urge inclusion of these essential provisions of the AHCIA in any tax vehicle that emerges. Thank you in advance for your support.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-statement-death-5-year-old-child-shelter-migrants", "Ramirez Statement on the Death of 5-year-old Child at Shelter for Migrants", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Chicago, IL \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after a 5-year-old boy died on Sunday after becoming ill at a shelter for migrants in Chicago.\n\n\u201cThe death of 5-year-old Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero is unacceptable and devastating. My heart and prayers are with his family. It is heartbreaking that substandard care, under-resourcing, and years of political inaction continue to steal bright futures and rob families and our communities of possibilities.\n\nEvery shelter should be a safe, healthy space for families. Any facility that falls short of fulfilling that responsibility must be held accountable. I have spoken with the City of Chicago, and we agree there must be a full investigation into whether Favorite Staffing can fulfill the important responsibility of providing safe and adequate temporary shelter for migrants and asylum seekers.\n\nThe Federal Government, including leadership at the Department of Homeland Security and the Administration, must grapple with the deadly consequences of inaction. The insufficient funding for cities like Chicago, which are actually welcoming and supporting asylum seekers, puts children at risk. Instead of negotiating and doubling down on ineffective draconian, Trump-era border policies, we must work together to secure adequate resources, improve intergovernmental cooperation, and expedite work permits for all. We all have a responsibility to ensure this never happens again, and we can and must do better.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-ramirez-introduce-legislation-protect-immigrant-due-process-rights", "Foster, Ramirez Introduce Legislation to Protect Immigrant Due Process Rights", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) introduced the Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act. The legislation would directly address human and due process rights violations that occur in immigrant detention.\n\nEach day, countless immigrants are placed into detention without full knowledge of why they\u2019re there, what their rights are, or how immigration courts work \u2013 and about 70 percent of people in detention receive no legal representation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) created legal orientation programs (LOPs) to educate people detained in removal proceedings about their rights and the immigration process generally. Yet, there is currently no mandate requiring detention centers or jails that house immigration detainees to provide immigrants with this information.\n\nThe Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act would require the U.S. Attorney General, with the assistance of non-governmental organizations, to develop and deploy a plan to have an operational LOP program in every detention center and jail that houses immigrants within a year of enactment. It would also require this orientation and legal notice of rights to be available in English and the five most common languages of detainees held at the facility. This will enable immigrants to better understand why they\u2019ve been placed in detention and the legal rights afforded to them.\n\n\u201cDue process rights make up the bedrock of our nation\u2019s legal system, and they should be afforded to immigrants seeking asylum in the United States\u201d said Congressman Foster. \u201cIt is anathema to American values that immigrants are being detained without knowledge of why they are being held or what their legal rights are. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Ramirez on this sensible measure to ensure that every immigrant being held in a detention center \u2013 man, woman, or child \u2013 receives appropriate legal assistance in accordance with human rights and due process protections.\u201d\n\n\u201cBack in April, during a visit to the US-Mexico border, a detained woman seeking asylum looked at me through glass and begged me for help. I can\u2019t forget that moment. Every day, thousands of immigrants, like this woman, are detained without access to help, legal representation, or information about their rights and the immigration process. This negligence sent thousands of asylum seekers back to life-threatening conditions, and that is unacceptable,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez. \u201cSeeking asylum is a human right, and we must do everything in our power to ensure asylum seekers\u2019 rights are protected. I am proud to join Congressman Bill Foster in introducing the Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act, to ensure that every migrant in a detention center, including the women and children behind glass windows, receive the legal help they are entitled to.\u201d\n\nThe Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act is cosponsored by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ).\n\nA copy of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-house-passes-legislation-championed-congressman-krishnamoorthi-strengthen-0", "U.S. House Passes Legislation Championed By Congressman Krishnamoorthi To Strengthen The U.S.-India Defense Partnership Through Expanded Cooperation In Areas Including Research, Training, Contracting, And Intelligence", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In response to the Thursday passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included provisions to \u201cenhance major defense partnership\u201d between the United States and India and to \u201censure that India is appropriately considered for cooperative defense activities consistent with the status of India as a major defense partner,\u201d Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cI was proud to champion efforts to pass this legislation to support American security commitments including provisions to strengthen our defense partnership with India through expanded opportunities for cooperation in research and development, training, intelligence, counterterrorism, and military contracting. As we take the steps necessary to win the strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party and maintain the security of the Indo-Pacific region against aggression, it is essential that we strengthen our ties to our allies and security partners, including through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. Strengthening the U.S.-India partnership and ensuring India is properly considered for cooperative defense activities will not only bring greater security to the world\u2019s largest democracy and its oldest, but also to the wider world.\u201d\n\nCooperative defense activities for which India will be considered with the passage of the NDAA into law include eligibility for funding for joint research and development, testing, training, and for Indian entities to bid on contracts for Department of Defense equipment outside of the United States. Further, the provisions allow for the United States and India to enter into agreements for bilateral and multilateral training to build capacity in activities including military intelligence, counterterrorism, anti-drug trafficking, maritime security, and air domain awareness. Separately, the NDAA includes the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative which would establish a partnership with allies and partners of the United States, including Australia, Japan, and India, which would \u201cbolster maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region\u201d to strengthen regional maritime security and cooperation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-foster-introduce-legislation-protect-immigrant-due-process-rights", "Ramirez, Foster Introduce Legislation to Protect Immigrant Due Process Rights", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) introduced the Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act. The legislation would directly address human and due process rights violations that occur in immigrant detention.\n\n\u201cBack in April, during a visit to the US-Mexico border, a detained woman seeking asylum looked at me through glass and begged me for help. I can\u2019t forget that moment. Every day, thousands of immigrants, like this woman, are detained without access to help, legal representation, or information about their rights and the immigration process. This negligence sent thousands of asylum seekers back to life-threatening conditions, and that is unacceptable,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez. \u201cSeeking asylum is a human right, and we must do everything in our power to ensure asylum seekers\u2019 rights are protected. I am proud to join Congressman Bill Foster in introducing the Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act, to ensure that every migrant in a detention center, including the women and children behind glass windows, receive the legal help they are entitled to.\u201d\n\n\u201cDue process rights make up the bedrock of our nation\u2019s legal system, and they should be afforded to immigrants seeking asylum in the United States,\u201d said Congressman Foster. \u201cIt is anathema to American values that immigrants are being detained without knowledge of why they are being held or what their legal rights are. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Ramirez on this sensible measure to ensure that every immigrant being held in a detention center \u2013 man, woman, or child \u2013 receives appropriate legal assistance in accordance with human rights and due process protections.\u201d\n\nEach day, countless immigrants are placed into detention without full knowledge of why they\u2019re there, what their rights are, or how immigration courts work \u2013 and about 70 percent of people in detention receive no legal representation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) created legal orientation programs (LOPs) to educate people detained in removal proceedings about their rights and the immigration process generally. Yet, there is currently no mandate requiring detention centers or jails that house immigration detainees to provide immigrants with this information.\n\nThe Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act would require the U.S. Attorney General, with the assistance of non-governmental organizations, to develop and deploy a plan to have an operational LOP program in every detention center and jail that houses immigrants within a year of enactment. It would also require this orientation and legal notice of rights to be available in English and the five most common languages of detainees held at the facility. This will enable immigrants to better understand why they\u2019ve been placed in detention and the legal rights afforded to them.\n\nThe Immigrant Detained Persons Legal Rights Act is cosponsored by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-joins-duckworth-durbin-illinois-delegation-members-call-dot", "Ramirez Joins Duckworth, Durbin, Illinois Delegation Members in Call for DOT Involvement in O\u2019Hare Terminal Area Program", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03) joined U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), with U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) and Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today called for more involvement from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to assist in the completion of the nationally-important O\u2019Hare Terminal Area Program (TAP). In a letter to DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the members are requesting DOT help facilitate a path forward between and convene all O\u2019Hare stakeholders to reaffirm a shared commitment to increase gate capacity by at least 25 percent, reduce projected costs and secure additional federal investment, working together to complete this project like 2018\u2019s O\u2019Hare Modernization Program.\n\n\u201cTo maximize the return on investment from ORD runway modernization, it is imperative that public and private stakeholders once again come together to complete the ORD Terminal Area Program (TAP),\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cThis program will greatly enhance O\u2019Hare and the airlines that use it by increasing gate capacity by at least 25 percent and creating a new, first-of-its-kind Global Terminal.\u201d\n\nThe Members continued: \u201cWith TAP at only 30 percent design, now is the optimal time for USDOT to help the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and respective Air Carriers identify and implement solutions to lower TAP costs through design modifications and additional Federal investments without compromising on the shared goal of ultimately increasing ORD gate capacity by at least 25 percent.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/consumer-groups-venues-and-artists-join-support-ticket-act", "Consumer Groups, Venues, and Artists Join to Support the TICKET Act", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Consumer advocates and stakeholders agree H.R. 3950, the Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act will restore fairness and transparency to the ticketing marketplace. The bill, which advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee last week with a unanimous vote, sends a clear message that Congress needs to act quickly to enact this important legislation, which will significantly enhance the customer experience of buying event tickets online.\n\nNational Consumers League (NCL)\n\n\u201cLive event fans achieved an important victory with today\u2019s vote,\u201d said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. \u201cAdd-on junk fees for concerts and sporting events have been the bane of consumers\u2019 existence for decades. These reforms are long overdue and promise to make the ticket-buying experience a fairer, easier process for millions of fans.\u201d\n\nInternational Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)\n\n\u201cWe applaud the Committee for recognizing that significant problems exist in ticketing and working with IAVM to help fix them,\u201d stated Brad Mayne, CVE, IAVM President and CEO. \u201cVenues are on the front line of the ticketing debate and deal directly with consumers harmed by a reckless secondary ticketing system driven solely by profits. Addressing these problems would get at the root cause of escalating ticket prices and allow more consumers to experience the joy of live entertainment at a fair price point per the artist\u2019s request.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so happy to see that the items that I proposed during my testimony on behalf of IAVM and Fix the Tix Coalition to protect our fans in the ticket purchasing process were incorporated into the bill approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee,\u201d said David Touhey, CVE and International Association of Venue Managers Board Member. \u201cDuring my testimony, I emphasized the need for a ban on speculative tickets and deceptive websites. It\u2019s incredible to see the Energy and Commerce committee add those items to The Ticket Act. This will help protect our fans and ticket buyers.\u201d\n\n\u201cIAVM congratulates the Committee for this accomplishment and pledges to work tirelessly for its members and member venues until The Ticket Act, H.R. 3950, is enacted into law,\u201d emphasized Mayne.\n\nSports Fans Coalition\n\n\"The unanimous vote to pass the TICKET Act out of committee represents the single largest step to reforming a deeply broken market since 2016's BOTS Act.\" said Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition. \"Chairman Bilirakis, Ranking Member Schakowsky, and Representative Armstrong have been stalwart champions for consumers of live event tickets, even against tremendous industry pressures. The TICKET Act has been expanded from its original version and is now the most comprehensive, bipartisan solution to be voted on in Congress. Sports Fans Coalition urges leadership to pass this bill expeditiously.\"\n\nFix the Tix Coalition\n\n\u201cArtists, fans, and venues deserve a TICKET Act with meaningful protections in addition to transparency. Predatory resellers sell speculative, or fake, tickets to American consumers every day. They use deceptive websites and marketing tactics to trick fans into thinking they are buying tickets from an artist's venue. These practices are blatantly fraudulent, and the TICKET Act advanced out of Committee today bans them.\n\n\u201cThe House Energy & Commerce Committee took bold action today to move forward the most comprehensive protections for artists and fans in ticketing that we have seen in years. We look forward to working with the House to ensure the final version of the TICKET Act delivered to the President\u2019s desk continues to provide the highest level of protection for fans, artists, and venues.\u201d\n\nProtect Ticket Rights\n\n\u201cThe ticket reform package passed out of Committee represents the most comprehensive and bipartisan progress in Congress to repair ticketing and protect fans since the passage of the BOTS Act in 2026. It will help to make the ticket buying process more transparent so that consumers are better informed when they search for tickets while also affording fans with new protections including the guarantee of a refund for cancelled events. Best of all, despite efforts to the contrary, this bill doesn\u2019t include handouts to any of the special interests in the live events industry. It should be passed immediately,\u201d said Brian Berry, advocacy director for Protect Ticket Rights.\n\nArtist Rights Alliance\n\n\u201c\u2026[T]he House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved the \u2018Ticket In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act,\u2019 which would curb some of the most predatory ticketing practices that harm musicians and their fans. Marshaled by the Committee and Subcomittee leaders Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) \u2013 along with key sponsor Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) \u2013 the bill would ban the sale of speculative tickets, stop the use of deceptive ticketing websites, and require sellers to disclose the full price of tickets they list, including fees.\u201d\n\nCoalition for Ticket Fairness\n\n\u201cThe Coalition for Ticket Fairness (CTF) is proud to have worked with Members of the Committee on the legislation and believe this is an important step in prioritizing the protection of fans. In addition to the TICKET Act\u2019s focus on price transparency, the updated language addresses important consumer protections that include refund requirements for cancelled events and the banning of deceptive website marketing,\u201d said Jason Berger of the Coalition for Ticket Fairness. \u201cThe CTF looks forward to working with Congress to advance this legislation, empower consumers, and preserve choice in the marketplace for tickets.\u201d\n\nTicket Buyer Bill of Rights Coalition\n\n\u201cThe live event ticketing system needs to be cured of deep flaws that result in consumers being abused before tickets go on sale, while they are for sale, and through the moment they are scanned for entry. We are pleased the Committee today expanded the scope of the bipartisan TICKET Act beyond its original focus on price transparency to now include other important consumer protections, specifically refund requirements for cancelled events and the banning of deceptive website marketing and speculative ticket sales where the seller is selling the promise of a ticket that he or she doesn\u2019t yet possess.\n\n\u201cAs a combined package, this legislation will take important steps toward improving the broken ticketing system. We hope this bill advances and ultimately becomes law, and that its passage out of committee today is a first step toward enacting broader ticketing market reform that is needed. We look forward to working with lawmakers to accomplish this in the future.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-announces-half-million-dollars-support-environmental-cleanup-sterling", "Sorensen Announces Half a Million Dollars to Support Environmental Cleanup in Sterling", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "STERLING, IL \u2013Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is joining the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to announce a $500,000 grant to revitalize a 3.5-acre contaminated brownfield site in downtown Sterling. A brownfield site is a piece of property that has been contaminated by pollutants or hazardous materials and needs to be cleaned up to use.\n\n\"Too many communities in Central and Northwestern Illinois face the impacts of pollution from decades ago,\" said Sorensen. \"I'm thrilled to join the Environmental Protection Agency to announce this funding to build up hard-hit areas and set up Sterling to be more successful economically for generations to come. This is what it means to be a good neighbor, to make sure that our communities are healthier and stronger.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a newly elected Mayor, I am over the moon about the City of Sterling receiving the US EPA Brownfield Grant. This grant will allow us to clean up the Lawrence Buildings, which are dilapidated, but have some good bones and amazing architecture, to pave the way for a new future for our City. This grant will revitalize our area by allowing us to bring our first hotel in decades, which will, in turn, spur tourism growth and opportunities,\u201d said Sterling Mayor Diana Merdian.\n\nThe funding will be used to remove hazardous materials from a site with five interconnected buildings that once housed Lawrence Brothers Hardware. The site was contaminated over the span of decades with asbestos, lead-based paint, mercury, heavy metals, and more.\n\nTo support the economic growth of downtown Sterling, the grant will kickstart cleaning efforts to remove the hazardous waste and pollution to revitalize the area. This effort is part of Sterling\u2019s riverfront redevelopment plan.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-visits-collins-aerospace-rockford-highlights-work-strengthen", "Sorensen Visits Collins Aerospace in Rockford, Highlights Work to Strengthen Aerospace Industry", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ROCKFORD, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), top-ranking Democrat on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, & Technology Committee, joined company officials on a tour of Collins Aerospace in Rockford to highlight his work to support the aerospace industry and create good-paying manufacturing jobs in Northern Illinois.\n\n\u201cAs a Rockford-native and son of an aerospace engineer, I was excited to visit Collins Aerospace and see how workers are supporting our national defense by advancing manufacturing and innovation,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cI remain committed to using my seat on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee in Congress to ensure businesses like Collins have what they need to expand our nation\u2019s aerospace presence and create good-paying, sustainable jobs for middle-class families.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn order for America to maintain its longstanding leadership in commercial aviation, we in industry need to make strategic investments in our business that can be used in cooperation with federal R&D programs to develop advanced technologies,\u201d said Steve Kotso, executive director, Electric Power Systems for Collins Aerospace. \u201cToday, we showed Rep. Sorensen an example of one of these investments\u2014our new $50 million advanced electric power systems lab, The Grid. We want to thank Rep. Sorensen for his leadership as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, which has oversight of FAA and NASA programs, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his staff to push the boundaries of sustainable flight and human space exploration.\u201d\n\nDuring the visit, Sorensen and company officials toured facilities at Collins Aerospace in Rockford and discussed Sorensen\u2019s work to grow the aerospace industry and create new jobs in Northern Illinois.\n\nThis visit comes after Sorensen welcomed a representative from Collins Aerospace to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee last March. Sorensen and representatives from Collins discussed ways to remain competitive in the aerospace industry.\n\nJust this past week, The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)passed the House of Representatives with Sorensen\u2019s support. The NDAA called for additional production of F-35 fighter jets, which Collins builds parts for.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-announces-889855-federal-funding-illinois-valley-community-college", "Underwood Announces $889,855 in Federal Funding for Illinois Valley Community College to Provide Telehealth and Virtual Learning, Benefiting Over 6,500 Students", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JOLIET \u2013 Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) will receive $889,855 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program. The grant will help the college provide telehealth services and virtual dual credit classes to IVCC students and students at 10 partner schools in surrounding areas. Underwood, a Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, secured funding for the Program in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding omnibus.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to bring home federal resources that will directly benefit students at Illinois Valley Community College and 10 other schools in our community,\u201d said Underwood. \u201cI've heard from so many people who have been affected by recent hospital closures, including families and first responders, about the challenges they face when it comes to accessing medical care. Securing this grant is part of my ongoing work to protect and expand rural health care in northern Illinois. It\u2019s especially important for young people to be able to access mental health services, and I'm pleased to see this grant help connect students to mental health professionals. I\u2019ll keep fighting for investments like these that expand educational opportunities and access to mental health care in La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties.\u201d\n\nThe grant will help IVCC and 10 partner secondary schools purchase technology to connect mental health professionals with students, many of whom live in rural communities and face barriers to accessing care.\n\nThe technology will also be used to set up virtual learning classrooms at IVCC and its partner schools. These dedicated classrooms will create opportunities for students at small or rural schools to take dual credit classes and increase collaboration between students and teachers at different schools.\n\nThis grant will serve 6,876 students at the following schools:\n\nIllinois Valley Community College \u2013 Oglesby\n\nMendota High School District \u2013 Mendota\n\nRegional Office of Education #35 Safe School \u2013 Peru\n\nOttawa Township High School #140 \u2013 Ottawa\n\nHall High School District #502 \u2013 Spring Valley\n\nPutnam County High School \u2013 Granville\n\nHenry-Senachwine High School \u2013 Henry\n\nLaSalle-Peru Township High School District #120 \u2013 LaSalle\n\nMarquette Academy \u2013 Ottawa\n\nSerena High School \u2013 Community Unit School District #2 \u2013 Serena\n\nLa Moille Junior/Senior High School \u2013 La Moille", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-applauds-chicago-city-council-vote-on-welcoming-city-ordinance", "Congressman Garc\u00eda Applauds Chicago City Council Vote on Welcoming City Ordinance", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Congressman Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04) issued the following statement after the Chicago City Council stalled efforts to dismantle the Welcoming City Ordinance:\n\n\u201cToday, Chicago lived its values. I applaud the alderpeople who made clear with today\u2019s vote that Chicago is a welcoming city for all, regardless of citizenship. I am proud to live in a sanctuary city.\n\n\u201cThe attempts to sow division in our communities and blame newly arrived migrants for decades of disinvestment are dangerous. I strongly condemn these political stunts.\n\n\u201cTogether with my colleagues in Congress, I will continue to fight for the federal resources and policy changes our city needs to support all its residents. We must remember that pitting communities against each other only benefits the status quo. The only way forward is in solidarity.\u201d\n\nIn March of 1985, Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order ending the city's practice of asking job and license applicants about their U.S. citizenship and halting cooperation by city agencies with federal immigration authorities. In 2011, as a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Rep. Garc\u00eda helped put an end to Cook County\u2019s cooperation with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) by passing an ordinance that prevents County officials from detaining a person based on suspicion of being undocumented. That measure became the first of its kind in the nation, and more than 250 localities have followed Cook County\u2019s lead.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/el-congresista-garcia-aplaude-la-votacion-del-concejo-municipal-de-chicago-sobre-la-ordenanza-de-ciudad-acogedora", "El Congresista Garc\u00eda Aplaude la Votaci\u00f3n del Concejo Municipal de Chicago sobre la Ordenanza de Ciudad Acogedora", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 El congresista Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04) emiti\u00f3 la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n luego de que el Concejo Municipal de Chicago detuviera los esfuerzos para desmantelar la Ordenanza de Ciudad Acogedora:\n\n\u201cHoy, Chicago vivi\u00f3 de acuerdo a sus valores. Aplaudo a los concejales que dejaron claro con la votaci\u00f3n de hoy que Chicago es una ciudad acogedora para todos, independientemente de su ciudadan\u00eda. Estoy orgulloso de vivir en una ciudad santuario.\n\n\u201cLos intentos de sembrar divisi\u00f3n en nuestras comunidades y culpar a los inmigrantes reci\u00e9n llegados por las d\u00e9cadas de desinversi\u00f3n son peligrosos. Condeno en\u00e9rgicamente estos trucos sucios pol\u00edticos.\n\n\u201cJunto con mis colegas en el Congreso, continuar\u00e9 luchando por los recursos federales y los cambios de pol\u00edticas que nuestra ciudad necesita para apoyar a todos sus residentes. Debemos recordar que enfrentar a las comunidades entre s\u00ed s\u00f3lo beneficia el status quo. La \u00fanica manera de avanzar es la solidaridad\u201d.\n\nEn marzo de 1985, el alcalde Harold Washington firm\u00f3 una orden ejecutiva que puso fin a la pr\u00e1ctica del gobierno de la ciudad de preguntar a los solicitantes de empleo y licencias sobre su ciudadan\u00eda estadounidense y suspendiendo la cooperaci\u00f3n de las agencias de la ciudad con las autoridades federales de inmigraci\u00f3n. En 2011, como miembro de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Cook, el Representante Garc\u00eda ayud\u00f3 a poner fin a la cooperaci\u00f3n del Condado de Cook con ICE (Servicio de Inmigraci\u00f3n y Control de Aduanas, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) al aprobar una ordenanza que impide a los funcionarios del Condado detener a una persona bajo sospecha de ser indocumentado. Esa medida se convirti\u00f3 en la primera de su tipo en el pa\u00eds y m\u00e1s de 250 localidades han seguido el ejemplo del condado de Cook.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-reduce-student-loan-financial-burden-parents", "Foster Introduces Legislation to Reduce Student Loan Financial Burden on Parents", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Parent PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act. This legislation would allow students to take over the student debt that was incurred by their parents on their behalf, providing a sensible solution for parents facing multiple financial burdens.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would allow parents to transfer Parent PLUS loans to the student with the consent of the parent, student, and lender, provided the student meets the credit requirements for the PLUS loan program and is at least six months removed from leaving school. After transfer, the loan would be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.\n\n\"As college costs and economic burdens continue to rise, federal law should allow families to determine financial liability for PLUS loans in a way that accommodates their financial situation,\" said Foster. \"This legislation would provide a solution by allowing a child, if they're willing, to take financial responsibility for the loans that allowed them to go to college.\"\n\nA copy of the bill is available here.\n\nThe Parent PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act is endorsed by the National Education Association.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-republicans-sham-impeachment-inquiry", "Foster Statement on Republicans' Sham Impeachment Inquiry", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "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) released the following statement on House Republicans' sham impeachment inquiry:\n\n\u201cInstead of addressing the international crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, Republicans chose to waste Congress\u2019s time today on a bogus and illegitimate impeachment inquiry based on zero evidence. The American people sent us here to confront the challenges we face as a nation and as a world \u2013 not to chase conspiracy theories or placate the MAGA base and their twice-impeached leader.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-krishnamoorthi-secures-key-provisions-national-defense", "Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi Secures Key For Provisions In National Defense Authorization Act To Counter Adversaries Including The Chinese Communist Party", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 14, 2023\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party voted to pass H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which invests in core elements of American national defense, including our service members, our commitments to security partners and allies, and our own industrial base and capacity. Provisions spearheaded by Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi in the package included authorizing AUKUS (the trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the American Security Drone Act, and the implementation of a range of provisions he advocated for through the Select Committee\u2019s bipartisan reports, including Ten For Taiwan Policy Recommendations to Preserve Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait (released May 24, 2023).\n\nThe NDAA also included the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (IAA), which authorizes funding for the United States Intelligence Community (IC) and strengthens congressional oversight of the IC\u2019s methods of collecting and analyzing information. The IAA includes measures secured by Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi, including provisions to advance American microelectronics research essential to artificial intelligence, to develop 6G and successor technologies, and to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to prepare a report on the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s genocide against Uyghurs. These provisions were also included in the Select Committee on the CCP\u2019s bipartisan reports on the Uyghur Genocide and on economic competition with the CCP released this Congress.\n\nThe microelectronics provision also builds on the research successes of the MicroE4AI program, a $15 million grant program created by the Seeding Enterprises in the Microelectronics Industry (SEMI) Act that Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Chris Stewart (R-UT-02) introduced and secured the inclusion of in the FY21 Intelligence Authorization Act in December 2020.\n\n\u201cI was proud to join my colleagues from both parties in passing this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act and Intelligence Authorization Act to strengthen our national security and intelligence capabilities, while preparing our country to face the threats posed by adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),\u201d said Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. \u201cTo support our nation\u2019s capacity to address such threats, I championed provisions in the legislation, including the authorization of the AUKUS security partnership, the American Security Drone Act \u2013 which protects federal agencies from drones compromised by the CCP,\u2014 as well as legislation to advance our national capabilities in artificial intelligence, 6G, and the technologies that will succeed it. To help expose the horrors of the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s genocide against the Uyghur people, I also spearheaded the inclusion of the Uygur Genocide Intelligence Act to produce an intelligence assessment of those atrocities.\u201d\n\n\u201cFinally, the NDAA also makes major advances in American relations with Taiwan through the implementation of a number of provisions I advocated for with Chairman Gallagher as part of our committee\u2019s Ten For Taiwan: Policy Recommendations to Preserve Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait. The legislative package\u2019s inclusion of provisions to address our recommendations will make the United States, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific Region more secure by strengthening regional security partnerships, modernizing munition procurement and stockpiling, strengthening economic deterrence, increasing military training with Taiwan, and enhancing cyber resiliency. The security challenges faced by the United States, our allies, and our security partners are significant, but this year\u2019s NDAA will help prepare us to meet them.\u201d\n\nProvisions in the NDAA championed by Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi included:\n\nThe American Security Drone Act, a bill for which he is the Democratic lead, which bans the federal operation and procurement of drones from countries that pose a national security threat, such as DJI drones from the PRC; [insert link for econ report]\n\nEstablishing an IARPA program for next-generation microelectronics in support of artificial intelligence. The legislation requires the DNI, acting through the Director of Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), to establish or otherwise oversee a program to advance microelectronics research and to provide regular briefings and recommendations to the congressional intelligence committees on this subject. [insert link for econ report]\n\nEstablishes an IARPA program dedicated to research and development efforts relevant to 6G technology and any successor technologies by requiring the DNI, acting through the Director of IARPA, to initiate or otherwise carry out a program dedicated to research and development efforts relevant to 6G technology and any successor technologies. [insert link for econ report]\n\nThe Uyghur Genocide Intelligence Act, which the Ranking Member cosponsored requires the DNI to prepare an intelligence report on various aspects of the Uyghur genocide. [insert link for Uyghur report]\n\nThe authorization of the AUKUS, the security partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including by authorizing the sale of up to 3 Virginia-class submarines to Australia; providing for the acceptance of Australian funds to support the U.S. submarine industrial base as well as facilitating the training of Australian submarine workers and streamlining the sharing of advanced technologies under AUKUS. Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi cosponsored the AUKUS Undersea Defense Act.\n\nMeasures to ensures that India is appropriately considered for security cooperation benefits consistent with the status of India as a major defense partner of the United States. This was a recommendation in Ten For Taiwan Policy Recommendations to Preserve Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait.\n\nRequires plan to advance the integration of long-range anti-ship missiles onto legacy aircraft fleets. This was a recommendation in Ten For Taiwan Policy Recommendations to Preserve Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait.\n\nRequires report to enhance implementation of the FY 23 NDAA joint multi-year plan to fulfill the defensive requirements of the military forces of Taiwan. This was a recommendation in Ten For Taiwan Policy Recommendations to Preserve Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait.\n\nProvision to direct an assessment of the PRC defense budget to accurately assess overall PRC defense spending.\n\nA measure requiring the Department of Defense to conduct an assessment of biotechnology companies headquartered in China to determine if they should be identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States and included on the 1260H list.\n\nProvisions he led supporting continued investment in research, development, and fielding of unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles\n\nMeasures he co-led to support strengthening working-level communication and coordination with Taiwan to enhance the effectiveness of the United States\u2019 provision of defense articles to Taiwan, joint military exercises with Taiwan, and other efforts to improve Taiwan\u2019s self-defense capabilities.\n\nAn overview of the implementation in the NDAA of other provisions from Ten For Taiwan Policy Recommendations to Preserve Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait can be found here.\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA also included several other important provisions including:\n\nVital benefits for Servicemembers and their families, the FY24 NDAA includes a 5.2% pay raise for service members and $1.5 billion for military family housing. It adds $205 million to the barracks replacement fund, and authorizes the investment of $392 million for construction, planning, and design of barracks and dormitories. It authorizes $301 million in military construction for new child development centers and $60 million in additional funds for planning and design to accelerate future child development center replacements. And it includes a combined $70 million for educational agencies with military dependent students and that serve children with severe disabilities.\n\nReaffirms our commitment to allies and partners, the FY24 NDAA makes key improvements to the security cooperation and Foreign Military Sales process, includes Congress\u2019 opposition to the suspension, termination, denunciation, or withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty, extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) at the $300 million level through Fiscal Year 2025, and includes support for Israel and Taiwan.\n\nCivilian harm mitigation measures, it includes additional oversight of ex-gratia payments where harm has been suffered by civilian survivors for damage, injury, or death inadvertently caused by the use of force of the U.S. Armed Forces or a coalition that includes the U.S., or a military organization supporting the U.S.\n\nInvestments in our defense industrial base, the FY24 NDAA expands the Buy America Act, which requires federal agencies to procure domestic materials and products, providing economic benefits for hardworking Americans and American industry.\n\nInvestments in our environment and energy, the FY24 NDAA includes numerous provisions to promote more energy efficient practices and lessen environmental impacts while specifically focusing on threats to the environment and the health of service members, including PFAS and burn pits.\n\nInvestments in technology and modernization, the FY24 NDAA builds on scientific and technological developments to ensure the U.S. keeps pace with key competitors while responding to emerging technologies and innovation.\n\nA full summary of the FY24 NDAA is available here.\n\nThe IAA advanced significant bipartisan priorities, including:\n\nRetaining and Recruiting a Strong Intelligence Community Workforce through enhancing hiring incentives and talent management authorities for the Intelligence Community to recruit and retain the most capable and patriotic public servants while reducing waste in government by limiting cumbersome reporting requirements, making space for the Intelligence Community to dedicate and focus resources on current and emerging threats.\n\nBolstering Intelligence Collection and Processing From Sea to Space throughinvestments to pursue advantages in all operational environments (air, cyber, land, sea, and space). Investments in seaborne and space-borne sensors are intended to create intelligence opportunities while reducing risks associated with new space architectures. This bill also supports the Committee\u2019s oversight mechanisms while enhancing appropriate information sharing between agencies.\n\nAdopting Cutting-Edge Technologyto pave the way for an Intelligence Community Innovation Unit to identify relevant capabilities and quickly adopt technology useful to the Intelligence Community. Pivotal improvements need to be made between the Intelligence Community and the private sector, academia, government research organizations, and our allies. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence must be at the forefront of the 21st Century\u2019s competition to leverage a national approach to addressing the many and varied threats we face.\n\nUtilization of the Commercial Cloudby ensuring transparency, fairness, and accurate cost and utilization assessments. The Commercial Cloud Enterprise (C2E) contract will cost taxpayers billions of dollars over the next decade. HPSCI\u2019s legislation will ensure the Intelligence Community is achieving the best value by utilizing advanced commercial tools and services while remaining within budget.\n\nSecuring Classified Systems by requiring the entire Intelligence Community to appropriately budget to meet vital cyber security requirements for national security systems no later than September 30, 2026. Threats to our classified and sensitive networks are growing, as evidenced by nation-state intrusions and insider threats. The Intelligence Community must move with a sense of urgency to add additional security measures to our classified networks.\n\nAddressing Deficiencies in CIA\u2019s Response to Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Workforce by requiring the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency to establish and implement significant policy and procedural reforms necessary to better protect and support survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the Agency, and ensure that perpetrators of any crimes are appropriately held accountable.\n\nTaking Steps to Improve Counterintelligence Posture Against Foreign Intelligence Threats to the United States through initiatives such as codifying and growing the CIA\u2019s counterintelligence school, increasing resources for counterintelligence programs, and establishing necessary counterintelligence support to the Department of Agriculture to help address threats to the homeland.\n\nConcrete Actions to Support the CIA Workforce including technical fixes to administrative challenges experienced by intelligence officers, aligning retention rewards to vital career fields, and providing rewards to high-demand personnel who perform important tasks.\n\nContinuing Support Related to Anomalous Health Incidentsthrough effectively investing in necessary research, and continuing the administration\u2019s investigation into anomalous health incidents.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-votes-no-biden-schumer-ndaa-over-abortion-funding-and-fisa-spying", "Rep. Miller Votes No On Biden-Schumer Ndaa Over Abortion Funding And Fisa Spying Abuses", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) voted against the legislation and released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe purpose of the NDAA is for Congress to provide authorization and oversight for the Defense Department on behalf of the American people. Instead, Biden and Schumer have bloated the bill with woke ideology, including their abortion travel policy that forces taxpayers to pay for abortion-related costs.\n\n\"Biden and Schumer are also using the NDAA to extend abusive FISA spying powers, which need reform to prevent the Biden administration from spying on American citizens without a warrant for political purposes. We need serious FISA reform because partisan politics has infected the FBI and intel community, and the Obama-Biden administration abused the FISA process to begin the \"Russia Collusion Hoax\" against the Trump Administration.\n\n\"The 8 million foreign nationals, who Biden has allowed to illegally cross our border, include known terrorists and military-aged men from China and the Middle East who pose the greatest threat to our nation since 9/11.\n\n\"Instead of stopping the threat on our border, Biden has used the DOJ and security state to target and prosecute his political opponents. Biden and his corrupt administration must be checked, restrained, and restricted by the House, and this bill fails to do that.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-statement-chicago-city-council-vote-protect-welcoming-city-status", "Ramirez Statement on Chicago City Council Vote to Protect Welcoming City Status", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Chicago, IL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after Chicago's City Council voted 31-16 against efforts to dismantle the Welcoming City Ordinance:\n\n\u201cChicago is clear. Illinois Third Congressional district is clear. We remain a welcoming city for migrants looking for asylum, a sanctuary city for those in need of refuge. I applaud my alderperson Jessie Fuentes and every alderperson who stood strong in the defense of the values of our city, the same values that provided my family a home and a chance at a better life. As we continue our work to bring federal resources to our communities providing life-saving refuge and services for asylum seekers, we must continue to reject policies of division. In the richest nation of the world, we can provide refuge for new arrivals, deliver relief for those who have been waiting for decades, and respond to the needs of every member of our communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-blumenthal-introduce-new-bicameral-front-package-food-labeling", "Schakowsky, Blumenthal Introduce New Bicameral Front-Of-Package Food Labeling Legislation to Bolster Americans\u2019 Health", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Full Text of Bill (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced new bicameral legislation to provide American consumers with clear information about the nutritional content of foods and beverages. The Transparency, Readability, Understandability, Truth, and Helpfulness (TRUTH) in Labeling Act would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop new front-of-package labels for foods and beverages sold in the United States.\n\n\u201cFood companies have led the American people astray for too long. If consumers could see how much sodium, sugar, and saturated fat is in their food, they might think twice about what they are purchasing,\u201d said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. \u201cI am proud to introduce the TRUTH in Labeling Act with Senator Blumenthal. Our bill will create a consumer-friendly nutrition labeling system on the front of food packages. A poor diet is one of the leading causes of preventable disease in the U.S. We must do all we can to create transparency in food labeling and empower consumers to make informed dietary decisions.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis measure ensures foods have clear front-of-package labels that highlight high levels of concerning nutrients,\u201d said Senator Richard Blumenthal. \u201cStandard in many other countries, front-of-package labels help consumers have accurate, interpretive information about the food they buy. With prominently displayed salt, sugar, and saturated fat content, consumers will be able to make healthy choices for themselves and their families.\u201d\n\nA recent survey shows front-of-package nutrition labeling has broad support from U.S. consumers, with 75 percent of respondents in favor of a mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling policy.\n\nThe TRUTH in Labeling Act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a standardized front-of-package nutrition label that helps consumers differentiate between foods of greater or lesser nutritional value. The labels must also show the amount of calories a food contains. With Americans\u2019 consumption of salt, sugar, and saturated fat far exceeding recommended levels and linked to various chronic diseases, the new labels would be required to have clear information about nutrients of concern, including salt, sugar, and saturated fat to help consumers make healthier choices. The Nutrition Facts labels will still be displayed on the back or side of the package. The legislation allows FDA the flexibility to determine the specific format of the labels, but suggests several considerations for their implementation, including enabling consumers to quickly and easily understand the label and encouraging FDA to evaluate the effectiveness of the labeling system.\n\nThe TRUTH in Labeling Act is endorsed by a number of advocacy groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Advocates for Children's Diets, Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators, Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, ChangeLab Solutions, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, Corporate Accountability, Food & Water Watch, Hattie Maw & Pals Foundation, Healthy Food America, Interfaith Public Health Network, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of School Nurses, National Center for Health Research, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Redstone Global Center for Prevention & Wellness, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, Society for Behavioral Medicine, and Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s about time that the United States joins our neighboring countries in adopting simple, mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling,\u201d said CSPI Executive Director and President, Peter Lurie. \u201cThe TRUTH in Labeling Act will make nutrition information more accessible to all consumers and prompt industry to create healthier foods. We\u2019re thrilled that lawmakers are taking concrete steps to address the epidemic of diet-related disease and to transform our food supply.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-voting-against-final-passage-national-defense", "Schakowsky Statement on Voting Against Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2024", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after voting against final passage of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024:\n\n\u201cToday, I once again voted against the passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill authorizes a staggering $886 billion in new spending for the Department of Defense. Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflected that.\n\n\u201cThe legislation also includes an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through April 19, 2024. This section has repeatedly been abused in ways that violate Americans\u2019 fundamental rights. Further, Section 702 has been used across administrations to conduct millions of invasive searches for Americans\u2019 communications, including those of protesters, activists, campaign donors, journalists, and even members of Congress.\n\n\u201cIn addition, this bill failed to include key provisions repealing the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force, it increased funding for nuclear weapons that the Biden administration has explicitly rejected, and it failed to prohibit further US involvement in the Saudi-led coalition\u2019s war on Yemen.\n\n\u201cThis legislation does not reflect the best interests of our nation at this moment. Instead of giving the Pentagon nearly a trillion dollars, we should make the investments in health care, education, housing, diplomacy, public transit, and the environment that Americans deserve.\n\n\u201cWhile there are some provisions in the bill that I support, like a 5.2% pay raise for both military servicemembers and the Defense Department\u2019s civilian workforce and increased housing and health care support for our military personnel, I could not, in good faith, support final passage of the FY 2024 NDAA.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-secures-illinois-wins-defense-policy-bill", "Sorensen Secures Illinois Wins in Defense Policy Bill", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains several provisions advocated for by Sorensen, including initiatives to support the Rock Island Arsenal, an amendment to preserve jobs at the Peoria Air National Guard base, and the largest pay raise for service members in over 20 years.\n\n\u201cI'm pleased that the initiatives I fought for to support Central and Northwestern Illinois were included in this year's defense policy bill,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cThis legislation directly impacts our troops and their families, including the brave service members at the Rock Island Arsenal, the Peoria Air National Guard base, and across Illinois. The pay raise for our military personnel is crucial and I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.\"\n\nThe NDAA authorizes funding to keep our nation safe, including a well-deserved 5.2 percent pay increase for military personnel. This year\u2019s defense authorization billalso includes several provisions led by Sorensen.\n\nSorensen, along with Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), secured language in the bill to protect jobs at the 182nd Airlift Wing based in Peoria, ensuring our service members and their families in Central Illinois have the tools they need to succeed.\n\nSpecifically, their language directs the Air Force to issue a report to Congress on the costs of decommissioning Tactical Air Control Party (TAC-P) units \u2013 teams tasked with carrying out special operations for the Air Force. The 182nd Airlift Wing is currently set to lose its TAC-P units, and this report will bring light to the consequences of these closures and support a plan to keep jobs at the base under new units.\n\nAlso included in the annual defense package is language submitted by Sorensen requiring a report on the role of Mission Training Complexes in ensuring troop readiness in the face of emerging threats. Information from this report will allow the Rock Island Arsenal to better position itself to receive a Mission Training Complex, bringing jobs to the Quad Cities area. The legislation passed both chambers of Congress and now heads to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2023/12/bost-introduces-bill-blocking-va-funding-for-illegal-migrants", "BOST INTRODUCES BILL BLOCKING VA FUNDING FOR ILLEGAL MIGRANTS", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "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, chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, today introduced legislation to block the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using its resources to provide healthcare or engage in claims processing for illegal migrants. The \u201cNo VA Resources for Illegal Aliens Act\u201d comes after reports indicated the Department of Homeland Security is leveraging the VA\u2019s established claims processing system, through its Financial Services Center, to pay for illegal migrants in ICE detention.\n\n\u201cJoe Biden\u2019s failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis. Now it appears he\u2019s taking resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants,\" said Chairman Bost. \"As a Marine, I believe any dollar taken away from a veteran is a promise broken to those who served. I\u2019ve demanded answers from the Biden administration and been stonewalled every step of the way. Until I get the response our veterans deserve, I\u2019ll use every available tool of my chairmanship to end this practice and put our veterans first.\u201d\n\nThe VA\u2019s Financial Services Center supports the VA\u2019s Community Care mission to ensure veterans have access to healthcare without being forced to travel long distances or suffer lengthy wait times for care by allowing veterans to choose whether to seek care at a VA facility or within their own community. Bost's legislation would ensure the VA is fully focused on meeting the needs of our veterans.\n\nU.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-on-meritless-impeachment-inquiry", "Casten Statement on Meritless Impeachment Inquiry", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. (December 13, 2023) - U.S. Congressman Sean Casten released the following statement on his vote against the House Republican\u2019s meritless efforts to pursue an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden:\n\n\u201cTonight, I voted against opening an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.\n\n\u201cOver the past ten months, House Republicans have frivolously investigated President Biden only to find no evidence of an impeachable offense or criminal wrongdoing.\n\n\u201cThroughout this process, we have seen witnesses invited by House Republicans testify to the House Oversight Committee that they have no evidence of wrongdoing and prominent members of the Republican Party question the legitimacy of the impeachment efforts. Tonight\u2019s vote was solely to appease the far-right wing of the House Republican Conference, not to uphold the United States Constitution.\n\n\u201cInstead of continuing this sham investigation, we should focus on passing a full appropriations package to keep our government funded and functioning for the American people.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/seec-clean-energy-deployment-task-force-co-chairs-sean-casten-and-mike-levin-introduce-a-house-democratic-consensus-permitting-and-transmission-bill", "SEEC Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs Sean Casten and Mike Levin Introduce a House Democratic Consensus Permitting and Transmission Bill", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, the Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force, Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration (CETA) Act, legislation that comprehensively addresses the primary permitting and transmission issues that are holding back the American clean energy transition.\n\n\u201cWhen Congressman Mike Levin and I started our work on the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act, we did so with two goals in mind,\" said SEEC Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06). \"First, to address the primary issues holding back our clean energy transition. Second, to craft a bill that may serve as the consensus transmission and permitting reform bill of the House Democratic Caucus. We are incredibly proud to introduce a bill that paves the way for more electricity transmission buildout and has the support of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, and co-sponsors from across the Democratic Party.\u201d\n\n\u201cLast Congress, Democrats made the single largest investment in climate action in U.S. history. Now, we must unlock its full potential by addressing the transmission permitting issues that are preventing us from bringing clean energy from where it\u2019s generated to American households,\u201d said SEEC Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49). \u201cOur Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act will support the responsible buildout of transmission and renewables, while strengthening environmental protections and bringing impacted communities to the decision-making table. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make these necessary investments to improve the resilience of our grid and ensure all Americans have access to clean, affordable energy.\u201d\n\n\"The Congressional Progressive Caucus is proud to endorse the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act,\" said Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). \"Progressives are climate champions and have worked tirelessly to increase American renewable energy capacity so we can transition away from the fossil fuels and the disastrous carbon emissions they release. The CETA Act continues the critical work of the Inflation Reduction Act to build our clean energy infrastructure and make that technology available while addressing the high cost of living that is burdening working families across the country. Reducing our dependence on planet-warming fossil fuels, bringing down energy costs for our communities, and increasing power resilience and reliability during extreme weather \u2014 it's a win for families, for our economy, and our planet.\"\n\n\u201cNew Dems are laser-focused on accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy, and New Dem Rep. Casten\u2019s Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act will help us achieve that goal,\u201d said New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02). \u201cThis comprehensive transmission reform package will tackle the climate crisis by removing barriers to clean energy deployment and reducing energy costs for Americans. It\u2019s time Congress acts on this essential legislation\u2014we have no time to waste.\u201d\n\n\u201cDecades of fossil fuel pollution and the worsening climate crisis demand a cleaner, safer, and more just energy future,\u201d said Ranking Member of House Natural Resources Committee Rep. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (AZ-07). \u201cThe Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act (CETA), coupled with last year\u2019s historic clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act, is an answer to that call. CETA will help us build out the infrastructure we need to put clean energy in American families\u2019 homes quickly, while also making sure impacted communities are brought into the process early and meaningfully. After all, we know that community engagement and tribal consultation result in more efficient, more effective, and most importantly, more equitable and just energy projects. I want to thank Congressmen Casten and Levin for their collaborative efforts in crafting this legislation and ensuring that it includes the invaluable input from environmental justice communities we have worked so hard to achieve. I look forward to upholding the inclusive, community-led process we\u2019ve fought for and continuing to engage with frontline communities in that spirit as this legislation moves forward.\u201d\n\nThe bill is endorsed by SEEC, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the New Democrat Coalition. Reps. Casten and Levin introduced the bill along with 74 of their House Democratic colleagues as cosponsors.\n\nThe full list of original cosponsors can be found here.\n\nView statements of support for the legislation here.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration (CETA) Act is a comprehensive approach to addressing the primary permitting issues holding back the clean energy transition. The biggest challenge facing the United States\u2019 ability to meet its climate goals is the lack of capacity of our electrical grid to connect clean energy generation to the new demand that comes with economy-wide electrification. In addition to tackling the climate crisis by unlocking the full potential of renewable energy, CETA will reduce energy costs by enabling the cleanest, least-expensive forms of energy \u2013 renewables \u2013 to connect to the grid.\n\nCETA aims to inclusively and efficiently support the buildout of transmission lines to transport the electricity from its generation source to the homes of the American people. CETA will also increase the grid\u2019s reliability and resilience in the face of increasing extreme weather events. CETA also promotes the development of renewable energy on public lands and oceans in a responsible, equitable, and efficient manner, further reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.\n\nAdditionally, the rapid buildout of the clean energy economy necessitates more robust community engagement to ensure all voices are heard and disadvantaged communities are not disproportionately impacted. Community engagement is important to address potential concerns early and head off issues that may otherwise lead to time-consuming lawsuits. CETA tackles this by expanding the role for disadvantaged communities to be meaningfully consulted as part of the permitting process.\n\nIn brief, CETA would:\n\nAmend the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Regulatory Commission to issue new rules on improving interregional planning, siting, and deployment of transmission.\n\nProvide a 30% transmission investment tax credit.\n\nIncentivize development of renewable energy on priority areas within our public lands.\n\nReform the Outer Continental Shelf Lands to encourage offshore wind deployment.\n\nExpand meaningful consultation with disadvantaged groups and communities in the permitting process.\n\nThe text of the bill can be found here.\n\nA section-by-section description of the bill can be found here.\n\nA one-pager on the bill can be found here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-s-nchez-introduce-roth-ira-rollover-legislation-to-bolster-retirement-security", "LaHood, S\u00e1nchez Introduce Roth IRA Rollover Legislation to Bolster Retirement Security", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Linda T. Scnchez (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation that will allow retirement savers to roll over their Roth IRA savings into a Roth account within a workplace retirement plan.\n\nCurrent law prohibits workers from rolling Roth IRA savings into workplace-based Roth retirement plans offered by employers. LaHood and S\u00e1nchez's bill would specifically allow the transfer of contributions from Roth IRA plans to a workplace designated Roth account, such as a Roth 401(k), Roth 403(b), or Roth 457(b).\n\n\"Building retirement security is critical to the longevity and strength of our economy,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"Our bipartisan bill will allow for the consolidation of assets, reduce the potential for duplicative fees, and bolster retirement savings for families across the country. As workers face rising costs and burdensome interest rates, Congress should continue to find solutions to help workers build for a comfortable retirement. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague, Rep. Sanchez, on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.\"\n\n\u201cNearly 7 million Americans use Roth IRA accounts to save for retirement. As that number continues to grow rapidly across the country, we must ensure workers can roll their savings into designated Roth accounts within a workplace-based retirement plan,\u201d said Congresswoman Linda S\u00e1nchez. \u201cI\u2019m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman LaHood so that retirement savers can rollover and boost their retirement savings, ultimately allowing them to enjoy a comfortable retirement in the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe applaud Reps. LaHood and S\u00e1nchez for introducing this sensible proposal. Allowing workers to move their Roth IRA balances into designated Roth accounts in a workplace retirement plan would benefit workers in several ways, including the reduction of duplicative fees inherent in maintaining multiple accounts and reduced retirement savings leakage by allowing the seamless transfer of Roth savings through the auto-portability process. These changes will be even more important as state auto-IRA programs grow,\u201d American Retirement Association CEO Brian Graff stated.\n\nThis bill builds off of previous legislation championed by Reps. LaHood and S\u00e1nchez, the Starter-K Act, which was included in the SECURE 2.0 retirement package signed into law at the end of 2022. The Starter-K Act created \u201cstarter\u201d defined contribution plans to allow more small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-votes-to-formalize-impeachment-inquiry", "LaHood Votes to Formalize Impeachment Inquiry", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement on his vote to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden:\n\n\"I believe it is time for the House to take the next step in the Biden impeachment investigation. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, we have found significant wrongdoing and preferential treatment by the DOJ and IRS through hours of whistleblower testimony. Additionally, the Oversight Committee has uncovered records that indicate the president may have received laundered foreign money from his family's influence peddling scheme. Lastly, the White House and certain witnesses have refused to cooperate with the investigation or comply with subpoenas. The American people deserve to know the truth and formalizing the impeachment inquiry will help the committees of jurisdiction compel additional evidence and documents and put Congress in the best position to hold the Biden Administration accountable.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-statement-opposition-efforts-make-example-university-presidents", "Ramirez Statement in Opposition to Efforts to Make an Example of University Presidents", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after voting in opposition to H.Res 827, a resolution condemning the testimonies of the presidents of the University of Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachuset Institute of Technology in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce:\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve continuously affirmed my commitment to stand against antisemitism in all its forms. Antisemitism is real, it is on the rise, and it deserves meaningful action from Congress. And, just like last week in votes, I believe it is dangerous to stifle dissent and the exercise of free speech. I find it particularly egregious to condemn three university presidents - all women - for voluntarily submitting to a Congressional hearing, only to immediately seek to make an example of them. My colleagues continue to wield resolutions and censures as a means to punish, silence, attack, and pit communities and our elected officials against one another. I will not participate in that divisive effort. Resolutions like this one fuel division and sideline dissenting voices, risking the very values of our multicultural, multi-racial democracy. We must stand strong against antisemitism AND the politics of division and dehumanization that keep us from realizing change. That\u2019s why I voted NO on today\u2019s resolution.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-urges-administration-and-congressional-leaders-reject-inhumane", "Ramirez Urges Administration and Congressional Leaders to Reject Inhumane, Ineffective Republican Immigration Policies", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released a statement pressing on President Biden to reject the Trump-era immigration policies being considered in the ongoing negotiations around the supplemental aid package:\n\n\u201cMigrants, both those seeking asylum and those waiting for Congress to create legal pathways to citizenship, must not be used as a bargaining chip in ongoing negotiations related to appropriations and supplementals. Three decades of failed policy should be enough evidence that detaining, deporting and criminalizing immigrants is not the answer to the realities of global migration.\n\n\u201cWhat our country is communicating, right now, by our actions is that Ukrainian refugees are more valuable than El Salvadorian or Venezuelan refugees. I wholeheartedly reject the idea that it is \u2018leadership\u2019 to welcome some people whose lives have been upended by war, poverty, and natural disasters while jailing others. We must uphold the humanity of all refugees and ensure they are welcomed and protected, whether they are escaping from a war in Ukraine or fleeing gang violence in Venezuela. We can provide humanitarian aid to our allies abroad while simultaneously providing humanitarian refuge here at home.\n\n\u201cDo we need immigration reform? HELL YES! House Republican H.R. 2, the Child Deportation Act, is not the answer. Expedited removal is not the answer. Entrenching legal pathways to asylum is not the answer. Family detention is not the answer. Throwing billions of dollars at invasive, ineffective surveillance and military enforcement has destroyed lives and failed to successfully slow migration: it is both bad policy and grossly immoral.\n\n\u201cWe must invest in solutions that show promise to address the root causes of migration. We need to strengthen democracies in the Americas and address our years of destabilizing foreign policy around the world. We need economic development in the Northern Triangle. We must invest in policies that recognize our interconnectedness.\u201d\n\n\u201cI will vote NO on any supplemental that includes destructive, harmful, immoral, irresponsible border provisions. We must remember who sent us here and stand strong in our defense of migrant communities.\u201d\n\nThe statement comes after Ramirez\u2019s participation in a press conference with the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and leading Congressional Democrats urging President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reject Republican immigration and border proposals in the ongoing negotiations around the supplemental aid package.\n\nTo watch the press conference, click HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs the proud daughter of immigrants, the wife of a Dreamer, representative of IL-03, and the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez has worked tirelessly to humanely address immigration, bring resources back to the district and has stood against the constant scapegoating of immigrant communities throughout her first year of serving in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-announces-2023-holiday-card", "Schneider Announces 2023 Holiday Card", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. \u2014 Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) today announced his 2023 holiday card, representing the expanded 10th District. The card includes photos from Glencoe, North Chicago, Spring Grove, and Antioch.\n\nImage\n\nCongressman Schneider\u2019s 2023 office holiday card\n\n\u201cWishing you a holiday season filled with the warm company of family and friends. We hope this season is a time that fosters joy, peace on earth, and goodwill. May the New Year bring blessings of good health and happiness to all of us. Happy Holidays from the Schneider family,\u201d said Julie and Brad.\n\nImage\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-adams-horsford-and-booker-urge-biden-harris-administration-fully", "Underwood, Adams, Horsford, and Booker Urge the Biden-Harris Administration to Fully Fund Momnibus Provisions in President\u2019s 2025 Budget", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Representative Alma Adams (NC-12), Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) urged the Biden-Harris Administration to include policy priorities of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and fully fund the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in the President\u2019s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The Momnibus Act is the only legislation in Congress that proposes a comprehensive solution to our maternal health crisis, addressing every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States.\n\n\u201cGiven the extreme urgency of the maternal health crisis, the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to combatting maternal mortality, and the robust coalition of support for the Momnibus, we urge you to fully fund the policy priorities from this legislative package in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. These evidence-based policies and investments are the solution to our nation\u2019s maternal health crisis and they will save moms\u2019 lives,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nIn the letter, the Members call for the Administration to fully fund all provisions in the Momnibus, which address social determinants of health, provide funding for community-based organizations, grow and diversify the perinatal health workforce, expand access to maternal mental health care, address the effects of climate change on maternal and infant health, and improve data collection processes.\n\nThe maternal health crisis in our nation affects every community across the country, including rural, suburban, and urban communities. The data are clear: Our country\u2019s maternal health crisis is worsening. The maternal mortality rate has increased 89% from 2018 to 2021, and more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Comprehensive federal action on the Momnibus Act is the only solution that will end this crisis and save moms\u2019 lives.\n\nA one-page summary of the Momnibus, including a list of the 181 original House cosponsors, can be found here, and additional information about the individual bills in the Momnibus can be found on the Black Maternal Health Caucus website.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nNovember 15, 2023\n\nShalanda Young\n\nDirector\n\nOffice of Management and Budget 1650 17th St NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear Director Young,\n\nAs you work to prepare the President\u2019s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, we write to request the inclusion of policy priorities from the Black Maternal Health Caucus and Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 3305/S. 1606), a sweeping package of bills we introduced to build on existing legislation and comprehensively address the drivers of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States.\n\nAs you know, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country and the only rate that is rising. Severe disparities exist among various racial and ethnic groups. The pregnancy-related mortality rate for Black and Native Americans is two to four times higher than the rate for White Americans.1 Hispanic and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) people also experience elevated rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.2 Still, even with these disparities it is important to understand that the maternal mortality crisis in our country is extensive and impacts families in every community across the nation. It is for this reason that we must address the maternal mortality crisis quickly and comprehensively.\n\nThe need to address this crisis is only becoming more urgent: a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that maternal health outcomes worsened and disparities widened during the COVID-19 pandemic.3 More alarmingly, recent CDC data show that maternal mortality rates increased by 89 percent in the United States from 2018 to 2021.4 In addition, in 2022, the U.S. infant mortality rate, which is inextricably linked to maternal mortality, increased 3 percent compared to 2021, which is the first significant increase to the infant mortality rate in two decades.\n\nTo save moms\u2019 lives and end glaring maternal health inequities, we introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (Momnibus) in March 2020 with then-Senator, now-Vice President Kamala Harris. In the 118th Congress, we have continued to work with now more than 190 cosponsors in the House6 and more than 30 cosponsors in the Senate7 to advance this legislative package. The Momnibus is endorsed by more than 200 organizations, including associations representing physicians, midwives, nurses, doulas, and other perinatal health workers; hospitals; insurers; health care organizations promoting maternal health, women\u2019s health, public health, mental health, and health equity; community-based organizations; and other leading national organizations.\n\nAs you know, in 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration released its Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis: a whole-of-government approach to combatting maternal mortality and morbidity that underscores the deep commitment of the President and Vice President to our nation\u2019s mothers, babies, and families.9 Advancing and enacting the Momnibus is critical to the success of the Administration\u2019s Blueprint.\n\nGiven the urgency of the maternal health crisis, the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to combatting maternal mortality, and the robust coalition of support for the Momnibus, we urge you to include the funding and policy priorities from this legislative package in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Specifically, we encourage you to prioritize:\n\nDepartment of Health and Human Services\n\n$100 million for local entities (including community-based organizations, public health departments, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and public health departments or nonprofit organizations working with one of the entities listed above) to address social determinants of health during and after pregnancy, including housing, transportation, nutrition, climate change and other environmental conditions, intimate partner violence, employment, workplace conditions, and related factors.\n\n$100 million specifically and exclusively for community-based organizations working to advance maternal health equity. The FY 2023 Omnibus provided $7 million in funding for awards to community-based organizations located in geographic areas with high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes \u2013 particularly focused on people from racial and ethnic minority groups \u2013 to achieve maternal health equity.\n\n$5 million for grants for maternity care training for all employees in maternity care settings to reduce and prevent bias, racism and discrimination in maternity care.\n\n$15 million for grants to grow and diversify the maternal and perinatal nursing workforce, including nurse practitioners, midwives, nurses, and other maternal health care professionals.\n\n$15 million for grants to grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, including physicians, physician assistants, midwives, doulas, community health workers, peer supporters, breastfeeding and lactation educators or counselors, childbirth educators, home visitors, social workers, and other related positions.\n\n$15 million for grants to grow and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral health care workforce.\n\n$25 million for the establishment of a Maternal Mental Health Equity Grant Program that would address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders through funding for community-based organizations and nonprofits, public health departments, health care professionals, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations.\n\n$10 million in funding for research on maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions. The FY 2023 Omnibus provided $10 million to establish a research network that is comprised of and supports minority-serving institutions to study maternal health disparities.\n\n$10 million in additional funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) to increase the diversity of the membership of MMRCs and to establish initiatives to conduct outreach and community engagement efforts related to the work of the MMRCs, with not less than $1.5 million reserved for grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, or Urban Indian organizations.\n\n$100 million for local entities (including community-based organizations, public health departments, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations) to identify climate change-related risks for pregnant people, new mothers, and infants; provide support and resources to those individuals; and mitigate levels of and exposure to climate change-related maternal and infant health risks in vulnerable communities.\n\n$5 million for grants to health profession schools to support the development and integration of education and training programs for identifying and addressing climate change-related maternal and infant health risks.\n\n$100 million for the Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The FY 2023 Omnibus provided $23 million for CDC\u2019s Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies program.\n\n$30 million for the Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality program at CDC.\n\n$45 million for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System at CDC.\n\n$15 million for the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development to conduct or support research for interventions to mitigate the effects of public health emergencies and infectious diseases that pose a risk to maternal and infant health.\n\n$43.4 million for the Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative at the National Institutes of Health. The FY 2023 Omnibus funded the NIH\u2019s IMPROVE Initiative at $43.4 million.\n\n$17 million for CDC to carry out a national campaign to increase maternal vaccination rates through public awareness and education efforts.\n\n$2 million through the Indian Health Service to conduct a comprehensive study on maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.\n\n$12 million for grants to expand access to digital tools related to maternal health care, including technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models; digital tools for pregnant people and new mothers, such as remote patient monitoring technologies and apps; and digital tools for maternal health care professionals, such as early warning systems and clinical decision support mechanisms.\n\nDepartment of Agriculture\n\nA policy to extend eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) from 6 months to 24 months during the postpartum period and from 12 months to 24 months during the breastfeeding period, and necessary funding to implement such policy.\n\nDepartment of Justice\n\n$10 million for a pilot program to improve maternal health outcomes for pregnant people and new mothers who are incarcerated in federal prisons.\n\n$10 million for a pilot program to improve maternal health outcomes for pregnant people and new mothers who are incarcerated in local jails and prisons.\n\nA policy to reduce funding allocations to states through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program in states that do not have in effect by October 1,2025 laws restricting the use of restraints on pregnant people in prison that are substantially similar to the rights, procedures, requirements, effects, and penalties set forth in section 4322 of title 18, United States Code.\n\nDepartment of Veterans Affairs\n\n$15 million to implement and fully resource the Protecting Moms Who Served Act (P.L. 117-69). The FY 2023 Omnibus included language to implement and fully fund the Protecting Moms Who Served Act (P.L. 117-69).\n\nThese evidence-based policies and investments are the solution to our nation\u2019s maternal health crisis and are aligned with the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration. Therefore, we urge you to include these Momnibus provisions in the President\u2019s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nWe are grateful for your leadership and look forward to working with you on this priority.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-meets-zelenskyy-washington", "Quigley Meets with Zelenskyy in Washington", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "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), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, joined a small group of senior Democratic members in a closed-door meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting comes at an urgent moment as Ukraine is seeking additional aid in its war against Putin.\n\nQuigley recently published an editorial piece in the Chicago Tribune emphasizing the importance of this aid as a means to contain the conflict. To read the story, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-jacobs-18-members-congress-urge-president-biden-urgently-address", "Ramirez, Jacobs, 18 Members of Congress Urge President Biden to Urgently Address Rising Settler Violence in West Bank", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswomen Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led 18 members of Congress in calling President Joe Biden to take immediate action to address settler violence and protect the lives and well-being of Palestinians in the West Bank. In the letter, also addressed to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the members of Congress urged the Administration to thoroughly investigate and take the urgent necessary actions to hold all parties accountable, including determining if any of the 60,000 Americans in Israeli settlements and outposts are responsible for crimes committed against Palestinians.\n\nSince the horrific terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, settler violence in the West Bank has been on the rise. According to reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 1,014 people, including 388 children, have been displaced; 232 Palestinians, including 61 children, were killed; and more than 3,000 Palestinians, including 500 children, have been wounded during settler violence in the West Bank. So far, 2023 has been the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since OCHA began recording casualties in 2005.\n\n\u201cThe severity of these [settler violence] incidents [reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] underscores the urgent need for immediate action to address settler violence and protect the lives and well-being of Palestinians in the West Bank. The majority of these incidents of settler violence are happening in the Israeli Government-controlled Area C, where 700,000 Israeli settlers reside in approximately 230 settlements and where approximately 300,000 Palestinians live in 532 residential areas that are regularly subjected to land confiscations by settlers,\u201d wrote the members of Congress in the letter.\n\nIn the letter, the members of Congress urge the administration of Biden to follow a series of steps to ensure the safety of Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank:\n\nContinue to urge the Israeli Government not to distribute weapons to settlers in the West Bank.\n\nTake every necessary measure to protect at least 60,000 Palestinian Americans in the occupied West Bank.\n\nDeclassify and publish all United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority report on settler violence.\n\nProvide a detailed report to Congress on what the Biden Administration is doing to hold the Israeli Government accountable for the three violations identified in the reports.\n\nPrevent U.S. funding from being used to expand settlements and outposts.\n\nDetermine if the 60,000 Americans in settlements and outposts are responsible for crimes committed against Palestinians and refer all U.S. citizens involved to the Department of Justice for prosecution.\n\nThe letter is being co-signed by U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Al Green (TX-09), Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Alexandria Ocasio Cortes (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Presley (MA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).\n\nOrganizations, including American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Amnesty International USA, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, American Friends Service Committee, Churches for Middle East Peace, Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD), National Iranian American Council Action, MADRE, West Street Recovery, U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine (AFRP) and U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, endorse the call from the Members of Congress.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSince the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians and the following escalating violence in Gaza, Congresswoman Ramirez has remained intentional in her efforts to uplift our shared humanity, protect the lives of all Palestinians and all Israeli civilians, and urge for the ceasefire to prioritize diplomatic solutions for lasting peace in the region.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-joins-bicameral-congressional-delegation-discuss-democracy-migration", "Ramirez Joins Bicameral Congressional Delegation to Discuss Democracy, Migration, Economic Stability During Visits to Guatemala and Honduras", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On Sunday, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, concluded a bicameral congressional delegation visit to Guatemala and Honduras to meet with elected officials, the private sector, and civil society leaders. The delegation was led by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and included U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. RepresentativeNorma Torres (D-CA-35).\n\nWhile the delegation was in Guatemala, the country\u2019s Attorney General attempted to nullify the results of the country\u2019s recent free and fair elections\u2014prompting strong condemnation from the delegation before national and international press. Facing mounting pressure, including from the delegation, Guatemala\u2019s private sector, and the international community, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei was forced to distance himself from this brazen attempt to void the will of the Guatemalan people.\n\nMaintaining democracy and economic and political stability in Central America is critical to stopping forced migration and advancing U.S. national security. During the visit, the delegation expressed their strong support for strategies to strengthen prosperity, stability, and security in the region, as well as bilateral coordination in countering Chinese government influence. During the visit, President-elect Ar\u00e9valo\u2019s transition team announced its intention to maintain Guatemala\u2019s diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.\n\n\u201cThe well-being and prosperity of our communities across the globe, including those in IL-03, are interconnected. As the proud daughter of brave Guatemalans, I recognize how important it is to strengthen our diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to address the challenges that motivate families like mine to depart their countries of origin,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez. \u201cI am honored to have joined this bicameral delegation to Guatemala and Honduras to listen, learn, and further our resolve to protect democracy, support economic growth, defend human rights, deter corruption, and address the root causes of migration. I look forward to continuing to work on our shared mission to create safer, thriving communities in Guatemala, Honduras, and our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur national and economic security depend in part on our ability to address issues like drug trafficking, transnational crime, and the root causes of migration\u2014all of which impact Virginia,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cDemocratic backsliding, including the attempt to overturn a free and fair election in Guatemala that occurred while we were there, further drives irregular migration and poses a serious danger to our ability to work together to tackle those problems. I\u2019m glad our delegation was on the ground to vigorously condemn that attack on Guatemala\u2019s democracy, and to pressure outgoing President Giammattei to denounce it. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I will keep doing all that I can to support strategies for prosperity and security in Guatemala, Honduras, and the entire region.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur bicameral trip to Guatemala occurred at a critical moment for the country\u2019s democracy amid ongoing protests following provocative actions by the Public Ministry to undermine a decisive election,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cI have raised concerns for months about democratic backsliding in Guatemala and neighboring Honduras, with cowardly attacks on the free press and efforts to expose government corruption. This trip included productive conversations about a better democracy for the people of Guatemala and Honduras, and I look forward to working with soon to be inaugurated Guatemalan President-Elect Ar\u00e9valo.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur trip was an opportunity to reaffirm America\u2019s support for the will of the Guatemalan people, who resoundingly elected Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo as their new president. As the country prepares for President-elect Ar\u00e9valo\u2018s transition in January, the United States remains unwavering in its support for a peaceful and orderly transfer of power,\u201d said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. \u201cU.S. support for the rule of law and democracy was also a key theme for our time in Honduras. Our two peoples share an important commitment to democratic ideals, as well strong cultural and economic ties. In Guatemala and Honduras, the delegation saw firsthand how critical it is we bolster our relationship with both nations.\n\n\u201cThis weekend, our delegation had the unique experience of seeing democracy and diplomacy in action while abroad. And, we were reminded of how fragile democracy can be at times and the essential role of civil society\u2014with alarming events unfolding in Guatemala during our visit and with warnings of democratic backsliding in Honduras,\u201d said Senator Welch.\u201cStrengthening the rule of law and supporting transparent, democratic governance is the best hope for these countries\u2019 development. Every month, thousands of desperate Guatemalan and Honduran families are fleeing hunger, poverty, injustice, and gang violence in search of safety and a better life. Our countries have a common, urgent interest in addressing the complex root causes of migration. This trip was an opportunity to listen and to share more about a path forward to real progress in the months and years ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cStability in Central America is critical for our national security and necessary for easing migration bottlenecks at our border,\u201d said Senator Butler. \u201cI was inspired by the women and girls who are fighting for a fair future, who deserve a chance to play a role in the decisions that shape their lives. At a time when faith and confidence in the electoral process is under threat around the world, we have a moral obligation to counter efforts to undermine democracy in every corner of the globe.\"\n\n\u201cDemocratic backsliding and the blatant disregard for the rule of law are existential threats to Guatemala's future. The ruling regime is attempting to cancel the votes of the most oppressed populations, harming the future of all young Guatemalans. The United States must use every tool at its disposal to uphold democracy in the region and ensure aid helps the people most in need, not corrupt, selfish leaders. If these corrupt actors won't stop their efforts to undermine democracy, we stand ready to support those fighting for a democratic future and are prepared to take further action,\u201d said Congresswoman Torres, the only Guatemalan-born Member of Congress.\n\nIn Guatemala, the lawmakers first met with officials of the outgoing administration of President Giammattei to urge them to guarantee the peaceful transition of power and respect the voice of the people in electing President-elect Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo. Shortly after that meeting, the Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s declared that Guatemala\u2019s national election results were \u2018null and void.\u2019 In response, Ramirez and the delegation immediately denounced that move.\n\nThe delegation also met with Guatemalan President-elect Ar\u00e9valo to share their concerns regarding provocative actions by the Public Ministry (Guatemala\u2019s justice department), including the raiding of facilities holding electoral materials, the opening of ballot boxes, and intimidation of peaceful protestors, among other brazen attempts to nullify the results of Guatemala\u2019s recent elections. The delegation met with staff at the U.S. Embassy to discuss the status of bilateral engagement with the Guatemalan government. Then, they met with civil society and indigenous leaders to talk about how corruption in Guatemala causes irregular migration to the United States and how the U.S. and Guatemala can work together to tackle the root causes of migration. They also talked about how impunity for violence committed against Guatemalan citizens inhibits economic development and diverts scarce resources away from government agencies. Next, they met with members of the private sector to talk about how a peaceful democratic transition is crucial to Guatemala\u2019s ability to further attract private investment. In November, Congresswoman Ramirez condemned the attacks on democracy in Guatemala and called for involved parties to listen to the will of the voters.\n\nNext, the delegation traveled to Honduras, where they met with staff at the U.S. Embassy to underscore the importance of bilateral engagement with the Honduran government. The delegation met with representatives of the private sector and civil society and held meetings with the Honduran President of Congress Luis Redondo, President Xiomara Castro, and Foreign Minister Enrique Reina. They discussed opportunities to strengthen ties between the United States and Honduras, including by continuing to partner to address the root causes of migration, combat narcotics trafficking, and protect the rule of law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-ramirez-torres-castro-call-protection-democracy-guatemala-amidst", "Reps Ramirez, Torres, Castro Call for for the Protection of Democracy in Guatemala Amidst Democratic Backsliding", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) held a press conference today in support of the rule of law and democracy in Guatemala. The press conference followed Congresswoman Torres & Ramirez\u2019s Congressional delegation to Guatemala last week and the Guatemala Attorney General\u2019s office moving to nullify the fair election of President-elect Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo. The Members of Congress \u2013 joined by civil society organizations and Guatemalans forced to flee the country \u2013 underscored the importance of the United States\u2019 support for Guatemala amid escalating attacks on its democracy. The speakers called for a peaceful transition of power to the rightfully elected President-elect Ar\u00e9valo.\n\n\u201cI reject the Giammatei regime\u2019s blatantly anti-democratic actions and call for the peaceful transfer of power \u2013 it\u2019s not too late for them to change course. But if high-ranking officials in the Guatemalan government are going to ignore and act against the interests of the Guatemalan people, the United States should not be rewarding those officials with our taxpayer dollars,\u201d said Congresswoman Torres, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, chair of the bipartisan Central America Caucus, and the only Member of Congress to be born in Central America.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the U.S Congress and a daughter of immigrants, I recognize the importance of strengthening the relationship of both countries,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez, the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants. \u201cOur countries must work together to find strong solutions to challenges that are causing the pain for families that are driven to migration.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf President-elect Ar\u00e9valo is inaugurated in January, then Guatemala is truly a democracy. If he is not, Guatemala is not truly a democracy,\u201d said Congressman Castro, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. \u201cPresident-elect Ar\u00e9valo was elected with more than 60% of the vote in a valid landslide election that demonstrated the popular enthusiasm for his message of progress, opportunity and hope for the future of Guatemala. I urge Guatemala\u2019s ruling party to respect the will of the voters and ensure the peaceful transfer of power in their country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-kelly-miller-meeks-eshoo-burgess-preemie-act-passes-house", "Reps. Kelly, Miller-Meeks, Eshoo, Burgess, PREEMIE Act Passes the House", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 H. R. 3226,the \u201cPrematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023,\u201d or the PREEMIE Act, legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), and Michael Burgess (TX-26).\n\n\u201cBabies born premature face significant and unique barriers to live full, healthy lives. I am proud to have helped lead the PREEMIE Act to ensure that premature babies have the resources they need to thrive,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will equip our medical providers and our communities with the best practices and resources to help produce better outcomes for premature babies and their mothers.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery baby deserves a healthy start and reauthorizing the PREEMIE Act will help us toward that goal. Since it was first passed in 2006, the PREEMIE Act has helped researchers and doctors identify the causes of premature births and work to prevent them. Still, every day in the U.S. one in ten babies is born premature. We cannot allow the U.S. to have one of the highest prematurity rates in the developed world. I urge my colleagues to swiftly reauthorize this important program,\u201d said Eshoo.\n\n\u201cBabies born prematurely already have a steep hill to climb. The \u2018Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act,\u2019 ensures that preterm babies have a better opportunity at a healthy start,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI\u2019m proud that this bipartisan effort to support research and educational programs to uncover the cause and impact of preterm births has passed the House and I look forward to getting it one step closer to becoming law.\u201d\n\n\u201cI served as an OBGYN in North Texas for nearly 30 years, so I know firsthand the importance of giving every baby a healthy start in life. That's why I strongly support the PREEMIE ACT, which provides critical support to make that a reality,\u201d said Burgess. \u201cBy renewing the CDC's research and programs on preterm birth, improving national data tracking, promoting healthy pregnancies, and establishing a coordinated effort across federal agencies, we can take meaningful steps to prevent preterm birth and reduce infant mortality. This legislation is a crucial investment in the health of our nation's children, and we urge our colleagues to act swiftly to ensure its renewal.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the bill HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe PREEMIE Act reauthorizes critical federal research, education, and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality. The PREEMIE Act was first signed into law in 2006 to help reduce infant mortality. Bennet sponsored reauthorizations of the law in 2013 and 2018.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s research and data collection on infants born premature and programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration aimed at improving the treatment and outcome of infants born premature. This includes grants to help doctors and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat pregnant people for depression, and substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders. The legislation also authorizes a study to better understand the factors that lead to preterm birth and identify effective prevention and treatment options. These programs are set to expire on September 30, 2023.\n\nIn June, a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers noted the growing support for the PREEMIE Act from 84 maternal and infant health organizations. In their letters to Senate and House lawmakers, the organizations express the importance of the legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-visits-cook-medical-canton-highlights-his-work-create-manufacturing", "Sorensen Visits Cook Medical in Canton, Highlights His Work to Create Manufacturing Jobs in Central Illinois", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CANTON, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined company officials for a tour of Cook Medical in Canton to highlight his work to strengthen manufacturing and create good-paying, sustainable jobs in Central Illinois.\n\n\u201cOur region has some of the best workers in the world, ready to make the products that support every industry from health care to agriculture,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cThat\u2019s why we need to make sure businesses like Cook can continue to manufacture products here in Central Illinois, so we can provide stability for middle-class families and strengthen our local economies. I was excited to tour their facility today and meet with company leaders so we can continue to work toward that goal.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate the opportunity to meet with Rep. Sorensen so he could see first-hand our production facility and meet with our dedicated employees, who work hard every day to improve the lives of patients through their work on medical devices. Cook Canton is a source of pride for us as it was Bill Cook\u2019s boyhood community. We look forward to continued engagement,\u201d said Steve Ferguson Chairman of the Board of Cook Group Incorporated.\n\nDuring the visit, Sorensen and company officials toured Cook Medical\u2019s manufacturing facility and discussed the company\u2019s work to expand access to emerging health care technologies and support manufacturing jobs to the region.\n\nCook Medical\u2019s operations in Canton launched in 2010 and are housed under Cook Group Incorporated, which manufactures medical devices for minimally invasive procedures. Their facilities in Central Illinois specifically support the production of tubing used in a variety of different medical devices Cook Medical manufactures.\n\nCanton was originally selected as the site for two facilities due to the area's historic manufacturing presence, in addition to being the hometown of Cook Group founder Bill Cook.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-fda-approval-new-sickle-cell-disease-gene-therapy", "Foster Statement on FDA Approval of New Sickle Cell Disease Gene Therapy", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "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 after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Casgevy, a first-of-its-kind treatment that uses the gene-editing tool CRISPR to target sickle cell disease (SCD):\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement from the FDA is fantastic news for the tens of thousands of people suffering from sickle cell disease nationwide.\n\n\u201cAs Congress\u2019 only PhD physicist, advocating for the scientific and medical research needed to advance promising genetic-based curative therapies like CRISPR has long been one of my top priorities. From hosting Congressional briefings on gene editing to organizing educational events in my district, I\u2019ve been committed to building support for this crucial research and its applications as a cure for sickle cell disease.\n\n\"This announcement is a testament to the critical need to provide robust, long-term federal funding that makes scientific discoveries like CRISPR and gene therapy possible. Today, we\u2019re seeing that funding pay off with life-saving applications. Now, we need to work to ensure that these treatments are affordable and accessible.\u201d\n\nIn a statement on the FDA approval, American Society of Hematology President Dr. Robert A. Brodsky said:\n\n\u201cThe approval of the first gene therapies for SCD represent a tremendous step forward for the SCD community, which has been historically overlooked and underfunded. While these new gene therapies are potentially life-changing for individuals living with SCD, they must be accessible to be effective.\n\n\u201cDespite the recent progress in expanding SCD therapies, current treatments and treatment models do not adequately address the many barriers to care people living with SCD face, including access to providers that understand their condition, hydroxyurea for symptom management, pain medication during pain crises, and specialized and high-quality care.\n\n\u201cASH remains committed to improving the availability of innovative treatments for blood disorders such as gene therapies for SCD and providing resources to clinicians to help implement these evolving therapies. People with SCD need more \u2013 they need comprehensive care.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-and-lawmakers-statement-guatemala-attorney-generals-attempt-nullify", "Ramirez and Lawmakers Statement on Guatemala Attorney General\u2019s Attempt to Nullify Fair Elections", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3), U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA-35) released the following statement regarding the Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s attempt to nullify the fair election of anti-corruption reformist President-elect Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo and Vice President-Elect Karin Herrera:\n\n\u201cWe categorically condemn and reject the Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s declaration that Guatemala\u2019s national election results are \u2018null and void.\u2019 The Attorney General\u2019s continued efforts to overturn the election and brazenly defy the will of the Guatemalan voter yet again threaten to undermine Guatemala\u2019s political and economic stability and its standing in the international community. The election results must be upheld, and we call on the Constitutional Court to reject the Attorney General's arbitrary attempts to nullify the election. President Giammattei must demonstrate leadership and uphold his stated commitment to a peaceful transition of power. We call on President Giammattei and Attorney General Mar\u00eda Consuelo Porras to immediately stop this attempted coup.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-visits-williamsfield-schools-launch-fleet-clean-school-buses", "Sorensen Visits Williamsfield Schools to Launch Fleet of Clean School Buses", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WILLIAMSFIELD, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at Williamsfield Schools to launch a fleet of zero-emission school buses for the district and highlight his work to improve air quality for students.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to stand with local leaders to launch a critical service that will deliver cleaner air for our children when they travel to and from school,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cWilliamsfield Schools is leading the way in modernizing its energy systems and mitigating extreme weather events in our region. This project would not be possible without federal partnerships, which I will continue to help foster in Congress.\u201d\n\n\"These new electric buses clean the air our students and drivers breathe on the way to and from school each day. But that's just a part of the story. By leveraging vehicle-to-everything technology, our school buses flip from being energy consumers to energy assets. When construction of our campus microgrid is complete, these buses will provide energy to our building and be able to support the local grid as needed. Last but not least, they will serve as mobile energy assets to support our surrounding communities in the event of an emergency or disaster,\u201d said Tim Farquer, superintendent of Williamsfield Schools.\n\n\u201cChildren in Illinois and across the country \u2013 who, because of their developing lungs, are among the more vulnerable members of our society \u2013 deserve to breathe clean air when they are traveling to school,\" said Larissa Koehler, Director of Vehicle Electrification and Senior Attorney with the Environmental Defense Fund. \"Shifting to zero-emission vehicles is the right thing to do to prevent worsened asthma, missed school days and worsened academic performance. We applaud Rep. Sorensen for highlighting this critically important issue.\n\nSorensen joined Williamsfield Schools superintendent Tim Farquer, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Administrator Tony Maietta, and other environmental leaders to launch the fleet of school buses, which will improve air quality for students and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.\n\nThe ribbon cutting and launch comes after $14,994,951 in funding was announced from the Department of Energy (DOE)\u2019s Renew America\u2019s Schools Program to a coalition of school districts across Illinois. This funding, intended to support energy improvements in K-12 schools, was secured in part due to the leadership of Williamsfield Schools.\n\nDuring the visit, Sorensen saw firsthand how Renew America\u2019s Schools Program funding is helping Williamsfield Schools develop a new, modern microgrid to conserve resources, provide backup power during emergencies, and support the new fleet of buses.\n\nYou can view the full livestream of the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with remarks from Sorensen and leaders here.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jackson-introduces-bipartisan-bill-marshall-major-taylor-congressional", "Rep. Jackson Introduces Bipartisan Bill, The Marshall \u201cMajor\u201d Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jonathan L. Jackson", "J000309", "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "jonathanjackson", "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) and Jim Baird (R-IN-04) led 32 of their colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Marshall \u201cMajor\u201d Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation would posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall Walter \u201cMajor\u201d Taylor \u2014 America's first Black sports star, but someone many have never heard of \u2014 in recognition of his significance to the nation as a trailblazing athlete.\n\nTaylor managed to become the first African American world champion in any sport and earned the title of \u201cworld\u2019s fastest man\u201d despite the extraordinary challenges of the Jim Crow era. He endured attempts by white promoters in both the North and South to exclude him from races. White riders, too, subjected Taylor to curses, insults, and even physical harm during competitions. Despite these adversities, Taylor's exceptional talent and tenacity turned him into a sensation, drawing tens of thousands at races across the United States, Europe, and Australia.\n\n\"It is without question that Marshall 'Major' Taylor was a man before his time, a stellar athlete, a leader in the field of cycling, and a trailblazer,\" said Rep. Jackson. \"I believe it is fitting that Congress award the 'world's fastest man' one of our nation\u2019s most prestigious honors.\"\n\n\"Even when compared to today's athletes, Marshall 'Major' Taylor is among the greatest cyclists of all time,\" said Rep. Baird. \"His accomplishments are especially impressive considering the challenges he faced on his climb to cycling greatness. Marshall Taylor is one of the greatest athletes in Indiana history, and I can think of no one better suited to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.\"\n\n\"Marshall W. 'Major' Taylor challenged both the odds and the adversity of his time with dignity and determination, and he went on to ultimately triumph,\" said Karen Brown Donovan, the great-granddaughter of Major Taylor. \"The awarding of a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal would be a significant achievement towards honoring his life and legacy.\"\n\nSupporting Individuals and Groups\n\nCo-lead: Jim Baird (R-IN-04)\n\nOriginal Cosponsors (32 total): Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN-07), Henry \u201cHank\u201d Johnson (D-GA-04), Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Earl Blumenauer (D-WA-03), James McGovern (D-MA-02), David Scott (D-GA-13), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX-18), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Al Green (D-TX-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Chuy Garcia (D-IL-04), David Trone (D-MD-06), Ann Kuster (D-NH-02), John Duarte (R-CA-13), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02).\n\nSupporting Organizations: Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., Major Taylor Association, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, League of American Bicyclists, ADD Impact Network & Bike to the Beach, and Black Girls Do Bike, Inc.\n\n\"For Taylor to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the U. S. Congress, would finally recognize and acknowledge the astounding achievement by an African American professional cyclist during the Jim Crow Era of the early 20th century,\" said John Adams, Founder and Executive Director, the Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., a Chicago non-profit that launched its Major Taylor Initiative in January 2023 to advocate for Taylor to receive civic recognition that was long overdue. \"Taylor became world champion and was known as the world\u2019s fastest man. We are honored to lead this effort and thankful that so many have joined us in seeking this recognition and elevating him to his rightful place in the U.S. sports and civil rights history.\"\n\n\"As a barrier-breaking athlete, an advocate for racial equality and fairness, an exemplar of good sportsmanship, and a paragon of human dignity, Major Taylor earned global fame in his lifetime but didn't always get the national recognition he deserved,\" said Lynne Tolman, President, Major Taylor Association, Inc. \"A posthumous Congressional Gold Medal will cement his place in U.S. history.\"\n\n\"The League is thrilled to support this effort by Rep. Jackson to recognize one of the greatest cyclists in history, Marshall \u2018Major\u2019 Taylor, for his accomplishments, his impact, and his legacy with a Congressional Gold Medal,\" said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. \"Major Taylor was \u2018the fastest man in America\u2019, a global superstar who set world records and brought home world championships. As a Black athlete at the turn of the 20th century, he faced racism throughout his life and career from spectators, competitors, race organizers, and the bicycling community, including the League. The League agrees with Rep. Jackson that Major Taylor deserved better back then, and he deserves this recognition now. We\u2019re proud to be part of ensuring the nation celebrates Major Taylor for the path he blazed for future generations.\"\n\n\"We talk a lot about diversity today,\" said Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. \"Marshall 'Major' Taylor brought diversity to the cycling world by himself many, many years before it was safe or expected to do so. It is long past time for him to receive this honor -- and we are grateful to Rep. Jackson for bringing it forward.\n\n\"Major Taylor is one of the greatest athletes to have ever lived, but his greatness as a pioneering athlete has never been fully recognized,\" said Hector J. Garcia, Jr., Executive Director of the ADD Impact Network & Bike to the Beach. \"At a time of deep divisions and partisanship, I applaud this bipartisan group of Members of Congress for working to rectify this oversight and look forward to the day when the Marshall \"Major\" Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act passes into law.\"\n\n\"I wholeheartedly endorse the 'Marshall \u2018Major\u2019 Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act,\" said Monica Garrison, Founder and Executive Director Black Girls Do Bike, Inc. \"'Major' Taylor was not just a remarkable athlete but a true trailblazer and advocate who shattered racial barriers in the world of cycling. This bill rightly recognizes his historic significance and contributions to our nation. I commend Rep. Jackson for his efforts in championing this cause and urge all to support the bill, ensuring that Major Taylor's legacy continues to inspire generations to come.\"\n\nAbout Major Taylor\n\nTaylor, the son of a veteran who fought in the Civil War, was born in 1878. Despite racial tension, Taylor was educated and viewed as an adopted son by an affluent white family from Indianapolis, Indiana, who also employed his father, Gilbert Taylor. Due to his relationship with the family, Taylor received gifts, including his first bicycle. Upon receiving the bicycle, Taylor displayed natural talent.\n\nTaylor received the nickname \u201cMajor\u201d as a child while performing bicycle tricks outside of his workplace at Hay & Willits Manufacturing, Indiana Bicycle Co., in Indianapolis. His employer was so impressed with his abilities that the company enrolled him in his first race, which he won at the age of eleven. Taylor moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, with his employer, mentor, and racing manager, Louis D. \u201cBirdie\u201d Munger, in 1895, because Munger was forced out of his Indianapolis-based firm due to his mentorship of Taylor.\n\nIn 1896, at the age of eighteen, Taylor received a professional racing license from the League of American Wheelmen, despite the league\u2019s 1894 \u201cwhite only\u201d rule for amateur membership. This membership led to his eventual professional debut.\n\nLater that year, Taylor gained notoriety in his first professional contest by competing in the \u201cSix Day Race\u201d at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This race was considered a test of endurance, where cyclists would test both their mental and physical ability in front of a packed house at the Garden. At the conclusion of day six, Taylor finished eighth out of twenty-six and cycled roughly 1,732 miles.\n\nIn 1899, Taylor would win the world one-mile sprint championship in Montr\u00e9al, becoming the first Black American and the second Black athlete to win a world title. Taylor would go on to set seven cycling records and become the first Black world champion, which led to his being considered the first international superstar. Taylor would even revolutionize the sport by creating an innovative adjustable handlebar stem, which to date is called the \u201cMajor Taylor Stem.\u201d\n\nWhile experiencing racial prejudice throughout his career, Taylor became one of the first Black athletes to secure corporate sponsorships. He represented bicycle brands such as Iver Johnson, Sager, Stearns, and Orient, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest Black men in America. Due to his devout commitment to his faith, Taylor refused to race on Sundays, which led to him turning down a significant number of lucrative offers to race in Europe. However, once he achieved international superstardom, Taylor was able to negotiate \"no Sundays\" provisions in his European racing contracts.\n\nTaylor retired from racing in 1910 and started many business ventures. In 1928, he published his autobiography \u201cThe Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World\u201d with the intent of impacting justice, equal rights, and the \u2018square deal\u2019 for African Americans in sports.\n\nAbout the Congressional Gold Medal\n\nSince the late 1700s, Congress has expressed public gratitude to individuals and groups by awarding medals and other similar decorations. The Continental Congress awarded the first Congressional Gold Medals. Since that time, Congress has awarded gold medals to express public gratitude for distinguished contributions, dramatize the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuate the remembrance of great events. Two-thirds of both the House and Senate must cosponsor the legislation to advance it.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-join-bicameral-congressional-delegation-visit-guatemala-and-honduras", "Ramirez to Join Bicameral Congressional Delegation Visit to Guatemala and Honduras to Discuss Democracy, Stability, Migration, Economic Growth, and Security", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Later this week, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security House Committee, will join U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) on a congressional delegation visiting Guatemala and Honduras to meet with elected officials, the private sector, and civil society leaders. Ramirez will be also joined by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Norma Torres (D-CA-35).\n\nDuring their meetings, the lawmakers will discuss strategies to strengthen prosperity and security in the region and underscore the importance of democratic governance and the rule of law. Maintaining democracy and political stability in Central America is critical for U.S. national security.\n\nThe congressional delegation\u2019s visit to Guatemala comes at a critical moment for the country\u2019s democracy amid ongoing protests following provocative actions by the Public Ministry (Guatemala\u2019s justice department), including the raiding of facilities holding electoral materials, opening of ballot boxes, and intimidation of peaceful protestors, among other brazen acts. The Public Ministry has also filed spurious charges against President-elect Bernardo Arevalo, Vice President-Elect Karin Herrera, and other officials and attempted to strip them of their pre-trial immunity. While President Alejandro Giammattei has publicly acknowledged Arevalo\u2019s electoral victory, the Public Ministry continues to systematically attempt to undermine the electoral transition and engage in targeted investigations against the president-elect's political party and other democracy defenders.\n\nBack in November, Congresswoman Ramirez expressed disapproval of these actions, saying: \u201c\u00a1El pueblo de Guatemala habl\u00f3! The current efforts from the attorney general and government institutions to overturn a rightful and democratic election are a serious threat to Guatemalan's democracy. La elecci\u00f3n del pueblo debe prevalecer.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/ec-leaders-hail-unanimous-45-0-bipartisan-committee-passage-ticket-act", "E&C Leaders Hail Unanimous 45-0 Bipartisan Committee Passage of the TICKET Act", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Committee Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone, and, Subcommittee Chair Bilirakis and Subcommittee Ranking Member Schakowsky made the following statement on the passage of H.R. 3950, the \u201cTransparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act\u201d or \u201cTICKET Act\u201d out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce by a vote of 45-0:\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan TICKET Act that unanimously passed 45-0 out of Committee yesterday, as amended with the \u201cSTOP Act\u201d led by Rep. Kelly Armstrong, will transform the experience of buying event tickets online. It ends practices that frustrate people who simply want to enjoy a concert, show, or sporting event and will restore fairness and transparency to the ticketing marketplace.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe would like to thank our colleagues, both on and off Committee, for their collaboration. This bipartisan achievement is the result of months and years of hard work by Members on both sides of the aisle. Our Committee will continue to lead the way on this effort as we further our work to bring this solution to the House floor.\u201d\n\nThe bill passed out of Committee combines H.R. 3950, the \u201cTICKET Act,\u201d and H.R. 6568, the \u201cSpeculative Ticketing Oversight and Prohibition Act\u201d or the \u201cSTOP Act.\u201d The combined bill:\n\nRequires the total price of an event ticket be displayed upfront, inclusive of all fees\n\nBans the sale of a ticket that a seller does not have (\u201cspeculative ticketing\u201d)\n\nGuarantees refunds for event cancellations and postponements\n\nRequires clear disclosures and bans deceptive URLs to protect consumers from fraudulent ticketing websites\n\nRequires the Federal Trade Commission study and report on enforcement of the BOTS Act (Pub.L. 114-274)\n\nThe TICKET Act is also endorsed by several leading ticketing, sporting, and entertainment organizations.\n\nNational Consumers League\n\n\u201cLive event fans achieved an important victory with today\u2019s vote,\u201d said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. \u201cAdd-on junk fees for concerts and sporting events have been the bane of consumers\u2019 existence for decades. These reforms are long overdue and promise to make the ticket-buying experience a fairer, easier process for millions of fans.\u201d\n\nInternational Association of Venue Managers\n\n\u201cWe applaud the Committee for recognizing that significant problems exist in ticketing and working with IAVM to help fix them,\u201d said Brad Mayne, CVE, IAVM President and CEO. \u201cVenues are on the front line of the ticketing debate and deal directly with consumers harmed by a reckless secondary ticketing system driven solely by profits. Addressing these problems would get at the root cause of escalating ticket prices and allow more consumers to experience the joy of live entertainment at a fair price point per the artist\u2019s request. IAVM congratulates the Committee for this accomplishment and pledges to work tirelessly for its members and member venues until The Ticket Act, H.R. 3950, is enacted into law.\n\nSports Fans Coalition\n\n\"The unanimous vote to pass the TICKET Act out of committee represents the single largest step to reforming a deeply broken market since 2016's BOTS Act.\" said Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition. \"Chairman Bilirakis, Ranking Member Schakowsky, and Representative Armstrong have been stalwart champions for consumers of live event tickets, even against tremendous industry pressures. The TICKET Act has been expanded from its original version and is now the most comprehensive, bipartisan solution to be voted on in Congress. Sports Fans Coalition urges leadership to pass this bill expeditiously.\"\n\nFix the Tix Coalition\n\n\u201cArtists, fans, and venues deserve a TICKET Act with meaningful protections in addition to transparency. Predatory resellers sell speculative, or fake, tickets to American consumers every day. They use deceptive websites and marketing tactics to trick fans into thinking they are buying tickets from an artist's venue. These practices are blatantly fraudulent, and the TICKET Act advanced out of Committee today bans them. The House Energy & Commerce Committee took bold action today to move forward the most comprehensive protections for artists and fans in ticketing that we have seen in years. We look forward to working with the House to ensure the final version of the TICKET Act delivered to the President\u2019s desk continues to provide the highest level of protection for fans, artists, and venues.\u201d\n\nProtect Ticket Rights\n\n\u201cThe ticket reform package passed out of Committee represents the most comprehensive and bipartisan progress in Congress to repair ticketing and protect fans since the passage of the BOTS Act in 2026. It will help to make the ticket buying process more transparent so that consumers are better informed when they search for tickets while also affording fans with new protections including the guarantee of a refund for cancelled events. Best of all, despite efforts to the contrary, this bill doesn\u2019t include handouts to any of the special interests in the live events industry. It should be passed immediately,\u201d said Brian Berry, Advocacy Director for Protect Ticket Rights.\n\nNetChoice\n\n\u201cThe TICKET and STOP Acts are the first step in addressing flaws in the event ticket market. They make clear that when a ticket is offered for sale, the seller truly possesses that ticket, and helps create a national standard for ticket sales,\u201d said Carl Szabo, NetChoice Vice President & General Counsel. \u201cWhile this is an important first step, Congress must also address Ticketmaster\u2019s monopoly and how it has abused its power to harm consumers. As the Justice Department attacks highly competitive marketplaces and companies benefiting consumers, it continues to ignore the clear Ticketmaster monopoly that is hurting Americans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-durbin-duckworth-grassley-miller-meeks-lead-effort-improve-workers", "Sorensen, Durbin, Duckworth, Grassley, Miller-Meeks Lead Effort to Improve Workers\u2019 Compensation Access for Federal Workers in the Quad Cities", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) issued a letter urging Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su to improve workers\u2019 compensation access for federal workers in the Quad Cities area, including Department of Defense (DOD) workers at the Rock Island Arsenal.\n\n\u201cThe inability to get appointments with local providers has forced some federal employees to travel far away to seek treatment,\u201d the members wrote in the letter. \u201cEmployees unable to travel are left to manage their injuries, which can deteriorate without timely treatment. Other employees are left paying medical bills out of their own pocket. Federal employees across the country are facing similar issues to those in the Quad Cities.\"\n\n\u201cWe as federal employees have been dealing with the issue of local doctors not participating in the Federal Workers Compensation program for a few years. It has caused unnecessary financial burden and physical pain to our Brothers and Sisters who support the war fighter. We thank all of our Congressional leaders for their help with this issue and hope we can come to a speedy resolution to the issue,\u201d said Chad Finch, Vice President of A.F.G.E Local 2119 in Rock Island.\n\nIn the letter, members highlighted difficulties faced by injured federal employees in the Quad Cities area when seeking treatment under federal workers\u2019 compensation. They extended questions to Acting Secretary Su on how the Department of Labor (DOL) can better alleviate these challenges and connect workers in the area to reliable care.\n\nCurrently, care providers can choose whether to accept federal workers\u2019 compensation cases. Many providers in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa choose not to accept these patients, citing difficulties in working with and receiving payment from the DOL.\n\nThis has resulted in a lack of reliable access to care in the region, forcing injured federal employees to travel long distances to treat injuries sustained on the job, which places a huge burden and personal risk to them. \u201cPeople are risking their lives and livelihoods when medical care should be accessible in their own communities,\u201d the members wrote.\n\nThe members are seeking answers on how the DOL can adequately and efficiently work with providers to ensure federal workers and employees at the Rock Island Arsenal receive the treatment they deserve.\n\nYou can read the full letter to here and below:\n\nDear Acting Secretary Su,\n\nPlease regard this letter as a follow up to one sent by Senator Charles Grassley to Director Christopher Godfrey on March 3, 2023, regarding the Office of Workers\u2019 Compensation Program (OWCP) and its management of workplace compensation claims for federal employees, including civilian employees of the Department of Defense who work at the Rock Island Arsenal.\n\nThe OWCP provider search portal lists only one orthopedic provider in the Quad Cities. However, a representative of the Workers\u2019 Compensation Division of the named provider stated, \u201c[a]s of September 2021, [we have] quit seeing Department of Labor patients due to the website situation, not paying the bills, and it\u2019s very difficult to get any kind of authorizations from the Department of Labor.\u201d (Anonymous, personal communication, September 13, 2023). When asked if the representative was aware their employer is listed as a provider on the OWCP website, they said no. When asked if OWCP had communicated any changes to their website or billing process to the provider, they said no. Each provider is free to choose if they wish to participate in the federal workers\u2019 compensation program. It is OWCP\u2019s responsibility to ensure the process is efficient and effective so providers will choose to work within the system, and treat the injuries of federal workers \u2013 our constituents.\n\nThe Quad Cities consists of Rock Island and Moline, in Illinois, as well as Davenport and Bettendorf, in Iowa. The closest provider accepting federal workers\u2019 compensation cases is 60 miles away at the University of Iowa. There are multiple orthopedic providers in the Quad Cities who have the resources and skills to treat patients. However, some providers have stated the OWCP process is too cumbersome and they lose money by participating. When providers withdraw from OWCP participation, workers in the Quad Cities suffer.\n\nThe inability to get appointments with local providers has forced some federal employees to travel far away to seek treatment. On September 12, 2023, a civilian federal employee of the Rock Island Arsenal was injured in a car accident while driving to a doctor\u2019s appointment in Chicago for a work-related injury. If this worker had been able to see a doctor in the Quad Cities, there would be no need for him to drive 150 miles away to see a doctor. People are risking their lives and livelihoods when medical care should be accessible in their own communities.\n\nEmployees unable to travel are left to manage their injuries, which can deteriorate without timely treatment. Other employees are left paying medical bills out of their own pocket. Federal employees across the country are facing similar issues to those in the Quad Cities. According to an NBC News report from August 2023, \u201c[i]njured federal employees say their treatable injuries are at risk of progressing into lifelong disabilities because the workers\u2019 compensation program...is clogged by low staffing, convoluted processes and an increase in claims.\u201d\n\nOn March 10, 2023, Deputy Director of OWCP Megan Hylton responded to Senator Grassley\u2019s letter, listing a number of initiatives her office was implementing regarding registration and participation of medical providers, aligning bill processing procedures with industry standards, and streamlining customer service. We appreciate Deputy Director Hylton\u2019s response, and our offices request further information regarding the concrete steps OWCP is taking to streamline the process so providers are willing to participate in the federal workers\u2019 compensation program.\n\nTo assist us in conducting oversight to best serve our constituents, please provide us with answers to the following questions no later than 30 days upon receipt of this letter.\n\nWhich issues described in this letter does OWCP anticipate addressing related to provider participation and claimant experiences when seeking services? Please provide detailed explanations.\n\nIn Deputy Director Hylton\u2019s letter to Senator Grassley, she mentioned an internal working group to address issues in the near-term. What findings has the working group found in the intervening months? Will you commit your staff to providing our staff a briefing on the working group\u2019s findings?\n\nHow does OWCP plan to encourage orthopedic providers from the Quad Cities to participate in the provider network?\n\nProviders incur costs for diagnostic appointments which OWCP does not uniformly reimburse. What steps need to be taken to ensure providers are reimbursed in accordance with existing laws and regulations for the costs and services furnished?\n\nWe have heard from providers in the Quad Cities area who have found the claimant and reimbursement forms difficult to use. Is there an effort to increase the accessibility of these forms?\n\nDoes OWCP conduct outreach and education efforts to prospective providers regarding enrollment in the provider network? Are these efforts tailored to underserved areas and specialties?\n\nWhat procedures does OWCP have in place to encourage currently enrolled providers to continue participating in the provider network?\n\nWhen claimants visit the OWCP website to submit an initial claim, the first steps on the website require a claim number from a provider, despite no claim number having been issued by this point in the process. What steps will OWCP take to address this issue?\n\nHow frequently is the OWCP provider network portal updated to reflect active participants? On which date was the portal most recently updated?\n\nClaimants report long wait times when calling OWCP customer service. Does OWCP track customer service wait times? If so, what are the previous five average wait times recorded? What steps is OWCP taking to ensure customer service representatives are answering claimants\u2019 calls in a timely fashion?\n\nPlease provide a list of steps OWCP has taken and will take to streamline the application process, and a timeline within which we can expect them to be implemented.\n\nThe Quad Cities region is in dire need of orthopedic providers who are willing to work with OWCP. We urge you to take all appropriate steps to ensure our constituents have adequate access to medical care.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-and-huffman-statement-on-opposition-to-the-pipes-act", "Reps. Garc\u00eda and Huffman Statement on Opposition to the PIPES Act", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Representatives Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04) and Jared Huffman (CA-02), members of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement in opposition to the Committee-passed PIPES Act of 2023, a four-year reauthorization bill that regulates our nation\u2019s pipelines and hazardous material transportation:\n\n\u201cThe Committee-passed PIPES Act fails to meet the multiple imperatives we are up against as we look to reauthorize PHMSA. It prioritizes industry interests over the safety of our communities and doesn\u2019t adequately address the environmental catastrophes posed by America\u2019s decrepit web of pipelines. Federal protections have not caught up with the recent plans to expand the number and types of pipelines in usage. Specifically, this bill does not include regulations responsive to the unique risks posed by carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipelines that the fossil fuel industry is trying to push through in an attempt to greenwash and gaslight the American people, and instead fast-tracks efforts to proceed with their construction. This bill also ignores the need for transparency with communities that may be in harm\u2019s way if a leak or accident happens.\n\n\u201cWe each introduced several amendments to study and address these safety and environmental challenges, but disappointingly none of those amendments were adopted. For those reasons, we had no choice but to oppose this deeply flawed bill. This moment demands more from us as legislators, and we will continue to fight for a stronger PIPES Act that protects our communities and our planet.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-takano-introduce-resolution-establish-national-3d-printing-day", "Foster, Takano Introduce Resolution to Establish National 3D Printing Day", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, Representatives Bill Foster (D-IL) and Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan House resolution to establish December 3 as National 3D Printing Day.\n\n\"3D printing has spurred cheaper, quicker, and more efficient production in everything from biotechnology to food production, to advanced manufacturing. 3D printing technology provides small businesses and entrepreneurs in Illinois and across the country with state-of-the-art tools to bring new products to life and remain at the forefront of innovation,\" said Rep. Foster.\n\n\"At a time when technology is rapidly evolving and people are growing more innovative, I'm joining my colleague, Rep. Bill Foster, in introducing a resolution to designate December 3 as National 3D Printing Day. I hope that together, we can celebrate the advancements that 3D printing has enabled us to make and draw attention to the untapped power of this technology. We have the ability to positively impact countless industries, businesses, and organizations, and I am glad to be part of this effort,\" said Rep. Takano.\n\nBy enabling rapid production of previously impossible, innovative products, 3D printing has the potential to spawn thousands of new businesses in the U.S. and give domestic companies an edge in global markets. The Department of Energy estimates that 3D printing can save 50 percent of energy use compared to more traditional manufacturing processes. Foster and Takano introduced this resolution to honor innovative technologies, such as 3D printing, that have the potential to jump-start post pandemic manufacturing in the United States.\n\nText of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jackson-marks-ten-year-anniversary-nelson-mandelas-death", "Rep. Jackson Marks the Ten-Year Anniversary of Nelson Mandela's Death", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jonathan L. Jackson", "J000309", "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "jonathanjackson", "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) released the following statement marking the ten-year anniversary of Nelson Mandela that occurred this week:\n\n\"Ten years ago, we lost a giant who was unique in world history. Nelson Mandela did not succumb to the racism that tried to push him down and jail him, but instead rose above it and strove for reconciliation with his oppressors. His legacy of wisdom, love, and grace will forever stand as an inspiration.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-recognized-outstanding-contributions-asian-american", "Congressman Krishnamoorthi Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the Asian American Community by the Conference on Social Progress Since Repealing the Chinese Exclusion Act", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Tuesday, as part of the commemoration of Wednesday\u2019s 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi was honored by the organizers of the Conference on Social Progress Since Repealing the Chinese Exclusion Act 80 Years Ago (CRCEA) with an award for his outstanding contributions to the Asian American community. CRCEA presented Congressman Krishnamoorthi with the award following his address on the progress made by the Asian American community since the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act 80 years ago. The Chinese Exclusion Act, which was enacted in 1882 and repealed in 1943, was the first and most significant federal legislation in American history to explicitly suspend immigration for people of a specific nationality. It is still widely regarded as a central pillar of the history of anti-Chinese and anti-Asian hate.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for the opportunity to have joined with members of the Chinese American and broader AAPI community to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, a critical milestone in American history which highlights our progress as a nation,\u201d said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. \u201cThis bigoted law robbed countless people of Chinese heritage the opportunity to pursue their American dream while laying the foundations for the anti-Asian hate our nation still battles today. Today, on the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act\u2019s repeal, I hope all Americans reflect on the dark history of this law, how far we have come as a nation, and how far we still must go as to defeat anti-Asian hate.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-joins-the-politico-tech-podcast-to-discuss-digital-trade-policy", "LaHood Joins the POLITICO Tech Podcast to Discuss Digital Trade Policy", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, joined the POLITICO Tech podcast to discuss digital trade policy, his effort to reverse the Biden Administration's abandonment of key bipartisan digital trade proposals at the the World Trade Organization (WTO), and risks posed by China. LaHood joined Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) for the joint, bipartisan interview.\n\n(Click here to listen to the full podcast)\n\nIn November, Reps. LaHood and DelBene led a bipartisan effort pushing back on the Biden Administration's decision to pull out of key digital trade proposals at the WTO.\n\nKey Quotes from Rep. LaHood\n\n\"I share the concerns of many of my colleagues as it pertains to China and that we not allow China to write the rules of the road for the digital economy. The PRC\u2019s restrictive model of digital governance advanced through their Golden Shield Project, or the \u201cGreat Firewall\u201d and its Digital Silk Road Initiative promotes censorship, surveillance, human rights abuses, forced technology transfers and severely restricts the free flow of data. We should be the ones writing the rules for the future...\"\n\n\"If you look at the digital chapters of USMCA, which we passed in a bipartisan way, we addressed competition, protectionist data flows, localization restrictions, and web blocking. I would argue that those digital chapters should be the formula moving forward and should be embraced by the Biden Administration.\"\n\n\u201cOur allies around the globe, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, are craving U.S. leadership. It's really important that we step up to the plate. We've had a number of bipartisan letters pressing upon the Administration to be engaged on digital trade. I wish I could tell you that we were at a point where I thought I had confidence that they (the Biden Administration) have the kind of the same level of enthusiasm that we have. But I don't have that confidence at this point.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-quigley-announce-936-million-modernize-chicagos-union", "Durbin, Duckworth, Quigley Announce $93.6 Million To Modernize Chicago\u2019s Union Station", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", "quigley", "https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) today announced $93,600,000 for the Chicago Hub Improvement Project (CHIP) through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal-State Partnerships for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program, which received funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. CHIP is Amtrak\u2019s multi-phased project to revitalize Chicago Union Station (CUS) and revolutionize Midwest passenger rail.\n\nThe grants announced today will fund several components of the project to modernize CUS. This includes renovating and expanding the station platforms, adding an ingress/egress to improve passenger capacity, bringing platforms in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and improving ventilation systems and air quality for nearly 120,000 Amtrak and Metra weekly passengers. The grants also will repurpose the Station\u2019s mail platform, which has been out of use since 2005, for intercity rail service, enabling CUS to accommodate passenger growth and support long-term rail service expansion across the Midwest.\n\nIn the past 15 years, the number of trains on Illinois tracks have doubled, and CHIP represents a coordinated effort across federal, state, and local stakeholders to catch up with that growth by investing in Chicago\u2019s capacity and reliability as the North American rail hub. Chicago has more trackage radiating in more directions than any other city in North America, and the City is at the center of Amtrak\u2019s Midwestern expansion plan to connect dozens of cities in 160 communities with Amtrak service. Many long-planned projects to improve and extend rail lines across other Midwest states would benefit from CHIP\u2019s improvements to the Chicago area, including projects within the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and the FRA\u2019s Midwest Regional Rail Plan.\n\n\u201cChicago, often referred to as the crossroads of America, holds a unique position in the converging point for railroads that cross our nation,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cThis significant federal investment is a strategic move to ensure our city remains not just a crossroads, but a thriving nexus that efficiently connects people, goods, and ideas. It\u2019s an acknowledgement that Union Station must adapt and innovate to cater to the evolving needs of our residents and the broader American landscape. I\u2019m proud to have helped bring local officials, the State, Amtrak, and other stakeholders together to ensure there was a unified push for this project, and look forward to keeping the heart of America\u2019s rail network beating strong into the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cChicago is a national epicenter of passenger, commuter and freight rail, but with that comes congestion, bottlenecks and delays,\u201d Duckworth said. \u201cImprovements to Chicago\u2019s Union Station are critically important for improving rail service and reliability for folks in Chicago and throughout Illinois, but also for preventing delays and increasing safety for the more than 30 million riders across all the rail services that pass through Union Station each year. This announcement is a great start in working toward these improvements, but I\u2019ll keep working to ensure we bring more funding into the Chicago Hub Improvement Program because this critical project isn\u2019t just beneficial for Chicago and Illinois, it\u2019s also a win for the Midwest and a win for our entire country.\u201d\n\n\u201cChicago\u2019s Union Station is the centerpiece of passenger rail service in the Midwest, connecting people and places throughout our region,\u201d said Quigley. \u201cThe project funding announced today under the Chicago Hub Improvement Program takes a major step in modernizing Union Station for a safer and more efficient future of passenger rail travel. As Ranking Member of the subcommittee that funds our nation\u2019s railways, I\u2019ll continue to work with my colleagues at the federal, state, and local levels to make Chicago\u2019s rail service the envy of the nation.\u201d\n\nDurbin worked to bring parties together\u2014local officials, the State, Amtrak, and other stakeholders including labor, environmental groups, and businesses\u2014to ensure there was a unified push for the project. In September, Durbin, Duckworth, and Quigley led 29 Midwest colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose expressing their support for Amtrak\u2019s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program application for CHIP.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ramirez-urges-congress-address-act-22-protect-puerto-rico-and-il", "Congresswoman Ramirez Urges Congress to Address  Act 22 to Protect Puerto Rico and IL-03", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Yesterday, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) took to the House floor to call on her colleagues to address the federal tax loopholes that allow wealthy American citizens to evade taxes by \u201cmoving\u201d to Puerto Rico through Act 22. Ramirez argues that the loopholes are creating a crisis of displacement, tax evasion, and housing affordability in Puerto Rico while depriving congressional districts in the United States of crucial funding for the communities.\n\nFor video of remarks, click HERE:\n\nMr/ Mrs. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a crisis of displacement, tax evasion, and housing affordability that is directly affecting our communities, including the people of Illinois Third Congressional District.\n\nBecause of Act 22 and federal tax loopholes, Puerto Rico is the only place where a wealthy American - with no tie to the island - can move and evade paying any federal taxes: taxes that represent essential funds for safety net programs and critical infrastructure in our districts.\n\nAnd while those Americans seek out a tax shelter in Puerto Rico, they are driving up the price of rent by 600%, privatizing lands that belong to the people, robbing Puerto Ricans of affordable housing, and driving the second largest out-migration the island has seen.\n\nCongress has the responsibility to close the Act 22 loophole, hurting Puerto Rico and depriving our districts of vital resources.\n\nThank you, and I yield back.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongresswoman Ramirez's priorities include providing affordable housing and protecting safety net programs and federal community investments from cuts or detrimental actions that put the well-being of families in danger.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-warren-reintroduce-bicameral-affordable-drug-manufacturing-act", "Schakowsky, Warren Reintroduce Bicameral Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, bicameral legislation to address the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs 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.\n\n\u201cThanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, millions of Medicare beneficiaries will soon begin to see their prescription drug costs lowered. While this is a historic achievement, more must be done to help lower prices and increase competition in the commercial pharmaceutical market,\u201d said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. \u201cThat is why I am proud to reintroduce the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act with my friend Senator Elizabeth Warren, which would establish an Office of Drug Manufacturing within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for manufacturing generic drugs, lowering prices, increasing competition, and addressing drug shortages. The five largest pharmaceutical companies raked in nearly $80 billion in profits last year, meanwhile many every day Americans struggled to afford their lifesaving medications. It is time for Big Pharma to face real, honest competition that will lower drug prices for people across the United States.\"\n\n\u201cPublic manufacturing presents a powerful opportunity to resolve drug shortages, secure the pharmaceutical supply chain, and ensure generic drugs are accessible and affordable for patients,\u201d said Senator Elizabeth Warren. \u201cOur Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act will fix the failures in the generic drug market, introduce more competition, and lower drug prices for consumers.\u201d\n\nThe Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act would:\n\nEstablish an Office of Drug Manufacturing within HHS charged with increasing competition, addressing shortages in the market for prescription drugs, and ensuring drugs are available at a fair price;\n\nAuthorize the Office to manufacture generic drugs under one of the following key conditions:\n\nNo company is marketing the drug,\n\nThree or fewer companies are marketing the drug, and the price has spiked;\n\nThree or fewer companies are marketing the drug, and the drug is in shortage; or\n\nThree or fewer companies are marketing the drug, the price is a barrier to patient access, and the drug is listed as an \u201cessential medicine\u201d by the World Health Organization\n\nAuthorize the Office to manufacture any drug that the federal government has licensed, including under existing compulsory licensing authorities;\n\nAllow the government to sell publicly-manufactured drugs at a fair price that covers manufacturing costs while ensuring patients have access to these drugs;\n\nRequire the Office to begin public production of insulin, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease inhalers, naloxone, epinephrine auto-injectors, and antibiotics within one year;\n\nImprove the ability of new companies to enter the generic drug market by authorizing the public manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients;\n\nRequire 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 to resume production if a manufacturer violates these commitments.\n\nThe legislation is also co-sponsored by Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.-AL), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (AZ-07), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (IL-04) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR).\n\nThe Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act \u2013 first introduced in 2018 \u2013 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, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and People\u2019s Action.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-announces-funding-improve-air-quality-kewanee-and-protect-residents", "Sorensen Announces Funding to Improve Air Quality in Kewanee and Protect Residents from Extreme Heat", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KEWANEE, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are announcing $220,685 for the City of Kewanee to support a project that will plant more trees in the community, improving air quality and lowering temperatures for residents.\n\n\u201cExtreme weather has plagued our region, making it difficult for Illinoisans to live comfortably\u2014 especially during the summer months,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cTrees are vital to our communities. They improve air quality, help lower energy costs, sequester carbon, and help prevent flooding by managing stormwater. I am proud to see Kewanee receive this investment to develop ways to mitigate the impact of extreme weather by growing more trees so we can build a more sustainable region for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ll be removing trees that aren\u2019t a good fit for our area, but we\u2019ll be replacing them with trees that serve as an asset to our neighborhoods,\u201d said Kewanee City Manager Gary Bradley. \u201cWith the funding provided through this grant, we\u2019ll have trained staff and the proper equipment to manage our urban forest in the future.\u201d\n\nThe funding is being awarded from the USDA Forest Service as part of its 2023 Urban and Community Forestry Grants. This grant award for Kewanee is one of 385 grant proposals selected for funding across all 50 states.\n\nThis award will increase Kewanee\u2019s ability to manage its urban forest and will support a project to plant more trees in the community. Funds will be used to train and certify two public works employees to become arborists, hire and train a season employee, create a city tree board, develop a Community Forest Tree Management Plan, and plant new trees.\n\nFunding provided through the grant will help Kewanee address several concerns related to trees, including heaving and buckled sidewalks in residential areas. The city also has several dead or dying trees, particularly of the Ash variety, and other invasive varieties of trees that need to be removed and replaced.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-hres-894", "Foster Statement on H.Res. 894", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bill Foster", "F000454", "foster.house.gov", "foster", "https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Bill Foster released the following statement after voting \u201cpresent\u201d on H.Res. 894:\n\n\u201cThere is no question that the recent rise in antisemitism is an urgent threat that must be addressed, but this extreme Republican resolution is not a good-faith effort to tackle the problem.\n\n\u201cThis resolution includes an overly broad definition of antisemitism that could be used to deem any criticism of Israel\u2019s government as antisemitic. It states that there is no difference between anti-Zionism and antisemitism \u2014 a blanket statement that fails to recognize the broad range of definitions of Zionism or appreciate the diversity of thought within the Jewish community. Instead of working in a careful and collaborative way, Republican leadership chose to rush forward with a severely flawed resolution that would only serve to further divide our nation at a time when we need unity in the face of hate.\n\n\u201cI stand shoulder to shoulder with those who want to take meaningful action to fight the antisemitic scourge, including Congressional action. I was proud to support the Biden Administration\u2019s National Antisemitism Strategy, which provides a whole-of-government approach to fighting antisemitism in the United States. I am also proud to join Rep. Nadler, Goldman, and Raskin to cosponsor their resolution to fully implement the National Strategy, including tangible solutions such as funding for enforcement of Title VI to address antisemitism on college campuses and increasing funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.\n\n\u201cI will continue to work with my colleagues on meaningful policies to root out hatred, bigotry, and discrimination from our nation and around the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-statement-opposition-hres-894", "Ramirez Statement in Opposition to H.Res 894", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after voting in opposition to H.Res 894:\n\n\u201cI am committed to a self-determined future where both Palestinians and Israelis are able to live freely and safely. I support a two-state solution and affirm both Palestine and Israel\u2019s right to exist as sovereign states. To realize that future, states and leaders cannot be above criticism, nor can we stifle dissent and the exercise of free speech. While we must unequivocally stand against islamophobia and antisemitism in all their forms, the definition of antisemitism in this bill sets a dangerous precedent. It is dangerous to conflate antisemitism with the criticism of the Israeli state or the extreme and xenophobic nationalist policies they have supported. Nationalist movements deny our shared humanity and interconnectedness. As we advocate for a lasting peace, we must stand strong against the nationalist politics of division that dehumanize others and incite violence. That\u2019s why I voted NO on today\u2019s resolution H.Res 894.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-calls-permanent-end-violence-israel-gaza-and-west-bank-immediate", "Schakowsky Calls for Permanent End to the Violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank; Immediate Release of Remaining Hostages", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement calling for the immediate release of all remaining hostages captured by Hamas and a negotiated end of the war that sets the stage for a democratic sovereign Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with a democratic Israel:\n\n\u201cNow is the time for the Administration and our allies in the international community to build on their diplomatic efforts and facilitate a permanent and durable negotiated peace to end the war that started on October 7, 2023, with Hamas\u2019s brutal terrorist attack. This agreement must be one that secures the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, leads to the removal of Hamas from operational control of Gaza, ends the violence against Palestinian and Israeli civilians, and allows for the influx of humanitarian assistance that is necessary to end the suffering in Gaza and rebuild its devastated areas.\n\n\u201cAs Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said just days ago, \u2018The lesson is that you can only win in urban warfare by protecting civilians\u2026 and if you drive them into the arms of the enemy, you replace a tactical victory with a strategic defeat.\u2019 I believe that is exactly what continued military operations in Gaza are doing today. With the Israeli military expanding its ground assault against Hamas to all of the Gaza Strip, I fear there is nowhere safe for civilians to seek refuge. That is why I believe that a permanent end to the violence is the only way to protect civilians, secure the safe return of the remaining hostages, and avoid a protracted regional war.\n\n\u201cThe human cost of this war is staggering, and it must end now. An estimated 15,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its response to Hamas\u2019s horrifying terrorist attack. I have constituents who have lost loved ones during airstrikes in Gaza. I have constituents who have been victims of settler violence in the West Bank. I have constituents who lost loved ones on October 7th. And I have constituents who are living a nightmare waiting for any news about their loved ones who were violently kidnapped by Hamas. We have seen the vast majority of Gaza\u2019s civilian population displaced, many with no homes to which they can return. And nearly all of Israel\u2019s western and northern border communities have be displaced as Israel is faced with relentless rocket fire from within Gaza and from Hezbollah in the north. This is unsustainable and the death and destruction must stop now.\n\n\u201cIt is time to bring all the hostages home, end the violence once and for all and expand and expedite efforts to implement a two-state solution. This is the only path that will bring long-term peace, prosperity, justice and security to Israelis and Palestinians alike.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-after-vote-hres-894", "Schakowsky Statement After the Vote on H.Res. 894", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement after today's vote on H.Res. 894:\n\n\"As a proud Jewish Member of Congress representing a large and diverse Jewish community, I take very seriously the widespread and urgent threat of antisemitism. I have heard from hundreds of Jewish constituents, including my own loved ones, about their very real fears of going about their day-to-day activities \u2013 including attending school, synagogue, or even going to the grocery store. This is absolutely unacceptable.\n\n\"Unfortunately, the extreme Republican resolution, H.Res. 894, does absolutely nothing to counter antisemitism, and it only seeks to divide us and weaponize Jewish lives for political gains. It includes an overly broad definition of antisemitism that could deem any criticism of the Israeli government as antisemitic. This resolution was rushed to the floor without careful and considerate collaboration. That is why I could not vote for H.Res. 894. I invite my colleagues to join me in concrete actions to address antisemitism.\n\n\"Instead of engaging in partisan 'gotcha' games, we must work together to fully fund and implement the Biden Administration\u2019s first ever, whole-of-government U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. That is why I joined U.S. Representatives Nadler, Raskin, and Goldman in their resolution committing Congress to fully implementing the National Strategy. I will also continue working to increase funding for our federal agencies to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other laws that protect our students from discrimination, harassment, and abuse based on their Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics. I will also continue my efforts to dramatically increase non-profit security grant funding to bolster security at our Jewish institutions and other high-risk non-profits.\n\n\"I will never stop fighting to end antisemitism and hatred in all forms. Together, we can build a safer and more accepting world for all.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-sorensens-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-nasa-and-department-energy", "House Passes Sorensen\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen NASA and Department of Energy", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), top-ranking Democrat on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee applauded the passage of his DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act by the House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill that he introduced alongside Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) would improve collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Energy (DOE) to advance our nation\u2019s leadership in science and exploration.\n\n\u201cI was thrilled to lead the \u2018DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act\u2019 alongside my colleague and Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, Congressman Williams,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cNASA and the Department of Energy have enjoyed a decades-long, successful partnership that has improved our understanding of the universe. This bill seeks to build and expand upon the productive legacy of NASA and DOE by advancing their coordination on fundamental and applied science. This bill will make a real-world impact for my constituents and the rest of the country\u2014and I was proud to see it pass the House today. When we send the first humans to Mars, they will rely on capabilities made possible by the technology we develop today.\u201d\n\n\u201cH.R. 2988, the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act, is a crucial piece of legislation that will help reinvigorate the government\u2019s role in promoting American technological innovation and space travel. This act authorizes the Department of Energy and NASA to enhance cooperation in critical R&D areas like nuclear propulsion systems, quantum information sciences, and high-energy physics,\u201d said Williams. \u201cCongress must remain committed to U.S. leadership in space and science. The passage of H.R. 2988 in the House of Representatives demonstrates our commitment to scientific exceptionalism, and I am proud to have introduced this legislation.\u201d\n\nThe DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act gives NASA and DOE the authority to work together on cross-cutting and collaborative research without prior approval from Congress. By codifying the relationship between these two entities, the bill will allow the United States to more efficiently advance discovery, research, and exploration.\n\nCongressman Sorensen gave remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives prior to passage of the legislation. You can view his full remarks here.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-applauds-epa-rule-to-reduce-methane-emissions", "Casten Applauds EPA Rule to Reduce Methane Emissions", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement applauding the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s final rule to sharply reduce methane emissions:\n\n\u201cSince the Industrial Revolution, methane emissions have accounted for approximately one-third of global warming,\u201d said Rep. Casten. \u201cThis problem has only become worse in recent years, as annual methane emissions remain stubbornly high. The EPA\u2019s new methane rule will not only significantly decrease methane emissions, but it will also serve as a message to the world during COP 28 that the United States remains committed to our emissions reduction goals.\u201d\n\nThe EPA\u2019s final rule will prevent an estimated 58 million tons of methane emissions from 2024 to 2038, the equivalent of 1.5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide \u2013 nearly as much as all the carbon dioxide emitted by the power sector in 2021. In 2030 alone, the expected reductions are equivalent to 130 million metric tons of carbon dioxide \u2013 more than the annual emissions from 28 million gasoline cars. The rule would achieve a nearly 80 percent reduction below the methane emissions that would have been expected in the future without the rule. These reductions are greater than what was projected for the 2022 and 2021 proposals, thanks to changes that strengthen provisions to limit wasteful, polluting flaring of natural gas and analytical updates that better capture the impacts of this rulemaking.\n\n\u201cI applaud the Biden Administration for cracking down on this super pollutant,\u201d Rep. Sean Casten continued. \u201cThat said, this rule should not mark the end of our work on methane emissions. We must continue to develop the technologies needed to dramatically reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry and ensure the Department of Energy and the EPA have the resources necessary to do so.\u201d\n\nThe final rule includes a comprehensive suite of pollution reduction standards that address the largest sources of methane and other harmful pollutants at oil and gas facilities, including methane that leaks or is vented from equipment processes. Among other things, the final rule will:\n\nPhase in a requirement to eliminate routine flaring of natural gas that is produced by new oil wells;\n\nRequire comprehensive monitoring for leaks of methane from well sites and gas compressor stations, while giving oil and gas companies flexibility to use innovative low-cost methane monitoring technologies;\n\nEstablish standards that require reductions in emissions from high-emitting equipment like controllers, pumps, and storage tanks; and\n\nLeverage third-party expertise to find large methane leaks and releases known as \u201csuper emitters.\u201d\n\nSince coming to Congress, Rep. Casten has prioritized legislation to reduce methane emissions. Last year, he partnered with Rep. Peter Meijer to introduce the bipartisan Methane Emission Mitigation Research and Development Act to reduce methane emissions, provide a unique opportunity to slow the pace of climate change, and allow for more time to implement lasting changes to transition to a clean energy future.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Casten and a bicameral group of lawmakers sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging the EPA to support stronger standards to reduce methane emissions and pollution from oil and natural gas operations.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-klobuchar-duckworth-colleagues-respond-alarming-lead-levels", "Krishnamoorthi, Klobuchar, Duckworth, Colleagues Respond to Alarming Lead Levels Found in Baby Food By Imploring FDA to Take Immediate Action", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "K000391", "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "krishnamoorthi", "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Thursday, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joined Reps. Tony C\u00e1rdenas (CA-29), Katie Porter (CA-47), Sean Casten (IL-06), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), as well as Sens. Tammy Duckworth (IL), and Amy Klobuchar (MN), to call on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider the sources of the over 50 recently reported cases of lead poisoning and subsequent recall of popular baby food brands. The request comes following Congressman Krishnamoorthi\u2019s 2021 investigation which led to FDA\u2019s \u201cCloser to Zero\u201d action plan, an initiative to set limits for certain toxic heavy metals.\n\n\u201cLead is toxic to people of all ages, but can be especially harmful to infants and young children,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cIn light of recent harm caused by certain cinnamon applesauce and fruit puree products, it is clear that the agency must prioritize the work on heavy metal action levels.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2026 urge the Food and Drug Administration to swiftly finalize its Closer to Zero guidance for industry. We also request FDA include the potential source of these recent cases of reported lead poisoning in young children, food puree pouches, in the finalized Closer to Zero guidance for industry,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nIn January, Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Sen. Duckworth, Sen. Klobuchar, and Rep. C\u00e1rdenas called on the FDA to reduce high levels of toxic heavy metals\u2014including lead, inorganic arsenic, mercury and cadmium\u2014in baby food and help ensure that the baby food provided to our nation's infants and young children is safe.\n\nIn June 2022, Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Sen. Duckworth, Sen. Klobuchar, and Rep. C\u00e1rdenas and 19 of their colleagues called on the FDA to provide better oversight and regulation of baby food.\n\nIn 2021, Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Sen. Duckworth, Sen. Klobuchar, and Rep. C\u00e1rdenas introduced the Baby Food Safety Act to strictly limit the levels of harmful heavy metals in baby food. This legislation \u2014 written in response to a House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy report showing that some baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium \u2014 was aimed at holding manufacturers accountable for reducing harmful heavy metals in infant and toddler food.\n\nThe letter is viewable here and the text follow below.\n\nDear Commissioner Califf,\n\nIn light of alarming recent reports of elevated levels of lead detected in certain food targeted at toddlers and young children, we write to urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to swiftly finalize its Closer to Zero guidance for industry, Action Levels for Lead in Food Intended for Babies and Young Children. We also request FDA include the potential source of these recent cases of reported lead poisoning in young children, food puree pouches, in the finalized Closer to Zero guidance for industry. Last year, we wrote to you, requesting an update on when FDA would finalize action levels for lead in juices and processed baby foods, as well as on FDA\u2019s timeframe for its other Closer to Zero objectives. In light of recent harm caused by certain cinnamon applesauce and fruit puree products, it is clear that the agency must prioritize the work on heavy metal action levels.\n\nLead is toxic to people of all ages, but can be especially harmful to infants and young children. Lead exposure in children can potentially cause significant and irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system and slow a child\u2019s growth and development.\n\nAll food manufacturers have a responsibility by law to meaningfully minimize or prevent chemical hazards, including through preventive controls to reduce or eliminate the presence of lead in their products. However, as a 2021 investigation by the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy revealed, foods commonly eaten by babies and young children must be subject to higher standards of reduced heavy metals because these consumers are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of contaminants.\n\nThat is why it is particularly distressing to learn that elevated levels of lead recently have been detected in food puree pouches, which are intended for toddlers and young children. Specifically, 52 cases of elevated blood lead levels in children have been potentially linked to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches sold under WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brands. In fact, a finished product sample of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree detected a lead level of 2.18 parts per million, which is 200 times greater than the action level the FDA has proposed in draft guidance for food products marketed and intended for babies and young children.\n\nWhile we are pleased that the FDA has taken initial steps to address elevated lead levels in food, including launching a reorganization of the newly-unified Human Foods Program this year and appointing its first Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods in September, these recent cases of child lead poisoning make clear that more must be done. The Closer to Zero initiative is critical to provide information to industry on actions needed to reduce lead levels in food, yet progress made under the Closer to Zero action plan remains slow. We remain committed to working with our colleagues to secure funding for this important program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-on-expulsion-of-george-santos", "Casten Statement on Expulsion of George Santos", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Congressman Sean Casten has released the following statement regarding the expulsion of George Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives:\n\n\u201cToday, I voted to expel George Santos today to help restore faith in government and maintain the integrity of the House of Representatives.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery Member of Congress has the sacred responsibility of holding the trust of the people they represent. The bipartisan report issued by the House Ethics Committee shows that George Santos has repeatedly violated that trust. The report also outlined how he has lied, cheated, defrauded, and is wholly unfit for public office.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, Members of Congress are able to receive classified briefings and view sensitive information. It should be deeply concerning to anyone concerned about our national security that George Santos had this access.\n\n\u201cIt is a privilege to serve in the House of Representatives, not a right. Our nation is better off with George Santos no longer holding that privilege.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jackson-thanks-us-capitol-police-their-work-apprehending-threatening-and", "Rep. Jackson Thanks U.S. Capitol Police for their Work Apprehending Threatening and Verbally Abusive Individual", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jonathan L. Jackson", "J000309", "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "jonathanjackson", "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) thanked U.S. Capitol Police for their work in apprehending an individual who threatened and was verbally abusive to staff:\n\n\"I am extremely grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police for their hard work in apprehending the individual who has been repeatedly calling my staff and other Congressional offices. This individual, arrested in Puerto Rico, would call my office almost daily for more than half a year. He logged more than 10,000 calls to more than 20 Congressional offices, routinely making death threats and engaging in verbally threatening behavior. My staff and the other staff members are patriotic Americans who come to work every day to help constituents and make America a better place. I am thankful for their work and comforted that they will be able to continue to do their important work without this individual threatening and verbally abusing them.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jacksons-statement-george-santos-expulsion-vote", "Rep. Jackson's Statement on George Santos Expulsion Vote", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jonathan L. Jackson", "J000309", "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "jonathanjackson", "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) released the following statement on his decision to vote present on the motion to expel U.S. Rep. George Santos (NY-03) from the U.S. House of Representatives:\n\n\"Today, I voted present on the motion to expel now-former Congressman Santos. Despite his reprehensible behavior, I am deeply concerned by the precedent such an expulsion sets. At a time when Congress has shredded norms and reached new levels of dysfunction, we must protect this institution and the constitutional right to due process. Former Congressman Santos deserves his day in court and to be judged by a jury of his peers. That day is coming, and until then, he deserves the presumption of innocence.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-senator-durbin-lead-congressional-support-atf", "Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Senator Durbin Lead Congressional Support for ATF Proposed Rule to Expand Background Checks", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led letters signed by over 160 Members of Congress in support of a proposed rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) titled \"Definition of 'Engaged in the Business' as a Dealer in Firearms.\" This proposal utilizes provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), passed in 2022 and signed into law by President Biden, to expand background check requirements for gun sellers not previously classified as a Federal firearm licensee (FFL).\n\nThe proposed rule will expand the definition of \"engaged in the business\" of dealing firearms to anyone who sells firearms to earn a profit, requiring them to register as an FFL and perform background checks. By doing so, this rule will close potential loopholes that allow individuals to avoid background checks. The initiative aligns with the overarching goal of the BSCA, to prevent gun violence and create safer communities.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE.\n\n\"The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a historic step forward to prevent gun violence and make our communities safer for everyone. The proposed ATF rule to clarify and strengthen background check requirements honors the spirit of the BSCA and will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands,\" said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. \u201cI am proud to lead my colleagues in support of the rule and reflect our unwavering commitment to public safety. I will continue to support robust efforts to strengthen gun violence prevention laws and invest in communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many families have mourned the loss of a loved one \u2013 children, parents, friends \u2013 because of the rampant gun violence in this country. We must implement further gun violence prevention measures, including ensuring that everyone who purchases a gun passes a background check. Under existing law, certain gun sellers can evade the requirement to perform background checks, potentially allowing firearms to fall into the wrong hands,\u201d said Durbin. \u201cI\u2019m joining my colleagues in support of ATF\u2019s proposed rule to close that loophole and require gun dealers to do their due diligence and conduct background checks on their buyers.\u201d\n\n\"For the first time in three decades, Congress came together to address the American crisis of gun violence by passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,\" McBath said. \"With this proposed rule, we have the opportunity to take another step towards strengthening our background check system and closing dangerous loopholes that put our communities at risk. I thank my colleagues for their support. Together, we continue to speak up to save lives.\"\n\n\u201cClosing loopholes that gun sellers use to avoid background checks is an essential step towards ensuring that people who are a danger to themselves or others are not able to purchase firearms. I\u2019m proud to work with gun violence prevention leaders like Robin Kelly and other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force on moving towards universal background checks. This rule will help us save lives and keep our communities safe from the scourge of gun violence, and I look forward to a continued partnership with ATF to close loopholes and crack down on bad actors seeking to exploit our laws,\u201d said Rep. Mike Thompson.\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was an urgent response to the gun violence epidemic that continues to shatter families and communities \u2014 and it\u2019s critical we seize this historic legislation, which is a necessary first step in gun safety reform, to help save lives,\u201d Rep. Dean said. \u201cThe ATF\u2019s proposed rule builds on our legislation to close potential loopholes in firearm sales. I\u2019m grateful for Congresswoman Robin Kelly for leading congressional support of this ATF rule.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s current background check system is riddled with loopholes, to the point where it\u2019s like having two security lines at the airport\u2014one where people are required to be screened, and one where people can stroll through carrying whatever guns they want. You can guess which line the criminals prefer. Closing the online and gun show loopholes will keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous people and save lives. We thank Representative Kelly and Senator Durbin and all of the signatories to this comment, and we urge the Administration to urgently finalize their proposed rule as written,\u201d said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/ways-and-means-passes-bipartisan-legislation-revoke-tax-exempt-status", "Ways and Means Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status to Nonprofits Supporting Hamas and Terrorist Organizations", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, the Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed Congressman Brad Schneider\u2019s (IL-10) and Congressman David Kustoff\u2019s (TN-08) bipartisan legislation to revoke the tax-exempt status of any U.S. organization that provides material support, such as funds, training, or other resources, to designated terrorist groups.\n\n\u201cSince October 7, we have all been reeling from the vicious and barbaric attack in which Hamas and other terrorists killed more than 1,200 people and took more than 240 hostages, including many Americans. Congress must do our part to hinder the flow of resources to Hamas terrorists and fulfill our duty as stewards of the U.S. tax code. We cannot allow tax-exempt organizations to exploit their privileged status to provide support to terrorist organizations,\u201d said Schneider. \u201cI thank my friend Rep. Kustoff for his partnership on this bill and the committee for helping stop terrorism financing. I look forward to the whole of the House passing this bill to remove bureaucratic red tape from law enforcement's efforts to stop terrorism financing.\u201d\n\nMore information on the bill and the markup, including bill text, can be found here.\n\nCongressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) spoke in support of his of bill during today\u2019s Ways and Means markup hearing. Video of his remarks can be found here.\n\nSchneider gave the below remarks during the Ways and Means Committee Markup:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Neal, and Mr. Chairman, for giving me this time and I want to thank you for your continued leadership.\n\nI also want to thank my good friend and colleague on the other side of the dais Mr. Kustoff for your partnership on this important bill to stop terrorism financing, and make sure that no US organizations are being subsidized to support Hamas.\n\nSince October 7, we've all been reeling from the vicious barbaric attack in which Hamas and other terrorist groups and individuals killed more than 1200 people, killing parents in front of their kids, kids in front of their parents, utilizing rape, and torture. Then took more than 240 hostages into Gaza, including many Americans.\n\nAnd we have seen sadly that the actions of the extremist terrorist have fueled antisemitic attacks, hateful speech, intimidation, and violent threats across the country across the United States.\n\nThe United States must do and is doing everything we can to support our partner, Israel. We cannot rest until the hostages, every single one of them are returned. A major component of that duty is combating and defeating Hamas, its funders and those who seek to provide the terrorists with material support.\n\nOne of our most important roles on the Ways and Means Committee is to be good stewards of the United States tax code and taxpayer dollars to ensure its proper enforcement and to provide the Treasury Department with all the tools it needs to be judicious on behalf of US taxpayers.\n\nTax exempt status is a privilege afforded to critical institutions in our country: charities and organizations that support our communities, universities and places of worship, and other organizations that help our districts thrive. These entities are granted a special status because they play a beneficial, beneficial, and high impact role in our communities.\n\nTax-exempt status is a privilege, not a right; when the Treasury Department identifies organizations straying from these principles, it must actively enforce the tax code and revoke their tax-exempt status.\n\nTax exempt organizations in this country must abide by rules and standards to enjoy their 501(c) status of privilege and position of trust bestowed upon them by U.S. taxpayers.\n\nNo organization providing material support or directly assisting terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, should ever enjoy this privilege.\n\nWe must ensure that the Treasury Department enforces the tax code and holds errant tax-exempt organizations accountable. Further, we must give Treasury the tools it needs to nimbly pursue organizations that might try to evade enforcement.\n\nThis bill supports that effort by building on Treasury\u2019s existing authority in 501(p) to terminate the tax-exempt status of organizations which provide material support to terrorist organizations. This is an ever-important mission made all the more timely by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.\n\nThis legislation also includes thoughtful safeguards to ensure due process, including a procedure for designation and rescission as well as an opportunity to cure.\n\nWe must be do our part to hinder the flow of resources to Hamas terrorists and fulfill our duty as stewards of the U.S. tax code. We cannot allow tax-exempt organizations to exploit their privileged status to provide support to terrorist organizations.\n\nThis bill enables Treasury to make sure that does not happen. It removes bureaucratic red tape from law enforcement's efforts to stop terrorism financing.\n\nI urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.\n\nAgain, I want to thank Mr. Kustoff, for his partnership and Ranking Member Neal for the time to speak on this effort.\n\nI yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:34:08Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-announces-funding-treat-substance-use-disorders-central-illinois", "Sorensen Announces Funding to Treat Substance Use Disorders in Central Illinois", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PEORIA, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing $683,301 to help treat substance use disorders and support mental health needs in Central Illinois.\n\n\u201cWe all know someone who\u2019s struggled with addiction, whether it\u2019s a friend, family member, or neighbor,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cWhich is why I\u2019m proud to announce grant funding for our communities that will help people recover from substance abuse and save lives.\u201d\n\n\"At Chestnut Health Systems\u2019 Lighthouse Institute, our team has dedicated decades to assisting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Through extensive community-based research and ongoing collaboration with clinical partners, we've pioneered innovative approaches to support recovery,\u201d said Michael L. Dennis, the Director of Chestnut Health System\u2019s Lighthouse Institute. \u201cOur commitment involves actively involving individuals with lived experience, enriching our programs and strategies. Furthermore, we're dedicated to securing funding, ensuring the sustainability and growth of these crucial initiatives, maximizing their impact on our communities.\"\n\n\"The Center is thrilled to be able to provide this important education to the community. We know our community members are very concerned about and committed to supporting our friends and neighbors who are battling poor mental wellbeing. This grant will give us all the opportunity to learn more about what each one of us can do to help,\" said Joan Hartman, Chief Executive Officer of the McLean County Center for Human Services.\n\n$486,685 is being awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Chestnut Health Systems, Inc., to support drug abuse and addiction research programs that will help treatment professionals better approach addiction in Central Illinois.\n\n$196,616 is also being awarded by HHS to the McLean County Center for Human Services to support their mental health awareness training project that will equip others with the resources to better look out for those struggling with mental health issues.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-announces-funding-treat-substance-use-disorders-northern-illinois", "Sorensen Announces Funding to Treat Substance Use Disorders in Northern Illinois", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ROCKFORD, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing nearly half a million dollars to help treat substance use disorders and addiction in Northern Illinois.\n\n\u201cWe all know someone who\u2019s struggled with addiction, whether it\u2019s a friend, family member, or neighbor,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cWhich is why I\u2019m proud to announce grant funding for our communities that will help people recover from substance abuse and save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince 2006, the 17th Judicial Circuit has been the proud recipient of SAMHSA grant funds awarded to foster positive impacts for individual participants and our broader community,\u201d said Emily Behnke, Deputy Court Administrator for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. \u201cGrant funds have specifically played a crucial role in reducing recidivism, enhancing rehabilitation and contributing to the overall well-being of those involved in Winnebago County Drug Court. With our appreciation to SAMHSA for their continued program funding, we are excited to further extend our services, ensuring expanded access to essential therapy services for program participants.\u201d\n\n\"The Drug Free Communities Grant allows us to continue our programming efforts for youth in the community especially through our leadership programs with our schools. This provides us tools and resources for youth to be educated on substance misuse and total wellness so they can model good behaviors for their peers and bring drug free activities and spread awareness. This also allows for continued education and training for staff and coalition members, advocacy work, utilizing speakers and conducting community events, and restorative programming with our schools to reduce repeat drug offenses and use of substances in school,\u201d said Alyssa Rothmaler, Program Director for the Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition.\n\nOf the funding being awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services, $369,531 is going to Winnebago County to expand resources offered by the Winnebago County Drug Court, which aims to improve criminal justice outcomes for those with substance use disorders in Winnebago County. This $369,531 award reflects one year\u2019s funding for a five-year award of $1,890,425 from DOJ to Winnebago County.\n\n$125,000 is being awarded to the Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition (BCDPC). BCDPC is a partnership of local law enforcement, government entities, non-profits, and other organizations with the shared mission of helping Northern Illinois residents live lifestyles free from drug, alcohol, and tobacco addiction. The award is being accepted by Youth Services Network, Inc., based in Rockford, which is the fiscal agent of the BCDPC.\n\nThe funding will allow the BCDPC to strengthen its programming to reach youth directly in Northern Illinois schools.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-announces-funding-treat-substance-use-disorders-western-illinois", "Sorensen Announces Funding to Treat Substance Use Disorders in Western Illinois", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GALESBURG, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing $400,000 for Bridgeway, Inc. to administer services to help treat substance use disorders and addiction in Western Illinois.\n\n\u201cWe all know someone who\u2019s struggled with addiction, whether it\u2019s a friend, family member, or neighbor,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cWhich is why I\u2019m proud to announce grant funding for our communities that will help people recover from substance abuse and save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cBridgeway is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the SAMHSA Treatment Drug Court initiative. This additional funding opportunity will allow us to build upon the foundation that we, as the treatment provider for both Knox and Warren County Drug Courts have already built, through continuing education of existing staff and filling counseling and peer support vacancies,\u201d said Vicki Rose, Director of Outpatient and Support Services at Bridgeway. \u201cIn addition, the funds will provide an opportunity to address two of the largest barriers to treatment engagement in our rural area, transportation and housing. We are partnering with Oxford House to provide stipends for sober housing and rental assistance for drug court funded apartments in each of the target areas, as well as transportation assistance.\u201d\n\nThe funding is being awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services to Bridgeway, Inc. to allow them to participate in the SAMHSA Treatment Drug Court initiative, which expands substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services in existing drug courts around the country.\n\nMore specifically, the funding will allow Bridgeway to strengthen staffing capabilities to better assist those in recovery and allow Bridgeway to work with housing organizations to provide stipends for sober housing and rental assistance for drug court funded apartments in the region. The funding will also support transportation services for those in recovery.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2023/11/bost-co-leads-bill-to-increase-accountability-for-snap-spending", "BOST CO-LEADS BILL TO INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SNAP SPENDING", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) today introduced legislation increasing accountability for states to reduce costly spending errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. The bill is expected to save taxpayers up to $1 billion per month, in part by requiring states to recover overpayments and pay back what they owe.\n\n\u201cWe owe it to the American people to be responsible stewards of their taxpayer dollars; and part of that is ensuring that funding for nutrition assistance is only going to families who truly need help,\" said Bost. \"We must hold the bureaucrats accountable for reducing spending errors that have contributed to a less effective and efficient SNAP program. I\u2019m proud to help lead this legislation because it\u2019s a step forward in restoring good governance.\"\n\nThe Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments Act would implement a zero-tolerance policy for lost taxpayer dollars. Inaccuracies in SNAP payments predominantly come in the form of payments to recipients not eligible for benefits.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2023/11/house-committee-advances-bost-election-integrity-bill", "HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES BOST ELECTION INTEGRITY BILL", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost\u2019s (R-IL) legislation requiring U.S. citizenship to vote in any Washington, D.C., election was approved by the House Committee on Administration in preparation for an eventual vote in the House. Bost\u2019s bill, the American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act, comes in response to the D.C. City Council\u2019s decision last year to give non-citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote in city and local elections.\n\n\u201cArticle I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress direct control over Washington, D.C.; and we have the right and responsibility to ensure that American citizens, and American citizens only, are voting in our nation\u2019s capital city,\u201d said Bost. \u201cWhen you allow non-citizens to vote in D.C., you are diluting the votes of legal U.S. citizens and opening the door to foreign agents fomenting chaos at the ballot box. I refuse to stand by and allow radical liberals to weaken the voice of legal American citizens when Congress has the constitutional authority to stop it.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican elections should be for American citizens,\u201d said Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI). \u201cD.C. elections have been a disaster for years, and now they have implemented a ridiculous measure that will allow embassy staff from our foreign adversaries like Russia and China to vote after living in the Capital for just 30 days. It\u2019s past time for Congress to exercise our constitutional responsibility over D.C. to protect voters. I thank Congressman Bost for leading this common-sense legislation that will help restore voter confidence.\u201d\n\nThe American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act is expected to be included in a package of legislation that House Republicans plan to advance for protecting the integrity of America\u2019s elections.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jackson-introduces-first-bill-focused-strengthening-civil-rights", "Rep. Jackson Introduces First Bill Focused on Strengthening Civil Rights Accountability at U.S. Department of Agriculture", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jonathan L. Jackson", "J000309", "jonathanjackson.house.gov", "jonathanjackson", "https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) introduced his first piece of legislation, the Just USDA Standards and Transparency (JUST) Act of 2023, co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Bennie Thompson (MS-02), David Trone (MD-06), Troy Carter (LA-02), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10). The legislation is focused on strengthening civil rights accountability at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\n\nThe USDA was founded in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln, but racism perpetuated by the Jim Crow South quickly consumed the agency. The Department subsequently turned its back on Black farmers, and discrimination perpetrated through the USDA\u2019s farm lending programs undermined Black farmers\u2019 ability to continue their operations during the 20th century, resulting in over 900,000 Black farmers losing their land \u2014 a 98% decline in Black farmers \u2014 between 1920 and 1997.\n\nEquity issues in program delivery still exist today. An NPR analysis found that in 2022, only 36% of Black farmers received direct loans from USDA, while their white counterparts received 72%. In addition, some of the biggest gaps in the loan demographics can also be seen in the rejection numbers, where 16% of Black farmers were rejected while only 4% of white farmers were rejected.\n\nTo address this issue, the JUST Act of 2023ensures civil rights accountability for the USDA in three key ways:\n\nEnsures that USDA officials and employees are held accountable for engaging in discriminatory or retaliatory actions, harassment, civil rights violations, or related misconduct;\n\nRequires USDA to bear the burden of proving by substantial evidence that an adverse decision was valid; and\n\nEstablishes an office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson and an Office of Legal Advisor for Civil Rights.\n\n\"For far too long, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal government actively discriminated against Black and other minority farmers,\" said Rep. Jackson. \"While USDA and Congress have made significant strides to right this wrong, a legacy of discrimination remains, and it shows up in the data. Today, I am proud to stand with my colleagues to introduce the Just USDA Standards and Transparency (JUST) Act of 2023 to strengthen civil rights accountability at the USDA.\"\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center, as well as the Rural Coalition.\n\n\"The Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center (Policy Center) supports the JUST Act of 2023,\" said Eloris D. Speight, Director, SDFR Policy Research Center. \"We believe that the JUST Act of 2023 is excellent because it makes a number of needed changes to the Office of Civil Rights at USDA to include separation of duties between the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Civil Rights and the addition of an Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson. It will also hold USDA employees accountable for discriminatory actions.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-statement-opposition-republicans-demand-exchange-immigrant-rights", "Ramirez Statement in Opposition to Republican\u2019s Demand to Exchange Immigrant Rights for Humanitarian Funding", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe more we learn about the ongoing supplemental negotiations, the more clearly we see the short-sightedness of our Republican colleagues. Republicans' attempt to exchange Ukrainian humanitarian aid for border enforcement demonstrates just how willing they are to play games with people\u2019s safety and well-being. I will reject any supplemental policy that trades Ukrainian lives for the lives of asylum seekers. That proposition is both morally bankrupt and grossly irresponsible. I will vote no on any supplemental that dismantles U.S. asylum policy, adds \u201cthird-country\u201d limiting provisions or travel bans, or restricts our ability to receive people into the country on parole.\n\nIt is possible and necessary to move forward with lifesaving and humanity-affirming policies in difficult moments. Asylum is a lifesaving program that recognizes the real dangers many people face in their home countries \u2013 conditions to which our foreign policy has historically contributed \u2013 and creates a path to safety and opportunity within our communities. Foreign humanitarian aid is a lifesaving investment that recognizes the real consequences of war and intercedes to provide our global neighbors with vital care, services, and support. Both recognize our interconnectedness as a global community and are fundamental parts of our values as a nation.\n\nConditioning humanitarian aid on policies that endanger the lives of asylum seekers is a cruel choice intended to score political points. But when we choose to score political points in moments that require moral clarity and unwavering commitment to our values, we all lose. We can and must embrace humane policies that uphold our shared humanity and foster long-lasting peace, both domestically and abroad.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-robin-kelly-celebrates-45000-americorps-award-governors-state", "Rep. Robin Kelly Celebrates $45,000 AmeriCorps Award for Governors State University", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "University Park, IL \u2013Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) celebrated a $45,180 federal grant awarded to Governors State University to support a new AmeriCorps VISTA project.\n\nGovernors State University\u2019s VISTA project will double the current capacity of the Jaguar Jumps program, which serves students with disabilities, and provide wrap-around services to 650 veterans. In addition to these funds, AmeriCorps will also provide education scholarships to AmeriCorps VISTA members to support college tuition, vocational training, and student loan repayment.\n\n\"I am thrilled to see federal resources brought back to critical institutions like Governors State University,\" said Congresswoman Kelly. \u201cI'm proud to support the AmeriCorps VISTA program and bring federal dollars to Illinois to support our students, our veterans, and our communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-metas-lawsuit-against-federal-trade-commission", "Schakowsky Statement on Meta's Lawsuit Against the Federal Trade Commission", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and the Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement on Meta's lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission :\n\n\"This morning, Facebook\u2019s parent company, Meta, filed a lawsuit to declare the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unconstitutional.\n\n\"Let\u2019s be clear: Meta is doing this because the FTC has repeatedly shown its willingness to protect consumers against Meta\u2019s unfair and deceptive practices. Meta\u2019s lawsuit is its latest shameful attempt to stop the FTC from prohibiting Facebook and Instagram from profiting off the use of kids\u2019 data.\n\n\"The FTC is not new or radical. It has been an American institution for over one hundred years, combating robber barons, ensuring small businesses can compete, and that American consumers, including our children, are protected from unfair and deceptive acts or practices.\n\n\"Now a modern-day robber baron is trying to burn down one of our country\u2019s most important agencies to continue recklessly using children\u2019s data and advancing his own financial interests.\n\n\"This is more than unacceptable \u2013 it represents another sinister attack on a cornerstone of American democracy. Without the FTC\u2019s oversight, corporations will be unhindered as they eliminate smaller competitors and hoard consumer data, giving them an even more outsized influence on our economy and society.\n\n\"I will not stand idly by \u2013 I plan to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the FTC remains as strong as ever and able to do the important work of the American people instead of powerful corporations.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-aderholt-lead-bipartisan-call-deployment-us-hospital-ships-waters", "Schneider, Aderholt Lead Bipartisan Call For Deployment of U.S. Hospital Ships to Waters Off Gaza to Provide Emergency Medical Care", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Today, Congressmen Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Robert Aderholt (AL-04) led a letter with 55 Members of Congress asking Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to deploy \u201chospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, or other medical-capable ships, to the waters off Gaza to help provide civilians access to emergency medical care.\u201d\n\nLetter signers include Representatives Adams, Alma; Aderholt, Robert; Allred, Colin; Auchincloss, Jake; Carson, Andr\u00e9; Carter, Troy; Casten, Sean; Castor, Kathy; Cohen, Steve; Costa, Jim; Crockett, Jasmine; Davis, Danny; Espaillat, Adriano; Fleischmann, Charles; Frankel, Lois; Garcia, Robert; Goldman, Daniel; Gottheimer, Josh; Ivey, Glenn; Kilmer, Derek; Landsman, Greg; Lee, Susie; Levin, Mike; Lieu, Ted; Meng, Grace; Moore, Blake; Morelle, Joseph; Moskowitz, Jared; Nickel, Wiley; Panetta, Jimmy; Pappas, Chris; Payne, Donald; Phillips, Dean; Porter, Katie; Quigley, Mike; Santos, George; Schiff, Adam; Schneider, Bradley; Sherman, Brad; Soto, Darren; Spanberger, Abigail; Stanton, Greg; Stevens, Haley; Thanedar, Shri; Titus, Dina; Tokuda, Jill; Torres, Norma; Torres, Ritchie; Trahan, Lori; Trone, David; Veasey, Marc; Waltz, Michael; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; Weber, Randy; and Williams, Nikema.\n\n\u201cAcross the globe, the United States fulfills a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and life-saving support during conflict and crisis. To that end, we urge you to consider deploying the United States hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, or other medical-capable ships, to the waters off Gaza to help provide civilians access to emergency medical care. The United States, working with Egypt and Israel together, has the capability to undermine Hamas\u2019 strategy to increase and prolong human suffering,\u201d the members wrote.\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below:\n\nThe Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III\n\nSecretary of Defense\n\n1000 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, DC 20301\n\nDear Secretary Austin:\n\nShortly after Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel on October 7th murdering innocent Israeli civilians and taking more than 240 hostages, you flew to Tel Aviv to stand with the Israeli people. Your moral clarity comparing Hamas\u2019 atrocities to those carried out by ISIS was critical in explaining to the world that, \u201cNow, this is no time for neutrality, or for false equivalence, or for excuses for the inexcusable.\u201d\n\nHamas, who have oppressed the people of Gaza for years, are using innocent civilians as human shields in a war Hamas started, leading to tragically high civilian casualties. While Israel rightly adheres to international norms and the laws of armed conflict in carrying out operations against Hamas, it is Hamas\u2019 reprehensible tactics that impose a terrible toll.\n\nAcross the globe, the United States fulfills a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and life-saving support during conflict and crisis. To that end, we urge you to consider deploying the United States hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, or other medical-capable ships, to the waters off Gaza to help provide civilians access to emergency medical care. The United States, working with Egypt and Israel together, has the capability to undermine Hamas\u2019 strategy to increase and prolong human suffering. The deployment should occur in full coordination with the Israeli and Egyptian governments and last for the duration of active operations in the current Gaza conflict. Such a deployment is especially important due to Hamas\u2019 illegal use of hospitals and other civilian locations as military outposts, in flagrant violation of the laws of war.\n\nFor decades, the US Navy\u2019s Military Sealift Command has provided mobile medical facilities to support our disaster relief and humanitarian operations across the world. Additionally, many other US Navy ships \u2013 some currently present in the region \u2013 have operating rooms, pharmacies, and other relevant facilities. Hamas\u2019 actions maximize civilian casualties while simultaneously minimizing access to medical facilities. Thus, we urge you to consider deploying some of these assets towards humanitarian assistance \u2013 to save civilian lives, reduce the burden on Israel\u2019s and Egypt\u2019s medical infrastructure, and counter Hamas\u2019 disregard for the laws of war and human suffering.\n\nThank you for your consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-quigley-calls-additional-aid-ukraine", "VIDEO: Quigley Calls for Additional Aid to Ukraine", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "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), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, spoke on the House Floor about the need to continue aiding Ukraine in their war against Russia:\n\nImage\n\nI ask my colleagues to remember our history. Over eighty years ago, the greatest generation fought the Second World War to keep tyrants from taking over the free world. They fought for freedom and democracy.\n\nToday, we must honor their sacrifice by continuing to fight for those same principles. Today\u2019s fight in Ukraine is for those principles \u2013 for the right of Ukraine and any other democratic nations and their people to simply exist.\n\nBy aiding Ukraine, we are ensuring their continued existence. Without that aid, Putin would have virtually wiped Ukraine off the face of the earth, leaving it to battle a war of insurgency.\n\nOur aid has always been critical to the survival of nations far away. During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the phrase \u201carsenal of democracy\u201d to describe the United States\u2019 role in providing weapons to democracies fighting to defend themselves. Roosevelt argued that this assistance would enable our allies \u201cto fight for their liberty and for our security.\u201d That is still true today.\n\nOur continued aid is about preserving the liberty of vulnerable nations. But it\u2019s also about our national security. In FDR\u2019s fourth inaugural, he said, \u201cWe have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations far away.\u201d Those who argue that this is not our fight, fail to remember this critical idea. They fail to remember that Ukraine\u2019s fight is for the same reasons we formed NATO and the United Nations.\n\nUkraine\u2019s fight is ours. For if Putin is not defeated, he will not stop at Ukraine. His greater aim is to reconstitute the former Soviet Union, imperiling freedom and democracy in the region and enveloping them in tyranny. Putin\u2019s intention was to form a federation with Belarus and Ukraine, where he would have installed a puppet government, to overtake Moldova, the Baltics and beyond. It would mean even more of the same devastation we have seen for well over a year.\n\nWhen I traveled to Ukraine in July 2022, I saw the flattened maternity hospitals and mass graves that Putin's forces left in their wake. If not for our assistance, Putin\u2019s reign of terror would be happening on a much larger scale. Following the Second World War we vowed \u201cnever again.\u201d Now, our word is being tested. We must make good on that promise. Our commitment to that promise and our resolve is on display for the rest of the world. We must show leaders in Tehran, Beijing and elsewhere that we will not cower in the face of tyranny. That is why we must fund Ukraine\u2019s defense.\n\nNow some would continue to present a false choice \u2013 that we must fund Ukraine or Israel \u2013 not both. They are wrong. We do not have to choose. In the words of NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, \u201cWe have the capability and the strength to address different challenges at the same time. We don\u2019t have the luxury of choosing only one threat and one challenge.\u201d The conflict in Israel and the conflict in Ukraine are tied together by Vladimir Putin. Just as Iran is supporting Hamas\u2019 attack on Israel, Iran is also assisting Putin in his assault on Ukraine. We can help Israel defend itself from terrorism, while also helping Ukraine defend itself from an evil autocrat.\n\nPresident John F. Kennedy said, \u201cWe shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.\u201d Right now that price is the request that President Biden has made \u2013 enough to aid Ukraine for the next year of fighting. It is a small price to pay for our national security and global security. Failing to do so will show Putin and the rest of the world our current level of dysfunction and our inability to govern. Our inability to govern is a national security threat and an international security threat.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ramirez-blast-republicans-efforts-scapegoat-asylum-seekers", "Congresswoman Ramirez Blast Republicans\u2019 Efforts to Scapegoat Asylum Seekers", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Delia C. Ramirez", "R000617", "ramirez.house.gov", "ramirez", "https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) took to the House Floor to call out Republicans\u2019 irrational and irresponsible rejection of popular, common-sense policies that could address immigration. During the debate of H R. 5283, legislation to prohibit communities from using federal lands to provide emergency refuge for asylum seekers, Ramirez pointed out how this legislation is another attempt by Republicans to scapegoat immigrants and divert attention from their own failed policies.\n\n\u201cDespite Republican best efforts to cut funding for the protection of our land, gut social safety net services, and bankrupt our federal infrastructure, now they want us to believe that providing emergency refuge and services to asylum seekers is what's causing all our economic problems,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez.\n\nDuring her time, Ramirez reminded her colleagues that expedited work permits and a pathway to legal status \u2013 for new arrivals and those who have been here for years \u2013 have been deferred for decades, denying millions the opportunity they seek to strengthen our communities.\n\n\u201cImmigrants are not the problem! They are the solution. They are an asset to our communities and local economies,\u201d added Congresswoman Ramirez. \u201cThere are 11.5 million people ready to help fill the almost 9 million open jobs disrupting the supply chain and increasing inflation. Immigrants are ready to invest in housing markets and grow local economies to the benefit of the 245 million Americans living in counties with shrinking populations. Immigrants are ready to increase our national GDP by up to $1.7 trillion over the next decade.\u201d\n\nFor Floor Remarks, click HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAs the proud daughter of immigrants, the wife of a Dreamer, representative of IL-03, and the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez has worked tirelessly to humanely address immigration, bring resources back to the district and has stood against the constant scapegoating of immigrant communities throughout her first year of serving in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-announces-funding-support-police-western-illinois", "Sorensen Announces Funding to Support Police in Western Illinois", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MACOMB, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are announcing $746,000 for Western Illinois University (WIU) to provide law enforcement training programs for local police departments and improve policing in Western Illinois.\n\n\u201cAt a time when so many of our local police departments have strained budgets, I welcome this federal investment so we can support their mission and help keep every neighbor safe,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cThis award is a testament to the hard work of those at WIU and is a testament to the progress that we are making to ensure our police have what they need to do their jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs an educator in the Department of Psychology at WIU, we are honored and excited to be one of a handful of organizations selected for the COPS de-escalation center award. The core mission of the De-escalation through Active Learning (DeTal) center is to optimize education and training for officer wellness and safety. Community perspectives on de-escalation curriculum and scenario-based practice is a key aspect of this effort. We want to ensure that training reflects community members\u2019 lived experiences, contributing to the health and wellness of our communities in the Midwest region,\u201d said Kim McClure, Professor and Principal Investigator.\n\nThis Community Policing Development Award comes from the DOJ\u2019s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to help WIU develop cutting edge virtual training center for law enforcement under the leadership of Psychology Professor Kimberly A. McClure.\n\nThe internet-based training initiative, named the De-escalation Training through Active Learning (DeTAL) Assessment and Research Center, will serve as a resource not just for Western Illinois police, but for law enforcement across the entire region. The goal of this initiative is to provide scenario-based training that improves interactions between police officers and the communities they serve.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/november-29-2023-statement-rep-underwood-conflict-between-israel-and-hamas", "November 29, 2023 Statement from Rep. Underwood on Conflict Between Israel and Hamas", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "I unequivocally condemn Hamas\u2019s October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel. I strongly support Israel\u2019s right to protect its people and hold Hamas accountable, and I call for the immediate safe return of all hostages captured by Hamas. Almost two months after the October 7 attacks, we have finally seen significant progress on the return of some hostages and on delivering humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, thanks to the temporary ceasefire brokered by the Biden-Harris Administration along with Egypt and Qatar.\n\nWith the civilian death rate in Gaza skyrocketing and the lives of hostages still held by Hamas \u2013 including American citizens \u2013 at risk, it is critical that this current ceasefire be extended. For the protection of children in Israel and Gaza, and for the safety of Jewish and Muslim communities worldwide, I urge Israel and Hamas to commit to a permanent de-escalation of conflict and the urgent prioritization of civilian lives.\n\nMy top priority as a Representative has always been to keep my community safe and strong by being their voice in Congress. My constituents are terrified for loved ones in Gaza and Israel, devastated by the disproportionate effects of this violence on children, and worried about our community being targeted here at home. The recent rise in both antisemitism and Islamophobia is unacceptable, and our country has a long and painful history with both. In my district, we are grieving after a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy was killed and his mother was brutally attacked last month because of their Muslim faith, in a crime directly motivated by the ongoing conflict. And Illinois is still mourning the seven lives lost last year in the worst mass shooting in our state\u2019s history, which targeted the historically Jewish neighborhood of Highland Park.\n\nEveryone in our community deserves to feel safe from violence, intimidation, bullying, and fear in their neighborhood, at school, at work, and while exercising their faith. It is clear at this point that further escalation of violence between Hamas and Israel endangers Jewish and Muslim communities across the globe and risks a broader conflict with catastrophic consequences. Hamas and Israel must work towards a lasting ceasefire in order to preserve a future in which permanent peace and security in the region are possible, and the global community must demonstrate support for these efforts and for the humanity and dignity of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.\n\nAs Congress considers legislation on these issues, I am committed to solutions that prioritize America\u2019s security. We must act swiftly to pass the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s request for supplemental security funding along with other domestic priorities. This funding will be used to deliver aid to Gaza; protect our national security and support our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan; lower child care costs for working families and grow our middle class; and make sure we have the resources we need to fight natural disasters, climate change, and the opioid crisis.\n\nI encourage the Biden-Harris Administration to continue its efforts to combat hate crimes and bigotry inflamed by this conflict and urge them to use every available resource to do so. Furthermore, I have called on the Administration to take temporary action to protect Palestinians in the U.S. who cannot currently return home safely. Lastly, as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue my work to expand and improve FEMA\u2019s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides federal funding to protect community and religious organizations from antisemitic, Islamophobic, and other threats. If your organization in my district is facing these threats and you are interested in applying for funding, my office has resources available here: https://underwood.house.gov/services/grant-applicants.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-announces-eighth-annual-holiday-cards-heroes-program", "Schneider Announces Eighth Annual \u201cHoliday Cards for Heroes\u201d Program", "2023-11-28", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLNSHIRE, IL \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10) launched his eighth annual \"Holiday Cards for Heroes\" program for the 2023 holiday season.\n\nCongressman Schneider invites Tenth District constituents to participate in the \"Holiday Cards for Heroes\" program by dropping off holiday cards for military servicemembers at Congressman Schneider's District Office in Lincolnshire through Tuesday,December 12th.\n\nLast year, Schneider's office collected and distributed more than 500 cards with help from the United Service Organizations (USO).\n\n\"The holidays are a special time for families and friends to gather together, but many of our brave men and women in our armed forces must spend this season far from family and home,\" said Schneider. \"A handwritten card is a much-appreciated way to thank the Americans serving our country, offer encouragement, and share holiday cheer. I'm glad our office is helping facilitate this program, connecting constituents and service members again.\"\n\nCards should be left in the drop box outside Congressman Schneider's District Office at 111 Barclay Blvd., Suite 200, Lincolnshire, IL. Please do not put the cards in sealed envelopes.\n\nPlease call (847) 383-4870 if you have any questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/sorensen-visits-savanna-industrial-park-highlights-developments-coming", "Sorensen Visits Savanna Industrial Park, Highlights Developments Coming to Northwestern Illinois", "2023-11-28", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Eric Sorensen", "S001225", "sorensen.house.gov", "sorensen", "https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SAVANNA, IL \u2013 Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) visited Savanna Industrial Park to meet with leaders from the JoCarroll Local Redevelopment Authority and Upper Mississippi River International Port District to discuss proposed developments on the property.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to be working with local leaders to help deliver historic investments to Northwestern Illinois that will create jobs and boost economic development,\u201d said Sorensen. \u201cI look forward to bringing what I\u2019ve learned back to Washington, so these projects can get the support they need to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Jo-Carroll Local Redevelopment Authority and Upper Mississippi River International Port District are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Sorensen and to brief him about the projects underway at the site. The JCDLRA and UMRIPD are committed to working together to create a modern, sustainable, and energy-smart public intermodal facility on the Upper Mississippi River to foster rural economic development in the region,\u201d said Rob Davies, Deputy Director of JoCarroll Depot Local Redevelopment Authority. \u201cCongressional support is of great importance to this project and Rep. Sorensen's visit gives us the opportunity to share our vision and goals. We believe that this project will not only have a positive impact on intermodal transportation, agriculture and renewable energy infrastructure, but also the surrounding communities and the people who live in them.\u201d\n\nDuring the visit, Sorensen and local leaders discussed developments coming to the region as part of the JoCarroll Local Redevelopment Authority\u2019s work to bring new investments to Northwestern Illinois.\n\nThe Savanna Industrial Park was selected as the site for a renewable natural gas and bioenergy project that has already received $4 million in federal funding. The Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory will partner on the project. These developments are part of an effort to create wide-ranging regional rural economic development in Illinois' 17th Congressional District.\n\nThe JoCarroll Local Redevelopment Authority exists to receive property from the U.S. Army on behalf of Jo Daviess and Carroll counties and use it for long-term job creation and economic development. The Local Redevelopment Authority was established by an Intergovernmental Agreement between Jo Daviess and Carroll counties in 1997.\n\nCongressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois\u2019 Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-danny-davis-presser-announce-federal-grant-and-legislation-benefit", "CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS\u2019 PRESSER TO ANNOUNCE A FEDERAL GRANT AND LEGISLATION TO BENEFIT THE NATION'S PARKS", "2023-11-27", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Danny K. Davis", "D000096", "davis.house.gov", "davis", "https://davis.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Thank you for joining us today for this momentous occasion as we gather to announce a significant step forward in our commitment to the communities we serve. Today, I stand before you not only as Congressman Danny K. Davis but also as an advocate for progress, connectivity, and the well-being of our citizens.\n\nI am thrilled to be joined by General Superintendent of the Chicago Park District, Rosa Escareno, as we unveil a federal community project grant and groundbreaking legislation aimed at transforming our local parks and communities across the United States. Our focus today is on the Columbus Park Field House Improvements project, a venture that holds the promise of accessibility, comfort, and utility for the residents on the west side of Chicago.\n\nThis project responds to the local need for space, upgrading the field house to enhance our constituents' quality of life. It's not just about physical improvements; it's about creating spaces where our community members can gather, engage, and thrive.\n\nFor the past five years, I have spearheaded the Technology in the Parks initiative in Columbus Park. Today, I am proud to announce that the lessons learned from this pilot program have inspired comprehensive legislation with three major components:\n\nFirstly, we propose to expand the FCC E-rates program to include local parks. This initiative is crucial in bringing broadband access to these community spaces, aligning with the program's existing coverage for schools and libraries.\n\nSecondly, our legislation aims to specifically include local parks in the U.S. General Services Computers for Learning Program. This will provide our parks with access to computer equipment that federal agencies have identified as excess property, facilitating technological advancements and digital literacy in our communities.\n\nLastly, we will require the U.S. Department of Labor to implement a program that provides grants for technology training programs in local parks. This not only supports skill development but also ensures that local parks hosting such programs are eligible for E-Rate support, creating a more connected and tech-savvy environment for all.\n\nMoreover, I am pleased to share that over 50,000 households have already registered for the Affordability Connectivity Program, resulting in a savings of $18 million. Recognizing the potential impact, we estimate that an additional 50,000 households in the 7th Congressional District are eligible. To bridge this gap, I will be launching a public outreach initiative to encourage households to sign up, ensuring that the benefits of connectivity are extended to every corner of our community. Residents can find additional information at davis.house.gov or call my office at 773-533-7520.\n\nIn conclusion, today marks a significant stride toward a more connected, empowered, and inclusive future for our communities. Together, with the Columbus Park Field House Improvements project and the proposed legislation, we are building a foundation for progress that will resonate far beyond the boundaries of our great city. Let this be a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in the well-being and advancement of our citizens.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1207, "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": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1049, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2023&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 158, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2023&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1207, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 1207, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 1207, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-11-27,https~3A~2F~2Fdavis~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-danny-davis-presser-announce-federal-grant-and-legislation-benefit", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IL&year=2023&_next=2023-11-27%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fdavis~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-danny-davis-presser-announce-federal-grant-and-legislation-benefit&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 573.8208862021565, "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"}